US Vice President JD Vance is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Wednesday, according to sources cited by Al Jazeera. He reportedly departed Washington, D.C., on Tuesday evening and is scheduled to lead the US delegation in a second round of talks with Iran. The discussions are set to take place in Pakistan’s capital, with US President Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner also likely to attend. The delegation composition will remain similar to the first round of talks.

Several US military aircraft have already landed in Pakistan ahead of the meeting, signaling preparations for the high-level dialogue. However, uncertainty surrounds Iran’s participation. Iranian parliament speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Iran would not engage in talks “under the shadow of threats,” raising doubts about whether the discussions will proceed as planned.

The situation leaves the timing and outcome of the second round of US-Iran negotiations unclear, with Pakistan hosting and China expressing support for its mediating role.

The government of Pakistan has advised US President Donald Trump to avoid harsh or provocative public remarks, according to a report by The Washington Post. The advice comes as Pakistan plays a mediating role to facilitate a potential second round of talks between Iran and the United States.

A Pakistani official told Reuters that Iran has responded positively and that the situation is improving. The official expressed hope that an Iranian delegation might join the discussions within one or two days. Pakistan has maintained close contact with both Tehran and Washington before the current ceasefire period ends to help advance the negotiation process.

The report also noted that Pakistan’s mediation efforts are aimed at ensuring progress in the dialogue, with the country actively engaging both sides to sustain momentum toward de-escalation.

The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, has said that the world is currently experiencing the largest energy crisis in history. In an interview with France Inter radio, he explained that the combined effects of petrol and gas shortages and the situation surrounding Russia have created an unprecedented global crisis. Birol described the situation as the most severe energy disruption the world has ever faced.

He added that ongoing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty in energy supply are driving up oil prices, putting significant pressure on the global economy. In March, IEA member countries decided to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves to stabilize markets affected by conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The IEA’s emergency release aims to ease market volatility and mitigate the economic strain caused by supply disruptions and rising energy costs.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon stated that no question papers were leaked and no untoward incidents occurred during the ongoing SSC examinations. He made the remarks at a press conference held at the International Mother Language Institute on Tuesday afternoon, emphasizing that the upcoming examinations will be closely monitored.

The minister said the SSC exams were conducted in a peaceful environment and that any complaints would be investigated using CCTV footage. He instructed that footage from all examination centers be preserved for seven days for possible review. Addressing concerns about irregularities, he noted that center secretaries act as guardians of examinees and are trained to handle any mistakes by students.

Milon also commented that he does not believe media vigilance alone can prevent cheating, urging journalists to report any incidents if they occur.

A fresh spell of heatwave has intensified across Bangladesh since Monday, affecting nine districts including Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, Dhaka, Faridpur, Khulna, Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) reported that the heatwave, currently mild to moderate, could spread to more areas and persist until around April 26. The highest temperature recorded in the past 24 hours was 38°C in Rajshahi, while Dhaka reached 36.2°C.

According to forecasts signed by meteorologist Dr. Omar Faruq, temperatures are expected to rise further, with the heatwave possibly turning severe in parts of Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, and Dhaka divisions by April 25–26. Earlier this month, several heatwaves were recorded, with Chuadanga registering the year’s highest temperature of 39.7°C on April 3. Brief rainfall in Sylhet, Rangpur, and Dinajpur was noted, but most regions remained dry.

Meteorologists expect rainfall to increase from April 26 or later, potentially continuing into early May, which could bring relief from the ongoing heat.

A global wave of anger has erupted after an Israeli soldier allegedly broke a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon. A photo circulating on social media shows the soldier damaging the statue, which many view as a severe insult to religious sentiments. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and intensified debate across international platforms.

Political leaders, theologians, and analysts from Europe to the Middle East have denounced the act, describing it as more than an isolated event. They argue it reflects a broader trend of extremism and disregard for cultural and religious symbols amid ongoing regional conflicts. Figures ranging from a Polish parliament member to Palestinian theologians have voiced strong criticism, calling the act both blasphemous and provocative.

Former supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly from the “Make America Great Again” movement, also condemned the act online. Analysts warn that such actions in a sensitive region could further complicate tensions. The Israeli government has not yet issued an official response, while international voices are demanding a transparent investigation.

Iran has announced preparations to demonstrate a new battlefield strategy as the two-week ceasefire with the United States nears its end. The Iranian parliament speaker stated on social media that the country has been readying to show 'new cards' in the conflict and emphasized that negotiations under threat are unacceptable. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he is under no pressure to reach an agreement and that the chances of extending the ceasefire are very low.

Tensions in the Persian Gulf have intensified after US forces seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship on April 18 and maintained a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. In parallel, US Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to visit Pakistan on Tuesday for a key meeting, while Israel and Lebanon are expected to hold a second round of talks on Thursday.

The overall situation suggests that despite the ceasefire period coming to an end, there are no clear signs of de-escalation in the region.

US media reported that Vice President JD Vance will leave the United States on Tuesday for a visit to Pakistan. According to Axios, citing three sources, Vance is scheduled to depart by Tuesday morning. Multiple sources told CNN that a second round of discussions between US and Iranian delegations is planned for Wednesday in Islamabad, as reported by BBC Bangla.

A source told the BBC on Monday that a US delegation led by Vance would travel to Pakistan soon. However, Tehran has not yet confirmed whether Iran will participate in the upcoming talks. The reports indicate that Vance may arrive in Islamabad by Wednesday.

The visit comes as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Pakistan, and potentially Iran, though the details of the agenda and participants remain uncertain.

A Sirajganj court has issued an arrest warrant against Member of Parliament Mufti Amir Hamza in a defamation case. The order was given by Judge Suman Karmakar of the Chowhali Amli Court on Tuesday at 11 a.m. Advocate Humayun Kabir Colonel, general secretary of the Sirajganj District Lawyers Association and additional public prosecutor, confirmed the information. Earlier, on April 2, the court had summoned Amir Hamza to appear in connection with the case, and he was scheduled to attend the hearing today.

The defamation case was filed by Advocate Humayun Kabir Colonel, who alleged that Mufti Amir Hamza made remarks labeling State Minister for Power and Energy and BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku as an atheist and anti-Islamic. The case was lodged on April 2 following those comments.

The court’s decision marks a new development in the ongoing legal proceedings against the MP, with further actions expected following the issuance of the arrest warrant.

The planned second round of peace talks between the United States and Iran has become uncertain after the US Navy seized an Iranian cargo ship named Tuska in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. Following the seizure, Iran launched a drone attack on a US warship and declared it would not join any peace talks under current conditions. The incident has heightened tensions ahead of the talks expected in Islamabad, where security has been tightened with about 20,000 personnel deployed.

According to US Central Command, the ship was seized after ignoring repeated warnings over six hours. Iran condemned the action as piracy and threatened retaliation. Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir told US President Donald Trump that the American blockade of Iranian ports was the main obstacle to peace. Trump, meanwhile, warned that if Iran refused to sign a deal, it would face severe consequences. The uncertainty has driven global oil prices up by more than seven percent.

Both Washington and Tehran have sent mixed signals about participation, though US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian official Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are expected to attend if conditions permit.

Authorities have announced that all import-export and immigration activities at the Banglabandha land port in Panchagarh will remain suspended for three days. The closure begins on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and will continue until Thursday, April 23, 2026. The decision was confirmed by the port’s manager, Abul Kalam Azad.

According to an official letter signed by Sandeep Kumar Ghosh, District Magistrate and Returning Officer of Jalpaiguri, India, the suspension is linked to the upcoming Lok Sabha election in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district, scheduled for April 23, 2026. The letter instructed relevant authorities to halt all trade and passenger movement through the port during this period.

The temporary closure affects both import-export operations and immigration services, meaning no goods or travelers will be allowed to cross through the Banglabandha checkpoint until the election concludes.

Police in Gazipur’s Sreepur upazila have arrested another suspect in the abduction case of an imam’s daughter, a madrasa student, from the Maona area. The arrest took place on Monday, April 20, when officers detained Md. Bachchu Mia, 47, from the Rajendrapur Bazar area. With this latest arrest, a total of eight suspects have now been taken into custody in connection with the case.

According to the case details, the student was abducted on the morning of April 14 while on her way to the madrasa. Following a complaint filed by the victim’s family, police launched an immediate operation, later rescuing the girl through technological tracking and intelligence efforts. The case was filed under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act at Sreepur Police Station.

Sreepur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Nasir Uddin stated that operations are ongoing to arrest the remaining fugitives and that legal proceedings against the detained suspects are underway. The swift police response has reportedly brought some relief to local residents.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly warned U.S. President Donald Trump against a temporary truce with Iran, but Trump proceeded to announce a 15-day ceasefire. Despite this, Netanyahu declared that Israeli military operations in Lebanon would continue. Analysts see this as part of Israel’s broader ambition to sustain regional dominance and pursue the 'Greater Israel' project, which seeks territorial expansion and military influence across parts of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt.

The 'Greater Israel' project, rooted in Zionist political goals, aims to secure control over strategic territories and establish a regional power sphere. Israel has expanded settlements in occupied Palestinian lands and seeks influence over neighboring regions for strategic and economic advantages. The plan also involves leveraging U.S. military and political support to consolidate its dominance.

Iran’s resilience in the recent conflict has disrupted Israel’s expansionist strategy. Despite U.S. backing, Israel failed to subdue Iran, exposing limits to its military reach. Growing anti-Israel sentiment in the U.S. and potential political shifts in Congress could further constrain Washington’s support, narrowing Israel’s path to realizing its regional ambitions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a hardline stance as the ceasefire with Iran nears its end. In an interview with Bloomberg, he said that unless a peace agreement is reached within the set timeframe, the likelihood of extending the truce is very low, and military operations against Iran could resume as early as Wednesday evening. Analysts view this statement as part of a broader diplomatic pressure campaign.

The report notes that the 14-day ceasefire, which began on April 8, is scheduled to end on April 22. Despite a nearly 21-hour meeting between U.S. and Iranian representatives in Islamabad, no agreement was reached, leaving the talks effectively stalled. Trump also stated that the United States remains interested in a “good and effective” deal with Iran but will not rush into a bad one, suggesting more time could be taken if necessary.

Analysts believe that failure to reach an agreement within the deadline could heighten tensions in the Middle East, potentially affecting global energy markets and international politics.

A formal complaint has been submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) alleging that former three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was poisoned while in prison, leading to a severe deterioration of her health. The complaint was filed on Sunday by Mominul Haque Milon, a Canada-based chairman of the 'Mother of Democracy Begum Khaleda Zia Forum'. Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam confirmed receiving the complaint on Monday, stating that it concerns a family issue and that the tribunal will contact Khaleda Zia’s family before taking further steps.

The written complaint claims that an international conspiracy during the 1/11 caretaker government period aimed to destroy the Zia family through fabricated cases. It references the 2010 Zia Charitable Trust case and the 2018 verdict that sentenced Khaleda Zia to prison. The document alleges that during her imprisonment, she was denied proper medical care and subjected to slow poisoning, resulting in serious illness. It further accuses the then government, led by Sheikh Hasina, of orchestrating a politically motivated plot to eliminate Khaleda Zia.

The complaint requests identification and prosecution of all individuals allegedly involved in the incident.