Nahid Islam, Chief Whip of the Opposition and Convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), announced that his party is preparing for a new movement aimed at protecting Bangladesh and the legacy of the July uprising. Speaking on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at a discussion with families of July martyrs and fighters at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB), he emphasized that the initiative transcends party or alliance lines and is focused on safeguarding the nation.

He acknowledged that the interim government period had limitations in fully supporting the July fighters but said efforts were made to stand by them. Nahid noted that while the current government speaks in favor of the July fighters, its actions show reluctance in implementing reforms initiated earlier, such as the July Directorate and the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation. He reiterated calls for unity across political divides to ensure the sacrifices of July martyrs are not in vain.

Nahid pledged that NCP leaders would take the front line in future street movements, urging supporters to remain ready and united for the cause of a reformed Bangladesh.

Experts have recommended raising tobacco product prices and introducing a specific tax system in Bangladesh’s upcoming 2026–27 national budget to reduce premature deaths and increase government revenue. The proposals were presented at a media workshop titled “Tobacco Tax and Price Measures: Budget 2026–27,” held on Sunday at the BMA building in Dhaka. The event was organized by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) and the Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA), with participation from 28 journalists.

According to the workshop, most cigarette users belong to low- and middle-income groups. Merging these tiers and raising prices would encourage low-income smokers to quit and discourage youth from starting. The experts proposed setting retail prices per 10-stick pack at 100 taka for the combined low and medium tier, 140–150 taka for the high tier, and 185–200 taka or more for the premium tier. They also recommended maintaining a 67 percent supplementary duty and adding a specific tax of four taka per pack.

If implemented, the measures could generate over 850 billion taka in revenue—about 440 billion more than the current fiscal year—and prevent more than 370,000 premature deaths, the workshop noted.

Turkey has strongly condemned recent remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu targeting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Erdoğan was being targeted because of the truths Turkey had revealed on various platforms. The statement described Netanyahu as a 'modern Adolf Hitler' and held him responsible for attacks on civilians in Gaza, also referencing an arrest warrant reportedly issued against him by the International Criminal Court.

Ankara accused Netanyahu of making such remarks to obstruct ongoing peace talks and to continue his expansionist policies in the region. The ministry reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to ensuring accountability for Netanyahu and to standing by innocent civilians.

Several Turkish cabinet members also criticized Netanyahu’s comments. Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said the remarks reflected Netanyahu’s guilt and discomfort, while Justice Minister Akın Gürlek described them as evidence of his legal and moral crisis. Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi called the accusations baseless, saying they reflected Netanyahu’s frustration and political weakness.

After remaining closed for a long period, the much-anticipated Darwani Textile Mill in Nilphamari is set to reopen soon. The government announced that production activities are expected to begin within the next two to three months. State Minister for Commerce, Industry, and Jute and Textiles Shariful Alam shared the update on Sunday morning after inspecting the mill and meeting with officials to review its current condition.

The minister stated that the government is working to revive the country’s traditional jute sector, which had declined over the years. He emphasized that reopening closed textile and jute mills is part of the government’s election pledge. A tender has already been invited for the mill’s reopening and is currently under evaluation. Once operational, the mill is expected to create significant employment opportunities in Nilphamari and nearby areas, boosting the local economy.

The minister also noted that the government aims to discourage plastic use and promote diversified jute products through coordinated efforts between public and private institutions.

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission has increased the price of furnace oil (HFO) from Tk 70.10 to Tk 94.69 per liter, marking a rise of Tk 24.59. The new rate will take effect from Sunday midnight, according to a press release issued on Sunday. The adjustment was made under sections 34(4) and 34(6) of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Act, 2003, following proposals from Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) and oil marketing companies.

The commission stated that under the February 22, 2026 order, furnace oil prices are to be adjusted every three months or as needed. Since no crude oil was imported in March, the new price was determined based on the average international market rate of refined furnace oil and the exchange rate of the US dollar. A committee formed on March 15 analyzed the Platts index-based average price and exchange rate to recommend the April price.

The recommendation was reviewed and approved in special commission meetings held on April 5 and April 12, finalizing the new pricing structure for April 2026.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy announced that the country has fully resumed operations of its key east-west oil pipeline following an attack on Thursday that targeted the pipeline and nearby energy infrastructure. According to the ministry, the incident had temporarily halted the transport of about 700,000 barrels of oil per day.

The ministry explained that Saudi Arabia had reduced its reliance on the Strait of Hormuz after tensions escalated between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which had nearly stalled oil shipments through the strait. As an alternative, crude oil was redirected through the east-west pipeline to a terminal on the Red Sea.

Following last week’s attack, the coastal Manifa production facility has also been reactivated, though repair work continues at the Khurais oil field within the country.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced on Sunday that edible oil prices will not increase for now. He made the statement after a meeting held to review the country’s edible oil supply situation. The minister said the government’s top priority is to prevent price hikes amid global instability and that regular reviews are conducted to monitor supply and imports of this sensitive commodity.

The meeting took place at the Commerce Ministry with representatives from domestic edible oil suppliers in attendance. The minister noted that no decision had been made to raise prices at this stage. Earlier, the Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners and Vanaspati Manufacturers Association had proposed a price increase in a letter to the ministry. After evaluation by the ministry and the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, the proposal was rejected.

Discussions were also held about providing certain additional facilities to oil suppliers to help them adjust profits without raising prices, though the specific measures have not yet been finalized.

The Ministry of Education has directed the creation of a list of retired and physically capable teachers across Bangladesh to increase classroom teaching activities. According to an official letter signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Shirin Akter, managing committees of educational institutions have been instructed to recruit teachers from this list as needed. The directive was sent to all district commissioners, upazila executive officers, and the Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education.

The ministry explained that teaching activities in classrooms are being disrupted due to a shortage of teachers and delays in recruitment by the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA). To ensure quality education, upazila-based pools of retired teachers will be formed with the approval of local managing committees and guidance from upazila executive officers. Institutions will cover honorarium expenses from their own essential funds.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan also stated that retired teachers might be appointed as presidents of managing committees or governing bodies of schools, colleges, and madrasas. He added that a commission could be formed for this purpose, though no formal decision has yet been made.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his comments regarding the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. In a post on social media platform X, Netanyahu said Israel would continue its operations against Tehran and its allied regional groups.

Earlier in the week, following the US-Iran ceasefire, Erdogan had warned US President Donald Trump to avoid any form of provocation, though he did not specify whom the warning targeted. Responding to this, Netanyahu accused Erdogan of supporting groups aligned with Iran and of committing violence against the Kurdish population in Turkey.

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Israel and Turkey amid broader regional instability following the US-Iran ceasefire agreement.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced extensive security measures ahead of the Pahela Baishakh celebrations in the capital. The restrictions include a complete ban on carrying masks, bags, sharp objects, and flammable materials in and around Ramna Park. Additionally, the use of lanterns, fireworks, and noise-making whistles has been prohibited to maintain public safety and order.

Following a security drill at the Botomul area of Ramna Park, the DMP’s acting commissioner Md. Sarwar stated that large crowds are expected across Dhaka on April 14. To ensure smooth participation and safety for all, the city has been divided into nine sectors and fourteen sub-sectors under a detailed security plan.

The measures are part of the DMP’s broader effort to ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration of the Bengali New Year in the capital.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and opposition chief whip, stated that the current BNP government will not implement reforms without a mass movement. Speaking on Tuesday at a meeting with July martyrs’ families and fighters organized by the 11-party alliance at the Diploma Engineers Institution auditorium in Dhaka’s Kakrail, he said that despite two years since the popular uprising, the nation remains at the same point of unity for reforming Bangladesh.

He accused the government of rendering parliament ineffective and urged preparations for a mass movement, emphasizing that reforms are essential for protecting the country rather than serving any political party. Islam pledged that alliance leaders would lead from the front and resist any obstruction from the BNP or foreign powers. He also criticized the government for exploiting the families of July martyrs and wounded fighters for political legitimacy.

According to Islam, Bangladesh has been regressing since the BNP came to power, rejecting the July charter and ordinances that once guided reform efforts.

The recent talks between the United States and Iran did not yield the expected results, but Pakistan continues its diplomatic engagement, according to Qamar Cheema, Executive Director of the Sanober Institute. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Cheema described the discussions as one of the most significant diplomatic efforts of the past decade. He said Iran received a final proposal and its delegation must now consult the country’s top leadership, especially after recent US-Israeli strikes killed several key Iranian figures.

Cheema explained that Pakistan’s role was to bring both sides to the table, reduce mistrust, and rebuild confidence, a task he claimed Pakistan accomplished successfully. Both parties reportedly appreciated Pakistan’s mediation, earning it international recognition. He emphasized that the most important achievement of the process was the ceasefire, calling it the central outcome.

Cheema expressed hope that Iran would soon decide on the proposal and return to the negotiation process, describing the situation as ongoing and the diplomatic efforts as continuing.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen met with Road Transport, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam MP at the Secretariat on Sunday. The meeting focused on mutual interests, particularly ongoing development projects in Bangladesh’s road, rail, and water transport sectors, and explored future cooperation opportunities.

During the meeting, Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarek Rahman, the government is working tirelessly to modernize, secure, and sustain the country’s transport system. He expressed optimism about potential US investment and technical assistance in these sectors. Ambassador Christensen welcomed the current government and reaffirmed continued US support for road safety, modern transport systems, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Both sides expressed a strong commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, increasing investment, and sharing technological expertise to further advance Bangladesh’s communication and transport sectors. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque, Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division.

Information Minister Zahid Uddin Swapon stated that Bangladesh has not achieved significant progress in exploring new overseas labor markets, with migrant employment still concentrated in a few traditional destinations. He urged relevant ministries to identify and develop new markets through effective initiatives. The minister made these remarks while inaugurating the ‘Branding Bangladesh Beyond Borders’ conference in Dhaka, organized by the Center for NRB.

Swapon emphasized that the country’s greatest asset is its working population and called for active involvement of non-resident Bangladeshis in expanding employment opportunities abroad. He highlighted that export of ready-made garments and remittances remain the main sources of foreign currency and suggested that increasing exports and remittances should be central to foreign policy. He also stressed the need to prioritize skilled manpower export, attract foreign investment, and maintain incentives to boost remittance inflows.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid acknowledged that Bangladesh’s missions abroad lack adequate capacity to deliver expected services and to project a positive image internationally. State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare Nurul Haque urged awareness against irregular migration, while speakers at the event emphasized skill development and stronger national branding.

US Vice President JD Vance described the collapse of talks with Iran as both good and bad news, following failed negotiations held in Islamabad. BBC’s chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet reported that while the duration of the session was notable, the absence of any agreement was not surprising. Vance said Iran refused to accept US conditions, signaling a breakdown in efforts to reach a compromise.

According to Doucet, Iran entered the talks believing it still held leverage despite suffering major military losses, particularly due to its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. She noted that Iran has its own limits on what concessions it can make. The situation echoes the long and difficult process that preceded the last nuclear deal between Tehran and Washington a decade ago.

Doucet added that former President Donald Trump now faces a tough decision—either escalate the situation further or return to negotiations for a reassessment of the diplomatic path.