U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly announced that the Strait of Hormuz would be 'permanently open,' only hours after imposing a naval blockade on Iran. Trump said the decision followed a secret discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping, claiming China agreed to halt arms supplies to Iran. Posting on his Truth Social account, Trump stated that China was pleased with the move and that it served both nations and the world. He added that Xi would give him a 'warm embrace' at their upcoming meeting and that both countries were working well together.

Earlier, Trump had ordered the blockade to pressure Iran back into negotiations. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil routes, carrying about one-fifth of global crude supplies. Iran responded by disrupting shipping and pressuring oil tankers, triggering volatility in global energy markets and rising fuel prices in the United States. The U.S. military reportedly halted six oil tankers within 24 hours.

Beijing criticized the blockade as 'dangerous and irresponsible,' while a mid-May summit in Beijing is planned to address trade tariffs and critical minerals. It remains unclear whether Trump’s new declaration takes immediate effect or forms part of ongoing peace talks.

Three ships carrying diesel and jet fuel arrived at Chattogram port this week, according to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC). The MT Great Princess from Singapore began unloading around 11,000 tons of jet fuel at Dolphin Jetty-6 on Tuesday morning. Two other vessels, MT Lucia Solis and MT Torm Damini, transported diesel from Malaysia, with unloading operations completed between Tuesday night and Wednesday.

The Indonesia-flagged MT Lucia Solis arrived at the port late Tuesday with about 34,000 tons of diesel and later docked at Dolphin Jetty-5 after partial offloading through lighterage. The Denmark-flagged MT Torm Damini, carrying around 32,000 tons of diesel, began unloading at the outer anchorage before reaching Dolphin Jetty-6 on Wednesday. Both ships departed Malaysia on April 9.

BPC officials explained that due to depth limitations at Chattogram port, large vessels must first discharge part of their cargo at the outer anchorage before docking at the jetty to complete unloading.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that China has agreed not to send weapons to Iran. According to the report, Trump had earlier sent a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping, urging Beijing not to supply arms to Tehran. The claim follows a statement from a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, who dismissed media reports that China was preparing to deliver a new air defense system to Iran as completely fabricated.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said China was pleased with his decision to permanently open the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as beneficial for both China and the world. He added that the United States and China were working together intelligently and effectively, emphasizing that cooperation was preferable to conflict.

The report, citing BBC as its source, did not include any official confirmation from Chinese or Iranian authorities beyond the spokesperson’s denial of the arms supply report.

Seventeen officers holding the rank of Additional Deputy Inspector General (DIG) have been transferred under a government order issued on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The officers, who were previously serving as Superintendents of Police in various units after being promoted to supernumerary Additional DIG positions, were reassigned through a notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs signed by Deputy Secretary Tawsif Ahmed. The order was issued by the President’s directive.

According to the notification, the transfers include Mohammad Anwar Hossain from the Industrial Police to the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), Kamrul Hasan Mahmud within the Special Branch (SB), Tofayel Ahmed within Rangpur Metropolitan Police, and several others reassigned within their respective units or to the Police Headquarters. The reshuffle affects officers from units such as the CID, SB, CMP, RMP, and DMP.

The order stated that the transfers were made in the public interest and would take immediate effect.

Professor Dr. Abdus Salam of the Department of Chemistry has been appointed as the new Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) of the University of Dhaka. The appointment was made on April 13, 2026, with the approval of the President and Chancellor under Article 13(1) of the Dhaka University Order, 1973. He formally assumed office on April 15, 2026, during a virtual ceremony attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha, deans, provosts, directors, and faculty members.

Vice-Chancellor Obaidul Islam welcomed the new Pro-Vice Chancellor and emphasized the importance of academic excellence, transparency, and accountability. He praised Professor Salam’s academic experience and expressed confidence that the university’s education system would advance under his leadership. Professor Bidisha described the appointment as timely and said it would bring new momentum to education and research.

In his remarks, Professor Abdus Salam expressed gratitude and pledged to uphold the university’s reputation through dedication and integrity. He requested colleagues to refrain from offering flowers or gifts and sought everyone’s cooperation in fulfilling his responsibilities.

The Government of Bangladesh has cancelled the names of 6,476 individuals found to be falsely listed as freedom fighters. Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan disclosed the information in parliament on April 15, 2026, during a session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. The cancellations were made following investigations by the National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA), which identified non-freedom fighters included in the gazette, red Muktibarta, and Indian lists.

The minister stated that identifying false claimants is an ongoing process. Complaints are investigated, and necessary actions are taken against those proven to have submitted fake information. Since August 2024, 842 complaints have been received, and 481 names have been recommended for final cancellation after verification. The process applies uniformly across all regions, including Rangpur-4.

Khan added that JAMUKA subcommittees conduct hearings and investigations before recommending cancellation of certificates and benefits. The ministry aims to make the lists more transparent through continued scrutiny based on specific complaints.

Iran’s military has warned that it may close trade routes in the Red Sea if the United States continues its naval blockade around Iranian ports. The statement was broadcast on Iran’s state television, where Ali Abdollahi, head of the Central Command Center of Iran’s armed forces, declared that the Islamic Republic’s military would not allow any imports or exports through the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, or the Red Sea.

Abdollahi described the U.S. naval blockade as a violation of the ceasefire and said Iran would take decisive action to protect its national sovereignty and interests. The warning marks an escalation in tensions between Tehran and Washington over maritime control and regional security.

The statement, reported by Al Jazeera, underscores Iran’s readiness to expand its response beyond the Persian Gulf, potentially affecting global trade routes if the standoff continues.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced that effective measures have been taken to start the operations of the international payment gateway PayPal in Bangladesh. He made the statement on Wednesday, April 15, during the question-and-answer session in the National Parliament. The Prime Minister said that a committee has already been formed to ensure the effective operation of high-tech parks and ICT centers and to facilitate the launch of PayPal’s services in the country.

According to the source, PayPal had previously expressed interest in operating in Bangladesh, most recently during the tenure of the interim government. In December of the previous year, then Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur stated that PayPal would begin operations in Bangladesh. He explained that the initiative aims to make transactions easier for freelancers, e-commerce entrepreneurs, and the IT sector. During that period, PayPal’s South Asia team, based in Singapore, also held meetings with Bangladeshi freelancers and the ICT Division.

The announcement signals renewed government efforts to expand digital payment infrastructure and support the country’s growing freelance and technology sectors.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan announced that the government will build modern multipurpose examination centers in every upazila across Bangladesh. He made the statement on Wednesday in Sylhet during a meeting with exam center secretaries. The minister said that public examinations often disrupt regular classes, and separate exam centers would help save students’ valuable academic time. He noted that the current exam system causes students to lose nearly two years of their educational life, hindering the country’s demographic dividend.

Discussing broader education reforms, the minister said the government aims to allocate 5 percent of GDP to the education sector, focusing on both infrastructure and quality improvement. He mentioned the installation of CCTV cameras in classrooms and urged lawmakers to monitor local educational institutions. He also said that English-medium schools must operate under government policy, with a regulatory board being developed for accountability.

The minister added that efforts are underway to resolve head teacher recruitment issues in primary schools, with plans to hire about 60,000 teachers soon. Retired teachers will also be engaged part-time through a new pool system.

The Bangladesh government has enforced a 58-day ban on all types of fishing in the country’s maritime boundary of the Bay of Bengal, starting Wednesday, April 15, and continuing until midnight on June 11. The measure aims to conserve marine fish resources and ensure sustainable harvesting. The Department of Fisheries and local administrations, including those in Bhola district, have taken extensive preparations to implement the restriction.

According to the Bhola District Fisheries Office, about 63,954 registered sea-going fishermen across seven upazilas will be affected, with the highest number in Charfassion. To mitigate hardship, each registered fisherman will receive 77 kilograms of VGF rice as government assistance. Fishermen have already begun returning to shore with their nets and trawlers in compliance with the ban.

Local fishermen have urged authorities to strengthen patrols and operations during the ban to prevent foreign fishermen from entering Bangladesh’s waters. Officials stated that awareness campaigns and food aid distribution have been arranged to support compliance and enforcement.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer and former Islami Chhatra Shibir secretary general Mohammad Shishir Monir announced that the Jamaat-e-Islami-supported 'Green Panel' will not participate in the upcoming Dhaka Bar Association election, calling it a rigged process. He made the statement at a press conference held on April 15, 2026, at the Dhaka Bar premises, where he alleged that the election commission had been unfairly formed to favor one panel.

Monir claimed that out of 11 commission members, 10 were selected from a single panel, violating the association’s tradition of equal representation. He demanded a transparent, digital vote-counting process and equal participation in commission formation. He warned that if the current setup continued, the Green Panel would boycott the election, insisting on a fair and inclusive process.

The Dhaka Bar Association election is scheduled for April 29–30, 2026, with around 30,000 lawyers eligible to vote for 23 executive committee positions. The current ad hoc committee, formed by BNP- and Jamaat-aligned lawyers after the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, is overseeing the association’s activities.

Iran has confirmed that message exchanges have continued since discussions held in Islamabad. At a press conference, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that since Sunday, Iran has been receiving regular messages from Pakistani mediators and has clearly presented its position. He also accused the international community of engaging in terrorism under the pretext of Iran’s nuclear program.

Baghaei added that there is a strong possibility a Pakistani delegation will visit Iran to maintain the momentum of the talks. He suggested that the ongoing diplomatic communication could pave the way for future negotiations between the two countries.

The statements highlight Tehran’s emphasis on sustained dialogue with Islamabad and its intent to keep diplomatic channels open following the recent discussions.

Top leaders of the eleven-party alliance have called a meeting to determine the next phase of their ongoing movement. The meeting will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Al-Falah Auditorium in Moghbazar, Dhaka. Following the meeting, a press briefing is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. at the same venue. The information was confirmed by Dr. Hamidur Rahman Azad, coordinator of the alliance and assistant secretary general of Jamaat-e-Islami.

Before this announcement, the alliance carried out a week-long series of programs from April 9 to April 15 across the country. These included leaflet distribution, public outreach, demonstrations in all metropolitan and district areas, and a national seminar in Dhaka. The programs were organized to press for the implementation of a referendum verdict.

The upcoming meeting is expected to finalize new programs following the completion of the previous week-long campaign, marking the next step in the alliance’s political activities.

According to a report by The Washington Post, the United States is preparing to send thousands more military personnel to the Middle East within the next few days. The move is described as part of the Trump administration’s effort to increase pressure on Iran to reach an agreement. The report cited U.S. officials familiar with the deployment plan.

Reuters also reported on the story, noting that it has not yet independently verified the accuracy of The Washington Post’s claims. The report was further referenced by BBC sources. The development comes amid ongoing regional tensions and diplomatic discussions involving Iran and neighboring countries.

No official confirmation or detailed timeline has been provided regarding the troop deployment, leaving uncertainty about the exact scale and objectives of the operation.

Bangladesh Bank has resumed purchasing US dollars from the market after a one-and-a-half-month pause. On Wednesday, the central bank bought USD 700 million from a commercial bank at a rate of 122.75 taka per dollar. The last such purchase occurred on March 2, when it acquired USD 250 million from two banks. Executive Director and spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan confirmed the transaction.

From July to April 15 of the current fiscal year, the central bank has purchased a total of USD 5.56 billion. The increase in remittance inflows has prompted banks to sell dollars to the central bank. During the first 14 days of April, remittances reached USD 1.6 billion, marking a 25 percent rise compared to the same period last year. Since the beginning of the fiscal year, total remittances have amounted to USD 27.81 billion, up 20.6 percent year-on-year.

The combined effect of higher remittances and dollar purchases has strengthened Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves, which now stand at USD 34.66 billion, or USD 29.97 billion under the IMF’s BPM6 calculation method.