Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey could take part in mine clearance operations in the Hormuz Strait if a peace agreement is reached between the United States and Iran. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists in London, noting that the clearance work would be carried out by a technical team formed through coordination among several countries.

Fidan stated that Turkey has no objection to joining the technical mission but cautioned that Ankara would reconsider its position if the coalition later takes sides in renewed conflict. He also expressed hope that the next round of talks in Pakistan could resolve issues related to Iran’s nuclear program.

The statement highlights Turkey’s conditional willingness to contribute to regional stability efforts while maintaining a cautious stance on potential geopolitical shifts.

The Parbatya Chattagram Chhatra Parishad (PCCP) and Parbatya Chattagram Nagorik Parishad (PCNP) organized protests in Dhaka and Rangamati on Saturday, condemning what they described as false and misleading information about the Chittagong Hill Tracts presented at the 25th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The demonstrations, including a human chain and rallies at the National Press Club, accused certain groups of attempting to tarnish Bangladesh’s image internationally.

Speakers at the Dhaka rally, including PCNP’s central organizing secretary Sheikh Ahmed Raju and PCCP Dhaka president Russell Mahmud, rejected the UN statements as one-sided and contrary to reality. They asserted that the Bangladesh Army ensures public safety in the hills and accused some expatriate representatives of ignoring local armed group violence while criticizing state development efforts.

The protesters issued several demands, including recovery of illegal arms from regional armed groups, reconstitution of the Land Commission with equal representation, completion of impartial land surveys, legal action against those defaming the state abroad, and strengthening of security operations in the hill region.

Israel is currently engaged in a tense standoff along its borders with Lebanon and Iran, but analysts told Al Jazeera that the course of these conflicts depends less on Israel’s political leadership and more on decisions made by the United States and President Donald Trump. The observation comes as Washington extends its influence over regional developments.

U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently traveled to Pakistan for a new round of talks with Iran, but Israel was not included in those discussions. Meanwhile, President Trump announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire in Lebanon, even as Israel has repeatedly violated it. Analysts believe Trump’s influence is proving more decisive than that of Israeli leaders.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials continue to describe Iran and Hezbollah as existential threats, yet observers note that control over the region’s situation now largely rests in Washington’s hands.

The Bangladesh International Textile, Knitting and Garment Industry Exhibition (BTKG Expo 2026) will begin on April 29 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka and continue until May 2. The four-day event is jointly organized by the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and Inforchain Digital Technology Company Limited. Over 1,000 exhibitors from around 30 countries are expected to participate, showcasing textile machinery, dyes, chemicals, knitting and weaving technologies, embroidery, cutting and sewing equipment, and washing and dry-cleaning innovations.

At a press conference held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem highlighted the garment sector’s importance to Bangladesh’s economy, noting its contribution of over 80 percent of export earnings and 12–13 percent of GDP, employing more than four million people. He emphasized the need for greater technological advancement and sustainable production to remain competitive globally.

The exhibition will feature seminars organized by BKMEA, BUTEX, and Textile Today, focusing on industry trends, technological progress, and future strategies. The event will be open to the public daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mali’s army reported that coordinated armed attacks occurred on Saturday morning in the capital Bamako and several other regions. According to the military, terrorist groups launched assaults on multiple army barracks, prompting ongoing counter-operations. Explosions and sustained gunfire were heard near the main military base in Kati, known as the residence of military ruler General Assimi Goïta. Fighting was also reported in the central town of Sévaré and the northern cities of Kidal and Gao. Heavy weapons fire was heard near Bamako’s Modibo Keita International Airport, where a helicopter was seen patrolling.

Mali, rich in gold and other minerals, has faced more than a decade of armed unrest. Following two military coups in 2020 and 2021, the country severed ties with France and expelled French troops and the UN peacekeeping mission. In July last year, the military government confirmed Goïta as president for five years, with the term renewable without elections.

The attacks come as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—three military-led states—continue joint security efforts under the Alliance of Sahel States to combat armed groups in the region.

Selima Rahman, a standing committee member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been nominated for the third time for a reserved women's seat, representing the Barishal region. According to her affidavit submitted to the Election Commission, her total assets amount to Tk 6.88 crore based on her latest income tax return.

The affidavit lists a 10,612-square-foot house valued at Tk 2.62 crore, though no details about its location or nature were provided. She declared Tk 70.99 lakh in cash, Tk 3.17 crore in bank deposits, and a personal vehicle valued at Tk 35.8 lakh. Her annual income from property is Tk 7.92 lakh, and she has investments worth Tk 28.11 lakh. The affidavit also mentions 30 bhori of gold valued at Tk 50,000 and furniture worth Tk 1.5 lakh.

Her liabilities include Tk 2.2 crore received as advance for a flat sale, Tk 1.2 crore borrowed from her daughter, and Tk 9.3 lakh in house rent dues. The report notes that eight cases filed against her in 2015 were withdrawn after a July uprising, and she currently faces no legal cases.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi warned on Saturday that deliberate efforts are underway to redraw the map of the Middle East. He made the remarks during a televised address marking the 44th anniversary of the liberation of the Sinai Peninsula from Israeli occupation. Sisi said the region is passing through a critical phase due to these planned attempts to reshape its boundaries.

In his speech, the president called for the full implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement signed last October. This phase includes ensuring unrestricted humanitarian aid access and the immediate start of reconstruction in the Gaza Strip. Sisi also reaffirmed Egypt’s firm rejection of any attempt to displace Palestinians from their land.

The source noted that Gaza was devastated by Israel’s two-year-long assault, and despite the ceasefire, Israeli attacks have continued. The first phase of the truce had involved the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages.

A man named Nazrul Islam, aged 50, died after setting himself on fire in Shahjahanpur upazila of Bogura on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred in front of the Machhir Bazar mosque in Baraanjul village after his wife divorced him. Locals rescued him and took him to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura, but as his condition worsened, he was transferred to Dhaka, where he died around 11:15 p.m. on the way.

Local union parishad member Jharna Begum said Nazrul Islam had married the daughter of Bacchu Mia from the same village, and the couple had two sons. Their marital relationship had been troubled due to financial hardship, leading to previous separations before the final divorce. In distress, Nazrul poured petrol on himself and set himself ablaze.

According to Shahjahanpur Police Sub-Inspector Golam Mostafa, locals reported that Nazrul had been under mental pressure from debt and frequent quarrels with his wife.

Iran has executed a man accused of working for Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. The man, identified as Irfan Kayani, was charged with carrying out sabotage activities as an Israeli agent during nationwide protests in January. The execution followed a ruling by Iran’s Supreme Court.

Tasnim reported that Kayani faced accusations of destruction, arson, and creating terror during the unrest. The protests had erupted in late December over the falling value of Iran’s currency and rising living costs, intensifying in January. Israel has not issued any immediate comment on the execution.

The report did not specify where or how the execution was carried out, and no further details were provided about the judicial process or evidence presented against the accused.

Member of Parliament for Gopalganj-2, Dr. K.M. Babor, announced that the education system is undergoing changes after 17 years. He emphasized that improving education quality requires development beyond academics, including sports, mental growth, and knowledge acquisition. He stated that comprehensive development of students’ knowledge will enhance education standards, and all necessary steps will be taken to achieve this goal.

Dr. Babor made these remarks on Saturday morning at the inauguration of a new building for Binapani Government Primary School in Gopalganj town, implemented by the Local Government Engineering Department. He added that all necessary initiatives will be taken for Gopalganj’s development, following the Prime Minister’s directive that the district will receive equal attention as others.

Local officials, including the executive engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, and several political and educational representatives, attended the event.

Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament, Kaiser Kamal, announced a special initiative to preserve the Hajong community’s language during a meeting with community members at the Durga Temple premises in Uttar Lengura Beltali Hajongpara, Kalmakanda, on Friday, April 24. Initially, teachers will be appointed at three major temples in Rangchhati, Lengura, and Kharnai unions of Kalmakanda upazila to teach the Hajong language to children.

Kamal emphasized that many languages are disappearing over time and that immediate action is necessary to prevent the Hajong language from facing extinction. He also visited erosion-prone areas along the Ganeshwari River and announced plans to install CC blocks to prevent riverbank erosion. Repair work in vulnerable areas will begin soon under the supervision of engineers, with local Hajong residents directly involved in implementation to ensure accountability and sincerity.

He reaffirmed his commitment to communal harmony, stating that his work serves all communities equally—Garo, Hajong, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian—without discrimination.

Residents of eight villages in Sirajganj’s Raiganj upazila depend on a fragile bamboo bridge over the Karatoa River at Kamarbari in Chandikona Union, as no permanent bridge has been built there. Every day, students, farmers, traders, and patients cross the unstable structure at great personal risk to reach schools, markets, and healthcare facilities.

Locals said the lack of a bridge near the Dhaka–Bogura highway severely disrupts communication between the river’s two banks. Farmers face major difficulties transporting rice, vegetables, and other produce to markets, often losing fair prices due to the bridge’s narrow and unsafe condition. The situation worsens during the monsoon when the current strengthens and the bridge becomes slippery, increasing the risk of accidents.

Local residents have long demanded a permanent bridge to ease their hardship. The Raiganj Upazila LGED engineer stated that the need for a bridge is under assessment and a proposal will be sent to higher authorities after verification.

Gazipur Agricultural University (GAKRUBI) has once again secured a prestigious position in the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2026. The university ranked within the 401–500 band across Asia, reaffirming its status as the top agricultural university in Bangladesh. The ranking, released last Thursday, listed a total of 28 Bangladeshi universities, including 19 directly ranked and 9 reporter institutions.

Among all public universities in Bangladesh, GAKRUBI achieved a joint third position nationally, highlighting its strong academic and research standing. Recognized as a “Center of Excellence” in research, the university scored 67 in research quality, reflecting the depth and impact of its scholarly work. In total, it earned 174.9 points across five evaluation indicators: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry engagement, and international outlook.

The 2026 ranking assessed 929 leading universities from 36 Asian countries and regions. GAKRUBI stated its commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and supporting national goals for agricultural excellence and food security through continued research and development.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir stated that the recent increase in fuel prices does not justify any dramatic rise in bus fares or daily commodity prices. He made the remarks on Saturday, April 25, 2026, while speaking to journalists after visiting the knit industrial zone established on the site of the former Chittaranjan Cotton Mill in Godnail, Siddhirganj, Narayanganj. The minister also suggested that future investors should focus on developing less fuel-intensive factories instead of fuel-heavy ones.

During the visit, Muktadir explained that electricity produced in the country is distributed to private industrial factories after generation, so production and export have not been disrupted by fuel price changes. He attributed any decline in exports to a mild global slowdown rather than domestic energy issues. Responding to another question, he said two industrial plots under BTMC have already been developed, two more are being taken by the same company, and remaining plots face local occupation problems that will be resolved soon to facilitate investment.

State Minister Md. Shariful Alam, BTMC Chairman Brigadier General S.M. Zahid Hasan, and local officials accompanied him during the visit.

Member of Parliament S M Jilani from Gopalganj-3 (Kotalipara-Tungipara) stated that saving canals is essential for saving farmers. He said that active canals help farmers irrigate their lands easily and reduce waterlogging. Due to long-term blockage by water hyacinths, local farmers had been facing difficulties in irrigation and drainage. Considering their needs, he initiated a canal cleaning program.

On Saturday, April 25, Jilani joined the cleaning of the Konervita-Ramnagar canal in Sadullapur Union of Kotalipara upazila. The event aimed to restore water flow and support agricultural activities in the area.

Upazila BNP President S M Mohiuddin welcomed the initiative, calling it timely for solving farmers’ problems. He expressed the intention to continue such public-benefit activities under Jilani’s leadership. Several BNP and affiliated organization leaders and activists also participated in the cleanup drive.