The US military reported that five people were killed and one survived in its latest anti-drug operation in the eastern Pacific Ocean. According to a statement issued on Sunday, the attacks took place on April 11 against two suspected drug-trafficking vessels. The US Southern Command also released aerial footage of the operation on social media platform X, according to AFP.

The statement said that two men described as 'narco-terrorists' were killed and one survived in the first strike, while three more men labeled the same were killed in the second. However, no evidence was presented to support the drug-trafficking allegations. The military added that the total number of people killed in these operations has now reached at least 168.

The report did not provide further details about the identity of those killed or the specific location of the incidents within the eastern Pacific.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he felt like the 'owner' of the Al-Aqsa Mosque during a visit to the site in Jerusalem on Sunday. The statement came as he emphasized the need for greater access for Jewish worshippers and vowed to pressure the prime minister for further action. His remarks were made public through a video released by his office, where he added that more progress was needed.

The visit and comments occurred shortly after Israel reopened the mosque to Palestinians following more than 40 days of closure. During that period, Palestinians were barred from entering for Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Friday prayers.

Jordan, which oversees the Al-Aqsa compound, condemned Ben-Gvir’s visit as a violation of the status quo agreement and an unacceptable provocation. The office of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned that such actions could further destabilize the situation in the region.

Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump’s threat of a naval blockade, warning that any such attempt would end in failure. Mohsen Rezaei, senior military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said the United States would face another historic defeat if it tried to block the Strait of Hormuz. He asserted that Iran’s armed forces would not allow any blockade to succeed.

The statement came after President Trump recently announced plans for a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. Rezaei added that Iran possesses “unused capabilities” sufficient to counter any threat and criticized the United States for trying to pressure Iran through tweets and imaginary plans.

Earlier, Trump claimed that peace talks with Islamabad had failed because Iran refused to abandon its nuclear ambitions, further intensifying the strategic standoff in the region.

Israeli forces have carried out new airstrikes in several areas of southern Lebanon, according to a report by Al Jazeera Arabic. The attacks targeted the city of Nabatieh and the area of Maifadoun. No immediate details were available regarding casualties or damage, and further information was expected as the situation developed.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that military operations in southern Lebanon would continue, including within so-called 'safe zones.' He made the remarks after a brief visit to areas near the border. Recent reports indicated that airstrikes around Beirut had decreased somewhat due to U.S. pressure and possible preparations for negotiations.

Despite the reduced activity near the capital, Israeli air operations have persisted across southern Lebanon, particularly in the Bint Jbeil region, underscoring the ongoing volatility along the border area.

The Chakaria upazila unit of the Bangladesh Mofossol Sangbadik Forum (BMSF) has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister through the acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Rupayan Deb, demanding state recognition for National Media Week. The memorandum was handed over at the UNO office in Chakaria on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

According to the memorandum, although the media plays a vital role as the fourth pillar of the state and contributes significantly to democratic progress, journalists in Bangladesh still lack proper state recognition. The BMSF noted that the 10th National Media Week 2026 is scheduled to be observed from May 1 to 7, and official recognition would enhance journalists’ professional dignity while strengthening media freedom and responsibility.

Journalists from various national and regional newspapers working in Chakaria were present during the submission of the memorandum, alongside leaders of the BMSF Chakaria unit.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf declared that the country will not bow to any threats, following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a blockade on all ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz. Ghalibaf made the remarks in a statement published by Iranian media while leading discussions in Pakistan.

He mocked the US decision, suggesting that Americans would soon feel nostalgic for lower gas prices. In response to Trump’s threats, Iran’s navy warned that it would take strict action against any military vessels approaching the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi added that during peace talks in Pakistan, the United States and Iran were very close to reaching an agreement before Tehran faced what he described as extremism, goal-shifting, and sanctions.

The exchange highlights escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington over maritime control and sanctions, with both sides signaling readiness for confrontation in the strategic waterway.

Authorities in Babuganj upazila of Barishal seized 3,000 liters of illegally stored fuel during a raid on Sunday night, April 12, 2026. The operation, led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Asma Ul Husna and based on intelligence from the National Security Intelligence (NSI), targeted two local businesses—Messrs Howlader Store and Sikdar Store. Two dealers, A. Kuddus Howlader and Md. Saidur Rahman Sikdar, were fined a total of 8,000 taka under the Essential Commodities Control Act of 1956.

Officials confiscated 2,400 liters of diesel and 600 liters of petrol, which were later auctioned to local trawler, tractor, speedboat, and auto drivers. The sale generated 309,600 taka, deposited into the government treasury. According to intelligence sources, the accused had been sourcing fuel illegally from a filling station in Barishal city and selling it at inflated prices in Babuganj.

Local authorities stated that similar operations will continue to curb illegal fuel storage and black-market trading in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that military operations in southern Lebanon will continue, including within areas described as 'safe zones'. He made the statement after a brief visit to the border region, according to Middle East Eye. In a video message released upon his return to Israel, Netanyahu said he had received the latest briefing from the army on the ongoing operations but gave no indication of any change in military strategy.

The report noted that recent U.S. pressure and possible preparations for negotiations have led to a reduction in attacks around Beirut. However, Israeli airstrikes have persisted in several parts of southern Lebanon, particularly in the Bint Jbeil area. Lebanese officials said an ambulance belonging to the International Committee of the Red Cross was hit, killing one paramedic and injuring another.

Israel stated that it is maintaining contact with the Lebanese government but is not engaging in any ceasefire discussions with Hezbollah.

Merchant banks and brokerage houses in Bangladesh are under pressure to adjust margin loans by April 30, 2026, as required by the new Margin Rules 2025. The adjustment deadline comes amid a prolonged downturn in the stock market, worsened by global instability following Iran’s attacks on the United States and Israel. Analysts warn that enforcing the adjustment now could trigger heavy selling pressure and deepen the market crisis.

In response, the DSE Brokers Association (DBA) has requested the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) to extend the adjustment deadline by three months, until July 31, 2026. The DBA’s letter to BSEC Chairman Khondkar Rashed Maksud, signed by President Saiful Islam, argues that forced adjustments during the current slump could negatively affect trading and investor confidence.

The Margin Rules 2025, effective since November 1, 2025, introduced stricter conditions on margin financing, including limits based on investment size, company category, and capital adequacy requirements. Market participants fear that forced compliance could intensify the ongoing market weakness.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has launched a sweeping operation across the Sundarbans and coastal areas to strengthen security. According to Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon, the force has arrested 61 members of various pirate groups and recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition over the past one and a half years. The announcement was made on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

The operation, conducted under the directives of the Home Minister, includes two major initiatives titled ‘Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans’ and ‘Operation Mangrove Shield’. It is being carried out jointly by the Coast Guard, Navy, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Police, and Forest Department. The Coast Guard has also rescued 78 fishermen and 3 tourists alive, seized illegal fishing nets, fish fry, deer meat, and traps, and detained 29 poachers.

Officials stated that the coordinated raids will continue until the Sundarbans region is completely free of piracy and illegal activities.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that several countries are actively cooperating with the United States to prevent Iran from selling oil. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Sunday, Trump said that many positive developments were taking place regarding the Strait of Hormuz. He added that a naval blockade, set to begin Monday morning, would be highly effective as other nations were now assisting in stopping Iran’s oil exports.

Trump claimed that Iran’s military was nearly “destroyed,” mocking its current condition, and asserted that the country’s entire navy was “underwater.” He also said many tankers were changing routes to avoid the Strait of Hormuz and that numerous ships were heading toward the United States to collect oil instead.

When asked whether Iran would return to the negotiating table, Trump responded that it did not matter to him whether they did or not. The remarks were reported by Anadolu Agency.

The government has granted a posthumous promotion to former police officer Md. Kohinoor Mia, who had previously lost his job. According to a notification issued on Sunday by the Police-1 branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs, he has been promoted to the rank of Additional Deputy Inspector General (fourth grade). The order was signed by Deputy Secretary Tousif Ahmed on behalf of the President.

Kohinoor Mia was dismissed from service on February 22, 2011, during the Awami League government, when he was serving as Deputy Commissioner (West Zone) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police. The ministry’s earlier order had formally released him from duty. The new notification states that he will receive all due arrears and benefits according to regulations.

The order specifies that the decision has been made in the public interest and will take immediate effect, marking a formal recognition of his service despite his earlier dismissal.

Residents of the isolated river islands in Shibchar upazila of Madaripur district are enduring a relentless struggle for survival amid river erosion, poverty, and recurring natural disasters. The communities in newly emerged chars such as Charjanajat, Kathalbari, and Madbarer Char face severe shortages of roads, electricity, and safe drinking water. Many families have lost their homes and farmland to the Padma River’s erosion and wait years for new land to emerge where they can rebuild their lives.

Agriculture and fishing remain the main sources of livelihood, but income is uncertain due to floods, droughts, and sudden erosion. Transportation depends entirely on boats, which become scarce or dangerous during the monsoon, disrupting access to healthcare, education, and daily necessities. Local residents described the absence of schools, health centers, and reliable communication as major barriers to improving their lives.

Local representatives and residents emphasized the urgent need for sustainable embankments, improved transport links, electricity, clean water, and long-term development plans to ensure better living conditions for the Padma’s char communities.

Unplanned stone extraction is rapidly destroying farmland in Panchagarh, particularly in Tetulia upazila, as demand for construction materials rises. Farmers and contractors are digging 30–40 feet deep pits in cultivable land to extract stones, often without permission or regulation. The practice has already reduced agricultural land and production, prompting warnings from environmentalists that Tetulia’s farmland could be halved if immediate action is not taken.

According to local data, Tetulia upazila covers 18,912 hectares, of which 14,839 hectares are arable. However, much of this land is being converted for tea cultivation or left fallow after stone extraction. The Bangladesh Tea Board reports that 4,700 acres in Panchagarh are now under tea cultivation, mostly in Tetulia. Industrial land purchases and unutilized plots along highways have further reduced cultivable areas.

Environmental experts and local educators have urged stronger public awareness and enforcement of land-use rules. The district administration stated that it is maintaining strict monitoring to prevent farmland from becoming barren due to unregulated extraction.

Maritime intelligence agency Lloyd’s List reported that ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz has once again come to a stop following the U.S. President’s announcement of a blockade plan. The report said vessels navigating the vital Middle Eastern waterway either halted or turned back immediately after the declaration. Until Sunday, limited traffic, including oil tankers, had continued despite risks in the area.

According to Lloyd’s List, ship movement had slightly increased on Saturday as some shipping companies attempted to move their vessels out of the Gulf region amid hopes of a possible ceasefire. However, the U.S. blockade announcement dramatically changed the situation, leading to a complete halt in maritime activity. At least two ships that were leaving the strait reportedly turned back.

The report warned that the disruption in one of the world’s most critical maritime routes could have significant consequences for global energy markets and trade.