Law Minister Md. Anisul Huq has called on the Bar Council to ensure that the current bar examination system does not become an undue obstacle for English-medium and foreign-educated law graduates. He made the remarks on Tuesday at the Supreme Court Auditorium in Dhaka during an event marking the completion of the first phase and the start of the second phase of a six-month internship program organized by the Attorney General’s Office with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The minister noted that many talented students who studied in English-medium institutions or abroad face difficulties because the bar exam questions are in Bangla. He urged the Bar Council to consider modernizing the system. He also emphasized enhancing the social status of the legal profession and improving its quality. Praising the internship program, he said it inspired him to propose to the Prime Minister that each Member of Parliament be assigned an intern from a university to assist in research and legislative work.

The minister further mentioned budgetary instructions for modernizing the Attorney General’s Office and expressed concern over the limited implementation of the Law Commission’s recommendations despite significant expenditure.

US Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead the American delegation in a possible second round of direct talks with Iranian officials before the current ceasefire expires, according to multiple sources cited by CNN. The discussions aim to explore diplomatic solutions to end the ongoing Iran war.

Sources also indicated that President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner may attend the meeting. Kushner has reportedly been involved in diplomatic efforts since before the conflict began. Trump has tasked these three senior advisers with finding a diplomatic path out of the war and has expressed full confidence in them.

Following a 21-hour marathon meeting last Saturday, Vance, Witkoff, and Kushner have maintained close contact with Iranian representatives and mediators in pursuit of a potential agreement, the sources added.

Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah carried out drone attacks targeting Israeli military positions in the Golan Heights. The group confirmed the operation in a statement released overnight on Tuesday. According to Hezbollah, the strikes hit a cannon position in the Jawra area and the artillery battalion command headquarters in Odem.

As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of casualties or damage resulting from the attacks. The Israeli military has not issued any immediate comment regarding the incident. The report was cited by Al Jazeera.

The situation adds to ongoing tensions along the Israel–Lebanon border, though the immediate impact of the latest strikes remains unclear.

Allegations have surfaced that a multi-storey building is being constructed illegally on reserved forest land in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar. According to local sources, the construction is taking place at Swarnapahar in Kutupalong East Para under Rajapalong Union. The sons of the late Ilyas, known locally as Rohingya Ilyas, are accused of occupying forest department land and building a five-storey structure, with three floors already completed.

Residents claim that an influential group has long been encroaching on forest areas to build various structures, causing environmental damage. Environmentalist and journalist Jasim Azad stated that forest encroachment, hill cutting, and illegal construction are increasing across the upazila, urging urgent action to protect the environment. Under the Forest Act of 1927, such encroachment and construction are punishable offenses, and the Environment Act of 1995 also provides penalties for environmental harm.

Forest department officials said about five acres of forest land were recently recovered, and regular drives are ongoing. Ukhiya Range Officer Mohammad Shahinur Islam confirmed that legal action is being prepared against the accused and that necessary measures will be taken promptly.

The Trump administration is stepping up efforts to initiate direct talks with Iran before the current ceasefire period ends, according to a CNN report citing a source familiar with the discussions. The push for renewed dialogue comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing diplomatic activity between the two nations.

Last week, officials from Iran and the United States met in Islamabad for a 21-hour marathon negotiation session but failed to reach an agreement to end hostilities. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that something significant might happen in Pakistan within the next two days, though no further details were provided.

The report also noted that Gulf countries have expressed interest in assisting Pakistan’s efforts to bring the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table, while the U.S. Navy recently turned back eight Iranian oil tankers.

At least four Palestinians, including a child, were killed in a series of Israeli attacks on Gaza’s Al-Shati refugee camp, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. The strikes took place on Tuesday evening across several parts of Gaza, leaving several others injured.

Reports said Israeli forces fired a shell at a police vehicle on Al-Nafaq Street in Gaza City, killing four people including a child. In a separate bombing in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, another Palestinian was killed. The attacks came despite claims of a ceasefire, which the report alleged Israel continues to violate through ongoing assaults on civilian homes and key areas.

The continued operations have reportedly increased the death toll in Gaza as strikes persist in densely populated areas, raising concerns over civilian safety and the humanitarian situation.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel could bring the global economy dangerously close to recession if the war continues and energy prices remain high. In its World Economic Outlook report released in Washington on April 15, 2026, the IMF projected that global growth could fall below 2 percent in 2026, a level seen only four times since 1980. The report noted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the outbreak of war had driven up fuel prices, and a failed peace effort in Pakistan has prolonged the crisis.

The IMF said that if oil prices average 110 dollars per barrel this year and rise to 125 dollars by 2027, global growth will slow further, with inflation possibly reaching 6 percent. Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas stated that such conditions would feel like a recession for most people, with rising unemployment and food insecurity in some countries. The report also warned that the UK would be among the hardest hit developed economies, while Iran, Iraq, and Qatar could see sharp contractions this year.

If the conflict eases within weeks and energy exports normalize by midyear, global growth could recover to 3.1 percent in 2026, though still below earlier forecasts.

Masud Saeedi, Member of Parliament for Pirojpur-1, said that Bangladesh should be built by upholding the significance and spirit of Baishakh and preserving Bengali culture. He made these remarks on Tuesday, April 14, during a Baishakhi fair organized by the Jhalokathi upazila administration.

Saeedi emphasized that foreign cultures must be avoided, claiming that Western influences have nearly overtaken local traditions. He called on young people to revive and practice authentic Bengali cultural values, stating that a nation survives through its native culture and language. He urged unity and patriotism to shape the next generation into true patriots.

He also criticized previous governments, accusing them of promoting foreign cultures over Bangladesh’s own and prioritizing foreign approval over national pride.

Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for missile attacks on 13 locations in northern Israel. The strikes occurred while discussions were underway in Washington aimed at halting the ongoing conflict. The Iran-backed group stated that its operations would continue until the United States and Israel stop their attacks.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, noted that the attacks targeted multiple Israeli installations, though specific details about the sites or casualties were not provided. The timing of the assault coincided with diplomatic efforts to end hostilities, highlighting the fragile state of the ceasefire negotiations.

The situation underscores the continued volatility in the region as international actors attempt to mediate between the parties involved.

European countries are planning to form a major coalition to ensure the normal operation of maritime traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz without relying on the United States. According to The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed officials, the plan will be implemented after the current conflict ends.

The report notes that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states are deeply anxious amid escalating threats between U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran, as their economies depend heavily on oil exports through the strait. Meanwhile, Qatar has announced the lifting of all maritime restrictions, and Saudi Arabia has activated its east-west pipeline at full capacity to bypass Hormuz entirely.

Saudi Arabia’s pipeline can transport about seven million barrels of oil per day, and the Manifa oil field on its southeastern coast is ready to supply an additional 300,000 barrels daily. These measures reflect the Gulf states’ growing reliance on alternative routes and strategies to sustain their economies during the ongoing crisis.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to hold direct talks at a designated time and place following discussions in Washington. The agreement was reached after a trilateral meeting in the United States, according to a Reuters report citing the U.S. State Department. The development marks a significant step toward easing tensions along the border between the two countries.

The understanding emerged after diplomatic efforts led by the United States, which hosted the meeting involving representatives from Israel and Lebanon. The talks are viewed as part of a broader initiative to reduce hostilities and promote stability in the region. The U.S. role in facilitating the dialogue underscores its continued involvement in Middle Eastern diplomacy.

Observers consider the upcoming direct talks an important move toward de-escalation, though the exact schedule and venue have not yet been disclosed.

Canada has announced a financial assistance package of 40 million US dollars for the people of war-torn Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The funds will not be delivered directly to the Lebanese government but will instead be distributed through various international organizations to reach ordinary citizens.

During a phone conversation, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand reaffirmed her country’s full support for Lebanon’s sovereignty. She also condemned Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon and emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in the region, according to the report citing Al Jazeera.

The aid initiative reflects Canada’s stated commitment to humanitarian support and regional stability amid ongoing conflict in Lebanon.

A new poll by the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) found that 61 percent of Israelis oppose the US-Iran ceasefire announced last week, while 73 percent expect fighting with Iran to resume within a year. The ceasefire, declared shortly before a US deadline for potential strikes, has sparked frustration among Israelis who had anticipated a decisive victory against Iran. Despite the truce, Israel has continued military operations in Lebanon, killing more than 300 people in the past week and drawing international condemnation.

Analysts and political figures say Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu oversold the war’s potential outcomes, including regime collapse in Iran and the destruction of its nuclear and missile programs. Critics such as Yair Lapid and Yair Golan accused Netanyahu of strategic failure and subservience to US decisions, while former diplomat Alon Pinkas said the backlash stems from unmet expectations Netanyahu himself helped create. Netanyahu, however, insists Israel remains in close coordination with Washington and supports the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Observers suggest the political fallout could deepen as Netanyahu faces renewed scrutiny over his handling of both the Iran conflict and the earlier October 7 attacks, which continue to shadow his leadership.

As Sudan’s civil war enters its fourth year, the country faces one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with no sign of resolution. The conflict, which began on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has devastated the nation. The SAF controls much of eastern and central Sudan, including Khartoum, while the RSF dominates the western Darfur region. According to the UN Refugee Agency, 14 million people have been displaced, including 4.4 million who fled to neighboring countries.

The World Health Organization estimates 40,000 deaths, with widespread reports of executions, sexual violence, and attacks on civilians. Mediation efforts by the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, IGAD, and the African Union have failed to produce a ceasefire. The FAO reports that 21 million people face acute food insecurity, and nearly two-thirds of the population needs urgent humanitarian aid. Hospitals are overwhelmed, disease outbreaks are spreading, and attacks on healthcare facilities have killed more than 2,000 people.

Regional instability and disrupted supply chains have further hampered humanitarian operations, leaving millions without access to food, medicine, or safety.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced he will travel to Saudi Arabia and Turkiye this week as part of his efforts to mediate a second round of peace talks between the United States and Iran. President Asif Ali Zardari said Sharif had briefed him on his diplomatic initiative, which coincides with a two-week ceasefire halting US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Zardari urged continued engagement with Washington, Tehran, and other powers to sustain the peace process.

The renewed diplomatic activity follows unconfirmed reports of backchannel negotiations and public support from US President Donald Trump and the United Nations. Trump suggested talks could resume in Pakistan within days, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was “highly probable” that ceasefire discussions would restart. A diplomat told the Associated Press that both sides had agreed to more talks, though the venue and timing remained undecided, with Islamabad and Geneva under consideration.

The fragile ceasefire has held despite a US naval blockade of Iranian ports and Iran’s restriction of the Strait of Hormuz. Observers note that communication lines between Washington and Tehran remain open, raising cautious optimism for continued dialogue.