The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that more than 150 Hezbollah members were killed within 24 hours before a ceasefire agreement came into effect. In a post on Telegram, the IDF stated that the attacks were carried out across Lebanon targeting various military sites. According to the statement, around 300 military installations, including command centers and weapons depots, were struck during the operation.

The IDF also claimed that several Hezbollah commanders were among those killed in the strikes. Meanwhile, during the ceasefire period, two Israeli soldiers were reported killed in southern Lebanon over the past two days. The IDF confirmed that this brings the total number of Israeli soldiers killed since the conflict began to 15.

The report, citing the BBC, did not provide independent verification of the Israeli claims or details about Hezbollah’s response to the attacks.

A college student was killed and at least 30 others injured in a violent clash between two groups over possession of government land in Begumpur village of Nabiganj upazila, Habiganj, on Sunday morning. The deceased, Manjur Mia, 23, was a first-year BA student at Nabiganj Government Degree College and son of Khalilur Rahman. Police said the situation was brought under control and the body was sent to the morgue.

According to local sources, Khalilur Rahman had long been living on the government land, which another group led by Helal Mia and Moniruzzaman attempted to seize. The longstanding dispute escalated when Helal and Moniruzzaman’s men allegedly tried to occupy the land with weapons, triggering the clash. Manjur and about 20 others were injured, and he was declared dead at Nabiganj Upazila Health Complex.

Police have deployed additional forces in the area and launched an operation to arrest those involved. The investigation officer confirmed that the situation remains under control.

Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Iran will not withdraw its decision to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed if the United States continues its naval blockade. He mentioned that the ongoing talks between the two sides are stuck on only a few issues, though he did not specify what those issues are or how significant they might be.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump expressed optimism about ending the conflict, saying that the discussions between the two sides have gone well and that he believes an agreement will be reached. However, just hours before his remarks, reports emerged that a ship in the Strait of Hormuz had come under fire from Iranian gunboats.

The situation highlights the fragile state of negotiations and the persistent tension in the region, with both sides maintaining firm positions despite diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has called for transforming the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) into a truly representative, effective, and non-political organization for the country’s business community. He made the remarks on Sunday, April 19, during a meeting with business leaders at the Ministry of Commerce conference room.

The minister emphasized that FBCCI must play a stronger and more active role in protecting business interests and presenting their demands to the government. He said the organization should exert constructive pressure when necessary to secure policy support but must not be used for political purposes. Muktadir added that FBCCI should serve as a collective platform for all entrepreneurs and act as a supportive force to the ministry by providing practical policy input.

He assured business leaders of the government’s commitment to a business-friendly environment and announced that the new import policy is in its final stage. Separate committees will also be formed with business representatives to simplify services in the textile, jute, industry, and commerce ministries.

The Malacca Strait, one of the world’s most vital maritime routes linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans, has reemerged as a focal point of global attention amid geopolitical tensions. The renewed concern follows a US proposal seeking broader permission to operate military aircraft over Indonesian airspace after a recent defense agreement. Indonesia’s foreign ministry confirmed the proposal remains under consideration. Experts warn that such moves could reshape regional stability and influence global trade dynamics.

Researchers note that the Malacca Strait handles nearly one-third of global trade, including 29 percent of seaborne oil and large volumes of liquefied natural gas, electronics, and vehicles. The area also faces persistent threats from piracy and natural disasters. Analysts emphasize that while immediate disruptions to shipping are unlikely, long-term risks could emerge if major powers such as China perceive expanded US presence as a strategic challenge.

The so-called “Malacca Dilemma” underscores China’s heavy reliance on this route for energy imports and trade. Experts suggest that instead of reducing dependence, China is focusing on managing and expanding its influence across the South China Sea and adjacent maritime corridors.

A large-scale measles vaccination campaign has begun in Chandpur, aiming to immunize 321,000 children aged six months to five years. The program will continue until April 25, with an official inauguration scheduled at 10 a.m. on Monday at the District Collectorate School by Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik, Member of Parliament for Chandpur Sadar.

Ahead of the campaign, a press conference was held at the Chandpur Press Club, where Dr. Md. Rafiqul Hasan Faisal, the Upazila Family Planning Officer, explained the symptoms and transmission risks of measles. He emphasized that the virus spreads rapidly and poses serious danger to young children, urging parents to ensure timely vaccination. To support the effort, 2,424 vaccination centers have been set up across the district, staffed by 313 teams.

Local journalists, including the president and former leaders of the Chandpur Press Club, attended the briefing and shared their views and suggestions regarding the campaign’s implementation.

Two sections of the Jamuna Riverbank protection area in Kazipur, Sirajganj, collapsed into the river on Friday night during the dry season. Locals blamed the erosion on illegal sand extraction using dredger machines in several nearby areas, including Kazipur Eco Park, Palashpur Ghat, Meghai Ghat, and Dhekuriya. The sudden collapse has caused widespread concern among residents living near the river.

According to the Water Development Board, the western bank protection work was completed in 2014 using stone blocks and sandbags. The recent collapse has raised fears of further damage to Meghai embankment, croplands, and nearby structures. Locals reported that around 40 sand points in Kazipur are now controlled by political groups, with large-scale sand trading continuing daily despite the absence of legal leases.

Officials from the Water Development Board and the Upazila administration stated that sandbags are being placed at the collapsed sites and that actions are being taken against illegal sand extraction. They assured that monitoring is ongoing and that no one will be allowed to extract sand in ways that damage the embankment.

Indonesia’s National Human Rights Commission announced it is investigating the deaths of 12 civilians, including women and children, during a military operation in the restive Papua region. The incident occurred on Tuesday in Kemburu village, Central Papua, where the armed forces conducted what they described as a law enforcement operation against the TPNPB-OPM rebel group. Several others were also reported injured.

Commission chief Anis Hidayah told AFP that there is strong suspicion Indonesian soldiers were responsible. The military has not commented on the matter. Local media cited the army’s Habema Task Force as saying its troops killed four members of the separatist movement in a clash and were separately investigating the fatal shooting of a child in another village.

Komnas HAM, which operates independently within Indonesia’s state structure, stated that civilian casualties in any operation are unacceptable and constitute violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. The commission urged all sides to exercise restraint and called on the military to reconsider its operations against Papuan insurgents.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku has called for increased foreign investment to enhance development and production in Bangladesh’s fisheries and livestock sector. He made the appeal on Sunday during a courtesy meeting with Shibli Alam, the Civic Mayor of Tameside Council in Manchester, England, at his office in Dhaka.

During the meeting, the state minister highlighted the longstanding partnership and mutual understanding between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. He urged British investors to expand their investments in Bangladesh to further strengthen bilateral relations. Mayor Shibli Alam raised several issues faced by businesspeople investing in Bangladesh, and the minister assured that existing problems would be resolved promptly.

Both sides discussed organizing a joint working group meeting to expand economic and trade relations between the two countries. The minister expressed optimism that through joint initiatives and coordinated efforts, Bangladesh and the UK would elevate their investment and trade cooperation to new heights.

The Imam-Ulama Council has initiated a plan to establish an Islamic University (Jamia) on abandoned land valued at Tk 500 crore in the suburban area of Gaibandha. On April 16, the council submitted an application to the district commissioner seeking allocation of 20 bighas of recovered land from a 60-bigha abandoned plot in Gobindpur mouza under Gaibandha Sadar police station. The proposed university will operate under the supervision of the Bangladesh Qawmi Madrasa Education Board and focus on higher studies in Hadith, Islamic law, and Tafsir.

According to the application, the project also includes plans for skill development training, a drug rehabilitation center, a large Eidgah ground, a Tablighi center, and other religious and social facilities. Hundreds of local worshippers signed a public petition supporting the initiative, which was formally submitted to the district administration. The district commissioner reportedly welcomed the proposal and assured necessary administrative action after field verification.

The land in question has remained unutilized for 17 years despite previous administrative investigations and media reports since 2009. The council now seeks official allocation to develop the proposed Islamic University and associated institutions.

Md. Babul Mia, a 34-year-old from Paniumdah village in Habiganj’s Nabiganj upazila, described his harrowing experience during the recent conflict in Iran. Having moved to Oman in 2019 and later entering Iran illegally, he worked at a steel company in Hasinabad near Tehran. When fighting erupted on February 28, he and his coworkers endured continuous missile strikes, food shortages, and communication blackouts for weeks. Babul said he survived on dry food for 20 days, trapped amid collapsing buildings and constant air raid sirens.

He recalled that the area around his workplace suffered heavy bombardment, including an attack that killed 166 schoolchildren. With assistance from the Bangladesh Embassy, Babul eventually crossed into Azerbaijan and returned home to Bangladesh on April 15, 2026. He expressed gratitude to embassy officials who coordinated their evacuation through multiple cities and arranged a special flight to Dhaka.

Babul said he remains deeply shaken by the destruction he witnessed and uncertain about how Iran will recover from the devastation he left behind.

Security sources in Pakistan have indicated that new talks between the United States and Iran may begin before Friday. Two unnamed sources told Al Jazeera that several recent developments suggest this possibility. A US C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft reportedly landed at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, near Islamabad, while roads leading to the capital’s Red Zone were temporarily closed, signaling tight security measures.

The sources also said that guests were being evacuated from Islamabad’s Serena and Marriott hotels, and no new bookings were being accepted until Friday. The first round of US-Iran discussions had taken place at the Serena Hotel on April 11. Analysts believe these preparations point to renewed diplomatic activity, although no official schedule for the talks has yet been announced.

The developments suggest that Pakistan may again serve as a venue for sensitive diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran, pending formal confirmation from either side.

A Bangladeshi expatriate named Alamgir Hossain, aged 28, from Batta village in Kargaon Union of Katiadi upazila, Kishoreganj, was killed in a road accident in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday morning. According to his younger brother Rubel Mia, Alamgir had gone to Saudi Arabia about one and a half years ago to improve his family’s financial condition and was employed as a laborer at Al Liyan Company. He died on the spot after being hit from behind by a car while on his way to work. The company supervisor confirmed the news of his death to the family over the phone.

Alamgir’s wife Jesmin Akter, along with his parents and local residents, have appealed to the concerned government authorities to assist in repatriating his body and to ensure compensation for the bereaved family. The report did not mention any official response or further details about the repatriation process.

The government of Bangladesh has appointed three retired officials to secretary-level positions on a one-year contractual basis as part of an administrative reshuffle. The Ministry of Public Administration issued separate notifications on Saturday night confirming the appointments.

According to the notifications, Dr. Mohammad Zakaria has been appointed Director General of the NGO Affairs Bureau under the Prime Minister’s Office, Md. Abdullah Al Baki has been made Chairman of the Land Appeal Board, and Safiz Uddin Ahmed has been appointed Administrator of the Waqf Administration under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Each appointment carries the rank of secretary and will be effective for one year from the date of joining.

The appointments were made under Section 49 of the Government Service Act, 2018, which requires the appointees to relinquish any professional or institutional affiliations before assuming their new roles.

Water Resources Minister Md. Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee stated that resolving waterlogging in Dhaka and across Bangladesh cannot be achieved in a short time. He made the remark on Sunday afternoon after a meeting with the Prime Minister at the Secretariat, emphasizing that the government remains committed to addressing the issue.

The minister explained that the government has undertaken a canal excavation program aimed at reducing waterlogging and ensuring irrigation for agriculture. As part of this initiative, canal excavation programs will be inaugurated in Jashore district on April 27 and in Sylhet on May 2.

These measures are part of ongoing government efforts to improve water management and mitigate flooding problems in both urban and rural areas.