The Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA) held a public hearing in Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar with over a hundred male and female microcredit clients. Organized jointly by Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) and COAST Foundation on April 12, the event allowed rural participants to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations related to microcredit. MRA’s Executive Vice Chairman Professor Dr. Mohammad Helal Uddin attended as chief guest, emphasizing proper fund utilization and institutional capacity building.

Participants raised issues such as high service charges, lack of safe drinking water, and the need for grants for injured or affected members. They also discussed expanding employment opportunities for women and in the tourism sector to boost the local economy. COAST and YPSA representatives highlighted ongoing training programs and joint efforts to address water scarcity.

Dr. Helal Uddin noted that regulatory reforms and concessional funding are being pursued to strengthen microcredit institutions. He added that new tourism demand following the railway expansion could create local employment through professional training.

Iran has warned that it will take strict action if any military vessels enter the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that while the strait remains open to civilian maritime traffic under international law, any military ship approaching the area will be considered a violation of the ceasefire and will face severe measures.

According to the IRGC statement cited by Al Jazeera, Iran emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is legally open for civilian navigation but not for military presence. The warning underscores Tehran’s sensitivity to foreign military activity near its territorial waters and its intent to enforce restrictions on such movements.

The statement reflects Iran’s continued assertion of control over the strategic waterway and signals potential escalation risks if foreign military forces attempt to operate in the region.

Employees of the West Zone Power Distribution Company (Ozopadico) highlighted severe deprivation and unfair wages during a press conference held at Khulna Press Club on Sunday. Organizational leaders warned that if the current situation continues, the quality of electricity service will deteriorate and employees’ livelihoods will be at risk. They demanded fair wages, immediate recruitment to fill vacant posts, and an end to outsourcing.

According to the written statement by the organization’s general secretary, Ozopadico serves 1,728,316 customers through 10,786 kilometers of distribution lines and 97 substations, with only 440 officers and 964 workers. Each employee currently serves an average of 1,792 customers, causing excessive workload and declining service quality. The shortage of substation operators (SBA) was identified as a critical issue, with 119 of 344 positions vacant and further retirements expected by 2027.

The employees alleged that despite working 8 to 16 extra hours daily, they are not paid for 21,360 monthly overtime hours. They also claimed that recruitment notices issued in 2025 remain unimplemented and that outsourcing violates decent work principles. The organization warned of strong protests if their demands are not met.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Russian President Vladimir Putin that reaching an agreement with the United States is not impossible. According to Iran’s state broadcaster, Pezeshkian made the remark during a phone conversation with Putin that took place after nearly 21 hours of discussions between U.S. and Iranian representatives in Islamabad concluded earlier in the day.

Earlier, a report by Roya News said that Russian President Putin had expressed readiness to act as a mediator in resolving ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The Kremlin confirmed that Putin reiterated Russia’s willingness to assist in political and diplomatic solutions to regional tensions and to promote dialogue among involved parties. Moscow was presented as a potential mediator aiming to help achieve a “just and lasting peace” in the region.

The initiative comes amid multiple diplomatic efforts by the international community to contain the impact of regional conflicts, highlighting Russia’s attempt to play a more active mediating role in Middle Eastern crises.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping, Sheikh Robiul Alam, has expressed optimism about potential US investment and technical assistance in the country’s transport sector. During a courtesy meeting at the Secretariat on Sunday, US Ambassador to Dhaka Brent T. Christensen reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening mutual cooperation, increasing investment, and sharing technological expertise to advance Bangladesh’s transport infrastructure. The meeting also discussed ongoing development projects and future collaboration opportunities, attended by Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr. Ziaul Haque.

The minister said the government, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, is working tirelessly to modernize and ensure sustainable and safe transport systems. The US ambassador emphasized that his country would continue supporting road safety, modern transport systems, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Separately, a delegation from Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA) met the minister to discuss road safety, accident prevention, and public awareness. The minister highlighted government initiatives to reduce accidents and stressed the importance of citizen awareness and social movements in ensuring safer roads.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal helped Al Nassr make club history with a 2–0 victory over Al Okhdood in the Saudi Pro League, marking their 14th consecutive win. The result strengthened Al Nassr’s position at the top of the league table with 70 points from 28 matches, five points ahead of nearest rivals Al Hilal. Ronaldo’s strike was his 968th career goal, while teammate João Félix added the second. The win boosted the team’s confidence as they approach the final six matches of the season.

Ronaldo now sits third in the league’s top scorers list with 24 goals, behind Julián Quiñones with 26 and Ivan Toney with 27. To secure a third consecutive top scorer title, the Portuguese forward will need to maintain his form in the remaining fixtures. Al Nassr’s upcoming matches against top-four sides Al Ittifaq, Al Ahli, Al Qadisiyah, and Al Hilal will likely determine the championship outcome.

In the United States, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami were held to a 2–2 draw by New York Red Bulls despite leading in the second half. Miami remain unbeaten in six matches and sit third in the MLS table with 12 points from seven games.

Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam announced that the Bangladesh Parliament has set a record by passing 117 bills within five days. He made the statement while briefing journalists at the National Parliament Building after the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected MPs Md. Rezaul Karim Badsha and Md. Mahmudul Haque Rubel. He emphasized that democracy is built on mutual trust between the ruling and opposition parties.

The Chief Whip explained that a special committee comprising both ruling and opposition members reviewed 133 ordinances. After detailed scrutiny, 16 ordinances were identified for amendment, while 117 were passed as bills within five days. He described the achievement as unprecedented in the country’s history and credited the Parliament Secretariat and BG Press staff for their tireless work. He also expressed disappointment that opposition members walked out over minor amendments but acknowledged that walkouts are part of democratic practice.

He further mentioned that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has allocated an additional 360 billion taka in subsidies to address the energy crisis, stressing that national resources should serve public welfare rather than be siphoned abroad.

A total of 74 women candidates from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have collected nomination papers from the Election Commission (EC) to contest in the reserved women’s seats of the 13th National Parliament. The nomination papers were collected on Sunday from the office of Assistant Returning Officer Monir Hossain at the Election Building in Agargaon. According to the EC’s list, 199 women have collected nomination papers over three days, all of whom are BNP candidates.

The BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan has been selling nomination forms for three days, with the final day of collection and submission being today. Party sources said that 1,025 nomination forms were sold over the first two days, each priced at 2,000 taka, with a 50,000 taka security deposit required upon submission. The EC announced the election schedule on Wednesday, setting April 21 as the last date for submission of nomination papers.

Scrutiny of nominations will take place on April 22 and 23, appeals may be filed on April 26, and the final withdrawal date is April 29. Symbols will be allocated on April 30, and voting is scheduled for May 12.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj announced that Bangladesh’s new education vision will emphasize skill enhancement and career development. He said this during a seminar titled “The Role of Teachers and the State in Improving Education Quality,” held at the Tarabo Municipal Auditorium in Rupganj, Narayanganj, on Sunday afternoon. Hajjaj noted that although several commissions and policies had been formed in the past, the education system lacked a clear vision until now. He stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has set the new direction for the sector.

The minister explained that the government is working to make the education system more practical and modern, focusing not only on certificates but also on developing students’ skills, innovative thinking, and employability. He called for collective efforts to promote skill-based education and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving educational quality.

Member of Parliament for Narayanganj-1, Mustafizur Rahman Bhuiyan Dipu, added that sustainable education requires coordinated efforts among teachers, students, parents, and administrators, along with digital expansion, teacher training, and institutional accountability.

An eleven-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami held a protest rally and procession in Feni on Sunday, demanding the immediate implementation of the referendum verdict. The demonstration, part of a central program, began in front of Jahiriya Mosque and concluded with a brief assembly at the Shaheed Minar square. Leaders warned that if their demands were not met, the alliance would announce tougher programs.

The rally was presided over by Mufti Abdul Hannan, Ameer of Feni district Jamaat, and conducted by Assistant Secretary Advocate Jamal Uddin. Several alliance leaders, including Professor Abu Yusuf, ANM Abdur Rahim, Engineer Nazrul Islam, Maulana Amir Hossain, Maulana Muzafor Ahmad Jafri, Fazlul Haque, Soikat Islam Zahid, and Shah Wali Ullah Manik, addressed the gathering. Speakers accused the government of delaying the implementation of the “July Charter” despite many becoming ministers and MPs after the July uprising.

They further warned that any betrayal of the sacrifices made during the July movement would not be tolerated and that the alliance would respond strongly if the referendum verdict was not enforced.

Imdadul Haque Molla, founder director of Ontimex Communication Ltd and former president of the Internet Service Provider Association, testified before International Crimes Tribunal-1 that the nationwide internet shutdown on July 18, 2024, occurred due to a government decision. He said that after a fire broke out at the Mohakhali Disaster Management Building that afternoon, internet services began to fail in some areas and were completely cut off across the country by around 9 p.m.

Molla explained that internet providers operate at the final distribution level, while bandwidth is supplied through International Internet Gateways (IIGs), the state-owned Submarine Cable Company, and International Terrestrial Companies (ITCs). When contacted, IIGs informed them that bandwidth supply from ITCs had been stopped, leading them to conclude that the shutdown was government-directed.

He added that on July 23, 2024, then-ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak visited the site and said the outage was due to a data center fire, which Molla described as a political statement since the fire had not affected the data center itself. The tribunal, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, set April 16 for the next hearing.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has instructed party leaders and activists to cooperate with security forces to maintain law and order across the country. He gave the directive on Sunday at the National Parliament Secretariat following the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected members of parliament from Bogura-6 (Sadar) and Sherpur-3 constituencies, according to his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.

The Prime Minister emphasized that party members should work with the administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure peace in their respective areas. He urged them to report any activities that could disrupt local harmony and warned against taking the law into their own hands. He further stressed that development and peace in every area must be preserved at any cost.

The directive comes as part of the government’s broader effort to ensure stability and development at the local level, reinforcing the importance of coordination between political activists and law enforcement authorities.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi has called for an extension of the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. In a post on social media platform X, he urged all parties to pursue compromise to avoid further conflict, according to Al Jazeera. Al-Busaidi said that achieving success may require difficult concessions, but those would be far less painful than the suffering caused by war and failure.

He noted that before the recent escalation, he had discussed the situation with Vice President Vance, and both he and former President Trump had expressed a sincere and firm desire to prevent conflict. Oman had previously played a key mediating role between Washington and Tehran, but talks collapsed after US-Israeli strikes in late February.

Amid heightened tensions, new diplomatic efforts are underway to maintain and extend the ceasefire, with Oman once again advocating for restraint and dialogue.

US President Donald Trump issued a sharp military warning against Iran, saying the United States could destroy the country within a single day. In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated that US forces could target Iran’s energy infrastructure, including power plants. He also defended his proposed blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that Iran cannot decide which ships are allowed to pass. Trump added that all ships would have safe passage, or none would.

He compared the planned blockade to the US sanctions on Venezuela but said it would be on a much larger scale, suggesting it could increase oil shipments to the United States. The comments followed the failure of US-Iran talks in Pakistan, where disputes centered on Iran’s nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump’s remarks have further heightened tensions in the Middle East, raising fears of potential military confrontation despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a strict directive requiring all bank branches to accept torn, damaged, and dirty currency notes from the public and provide usable replacements. The circular, released on Sunday, warns that any bank showing reluctance to serve customers in this regard will face legal action under the Bank Company Act, 1991. The directive takes immediate effect.

According to the central bank, despite previous instructions to ensure smooth cash transactions, a large number of defective notes remain in circulation. To address this, banks must set up special counters to regularly collect damaged notes of all denominations, particularly smaller ones such as 5, 10, 20, and 50 taka, and replace them with usable notes.

The move aims to maintain the quality of currency in circulation and ensure uninterrupted public access to clean and usable banknotes across the country.