Eight children aged between one and fourteen were killed early Sunday in a shooting across several homes in Shreveport, Louisiana, according to local police reports cited by multiple media outlets. The incident left a total of ten people shot. Police believe the attack may have been linked to a family dispute. The suspected gunman was killed during a police chase after allegedly hijacking a vehicle while attempting to flee.

Authorities have not released the identity of the shooter but confirmed that some of the victims were members of the suspect’s own family. Shreveport Police spokesperson Christopher Bordelon provided details of the pursuit and the suspect’s death. Local resident London told CNBC that such violence was unprecedented in the neighborhood, expressing deep shock and sadness over the children’s deaths.

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arcenaux described the event as possibly the most tragic situation the city has ever faced. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has represented Shreveport for nearly a decade, called the shooting a heartbreaking tragedy and said his team is in contact with local law enforcement.

US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, saying he will no longer remain a 'Mr. Nice Guy' if upcoming discussions fail. According to the report, a high-level American delegation is traveling to Pakistan to initiate new talks on the Iran issue. The team includes Vice President JD Vance, diplomat Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. Pakistan has already begun preparations for the potential meeting.

However, Iran has not yet confirmed whether it will participate in the talks, leaving uncertainty over whether the meeting will take place. Trump also warned that if negotiations do not progress, the United States could take tough action targeting Iran’s key infrastructure.

Meanwhile, tensions have escalated in the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has been disrupted following reported Iranian attacks on several vessels. The situation has heightened regional instability and raised concerns about potential military escalation.

Rail Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that no final decision has been made regarding the proposed hospital construction at CRB in Chattogram. He emphasized that the government will not implement any project that causes discomfort to city residents or harms the environment. The minister noted that the decision will prioritize environmental protection and the interests of Chattogram’s people. He clarified that the government has neither confirmed nor ruled out the hospital project.

Speaking to journalists during a site visit on Sunday evening, the minister explained that the earlier public-private partnership (PPP) plan had proposed a 250-bed hospital expandable to 500 beds, but it was not implemented due to public protests. He said discussions will be held with the private partner to resolve financial matters from the previous agreement. The minister also mentioned that no commercial use of railway land will be allowed.

Environmental activists held daylong protests at CRB during the minister’s visit, chanting slogans against the hospital project. The demonstrations involved various social and cultural groups under the banner of CRB Rokkha Moncho.

The death toll in the Gaza Strip has climbed to 72,551 as Israeli attacks continue, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa citing medical sources. The assaults, which began on October 7, 2023, have also left 172,274 people injured, with many still trapped under rubble. In the past 24 hours, hospitals recorded two additional deaths, one of which was recovered from debris.

Officials reported that since the ceasefire announced on October 11, 775 people have been killed and 2,171 injured. Rescue teams have recovered 761 bodies from destroyed buildings. The ongoing strikes have severely worsened the humanitarian situation in Gaza, raising concerns about further deterioration.

The report underscores the continuing human toll and destruction in Gaza amid persistent hostilities, with no indication of relief for civilians caught in the conflict.

Bangladesh’s Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has extended his best wishes to students appearing in the upcoming SSC, Dakhil, and equivalent examinations scheduled to begin across the country on Tuesday, April 21. In a statement issued to the media on Sunday night, he prayed for the physical and mental well-being of the students, noting that around 20 lakh candidates will take part this year, including about 16 lakh SSC and 4 lakh Dakhil and equivalent examinees.

Dr. Rahman urged parents and all concerned to exercise special caution during students’ travel to and from examination centers. He also called on law enforcement agencies and teachers to ensure a fair, peaceful, and cheating-free environment for the examinations.

The statement reflects a message of encouragement and responsibility toward maintaining discipline and integrity during one of the country’s largest public examinations.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed deep concern over the sudden increase in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices announced by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC). In a statement issued to the media on Sunday, the party’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, said that on April 19, BERC raised the retail price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder by Tk 212 to Tk 1,940. He warned that such a sharp rise would impose a heavy burden on ordinary consumers.

The statement noted that earlier, on April 2, the price had already been raised by Tk 387 to Tk 1,728 for the current month. Jamaat argued that two consecutive price hikes within a short period would make daily life unbearable, especially as fuel prices have also risen significantly. The party described the decision as against public interest and called for its immediate withdrawal.

Porwar added that the increase would particularly affect lower- and middle-income families, for whom LPG is an essential household fuel, as it would raise cooking and overall living costs.

The White House confirmed that US Vice President JD Vance will travel to Pakistan to participate in discussions related to Iran, according to a report by Turkey-based Anadolu Agency citing a US official. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also expected to join the delegation. The announcement came amid conflicting statements, as President Donald Trump earlier told ABC News that Vance would not make the trip due to Secret Service concerns over short-notice security arrangements.

Throughout the day, confusion deepened when ABC News, Axios, and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright separately suggested that Vance might indeed lead the delegation, contradicting Trump’s earlier remarks. Trump also warned that if Iran refused to sign the proposed agreement, the country would face severe consequences, calling it a “very simple deal” and Iran’s “last chance.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that Tehran decided not to send any delegation to Pakistan for the talks, citing the continuation of the US naval blockade as the reason. Iran stated that no discussions would occur while the blockade remains in effect.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh will initiate amendments to local government election regulations after completing the election for reserved women seats in the 13th National Parliament. Senior Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Machud confirmed the plan on Sunday, April 19, 2026, noting that the commission’s current focus remains on completing the ongoing women’s seat election process.

According to the election schedule, nomination submission for the reserved seats will close on April 21, with scrutiny on April 22 and 23, appeals on April 26, disposal on April 27 and 28, withdrawal on April 29, symbol allocation on April 30, and voting on May 12. EC officials stated that the government has already amended local government laws to remove the provision for party-based voting, requiring the commission to update related regulations before the next local polls.

The upcoming local government elections will cover around 4,500 institutions, including union councils, municipalities, upazilas, district councils, and city corporations, most of which are currently run by government-appointed administrators.

Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that the government is reviewing a proposal from DP World to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port. He emphasized that any decision will be made by safeguarding national interests and the welfare of port workers and employees. The minister made these remarks on Sunday after inspecting operational activities at the port.

Alam described the NCT as a fully functional and modern terminal with potential for further capacity expansion. He said the government is assessing whether to enhance the terminal’s capacity independently or through a foreign operator. Detailed analysis is underway to ensure that if foreign operators are involved, national interests remain protected.

He recalled that past attempts to appoint foreign operators at the terminal had sparked worker protests and even led to imprisonment of some employees. The minister assured that DP World’s proposal would be reviewed carefully, and if national interests outweigh other concerns, discussions will be held with workers to reach consensus. He also noted that allegations of past irregularities and corruption at the port will be investigated.

A Dhaka court has accepted the charge sheet filed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the case over the Bailey Road fire that killed 46 people two years ago. The court of Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana issued arrest warrants against 13 fugitives among the 22 accused and set May 19 for the next report submission. Nine other accused are currently out on bail, according to the prosecution.

The CID’s investigation found that multiple restaurants and coffee shops had been operating illegally in the seven-story Green Cozy Cottage building on Bailey Road, which had been expanded up to nine floors in violation of approved designs. The establishments lacked valid trade licenses, fire safety systems, and emergency exits. The fire reportedly started at the Kacchi Bhai restaurant, where the main gate was locked to prevent customers from leaving without paying bills, trapping people inside.

The investigation also revealed that flammable interior materials, gas cylinders, and illegal rooftop structures accelerated the fire’s spread and hindered evacuation. The incident occurred on February 29, 2024, killing 20 men, 18 women, and 8 children, while 75 people were rescued alive.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Professor Mia Golam Parwar said the government has failed to control the energy crisis and market instability. He made the remarks on Saturday night while addressing a gathering of Sylhet Metropolitan Jamaat leaders at the party’s office in Bandar Bazar. The event was attended by members of the metropolitan working committee, shura members, and local leaders.

Parwar alleged that the current government, which came to power two months ago, has not been able to bring stability to the country. He accused it of rehabilitating looters in the banking sector and creating opportunities for further corruption. He also claimed that Jamaat’s electoral victory was taken away through engineering and criticized both the previous Awami League government and the current BNP-led administration for authoritarian tendencies.

Other speakers, including Jamaat central assistant secretary general Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, emphasized continuing the movement for a discrimination-free Bangladesh and urged party leaders to strengthen public engagement.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Bogura on Monday morning, April 20, 2026, marking his first visit to his home district since assuming office. He departed from his residence in Gulshan, Dhaka, at 6:10 a.m. and reached Bogura by road around 10 a.m., accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman.

According to the official schedule, the Prime Minister will inaugurate several development projects during the day. These include the unveiling of the new building of the District Lawyers’ Association at 11 a.m., the launch of the e-bail bond system at the Judge Court at 11:15 a.m., and the inauguration of the newly formed Bogura City Corporation at 11:30 a.m. He will also travel to Bagbari in Gabtali upazila to inaugurate a measles vaccination campaign at the Ziaur Rahman Village Hospital at 12:45 p.m.

In the afternoon, at 4 p.m., Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address a public rally organized by the district BNP at the historic Altafunnesa playground. Following the rally, he will inaugurate the new building of the Bogura Press Club and the reconstruction of the Baitur Rahman Central Mosque.

Iran has announced that it will not send any delegation to Pakistan due to the ongoing US sanctions. According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, no Iranian negotiators will travel to Islamabad as long as the naval blockade declared by Donald Trump remains in effect. The report stated that Tehran currently has no plans to engage in talks while the blockade continues.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump said on Sunday that his representatives would arrive in Islamabad on Monday for discussions with Iran. The conflicting positions highlight a diplomatic deadlock between the two sides, with Iran linking any negotiation to the lifting of the blockade.

The situation underscores heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with Pakistan positioned as a potential venue for dialogue that now appears uncertain under the current circumstances.

Maulana Faruq, a senior elder and member of the Ahle Shura of Tabligh Jamaat Bangladesh, passed away on Sunday evening at the National Institute of Neurosciences in Agargaon, Dhaka. He was 74 years old at the time of his death. The news was confirmed by Habibullah Raihan, media coordinator of Tabligh Jamaat Bangladesh Shura-e-Nizam. Maulana Faruq hailed from Peyarapur area of Sadar upazila in Lakshmipur district.

His death has cast a shadow of grief across the religious community in Bangladesh. He had long played a significant role in the Tabligh Jamaat’s missionary and religious activities, contributing to its organizational and spiritual work. Following the announcement of his passing, expressions of sorrow spread among devout followers and associates across the country.

The report did not mention details about funeral arrangements or official statements from the organization beyond confirmation of his death.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the government will not accept any International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions that obstruct the protection of public interests. Speaking at his office in the Finance Ministry on Sunday after returning from the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings held in Washington from April 13 to 18, he said the IMF loan program was initiated during the Awami League’s tenure. He noted that while the program includes many conditions, some may not be acceptable to the current BNP-led elected government.

The minister clarified that the IMF program taken under the Awami League government will conclude in six to seven months, and any decision on a new program will be made later. Responding to questions about whether the introduction of the Family Card might affect IMF loan disbursement or conditions, he said the Family Card has no link to the IMF loan and has been widely praised for delivering economic benefits to the poor.

He emphasized that no donor agency’s conditions will be fulfilled at the expense of public welfare, and that development partners have positively received the Family Card initiative.