Bangladesh has made a strong start at the South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship, winning a total of eight medals within the first three days of the tournament. The team has so far earned one gold, one silver, and six bronze medals. On Friday alone, Bangladesh collected one silver and five bronze medals. Earlier, the under-19 boys’ team won gold in the team event, while the under-19 girls’ team finished third in their group to claim bronze.

In individual events, top Bangladeshi player Khoy Khoy Sai Marma advanced to the quarterfinals after finishing as group runner-up in the under-19 girls’ singles. In the under-19 boys’ singles, Nafiz Iqbal and Abul Hashem Hasib also reached the quarterfinals. The under-15 boys’ singles player Md. Midul Rahman advanced to the pre-quarterfinals. Bangladesh also secured medals in doubles and mixed doubles across multiple age categories.

The early medal haul highlights Bangladesh’s growing strength in youth table tennis, with players aiming to maintain momentum and achieve further success in the remaining matches.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman returned to the country on Friday after completing his official visit to the United States. During the trip, he participated in several programs in the state of Georgia and met with key officials. The visit was confirmed in a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday.

As part of the visit, the state of Georgia presented a special resolution to General Waker-Uz-Zaman in recognition of the commendable contributions of Bangladeshi peacekeepers to United Nations peacekeeping missions. In addition, bilateral meetings were held with important figures to discuss various issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and the United States.

The ISPR statement highlighted that the engagements during the visit reflected ongoing cooperation and shared interests between the two nations in defense and peacekeeping matters.

Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has sharply criticized the Indian central government for allowing former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to remain in Delhi for about one and a half years. Speaking ahead of the West Bengal elections, Banerjee questioned why Hasina continues to be sheltered in India and suggested that powerful industrial interests might be influencing the decision.

He implied that Hasina’s stay in India may not be purely diplomatic but could involve deeper economic motives. Banerjee directly asked whether major business groups such as Adani or Ambani were being protected through this arrangement. He accused the Modi government of prioritizing corporate interests over public welfare and using Hasina’s presence as a political shield in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.

Banerjee further argued that the government should focus on domestic issues like unemployment and inflation instead of hosting foreign leaders at public expense. His remarks have sparked debate over India’s foreign policy and the relationship between political power and corporate influence.

Bangladeshi fast bowler Nahid Rana delivered a standout performance in his second Pakistan Super League (PSL) match on Thursday, helping Peshawar Zalmi secure a record-breaking victory over Karachi Kings in Karachi. After a forgettable debut where he conceded 30 runs in three overs, Nahid bounced back impressively, taking three wickets for just seven runs in four overs, including one maiden over.

Peshawar Zalmi, batting first after losing the toss, posted a massive total of 246 for three wickets, powered by a century from Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis (109) and an 87-run innings from captain Babar Azam. In reply, Karachi Kings were bowled out for only 87 runs, with Nahid Rana and spinners Iftikhar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqim leading the attack. The 159-run margin marked the largest victory by runs in PSL history.

The result highlighted Nahid Rana’s rapid improvement and reinforced Peshawar Zalmi’s strong position in the tournament after a dominant all-round display.

A madrasa teacher from Gabbaria village in Barishal’s Uzirpur upazila has demanded a proper investigation into her husband’s mysterious death. On Friday, Sarmin Akter Nipa held a press conference at her brother’s house in the Dakbangla area, accompanied by her two sons. She said her husband, Mohammad Shahjahan Hawlader Suman, 44, was found dead on April 6 at their home in Uttarkhan, Dhaka. Returning from work that morning, she found the door open and her husband unresponsive inside. Neighbors later declared him dead.

Nipa alleged that despite her request, locals refused to take her husband to the hospital and instead arranged for a quick funeral. After informing her mother-in-law, she and her children were allegedly attacked by in-laws, who expressed suspicion over the death. She filed a general diary with police, and the body was buried after official procedures.

She further claimed her husband had long struggled with drug addiction, leading to family disputes, and suspected that one of his drug-using friends might be involved. Nipa urged authorities to uncover the truth and condemned what she described as propaganda and conspiracy against her.

Top leaders from the United States and Iran are set to meet in Islamabad on Saturday, April 11, 2026, for diplomatic talks aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East. Pakistan is hosting and mediating the meeting, which is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the region’s future. The White House confirmed that discussions will begin in the morning, focusing primarily on achieving a ceasefire.

The US delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance, joined by President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran’s team will be headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif may hold separate meetings with both sides beforehand, while Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to act as mediator.

Security in Islamabad has been tightened significantly, with major roads closed and media access restricted. The talks will center on Iran’s ten-point proposal and a possible fifteen-point US counterproposal addressing military presence, nuclear programs, and regional stability.

The Forest Department recovered three locally made guns and four cartridges during a raid in the Sundarbans near Satkhira on Friday morning. The operation took place in the Bainatola area of Kanchir Khal under the Kobadak Station of the Satkhira Range. No suspects were detained during the operation.

According to Forest Department sources, forest guards noticed suspicious movement during a routine patrol and chased suspected forest robbers, who fled the scene. A subsequent search led to the recovery of the abandoned firearms and ammunition. Fazlul Haque, an officer at the Burigoalini Forest Station, said the department remains firm in its stance against forest crimes and has intensified regular patrols and special operations to protect forest resources and wildlife.

The recovered weapons and ammunition are in the process of being handed over to the police for further action.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that two major conditions remain unfulfilled, preventing the start of talks with the United States. In a post on social media platform X, he said both sides had agreed on two preconditions: implementing a ceasefire in Lebanon and releasing Iran’s frozen assets. Ghalibaf emphasized that these must be met before any negotiations can begin.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance has departed for Pakistan and expressed optimism about the upcoming discussions. Although not officially confirmed, reports suggest that Ghalibaf may join Iran’s negotiating team. Iranian state media claimed that Israel has agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon, but no official confirmation has been received from Israel.

The situation underscores the fragile diplomatic environment surrounding the anticipated Iran–US meeting, with both sides signaling conditions and expectations ahead of formal engagement.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of Bangladesh’s Revolutionary Workers Party, stated that unplanned evictions of street vendors have created a humanitarian crisis. He made the remarks on Friday at the party’s central committee meeting of the Revolutionary Workers Solidarity held at its office in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. Haque said that the eviction drives in Dhaka and other cities without rehabilitation measures have left thousands of families in distress, destroying the small capitals of many livelihoods.

He urged the city corporations and relevant ministries to consider the livelihoods and human dignity of working people when planning urban policies. Haque emphasized that millions of laborers form the foundation of the cities through their hard work and that their displacement could lead to broader social crises if alternative livelihoods are not arranged.

The meeting was presided over by Mir Mofazzal Hossain Moshtaq, president of the Revolutionary Workers Solidarity, and was attended by party leaders including Akbar Khan, Mahmud Hossain, Abul Kalam Azad, Saiful Islam, and Firoz Ali.

Dhaka Premier League (DPL) is set to resume on May 5 under the leadership of newly appointed ad-hoc committee president Tamim Iqbal. Within two days of assuming office, Tamim confirmed the league’s restart after discussions with club representatives. Due to time constraints, this year’s competition will be held in a single-league format without a Super League phase. Player transfers are scheduled for next week, and preparations are also underway to resume the third division league soon.

The previous board, led by Aminul Islam Bulbul, had organized the first and second division leagues, but not all teams participated, leading to frustration among players. The uncertainty over the DPL’s start had caused concern, particularly as the league represents the main income source for players outside the national team. The new board’s swift action has brought relief and optimism among cricketers.

Players such as pacer Robiul Islam and former national cricketer Dollar Mahmud expressed satisfaction over the league’s return, emphasizing its importance for both players’ livelihoods and the overall development of Bangladesh cricket.

Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman claimed that the outcome of the recent election was determined behind the scenes through manipulation and blackmailing. Speaking at a press briefing on Friday evening after walking out of the parliamentary session, he alleged that the election’s integrity was compromised and that evidence of such manipulation had surfaced in two recent elections. He also criticized a minister’s remarks and questioned the legitimacy of the electoral process.

Dr. Rahman detailed that since the parliament session began on March 12, 133 ordinances from the interim government were tabled, which by rule must be resolved within 30 calendar days. A special committee was formed with members from both government and opposition, but he said the ruling party finalized a report without informing opposition members, eroding trust. He further alleged that key bills related to national security and citizens’ interests were ignored and allowed to lapse.

He accused the government of breaking promises made in parliament and undermining democratic norms. Rahman reaffirmed that his party would continue its struggle to protect citizens’ rights and uphold the people’s mandate.

US Vice President JD Vance has departed for Islamabad to lead the American delegation in the upcoming United States–Iran dialogue scheduled for Saturday. The talks are taking place during a two-week temporary ceasefire between the two sides, marking one of the most challenging diplomatic tests since Vance assumed office.

According to the report, Vance faces the complex task of balancing multiple interests, including those of President Donald Trump, Tehran, Israel, and US allies, while also managing pressure from domestic supporters opposed to foreign interventions. The discussions aim to explore a lasting resolution that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize oil prices, though such an outcome remains uncertain.

Before leaving Washington, Vance stated that President Trump had given the delegation clear instructions for the negotiations. However, no details about those directives or the potential results of the talks have been disclosed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expelled Spain from a civil-military coordination center established to implement the Gaza ceasefire. The center, located in Kiryat Gat, was formed as part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan. Netanyahu announced the decision on April 10, 2026, citing Spain’s repeated criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Lebanon.

In a statement, Netanyahu accused Spain of spreading falsehoods about the Israeli army, which he described as the world’s most moral force. He said Israel would not remain silent against countries that attack it diplomatically and warned that such hostility would have consequences. The move follows Spain’s strong condemnation of Israel’s policies and military operations in the region.

Observers view this expulsion as a sign of escalating diplomatic strain between Israel and Spain, potentially affecting broader international relations surrounding the Gaza ceasefire process.

Attorney General Barrister Ruhul Kudduz stated that the government is continuously working to ensure the independence of the judiciary and uphold citizens’ constitutional right to justice. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon while speaking to journalists after a meeting with local dignitaries at the Dak Bungalow hall in Maheshpur, Jhenaidah.

He emphasized that establishing justice is a constitutional commitment and that judicial independence is a cornerstone of a democratic state. The Attorney General said the government has taken steps to improve court infrastructure, increase the number of judges, and reduce case backlogs. He added that initiatives are underway to modernize and digitize the judicial process to make legal services more accessible to the public.

Local lawyers, professionals, and community representatives attended the meeting and expressed their views on the justice system, welcoming the government’s initiatives to strengthen judicial independence and ensure fair justice.

The Bangladesh Parliament has passed an amendment to the July Uprising Memorial Museum Ordinance, allowing the Minister or State Minister for Cultural Affairs to serve as the chairperson of the museum’s governing board. The bill was approved on Friday through a voice vote, following a proposal by ruling party MP Anichur Rahman. Opposition lawmakers walked out, accusing the government of breaking a prior agreement to pass 98 ordinances without changes.

Previously, the ordinance required that the board be chaired by a distinguished expert in education, history, literature, or culture. The amendment replaces that provision, transferring leadership to the cultural affairs minister. It also empowers the government to remove any board member and eliminates the fixed three-year term for the chairperson. Former interim government adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, who currently holds the chair as an expert, will lose his position once the law takes effect.

Opposition MPs protested the move, claiming it places the museum under direct government control. The Speaker and ministers defended the amendment as a legitimate parliamentary process, though some acknowledged that the prior committee understanding had been disrupted.