Islami Bank’s board of directors has placed its Managing Director, Md. Omar Faruk Khan, on one and a half months of leave effective from April 13, 2026. According to bank sources, the decision will take effect from tomorrow. Khan had originally applied for a 15-day leave starting April 28, but the board extended the duration and adjusted the dates to run from April 13 to May 31.

The bank’s chairman, Dr. M. Zubaidur Rahman, could not be reached for comment despite multiple attempts by reporters. Omar Faruk Khan was appointed as the Managing Director of Islami Bank in August of the previous year.

No official explanation for the extended leave has been provided by the bank, and it remains unclear whether an acting managing director has been appointed during Khan’s absence.

The European Union has emphasized that diplomatic efforts are indispensable for resolving the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The statement came after the recent talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad failed to make progress, according to Al Jazeera. EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anwar El Anouni told AFP that there is no alternative to diplomacy in reaching a peace agreement.

El Anouni praised Pakistan’s mediating role, saying the EU welcomes Islamabad’s efforts. He also noted that Brussels is interested in contributing further to future peace initiatives. The international community remains focused on diplomatic solutions, though the stalled discussions have left the situation uncertain.

Before leaving Islamabad, US Vice President JD Vance said Iran had not accepted Washington’s conditions and that the United States had made its “final and best offer.” Observers are now waiting to see whether Iran will accept the proposal.

Amid escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, Sultan Al Jaber, chief executive of the United Arab Emirates’ state oil company ADNOC, has publicly denied Iran’s claim of control over the strategic waterway. In a post on social media platform X, he stated that Iran has never had the right to close or restrict navigation through the strait.

Al Jaber warned that any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could severely threaten global energy supplies as well as food and health security. He described such a scenario as a dangerous and unacceptable precedent that would endanger global stability.

He emphasized that the world cannot bear such a burden and should not allow any attempt to restrict free passage through this vital maritime route.

A student leader in Baraigram, Natore, has been expelled from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal following allegations that he raped his underage sister-in-law, who is now reportedly three months pregnant. The expulsion order, signed by the district office secretary Asif Iqbal Notun, was issued on Sunday morning, citing involvement in unethical activities. The accused, Iqbal Hossain, was removed from his position as joint convener of Bonpara Municipal Chhatra Dal and from primary membership of the organization.

According to the victim’s family, Iqbal, an electrician from Gurumshail area, had been in a relationship with his 16-year-old sister-in-law for a year. His wife alleged that on January 10, he went to her father’s house under the pretext of political work and forcibly raped the girl. The incident came to light when the girl fell ill and was found to be pregnant. She went missing on April 3 but was later rescued by police on April 10.

A case has been filed with Baraigram Police Station, and the officer-in-charge confirmed that an investigation is underway.

Law Minister Md. Anisul Haque stated that the ordinances repealed through parliamentary bills will be reviewed later to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. He emphasized that those claiming the government opposes a strong Human Rights Commission, a Supreme Court Secretariat, or transparency in judicial appointments are mistaken. According to him, the BNP intends to make these laws more transparent, accountable, and contemporary as part of its electoral commitments. He added that any rational public demand receives the highest consideration from the BNP.

The minister made these remarks on Sunday at a press conference held in the conference room of the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Secretariat. He explained that, under Article 93 of the Constitution, the government was constitutionally obliged to present 133 ordinances issued by the previous interim government before the 13th National Parliament within the stipulated time. The ordinances were then referred to a special parliamentary committee for examination.

The special committee completed its review and submitted its report to Parliament on April 2. Based on that report, the ordinances were recently introduced as bills and discussed in Parliament.

Iran’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, has assured that Bangladeshi ships stranded in the Hormuz Strait will soon be able to cross safely. Speaking on April 12, 2026, at a memorial and anti-war exhibition organized by the Revolutionary Student Council at Dhaka University, he said Iran would provide necessary assistance to ensure the safe journey of Bangladeshi vessels affected by the ongoing war situation.

The ambassador explained that many ships, including some from Bangladesh, were stuck in the strait due to the conflict. He confirmed that Iran was in discussions with the Bangladesh government to expedite their release. Jahanabadi also highlighted the friendly bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Iran, describing Bangladesh as a brotherly nation. He welcomed Pakistan’s mediation efforts regarding Iran–US tensions and thanked Oman and other involved countries.

He further stated that Iran would adhere to the ceasefire as long as the United States respected it, warning that any violation would prompt a response. The envoy accused the US of aggression aimed at regime change in Iran and condemned US–Israeli attacks on civilians, calling them acts of genocide.

An eleven-party alliance held a protest rally and procession in Natore on Sunday afternoon demanding the implementation of a referendum verdict. The demonstration began in front of the central mosque in the town after the Asr prayer and marched through major streets before returning to the starting point for a rally. Leaders and activists from various political parties participated in the event.

Speakers at the rally included Professor Dr. Mir Nurul Islam, district Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, along with other local political and professional leaders. They called for the immediate implementation of the referendum verdict and warned that a stronger movement would be launched against the government if their demand was not met.

A large number of leaders and activists from the eleven-party alliance attended the gathering, reflecting growing political mobilization around the referendum issue in the district.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance announced in Pakistan on Saturday evening that no agreement had been reached to end the Iran war. At the same time, President Donald Trump was attending a mixed martial arts (UFC) event, accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, several of his children, UFC officials, and other guests. While Vance told reporters that the talks had failed, Trump was seen watching a highlight video of a victorious fighter and giving a thumbs-up.

During his trip to Florida, Trump told journalists that he did not care whether a deal with Iran was reached, asserting that the U.S. had already won militarily. However, the situation at home appeared difficult, with rising inflation and fuel prices affecting Americans, outcomes linked to the war initiated under Trump’s orders. Democrats were reportedly discussing impeachment and questioning his mental fitness, while some longtime supporters protested after his threats to destroy Iran’s civilization.

Ivanka, Tiffany, and Donald Trump Jr. were present at the event, but Jared Kushner remained in Pakistan for the ongoing discussions with Vance and Witkoff.

Former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury was released from Kashimpur Women’s Central Jail on Sunday evening after receiving bail earlier in the day in an attempted murder case. Jail authorities confirmed that she was freed following the arrival of her bail documents and completion of necessary procedures.

According to the report, Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury had been arrested by the Detective Branch police on April 7 from a relative’s residence in Dhanmondi. She was shown arrested in connection with the Ashraful attempted murder case linked to the July Movement. The report also mentioned that she faces two attempted murder and four murder cases in total.

Her lawyer, ABM Hamidul Mizbah, stated that there were no other detention orders against her, clearing the way for her release from custody.

A total of 1,060 flights have been canceled at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport due to ongoing security concerns in the Middle East that led several countries to close their airspace. The cancellations have severely disrupted international passenger and cargo transport from Bangladesh. The disruptions began on February 28, 2026, following the escalation of regional tensions.

According to airport sources, the affected countries include Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan, where airspace closures have been partial or complete. Between February 28 and April 12, flight cancellations occurred in phases, with 339 flights canceled in the first ten days, followed by 275, 226, 160, and 60 in subsequent periods.

Officials noted that while the number of cancellations has slightly decreased over time, operations have not yet returned to normal. The resumption of regular flights depends on the reopening of airspace and improvements in the regional security situation. Thousands of passengers, particularly migrant workers and Middle East-bound travelers, have faced significant difficulties as a result.

Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir stated that digitalization is essential to eradicate corruption in Bangladesh. Speaking at the launch of United Commercial Bank’s digital app ‘UCB One’ in Dhaka on Sunday, he said the government is advancing toward a “One Citizen, One Card” and “One Digital Wallet” system. He expressed hope that by next year, every citizen will have a bank account, bringing the entire population under the banking system.

Titumir highlighted structural weaknesses, policy gaps, and patronage culture as major causes of fragility in the banking sector. He noted that although the interim government reduced non-performing loans from 35% to 30% through rescheduling, the actual figure may be higher pending forensic audits. He warned that many banks are lending up to 100% of deposits, exceeding international standards, and that short-term deposits are being used for long-term loans, creating systemic risks.

He emphasized three reform priorities: reducing excessive charges to attract customers, introducing innovative incentives for deposits, and overhauling risk management. He added that concentrated lending has increased poverty and unemployment, urging coordinated government–private sector efforts to restore sustainable growth.

Former Law Minister and senior Supreme Court lawyer Shafique Ahmed passed away on Sunday at 5:45 p.m. while undergoing treatment at Bangladesh Medical Hospital in Dhaka. He was 90 years old. The news of his death was confirmed by Supreme Court lawyer Aksir M. Chowdhury, who said that Barrister Ahmed had been admitted to the hospital on Saturday night.

Shafique Ahmed served as the Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs from 2009 to 2014 under the Awami League government. He also held prominent positions in the legal community, including serving as president of the Supreme Court Bar Association and vice chairman of the Bangladesh Bar Council.

His passing marks the end of a long and distinguished career in Bangladesh’s legal and political spheres, where he played a significant role in both government and professional legal institutions.

Tehran University professor Fouad Izadi has urged the United States to accept the realities surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he argued that Washington’s emphasis on the nuclear issue is a strategic cover for larger goals. Izadi stated that no nuclear expert would claim weapons could be made from uranium enriched to 3.65 percent, and reminded that Iran had allowed extensive inspections under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

He noted that the US withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 under President Donald Trump’s decision. According to Izadi, the best way to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons is to return to a similar agreement. He added that the US administration’s reluctance to pursue another JCPOA-style deal shows that the nuclear issue serves as a pretext for other aims.

Izadi further alleged that Washington’s real objectives include controlling Iran’s oil resources, altering its borders, and seeking regime change.

The Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University has completed preparations to welcome the Bengali New Year with its traditional Pahela Baishakh procession, scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on April 14. The event, themed “Harmony of the New Year, Revival of Democracy,” will feature vibrant motifs and cultural displays created by teachers and students working day and night. The procession will start from the faculty’s north gate, move through Shahbagh, TSC, and Doel Chattar, and return to the campus.

The faculty grounds are already festive, with students painting clay pots, making masks, and selling artworks to fund the event. This year’s procession will highlight five main motifs—rooster, dotara, wooden elephant, dove, and clay horse—symbolizing strength, creativity, peace, pride, and dynamism. Dean Professor Dr. Md. Azharul Islam Sheikh said the initiative aims to revive and preserve traditional roots while conveying contemporary social and cultural messages.

Strict security measures have been arranged, including CCTV, archways, and restricted entry points. Participants must carry identification, and certain items such as masks, bags, and fireworks are prohibited. Cultural programs will also be held on April 13, 15, and 16 as part of the celebrations.

Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury announced that the government is taking steps to reopen the long-closed Malaysia labor route soon. Speaking to journalists after a law and order committee meeting at the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner’s office on Sunday, he said the initiative aims to expand overseas employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers. The minister also mentioned that the government is working to reactivate labor markets in several other countries.

During the meeting, the minister gave law enforcement agencies a one-week ultimatum to curb incidents of robbery and snatching in Sylhet. He noted that the law and order situation had improved compared to the previous month but emphasized the need for continued vigilance. He also directed authorities to prevent smuggling and ensure strict monitoring at border areas and fuel depots.

Ariful Haque Chowdhury added that the government is addressing visa extension issues for returnees from the Middle East through diplomatic discussions and ensuring the safety of expatriates in conflict zones. He described his recent Malaysia visit as productive, highlighting a successful joint venture agreement and positive bilateral relations.