Bangladesh is set to host its first international-scale textile and garment exhibition, the BTKG Expo 2026, marking a major milestone for the country’s fast-growing apparel industry. The four-day event, jointly organized by the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and Inforchain Digital Technology Co. Ltd., will take place at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka from April 29 to May 2, 2026. According to organizers, around 900 exhibitors from 30 countries, including Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates, will participate across seven halls covering 20,000 square meters.

The exhibition will feature machinery and technology from across the textile and garment value chain, such as knitting, embroidery, dyeing, washing, and testing equipment. Bangladesh’s apparel sector, which earned about USD 39 billion in exports in fiscal year 2024–25 and employs over four million people, remains the backbone of the national economy. Organizers expect the expo to strengthen the industry’s technological capacity, foster international collaboration, and attract new investment.

The BTKG Expo 2026 is anticipated to enhance Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the global apparel market and accelerate long-term industrial growth through innovation and networking opportunities.

A sister of a martyr from the July uprising has made an emotional appeal to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to implement the 'July Charter' and the verdict of the referendum. Speaking to the media, she called for the realization of the promises made during the movement, which she said were achieved through sacrifice but remain unfulfilled.

She expressed deep frustration and sorrow over the loss of her brother and the lack of support for families of those who died in the movement. She said her mother still worries whenever she leaves home, and no one has come forward to stand by them. She continues to feel her brother’s absence and waits for a phone call that will never come, describing how their hopes for the implementation of the referendum’s outcome have turned into disappointment.

Addressing the prime minister directly, she urged that the 'July Charter' and referendum verdict be passed in parliament, believing that only he has the authority to make it happen. She also recalled meeting him once at the Agriculture Institute, where he had called her “sister,” but lamented that no one has since checked on her family.

A United States delegation has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, to participate in discussions involving Iran. The delegation, consisting of around 100 members, was welcomed at the airport by Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir, Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and the US Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker. The visit marks the beginning of a series of talks hosted in the Pakistani capital.

An Iranian delegation had reached Islamabad earlier on Friday, led by Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf. The team includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Deputy of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Bagheri Kani, and other senior officials expected to attend Saturday’s sessions. According to reports, the discussions are expected to address issues such as Iran’s assets and the Lebanon ceasefire.

The talks come amid complex diplomatic conditions, with the United Nations Secretary-General urging both the United States and Iran to engage constructively before the formal discussions begin.

An essay published in *Amar Desh* on April 11, 2026, examines the psychological and cultural dimensions of swearing in contemporary Bangladesh, focusing on how Gen Z has transformed taboo language into a form of protest. The piece discusses the book *July-er Graffiti o Gail Samagra*, describing it as a linguistic and visual record of a turbulent era where language became a weapon of resistance rather than mere communication.

The article situates this linguistic rebellion within the 2024 July uprising, when young people used slang and so-called “gail” expressions to challenge political stagnation and social hypocrisy. Drawing on psychological and sociological theories, it argues that swearing functions as both emotional release and symbolic defiance, reflecting frustration, humor, and solidarity. The essay references thinkers such as Freud, Foucault, and Bourdieu to explain how language can dismantle power structures and express collective dissent.

It concludes that Gen Z’s use of provocative language represents a broader cultural evolution. What was once dismissed as vulgarity has become a creative manifesto of resistance, signaling a generational shift in how truth, identity, and democracy are voiced in Bangladesh.

The Road Safety Foundation reported that 576 road accidents occurred across Bangladesh in March 2026, resulting in 532 deaths and 2,221 injuries. Among the deceased were 66 women and 98 children. Motorcycles were involved in 219 accidents, causing 204 deaths, which accounted for 38.34 percent of total fatalities. The report, released to the media on Saturday, was based on data from newspapers, online portals, electronic media, and the foundation’s own sources.

The analysis showed that 45.83 percent of accidents occurred on regional roads, followed by 29.68 percent on national highways. Most crashes were caused by loss of control (40.10 percent) and head-on collisions (28.81 percent). Dhaka division recorded the highest number of accidents and deaths, while Sylhet had the lowest. The report also noted that daily average fatalities rose by 11.28 percent compared to February.

According to the foundation, excessive speed and loss of vehicle control were the main causes of accidents. It recommended technological monitoring and motivational training for drivers to reduce casualties.

A United States delegation has arrived in Pakistan to join peace talks with Iran aimed at ending ongoing hostilities. The delegation includes US Vice President JD Vance, senior adviser Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump. Iran’s delegation had reached Islamabad earlier for the scheduled discussions. Pakistan has been mediating between the two nations in recent weeks, leveraging its historical ties with Iran. Trump stated that Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir understands Iran better than most.

Trump confirmed that the US received a 10-point proposal from Iran, describing it as a workable basis for negotiation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mentioned a separate 15-point plan that could end the conflict, though neither side has officially released details. Reports suggest significant gaps remain between their positions.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have cast doubt on the peace process. Over 300 people were reportedly killed, and Lebanon announced plans to discuss a ceasefire with Israel in Washington next week.

Women's fashion brand Exclusivea has opened a new outlet at Center Point Shopping Mall in Uttara, Dhaka. The store, located on Level 2, Unit C3, was inaugurated recently with notable figures from the fashion and lifestyle sectors attending the event. Guests explored the brand’s latest collection and expressed interest in its design and presentation.

Founded in 2018 by Nomrata Khan, Nabeen Ahmed, and Tanvir Ali, Exclusivea began its journey with its first outlet at Pink City in Gulshan. The brand has since built a loyal customer base by offering contemporary yet elegant designs tailored to modern women’s tastes and comfort. The new outlet’s interior has been designed to enhance customer comfort and make shopping more enjoyable.

According to the founders, the Uttara outlet aims to bring the brand closer to local customers while maintaining its commitment to quality and design consistency. This expansion marks another step in Exclusivea’s effort to make stylish and accessible fashion available to more women in Dhaka.

The Shibchar Upazila administration in Madaripur has launched a special diesel distribution program to support local farmers during a fuel shortage. On April 10, 2026, Upazila Nirbahi Officer H. M. Ibne Mizan inaugurated the initiative at the Shibchar Upazila Parishad premises. Following the inauguration, diesel was sold directly to farmers, each receiving 10 liters at the government-fixed price. The administration collected 12,000 liters of diesel from a depot to ensure uninterrupted irrigation during the Boro season, benefiting around 1,200 farmers.

Local farmers expressed relief, saying the initiative eased their worries about irrigation disruptions caused by irregular fuel supply at pumps. They noted that direct access to diesel would help them continue cultivation smoothly. Farmers such as Mojibur Sardar and Jalal Mia described the program as a significant support for small-scale growers.

According to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, the initiative aims to maintain agricultural productivity by ensuring fuel availability despite supply constraints, and the administration expects marginal farmers to benefit substantially.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called on the government to ensure transparent management and build a buffer stock to address Bangladesh’s ongoing energy crisis. Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar organized by the Agriculturists Forum of Bangladesh at the KIB 3D Hall in Dhaka’s Farmgate on Saturday, he urged the authorities to prioritize energy security with a minimum reserve of 60 to 90 days. He also emphasized breaking existing syndicates and developing alternative energy generation strategies for short, medium, and long terms.

Dr. Rahman criticized the government for failing to utilize national resources and institutions like BAPEX, arguing that despite being an independent country, Bangladesh remains dependent on external factors. He said the energy sector’s inefficiency and corruption have deepened the crisis, affecting agriculture and industry. He also highlighted that farmers are struggling to obtain fuel for irrigation, which could harm crop production.

The seminar, chaired by Professor Dr. A.T.M. Mahbub E. Elahi, also featured a keynote presentation by agriculturist Md. Mizanur Rahman. Dr. Rahman concluded by urging collective awakening and resistance to overcome the current national challenges.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described his country’s mediation in potential peace talks between the United States and Iran as a proud moment not only for Pakistan but for the entire Muslim world. According to Pakistani media outlet The Dawn, Sharif expressed gratitude to the leadership of both nations for agreeing to a temporary ceasefire and to hold discussions in Islamabad aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution.

In a televised address, Sharif credited Pakistan’s diplomatic prudence and confidence for bringing Tehran and Washington to agree on a ceasefire. He praised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s team for their tireless efforts and lauded Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir for his role in easing tensions and encouraging dialogue. Sharif cautioned, however, that while a temporary truce is in place, achieving lasting peace will be a long and challenging process.

Representatives from Iran and the United States are scheduled to meet in Islamabad on Saturday, April 11, at the Serena Hotel. An Iranian delegation led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials, has already arrived in the Pakistani capital.

Pakistan has emerged as a mediator between the United States and Iran by hosting their first direct talks aimed at ending a war that has claimed thousands of lives. The discussions are taking place in Islamabad, signaling a remarkable transformation for a country long associated with security concerns and economic instability. The talks mark a significant change in relations between Islamabad and Washington since Donald Trump’s first presidential term, when he had sharply criticized Pakistan.

US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner have arrived in Islamabad to participate in the negotiations. Vance is the highest-ranking US official to visit Pakistan since 2011. Analysts attribute this diplomatic breakthrough to a combination of geographic necessity, skilled diplomacy, and shifting regional alliances that have elevated Pakistan’s global standing.

The discussions face complications over Iran’s frozen assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon. Ahead of the talks, Tehran issued a stern message, while the UN Secretary-General called on both sides to engage constructively.

A United States delegation is in Islamabad, Pakistan, for discussions with Iran aimed at achieving a ceasefire. Before the talks began, US President Donald Trump told reporters he had wished Vice President JD Vance good luck. Trump said he was unsure whether the discussions between the US and Iran would conclude in one round or continue in the coming days.

When asked if there was an alternative plan, Trump replied that no backup plan was needed. He described a good deal with Iran as one that ensures there are no nuclear weapons. Trump also claimed that Iran’s governing system had already changed. He further stated that the Strait of Hormuz would be opened soon, regardless of Iran’s cooperation, though he added that the US did not need it.

Responding to reports that Iran might impose tariffs on ships passing through the strait, Trump said the US would not allow that to happen.

Bangladesh will face New Zealand in a three-match One Day International series beginning on April 17, 2026, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirming that no changes have been made to the squad that recently defeated Pakistan 2–1. The new selection panel announced the team on Saturday for the first two matches, keeping faith in the same group of players.

The selectors decided to retain the previous lineup as several players from the Pakistan series did not get a chance to play. Afif Hossain Dhruvo and Mahidul Islam Ankon, who were part of the earlier squad, have been included again, with the panel considering giving them more opportunities. The remaining two ODIs will be played on April 20 and 23.

The unchanged squad includes Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hasan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, Liton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shariful Islam, and Nahid Rana.

Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid, Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, has urged people to refrain from spreading unverified information and rumors on social media. According to the Saudi Press Agency, he issued the warning during his Friday sermon on April 11, 2026. The Imam emphasized that those involved in creating or promoting rumors bear moral responsibility and advised worshippers to remain steadfast in their faith and avoid excessive preoccupation with worldly matters.

He further stated that spreading false or misleading information harms both individuals and society and is considered sinful. The sermon highlighted the importance of truthfulness and integrity among Muslims. Saudi authorities have intensified such warnings amid ongoing regional tensions, stressing that spreading rumors that could undermine national security and stability is a serious offense.

Official information indicates that those convicted of disseminating false information online may face up to five years in prison, fines of up to three million Saudi riyals, and confiscation of devices used in the offense. Authorities have urged the public to rely only on verified government sources for information.

A report released by the Road Safety Foundation on Saturday revealed that 576 road accidents occurred across Bangladesh in March, resulting in 532 deaths and 2,221 injuries. Among the deceased were 66 women and 98 children. The report also documented 14 waterway accidents causing 12 deaths and 48 railway accidents leading to 67 deaths. The data was compiled from national and regional media sources along with the foundation’s own information.

According to the analysis, most accidents occurred on regional and national highways, with 171 on national highways and 264 on regional roads. Motorcyclists accounted for the highest number of fatalities at 204, followed by passengers of three-wheelers and buses. Dhaka division recorded the highest number of deaths, while Sylhet had the lowest. The report noted that most crashes were caused by excessive speed and loss of vehicle control.

The foundation identified faulty vehicles, poor road conditions, reckless driving, and driver incompetence as major causes. It recommended technological monitoring of speed and motivational training for drivers to reduce accidents.