A 21-hour closed-door meeting between the United States and Iran in Islamabad ended without any agreement to halt ongoing hostilities. The failure of the high-level talks has placed the fragile ceasefire between the two nations at serious risk. Both Washington and Tehran blamed each other for the breakdown, with US Vice President JD Vance calling the outcome a major setback for Iran.

Iran’s foreign ministry described the failure as expected, noting that it was unrealistic to resolve all issues in a single session. The conflict, now in its 44th day, has already claimed thousands of lives, most of them Iranian civilians. The war has also driven global oil and gas prices sharply higher, creating new strains on the world economy.

Despite the setback, Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar said his country would continue mediating between the two long-time rivals. Analysts warned that the collapse of the talks could prolong instability in the Middle East, with direct consequences for global politics and economic stability.

Iran has launched an extensive repair initiative to restore oil refineries and distribution centers damaged in recent Israeli attacks. Deputy Oil Minister Mohammad Sadegh Azimifar told SNN News Agency that the government targets recovering 70 to 80 percent of its energy production and distribution capacity within the next two months. The affected infrastructure includes refineries, transmission lines, oil depots, and aircraft refueling centers across the country.

To overcome the widespread damage, Iran has deployed special teams to clear debris and replace destroyed equipment. Priority is being given to the Lavan Island refinery in the Persian Gulf, where partial operations are expected to resume within ten days if the plan proceeds as scheduled.

Analysts cited in the report said the attacks on the oil sector pose a major challenge to Iran’s economy, but the government’s restoration plan reflects its determination to safeguard national energy security.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of beginning its parliamentary journey through deception and betrayal of the people by not taking the oath of the Constitutional Reform Council. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon at a meeting with July martyrs’ families and July fighters organized by the 11-Party Alliance at the Diploma Engineers Auditorium in Kakrail, Dhaka.

Dr. Rahman alleged that the BNP used its two-thirds majority to repeal several ordinances, including the referendum ordinance and others related to public interest and security. In protest, his party walked out of parliament. He stated that BNP stands for fascism, while his alliance stands against it. He also claimed that necessary documents were not provided before the passage of several bills and accused the ruling party of attempting to blackmail the opposition.

He added that the opposition would remain in parliament as long as it could fight but would return to the streets if necessary to continue the struggle for people’s rights and the fall of fascism.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam announced that sixteen ordinances previously annulled will later be reintroduced as bills in the national parliament. He made the statement on Sunday at the Speaker’s office in the National Parliament Building after the oath-taking ceremony of two newly elected members. The Chief Whip said the BNP aims to build a humane and welfare-oriented state and currently holds 210 parliamentary seats. He added that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged everyone not to take the law into their own hands and to report problems to the administration.

According to Nurul Islam, a special parliamentary committee reviewed 133 ordinances issued during the interim period, recommending the passage of 98 without changes and 15 with amendments. Of the remaining 20, four were canceled and sixteen were proposed to be reintroduced as stronger bills. He noted that 117 ordinances were passed within five days, calling it a record pace, though he expressed disappointment at the opposition’s walkout on the final day.

The session also saw the passage of multiple development, financial, and cultural bills, including those concerning urban development authorities, banking, education, and cybersecurity.

Two fuel-carrying vessels, Central Star and MEI, arrived at Chattogram Port on April 12, 2026. The unloading process began at noon, confirmed by the port authority’s secretary, Syed Refayet Hamim. According to the Chattogram Port Authority, the Malaysia-origin Central Star is unloading petrol at Dolphin Jetty DOG/05 berth, while the U.S.-origin MEI is discharging LNG at the FSRU terminal. Both unloading operations are expected to be completed within the day, and the ships arrived through Pride Agency.

The port’s marine department report indicates that several other fuel vessels are awaiting arrival. Ships carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and LNG from India, Australia, and Angola are scheduled to reach the port sequentially. Meanwhile, two other LPG carriers, Gas Courage from India and DL Lily from Malaysia, are stationed at Bravo and Charlie points, continuing their unloading activities. Another LNG vessel from the United States, named Kongtong, is also expected to reach the port later today.

These developments reflect ongoing energy import operations through Chattogram Port, highlighting its role in managing Bangladesh’s fuel supply chain.

A case has been filed after an extortion demand was allegedly made from Professor Dr. Kamrul Islam, Managing Director of the Center for Kidney Diseases and Urology (CKDU) Hospital in Dhaka, by individuals claiming to represent Jubo Dal. Former Jubo Dal leader Md. Moin Uddin Moin was named as the main accused, along with seven to eight unidentified persons. The case was filed on Saturday night by Md. Abu Hanif, the hospital’s operation theater in-charge.

According to the report, Jubo Dal’s central leaders, including President Abdul Monayem Munna and General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan, visited the hospital after the incident was publicized. They assured strict action against those involved and said law enforcement agencies were working to arrest the culprits. A viral CCTV footage had earlier shown a local leader threatening hospital staff while demanding money under the Jubo Dal banner.

The accused leader has also been alleged to have been intimidating hospital staff and demanding money since the July uprising, and of attempting to incite a mob outside the hospital by labeling Dr. Kamrul Islam as affiliated with the Awami League.

Thousands of Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv on Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, surpassing the court-imposed limit of 1,000 participants. Police did not intervene in the protest, which marked the sixth consecutive week of demonstrations. Organizers said around 10,000 people gathered at Habima Square, though local media estimated about 2,000 participants. Protesters voiced opposition to the Iran war, corruption allegations against Netanyahu, judicial reforms, and a proposal exempting ultra-Orthodox students from military service.

The protests occurred under restrictions set by Israeli courts following missile attacks from Iran over the past six weeks. Although a fragile ceasefire allowed a slight increase in attendance, authorities maintained cautionary limits. Demonstrations also took place in Jerusalem’s Paris Square and in Haifa, where police detained three people briefly for crossing security lines.

Smaller rallies were reported across the country, reflecting ongoing public discontent with the government’s policies and handling of national security and judicial issues.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam Rinku said the government is making every effort to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates in the Middle East. She confirmed that a Bangladeshi woman named Dipali Khatun was among those killed in an Israeli attack in Lebanon two days earlier. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has contacted Dipali’s family, and efforts are underway to repatriate her body despite flight disruptions due to the ongoing conflict.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with members of the Hindu community at her home village in Nagarkanda, Faridpur, on April 11, Rinku said the government and the Bangladesh mission in Lebanon are working to relocate citizens to safer areas. She added that some Bangladeshis have already been brought home on chartered flights, and arrangements are being made for others who wish to return.

The minister noted that eight Bangladeshis, including women, have died in various countries amid the regional unrest. She said the government will take steps to help returnee workers reintegrate into employment once they are back in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Automobile Workshop Owners Association has demanded that authorities stop the planned eviction of 172 automobile workshops in Dhaka’s Motijheel and Kamalapur areas. The appeal was made on Sunday during a press conference at the National Press Club, where association representatives said the workshops have been operating in the area for about 25 years.

Speakers at the event warned that sudden eviction would push thousands of workers, employees, and their families into uncertainty and could disrupt the country’s ongoing transport system. They urged the authorities to consider humanitarian and practical realities before proceeding with any eviction.

The association called for an immediate suspension of the eviction drive, adequate time for adjustment, and a planned rehabilitation process to ensure sustainable management of the sector. The press conference was attended by association president Engineer Jahangir Alam and other members.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sharply criticized the United States for repeatedly violating its commitments, asserting that Tehran will not hesitate to defend its legitimate rights and territorial integrity. Speaking by phone with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday, Pezeshkian discussed ceasefire efforts, talks in Islamabad, and the escalating situation in Lebanon. He emphasized that Iran does not seek conflict and prefers resolving issues through dialogue based on international law.

Pezeshkian recalled that Washington had imposed two wars and committed numerous crimes against the Iranian nation. He described Iran’s missile capability as a defensive necessity and criticized the inaction of international organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union, regarding illegal attacks on Iran and the region.

During the same conversation, French President Macron reiterated France’s readiness to help restore peace and stability in the region, according to the report sourced from Tasnim News Agency.

The astronauts of NASA’s Artemis-2 mission expressed awe and called for global unity after completing their record-breaking lunar journey. Speaking at a press conference organized by NASA in Houston, they described Earth as a solitary “lifeboat” in the vast emptiness of space. The crew safely splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, marking the first time in over 50 years that humans have orbited the Moon.

Commander Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen, and Christina Koch shared their reflections on the mission’s significance. Koch urged humanity to preserve brotherhood, describing Earth as a calm and steady vessel in the universe. Hansen highlighted the mission’s milestones, noting that Glover was the first Black astronaut, Koch the first woman, and Hansen the first non-American to orbit the Moon. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised the crew for inspiring the world to dream again.

Artemis-2 is the first crewed mission under NASA’s Artemis program, aimed at establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon as a step toward deeper space exploration. NASA expects humans to walk on the lunar surface again by 2028.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan has said that retired teachers from schools, colleges, and madrasas may be appointed as presidents of managing committees or governing bodies in various private educational institutions. He made the remarks on Sunday while addressing a program at Azimpur Government Girls School and College auditorium in Dhaka.

The minister explained that a commission could be formed with retired teachers to select presidents for managing committees across the country, which he believes would help improve the education system. He noted that no formal decision has been made yet, but the process is under consideration. The minister was speaking at a meeting with center secretaries of the Dhaka region ahead of the upcoming SSC and equivalent examinations, organized by the Dhaka Board of Secondary and Higher Education.

During the event, the minister emphasized that improving teaching quality is a top priority, noting that many teachers do not teach properly, leading parents to rely on private tutors or coaching centers.

Bihar Police have arrested a 22-year-old man accused of offering to assassinate Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in exchange for money. The suspect, Aman Tiwari from Araria village in Bihar’s Buxar district, allegedly emailed the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in October 2025, claiming he could carry out the act within 22 days. He was arrested on April 8, 2026, and police seized his laptop and other electronic devices, sealing his residence.

According to Buxar Superintendent of Police Shubham Arya, Tiwari, who is unemployed, sent the email seeking payment for compromising the Prime Minister’s security. Investigators believe his motive was financial, as he demanded money in exchange for confidential information. During interrogation, Tiwari gave inconsistent statements but admitted to writing the email for monetary gain.

Police have detained two additional individuals for questioning and are examining possible links. Forensic teams are analyzing the seized devices, and no evidence has yet been found implicating Tiwari’s family members in the crime.

The Bishu festival of the Tonchongya community began in Kaptai, Rangamati, with a colorful rally, flower floating on the Sangu River, and a discussion meeting on Sunday, April 12, 2026. The event was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Tonchongya Welfare Association Kaptai Regional Committee and the Devatachhari Raissyabili region. The rally started from Kaptai Upazila Karnaphuli Stadium at 9:30 a.m. and concluded at the Kaptai Upazila headquarters, with men and women participating through music, dance, and traditional attire.

Before the rally, community members dressed in new clothes and floated flowers on the Karnaphuli River to mark the beginning of the day. A discussion meeting followed at the Kaptai Upazila Officers’ Club premises, presided over by Chiranjit Tonchongya, Chairman of Wagga Union Parishad, and conducted by Rupamoy Tonchongya. Kaptai Upazila Executive Officer Md. Ruhul Amin attended as chief guest, highlighting the participation of all communities and the cultural significance of the event. Other speakers included local officials and community leaders.

The celebration reflected the Tonchongya community’s cultural unity and aspiration to promote their traditional Bishu festival to a wider audience.

Iran’s security forces have arrested at least 50 individuals accused of leaking sensitive information about key national facilities to what authorities described as “enemy states.” The arrests were confirmed on April 12, 2026, by Iran’s state news agency SNN. The detainees are alleged to have worked as mercenaries engaged in espionage activities on behalf of the United States and Israel.

According to the report, the suspects had been providing foreign intelligence agencies with details about the locations of critical infrastructure and service sectors. During the operation, security forces reportedly seized a large quantity of electronic devices, satellite equipment, and weapons. The arrests come amid intensified counter-espionage operations following a deadly 12-day conflict last year between Iran and the United States and Israel.

Under Iran’s recently amended anti-espionage law, those convicted of such crimes face severe penalties, including the death sentence and confiscation of property. The mass arrests are seen as adding new tension to already strained intelligence relations between Iran, Israel, and Western nations.