A Dhaka court has once again postponed the submission of the further investigation report in the murder case of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho. The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court had set April 19 for the report’s submission, but the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) failed to present it. As a result, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sefatullah fixed May 5 as the new date. This marks the twelfth time the submission date has been deferred.

Osman Hadi was shot by assailants on December 12 last year near Box Culvert Road in Paltan while returning from Friday prayers. He was later taken to Singapore for advanced treatment but died on December 18. A murder case was filed two days after the attack, and the murder charge was added on December 20 following a court order.

Earlier, the Detective Branch had submitted a charge sheet against 17 accused, 11 of whom are in custody and six absconding. Dissatisfied with that report, the plaintiff filed an objection, prompting the court to order the CID to conduct further investigation.

More than thirty leaders from the AB Party, UP Bangladesh, and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (BAISCHA) have joined the National Citizen Party (NCP). The announcement was made on Sunday afternoon at a press conference held at the NCP’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka. Among those joining were UP Bangladesh convener Ali Ahsan Junaid, chief coordinator Rafe Salman Rifat, BAISCHA president Rifat Rashid, and AB Party joint general secretary Sani Abdul Haque. NCP convener Nahid Islam confirmed their inclusion, accompanied by party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and northern region organizer Sarjis Alam.

Nahid Islam stated that the NCP welcomes individuals regardless of their previous political affiliations, emphasizing that all members must work under the party’s ideals. However, he clarified that anyone involved in fascism, genocide, extortion, or corruption would not be allowed to join or remain in the party. Asif Mahmud added that the NCP aims to fulfill the people’s aspirations for reform and justice while building a just and unified Bangladesh.

The joining of multiple platform leaders was described as part of a broader effort to strengthen collective understanding and unity toward national reconstruction.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that his country does not want war and is acting solely in self-defense against attacks from the United States and Israel. He emphasized Iran’s commitment to peace and regional stability, asserting that its actions are lawful and defensive in nature.

Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure, calling such actions violations of international law and evidence of double standards in human rights. According to Iran’s state news agency ISNA, he reiterated that Iran has not attacked any country and does not intend to do so under current circumstances.

He further explained that Iran’s measures should not be seen as aggression but as legitimate self-defense, comparing a nation’s right to defend itself to that of an individual responding to aggression.

The administration in Tarakanda Sadar of Mymensingh has imposed Section 144 following counter programs announced by two rival groups of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The order was issued due to fears of deteriorating law and order stemming from a dispute between BNP leader Motahar Hossain Talukdar and Mymensingh Metropolitan Jubo Dal leader Jubaid Hossain Shakil. The restriction will remain effective from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, according to the local administration.

Police officials said tension had been building for several days between supporters of Motahar Hossain Talukdar, a defeated BNP candidate, and those of Jubaid Hossain Shakil. A worker from Shakil’s group was injured during an attempt to stop a clash between the two sides. Both groups have since held separate press conferences and protest rallies.

Authorities stated that the Section 144 order aims to maintain public safety and prevent further unrest. During the restriction period, gatherings of five or more people will not be allowed in the designated area.

The education board has issued an urgent directive requiring all examination centers to submit detailed information regarding CCTV cameras and officials responsible for receiving question papers. According to the notice released on Sunday, April 19, centers must send CCTV camera IDs and passwords, along with the names, addresses, and mobile numbers of teachers and staff collecting question papers from the treasury, to controller@dhakaeducationboard.gov.bd within office hours.

The directive has been labeled as 'highly urgent' and aims to ensure proper monitoring and security during the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations. As per the published schedule, this year’s SSC and equivalent exams will begin on April 21 with the Bangla First Paper test. Written exams will continue until May 20, followed by practical exams from June 7 to June 14.

The instruction underscores the board’s emphasis on maintaining transparency and preventing irregularities during the national examination process.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, told Parliament on Sunday that dishonest traders are illegally stockpiling and black-marketing fuel, creating an artificial shortage at filling stations. He clarified that no directive has been issued to limit fuel sales or apply color markings on motorbikes, but panic buying and hoarding have contributed to the perceived crisis.

The minister said there is no actual fuel shortage in the country and cited the foreign affairs state minister’s earlier statement affirming this. To maintain normal supply, district and upazila administrations, along with Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) tag officers, have been deployed nationwide. Mobile courts have conducted 9,116 operations, filed 3,510 cases, imposed fines totaling 15.6 million taka, and recovered 542,000 liters of fuel. Awareness campaigns and law enforcement actions are ongoing to curb illegal storage and black marketing.

Mahmud added that the government has introduced a pilot fuel card system at several Dhaka filling stations to enhance transparency in fuel distribution. If successful, it will be expanded nationwide.

The next round of talks between the United States and Iran may begin before Friday, according to two Pakistani security sources who spoke to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity. They cited several indicators suggesting preparations for the discussions are underway in Pakistan.

The sources reported that two US C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft landed at the Nur Khan Airbase near Rawalpindi, close to Islamabad. Roads leading from the airport to Islamabad’s Red Zone were temporarily closed, signaling heightened security measures. Additionally, guests were being evacuated from the Serena and Marriott hotels in Islamabad, and no new bookings were being accepted before Friday.

The first round of US-Iran talks took place on April 11 at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad. The developments suggest that Pakistan may again serve as the venue for the upcoming diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah has rejected a proposed unilateral ceasefire, describing it as an insult to Lebanon. In an interview with Al-Manar TV, the group’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem said that imposing such conditions on them was unacceptable. He stated that Hezbollah would not return to a situation like the 15-month ceasefire that began in November 2024, during which Israel carried out attacks while Hezbollah remained restrained. Qassem added that the group had waited for a diplomatic solution at that time, but it brought no results.

The situation in Lebanon remains unstable, with thousands of people moving toward southern Lebanon during the day. Roads heading south were congested in the morning, while traffic toward the north increased later in the day. Many residents visited their homes to collect belongings or make minor repairs but did not stay overnight. Due to uncertainty and mistrust surrounding the ceasefire, many have returned to Beirut and other major cities, reflecting the fragility of the current situation.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and Member of Parliament Nahid Islam has called for building an alternative political force to counter extortion, corruption, and terrorism across Bangladesh. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s Banglamotor office on Sunday, he said that young people currently lack a strong alternative party and that the NCP aims to fill that gap. The event also marked the joining of members from various political groups to the NCP.

Nahid Islam stated that the recent election ignored the people’s verdict and that the country is being overwhelmed by corruption and violence. He criticized the replacement of the Awami League government with that of the BNP through the election and alleged that all national institutions are being politicized. He emphasized the need to strengthen youth unity to bring change to the country’s power structure.

The press conference highlighted the NCP’s intention to mobilize young people and other political actors to create a new political alternative in Bangladesh.

Students of the Political Science Department at Barishal University blocked the Dhaka–Kuakata highway on Sunday afternoon, demanding action after a fellow student was injured in a road accident near the campus. The blockade began around 2 p.m. following frustration over the lack of compensation and resolution promised by the university administration.

The incident occurred on Saturday noon when a motorcycle carrying a student collided with an oil tanker near the university. The injured student, Tamim Hossain from the 14th batch of the Political Science Department, was hospitalized with serious injuries. Despite earlier discussions with the administration, students said no progress had been made, prompting them to stage the highway blockade.

Their four-point demand includes immediate police deployment at the nearby outpost, arrest of the driver involved, appointment of traffic police in front of the university, and compensation for the injured student.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has stated that the recent increase in fuel prices in Bangladesh has no connection with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday, shortly after returning from the United States, he clarified that the decision to raise fuel prices was made independently by the government.

The minister explained that while fuel prices have doubled in many other countries, Bangladesh’s increase was comparatively smaller. He said the adjustment was necessary due to pressure on the government’s financial reserves. When asked whether the price hike would lead to higher inflation, he responded that inflation might rise or might not, indicating uncertainty about the outcome.

The statement comes amid public attention on the economic implications of the fuel price adjustment and speculation about external influence on domestic policy decisions.

Inter Miami earned a 3-2 victory over Colorado Rapids on Saturday night, with Lionel Messi scoring twice. The match marked the debut of sporting director Guillermo Hoyos as head coach, following the unexpected resignation of Javier Mascherano. The win extended Miami’s unbeaten run to seven matches, placing the team second in the MLS standings with 15 points from eight games.

Messi opened the scoring in the 13th minute from a penalty and sealed the win in the 79th minute with a decisive goal. After intercepting the ball in midfield, he advanced down the right flank, cut inside the penalty area, and fired a shot between two defenders into the net. The victory continued Miami’s strong form after losing their season opener to Los Angeles FC.

With his two goals, Messi now has seven this season, tying him with Sam Surridge and Petar Musa at the top of the MLS scoring chart.

Thirty leaders and activists from the anti-discrimination student movement and the platform Up Bangladesh have formally joined the National Citizens Party (NCP). The joining took place on Sunday afternoon at the NCP headquarters during an official ceremony attended by the new members.

Among those who joined are Ali Ahsan Junayed and Rafe Salman Rifat, both former presidents of the Dhaka University student organization and key initiators of Up Bangladesh. Others include Sani Abdul Haque, joint general secretary of AB Party; Rifat Rashid, president of the anti-discrimination student movement; Hasib Al Islam, chief coordinator; and Shahadat Hossain, office secretary. Several additional activists such as Shahriz Sultana Ira, Ayman Rahat, Hasan Tanvir, Wahid Alam, Mohammad Jasimuddin, Sajjad Sabbir, and S M Sweet also joined the party.

The event marks a notable expansion of NCP’s organizational base through the inclusion of leaders from multiple youth and student platforms.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the deaths of 12 people in lightning strikes that occurred across several districts in a single day. The statement was issued on Sunday by Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, the party’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its Central Publicity and Media Department.

In the statement, Zubair described the deaths as tragic and heartbreaking, mentioning that the incidents took place in districts including Sunamganj, Kishoreganj, Rangpur, Netrokona, Mymensingh, and Habiganj. He particularly noted the suffering of farmers and laborers in the haor regions who lost their lives while working for their livelihood. He prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased and for patience and strength for their bereaved families, also wishing a quick recovery for the injured.

Zubair urged the authorities to strengthen weather forecasting and awareness programs to prevent such tragedies in the future, calling for divine protection from similar disasters.

Two Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon over the past two days despite an ongoing ceasefire, according to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF reported that the deaths bring the total number of Israeli soldiers killed since the conflict began to fifteen. Sergeant Major (Reserve) Barak Kalfon died one day before 31-year-old Sergeant Lidor Porat was killed on Saturday. The IDF also confirmed that twelve other soldiers were injured, but provided no further details.

Israel has been carrying out attacks in its northern neighbor Lebanon. The Lebanese Ministry of Health stated that more than two thousand people have been killed and another seven thousand injured in the past six weeks of hostilities. A ten-day ceasefire came into effect earlier this week, though the recent deaths indicate continued tensions despite the truce.

The situation underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing humanitarian toll in Lebanon as both sides report casualties.