Iran has identified 3,375 people killed in the recent conflict following joint U.S.-Israeli attacks, according to the country’s Forensic Medicine Organization. The announcement came 40 days after the attacks, as Iran and the United States agreed to a two-week temporary ceasefire. The organization’s head, Abbas Masjedi Arani, stated that among the identified victims, 2,875 were men and 496 were women.

The report, released through official Iranian sources, noted that the full extent of the war’s damage remains uncertain. Disruptions to communication networks and restricted access to several areas have made it difficult to collect complete data. As a result, officials believe the actual number of casualties could be higher than currently reported.

The situation underscores the heavy toll of the conflict on Iran, which has lost several senior leaders and suffered significant destruction during the attacks.

An eleven-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami organized a protest rally and procession in Dinajpur on Sunday afternoon, demanding that the government accept the referendum verdict and the July charter. The event took place at the Dinajpur Institute ground, where speakers declared that their movement would continue until their demands were met and urged the government to either comply or step down.

The rally was presided over by Dinajpur district Jamaat chief Anisur Rahman and featured speeches from several regional and district leaders, including former district Jamaat chief Aftab Uddin Molla, regional team member Anwarul Islam, and former Islami Chhatra Shibir president Rajibur Rahman Palash. Leaders from other allied parties such as Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, JAGPA, and NCP also addressed the gathering. The event was conducted by district Jamaat secretary Dr. Enamul Haque.

Following the assembly, a large procession marched through the main streets of Dinajpur before returning to the starting point. A significant number of alliance activists participated in the demonstration.

RAB-7, Chattogram, detained two alleged drug traffickers with 60 kilograms of cannabis during an anti-drug operation in the Jorarganj area of Mirsarai upazila. The operation took place on April 11 around 7:50 p.m. near the Simon Filling Station in the Korehat area, where a temporary checkpoint was set up based on secret intelligence. A covered van used to transport the drugs was also seized.

According to RAB-7 sources, the cannabis was being transported from Chauddagram toward Chattogram. When the van reached the checkpoint, the two suspects attempted to flee but were apprehended after a chase. The detainees were identified as Belal Hossain, 35, and Abdul Razzak, 45, both residents of Chauddagram upazila.

RAB handed over the arrested individuals and the recovered drugs to Jorarganj police for legal action. The operation was confirmed in a press release signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police A.R.M. Mozzafar Hossain, Assistant Director (Media) of RAB-7. Jorarganj Police Officer-in-Charge Kazi Nazmul Haque stated that the suspects were sent to court for further legal proceedings.

A group of leaders from the central committee of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (student wing) organized an awareness campaign at Dhaka University on April 12, 2026, to promote responsible use of water and electricity. The event began in front of the central library, where leaflets were distributed under the theme “Are we fulfilling our responsibilities in this global crisis?” urging students to reduce waste in daily life.

The campaign, led by the organization’s library secretary Touhidul Islam, emphasized that small acts of negligence—such as leaving lights or taps on unnecessarily—can collectively worsen resource shortages. He noted that conserving electricity and water is not only about saving costs but also about protecting the environment, as excessive energy use increases fuel consumption and pollution.

Touhidul Islam highlighted that residential halls, where many students live together, are particularly vulnerable to waste. He called on students to make conservation a habit, stressing that small steps today could help avert larger crises in the future.

The latest round of talks between the United States and Iran, held in Pakistan, ended without any progress, sparking renewed fears of war. Concern has spread beyond Iran to its southern neighbors, especially after US Vice President JD Vance’s remarks suggested a possible return to conflict. The Strait of Hormuz is seen as a potential flashpoint, as the US has begun mine-clearing operations there without coordination with Iran, which currently controls shipping in the area.

Despite the stalemate, Iranian delegation head Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said future talks remain possible, even though the US failed to gain Iran’s trust this time. Pakistan, the host of the discussions, urged both sides to maintain the remaining ten days of the ceasefire to allow another round of dialogue.

However, optimism faded after Vance stated that Iran had rejected US conditions and that Washington had made its “final and best offer.” The diplomatic path remains open but fragile, with the risk of renewed tension at any moment.

Nahid Islam, Chief Whip of the Opposition and Convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), announced that his party is preparing for a new movement aimed at protecting Bangladesh and the legacy of the July uprising. Speaking on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at a discussion with families of July martyrs and fighters at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB), he emphasized that the initiative transcends party or alliance lines and is focused on safeguarding the nation.

He acknowledged that the interim government period had limitations in fully supporting the July fighters but said efforts were made to stand by them. Nahid noted that while the current government speaks in favor of the July fighters, its actions show reluctance in implementing reforms initiated earlier, such as the July Directorate and the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation. He reiterated calls for unity across political divides to ensure the sacrifices of July martyrs are not in vain.

Nahid pledged that NCP leaders would take the front line in future street movements, urging supporters to remain ready and united for the cause of a reformed Bangladesh.

Experts have recommended raising tobacco product prices and introducing a specific tax system in Bangladesh’s upcoming 2026–27 national budget to reduce premature deaths and increase government revenue. The proposals were presented at a media workshop titled “Tobacco Tax and Price Measures: Budget 2026–27,” held on Sunday at the BMA building in Dhaka. The event was organized by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) and the Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA), with participation from 28 journalists.

According to the workshop, most cigarette users belong to low- and middle-income groups. Merging these tiers and raising prices would encourage low-income smokers to quit and discourage youth from starting. The experts proposed setting retail prices per 10-stick pack at 100 taka for the combined low and medium tier, 140–150 taka for the high tier, and 185–200 taka or more for the premium tier. They also recommended maintaining a 67 percent supplementary duty and adding a specific tax of four taka per pack.

If implemented, the measures could generate over 850 billion taka in revenue—about 440 billion more than the current fiscal year—and prevent more than 370,000 premature deaths, the workshop noted.

Turkey has strongly condemned recent remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu targeting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Erdoğan was being targeted because of the truths Turkey had revealed on various platforms. The statement described Netanyahu as a 'modern Adolf Hitler' and held him responsible for attacks on civilians in Gaza, also referencing an arrest warrant reportedly issued against him by the International Criminal Court.

Ankara accused Netanyahu of making such remarks to obstruct ongoing peace talks and to continue his expansionist policies in the region. The ministry reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to ensuring accountability for Netanyahu and to standing by innocent civilians.

Several Turkish cabinet members also criticized Netanyahu’s comments. Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said the remarks reflected Netanyahu’s guilt and discomfort, while Justice Minister Akın Gürlek described them as evidence of his legal and moral crisis. Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi called the accusations baseless, saying they reflected Netanyahu’s frustration and political weakness.

After remaining closed for a long period, the much-anticipated Darwani Textile Mill in Nilphamari is set to reopen soon. The government announced that production activities are expected to begin within the next two to three months. State Minister for Commerce, Industry, and Jute and Textiles Shariful Alam shared the update on Sunday morning after inspecting the mill and meeting with officials to review its current condition.

The minister stated that the government is working to revive the country’s traditional jute sector, which had declined over the years. He emphasized that reopening closed textile and jute mills is part of the government’s election pledge. A tender has already been invited for the mill’s reopening and is currently under evaluation. Once operational, the mill is expected to create significant employment opportunities in Nilphamari and nearby areas, boosting the local economy.

The minister also noted that the government aims to discourage plastic use and promote diversified jute products through coordinated efforts between public and private institutions.

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission has increased the price of furnace oil (HFO) from Tk 70.10 to Tk 94.69 per liter, marking a rise of Tk 24.59. The new rate will take effect from Sunday midnight, according to a press release issued on Sunday. The adjustment was made under sections 34(4) and 34(6) of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Act, 2003, following proposals from Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) and oil marketing companies.

The commission stated that under the February 22, 2026 order, furnace oil prices are to be adjusted every three months or as needed. Since no crude oil was imported in March, the new price was determined based on the average international market rate of refined furnace oil and the exchange rate of the US dollar. A committee formed on March 15 analyzed the Platts index-based average price and exchange rate to recommend the April price.

The recommendation was reviewed and approved in special commission meetings held on April 5 and April 12, finalizing the new pricing structure for April 2026.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy announced that the country has fully resumed operations of its key east-west oil pipeline following an attack on Thursday that targeted the pipeline and nearby energy infrastructure. According to the ministry, the incident had temporarily halted the transport of about 700,000 barrels of oil per day.

The ministry explained that Saudi Arabia had reduced its reliance on the Strait of Hormuz after tensions escalated between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which had nearly stalled oil shipments through the strait. As an alternative, crude oil was redirected through the east-west pipeline to a terminal on the Red Sea.

Following last week’s attack, the coastal Manifa production facility has also been reactivated, though repair work continues at the Khurais oil field within the country.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced on Sunday that edible oil prices will not increase for now. He made the statement after a meeting held to review the country’s edible oil supply situation. The minister said the government’s top priority is to prevent price hikes amid global instability and that regular reviews are conducted to monitor supply and imports of this sensitive commodity.

The meeting took place at the Commerce Ministry with representatives from domestic edible oil suppliers in attendance. The minister noted that no decision had been made to raise prices at this stage. Earlier, the Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners and Vanaspati Manufacturers Association had proposed a price increase in a letter to the ministry. After evaluation by the ministry and the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, the proposal was rejected.

Discussions were also held about providing certain additional facilities to oil suppliers to help them adjust profits without raising prices, though the specific measures have not yet been finalized.

The Ministry of Education has directed the creation of a list of retired and physically capable teachers across Bangladesh to increase classroom teaching activities. According to an official letter signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Shirin Akter, managing committees of educational institutions have been instructed to recruit teachers from this list as needed. The directive was sent to all district commissioners, upazila executive officers, and the Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education.

The ministry explained that teaching activities in classrooms are being disrupted due to a shortage of teachers and delays in recruitment by the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA). To ensure quality education, upazila-based pools of retired teachers will be formed with the approval of local managing committees and guidance from upazila executive officers. Institutions will cover honorarium expenses from their own essential funds.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan also stated that retired teachers might be appointed as presidents of managing committees or governing bodies of schools, colleges, and madrasas. He added that a commission could be formed for this purpose, though no formal decision has yet been made.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his comments regarding the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. In a post on social media platform X, Netanyahu said Israel would continue its operations against Tehran and its allied regional groups.

Earlier in the week, following the US-Iran ceasefire, Erdogan had warned US President Donald Trump to avoid any form of provocation, though he did not specify whom the warning targeted. Responding to this, Netanyahu accused Erdogan of supporting groups aligned with Iran and of committing violence against the Kurdish population in Turkey.

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Israel and Turkey amid broader regional instability following the US-Iran ceasefire agreement.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced extensive security measures ahead of the Pahela Baishakh celebrations in the capital. The restrictions include a complete ban on carrying masks, bags, sharp objects, and flammable materials in and around Ramna Park. Additionally, the use of lanterns, fireworks, and noise-making whistles has been prohibited to maintain public safety and order.

Following a security drill at the Botomul area of Ramna Park, the DMP’s acting commissioner Md. Sarwar stated that large crowds are expected across Dhaka on April 14. To ensure smooth participation and safety for all, the city has been divided into nine sectors and fourteen sub-sectors under a detailed security plan.

The measures are part of the DMP’s broader effort to ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration of the Bengali New Year in the capital.