Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced that controlling the Strait of Hormuz is its “ultimate strategy” in the event of a potential conflict with the United States. The statement was released through the IRGC’s official Telegram channel on April 26, 2026, emphasizing the strategic importance of the narrow waterway for global oil and gas supplies.

According to the IRGC, maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz would provide Iran with a significant strategic advantage and serve as a deterrent against the United States and its allies in the region. The statement described this control as central to the Islamic Republic’s defensive and deterrent posture.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, highlights the IRGC’s focus on the geopolitical leverage of the Strait, which remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints for energy transport.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has questioned the sincerity of the United States in diplomatic efforts. He made the remark in a post on social media platform X after arriving in Oman as part of a three-nation tour. Earlier, Araghchi described his visit to Pakistan, the first stop of the tour, as highly productive and praised Pakistan’s brotherly efforts to restore peace in the region.

Araghchi’s comments came shortly after US President Donald Trump canceled a planned visit by an American delegation to Pakistan that was intended for peace talks with Iran. Trump announced the cancellation in an interview with Fox News in Washington, D.C., on Saturday morning local time. The developments highlight growing uncertainty surrounding diplomatic initiatives between Tehran and Washington.

The Iranian minister’s remarks suggest continued skepticism toward US intentions, while his regional tour underscores Tehran’s focus on strengthening ties with neighboring countries amid strained relations with the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump has canceled a planned visit by an American delegation to Pakistan, citing the excessive travel time as the main reason. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said he stopped the team from departing, explaining that an 18-hour flight was unnecessary for what he described as idle discussions. He emphasized that the United States holds all the necessary authority and that communication with Pakistan could occur by phone instead of through lengthy travel.

The decision came shortly after an Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi completed its visit to Islamabad. During that trip, the Iranian team met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief and Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other senior officials to discuss regional security and bilateral interests. Following the meetings, Sharif described the talks as productive and sincere.

Trump’s cancellation followed the Iranian delegation’s departure, marking a shift in diplomatic scheduling between the two countries.

A political controversy has erupted in Chandina upazila of Cumilla after a reception was organized under a party banner for an expelled leader. The event took place on Saturday at the Chandina municipal auditorium, where expelled upazila Jubo Dal convener Abul Khayer presided over the program honoring Cumilla-7 MP Atikul Alam Shawon. Shawon had been expelled from the BNP for violating party directives by contesting in the 13th national election, while Khayer had also been expelled earlier from the upazila Jubo Dal.

Local sources said the reception, held under the BNP banner, angered many party activists who questioned its legitimacy. Cumilla North Jubo Dal leader Borhan Uddin stated that using the party banner for such an event was completely against party rules. Another unnamed leader questioned how expelled members could organize a program under the party’s name.

Abul Khayer claimed he had permission from higher authorities but did not specify from whom. MP Shawon did not respond to calls for comment. The incident has sparked debate in local political circles about the validity of organizing a party-branded event for expelled members.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that collective practice of technology-based modern knowledge and creative thinking will become a strategic strength for future civilization. He made the remarks on Saturday in Dhaka at a discussion organized by the Bangladesh ICT Stakeholders Association (BISA) on the Telecom, Data and Cyber Security Bill 2026. The minister emphasized transforming the nation’s creative intellect, innovative ideas, and technological skills into assets for national development.

Addressing technology experts, Swapan said their gathering represented not only attendance but also a convergence of creative thinking, which could become a national resource. He expressed hope that BISA would build an effective platform for stakeholders in the technology sector to collectively invest their knowledge, skills, and ideas. He also noted that semiconductors, rare earth materials, and communication technologies have become key strategic elements in global politics, economics, and technology.

The minister added that expert knowledge and research are vital for formulating timely and realistic policies suited to the demands of a technology-driven civilization, helping the elected government fulfill its responsibilities effectively.

Two primary school students, Junayet from Patuakhali’s Dashmina upazila and Sifatulllah Siam from Pirojpur’s Mathbaria upazila, fell ill in their classrooms on Saturday during an ongoing heatwave. Both fourth-grade students fainted while classes were in session and received primary treatment. Teachers said the incidents occurred due to extreme heat and lack of electricity during class hours.

Earlier, a third-grade student named Amena Akter from Cumilla’s Makrampur Government Primary School had also fainted in class on Thursday. Parents and teachers attributed the incidents to the combination of intense heat and frequent load-shedding, which left classrooms without fans. Teachers reported that many students were suffering from dizziness, vomiting, and weakness, while normal teaching activities were being disrupted.

The Bangladesh Primary Teachers’ Association urged the government to adjust school hours so that classes end by noon to protect children from rising temperatures. The Directorate of Primary Education declined to comment, calling it a policy matter, and the state minister for primary and mass education could not be reached for response.

China has announced the discovery of two new minerals from lunar samples collected by its Chang’e-5 mission. The country’s state media reported the finding on Friday, citing the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The minerals, named Magnesiochangesite-(Y) and Changesite-(Ce), were identified from samples brought back to Earth in December 2020. The Chang’e-5 mission returned with about 1,731 grams of lunar soil, marking China’s first collected lunar sample and the first brought to Earth in 44 years.

According to CNSA, the announcement was made at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Space Day of China in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. The International Mineralogical Association’s Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification has officially approved the two new minerals. With this discovery, the total number of known lunar minerals worldwide has increased to eight.

China previously discovered a lunar mineral named Changesite-(Y) in 2022, and its continued lunar exploration follows earlier milestones such as the Chang’e-4 probe’s historic landing on the moon’s far side in 2019.

A violent clash between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) over a paddy harvesting dispute left one person dead and several others injured in Madhupur village of Terokhada upazila, Khulna, on Saturday morning. The confrontation occurred between groups led by Advocate Shahidul Islam and local leader Saiful Islam, resulting in the death of 56-year-old Nur Alam, son of Ikram Sheikh of Madhupur.

According to local accounts, the conflict began when followers of the two BNP leaders argued over harvesting paddy from a disputed plot. The situation escalated when supporters of Idris Molla, aligned with Shahidul, allegedly attacked Nur Alam’s group with sharp weapons. Nur Alam and several others were taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where Nur Alam died during treatment.

Police Superintendent Mohammad Tajul Islam confirmed the death and said law enforcement and intelligence personnel were deployed to control the situation. A drive is underway to arrest those involved.

State-owned Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCCPLC) has reported a significant rise in profits for the first nine months of the 2025–26 fiscal year, driven by growing internet bandwidth demand and digital infrastructure expansion. According to the unaudited financial report approved at the company’s 252nd board meeting on April 23, 2026, net profit reached Tk 2.19 billion, up from Tk 1.40 billion in the same period last year, marking a 56% increase.

The company’s Deputy General Manager (Marketing and Sales), Engineer Md. Ariful Haque, said the growth reflects customer trust and the rising national demand for bandwidth. BSCCPLC earned Tk 3.77 billion in revenue from bandwidth sales and related services, compared to Tk 2.94 billion a year earlier. Earnings per share rose from Tk 7.49 to Tk 11.71, while net asset value per share increased to Tk 98.71.

BSCCPLC is investing Tk 12.86 billion in the third submarine cable project, with Tk 8.09 billion from its own funds and Tk 4.76 billion in government equity. The project aims to expand bandwidth capacity and strengthen the company’s long-term revenue base.

The Australian government has announced it will not repatriate any citizens suspected of links to ISIS from Syria. The statement came after reports that several Australian families were attempting to return home from a camp in northeastern Syria. According to national broadcaster ABC, four Australian women and nine of their children and grandchildren left the Roj camp on Friday, with Syrian authorities reportedly taking them to Damascus to facilitate their return.

A government spokesperson told AFP that Australia is neither repatriating nor planning to repatriate anyone from Syria. The spokesperson added that security agencies are monitoring the situation and remain prepared for any Australians who may attempt to return. The government warned that anyone found guilty of crimes would face the full force of the law, emphasizing that national security and the country’s interests remain top priorities.

The group is part of 34 Australians who failed to return in February due to coordination issues. The issue of repatriating families of ISIS members remains controversial in Australia, with some politicians viewing them as potential security threats.

After a 2–1 ODI series win over New Zealand, the Bangladesh cricket team enjoyed a rest day before turning attention to the upcoming T20 series starting Monday at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram. Spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed told reporters that the main goal now is to strengthen the team’s bench.

Selectors have left out experienced pacers Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Nahid Rana from the T20 squad, citing workload management and the need to give younger players opportunities. Ripon Mondol and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain have been brought in as replacements, and Mushtaq expressed confidence in their potential. He said the team’s recent ODI success has boosted morale and created a lively dressing room atmosphere.

Mushtaq emphasized that building bench strength is crucial for future tournaments, noting that young players performing well in T20s could also contribute in ODIs. He added that Bangladesh cricket is on the right track, with time to develop before the next major 50-over competition.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has expressed concern over reports of SSC examination question papers being leaked online through fraudulent networks. In a press release issued on Saturday by the party’s Joint Member Secretary and Education and Research Secretary, Faisal Mahmud Shanto, the NCP demanded a thorough investigation and exemplary punishment for those involved. The party cited a private television report claiming that the leaks had spread widely online.

According to the statement, the NCP criticized the education ministry for what it described as extreme irresponsibility, noting that no visible action had been taken by authorities despite reports that the leaks began on April 20. The party accused the education minister of focusing more on monitoring exam halls than on addressing systemic issues such as question leaks, which it said were causing serious damage to the education system.

The NCP further stated that continuing examinations without resolving the leak issue would be inappropriate and urged the ministry to take immediate administrative responsibility to restore integrity in the education process.

The Republican Party in the United States is revising its strategy for the upcoming November midterm elections as fuel prices rise, President Donald Trump’s approval ratings fall, and the war with Iran continues. At a closed-door meeting in Washington’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel, senior conservative campaign officials and Trump’s advisers outlined a plan to mobilize his loyal supporters while avoiding framing the election as a referendum on the unpopular president. White House Chief of Staff Suzie Wiles and political director James Blair urged candidates to emphasize Republican tax cuts and anti-inflation policies instead of focusing on Trump himself.

Recent Reuters and Ipsos polling shows Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 36 percent, with concerns inside his party over his temperament and controversial remarks. The ongoing two-month conflict with Iran has disrupted global energy supplies, pushing U.S. gasoline prices near $4 per gallon. Republican strategists fear that making Trump the central figure could allow Democrats to portray GOP candidates as mere extensions of the president. Instead, candidates are being advised to focus on local issues, though party officials maintain Trump remains a key motivator for voter turnout.

Middle East analyst Aaron David Miller noted that Iran appears to be exercising patience, believing Trump’s capacity to withstand economic and political pressure is limited.

At a biannual conference held on Saturday at Dewna Dawatul Haq Madrasa in Kapasia, Gazipur, the Qawmi Madrasa Teachers Council called for the rapid and effective implementation of the Qawmi certificate. Council president and Dewna Pir Principal Mohammad Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury said Qawmi education is a specialized system that should not be reduced to a certificate-based model under the guise of modernization. He emphasized that Qawmi graduates contribute significantly to global employment and remittance earnings, underscoring the need to preserve the system’s distinct identity and dignity.

Speakers at the event urged the government to recruit Qawmi-educated individuals as religious teachers in primary schools to enhance religious education and create employment opportunities. They also demanded constitutional and legal reforms, including amending Article 17 to reflect Islamic education, revising sections 32, 33, and 34 of the current Waqf Act, and establishing Sharia-based family courts. Additionally, they called for action against films and social media content depicting prophets and companions, which they said offend religious sentiments.

The conference featured religious scholars and leaders from Bangladesh and India, who collectively voiced support for protecting Qawmi education’s autonomy and Islamic values.

A woman named Khadija Khatun, aged 55, was killed after falling from her husband’s motorcycle and coming under the wheels of a truck in Pabna’s Bhangura upazila on Saturday afternoon. The accident occurred on the Naubaria-Betuya road in the Puibil area of Dilpashar Union. Her husband, Abu Taleb, was injured in the incident. The deceased was a resident of Purba Bankirat village in Ullapara upazila of Sirajganj district. The information was confirmed by Bhangura Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sakiul Azam.

According to local sources, Abu Taleb was taking his wife Khadija to Bhangura Bazar by motorcycle. While giving way to a mini truck at Puibil Bazar, Khadija, who was sitting on the back seat, fell off and came under the truck’s wheels, dying instantly at the scene. Police reported that the victim’s relatives took the body before officers arrived. The truck has been seized by police, but the driver fled the scene.

Authorities are investigating the incident, and the truck remains in police custody while efforts to locate the driver continue.