The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced extensive security measures ahead of the Pahela Baishakh celebrations in the capital. The restrictions include a complete ban on carrying masks, bags, sharp objects, and flammable materials in and around Ramna Park. Additionally, the use of lanterns, fireworks, and noise-making whistles has been prohibited to maintain public safety and order.

Following a security drill at the Botomul area of Ramna Park, the DMP’s acting commissioner Md. Sarwar stated that large crowds are expected across Dhaka on April 14. To ensure smooth participation and safety for all, the city has been divided into nine sectors and fourteen sub-sectors under a detailed security plan.

The measures are part of the DMP’s broader effort to ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration of the Bengali New Year in the capital.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and opposition chief whip, stated that the current BNP government will not implement reforms without a mass movement. Speaking on Tuesday at a meeting with July martyrs’ families and fighters organized by the 11-party alliance at the Diploma Engineers Institution auditorium in Dhaka’s Kakrail, he said that despite two years since the popular uprising, the nation remains at the same point of unity for reforming Bangladesh.

He accused the government of rendering parliament ineffective and urged preparations for a mass movement, emphasizing that reforms are essential for protecting the country rather than serving any political party. Islam pledged that alliance leaders would lead from the front and resist any obstruction from the BNP or foreign powers. He also criticized the government for exploiting the families of July martyrs and wounded fighters for political legitimacy.

According to Islam, Bangladesh has been regressing since the BNP came to power, rejecting the July charter and ordinances that once guided reform efforts.

The recent talks between the United States and Iran did not yield the expected results, but Pakistan continues its diplomatic engagement, according to Qamar Cheema, Executive Director of the Sanober Institute. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Cheema described the discussions as one of the most significant diplomatic efforts of the past decade. He said Iran received a final proposal and its delegation must now consult the country’s top leadership, especially after recent US-Israeli strikes killed several key Iranian figures.

Cheema explained that Pakistan’s role was to bring both sides to the table, reduce mistrust, and rebuild confidence, a task he claimed Pakistan accomplished successfully. Both parties reportedly appreciated Pakistan’s mediation, earning it international recognition. He emphasized that the most important achievement of the process was the ceasefire, calling it the central outcome.

Cheema expressed hope that Iran would soon decide on the proposal and return to the negotiation process, describing the situation as ongoing and the diplomatic efforts as continuing.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen met with Road Transport, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam MP at the Secretariat on Sunday. The meeting focused on mutual interests, particularly ongoing development projects in Bangladesh’s road, rail, and water transport sectors, and explored future cooperation opportunities.

During the meeting, Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarek Rahman, the government is working tirelessly to modernize, secure, and sustain the country’s transport system. He expressed optimism about potential US investment and technical assistance in these sectors. Ambassador Christensen welcomed the current government and reaffirmed continued US support for road safety, modern transport systems, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Both sides expressed a strong commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, increasing investment, and sharing technological expertise to further advance Bangladesh’s communication and transport sectors. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque, Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division.

Information Minister Zahid Uddin Swapon stated that Bangladesh has not achieved significant progress in exploring new overseas labor markets, with migrant employment still concentrated in a few traditional destinations. He urged relevant ministries to identify and develop new markets through effective initiatives. The minister made these remarks while inaugurating the ‘Branding Bangladesh Beyond Borders’ conference in Dhaka, organized by the Center for NRB.

Swapon emphasized that the country’s greatest asset is its working population and called for active involvement of non-resident Bangladeshis in expanding employment opportunities abroad. He highlighted that export of ready-made garments and remittances remain the main sources of foreign currency and suggested that increasing exports and remittances should be central to foreign policy. He also stressed the need to prioritize skilled manpower export, attract foreign investment, and maintain incentives to boost remittance inflows.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid acknowledged that Bangladesh’s missions abroad lack adequate capacity to deliver expected services and to project a positive image internationally. State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare Nurul Haque urged awareness against irregular migration, while speakers at the event emphasized skill development and stronger national branding.

US Vice President JD Vance described the collapse of talks with Iran as both good and bad news, following failed negotiations held in Islamabad. BBC’s chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet reported that while the duration of the session was notable, the absence of any agreement was not surprising. Vance said Iran refused to accept US conditions, signaling a breakdown in efforts to reach a compromise.

According to Doucet, Iran entered the talks believing it still held leverage despite suffering major military losses, particularly due to its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. She noted that Iran has its own limits on what concessions it can make. The situation echoes the long and difficult process that preceded the last nuclear deal between Tehran and Washington a decade ago.

Doucet added that former President Donald Trump now faces a tough decision—either escalate the situation further or return to negotiations for a reassessment of the diplomatic path.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of deceiving and betraying the nation. He made the remarks on Sunday in Dhaka’s Kakrail during a discussion with families of martyrs and fighters linked to the July Charter implementation movement.

Dr. Rahman alleged that the BNP is attempting to establish a one-party system. He stated that the July martyrs do not belong to any political group but have been used to create divisions for political gain. He further claimed that participants in the July movement were exploited to influence parliament and create instability.

Opposition Chief Whip and NCP convener Nahid Islam warned that if necessary reforms are not implemented, preparations are underway to take to the streets, emphasizing that demands will be achieved through mass movements.

Iran’s Deputy Parliament Speaker Haji Babai has declared that the Strait of Hormuz is entirely under Iranian control and that all vessels using the route must pay tolls in Iranian rials. The statement follows recent discussions between Iran and the United States, which have reignited tensions over the strategic waterway. According to reports, nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas pass through this strait, making it a critical global energy corridor.

The issue of securing safe passage through the Strait was a key condition in the conditional ceasefire between Iran and the United States, but it became a major point of contention during negotiations. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, after talks in Pakistan, avoided commenting on the matter, while President Donald Trump claimed on social media that the strait would soon reopen. The U.S. Central Command reported that two Navy destroyers had crossed the strait to clear mines, a claim Iran denied.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned that any attempt by military ships to pass through the strait would be met with strong resistance, further heightening international concern over global energy supply stability.

Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Mahadi Amin announced that the government is actively working to reopen Malaysia’s labor market for Bangladeshi workers as soon as possible. Speaking at a briefing at the Secretariat on Sunday, he said he and the Minister of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, recently visited Malaysia to discuss the reopening of the labor market, which has been closed for nearly two years. During the visit, they met Malaysia’s Prime Minister and senior policymakers to seek cooperation in resuming manpower exports from Bangladesh.

Mahadi Amin stated that both governments discussed making the migration process more transparent and reducing costs for workers. Malaysia is reportedly planning a technology-driven platform using artificial intelligence to recruit workers from multiple countries, including Bangladesh. He emphasized that Bangladesh requested assurance that its workers could migrate through a fair and low-cost process.

He added that a joint statement between Bangladesh and Malaysia has already been issued, marking a breakthrough in bilateral cooperation to ensure transparency and cost reduction in overseas employment procedures.

At least 30 people were killed in a stampede at a historic fortress in Haiti on Saturday, according to Culture Minister Emmanuel Menard. The incident occurred during a tourism event in the city of Milot, and authorities confirmed that the injured are receiving medical treatment, though the exact number of those hurt remains unclear.

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé expressed deep condolences and said the tragedy took place amid a large gathering of young people attending the event. He confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the stampede. Local media reported that the event drew a large crowd of students and visitors after being promoted on social media.

The fortress, built shortly after Haiti gained independence from France by revolutionary leader Henri Christophe, stands as a national symbol of freedom and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mongla Port has seen a significant rise in reconditioned car imports in recent years, contributing notably to Bangladesh’s import sector and national revenue. The port first began handling reconditioned cars in 2009, opening new opportunities for trade. According to port sources, around 60 percent of all imported cars in the country are now cleared through Mongla Port. On average, 1,000 to 1,200 units arrive monthly, supported by two modern storage yards capable of holding about 20,000 vehicles.

Importers attribute this growth to improved infrastructure, enhanced security, and better road connectivity through the Padma Bridge. Many traders are increasingly choosing Mongla over Chattogram Port due to these advantages. Port officials stated that service quality has improved significantly, and facilities for importers are being expanded.

In the 2024–25 fiscal year, 11,579 cars were imported through Mongla, while 8,770 units arrived in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, indicating sustained growth. Officials and stakeholders believe continued infrastructure and service development will further strengthen Mongla Port’s role in national trade.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the armed forces are a national institution formed to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty, not the property of any individual, group, or family. He made the remarks on Sunday, April 12, at the Armed Forces Darbar held at Dhaka Cantonment, urging members to perform their duties with professionalism and without political influence.

Rahman recalled past attempts to weaken and politicize the military, citing the Pilkhana tragedy as an example of efforts that harmed the institution. He asserted that the armed forces have fulfilled their responsibilities properly in recent contexts, including after August 5, 2024, and emphasized the need for transparency and professionalism in future national events such as elections.

He highlighted the contributions of late President Ziaur Rahman to the modernization of the army and praised Bangladesh’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions as a major achievement. Rahman also reiterated his political commitment to national reform and the implementation of the “July Charter.”

Former Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that negotiations between the United States and Iran cannot succeed if one side tries to impose its own conditions. In a post on social media platform X, Zarif referred to US Vice President JD Vance’s remark that Iran had decided not to accept US terms, saying this was precisely why no agreement could be reached.

Zarif warned Washington that it must learn it cannot dictate terms to Iran, adding that it is not too late for the US to understand this. His comments came after representatives from both countries met in Islamabad, Pakistan, in an attempt to end a 44-day-long war but failed to reach any deal. Vance blamed Iran for the failure, while Tehran viewed the US stance as an attempt at unilateral dominance.

The exchange highlights continuing diplomatic tension between Tehran and Washington, with little sign of progress toward resolving the ongoing conflict.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued his first formal response following recent discussions held in Islamabad, according to Al Jazeera. In a series of posts on social media platform X, Ghalibaf stated that Iran had demonstrated goodwill and interest before the talks began, but due to experiences from two previous wars, the Iranian side had no trust in its counterpart.

Ghalibaf asserted that throughout the negotiation process, the United States failed to earn the confidence of the Iranian delegation. He emphasized that by the end of this round of talks, the opposing side could not secure Iran’s trust. The speaker also expressed gratitude to Pakistan for organizing and supporting the discussions, describing the country as friendly and brotherly.

The remarks highlight continuing uncertainty in Iran–US diplomatic engagement, as mutual trust remains elusive despite Pakistan’s facilitation efforts.

The United Kingdom and Australia have voiced deep disappointment after peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad ended without any agreement. Senior ministers from both countries described the outcome as unfortunate and urged both sides to return to the negotiating table. The discussions, aimed at resolving a 44-day-long conflict, concluded without progress despite Pakistan’s mediation efforts.

British Health Minister Wes Streeting told Sky News that the breakdown of talks was disappointing, as hopes were high for a sustainable resolution to Iran’s ongoing war. He maintained that diplomatic efforts must continue despite setbacks. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also expressed dissatisfaction, emphasizing that maintaining the ceasefire and resuming dialogue should remain top priorities.

The failure of the talks has heightened global concern amid volatile energy prices and worsening humanitarian conditions. Major powers are reportedly hoping for a lasting ceasefire to stabilize the situation.