Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political Affairs Adviser Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that the people of Bangladesh want a strong law to replace the existing disappearance ordinance by closing its loopholes and deficiencies. He made the remarks on Monday at a discussion and prayer meeting held at the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, marking the disappearance of former BNP organizing secretary Ilias Ali and his driver.

Rizvi stated that the country is moving from a difficult period toward better times, but true progress will come only when the rule of law is ensured and justice is accessible to all citizens. He acknowledged the government’s initiative to repeal the disappearance ordinance but criticized it for leaving many gaps. He urged the government to pass an effective law in parliament to prevent any future administration from using enforced disappearances as a political tool.

He further emphasized that missing political activists must be traced and those responsible brought to justice, while also calling for measures to stop market manipulation and abuse of power by any group.

Iran’s ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, has denied reports that Moscow provided any military or intelligence assistance to Iran during the ongoing war. In an interview with the Russian newspaper Vedomosti, Jalali stated that claims of intelligence support were false and even acknowledged as inaccurate by Western sources. He clarified that all agreements between Iran and Russia were signed before the conflict began and are unrelated to current hostilities.

Jalali also discussed the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, saying it is now governed under a new legal framework ensuring safe navigation. He noted that ships can continue to operate under security considerations and legal regulations. However, he did not specify whether any fees would be imposed, mentioning that Iran’s parliament is reviewing various options.

The ambassador added that high-level contacts between Russia and Iran remain active, with only minor delays in some joint projects such as the Rasht-Astara railway and nuclear cooperation initiatives.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei announced that Tehran will not participate in discussions with the United States in Islamabad. He stated that the U.S. has not learned from its past experiences and warned that such behavior would not yield positive outcomes. Baghaei added that a ten-point proposal had been submitted and discussed in Islamabad, noting that the Strait of Hormuz had been secure before recent U.S. and Israeli attacks.

According to Baghaei, Iran had clearly communicated its position to the Pakistani mediator, while the United States claimed that the ceasefire agreement did not include Lebanon. He accused Washington of imposing a naval blockade against Iran and attacking an Iranian vessel, actions he described as violations of the ceasefire and international law.

The spokesperson further alleged that the United States had twice breached agreements and attacked Iran, resulting in the deaths of Iranian citizens. The report cited Al Jazeera as its source.

Member of Parliament Monirul Haque Chowdhury of Cumilla-6 attended a class with seventh-grade students at Didar Model High School in Cumilla Sadar on Monday morning. He joined the session to better understand classroom challenges and encourage students to take greater interest in their studies. During the class, assistant teacher Shamima Nasrin was teaching Kazi Nazrul Islam’s poem 'Kuli Majur'. The MP listened to the lesson, interacted with students, and assured them of addressing their concerns.

Following requests from students, Monirul Haque Chowdhury pledged to construct a new building for the school. Teacher Shamima Nasrin expressed her delight at having an elected representative in her classroom, saying it motivated both her and the students. She noted that the students confidently explained the poem’s meaning before the MP.

Chowdhury emphasized that to increase children’s interest in education, schools must nurture joy in learning and be run by qualified, dedicated teachers. He also discussed the poem’s meaning with the students to deepen their engagement with the lesson.

The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations for 2026 are set to begin across Bangladesh on Tuesday, April 21. A total of 1,857,344 students will take part in the exams, which start with the Bangla First Paper. Written tests will continue until May 20, held daily from 10 a.m., followed by practical exams from June 7 to June 14. Examinations will take place at 3,885 centers nationwide.

According to official data, more than 1.4 million students are registered under nine general education boards, over 300,000 under the Madrasa board, and more than 134,000 under the Technical Education Board. Among the total candidates, 930,305 are male and 927,039 are female, marking a decrease of about 71,626 from the previous year.

Each subject will include multiple-choice and creative sections, except for Information and Communication Technology. Students must arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam, carry their admit cards, and are prohibited from bringing mobile phones. Passing separately in multiple-choice, creative, and practical parts is mandatory.

The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations for this year will begin on Tuesday and continue until May 20. Education boards and exam centers have completed all necessary preparations. A total of 1,857,344 students are set to take part across the country, including 1,418,398 under nine general education boards, 304,286 under the Madrasa Education Board, and 134,660 under the Technical Education Board.

Compared to last year, the total number of SSC and equivalent examinees has decreased by 70,837, continuing a downward trend seen in previous years. However, the number of Dakhil examinees under the Madrasa Board has increased from 286,572 last year to 304,286 this year. The Madrasa Board will conduct exams across 742 centers from 9,125 institutions. Among the general boards, Dhaka has the highest number of candidates at 366,650, while Barishal has the lowest at 81,831.

This year’s exams will be held at 3,885 centers nationwide, involving 30,666 institutions. Authorities have finalized all arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the examinations.

Israel’s military has issued a warning to residents of 21 villages in southern Lebanon, urging them not to return to their homes. The advisory specifically cautioned civilians against crossing a designated boundary or approaching areas near the Litani River, where Israeli forces are reportedly deployed. The statement was released by Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee, who emphasized that civilians should avoid the border villages for their safety.

The affected villages include Beit Siyad Farm, Majdal Jun, Jabbqin, Yatar, Sarbin, Hula, Beit Yahoun, Shakra, Majdal Salm, Kabriqa, Farun, Jutar al-Gharbiyah, Yahmar al-Shakif, Arnoun, Deir Mimas, Marjayoun, Abbel al-Saki, al-Mari, Kafar Shuba, Ain Kana, and Ain Atta. The warning comes as a 10-day ceasefire, brokered by the United States, has been in effect between Lebanon and Israel since April 16.

The announcement underscores ongoing security concerns along the Lebanon-Israel border despite the temporary truce, highlighting the fragile nature of the current calm in the region.

A Ukrainian drone attack on the southern Russian city of Tuapse killed one person and injured another, according to regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev. The incident occurred late Sunday, marking the second strike on the port city within a few days. Debris from the drones damaged windows of several buildings, including residential structures, a primary school, a kindergarten, a museum, and a church.

Governor Kondratyev stated that the fatality occurred at the city’s seaport and expressed condolences to the victim’s family. The injured person received medical treatment following the attack. The governor also mentioned that a previous drone strike in the same region last Thursday had killed a teenage girl and a young woman.

The repeated drone incidents highlight ongoing hostilities affecting Russia’s southern regions, with civilian areas increasingly sustaining damage from aerial attacks.

Lebanese-origin French artist Ali Cherri has filed a war crimes complaint in France against Israel, following the 2024 airstrike in Beirut that killed his parents. Cherri stated that his father Mahmoud Cherri and mother Nadra Hayek were civilians, and he urged France’s war crimes unit to investigate the attack and bring those responsible to justice.

Israel has said its airstrikes in the Lebanese capital targeted facilities used by the armed group Hezbollah. However, international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, reviewed Cherri’s case and reported finding no evidence of military targets in or near the building where his parents lived.

Cherri’s lawyer, Clémence Bectarte, told Al Jazeera that under French law, the Israeli strike could be considered a war crime. She added that Israel’s military and political authorities were justifying the attacks under the pretext of fighting Hezbollah, but international law requires strict adherence to rules governing military conduct.

A photo circulating on social media showing an Israeli soldier smashing a statue of Jesus Christ with a hammer in southern Lebanon has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. The image, which spread rapidly on platform X and was viewed millions of times, has drawn international attention and criticism from various quarters.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the authenticity of the photo and stated that an investigation into the incident is underway. The act has provoked strong reactions both locally and internationally, with many accusing the soldier of insulting religious sentiments and calling for accountability.

The incident has intensified tensions in the region and raised concerns about respect for religious symbols amid ongoing hostilities. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the investigation or possible disciplinary measures.

Lebanese armed group Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for an explosive attack on an Israeli military convoy in southern Lebanon on Sunday. According to the group, the incident occurred as eight Israeli armored vehicles were moving from Taybeh toward the Deir Sirian area. Hezbollah stated that its fighters had planted explosive devices along the route, which detonated twice between 3:40 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. local time, allegedly destroying four Merkava tanks.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, noted that there was no immediate comment from Israeli authorities regarding the claimed attack. The event marks another episode of tension along the Lebanon-Israel border, where sporadic clashes have been reported in recent months.

Further details about casualties or the broader military response were not available at the time of reporting.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has published its list of 36 candidates for the reserved women’s seats in the national parliament. The announcement was made on Monday afternoon by Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General and Adviser to the Prime Minister. The list includes prominent BNP leaders such as Selima Rahman, Shirin Sultana, Rasheda Begum Hira, Rehana Akter Ranu, and several others.

According to the announcement, the full list comprises 36 names, representing women from different parts of the country and various levels of the party’s leadership. The publication of the list marks a key step in BNP’s internal nomination process for the reserved seats, which are allocated to ensure women’s representation in parliament.

The release of the list signals BNP’s readiness to participate in the parliamentary process concerning the reserved women’s seats, though further procedural steps were not detailed in the announcement.

Significant mismanagement has been reported on the Paturia-Daulatdia ferry route, one of Bangladesh’s most vital river crossings. As of April 20, only two of the seven ferry terminals at the Daulatdia end remain operational, while the No. 7 terminal has been closed for over a week due to pontoon repairs. New pontoons purchased for the route are lying unused and rusting, while old pontoons are being patched up to keep services running. The slow pace of repair work has raised uncertainty about when the closed terminal will reopen.

Local residents have expressed concern that the unused pontoons, worth millions of taka, are deteriorating due to neglect. Earlier, a bus accident at the No. 3 terminal on March 25 caused temporary closure and severe traffic congestion, but users say no visible improvements have followed. With only two terminals functioning, vehicles including trucks and buses are facing long waits, increasing both costs and travel time.

Officials from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation said repair work began on April 12 and promised that the closed terminal would reopen soon. Observers warn that without faster project implementation and better management, the route’s operational crisis could worsen.

Iran has announced that it has no plans to participate in peace talks with the United States. According to reports published by Iranian state media on Sunday, the ongoing U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remains the main obstacle to any dialogue. Tensions have escalated further following attacks and seizures of Iranian ships by U.S. military forces.

Citing the state broadcaster IRIB, the report stated that there is currently no plan to take part in the next round of discussions. Earlier, news agencies Fars and Tasnim, quoting unnamed sources, said the overall situation cannot be described as positive and that lifting the U.S. blockade is a condition for any talks. The state-run IRNA also referred to Washington’s “unreasonable and unrealistic demands,” saying there is no clear prospect for productive negotiations under the current circumstances.

The report comes as diplomatic efforts remain stalled, with both sides maintaining firm positions over sanctions and maritime security issues.

Iran has launched a drone attack targeting a United States military ship in the Sea of Oman, according to reports. The strike was described as a retaliatory move following the US seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel. The incident has raised concerns over escalating tensions and the fragility of an existing ceasefire, India Today reported.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency stated that US forces fired on and detained an Iranian commercial ship before Tehran’s forces responded with the drone attack. The report emphasized that the action was a direct response to the seizure of the Iranian vessel.

Details about the scale of the attack, the number of drones used, or whether any US assets were damaged have not been disclosed in the report.