Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed deep concern over the sudden increase in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices announced by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC). In a statement issued to the media on Sunday, the party’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, said that on April 19, BERC raised the retail price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder by Tk 212 to Tk 1,940. He warned that such a sharp rise would impose a heavy burden on ordinary consumers.

The statement noted that earlier, on April 2, the price had already been raised by Tk 387 to Tk 1,728 for the current month. Jamaat argued that two consecutive price hikes within a short period would make daily life unbearable, especially as fuel prices have also risen significantly. The party described the decision as against public interest and called for its immediate withdrawal.

Porwar added that the increase would particularly affect lower- and middle-income families, for whom LPG is an essential household fuel, as it would raise cooking and overall living costs.

The White House confirmed that US Vice President JD Vance will travel to Pakistan to participate in discussions related to Iran, according to a report by Turkey-based Anadolu Agency citing a US official. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also expected to join the delegation. The announcement came amid conflicting statements, as President Donald Trump earlier told ABC News that Vance would not make the trip due to Secret Service concerns over short-notice security arrangements.

Throughout the day, confusion deepened when ABC News, Axios, and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright separately suggested that Vance might indeed lead the delegation, contradicting Trump’s earlier remarks. Trump also warned that if Iran refused to sign the proposed agreement, the country would face severe consequences, calling it a “very simple deal” and Iran’s “last chance.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that Tehran decided not to send any delegation to Pakistan for the talks, citing the continuation of the US naval blockade as the reason. Iran stated that no discussions would occur while the blockade remains in effect.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh will initiate amendments to local government election regulations after completing the election for reserved women seats in the 13th National Parliament. Senior Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Machud confirmed the plan on Sunday, April 19, 2026, noting that the commission’s current focus remains on completing the ongoing women’s seat election process.

According to the election schedule, nomination submission for the reserved seats will close on April 21, with scrutiny on April 22 and 23, appeals on April 26, disposal on April 27 and 28, withdrawal on April 29, symbol allocation on April 30, and voting on May 12. EC officials stated that the government has already amended local government laws to remove the provision for party-based voting, requiring the commission to update related regulations before the next local polls.

The upcoming local government elections will cover around 4,500 institutions, including union councils, municipalities, upazilas, district councils, and city corporations, most of which are currently run by government-appointed administrators.

Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that the government is reviewing a proposal from DP World to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port. He emphasized that any decision will be made by safeguarding national interests and the welfare of port workers and employees. The minister made these remarks on Sunday after inspecting operational activities at the port.

Alam described the NCT as a fully functional and modern terminal with potential for further capacity expansion. He said the government is assessing whether to enhance the terminal’s capacity independently or through a foreign operator. Detailed analysis is underway to ensure that if foreign operators are involved, national interests remain protected.

He recalled that past attempts to appoint foreign operators at the terminal had sparked worker protests and even led to imprisonment of some employees. The minister assured that DP World’s proposal would be reviewed carefully, and if national interests outweigh other concerns, discussions will be held with workers to reach consensus. He also noted that allegations of past irregularities and corruption at the port will be investigated.

A Dhaka court has accepted the charge sheet filed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the case over the Bailey Road fire that killed 46 people two years ago. The court of Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana issued arrest warrants against 13 fugitives among the 22 accused and set May 19 for the next report submission. Nine other accused are currently out on bail, according to the prosecution.

The CID’s investigation found that multiple restaurants and coffee shops had been operating illegally in the seven-story Green Cozy Cottage building on Bailey Road, which had been expanded up to nine floors in violation of approved designs. The establishments lacked valid trade licenses, fire safety systems, and emergency exits. The fire reportedly started at the Kacchi Bhai restaurant, where the main gate was locked to prevent customers from leaving without paying bills, trapping people inside.

The investigation also revealed that flammable interior materials, gas cylinders, and illegal rooftop structures accelerated the fire’s spread and hindered evacuation. The incident occurred on February 29, 2024, killing 20 men, 18 women, and 8 children, while 75 people were rescued alive.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Professor Mia Golam Parwar said the government has failed to control the energy crisis and market instability. He made the remarks on Saturday night while addressing a gathering of Sylhet Metropolitan Jamaat leaders at the party’s office in Bandar Bazar. The event was attended by members of the metropolitan working committee, shura members, and local leaders.

Parwar alleged that the current government, which came to power two months ago, has not been able to bring stability to the country. He accused it of rehabilitating looters in the banking sector and creating opportunities for further corruption. He also claimed that Jamaat’s electoral victory was taken away through engineering and criticized both the previous Awami League government and the current BNP-led administration for authoritarian tendencies.

Other speakers, including Jamaat central assistant secretary general Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, emphasized continuing the movement for a discrimination-free Bangladesh and urged party leaders to strengthen public engagement.

Iran has announced that it will not send any delegation to Pakistan due to the ongoing US sanctions. According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, no Iranian negotiators will travel to Islamabad as long as the naval blockade declared by Donald Trump remains in effect. The report stated that Tehran currently has no plans to engage in talks while the blockade continues.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump said on Sunday that his representatives would arrive in Islamabad on Monday for discussions with Iran. The conflicting positions highlight a diplomatic deadlock between the two sides, with Iran linking any negotiation to the lifting of the blockade.

The situation underscores heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with Pakistan positioned as a potential venue for dialogue that now appears uncertain under the current circumstances.

Maulana Faruq, a senior elder and member of the Ahle Shura of Tabligh Jamaat Bangladesh, passed away on Sunday evening at the National Institute of Neurosciences in Agargaon, Dhaka. He was 74 years old at the time of his death. The news was confirmed by Habibullah Raihan, media coordinator of Tabligh Jamaat Bangladesh Shura-e-Nizam. Maulana Faruq hailed from Peyarapur area of Sadar upazila in Lakshmipur district.

His death has cast a shadow of grief across the religious community in Bangladesh. He had long played a significant role in the Tabligh Jamaat’s missionary and religious activities, contributing to its organizational and spiritual work. Following the announcement of his passing, expressions of sorrow spread among devout followers and associates across the country.

The report did not mention details about funeral arrangements or official statements from the organization beyond confirmation of his death.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the government will not accept any International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions that obstruct the protection of public interests. Speaking at his office in the Finance Ministry on Sunday after returning from the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings held in Washington from April 13 to 18, he said the IMF loan program was initiated during the Awami League’s tenure. He noted that while the program includes many conditions, some may not be acceptable to the current BNP-led elected government.

The minister clarified that the IMF program taken under the Awami League government will conclude in six to seven months, and any decision on a new program will be made later. Responding to questions about whether the introduction of the Family Card might affect IMF loan disbursement or conditions, he said the Family Card has no link to the IMF loan and has been widely praised for delivering economic benefits to the poor.

He emphasized that no donor agency’s conditions will be fulfilled at the expense of public welfare, and that development partners have positively received the Family Card initiative.

The prosecution has requested the International Crimes Tribunal-1 to formally frame charges and begin trial against former Member of Parliament AKM Shamim Osman and 11 others in a case over crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution in Narayanganj. The hearing took place on Sunday before a three-member panel led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, with Prosecutor Abdus Sattar Palowan presenting three specific charges.

According to the prosecution, the first charge involves the killing of several unarmed protesters, including a child, on July 19 in multiple locations under Fatullah and Sadar police stations. The second charge concerns the shooting deaths of two men and injuries to many others on July 21, 2024, while the third charge relates to killings and assaults on August 5, 2024, in Narayanganj city. The prosecution alleged that the crimes were committed under the direction and presence of Shamim Osman and his associates.

After the prosecution’s submission, defense lawyers sought additional time to present their arguments. The tribunal granted the request and scheduled the next hearing for April 23.

Iran’s military chief Amir Hatami declared that the country’s armed forces are fully prepared to defend its independence, territorial integrity, and security. Speaking on April 19, 2026, he said the army is committed to protecting Iran by land, air, and sea, and will fight to the last drop of blood if necessary. Hatami emphasized that all branches of the armed forces are ready to confront any enemy and continue strengthening their military capabilities.

He described the morale of Iranian troops as highly motivated, inspired by ideals of jihad and sacrifice, and pledged that they would not deviate from their duties. Hatami warned that the forces’ “fingers are now on the trigger,” signaling readiness to respond decisively to any threat.

The statement, reported by Al Jazeera, underscores Iran’s heightened military posture and its leadership’s emphasis on national defense amid regional tensions.

An advance delegation from Washington arrived in Islamabad on Sunday, April 19, ahead of the anticipated second round of peace talks between Iran and the United States. The discussions are expected to take place next week in Pakistan’s capital, though no official schedule has been released by the governments of Pakistan, Iran, or the United States.

Security in Islamabad has been significantly tightened following the arrival of the foreign representatives. Police announced that all vehicular movement in the city’s Red Zone and extended Red Zone areas will remain suspended until further notice. The heightened measures reflect the sensitivity surrounding the upcoming dialogue.

The first round of talks was held in Islamabad on April 10 and 11, following a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on April 8. The conflict began after a joint Israeli-US strike on February 28, which triggered widespread instability across the Middle East.

Experts at an energy conference in Dhaka on Sunday said Bangladesh must expand renewable energy production to overcome its worsening fuel crisis. They warned that the country’s heavy dependence on imported fuel has made the energy sector vulnerable, especially amid global oil price volatility caused by the ongoing US–Iran conflict. The discussion, held at the World Literature Centre, called for reducing VAT and taxes on renewable energy products to encourage investment.

Speakers noted that renewable sources currently account for only 2 to 3 percent of Bangladesh’s total electricity generation. They cautioned that failure to transition in time could deepen the energy crisis. Participants urged the government to adopt an effective master plan to reduce oil import dependence and ensure long-term energy security. They also highlighted the need to prevent corruption in future solar projects and to hold accountable those responsible for past irregularities.

The government’s target of producing 10,000 megawatts of renewable power was cited as a key step, but experts stressed the importance of skilled workforce development and sustained planning to achieve it.

Police arrested Sayeedur, an active member of the top-listed criminal outfit Group B, from Shibbari intersection in Khulna on Sunday afternoon. The arrest took place around 3:30 p.m. during a police operation based on secret information. Along with Sayeedur, a van driver named Arif Hossain, who was distributing sherbet in the area, was also detained.

According to Sonadanga Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Rafiqul Islam, followers of Group B leader ‘Grenade Babu’ were distributing sherbet to pedestrians and drivers in the area when police intervened. Authorities confirmed that Sayeedur is listed by Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) as a top criminal and has an existing case under the Arms Act.

Police stated that Arif Hossain’s involvement is being verified. If found uninvolved in any criminal activity, he will be released following investigation.

Brunei’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Haris bin Osman, announced that Brunei is interested in importing aromatic rice from Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Sunday at a discussion organized by Nawab Salimullah Academy at the National Press Club. The ambassador also urged consideration for establishing a Brunei-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce to enhance bilateral trade cooperation.

He highlighted opportunities for expanding trade, direct foreign investment, and collaboration in education and agriculture between the two countries. Despite past setbacks due to natural disasters, he noted that Brunei could become a major market for Bangladeshi agricultural products such as mangoes and jackfruits. The ambassador emphasized that Bangladesh’s economic zones already attract Japanese and German companies, showing a favorable investment climate, though concerns remain over policy continuity.

Haris bin Osman added that ensuring a stable business environment could pave the way for direct Bruneian investment. He also called for more active roles from BIDA, EPB, and Bangladeshi embassies abroad in promoting trade fairs and attracting investors. He urged Bangladesh to finalize agreements on investment protection and double taxation avoidance to strengthen economic relations.