China has called on Iran to take necessary measures to restore normal maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The appeal was made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart on Wednesday night. Wang emphasized that while Iran’s sovereignty and security in the strait must be respected and protected, freedom and safety of navigation through this international waterway should also be guaranteed.

Wang Yi further noted that keeping the strait open serves the common interest of the international community. During the discussion, he reaffirmed Beijing’s support for maintaining the current ceasefire and resuming dialogue. The conversation reflects China’s diplomatic engagement in regional stability and its interest in ensuring uninterrupted maritime routes vital for global trade.

The call highlights China’s position as a stakeholder in Middle Eastern maritime security and its advocacy for peaceful resolution through dialogue, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Russia carried out a massive wave of attacks across multiple Ukrainian cities within a 24-hour period, launching 659 drones and 44 missiles, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. The strikes killed at least 14 people, most of whom died during nighttime assaults. Ukrainian air defense units reported intercepting 636 drones and 31 missiles during the barrage.

The attacks mark another escalation in the war that has continued for four years, with Moscow conducting near-nightly drone strikes. Kyiv has also been carrying out regular retaliatory attacks inside Russian territory. The ongoing exchange underscores the persistent intensity of the conflict between the two countries.

Russian officials reported that two children were killed in overnight Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, highlighting the cross-border nature of the hostilities that continue to claim civilian lives on both sides.

Iran has been experiencing an almost complete internet blackout for 48 consecutive days, according to monitoring group NetBlocks. The organization reported that the disruption has lasted 1,128 hours, severely limiting online connectivity across the country.

The restrictions were imposed in early January following the resurgence of protests in Iran. The situation worsened toward the end of February when a war broke out involving the United States and Israel against Iran, leading to even stricter controls on internet access. NetBlocks stated that the prolonged blackout has gravely affected daily life and communication among citizens.

Observers describe the scale of this internet shutdown as unprecedented under wartime conditions, highlighting its deep impact on information flow and civilian activities within Iran.

Diplomatic efforts to ease the ongoing crisis between the United States and Iran continue, but uncertainty remains over the resumption of peace talks. With only one week left before the current ceasefire expires, international concern and a sense of urgency are rising. Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Islamabad reported that progress has slowed mainly due to a form of stagnation on the US side. Pakistan’s army chief is currently in Tehran, delivering messages from Washington and laying the groundwork for the next round of discussions in Islamabad.

Although the White House press secretary has not confirmed that the next talks will take place in Islamabad, sources indicate that no alternative venue is being considered. Since the first round of talks ended last Sunday, Pakistan has been serving as the main diplomatic intermediary between the two sides. A spokesperson for Pakistan’s foreign ministry said that all plans are proceeding as expected, and both parties are being prepared to return to Islamabad.

Major obstacles remain, particularly over Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Despite these challenges, there is still an opportunity to bring both sides back to the negotiating table before the ceasefire expires next week.

NCP Member of Parliament Akhtar Hossain from Rangpur-4 expressed anger in Parliament after learning that the Bangladesh Bar Council election had been postponed through a midnight notice. The postponement was attributed to a severe fuel crisis. Speaking on a point of order, Hossain questioned the government’s contradictory stance, noting that while officials deny any fuel shortage, a state institution cited it as the reason for delaying the election. He demanded statements from the energy and law ministers to clarify the issue.

The law minister, Asaduzzaman, responded by saying that the Bar Council is an autonomous body that independently decided to defer the election. He mentioned that several bar associations, including the Dhaka Bar, had requested a postponement to ensure their own election processes could continue smoothly. The minister emphasized that the government had not interfered in the council’s decision and supported a fair and independent election process.

The Bar Council election had been scheduled for May 19, following an extended period under an ad hoc committee formed after the interim government took office.

On March 21, during Eid-ul-Fitr, many residents of Indian-administered Kashmir took part in a humanitarian initiative to support civilians affected by war in Iran. People donated gold jewelry, cash, household items, and personal belongings. In Budgam, 55-year-old Masrat Mukhtar gave away her father’s gifted earrings on her birthday, while others contributed copper utensils, livestock, bicycles, and savings. Children also broke their piggy banks to join the effort.

The gesture reflects Kashmir’s long-standing cultural and historical ties with Iran, dating back to the arrival of Sufi saint Mir Syed Ali Hamadani from Persia six centuries ago. This connection has earned Kashmir the nickname “Iran-e-Saghir” or “Little Iran.” Around 10 to 15 percent of Kashmir’s population are Shia Muslims, but the donations came from both Shia and Sunni families, many of whom reduced Eid expenses to contribute.

Local sources estimate that about 600 crore rupees (around 64 million dollars) have been collected so far. Indian authorities have expressed concern about possible misuse of unverified funds and emphasized transparency, while organizers insist the campaign is purely humanitarian and aimed at helping Iranian civilians.

More than one million people have been displaced in Lebanon due to ongoing conflict, accounting for one-fifth of the country’s population. The United Nations refugee agency chief, Barham Salih, described the situation as unprecedented and called on the international community to provide urgent relief and assistance to Lebanon. His appeal followed a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, over 2,100 people have been killed since March 2 in Israeli attacks. Israel stated that its operations in Lebanon aim to weaken Iran-backed Hezbollah and protect its citizens from cross-border rocket and other assaults. The UN’s call highlights the growing humanitarian crisis as violence continues to destabilize the region.

The situation underscores Lebanon’s vulnerability to recurring cycles of violence and the urgent need for international support to restore stability and prevent further displacement.

A Chattogram court has granted bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former ISKCON leader and one of the accused in the murder case of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif. The bail was granted on Thursday, April 16, 2026, by Judicial Magistrate Md. Shakhawat Hossain in a separate complaint case filed by former minister and BNP leader Mir Mohammad Nasir Uddin. The plaintiff’s lawyer, Nazmul Haque, confirmed the bail order in the afternoon.

According to court sources, after the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) submitted its report, Chinmoy—who was already in custody—was shown arrested in this complaint case. The case, filed in 2023 under the Penal Code, accuses Chinmoy and five others of trespassing on Mir Nasir’s property in Hathazari’s Mekhal Union, damaging trees, seizing fish, and establishing a poultry farm, causing financial and environmental losses.

The report also recalls that in November 2024, a violent clash occurred at the Chattogram court premises over Chinmoy’s bail in a separate sedition case, during which lawyer Saiful Islam Alif was killed. Police have since submitted a charge sheet in that murder case, and witness testimony is ongoing.

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have once again crossed 35 billion dollars after one and a half months. As of Thursday, the total reserves stood at 35.03 billion dollars, according to Bangladesh Bank. Under the IMF’s BPM6 calculation method, the reserves amounted to 30.36 billion dollars. The information was confirmed by Arif Hossain Khan, executive director and spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank.

According to central bank data, reserves were 35.49 billion dollars at the end of March 5, and 30.76 billion dollars under the IMF method. The reserves had declined after payments under the Asian Clearing Union (ACU). Officials said the reserves dropped to 34 billion dollars following those payments but later rose again due to record remittance inflows and renewed dollar purchases by the central bank.

Bangladesh Bank purchased 120 million dollars over Wednesday and Thursday, bringing total purchases this fiscal year to 5.61 billion dollars. Officials noted that earlier, concerns over the Iran war led banks to settle dues early, temporarily raising dollar demand. With that pressure easing, the central bank has resumed buying dollars as the exchange rate stabilizes.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yan Wao paid a courtesy call on Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan at the minister’s office in the Secretariat on Thursday. The meeting was also attended by State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Information Adviser Dr. Zahedur Rahman, and Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana.

During the meeting, the ambassador expressed interest in signing a memorandum of understanding with the ministry to strengthen cooperation between the state media of both countries. He also proposed organizing two summits in China in July and October, where Bangladeshi journalists and intellectuals could exchange technological knowledge and skills. The information minister described China as a long-standing and reliable friend of Bangladesh and emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in information and communication technology.

He noted that rapid global changes in ICT require international collaboration to build skilled human resources. The minister said joint initiatives with China would create new opportunities for Bangladesh and hoped that enhanced media and training exchanges would further deepen bilateral relations.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan emphasized the importance of building national and international networks for women journalists during a courtesy meeting with a delegation from the Bangladesh Women Journalists Forum (BWJF) on Thursday afternoon at his office. He discussed protecting professional dignity, enhancing skills, and improving the overall quality of women journalists.

The minister assured full cooperation for the development and advancement of women journalists and highlighted the need for research, seminars, and workshops on women and media engagement. He also expressed his ministry’s commitment to support such initiatives.

The six-member BWJF delegation was led by the forum’s adviser Momtaz Bilkis Banu and included Vice President Ayesha Parveen (Junan Nashit), Treasurer Shahnaz Begum Polly, Organizational Secretary Masuda Sultana, and members Shirin Sultana and Mashreka Mona. The BWJF, established in 1989, works to uphold the dignity and professional growth of women journalists in Bangladesh.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated in Washington, D.C., that the United States will continue its blockade of Iranian ports for as long as necessary. According to Al Jazeera, he said the US Navy is controlling ship movements through the Strait of Hormuz because Iran no longer has a functioning navy. Hegseth emphasized that the US is aware of Iran’s relocation of military equipment and is closely monitoring the situation.

He further warned that if Iran refuses to agree to a deal, US forces are prepared to initiate military action. The remarks highlight escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran amid ongoing disputes over regional security and military activities.

The statement underscores the US position of maintaining pressure on Iran through naval control and potential military readiness, though no details were provided about the specific terms of the proposed agreement or diplomatic efforts underway.

The Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) has announced a month-long measles and rubella vaccination campaign targeting 300,000 children aged six to 59 months. The campaign will begin on April 20 and continue until May 20 across health centers and hospitals in the city. Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain shared the details at a press conference held at the CCC Library Building near Laldighi, emphasizing the public health importance of protecting children from highly contagious diseases like measles.

To implement the program, the city’s 41 wards have been divided into seven zones, with vaccination running daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The CCC has formed 48 permanent and 205 temporary teams, along with 41 mop-up and 41 evening teams to reach missed children. Online registration using a 17-digit birth certificate is encouraged, but no child will be denied vaccination for lack of registration. Special focus will be placed on slum and high-risk areas.

The campaign is being conducted with support from the Directorate General of Health Services, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization. Mayor Hossain urged journalists, teachers, and community leaders to help ensure the success of the initiative.

Bangladesh’s health authorities have reported 166 child deaths and over 19,000 suspected measles cases in the past month, signaling a severe outbreak. The government has instructed hospitals to prepare isolation and ICU facilities, while a special vaccination campaign began on April 5 targeting children aged six months to five years. Health Minister Sardar Shakhawat Hossain Bokul attributed the crisis to missed vaccination cycles and weaknesses in vaccine supply management.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that declining immunization rates have led to measles outbreaks in 57 countries in 2023, up from 36 the previous year. The Lancet reported that 2024 and 2025 saw the highest global measles outbreaks in two decades. Experts link the resurgence to disruptions in routine immunization during the COVID-19 pandemic and rising anti-vaccine sentiment in several countries.

WHO data show that while global measles cases and deaths fell sharply between 2000 and 2024, recent outbreaks threaten to reverse progress. Researchers are investigating whether new virus variants or reduced vaccine effectiveness are contributing factors, though no evidence has yet confirmed these possibilities.

A second murder within three days has alarmed residents of Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area after 28-year-old Asadul Haque, known locally as 'Lombu Asadul', was hacked to death late Wednesday night near the Beribadh brickfield area. Police recovered him in critical condition around 12:50 a.m. and took him to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The victim sustained deep stab wounds to his chest and back, leading police to suspect a premeditated killing.

According to police, Asadul, originally from Kalna in Barishal’s Gournadi upazila, had multiple cases pending against him for drug dealing and robbery. Investigators believe the murder may have stemmed from disputes over drug trade control and old enmities. Three suspects—Munna, Nayon, and Miraj—have been identified, and special police teams are conducting raids across the capital to arrest them.

The killing follows the April 12 murder of a youth named Alex Imon in a nearby area, intensifying fears among locals. Police have increased patrols and surveillance to restore public safety and prevent further violence.