The United States and Iran have begun talks in Islamabad aimed at ending ongoing conflicts, according to a BBC report. Iranian state media IRINN reported that Tehran has warned the discussions could be canceled if its conditions are not met. Iranian officials stated that respecting Iran’s interests, demands, and red lines is essential, and that walking away from the talks could itself be seen as a form of success.

The report added that the Iranian delegation’s first meeting of the day was with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after which the schedule for possible talks with US representatives was expected to be clarified. That meeting with Sharif has already taken place, according to the report.

Iranian state television emphasized Tehran’s conditions and lack of trust toward the United States, asserting that Iran holds a strong position in the negotiations and has the capacity to proceed without the talks if its terms are not fulfilled.

A United States delegation has arrived in Pakistan to join peace talks with Iran aimed at ending ongoing hostilities. The delegation includes US Vice President JD Vance, senior adviser Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump. Iran’s delegation had reached Islamabad earlier for the scheduled discussions. Pakistan has been mediating between the two nations in recent weeks, leveraging its historical ties with Iran. Trump stated that Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir understands Iran better than most.

Trump confirmed that the US received a 10-point proposal from Iran, describing it as a workable basis for negotiation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mentioned a separate 15-point plan that could end the conflict, though neither side has officially released details. Reports suggest significant gaps remain between their positions.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have cast doubt on the peace process. Over 300 people were reportedly killed, and Lebanon announced plans to discuss a ceasefire with Israel in Washington next week.

Women's fashion brand Exclusivea has opened a new outlet at Center Point Shopping Mall in Uttara, Dhaka. The store, located on Level 2, Unit C3, was inaugurated recently with notable figures from the fashion and lifestyle sectors attending the event. Guests explored the brand’s latest collection and expressed interest in its design and presentation.

Founded in 2018 by Nomrata Khan, Nabeen Ahmed, and Tanvir Ali, Exclusivea began its journey with its first outlet at Pink City in Gulshan. The brand has since built a loyal customer base by offering contemporary yet elegant designs tailored to modern women’s tastes and comfort. The new outlet’s interior has been designed to enhance customer comfort and make shopping more enjoyable.

According to the founders, the Uttara outlet aims to bring the brand closer to local customers while maintaining its commitment to quality and design consistency. This expansion marks another step in Exclusivea’s effort to make stylish and accessible fashion available to more women in Dhaka.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the upcoming peace talks between the United States and Iran, urging both sides to participate with genuine intent. According to a BBC report, his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said during a regular UN press briefing that the Secretary-General called on both parties to seize this diplomatic opportunity to move toward a lasting and comprehensive agreement and to reduce tensions.

Dujarric added that dialogue remains the only effective path to avoid conflict and prevent a return to a state of war. Guterres emphasized that there is no alternative to peaceful resolution of international disputes, which must be pursued in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.

The UN also confirmed that the Secretary-General’s personal envoy is currently in the region to support ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The Shibchar Upazila administration in Madaripur has launched a special diesel distribution program to support local farmers during a fuel shortage. On April 10, 2026, Upazila Nirbahi Officer H. M. Ibne Mizan inaugurated the initiative at the Shibchar Upazila Parishad premises. Following the inauguration, diesel was sold directly to farmers, each receiving 10 liters at the government-fixed price. The administration collected 12,000 liters of diesel from a depot to ensure uninterrupted irrigation during the Boro season, benefiting around 1,200 farmers.

Local farmers expressed relief, saying the initiative eased their worries about irrigation disruptions caused by irregular fuel supply at pumps. They noted that direct access to diesel would help them continue cultivation smoothly. Farmers such as Mojibur Sardar and Jalal Mia described the program as a significant support for small-scale growers.

According to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, the initiative aims to maintain agricultural productivity by ensuring fuel availability despite supply constraints, and the administration expects marginal farmers to benefit substantially.

A White House official has denied reports claiming that the United States agreed to release Iran’s frozen assets held in foreign banks, according to Al Jazeera. The clarification came after Reuters reported, citing a senior Iranian source, that Washington had consented to unfreeze Iranian funds in banks located in Qatar and other countries.

The U.S. side stated clearly that no such decision had been made. This denial has added further uncertainty to one of the key conditions in potential U.S.-Iran negotiations. The issue of Iran’s frozen assets remains central to broader diplomatic discussions involving Tehran, Washington, and other regional actors.

The report also mentioned that the matter has complicated ongoing talks in Islamabad, where Iran’s assets and the Lebanon ceasefire are among the main topics under discussion.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met separately with US Vice President JD Vance and an Iranian delegation in Islamabad on April 11, 2026, during ongoing discussions. The US delegation included Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi were also present. Earlier, Sharif expressed hope that the talks would serve as an important step toward lasting regional peace.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating dialogue between the two countries. Earlier in the day, an Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also met with Sharif. However, details of Sharif’s meetings with both the US and Iranian representatives have not yet been disclosed.

The discussions in Islamabad are taking place amid complex regional issues, including Iran’s frozen assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon, as noted in related reports.

An Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for lunch on Saturday, according to a Pakistani government source. The meeting took place amid reports that the United States has agreed to release Iran’s frozen assets even before formal talks begin, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Sources indicated that Pakistan could act as a mediator in potential discussions between the United States and Iran. Pakistani officials may hold separate meetings with both sides to maintain communication channels, similar to previous diplomatic efforts. Ghalibaf stated that the United States must agree to unfreeze Iranian assets before any negotiations can start.

Iranian media have claimed that Washington has already agreed to this condition, though there has been no official confirmation from the United States so far. The discussions in Islamabad reportedly also touched on Iran’s assets and the Lebanon ceasefire issue, reflecting the complexity of the ongoing diplomatic situation.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called on the government to ensure transparent management and build a buffer stock to address Bangladesh’s ongoing energy crisis. Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar organized by the Agriculturists Forum of Bangladesh at the KIB 3D Hall in Dhaka’s Farmgate on Saturday, he urged the authorities to prioritize energy security with a minimum reserve of 60 to 90 days. He also emphasized breaking existing syndicates and developing alternative energy generation strategies for short, medium, and long terms.

Dr. Rahman criticized the government for failing to utilize national resources and institutions like BAPEX, arguing that despite being an independent country, Bangladesh remains dependent on external factors. He said the energy sector’s inefficiency and corruption have deepened the crisis, affecting agriculture and industry. He also highlighted that farmers are struggling to obtain fuel for irrigation, which could harm crop production.

The seminar, chaired by Professor Dr. A.T.M. Mahbub E. Elahi, also featured a keynote presentation by agriculturist Md. Mizanur Rahman. Dr. Rahman concluded by urging collective awakening and resistance to overcome the current national challenges.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described his country’s mediation in potential peace talks between the United States and Iran as a proud moment not only for Pakistan but for the entire Muslim world. According to Pakistani media outlet The Dawn, Sharif expressed gratitude to the leadership of both nations for agreeing to a temporary ceasefire and to hold discussions in Islamabad aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution.

In a televised address, Sharif credited Pakistan’s diplomatic prudence and confidence for bringing Tehran and Washington to agree on a ceasefire. He praised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s team for their tireless efforts and lauded Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir for his role in easing tensions and encouraging dialogue. Sharif cautioned, however, that while a temporary truce is in place, achieving lasting peace will be a long and challenging process.

Representatives from Iran and the United States are scheduled to meet in Islamabad on Saturday, April 11, at the Serena Hotel. An Iranian delegation led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials, has already arrived in the Pakistani capital.

Pakistan has emerged as a mediator between the United States and Iran by hosting their first direct talks aimed at ending a war that has claimed thousands of lives. The discussions are taking place in Islamabad, signaling a remarkable transformation for a country long associated with security concerns and economic instability. The talks mark a significant change in relations between Islamabad and Washington since Donald Trump’s first presidential term, when he had sharply criticized Pakistan.

US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner have arrived in Islamabad to participate in the negotiations. Vance is the highest-ranking US official to visit Pakistan since 2011. Analysts attribute this diplomatic breakthrough to a combination of geographic necessity, skilled diplomacy, and shifting regional alliances that have elevated Pakistan’s global standing.

The discussions face complications over Iran’s frozen assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon. Ahead of the talks, Tehran issued a stern message, while the UN Secretary-General called on both sides to engage constructively.

An Iranian delegation comprising 71 members has arrived in Pakistan to participate in discussions with the United States, according to reports from Iranian and international media. The Tasnim News Agency stated that the delegation includes the main negotiation team as well as experts, media personnel, and members responsible for protocol and security. The talks are taking place in Islamabad.

The discussions are reportedly focused on key issues such as Iran’s frozen assets and the ceasefire in Lebanon. Ahead of the talks, Tehran issued a firm message emphasizing its readiness and strong stance. The United Nations Secretary-General has also made an appeal to both the United States and Iran before the start of the negotiations.

The outcome of these talks could influence regional stability and future diplomatic relations between Iran and the United States, though no details of progress or agreements have yet been disclosed.

A United States delegation is in Islamabad, Pakistan, for discussions with Iran aimed at achieving a ceasefire. Before the talks began, US President Donald Trump told reporters he had wished Vice President JD Vance good luck. Trump said he was unsure whether the discussions between the US and Iran would conclude in one round or continue in the coming days.

When asked if there was an alternative plan, Trump replied that no backup plan was needed. He described a good deal with Iran as one that ensures there are no nuclear weapons. Trump also claimed that Iran’s governing system had already changed. He further stated that the Strait of Hormuz would be opened soon, regardless of Iran’s cooperation, though he added that the US did not need it.

Responding to reports that Iran might impose tariffs on ships passing through the strait, Trump said the US would not allow that to happen.

Bangladesh will face New Zealand in a three-match One Day International series beginning on April 17, 2026, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirming that no changes have been made to the squad that recently defeated Pakistan 2–1. The new selection panel announced the team on Saturday for the first two matches, keeping faith in the same group of players.

The selectors decided to retain the previous lineup as several players from the Pakistan series did not get a chance to play. Afif Hossain Dhruvo and Mahidul Islam Ankon, who were part of the earlier squad, have been included again, with the panel considering giving them more opportunities. The remaining two ODIs will be played on April 20 and 23.

The unchanged squad includes Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hasan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, Liton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shariful Islam, and Nahid Rana.

Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid, Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, has urged people to refrain from spreading unverified information and rumors on social media. According to the Saudi Press Agency, he issued the warning during his Friday sermon on April 11, 2026. The Imam emphasized that those involved in creating or promoting rumors bear moral responsibility and advised worshippers to remain steadfast in their faith and avoid excessive preoccupation with worldly matters.

He further stated that spreading false or misleading information harms both individuals and society and is considered sinful. The sermon highlighted the importance of truthfulness and integrity among Muslims. Saudi authorities have intensified such warnings amid ongoing regional tensions, stressing that spreading rumors that could undermine national security and stability is a serious offense.

Official information indicates that those convicted of disseminating false information online may face up to five years in prison, fines of up to three million Saudi riyals, and confiscation of devices used in the offense. Authorities have urged the public to rely only on verified government sources for information.