Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran to hold high-level meetings focused on restarting discussions between Iran and the United States. According to Iranian state media IRIB, the visit aims to deliver a message from Washington and coordinate a second round of talks between the two countries.

Reports indicate that the next phase of Iran-US negotiations may take place in Islamabad within the coming days. Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed that message exchanges between Tehran and Washington continue under Pakistan’s mediation, despite the failure of the first round of talks in Islamabad.

Iranian officials are expected to meet the Pakistani delegation in Tehran to discuss both sides’ positions in detail. The exact timing of the second round of talks remains uncertain, though the diplomatic activity signals ongoing efforts to reduce tensions.

Continuous power outages over the past three days have brought Chattogram city to a near standstill. Many neighborhoods, including Khulshi, Bakalia, Chandgaon, Bayezid, Panchlaish, Patenga, and Colonelhat, are receiving less than five hours of uninterrupted electricity in 24 hours. Residents report frequent blackouts without prior notice, disrupting hospitals, banks, clinics, shops, and schools. In Lal Khan Bazar, electricity reportedly fluctuates up to 15 times a day, while in Bayezid, power returns for only short intervals between long outages.

Hospitals and clinics are struggling to maintain operations as generator fuel costs soar. A doctor at Chittagong Medical College Hospital said diagnostic services and surgeries are delayed due to power instability. Private clinics report running generators up to 16 hours daily, doubling diesel expenses. Smaller clinics are unable to sustain generator use, forcing patients to leave. Banks have faced repeated server shutdowns, and schools report unbearable heat in classrooms.

Bangladesh Power Development Board spokesperson Shamim Hasan acknowledged that the fuel crisis is worsening and warned that even more severe load-shedding could occur soon.

In the first month of the ongoing conflict centered on Iran, the world’s top 100 oil and gas companies collectively earned more than $30 million per hour in excess or unearned profits, according to a special analysis by The Guardian. The report found that in March, as oil prices averaged $100 per barrel, these companies gained around $23 billion in additional profits. If prices remain at that level and supply takes months to normalize, total windfall earnings could reach $234 billion by year-end.

Among the biggest beneficiaries are Saudi Aramco, Gazprom, and ExxonMobil, all identified as major opponents of climate action. Rising fuel prices have increased costs for consumers and businesses worldwide, prompting several countries—including Australia, South Africa, Italy, Brazil, and Zambia—to cut fuel taxes, which has reduced public revenue. The European Commission is considering a proposal from several finance ministers to impose a windfall tax on companies profiting from the war.

Analysts warned that while corporate profits surge, ordinary people face higher living costs and inflationary pressures globally.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser Dr. Ziauddin Haider has warned that 80 percent of Bangladesh’s waste currently ends up in rivers and canals, posing a severe environmental threat. Speaking to journalists after inspecting the Faridpur Municipality Waste Processing Center on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, he emphasized the need to transform waste into organic fertilizer and fuel through modern recycling instead of treating it as a problem.

Dr. Haider said that under the slogan “Bangladesh First,” the BNP identified eight priority sectors, with the environment being one of them. He stressed that proper waste management is essential to protect public health, as indiscriminate dumping has spread from rural to urban areas. He called for swift waste removal, initiatives to produce fertilizer or electricity from waste, and public awareness to dispose of garbage in designated places.

During the visit, he also instructed officials to ensure the safety and health of workers. The inspection was attended by Barishal City Corporation Administrator Advocate Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin, Practical Action Bangladesh Country Director Ishrat Shabnam, and local BNP leaders.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir met with Turkish Ambassador Ramiz Sen at the minister’s office in the Secretariat on Wednesday. The meeting focused on expanding bilateral trade, increasing investment, and strengthening economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Turkey.

During the discussion, the commerce minister highlighted the potential for further trade and investment growth by leveraging the existing friendly relations between the two countries. He emphasized joint ventures in sectors such as ready-made garments, textiles, agro-based industries, and light engineering. Muktadir also noted that Turkish investors could benefit from Bangladesh’s lower production costs, particularly in leather and jute products.

Ambassador Ramiz Sen praised Bangladesh’s growing economy and skilled workforce, describing the country as an attractive destination for Turkish investors. He also commended Bangladesh’s eco-friendly jute products, noting their popularity in Turkey, and congratulated the minister on his appointment following the national election.

Mediators are reportedly close to securing an extension of the ongoing ceasefire between the United States and Iran, aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East. According to a report published by Israeli media outlet Haaretz on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Washington and Tehran have reached a 'policy-level understanding' to prolong the truce before its current term expires next week.

The existing two-week ceasefire is set to end on April 22. Diplomatic efforts are intensifying to preserve the agreement and restart direct talks that collapsed late last week. Mediators are working to resolve three key outstanding issues: Iran’s nuclear program, control over the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for war-related damages. Officials familiar with the discussions shared these details on condition of anonymity.

The report indicates that while progress has been made, the exact timing of a second round of direct US-Iran talks remains uncertain, leaving the future of the ceasefire dependent on continued diplomatic momentum.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been listed among Time magazine’s “The 100 Most Influential People of 2026,” published on Wednesday. The list includes global leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The profile on Rahman was written by Charlie Campbell, editor of Time’s Singapore bureau, highlighting his political rise after years in exile.

According to the magazine, Rahman had been living in exile in southwest London until former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in 2024. Following a landslide election victory in February, he returned to Bangladesh after 17 years abroad. His mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, passed away five days after his return. In a January interview with Time, Rahman expressed his determination to unite the nation and revive its struggling economy amid high inflation, youth unemployment, and strained relations with India.

Time also noted that although corruption allegations against Rahman were later dismissed by the court, they could shorten his political honeymoon period. The 2026 list also features Google CEO Sundar Pichai, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly announced that the Strait of Hormuz would be 'permanently open,' only hours after imposing a naval blockade on Iran. Trump said the decision followed a secret discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping, claiming China agreed to halt arms supplies to Iran. Posting on his Truth Social account, Trump stated that China was pleased with the move and that it served both nations and the world. He added that Xi would give him a 'warm embrace' at their upcoming meeting and that both countries were working well together.

Earlier, Trump had ordered the blockade to pressure Iran back into negotiations. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil routes, carrying about one-fifth of global crude supplies. Iran responded by disrupting shipping and pressuring oil tankers, triggering volatility in global energy markets and rising fuel prices in the United States. The U.S. military reportedly halted six oil tankers within 24 hours.

Beijing criticized the blockade as 'dangerous and irresponsible,' while a mid-May summit in Beijing is planned to address trade tariffs and critical minerals. It remains unclear whether Trump’s new declaration takes immediate effect or forms part of ongoing peace talks.

Three ships carrying diesel and jet fuel arrived at Chattogram port this week, according to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC). The MT Great Princess from Singapore began unloading around 11,000 tons of jet fuel at Dolphin Jetty-6 on Tuesday morning. Two other vessels, MT Lucia Solis and MT Torm Damini, transported diesel from Malaysia, with unloading operations completed between Tuesday night and Wednesday.

The Indonesia-flagged MT Lucia Solis arrived at the port late Tuesday with about 34,000 tons of diesel and later docked at Dolphin Jetty-5 after partial offloading through lighterage. The Denmark-flagged MT Torm Damini, carrying around 32,000 tons of diesel, began unloading at the outer anchorage before reaching Dolphin Jetty-6 on Wednesday. Both ships departed Malaysia on April 9.

BPC officials explained that due to depth limitations at Chattogram port, large vessels must first discharge part of their cargo at the outer anchorage before docking at the jetty to complete unloading.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that China has agreed not to send weapons to Iran. According to the report, Trump had earlier sent a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping, urging Beijing not to supply arms to Tehran. The claim follows a statement from a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, who dismissed media reports that China was preparing to deliver a new air defense system to Iran as completely fabricated.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said China was pleased with his decision to permanently open the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as beneficial for both China and the world. He added that the United States and China were working together intelligently and effectively, emphasizing that cooperation was preferable to conflict.

The report, citing BBC as its source, did not include any official confirmation from Chinese or Iranian authorities beyond the spokesperson’s denial of the arms supply report.

Seventeen officers holding the rank of Additional Deputy Inspector General (DIG) have been transferred under a government order issued on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The officers, who were previously serving as Superintendents of Police in various units after being promoted to supernumerary Additional DIG positions, were reassigned through a notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs signed by Deputy Secretary Tawsif Ahmed. The order was issued by the President’s directive.

According to the notification, the transfers include Mohammad Anwar Hossain from the Industrial Police to the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), Kamrul Hasan Mahmud within the Special Branch (SB), Tofayel Ahmed within Rangpur Metropolitan Police, and several others reassigned within their respective units or to the Police Headquarters. The reshuffle affects officers from units such as the CID, SB, CMP, RMP, and DMP.

The order stated that the transfers were made in the public interest and would take immediate effect.

Professor Dr. Abdus Salam of the Department of Chemistry has been appointed as the new Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) of the University of Dhaka. The appointment was made on April 13, 2026, with the approval of the President and Chancellor under Article 13(1) of the Dhaka University Order, 1973. He formally assumed office on April 15, 2026, during a virtual ceremony attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha, deans, provosts, directors, and faculty members.

Vice-Chancellor Obaidul Islam welcomed the new Pro-Vice Chancellor and emphasized the importance of academic excellence, transparency, and accountability. He praised Professor Salam’s academic experience and expressed confidence that the university’s education system would advance under his leadership. Professor Bidisha described the appointment as timely and said it would bring new momentum to education and research.

In his remarks, Professor Abdus Salam expressed gratitude and pledged to uphold the university’s reputation through dedication and integrity. He requested colleagues to refrain from offering flowers or gifts and sought everyone’s cooperation in fulfilling his responsibilities.

The Government of Bangladesh has cancelled the names of 6,476 individuals found to be falsely listed as freedom fighters. Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan disclosed the information in parliament on April 15, 2026, during a session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. The cancellations were made following investigations by the National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA), which identified non-freedom fighters included in the gazette, red Muktibarta, and Indian lists.

The minister stated that identifying false claimants is an ongoing process. Complaints are investigated, and necessary actions are taken against those proven to have submitted fake information. Since August 2024, 842 complaints have been received, and 481 names have been recommended for final cancellation after verification. The process applies uniformly across all regions, including Rangpur-4.

Khan added that JAMUKA subcommittees conduct hearings and investigations before recommending cancellation of certificates and benefits. The ministry aims to make the lists more transparent through continued scrutiny based on specific complaints.

Iran’s military has warned that it may close trade routes in the Red Sea if the United States continues its naval blockade around Iranian ports. The statement was broadcast on Iran’s state television, where Ali Abdollahi, head of the Central Command Center of Iran’s armed forces, declared that the Islamic Republic’s military would not allow any imports or exports through the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, or the Red Sea.

Abdollahi described the U.S. naval blockade as a violation of the ceasefire and said Iran would take decisive action to protect its national sovereignty and interests. The warning marks an escalation in tensions between Tehran and Washington over maritime control and regional security.

The statement, reported by Al Jazeera, underscores Iran’s readiness to expand its response beyond the Persian Gulf, potentially affecting global trade routes if the standoff continues.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced that effective measures have been taken to start the operations of the international payment gateway PayPal in Bangladesh. He made the statement on Wednesday, April 15, during the question-and-answer session in the National Parliament. The Prime Minister said that a committee has already been formed to ensure the effective operation of high-tech parks and ICT centers and to facilitate the launch of PayPal’s services in the country.

According to the source, PayPal had previously expressed interest in operating in Bangladesh, most recently during the tenure of the interim government. In December of the previous year, then Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur stated that PayPal would begin operations in Bangladesh. He explained that the initiative aims to make transactions easier for freelancers, e-commerce entrepreneurs, and the IT sector. During that period, PayPal’s South Asia team, based in Singapore, also held meetings with Bangladeshi freelancers and the ICT Division.

The announcement signals renewed government efforts to expand digital payment infrastructure and support the country’s growing freelance and technology sectors.