India has agreed to simplify the process for medical and business visas, according to Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir Sheikh. He announced the decision after meeting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Monday, April 13, 2026. The change is expected to take effect next week, marking a step toward easing travel between the two neighboring countries.

The adviser said that several issues of mutual interest were discussed positively during the meeting. He also mentioned that the Bangladeshi government expressed gratitude to India for supplying fuel through a pipeline. Additionally, he stated that the government would follow legal procedures to bring back Sheikh Hasina and that the process to repatriate Hadi’s killers was ongoing.

The discussions reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and India, particularly in trade, energy, and legal matters, as both sides continue to address shared regional concerns.

High-level peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad ended without any agreement, with Tehran blaming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for derailing the process. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a phone call from Netanyahu to US Vice President JD Vance during the 21-hour meeting disrupted progress toward a potential deal.

In a post on social media platform X, Araghchi claimed that Netanyahu’s call shifted the focus of the talks from US-Iran issues to Israel’s interests. He further alleged that Washington sought to achieve at the negotiating table what it had failed to gain through conflict. The discussions were held under Pakistan’s mediation, and Araghchi described Vance’s subsequent press conference as unnecessary.

Iran reiterated its commitment to protecting its national interests and sovereignty. The White House has neither confirmed nor denied the reported phone call between Netanyahu and Vance.

U.S. President Donald Trump adopted a hardline stance after peace talks between Washington and Tehran failed to reach an agreement in Islamabad. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, he said he was unconcerned whether Iran returned to the negotiating table, declaring, “It doesn’t matter to me if Iran comes back or not.” The talks, described earlier by Trump as friendly, ended without any breakthrough.

Trump’s comments marked a sharp shift from his earlier optimism that Iran might agree to a deal. Within hours of the failed discussions, Washington announced a stricter naval blockade against Iran. U.S. officials said the deadlock stemmed from Tehran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions and to stop financing armed groups.

The developments underscored escalating tensions following the breakdown of the Islamabad talks, with both sides showing little sign of compromise.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, raising new concerns for Taiwan. The announcement has highlighted the island’s vulnerability, as it relies heavily on imported energy to sustain its population of 23 million and its semiconductor industry, which produces about 90 percent of the world’s most advanced chips. Most of Taiwan’s energy shipments arrive by sea from the Middle East, entering through a few western ports.

China has long prepared strategies to pressure Taiwan, including military exercises simulating port and sea route blockades. The People’s Liberation Army now possesses the world’s largest navy, capable of extended operations. Beijing continues to frame the Taiwan issue as an internal matter while criticizing U.S. actions in Iran and Venezuela, which analysts say could serve as justification for similar Chinese measures.

Facing potential energy shortages, Taiwan may impose restrictions on air conditioning, elevators, street lighting, and business hours. The government is reconsidering nuclear power and reviewing plans to restart inactive reactors, though such steps could take years due to safety and regulatory requirements.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma met with Information and Broadcasting Minister Jahir Uddin Swapon at the minister’s office on Monday. During the courtesy meeting, they discussed various issues of mutual interest related to bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh.

The Indian High Commissioner congratulated the minister on assuming his new responsibilities at the ministry. Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening communication at different levels to enhance relations between the two neighboring countries.

The meeting reflected a continuation of diplomatic engagement aimed at deepening cooperation in areas of shared interest between Bangladesh and India.

The Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) has called for prioritizing renewable energy to address the country’s ongoing energy crisis. The appeal was made at a press conference held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, where BSREA leaders highlighted that heavy reliance on imported fuels, rising global energy prices, and pressure on foreign reserves have created severe challenges. They noted that the government currently spends over Tk 200 crore daily in subsidies due to high LNG, coal, and oil prices.

BSREA President Mostafa Al Mahmud said renewable energy, especially solar power, is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly long-term solution but lacks adequate policy support. The association pointed out that import duties of 50–60% on renewable equipment and high tariffs on lithium-ion batteries hinder investment, while conventional energy sectors continue to receive subsidies. Citing examples from countries like India and Vietnam, BSREA argued that policy incentives can rapidly enhance energy security.

The organization recommended reducing taxes on renewable imports, introducing zero duty on lithium-ion batteries, ensuring low-interest financing, and expediting stalled solar projects to strengthen Bangladesh’s energy resilience.

Talks between the United States and Iran collapsed after more than 20 hours of negotiations in Islamabad, sparking renewed fears of conflict across the Middle East. US Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that the differences between the two sides were too deep to resolve for now. Soon after, President Donald Trump ordered an immediate naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any ship paying tariffs to Tehran would be seized and threatening to cut Iran off from future oil revenues.

The breakdown of talks has heightened uncertainty in an already volatile region. Citizens from Doha, Tel Aviv, Tehran, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia expressed anxiety about the prospect of renewed warfare. In Israel, a recent survey showed only 10 percent viewed the conflict with Iran as a success, while 32 percent saw it as a failure. In Iran, brief hopes for peace quickly faded, with many fearing an inevitable return to war.

In Lebanon, disputes over whether the country was included in the ceasefire agreement have led to intensified Israeli attacks. Observers warned that the collapse of negotiations could have global repercussions if peace efforts fail to regain momentum.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran came 'very close' to a possible agreement with the United States during discussions held in Islamabad last weekend. In a post on social media platform X on Sunday, Araghchi said Iran participated in the talks with goodwill, aiming to bring an end to the ongoing war.

According to Araghchi, while both sides were only 'a few inches' away from reaching an understanding, Tehran faced obstacles due to the other party’s rigid stance, shifting objectives, and imposed restrictions. The minister did not specify the exact nature of the talks or the issues under discussion.

The statement highlights continuing diplomatic engagement between Iran and the United States, though the outcome remains uncertain given the described challenges during the Islamabad meeting.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a strict directive to all scheduled banks to accept torn, damaged, and dirty banknotes and provide new or reissuable notes in exchange. The circular, released recently, aims to ensure smooth and fair cash transactions for the public. It requires every branch of all banks to regularly offer exchange services for such notes in accordance with existing regulations.

The central bank noted that despite earlier instructions issued on December 15, 2025, damaged and dirty notes remain widespread in circulation, causing inconvenience in daily transactions. To implement its 'Clean Note Policy,' the bank instructed that all denominations, particularly smaller ones such as 5, 10, 20, and 50 taka notes, must be accepted at designated counters and exchanged immediately.

The circular also warned that any bank branch refusing to provide this service would face necessary action. Bangladesh Bank emphasized the importance of this directive and urged all banks to ensure full compliance.

At least 350 people were killed across Lebanon on Wednesday, April 8, following a series of Israeli airstrikes carried out within minutes across the country. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, the attacks mark one of the deadliest days since the escalation began on March 2, bringing the total death toll to 2,055 and leaving at least 6,588 injured.

Lebanese medical professionals reported that the intensity of the Israeli bombardment has pushed the nation’s healthcare system to the brink of collapse. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, and many areas have been heavily affected by the strikes. The widespread destruction has made it increasingly difficult for medical staff to manage the influx of wounded patients.

The situation underscores the growing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon as the conflict continues to escalate, with health infrastructure struggling to cope with the scale of the devastation.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General Ahsan Habib Palash stated that there is no information suggesting any threat or untoward incident ahead of Pahela Baishakh celebrations. Speaking at a press briefing after inspecting security arrangements at Ramna Batamul in Dhaka on Monday, April 13, he said RAB is fully prepared to ensure public safety during the festivities.

According to RAB, multi-layered security measures have been set up at key celebration venues including Shahbagh, TSC, Ramna Batamul, Hatirjheel, and Manik Mia Avenue. The force has deployed 15 battalions nationwide, operating 308 patrols—181 pickup and 127 motorcycle units—alongside plainclothes intelligence surveillance. Bomb disposal units, dog squads, control rooms, CCTV monitoring, and reserve forces are also on standby. A cyber monitoring team is working round the clock to prevent misinformation or provocative content on social media.

Special measures have been taken to ensure the safety of women and children, with immediate action instructed against any harassment complaints. RAB urged festivalgoers to remain alert and seek assistance from nearby law enforcement if needed.

US President Donald Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with NATO for not supporting the United States during the recent Iran conflict and the Israel issue. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews on April 13, he announced that US spending within NATO would now be subject to deep examination. Trump argued that the alliance failed to stand by the US when needed and questioned the value of maintaining membership under such circumstances.

He reiterated his long-standing criticism that many NATO members do not contribute their fair share to defense budgets and fail to assist the US adequately during crises. Trump also described the massive US expenditure to protect NATO members from Russia as increasingly unreasonable. His remarks have reignited uncertainty over the future of US participation and financial commitment to the alliance.

The comments mark another escalation in Trump’s ongoing tension with NATO, raising questions about Washington’s strategic priorities and alliance obligations.

Hungary’s long-serving Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party suffered a major defeat in the country’s parliamentary election, ending his 16-year rule. Partial official results showed the Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, winning by a large margin. According to the results counted so far, Tisza secured 52.49 percent of the vote, while Fidesz received 38.83 percent. Magyar announced on social media that Orbán had called to congratulate him on the victory.

Orbán, known for his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, acknowledged the outcome in a message to his supporters, saying the result was painful but clear and that his party would now serve as the opposition. Partial results indicated that Tisza was leading in 95 of Hungary’s 106 constituencies and could win more than 130 of the 199 parliamentary seats.

The result marks Hungary’s first change of government since 2010, signaling a major political shift after more than a decade of Fidesz dominance.

Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley stated that former President Donald Trump has no alternative but to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. She made the remarks on a CNN program on Sunday, emphasizing that failing to act against Iran would allow Tehran to gain more financial and strategic advantages, including funding proxies, purchasing ballistic missile equipment, and continuing its nuclear program.

According to a CNN report cited in the source, Trump’s plan to blockade the strait could serve as a test of Iran’s control over the key waterway. Such a move might avoid the need for risky ground troop deployments but could expose U.S. naval vessels to increased Iranian attacks. The report also noted that obstructing the strait could heighten diplomatic tensions with major powers such as China if U.S. forces attempt to stop their ships.

The issue has drawn global attention, with reports of international reactions and related developments involving Iran, the United States, and other stakeholders.

Saudi Arabia has announced that only the official Hajj visa will be valid for performing the annual pilgrimage. The country’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated that the rule applies to all pilgrims arriving from outside Saudi Arabia. The announcement was made in a statement on Sunday, emphasizing that the Hajj visa is the sole authorized means for participating in the pilgrimage.

According to a report by Saudi Gazette, visitors holding visit, transit, Umrah, or tourist visas will not be permitted to take part in Hajj rituals. The ministry clarified that such visa holders will not receive permission to perform Hajj. For residents and citizens within Saudi Arabia, the process differs slightly, requiring them to complete bookings through the “Nusuk” application to obtain a Hajj permit.

The ministry also warned that all official reservations and bookings for Hajj must be made only through authorized channels. It cautioned against using any unauthorized or fraudulent means for securing Hajj bookings.