Several educational institutions in Dhaka have begun pilot online classes to address the ongoing energy crisis. On Sunday, April 12, 2026, Vikarunnesa Noon School and College started virtual lessons at 9 a.m., where teachers conducted classes from their classrooms while students joined from home. The initiative is being tested during the Baishabi holidays, with plans to expand to the school section soon.

According to the education ministry, the program is part of a broader plan to introduce online classes three days a week in metropolitan schools and colleges. A stakeholder meeting was held on April 8 to discuss the proposal, and the decision was announced on April 9 by Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon. The schedule alternates between online and offline classes throughout the week, aiming to reduce energy consumption and encourage digital learning.

If successful, the ministry plans to gradually expand the hybrid model nationwide as part of its digital education strategy.

An emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign began on Sunday across 540 centers under Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). The month-long program, running from April 12 to May 11, 2026, aims to vaccinate 402,456 children aged six months to under five years. The campaign was inaugurated at the Nagar Bhaban auditorium, with Health Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain as chief guest and State Minister for Road Transport and Railways Habibur Rashid Habib as special guest. DSCC Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md. Abdus Salam presided over the event, attended by representatives from UNICEF and the World Health Organization.

The health minister said coordinated efforts could control measles and other infectious diseases, noting that similar programs had already started in 18 districts. He thanked UNICEF and WHO for their support and urged citizens to remain alert against dengue. The state minister described the rising measles cases as alarming and called on the media to raise awareness among working parents. DSCC officials emphasized reaching every child through community-level awareness.

Following the inauguration, officials visited the Khilgaon Maternity Center to inspect vaccination activities and participate in a cleanliness drive.

In Pabna’s Bhangura upazila, allegations have surfaced against a contractor for using substandard and burnt brick chips in a road repair project worth about Tk 3.32 crore under the 2025–26 fiscal year rural road maintenance program. The project, covering 3,576 meters from Bheramara Bazar to Hatgram, was awarded to Kushtia-based Saikat Enterprise, with a Pabna sub-contractor reportedly handling the work. The project is scheduled for completion by June 30.

Field visits revealed that after inspection by senior officials, a mix of low-quality and good brick chips continued to be used, with no supervising engineer present on-site. Locals said poor materials had been used from the start and had lodged verbal complaints. LGED Deputy Director Momin Mojibul Haque confirmed the allegations during his inspection and ordered the removal of substandard materials, but the directive was reportedly ignored.

The acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer warned that if the poor-quality materials were not removed, action would be taken against those responsible.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Tehran has not forgotten and will never forget what he described as the United States’ betrayal and hostility. He made the remarks on Sunday in a post on social media platform X, following discussions between Iran and the United States held in Islamabad, Pakistan. Baghaei also praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating the dialogue between the two countries.

In his message, Baghaei referred to past US and Israeli attacks against Iran, mentioning incidents from June last year and February 28 this year. He said Iranian representatives used all their strength, experience, and knowledge to defend the country’s rights and interests during the talks. He added that the grief of the Iranian people has strengthened their resolve to protect national interests.

Baghaei emphasized that nothing should stand in the way of fulfilling Iran’s historical duty to its homeland and civilization. He reaffirmed that the Islamic Republic remains determined to safeguard national interests and pursue the country’s welfare through diplomacy and all available means.

Former Speaker of the National Parliament, Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, has been granted bail in an attempted murder case filed at Lalbagh Police Station in connection with the July movement. The Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court approved her bail petition on Sunday, April 12, 2026. She had been arrested on April 7 from a relative’s residence and was sent to jail the same day.

The case originated from an incident on July 18 of the previous year, when victim Md. Ashraful, also known as Fahim, was participating in a demonstration inside the Azimpur Government Colony under Lalbagh Police Station during an anti-discrimination movement. According to the case details, shots fired by the accused caused severe injury to Ashraful’s left eye. The victim filed the attempted murder case on July 17 at Lalbagh Police Station.

The court’s decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings related to the July movement incident.

Talks between the United States and Iran concluded without any agreement, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei. The discussions, held with Pakistan’s mediation, covered the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear concerns, wartime compensation, sanctions relief, and efforts to end regional conflicts. In a post on social media platform X, Baghaei expressed Iran’s gratitude to Pakistan for organizing and facilitating the dialogue.

Baghaei stated that Iranian representatives used all their strength, experience, and knowledge to defend Tehran’s rights and interests. He emphasized that Iran remains determined to protect its national interests and welfare through diplomacy and all available means. The spokesperson also reiterated Iran’s distrust of the United States, citing past hostilities and attacks allegedly carried out by the US and Israel.

He added that the success of the diplomatic process depends on the sincerity and goodwill of the other side, and on recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights. Baghaei concluded by thanking the Pakistani government and people for their sincere efforts in advancing the talks.

The Dhaka Traffic Relief Committee, a private organization, unveiled 11 proposals aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the capital. The proposals were presented by committee president Ishaq Dulal at a press conference held at the National Press Club on Sunday. Key recommendations include canal restoration for water transport, construction of tram and ring roads, relocation of major bus terminals, and improved traffic management training. The committee also suggested launching city transport under the two city corporations, freeing sidewalks from illegal occupation, and halting gas supply to private vehicles to redirect it toward industrial production.

Citing a United Nations Development Programme report, Dulal warned that Bangladesh’s population could reach 230–250 million by 2050, with most growth occurring in urban areas, intensifying congestion if no action is taken. He noted that Dhaka’s average vehicle speed has dropped from 21 km/h in 2007–2008 to between 4.5 and 7 km/h. A CPD survey found that passengers lose 46 minutes to traffic every two hours, costing the economy an estimated 500 billion taka annually.

The committee urged the government to consider these proposals, some of which are already under partial implementation.

The Bangladesh National Parliament has formed a 10-member Library Committee during the first session of the 13th Parliament, following an order from the Speaker. The committee was officially announced on April 6 through a notice issued by the Committee Branch-2 of the Parliament Secretariat. Saied Al Noman, Member of Parliament for Chattogram-10 (Double Mooring–Pahartali–Halishahar), has been included as a member of this committee.

According to the announcement, the committee was constituted under Article 76 of the Constitution and Rule 257 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament. Barrister Kaiser Kamal, MP for Netrakona-1, will serve as the committee’s chairman. Other members include MPs from Lakshmipur-4, Mymensingh-7, Faridpur-3, Dhaka-14, Patuakhali-4, Chattogram-7, Pabna-1, and Rangpur-4. The committee’s tenure and responsibilities will be determined according to parliamentary rules.

Local leaders and residents of Chattogram-10 have expressed enthusiasm over Saied Al Noman’s inclusion, with expectations that he will contribute to modernizing the parliamentary library and promoting knowledge-based legislative practices.

Legendary Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. She was 92 years old. Hospital sources said she had been suffering from age-related ailments for several months and was admitted on Saturday with heart and respiratory complications. Her condition worsened that night, leading to her transfer to the ICU. Her son Anand Bhosle confirmed her death, and her funeral is scheduled for Monday.

Born in 1933 into the musically renowned Mangeshkar family, Asha Bhosle began her professional singing career at the age of nine and recorded her first film song in 1943. By the 1950s, she had established herself as a major voice in Bollywood, known for her versatility and distinctive style alongside her sister Lata Mangeshkar. Over her long career, she won seven Filmfare Awards for Best Female Playback Singer and two National Film Awards.

Her death marks the end of a golden era in Indian music, leaving behind a legacy that spanned decades and genres.

At least five people were killed and several others injured in an Israeli airstrike on Qana in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA). Civil Defense workers were reported to be rescuing the injured and transporting them to a hospital in the nearby city of Tyre. Al Jazeera reported that simultaneous strikes also hit other parts of Tyre district, injuring at least three more people in the Ma’raka area.

Qana has a tragic history of Israeli attacks, with deadly incidents in 1996 and 2006 still remembered by residents. The latest assault has revived memories of those earlier tragedies and heightened tensions across southern Lebanon, according to local sources.

The escalation in violence has raised concerns about further instability in the region, though no official statements on next steps were reported in the source.

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid announced that the government will distribute farmer cards without any political consideration. The initiative targets 22.7 million marginal farmers, ensuring that all eligible recipients will receive cards in phases. He made the statement on Sunday at a press conference held at the Press Information Department (PID) auditorium in Dhaka, marking the launch of the farmer card distribution program.

According to the minister, the government aims to modernize Bangladesh’s agriculture sector through a technology-driven and farmer-centered system. The farmer card will serve as a universal digital identity for each farmer, enabling access to banking and agricultural services. Accounts have already been opened through Sonali Bank, and preparations for distribution are complete. As of April 11, data from 22,065 farmers have been collected, including 20,671 marginal and small farmers, 1,303 medium farmers, and 91 large farmers.

In the pre-pilot phase, landless, marginal, and small farmers will receive annual direct cash assistance of 2,500 taka. The card will also provide access to fertilizers, seeds, irrigation, and agricultural loans at fair prices and easy terms.

The much-anticipated Iran–United States talks in Islamabad ended abruptly without any agreement, creating a major diplomatic deadlock. US Vice President JD Vance announced the failure to reach a deal at a press conference and immediately left Pakistan with his family. The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, also departed soon after. The sudden breakdown has turned global attention toward President Donald Trump’s response.

The main reason for the impasse was the US reluctance to halt Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, which Iran had made a central issue of the negotiations. Tehran also rejected Washington’s conditions regarding security in the Strait of Hormuz as unacceptable. Pakistan, acting as mediator, urged both sides to keep the dialogue open and extend the ceasefire despite the escalating tensions.

With the talks stalled, the next steps from Washington—particularly Trump’s stance on the failed negotiations and the unstable Middle East situation—have become a key focus in international politics.

Iran and the United States concluded a lengthy round of discussions in Islamabad, Pakistan, according to an announcement from the Iranian government. Following the meeting, both sides have moved the process to a technical stage, exchanging written proposals. The update was shared through a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

The post stated that after the high-level meeting in Islamabad, technical teams from both countries are now exchanging detailed proposals and expert-level drafts. It also confirmed that while some differences remain, the dialogue will continue. The discussions were part of a ten-point negotiation aimed at ending ongoing conflict, but the meeting concluded without any formal agreement.

The continuation of talks suggests both sides are maintaining diplomatic engagement despite unresolved issues, with future progress depending on the outcomes of the technical exchanges now underway.

Two Boishakhi fairs in Patiya, Chattogram, have continued past midnight despite government restrictions on electricity use due to a nationwide energy crisis. The government has shortened office hours and ordered all shops and businesses to close by 7 p.m. to conserve power. However, the fairs at Patiya Adarsha High School field and Ruku Garden Community Center have been brightly illuminated and active until late night, defying the directive.

The fairs began on April 10 and are scheduled to run daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until April 20, according to organizers. Yet, reports indicate activities continued until 10 p.m. or later. Local residents and civic representatives have criticized the extended lighting and festivities, calling them inappropriate during a period of power shortages. They argue that such events increase pressure on the electricity supply when the government is emphasizing conservation.

Organizers have defended the fairs as cultural celebrations for the local community. Some admitted to exceeding permitted hours on the first day, citing misunderstanding of the government order, and claimed to have adjusted operations afterward.

State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam announced that the process of reopening the Dinajpur Textile Mill under a public-private partnership (PPP) model has begun. He made the statement on Sunday after inspecting the mill and speaking to journalists. The mill, once a symbol of pride for the people of Dinajpur, has remained closed for a long time.

The minister explained that the government, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, had pledged in its election manifesto to revive closed industrial establishments and create new employment opportunities. As part of that commitment, initiatives have been taken to gradually reopen all closed institutions under the Ministry of Textiles and Jute. He noted that many jute and textile mills across the country have unused land, which the government plans to utilize through domestic or foreign investment.

According to the minister, the reopening of the Dinajpur Textile Mill through PPP investment will restore industrial activity in the area and generate new employment opportunities for local residents in the near future.