The United States military has announced the enforcement of a blockade across the Gulf of Oman and the eastern Arabian Sea near the Strait of Hormuz. According to a statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM), any vessel entering or leaving the restricted area without authorization may be detained, redirected, or seized. The announcement was made on April 13, 2026.

CENTCOM clarified that the blockade will not disrupt normal passage of neutral ships through the Strait of Hormuz, particularly those not bound for Iran. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows reports of discussions between Iran and Qatar on ceasefire and stability issues.

Analysts warn that the blockade could further escalate tensions in the Middle East and pose significant risks to international trade, especially in the energy transport sector, as the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical maritime route for global oil shipments.

Iran has dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration about blocking the Strait of Hormuz as a bluff. The statement came from a spokesperson of Iran’s parliamentary national security commission, who said the threat does not align with reality and could further complicate the situation. Security official Ebrahim Rezaei warned that Tehran is prepared to respond if the situation turns military.

In a post on X, Rezaei added that such decisions would destabilize global markets and hinted that Iran possesses strategies not yet deployed but could be used if necessary. The report, cited by CBS News through BBC’s U.S. partner, highlighted growing tensions between the United States and Iran over the strategic waterway.

The escalating rhetoric has raised concerns that the standoff around the Strait of Hormuz could intensify, affecting regional stability and global trade routes, according to the report.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has strongly criticized the government’s inclusion of a provision in the Bank Resolution Act 2026 that allows former shareholders of weak banks to regain ownership without accountability. In a statement issued on Monday, April 13, TIB described the move as a ‘suicidal’ initiative that effectively rehabilitates identified looters and risks turning the banking sector back into a haven for corruption and plunder.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the new law replaces earlier accountability measures from the 2025 ordinance with immunity for those responsible for bank failures. He argued that the decision rewards wrongdoers instead of ensuring justice and reflects a continuation of authoritarian practices in the financial sector. The statement also questioned the feasibility of repayment terms offered to former owners and the Bangladesh Bank’s ability to enforce them.

TIB warned that restoring ownership without proper legal accountability will prevent any qualitative reform in the sector and contradicts the ruling party’s electoral commitments. The organization urged the government to reconsider what it termed a self-destructive and interest-driven decision.

The Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group in Myanmar, has declared its goal to achieve “final victory” and take full control of Rakhine State by 2027. The announcement was made by Major General Twan Mrat Naing, the group’s leader, during the AA’s 17th founding anniversary on Friday, according to Myanmar Now. Since launching its offensive in late 2023, the AA has captured 14 townships in Rakhine and Paletwa in southern Chin State, leaving only three townships—Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung—under junta control.

In his anniversary address, Naing reaffirmed the group’s determination to continue fighting Myanmar’s military junta alongside allied forces. The AA is part of the Brotherhood Alliance, which began “Operation 1027” in Shan State shortly before the Rakhine offensive. The group has also established administrative, judicial, educational, and healthcare systems in areas under its control.

Despite these gains, ongoing air and naval attacks by junta forces have displaced large numbers of civilians, raising humanitarian concerns across the region.

The United States has officially begun a naval blockade to halt all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports. According to the U.S. military, the blockade took effect at 14:00 GMT. The move has drawn widespread international criticism, including from several U.S. allies, following reports by Al Jazeera. A U.S. official stated that the military is prepared to enforce and maintain the blockade but has not yet defined procedures for potential violations.

Iran has condemned the action as illegal under international maritime law and described it as an act of piracy. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that any warship approaching the Strait of Hormuz would be treated as a breach of the current ceasefire. The blockade comes at a time when the strait, a key global energy route, has previously faced closures under Iranian leadership.

The move has received little support from U.S. allies. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom does not support the blockade, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of restoring freedom of navigation.

Bangladesh’s Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has urged Japan to take initiatives for automobile manufacturing in Bangladesh. The call was made on Monday, April 13, during a courtesy meeting with Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi at the minister’s office in Motijheel, Dhaka. The minister highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two nations and Japan’s significant role in Bangladesh’s industrial and socioeconomic development.

During the meeting, the minister emphasized cooperation based on mutual interests and referred to existing memorandums of understanding between Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation and Japanese companies Mitsubishi and Toyota. He invited Japan to move forward with automobile production projects under these agreements. In response, the ambassador said work on the matter is underway and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s economic progress.

The Japanese ambassador also welcomed Bangladesh’s proposal to establish a Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF) for ship recycling in Sitakunda, Chattogram, and said feasibility studies would begin soon. Senior officials from the Ministry of Industries and the Japanese Embassy attended the meeting.

Professor Dr. Abdus Salam has been appointed as the new Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Dhaka. He is currently serving as the acting Dean of the Faculty of Science. The appointment was made on Monday, April 13, 2026, through a notification signed by ASM Kashem, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Education, following the approval of the President and Chancellor.

According to the notification, the appointment was made under Article 13(1) of the Dhaka University Order, 1973. Professor Salam will serve a four-year term from the date he assumes office. He will receive the same salary and allowances as his current position, along with other benefits as per university regulations. The order also states that he must reside full-time on the university campus and that the President and Chancellor reserve the right to revoke the appointment at any time.

The appointment strengthens the university’s academic leadership structure as it continues its administrative and educational activities under the new academic leadership.

Pope Leo XIV responded to sharp criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump by asserting that he and the Catholic Church are not politicians but messengers of peace. Speaking to journalists aboard the papal plane before his visit to Algeria, the Pope said he does not fear the Trump administration and will continue to proclaim the Gospel’s message strongly, describing it as both his and the Church’s duty.

He emphasized that the Church views foreign policy differently from political leaders, focusing instead on peace and faith in the Gospel. Trump had recently accused the Pope of being weak on crime and poor in foreign policy through social media posts. Reports suggest Trump’s remarks followed the Pope’s criticism of U.S.-Israeli military actions surrounding Iran.

The exchange highlights ongoing tension between religious advocacy for peace and political responses to international conflicts, particularly in the Middle East.

Tehran University researcher Mohammad Eslami has described any potential US move to block Iran’s ports as extremely difficult and risky. He said halting tankers and supertankers across such vast waterways would pose a major operational challenge for the US military. According to Eslami, Iran would take any such action very seriously.

Eslami emphasized that Iran is already under intense military and economic pressure from the United States and Israel, and it does not want disruptions to the supply of food and other essential goods. He added that Tehran seeks to send a strong message to Washington, even as most parties are looking for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

Commenting on the possibility of closing the Strait of Hormuz, Eslami said it would be a very significant step for both sides, potentially making the situation more complex and dangerous.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, announced that a national movement has already begun and must be carried forward to success. He made the statement on Monday, April 13, at a national seminar in Dhaka titled “Government Against the Referendum Verdict: Bangladesh Facing Crisis.” The event was chaired by Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis leader Allama Mamunul Haque and attended by several opposition figures, including MP Nahid Islam, Dr. Col. Oli Ahmed, and Mahmudur Rahman.

In his speech, Dr. Rahman used a metaphorical story to suggest that unseen forces influence the country’s political instability and government decisions. Referring to the July uprising, he said the movement was driven not only by students or politicians but also by workers who sacrificed their lives against fascism and for change. He described the current parliament as a “July product” and warned the government against opposing the spirit of that uprising.

Rahman criticized what he called the government’s double standards and vowed that the opposition would not accept illegal privileges or compromise on public interests. He urged citizens to join the movement, emphasizing that it seeks respect for the people’s mandate and the fulfillment of the martyrs’ promises.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will support U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a naval blockade against Iran. According to the report, U.S. Central Command stated that the blockade would take effect from 8 p.m. Bangladesh time, targeting vessels heading toward Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Netanyahu also said that U.S. Vice President JD Vance briefed him after returning from Pakistan about recent discussions with Iran, which ended without any final agreement. Meanwhile, Iran warned that any military ship advancing toward the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a violation of the ceasefire.

The developments come amid heightened regional tensions, with the blockade expected to affect maritime routes and diplomatic relations in the Gulf region.

Russia has strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement to block the Strait of Hormuz. According to Moscow, implementing such a move would negatively affect the global energy market. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said several aspects of Trump’s declaration remain unclear and warned that such a decision could destabilize world markets.

The U.S. military stated that all vessel movements from Iranian ports would be halted as scheduled, with the blockade set to take effect at 10 a.m. Washington time. If enforced, the measure could prevent around two million barrels of Iranian oil per day from entering the global market, potentially worsening the ongoing energy crisis.

Shipping data indicated that two Iran-linked tankers had already crossed the Strait of Hormuz before the blockade’s start time. The situation has heightened tensions in the Middle East and raised concerns about its impact on the global economy.

Pope Leo XIV has declared that he will remain steadfast in his anti-war position despite sharp criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking to journalists aboard a flight to Algeria, the Pope said he is not afraid of the Trump administration and will continue to advocate for peace worldwide. He emphasized that he does not wish to engage in debate with Trump but expressed regret that the message of Christianity is being misused in some cases.

Leo reiterated his commitment to speak strongly against war, calling for peace, dialogue, and the strengthening of multilateral relations among nations to find fair solutions. He lamented the loss of innocent lives and stressed that someone must stand up to say there is a better way.

The Pope, the first American to hold the position, began a ten-day visit to four African countries as part of his mission to promote peace and interfaith understanding.

The New Zealand cricket team arrived in Bangladesh on April 13, 2026, to play a three-match One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 (T20) series. Four players landed in Dhaka at 11 a.m., while the rest of the squad were scheduled to arrive at 11 p.m. The visiting team will begin preparations for the ODI series immediately, with three days allotted for practice before the first match. The opening two ODIs will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

While New Zealand begins its training sessions, the Bangladesh team will take a break on April 14 in observance of the Bengali New Year. The home side is expected to resume practice on Wednesday to prepare for the upcoming series. The matches mark another chapter in the cricketing ties between Bangladesh and New Zealand, with both teams focusing on fine-tuning their strategies ahead of the contests.

Maulana Muhammad Mamunul Haque, Amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, said the current government has been possessed by what he called Sheikh Hasina’s ‘ghost of insulting the people’. Speaking on Monday at a national seminar titled ‘Government Against the Referendum Verdict: The Nation in Crisis’ at the Diploma Engineers Institute in Dhaka, he sharply criticized the government’s attitude toward citizens. The event was organized under the initiative of the 11-party electoral alliance, with opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP as chief guest and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam MP as special guest.

Mamunul Haque alleged that the government undermines people’s sovereignty by prioritizing its parliamentary majority and ridiculing citizens. He also criticized Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed for allegedly calling voters ignorant, saying such arrogance reflects the same spirit of contempt once associated with Sheikh Hasina’s rule. Haque urged the government not to underestimate public power and warned against ignoring the results of the recent referendum.

He called on citizens to ensure the success of a rally organized by Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis at Suhrawardy Udyan on April 24.