Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaid Islam, has traveled to Senegal to attend the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she left Dhaka on Saturday to participate in the high-level international conference scheduled to take place in Dakar from April 19 to 22, 2026.

The Dakar International Forum, launched in 2014, serves as a major platform for discussions on peace and security issues across Africa and globally. It brings together African leaders, global policymakers, defense experts, and international partners to exchange views on pressing security challenges. The forum regularly addresses topics such as terrorism, extremism, maritime security, climate change risks, and transnational crime.

During the event, Shama Obaid Islam is also expected to hold several bilateral and side meetings, where she will highlight Bangladesh’s commitment to global peace, multilateralism, and international security cooperation. She is scheduled to return home on April 24, 2026.

Faridpur-4 Member of Parliament Shahidul Islam Khan Babul called for a strong social movement to combat moral decay, drug abuse, and other social ills. He made the remarks on Saturday, April 18, at a special awareness meeting held at Sadarpur Stadium, organized by Faridpur District Police and Sadarpur Police Station. The event aimed to raise awareness against drugs, eve-teasing, online gambling, terrorism, extortion, child marriage, and suicide.

Addressing the gathering, MP Babul warned that the nation’s future would be destroyed if the youth and education system collapse. He urged young people to focus on education and stay away from harmful influences. During the meeting, he also collected opinions and suggestions from parents, students, and journalists on controlling drugs and preventing social degradation.

Faridpur Superintendent of Police Nazrul Islam, speaking as a special guest, said that drugs, eve-teasing, and child marriage are major obstacles to building a prosperous society. He emphasized that alongside legal measures, resistance must begin from every household to eliminate these crimes.

A mobile court in Raipur upazila of Lakshmipur district conducted a late-night operation at Akhon Bazar, uncovering illegal fuel storage and overpricing. The raid, held at 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, led to the seizure of approximately 350 liters of fuel from the home of a trader named Jasim, 45, who had been storing and selling fuel at inflated prices. The court fined him 20,000 taka, which was collected on the spot, and warned him against repeating such actions.

According to administrative sources, the confiscated fuel will be sold to local consumers at fair prices under government supervision, and the proceeds will be deposited into the state treasury. Members of law enforcement agencies assisted in the operation to ensure order and compliance.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mehedi Hasan Kawsar stated that similar drives will continue regularly to maintain market stability and protect consumer interests.

Police have stated that the murder of Asadul Haque, also known as Lombu Asadul, in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area was driven by prior enmity and financial disputes. According to Tejgaon Division Deputy Commissioner Md. Ibne Mizan, acquaintances lured Asadul from his home and stabbed him to death. The briefing was held on Saturday at the DMP Media Centre on Minto Road.

Following the killing, police used technology to identify suspects and arrested four people, including the main planner, from Keraniganj. The detainees are Akhtar Hossain, Md. Munna, Miraj Fakir, and Nayon alias Khokon. A switchgear and a motorcycle used in the crime were seized. Police said Akhtar had a previous altercation with Asadul that led to a case and imprisonment. After Asadul’s release, their conflict continued, culminating in the fatal attack.

A murder case has been filed by the victim’s cousin, and police are seeking remand for the suspects. Authorities also reported that Asadul had six prior cases, while the arrestees had multiple criminal records. Police plan to strengthen checkpoints and operations to prevent similar incidents.

The National Nari Shakti, an affiliated organization of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has formed a 53-member full central convening committee. The announcement was made on Saturday afternoon through a notice signed by Member Secretary Mahmuda Alam Mitu. The committee was approved by NCP Convenor Md. Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain.

Monira Sharmin has been appointed as Convenor, while Mahmuda Alam Mitu will serve as Member Secretary. Nusrat Tabassum has been named Chief Organizer. Senior Joint Convenor Sagufata Bushra Mishma and Senior Joint Member Secretary Monjila Jhuma are among the top leadership. Several others have been appointed as joint convenors, joint member secretaries, and organizers to strengthen the organization.

The committee includes eight joint chief organizers and sixteen organizers, with a total of fifty-three members. The formation aims to make the organization more dynamic under the NCP’s guidance.

Iran has maintained control over the Strait of Hormuz despite suffering naval losses from joint U.S. and Israeli strikes. Using small, fast boats collectively known as the “Mosquito Fleet,” Tehran continues to pressure U.S. forces in the region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) deploys these vessels separately from Iran’s regular navy, capable of launching drones and missiles from hidden coastal bases. On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced via social media that the strait had been fully reopened, a move welcomed by U.S. President Trump, who said American port blockades would remain until a peace deal is reached.

Experts describe the IRGC’s naval tactics as guerrilla-style, relying on surprise attacks rather than conventional warfare. Analysts note that many of the small boats are difficult to detect by satellite and can be deployed within minutes from concealed bases along Iran’s rocky coast. The IRGC’s maritime force, numbering around 50,000 personnel, operates across five sectors and maintains at least ten secret bases along the Gulf.

U.S. naval officials and analysts warn that these small, fast attack boats, along with drones and missiles, continue to pose a serious threat to commercial shipping in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Thursday that the United States and Iran remain in contact through Islamabad to arrange a second round of negotiations aimed at ending their nearly seven-week war. The ministry said no date has been set for the next meeting, though Pakistan continues to push for dialogue as the fragile ceasefire it brokered on April 8 nears expiration. Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi emphasized confidentiality and said nuclear issues remain central to the discussions.

The announcement coincided with Pakistan’s broader diplomatic outreach, dubbed the “Islamabad Process.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is touring regional capitals, including Jeddah, Doha, and Antalya, while Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir leads talks in Tehran. Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan reaffirmed Tehran’s trust in Islamabad as the sole venue for talks. Meanwhile, Turkiye is preparing to host a separate regional security platform meeting involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and possibly Egypt.

The ceasefire, still holding but under strain, is set to expire on April 22. Analysts cited in the report said extending the truce remains likely, though unresolved disputes over Lebanon and Iran’s nuclear program continue to complicate progress toward a lasting peace.

Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has concluded a three-day visit to Tehran, according to a statement from Pakistan’s military. The visit was described as part of ongoing efforts to end the war involving the United States. During his stay, Munir met with Iran’s top leadership and negotiators, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Major General Ali Abdollahi, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters.

The military statement emphasized that the visit reflected Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to facilitating a dialogue-based resolution to the Middle East conflict. It also underscored Islamabad’s desire to promote peace, stability, and prosperity across the region.

The trip highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with Iran at a time of heightened regional tensions, signaling Islamabad’s interest in supporting negotiated solutions to ongoing conflicts.

The United Nations women's agency has reported that Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip have killed an average of at least 47 women and girls every day. The report, released in Geneva, warns that this deadly trend has continued even six months after a fragile ceasefire. According to the agency, more than 38,000 women and girls were killed in Gaza between October 2023 and December 2025.

The report notes that despite the ceasefire halting two years of full-scale war, large parts of Gaza remain under Israeli military control, while Hamas maintains a presence in coastal areas. Local medical sources said more than 750 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire. UNICEF also reported that at least 214 children have died in the past six months, describing the rate of child casualties as alarming.

The UN estimates that around one million women and girls have been displaced in Gaza, with widespread infrastructure damage severely limiting access to health services. The World Health Organization said over half a million women are deprived of essential care, including maternal and reproductive health services. Agencies warned that the humanitarian crisis could worsen if current conditions persist.

A new study titled “Assistance Reduces Persistence and Hurts Independent Performance” has found that while artificial intelligence (AI) tools can boost immediate task performance, they may harm long-term cognitive abilities such as independent thinking, persistence, and problem-solving. The research, jointly conducted by teams from the United States and the United Kingdom, involved 1,222 participants across multiple randomized controlled trials. After only ten minutes of AI use, participants showed signs of dependency, and when AI assistance was withdrawn, their accuracy and willingness to continue solving problems dropped sharply.

The study used an OpenAI GPT-5-based system to assist one group in solving fraction-based math problems, while another group worked without help. When AI support was removed midway, performance among AI users declined significantly, a pattern repeated in larger follow-up tests. Co-author Rachit Dube of the University of California, Los Angeles, warned that rapid AI adoption in education could create a generation unaware of its own capabilities, potentially harming creativity and innovation.

Researchers noted a positive finding: participants who used AI for hints or explanations, rather than direct answers, maintained better independent performance. The study has not yet undergone peer review and is considered preliminary.

A police officer named Atikur Rahman, stationed at Nilphamari Police Lines, was detained on Friday night after proposing marriage to the wife of a Malaysia-based expatriate in Domar upazila. The incident occurred in Hujurpara village under Domar Sadar Union, where Atikur visited the woman’s home and made the proposal. Family members confined him inside the house, and police later rescued him after he signed a written pledge.

According to local accounts, Atikur had previously served at Domar Police Station and developed a close relationship with the woman’s in-laws, referring to them as his religious parents. This connection led to frequent visits to their home, during which he became acquainted with the woman. Four months earlier, she had gone with Atikur to Nilphamari court for legal advice about family issues, which later caused tension with her in-laws.

Domar Sadar Union Parishad Chairman Masum Ahmed confirmed the detention, stating that the family handed Atikur over to police after keeping him confined until night. Nilphamari Police Lines officials said they were aware of the incident and that Atikur had rejoined duty the following morning.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj stated that the government has taken multiple initiatives to eradicate the coaching business from the country's education system. He emphasized that the government’s stance against coaching is firm, describing it as a long-standing social problem. He made these remarks on Saturday morning after visiting the scholarship examination center at Mannan Government Primary School in Jatrabari, Dhaka.

Hajjaj mentioned that several innovations and policies have been identified to regulate coaching, and pilot implementation will begin soon. He noted that no major complaints have yet been received regarding coaching related to primary scholarship exams. The minister also said that the government plans to review the scholarship exam policy, including participation criteria and scholarship amounts.

He added that scholarship exams play an important role in motivating students and parents toward the curriculum. The government has also undertaken infrastructure development projects for schools, including classroom expansion, washroom construction, design updates, and furniture replacement, under initiatives such as the Drishtinondon Project and PDP Five.

At a conference of Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday, April 18, 2026, Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul repeatedly praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership and policies. In response, the Prime Minister, attending as the chief guest, remarked, “Minister, a little less praise,” prompting laughter and applause from the audience. The minister replied that he had only offered minimal praise.

During his speech, the health minister emphasized that ensuring public health requires collective participation and a focus on humanitarian service. He highlighted the government’s “zero tolerance” policy against irregularities and corruption, noting that the Prime Minister’s dedication to public welfare and development has made him one of the most effective political organizers.

The minister also stressed the importance of coordination with field-level doctors and improving their working conditions as a government priority. He urged attendees to work together to strengthen the Prime Minister’s leadership and dedicate themselves to public service.

Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon announced that this year’s Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations will begin on July 2. He also stated that there will be no silent expulsion or quiet dismissal during the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or equivalent exams. The announcement was made on Saturday afternoon.

According to the report, the SSC examinations for this year are scheduled to start on April 21. The Examination Management Policy 2026 has been published, outlining the responsibilities of examinees, exam procedures, duties of center secretaries and officials, disciplinary rules, penalties for cheating, and result publication guidelines. The policy was released on April 12 on the website of the Dhaka Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board.

The education ministry’s announcement confirms the exam schedule and updated management policy for 2026, aiming to ensure transparency and discipline in the national examination process.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed strong condemnation and deep concern over the abduction of a 15-year-old madrasa student in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur. The party demanded the immediate arrest and punishment of those responsible for the incident. In a statement issued to the media on Saturday, Jamaat’s Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Porwar voiced the party’s position.

According to the statement, the abduction took place on Wednesday, April 15, when armed assailants allegedly held the girl’s father, a mosque imam, at gunpoint before taking the student away. Porwar criticized the police for failing to rescue the victim or apprehend the perpetrators even after considerable time had passed. He described the incident as alarming and indicative of a serious deterioration in law and order.

Porwar further alleged that the current government has failed to ensure the safety and dignity of women and blamed law enforcement inaction for such crimes. He urged authorities to rescue the abducted girl promptly and bring the offenders to justice.