Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) recovered five landmines and various explosive materials near the Naikhongchhari border in Cox’s Bazar. The operation took place on Thursday near the zero line between border pillars 53 and 54 at Chhayapara, where a BGB patrol team discovered the items while suspects were allegedly planting mines. The recovery included five anti-personnel mines, five suspected improvised explosive devices, a metal detector, a solar panel, dry food, mobile phones, power banks, and civilian clothing.

According to BGB officials, the suspects fled into nearby forested hills after spotting the patrol, leaving behind several bags containing the explosives. In a separate operation the same day, another BGB team from the Cox’s Bazar battalion recovered flammable chemicals and materials from the Ambagan area, about 150 yards inside Bangladesh territory. The seized substances are being sent to the Chattogram divisional chemical laboratory for testing.

A general diary has been filed with Naikhongchhari Police Station, and coordination is underway to deploy an army bomb disposal team. BGB reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring border security and preventing sabotage.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported a sharp rise in temperatures across the country as rainfall decreased significantly. In the past 24 hours, Dhaka’s temperature climbed by 5.6 degrees Celsius, reaching 31.6°C, while the highest temperature was recorded in Jashore at 34.8°C. Only 16 of 51 weather stations recorded rainfall, with the highest at 31 millimeters in Dimla, Nilphamari. The department forecast that most parts of the country will remain dry over the next two days, except for isolated areas in Rangpur and Sylhet.

Officials said a new heatwave could begin on Saturday and persist for several days, with daytime and nighttime temperatures expected to rise further over the next five days. Earlier forecasts indicated one to three heatwaves could occur this month. Meteorologists explained that mild heatwaves occur between 36°C and 37.9°C, moderate between 38°C and 39.9°C, and severe above 40°C.

Although heatwaves are expected, experts noted that intermittent rainfall may prevent conditions from reaching the extreme levels seen in 2023 and 2024.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested 93 people in separate operations conducted by its Tejgaon Division and Hazaribagh Police Station. The arrests took place on Thursday and Friday, according to DMP Media Division Deputy Commissioner NM Nasir Uddin. The Tejgaon Division detained 67 individuals, including seven in regular cases, ten in old cases, and four with arrest warrants. Another 46 were held under the DMP Ordinance.

In Hazaribagh, police arrested 26 people during daylong drives in different areas under the station’s jurisdiction. Officers seized seven yaba tablets and 18 packets of marijuana during the operation. Police stated that the drives were part of ongoing efforts to curb crime and maintain public order in the capital.

Authorities from both divisions confirmed that similar operations will continue to ensure stability and safety in Dhaka’s neighborhoods.

US President Donald Trump has warned that if upcoming talks with Iran in Pakistan fail to produce an agreement, the United States will launch a large-scale military attack on Iran. In an interview with the New York Post, Trump said he has already ordered US warships to be equipped with the most advanced and powerful weapons. He described the current military readiness as more formidable than ever before and stated that this power would be used effectively if negotiations do not yield positive results.

Trump added that a 'reset' process is underway, with US forces stockpiling what he called the best ammunition in their history. He made it clear that if a respectful agreement with Tehran cannot be reached, the United States will not hesitate to choose a military path. The report cited Al Jazeera as its source.

The talks between Iran and the United States are scheduled to take place in Pakistan, drawing global attention as both sides face mounting pressure to avoid escalation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that the United States must honor its commitment to a ceasefire in Lebanon. He said the two-week truce between Iran and the US included assurances that Lebanon would be covered under the agreement. Araghchi made the remarks during a phone conversation with Iran’s envoy to Lebanon on Friday.

Araghchi condemned Israeli attacks in Lebanon, emphasizing that such actions must stop under the terms of the ceasefire deal. Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared that Iran would not begin any talks with the United States until the ceasefire in Lebanon is implemented and Iran’s frozen assets are released.

The statements reflect Tehran’s firm stance on linking regional stability and diplomatic engagement with Washington to the enforcement of the Lebanon ceasefire and the resolution of financial restrictions.

Bangladesh has made a strong start at the South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship, winning a total of eight medals within the first three days of the tournament. The team has so far earned one gold, one silver, and six bronze medals. On Friday alone, Bangladesh collected one silver and five bronze medals. Earlier, the under-19 boys’ team won gold in the team event, while the under-19 girls’ team finished third in their group to claim bronze.

In individual events, top Bangladeshi player Khoy Khoy Sai Marma advanced to the quarterfinals after finishing as group runner-up in the under-19 girls’ singles. In the under-19 boys’ singles, Nafiz Iqbal and Abul Hashem Hasib also reached the quarterfinals. The under-15 boys’ singles player Md. Midul Rahman advanced to the pre-quarterfinals. Bangladesh also secured medals in doubles and mixed doubles across multiple age categories.

The early medal haul highlights Bangladesh’s growing strength in youth table tennis, with players aiming to maintain momentum and achieve further success in the remaining matches.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman returned to the country on Friday after completing his official visit to the United States. During the trip, he participated in several programs in the state of Georgia and met with key officials. The visit was confirmed in a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday.

As part of the visit, the state of Georgia presented a special resolution to General Waker-Uz-Zaman in recognition of the commendable contributions of Bangladeshi peacekeepers to United Nations peacekeeping missions. In addition, bilateral meetings were held with important figures to discuss various issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and the United States.

The ISPR statement highlighted that the engagements during the visit reflected ongoing cooperation and shared interests between the two nations in defense and peacekeeping matters.

Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has sharply criticized the Indian central government for allowing former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to remain in Delhi for about one and a half years. Speaking ahead of the West Bengal elections, Banerjee questioned why Hasina continues to be sheltered in India and suggested that powerful industrial interests might be influencing the decision.

He implied that Hasina’s stay in India may not be purely diplomatic but could involve deeper economic motives. Banerjee directly asked whether major business groups such as Adani or Ambani were being protected through this arrangement. He accused the Modi government of prioritizing corporate interests over public welfare and using Hasina’s presence as a political shield in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.

Banerjee further argued that the government should focus on domestic issues like unemployment and inflation instead of hosting foreign leaders at public expense. His remarks have sparked debate over India’s foreign policy and the relationship between political power and corporate influence.

Bangladeshi fast bowler Nahid Rana delivered a standout performance in his second Pakistan Super League (PSL) match on Thursday, helping Peshawar Zalmi secure a record-breaking victory over Karachi Kings in Karachi. After a forgettable debut where he conceded 30 runs in three overs, Nahid bounced back impressively, taking three wickets for just seven runs in four overs, including one maiden over.

Peshawar Zalmi, batting first after losing the toss, posted a massive total of 246 for three wickets, powered by a century from Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis (109) and an 87-run innings from captain Babar Azam. In reply, Karachi Kings were bowled out for only 87 runs, with Nahid Rana and spinners Iftikhar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqim leading the attack. The 159-run margin marked the largest victory by runs in PSL history.

The result highlighted Nahid Rana’s rapid improvement and reinforced Peshawar Zalmi’s strong position in the tournament after a dominant all-round display.

A madrasa teacher from Gabbaria village in Barishal’s Uzirpur upazila has demanded a proper investigation into her husband’s mysterious death. On Friday, Sarmin Akter Nipa held a press conference at her brother’s house in the Dakbangla area, accompanied by her two sons. She said her husband, Mohammad Shahjahan Hawlader Suman, 44, was found dead on April 6 at their home in Uttarkhan, Dhaka. Returning from work that morning, she found the door open and her husband unresponsive inside. Neighbors later declared him dead.

Nipa alleged that despite her request, locals refused to take her husband to the hospital and instead arranged for a quick funeral. After informing her mother-in-law, she and her children were allegedly attacked by in-laws, who expressed suspicion over the death. She filed a general diary with police, and the body was buried after official procedures.

She further claimed her husband had long struggled with drug addiction, leading to family disputes, and suspected that one of his drug-using friends might be involved. Nipa urged authorities to uncover the truth and condemned what she described as propaganda and conspiracy against her.

Top leaders from the United States and Iran are set to meet in Islamabad on Saturday, April 11, 2026, for diplomatic talks aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East. Pakistan is hosting and mediating the meeting, which is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the region’s future. The White House confirmed that discussions will begin in the morning, focusing primarily on achieving a ceasefire.

The US delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance, joined by President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran’s team will be headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif may hold separate meetings with both sides beforehand, while Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to act as mediator.

Security in Islamabad has been tightened significantly, with major roads closed and media access restricted. The talks will center on Iran’s ten-point proposal and a possible fifteen-point US counterproposal addressing military presence, nuclear programs, and regional stability.

The Forest Department recovered three locally made guns and four cartridges during a raid in the Sundarbans near Satkhira on Friday morning. The operation took place in the Bainatola area of Kanchir Khal under the Kobadak Station of the Satkhira Range. No suspects were detained during the operation.

According to Forest Department sources, forest guards noticed suspicious movement during a routine patrol and chased suspected forest robbers, who fled the scene. A subsequent search led to the recovery of the abandoned firearms and ammunition. Fazlul Haque, an officer at the Burigoalini Forest Station, said the department remains firm in its stance against forest crimes and has intensified regular patrols and special operations to protect forest resources and wildlife.

The recovered weapons and ammunition are in the process of being handed over to the police for further action.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that two major conditions remain unfulfilled, preventing the start of talks with the United States. In a post on social media platform X, he said both sides had agreed on two preconditions: implementing a ceasefire in Lebanon and releasing Iran’s frozen assets. Ghalibaf emphasized that these must be met before any negotiations can begin.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance has departed for Pakistan and expressed optimism about the upcoming discussions. Although not officially confirmed, reports suggest that Ghalibaf may join Iran’s negotiating team. Iranian state media claimed that Israel has agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon, but no official confirmation has been received from Israel.

The situation underscores the fragile diplomatic environment surrounding the anticipated Iran–US meeting, with both sides signaling conditions and expectations ahead of formal engagement.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of Bangladesh’s Revolutionary Workers Party, stated that unplanned evictions of street vendors have created a humanitarian crisis. He made the remarks on Friday at the party’s central committee meeting of the Revolutionary Workers Solidarity held at its office in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. Haque said that the eviction drives in Dhaka and other cities without rehabilitation measures have left thousands of families in distress, destroying the small capitals of many livelihoods.

He urged the city corporations and relevant ministries to consider the livelihoods and human dignity of working people when planning urban policies. Haque emphasized that millions of laborers form the foundation of the cities through their hard work and that their displacement could lead to broader social crises if alternative livelihoods are not arranged.

The meeting was presided over by Mir Mofazzal Hossain Moshtaq, president of the Revolutionary Workers Solidarity, and was attended by party leaders including Akbar Khan, Mahmud Hossain, Abul Kalam Azad, Saiful Islam, and Firoz Ali.

Dhaka Premier League (DPL) is set to resume on May 5 under the leadership of newly appointed ad-hoc committee president Tamim Iqbal. Within two days of assuming office, Tamim confirmed the league’s restart after discussions with club representatives. Due to time constraints, this year’s competition will be held in a single-league format without a Super League phase. Player transfers are scheduled for next week, and preparations are also underway to resume the third division league soon.

The previous board, led by Aminul Islam Bulbul, had organized the first and second division leagues, but not all teams participated, leading to frustration among players. The uncertainty over the DPL’s start had caused concern, particularly as the league represents the main income source for players outside the national team. The new board’s swift action has brought relief and optimism among cricketers.

Players such as pacer Robiul Islam and former national cricketer Dollar Mahmud expressed satisfaction over the league’s return, emphasizing its importance for both players’ livelihoods and the overall development of Bangladesh cricket.