The United States and Iran have begun long-awaited direct talks in Islamabad, marking a significant diplomatic shift after years of indirect communication. According to sources involved in the process, representatives from both nations are now sitting at the same table, with Pakistani officials also present. Until now, discussions had been conducted indirectly through Pakistani mediators, with each side in separate rooms.

The talks are being held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad, which has drawn global attention since Saturday morning. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met separately with Iran’s high-level delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and later with the U.S. team led by Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Details of Sharif’s separate meetings with the two delegations have not yet been disclosed.

Despite the start of direct dialogue, deep mistrust remains between the two sides. Iran seeks the lifting of U.S. sanctions and security guarantees, while the United States wants limits on Iran’s regional military influence and maritime security assurances.

The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has expressed hope that the newly formed government will fulfill the telecom sector’s logical demands. The organization noted that the previous interim government did not consult all stakeholders while formulating telecom guidelines and policies. ISPAB expects the current administration to engage with all relevant parties in shaping future telecom policies.

ISPAB President Aminul Hakim made the remarks at a press conference held on Saturday morning at the association’s office in Banani, Dhaka. The event was organized ahead of the country’s first Broadband Expo 2026, scheduled for April 13–15 at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center. Hakim said the expo aims to highlight the development, innovation, and future potential of the broadband sector.

The expo’s theme, “Linking People, Linking Future,” will feature around 25 innovative projects from university students focusing on robotics and IoT. Various ICT organizations will showcase their services, software, hardware, and network products across 10 pavilions, 35 mini pavilions, and 20 stalls.

The Aviation Operators Association of Bangladesh (AOAB) has stated that the country’s aviation industry is facing a severe crisis due to rising jet fuel prices, high hangar rents, customs complications, and elevated fees set by the Civil Aviation Authority. The remarks came during AOAB’s annual general meeting held on Saturday at the Samson Centre in Gulshan, Dhaka, chaired by AOAB President and Square Air Limited Managing Director Anjan Chowdhury.

During the meeting, leaders including AOAB Secretary General and Novoair Managing Director Mofizur Rahman highlighted that these financial and regulatory pressures have placed aviation business owners in serious distress. They urged all stakeholders to work together to overcome the ongoing challenges. The association also expressed gratitude to the government for reconsidering certain provisions of the Bangladesh Travel Agency Act published in the Bangladesh Gazette.

Members present at the meeting called for support from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Ministry of Finance, and other relevant government bodies to sustain the aviation sector amid the current difficulties.

Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have killed 10 people in separate locations, according to the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA). The attacks occurred amid ongoing Israeli operations that began on the day of the Iran–United States ceasefire. The NNA reported that in Kafar Sir city of Nabatieh district, four people, including a paramedic, were killed and four others injured.

In another strike in Jefta city, also in Nabatieh district, three people, including a member of Lebanon’s civil defense, were killed and two others wounded. A third airstrike in Toul city of the same district left three people dead and three injured. The report cited Al Jazeera as its source.

The continued Israeli attacks mark an escalation in Lebanon following the ceasefire between Iran and the United States, with repeated strikes causing civilian casualties across multiple areas.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) is preparing an impartial list of extortionists across Bangladesh, including Dhaka, with plans to take swift legal action against all identified offenders once the list is finalized. The announcement was made by Wing Commander M Z M Intekhab Chowdhury, Director of RAB’s Legal and Media Wing, during a press briefing at the RAB Media Center in Karwan Bazar on Saturday afternoon.

The briefing, originally organized to discuss a major yaba seizure in Chattogram, also addressed the ongoing initiative to identify extortionists. According to RAB, the list is being compiled under directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Fifteen RAB battalions have already begun field operations and strengthened intelligence surveillance to ensure accuracy and neutrality. Officials emphasized that no one on the list will be exempt from legal consequences.

RAB stated that the list will be completely unbiased, with no favoritism or political influence, and that action will be taken strictly against proven offenders.

US President Donald Trump said that numerous empty oil tankers are heading toward the United States to load what he described as the 'world’s best and sweetest' oil and gas. In a recent post on Truth Social, he claimed that the United States possesses more oil than the world’s two largest oil economies and that its quality is superior. He invited buyers to come quickly, saying the country is ready to supply.

Trump’s remarks came as global oil prices fluctuated due to war conditions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Benchmark Brent crude recently rose above 110 dollars per barrel but fell by about 15 percent to just under 92 dollars after the United States and Iran agreed to a conditional two-week ceasefire. The agreement also included reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.

Iran’s earlier restrictions on shipping through the strait had driven up fuel and food prices worldwide. Although prices have eased since the ceasefire, they remain higher than before the conflict, when oil traded around 70 dollars per barrel.

The Bangladesh Police Association has expressed deep concern and anger over a comment made by Special Metropolitan Magistrate Arifur Rahman regarding a police officer’s vehicle parking incident in Dhaka. The association’s statement, signed by President Kamrul Hasan Talukder and General Secretary Monirul Haque Dabul, was issued after the magistrate’s remark spread on social media following the April 6 event.

According to the statement, the magistrate’s comment suggesting a lack of public trust in the police has hurt the professional dignity and self-respect of the entire force, negatively affecting morale among field-level officers. The association explained that police often have to park official vehicles on roads while performing duties such as ensuring road safety, patrolling, and handling emergencies, and such realities should be considered before making public remarks.

The statement further emphasized that state institutions complement each other and should maintain mutual respect and professional decorum. It added that the police force has been undergoing restructuring since 2024 to strengthen national security, and remarks undermining morale could disrupt public safety efforts.

UAE-based airline Air Arabia has resumed limited international flight operations from the United Arab Emirates after disruptions caused by recent conflicts in the Middle East. The airline announced on Saturday that it is gradually restarting services from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah to 49 destinations across 17 countries, subject to regulatory approval.

According to Air Arabia’s official statement, the decision was made to align with the evolving situation in the region. The destinations include countries across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe, with Bangladesh among those listed. The airline emphasized that passengers whose flights were previously canceled can rebook their tickets, provided they have not already opted for a date change or refund.

Air Arabia stated that affected passengers will be contacted directly regarding rebooking procedures, as part of its phased plan to restore international operations following the earlier disruptions.

State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid said the country, achieved through the July uprising and the sacrifice of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, will be rebuilt under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He made the remarks on Saturday at the annual sports competition and prize distribution ceremony of Haider Ali School and College in Manda, Mugda, Dhaka. Rashid emphasized that the nation will become stronger in the post-uprising reality.

He announced that after the national parliamentary election, initiatives have been taken to remove all political banners and festoons. The government will ensure that educational institutions remain free from political displays and will create a conducive learning environment. Measures will also be taken to ensure safe movement for students.

Addressing students, Rashid said Bangladesh was earned through the blood of countless martyrs, and the new generation must grow into responsible citizens to build a prosperous nation. The event was presided over by Principal Muhammad Zakir Hossain and attended by local BNP leaders, teachers, students, and guardians.

Students at primary, secondary, and higher secondary levels across Bangladesh are receiving a continuous three-day holiday this week, confirmed by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education. However, the madrasa holiday schedule differs, as the Directorate of Madrasa Education stated that only April 14 is included in their official holiday list, leaving April 12 and 13 as regular working days.

According to the annual holiday calendar, schools and colleges will remain closed on April 12 for the Baisabi festival, April 13 for Chaitra Sankranti, and April 14 for Pahela Baishakh. Regular classes will resume on Wednesday, April 15. In contrast, madrasas will observe only one day off on April 14 due to religious considerations, meaning their students will not enjoy the extended break.

The variation in holiday schedules highlights the differing observances between general and religious educational institutions during the April festivities.

A Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) operation in Chattogram’s Patenga area led to the seizure of 500,000 yaba tablets worth Tk 150 million from a fishing trawler on Friday night, April 10. The raid took place at the 15 No. Ghat area under Patenga Police Station, confirmed by RAB-7 Senior Assistant Director (Media) A. R. M. Mozzafar Hossain. Nine individuals were arrested during the operation, including five Rohingya refugees and four residents of Cox’s Bazar.

According to RAB sources, the drug consignment was being transported by sea from the Cox’s Bazar border area toward Chattogram. When RAB personnel arrived at the scene around 9:30 p.m., several suspects attempted to flee but were captured after a chase. The yaba tablets were later recovered from the trawler’s engine room.

RAB stated that the detainees had long been involved in smuggling yaba from border areas at low prices and distributing them across Chattogram for profit. Legal action has been initiated against all nine suspects.

Retired Appellate Division Justice Abdul Matin has accused the government of undermining judicial independence by repealing two key ordinances — the Supreme Court Judges Appointment Ordinance and the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance — originally issued by an interim government after the July Revolution to ensure full judicial autonomy. Speaking at a public discussion titled “Fifty-five years since repeal of the Supreme Court Secretariat and Judges Appointment Ordinances: How far is independence?” held at the National Press Club on Saturday, he said the government’s decision would bring disastrous consequences.

At the same event, retired district and sessions judge Masdar Hossain, who was the petitioner in the judicial separation case, said the repeal would have negative outcomes and accused successive governments of fearing judicial independence. He criticized the government for interfering in judicial matters, including seeking explanations from 28 judges over social media posts, which he said exceeded the law ministry’s authority. Other speakers, including senior lawyers and July Movement leaders, echoed concerns that the government’s actions were eroding the judiciary’s autonomy.

Speakers warned that continued interference could provoke public backlash and urged the government to restore respect for judicial independence.

Political leaders, academics, and public figures have accused the government of duplicity in implementing the July Charter, describing it as a betrayal of the nation. Speaking at a seminar organized by the Center for Inclusive Policy and Governance (CIPG) at the National Press Club on Saturday, they said the government has failed to form the Constitutional Reform Council or take oath despite winning a majority in the national election held under the same schedule. They argued that the people’s will, expressed through the July uprising and referendum, is being ignored.

The speakers demanded the enactment and full implementation of the 'July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025' to uphold the spirit of the July movement. Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Dr. A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad alleged that the government is passing laws unilaterally and not following its declared 31-point agenda. Retired Major Akhtaruzzaman emphasized the need for an independent judiciary and an effective anti-corruption system through a reform council.

Barrister Muhammad Belayet Hossain stated that the interim government had formed 11 reform commissions whose proposals were approved by referendum, making their implementation a legal and moral obligation for the government.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the pre-pilot program for distributing the 'Krishak Card' on April 14. The launch event will take place at 10 a.m. at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail Sadar. The announcement was made in a letter from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Saturday.

According to the ministry, the initiative will begin simultaneously in ten upazilas across the country as part of the program. These upazilas include Tangail Sadar, Panchagarh Sadar, Boda in Panchagarh, Shibganj in Bogura, Shailkupa in Jhenaidah, Neserabad in Pirojpur, Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar, Adarsha Sadar in Cumilla, Islampur in Jamalpur, Goaland in Rajbari, and Juri in Moulvibazar.

The pre-pilot program marks the initial phase of the 'Krishak Card' initiative, which aims to be expanded nationwide following its trial implementation in these selected areas.

A video showing a brick kiln worker being tied and beaten in Lakshmipur’s Kamalnagar upazila has gone viral on social media. The incident occurred on April 9 in the Moulvirhat area of Torabganj Union. The victim, identified as Kalu from Charbosu Badamtoli Bazar, was allegedly taken from his in-laws’ house by Ismail, a labor supplier, and assaulted with his hands bound. The six-minute video shows Kalu being beaten and verbally abused while being forced to make promises.

According to local sources, Kalu had agreed to work at a brick kiln in Chattogram for Tk 80,000 but returned home due to illness. Ismail reportedly brought him back from his in-laws’ house, tied him up, and coerced him to have his brothers work in his place. After the video spread online, locals demanded justice. Police later rescued Kalu, while Ismail went into hiding.

Police confirmed that the victim was rescued and said efforts are ongoing to arrest the accused.