The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will begin interviews for candidates seeking nomination in the reserved women’s seats of the 13th National Parliament on Friday. Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the schedule at a press conference held Thursday afternoon at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka. He said the nomination board will start interviews at 3 p.m. on Friday.

The nomination board will be chaired by BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister’s Adviser Tarique Rahman, with members of the party’s standing committee in attendance. Rizvi added that interviews will continue on Saturday for candidates who have already submitted their nomination papers.

According to the announced schedule, interviews on Friday will cover candidates from Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, and Faridpur divisions, while those from Chattogram, Sylhet, Cumilla, Dhaka, and Mymensingh divisions will be interviewed on Saturday.

Pakistan is conducting active diplomatic efforts to build trust between the United States and Iran, according to a report from Al Jazeera’s Doha correspondent Osama Bin Javed. Pakistani representatives are working with both sides on various proposals, and discussions are underway. Diplomatic sources indicate that Pakistan’s army chief is attempting to bridge differences between the two nations.

Sources further suggest that Pakistan views multiple regional actors, including Iran, the United States, and Israel, as key to regional peace. Pakistani officials are optimistic that this mutual diplomacy could either lead to a second round of talks or an extension of the current ceasefire, with a possible duration of about five weeks or 45 days.

Officials emphasize that successful diplomacy is usually conducted discreetly and relies on mutual trust. Pakistan aims to serve as a bridge of confidence, as both Iranian and American sides have publicly acknowledged their lack of trust in each other.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah said that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wins the upcoming West Bengal assembly election, no structure resembling the Babri Mosque will be allowed to be built in the state. Speaking at a rally in Gangarampur, South Dinajpur, on Tuesday, Shah accused Humayun Kabir, founder of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party, of announcing plans to build such a mosque in Murshidabad at the behest of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He asserted that the BJP’s rise to power would prevent such plans from materializing.

Shah also criticized Banerjee for allegedly opposing the removal of illegal immigrants from the voter list during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. He pledged that a BJP government would expel all illegal immigrants and strengthen border security by allocating 600 acres of land for fencing within 45 days of taking office. Additionally, he promised to build cold storage facilities in every block of Malda district to support farmers.

The West Bengal assembly elections are scheduled for April 23 and 29, with results to be announced on May 4, amid a high-stakes contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Abu Zafar Khan, Vice Chancellor of the Islamic Arabic University, emphasized that ensuring good governance, transparency, and accountability is essential for improving the quality of madrasa education. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at the closing ceremony of a two-day workshop titled 'Skill Development Training for Madrasa Principals 2026', organized by the university’s Kamil (Postgraduate) Education, Training and Research Center.

Addressing the participating principals, he urged them to establish computer labs, science laboratories, and libraries in their respective madrasas, and to organize subject-based seminars for teachers. He also highlighted the importance of motivating teachers and encouraging students to develop moral values and good behavior. To help students compete in the job market, he called for initiatives to strengthen proficiency in Arabic and English. He further stressed financial transparency, proper record-keeping, and prevention of wasteful spending.

The Vice Chancellor announced that the university is planning to set up regional centers to provide faster and easier support to affiliated madrasas and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to assist in the overall development of madrasa education.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has warned that a group acting against the country's interests is still waiting for an opportunity. Speaking on Thursday, April 16, at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka during the Independence Award ceremony, he emphasized the need to maintain national unity and avoid internal divisions. He said that honoring national leaders beyond partisan boundaries is essential, as future generations and history will not forgive negligence in this regard.

Quoting former President Ziaur Rahman, the Prime Minister said that national unity is the nation's strength, while division is its weakness. He urged all to ensure that political differences do not turn into hostility. The Prime Minister also noted that the Independence Award is given annually to recognize contributions in fields such as liberation war, education, science and technology, medicine, literature, culture, sports, rural development, social service, and public administration. This year, 15 distinguished citizens and five institutions received the award.

He added that despite significant progress in the 55 years since independence, challenges remain, and building a self-reliant and prosperous Bangladesh requires collective effort beyond political vengeance.

Police investigators have confirmed that the firearm used in the killing of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was purchased for about Tk 200,000 and eventually reached the main accused shooter, Faisal. Forensic tests verified that the recovered pistol from Narsingdi was the same weapon used in the attack. Authorities have arrested arms trader Majedul Haque Helal, while efforts continue to identify two other intermediaries involved in the weapon’s transfer.

According to investigation sources, the pistol was originally imported from Turkey by M Iich Arms Co. and changed hands through several licensed dealers before ending up with Helal’s firm, Hamidul Haque Arms & Co. The license had expired in 2014 but was not renewed, making subsequent sales illegal. CID Assistant Superintendent Abdul Kadir Bhuiyan stated that forensic analysis matched the bullets and cartridges from the crime scene to the recovered pistol.

The murder occurred on December 12 last year in Bijoynagar when Hadi was shot while returning from a campaign. He later died in Singapore on December 18. The case was later transferred to CID after dissatisfaction with the initial charge sheet filed by the Detective Branch.

The River Police of Bangladesh have reported a major success in their ongoing nationwide operations to protect river-based fisheries and restore discipline on waterways. Over the past seven days, officers seized 43.27 million meters of illegal fishing nets, 4,158 kilograms of fish, 657,000 shrimp fry, 15,000 bagda shrimp larvae, and 1,328 kilograms of jelly-mixed shrimp. A total of 279 individuals were arrested, and 133 illegal river obstacles were destroyed during the operation.

According to a statement issued by the River Police Headquarters on April 16, 83 bulkheads lacking valid documents faced prosecution in the naval court. Authorities filed 69 cases, including 46 under the Fisheries Act, nine for reckless navigation, and others related to sand extraction, drugs, theft, special powers, and abduction. Twelve bodies were also recovered during the campaign.

The seized illegal nets and jelly-mixed shrimp were destroyed, while shrimp fry were released back into the water to support natural growth. The recovered fish were distributed to local orphanages. The River Police stated that similar operations will continue to strengthen river safety and protect aquatic biodiversity.

International Energy Agency (IEA) chief Fatih Birol has warned that Europe’s jet fuel reserves may last only about six weeks. In an interview with the Associated Press, Birol said that the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has disrupted oil supplies, raising the risk of flight cancellations across Europe. He noted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger one of the most severe global energy crises to date.

Birol emphasized that the situation could have a significant impact on the world economy. The longer the disruption continues, the more global economic growth may slow, while inflation could rise. He also cautioned that the crisis could lead to sharp increases in energy prices, including petrol, gas, and electricity.

The IEA chief further warned that if the Middle East conflict persists, volatility in global energy markets will intensify, affecting multiple sectors of the world economy.

The Israeli military claimed on Wednesday that it destroyed around 70 Hezbollah installations in the Bint Jbeil area of southern Lebanon. The statement, released on Telegram, came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was on the verge of eliminating Hezbollah’s main base in the region.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the military also intercepted a drone attack launched overnight from Lebanon. The IDF reported that Israeli naval crews shot down the drone and noted that since the start of the conflict, they have conducted about 40 defensive operations to protect the country’s airspace.

The developments reflect continued hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border, with both sides engaging in aerial and ground operations as tensions remain high.

Acting Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md. Sarwar announced that special operations will be conducted in every police station area of the capital to recover drugs and arrest suspects with outstanding warrants. He gave the directive during the monthly crime review meeting for March, held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the DMP Headquarters conference room. The commissioner instructed officers to maintain law and order stability and strengthen foot patrols across Dhaka.

He emphasized the importance of community policing to build a people-friendly police service and ensure citizens receive proper legal assistance from local stations. The acting commissioner noted that Dhaka’s overall law and order situation remains stable but urged vigilance to sustain it. Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S.N. Md. Nazrul Islam stated that the force will follow a zero-tolerance policy in maintaining law and order.

During the meeting, officers of various ranks were awarded for their performance in crime control, public safety, and law enforcement activities throughout March.

According to the Saudi government’s Hajj management roadmap, Bangladesh will begin its 2026 Hajj flights on April 18. Prime Minister Tarek Rahman will officially inaugurate the Hajj flight operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on April 17 at 11:35 p.m. The first flight, carrying 419 pilgrims, will depart for Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport at 12:20 a.m. on April 18. A total of 14 flights are scheduled for that day, operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia, and Flynas.

In 2026, 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims are expected to perform Hajj, with 4,565 traveling under the government’s management and 73,935 through private agencies. Under the bilateral Hajj agreement, Biman Bangladesh Airlines will transport 50 percent of the pilgrims, while Saudia will carry 35 percent and Flynas 15 percent. The pre-Hajj flight phase will conclude on May 21 after 207 flights.

Return flights will begin on May 30 and continue until July 1, marking the end of the 2026 Hajj flight operations.

Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir met with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Thursday, according to reports. Details of the meeting have not yet been made public. The meeting took place during Munir’s visit to Tehran, where he arrived with a high-level political and security delegation.

Ghalibaf had earlier led the Iranian delegation in talks between the United States and Iran held in Islamabad the previous Saturday. Iranian media, citing officials, reported that Munir’s visit aimed to deliver “America’s message and plans for a second round of discussions.” During his trip, Munir also met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The developments suggest Pakistan’s continuing involvement in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran, though no official confirmation of mediation outcomes has been released.

Jaima Rahman, granddaughter of the late BNP Chairperson and three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, accepted the posthumous Independence Award on her behalf. The award was presented by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. during a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The event honored individuals and institutions for their exceptional contributions to the nation, with ministers, senior officials, and invited guests in attendance.

This year, the government selected Khaleda Zia for the Independence Award in recognition of her contributions to independence, democracy, women’s education, and national development. Alongside her, 14 other distinguished individuals and five institutions were chosen for the 2026 awards, including figures from science, literature, culture, sports, social service, and environmental conservation.

The Independence Award is Bangladesh’s highest national honor, given for outstanding contributions to the country’s independence, liberation war, and other national achievements.

Turkey has called for constructive dialogue between the United States and Iran to help end their ongoing conflict. The Turkish government said it will continue supporting efforts aimed at establishing peace between the two sides, according to Al Jazeera. As a NATO member and neighbor of Iran, Turkey stated that it maintains regular contact with the U.S., Iran, and mediator Pakistan, repeatedly urging an end to hostilities.

During a weekly briefing, Turkey’s Defense Ministry said it would keep providing necessary assistance to turn the current ceasefire into lasting peace and prevent further complications. The ministry also expressed hope that all parties involved in the discussions would play constructive roles.

A Turkish diplomatic source added that the foreign ministers of Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are scheduled to meet later in the week in Antalya, southern Turkey, on the sidelines of a diplomatic forum. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Sharif is expected to visit Turkey after his trip to Qatar.

Lebanese television channel Al Jadeed reported that a potential tripartite phone conversation is being arranged between Israel, Lebanon, and the United States to discuss a possible ceasefire. According to the report, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to represent Washington in the talks. Diplomatic sources said mediators are attempting to establish contact between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

The report noted that Rubio had earlier hosted the first meeting in decades between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington on Tuesday. However, there has been no official confirmation of the planned phone call. An Israeli minister told local media that Netanyahu would speak with Aoun, while Lebanese officials privately stated they were unaware of any such plan.

President Aoun said in a statement that a ceasefire with Israel would serve as a “natural gateway” for future direct negotiations, though he made no direct comment on the reported phone call.