Iran and the United States failed to strike a deal Sunday to end the war in the Middle East, but there was no immediate return to hostilities and the region clung to hope that a fragile truce would hold. US Vice President JD Vance left Pakistan after the talks — the highest-level meeting between the two sides since the 1979 Islamic revolution — and warned that Washington had made Tehran its “final and best offer” for a deal.

“We leave here with a very simple proposal,” he said. “We’ll see if the Iranians accept it.”

Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said his negotiating team “put forward constructive initiatives but ultimately the other side was unable to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations.”

The failure of the talks will raise concerns that a return to fighting could drive world energy prices higher and further damage shipping and oil and gas facilities in the Gulf. But Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry said Sunday its key east-west oil pipeline was back in service after it was damaged in earlier strikes, and Qatar’s transport ministry said it was lifting some restrictions on Gulf shipping.

Pakistan, which hosted the talks and whose leadership had ushered the rival sides to the table, said it would keep facilitating dialogue and urged both countries to continue respecting the temporary truce.

“It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to ceasefire,” Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said.

US news website Axios quoted an unnamed source briefed on the negotiations as saying that disagreements included “Iran’s demand to control the Strait of Hormuz and refusal to give up on its enriched uranium stockpile.”

UK health minister Wes Streeting, speaking for the British government, told Sky News that the failure of the talks was disappointing but “that doesn’t mean there isn’t merit in continuing to try.”

The United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, sparking retaliation from Tehran that has plunged the Middle East into conflict and shaken the global economy. Iran and the US had entered the talks mediated by Pakistan with maximalist positions, with Washington piling pressure by saying it had sent minesweeping ships through the vital Strait of Hormuz maritime route.

Signs of strain in the negotiations appeared when Iranian media accused the United States of making “excessive demands” over the strait, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil transited before its effective closure by Iran during the war. US President Donald Trump had also insisted several hours into the talks on Saturday that the United States had already triumphed on the battlefield by killing Iranian leaders and destroying key military infrastructure.

“Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me. The reason is because we’ve won,” Trump said. The high-stakes 21-hour meeting had unfolded in Islamabad with both sides exhibiting intense mistrust. Iran was in the middle of negotiations in February with Trump’s real-estate friend Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner when the US and Israel attacked.

Both Kushner and Witkoff were part of Vance’s team in Pakistan. The first salvos of the war killed Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Iranian demands for any agreement to end the war include unfreezing sanctioned Iranian assets and ending Israel’s war against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The opening of the Strait of Hormuz has also presented a friction point. Iran throughout the war exercised global economic leverage by asserting control of the maritime route, sending oil prices soaring and piling political pressure on Trump as US fuel costs rose.

The US military said Saturday that two Navy warships transited through the strait to begin clearing it of mines and ensure it is a “safe pathway” for tankers. The Iranian military denied that any American warships had entered the waterway and threatened to respond if they do so. The Revolutionary Guards’ Naval Command said Iranian promises of safe passage during a two-week ceasefire applied only to “civilian vessels under specific conditions.”

A complicating factor has been Israel’s assertion that the ceasefire does not affect Lebanon, where the Israeli military has launched strikes and a ground invasion in response to rocket fire from Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed movement. Lebanese authorities said Israeli strikes on the country’s south on Saturday killed 18 people, bringing the death toll from Israel’s operations since the war broke out past 2,000.

Israel and Lebanon will hold their own talks next week in Washington. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that he wanted a peace deal with Lebanon that “will last for generations.”

But Israel has ruled out a ceasefire with Hezbollah, signaling it will instead seek to pressure the historically weak central government in Beirut.

A Dhaka court on Sunday granted bail to former Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in an attempted murder case linked to the 2024 July uprising. haka Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Zakir Hossain passed the order on Tk 50,000 on bond considering her illness and gender, said Public Prosecutor M Omar Faruq Faruqi.

There is no legal bar to the release of the former Speaker as she has not been shown arrested in any other cases, said court sources. A Dhaka court on April 7 sent her to jail in the case following her arrest the same day.

According to the case statement, Ashraful alias Fahim suffered bullet injuries to his left eye in the Azampur Bus Stand area of Uttara on July 18, 2024 during the mass uprising, which ultimately led to the fall of the Awami League government on August 5.

Later, he filed a case against 25 named individuals, including Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, and 120 unnamed ones. Following the fall of the Awami League government, she resigned on September 2, 2024.

Abdul Hamid was elected Speaker after the Awami League came to power through the 2008 general election. Following his election as President, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was elected Speaker on April 30, 2013. Since then, she had been serving as Speaker until the government’s fall. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was a Member of Parliament from Rangpur-6 constituency.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: Times Square in New York City turned into a vibrant hub of celebration on Saturday as thousands gathered to welcome the Bengali New Year 1433. The day-long event, organized by NRB Worldwide with support from the New York State Senate, brought together members of the Bangladeshi diaspora, artists, writers, and American political figures. A total of 27 segments throughout the day kept the audience engaged.

The opening ceremony featured distinguished participants including Bishwajit Saha, Rokeya Haider, Hossain Kabir, and Mohitosh Talukdar Tapas. Greetings displayed on a large digital screen included messages from prominent figures such as Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Donovan Richards Jr., Grace Meng, and John Liu. A tribute was also paid marking the birth centenary of renowned writer Shamsuddin Abul Kalam, followed by a literary discussion hosted by Tofazzal Liton. The opening musical performance was delivered by Kartik Chandra.

The first half of the day featured music and dance performances, including solo acts by children, songs by Alvan Chowdhury, dance performances by Ranjani, and artistic showcases by Chitra. A special presentation of “Mymensingh Geetika” was performed by Jibon Chowdhury. Artists from Nepal, Laos, and Thailand also participated, highlighting multicultural diversity. A thematic performance titled “Six Seasons” further enriched the program.

At midday, an award ceremony honored international guests and community representatives, hosted by Dr. Kollol Basu. A commemorative publication was unveiled by Rokeya Haider and Bishwajit Saha.

In the afternoon, a stage play titled “Jyoti Songhita” was performed. The program also included a colorful procession, a tribute to legendary composer Salil Chowdhury, a performance of protest songs by Rahman Tito, dance presentations by Adda and Srishti Academy, folk songs by Shah Mahbub, and a performance by the Odissi Dance Academy. A special tribute segment was dedicated to iconic actor Uttam Kumar.

In the evening, children participated in a mass choral performance titled “Shatokonthe Borshoboron,” followed by a collective performance by senior artists. The program concluded at 10 PM with closing musical performances by Rituporna Banerjee from Kolkata and Nakul Kumar Biswas from Dhaka.

In their closing remarks, organizers stated that the Times Square celebration has grown into a significant cultural event on the international stage, symbolizing unity and cultural pride among the global Bengali community.

SANGSAD BHABAN – The Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed in the Parliament today to modernize the existing laws as well as enhance the state’s recognition of those who contributed during the Great War of Liberation in 1971. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Jatiya Muktijoddha Council Act of 2022 to officially categorize and honor “Associates of the Liberation War” alongside “Bir Muktijoddhas.”

The bill, placed and moved by Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, emphasizes the preservation of the ideals of the Liberation War and the realization of its core goals: equality, human dignity, and social justice. A significant highlight of the amendment is the formal distinction between those who fought on the front lines and those who provided critical support from within the country or abroad.

According to the draft, “Bir Muktijoddha” remains the designation for those who actively engaged in combat or military training against the Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators between March 26 and December 16, 1971. This category specifically includes women who were repressed by the occupation forces (Biranganas), as well as medical staff who served in field hospitals.

The Bill said: “Bir Muktijoddha” means those who have undergone war preparation and internal training in villages and towns within the country from 26th March to 16th December 1971 and those who have crossed the borders of Bangladesh and enrolled in various training camps in India with the aim of participating in the Liberation War and have actively participated in the Liberation War against the invading and occupying Pakistani armed forces and their domestic allies in order to achieve the great independence of Bangladesh.

As per the bill, “Associates of the Liberation War” means those who, from 26 March to 16 December 1971, were present in the country or abroad, to inspire the brave freedom fighters and to accelerate the liberation war and the achievement of Bangladesh’s independence, to play the role of organizers, to form world public opinion, to obtain diplomatic support and to gain psychological strength.

Financial management of the Council is also addressed in the bill. It provides for the establishment of a dedicated “JAMUKA Fund” which will be maintained through government grants, private donations, and international aid. The fund will be managed via a Personal Ledger account under the government’s public account system, with provisions for the Council to take out loans with prior government approval for necessary expenditures.

The bill also grants JAMUKA the authority to appoint administrators or form 11-member ad-hoc committees for organizations related to freedom fighters if their executive committees are canceled or dissolved.

The statement of the bill notes that while previous laws in 2002 and 2022 focused on listing and welfare, this 2026 amendment is necessary to ensure the “ideals of the Liberation War remain upheld in national life” and to provide distinct recognition to those who accelerated the victory through non-combat support roles. This bill follows the Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (Amendment) Ordinance of 2025, which is set to be repealed and replaced by this comprehensive act upon passing.

Paying tribute to freedom fighters while opposing the bill Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Md Shafiqur Rahman prayed for the souls of those who led the bloody war of independence.

He stated that while the country became independent with hopes of humanity and justice, the reality after liberation was the opposite. He argued that the Liberation War became inevitable because the mandate of the people was denied, yet the post-independence rulers quickly forgot this.

Shafiqur Rahman noted that multi-party democracy was eventually replaced by a one-party BAKSAL system. He highlighted that in 1975, Parliament abolished multi-party democracy after only seven minutes of debate, banning all political parties. He commented that multi-party democracy only returned to Bangladesh after 1975 under President Ziaur Rahman, whom he described as a leader loved by the people.

Regarding the JAMUKA act, the opposition leader claimed the current definitions were not introduced by post-independence governments or during the tenures of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

Instead, he attributed the specific inclusion of certain definitions to the previous Awami League administration, which he labeled as ‘fascist.’ He concluded by calling for national unity and a political culture rooted in responsibility and compassion rather than division. Later, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said that the NCP has no objection to the Jamuka bill and requested the Parliament to bring it to the attention of the Parliament. Then, he put the bill to a vote and it was passed by voice vote.

The ongoing Middle East conflict and global economic instability could push around 1.2 million additional people in Bangladesh into poverty this year, the World Bank has warned, highlighting growing risks to livelihoods and economic stability. The projection was outlined in the World Bank’s Bangladesh Development Update (April 2026), released on Wednesday, which cautions that rising inflation and declining incomes may prevent a large segment of the population from escaping poverty.

According to the report, individuals earning less than $3 per day are considered below the poverty line. Prior to the escalation of the Middle East conflict, around 1.7 million Bangladeshis were expected to move above this threshold in 2026. However, that figure is now projected to fall to about 500,000, leaving roughly 1.2 million people unable to rise out of poverty.

The World Bank noted that Bangladesh’s progress in reducing poverty has slowed in recent years. The national poverty rate increased from 18.7% in 2022 to 21.4% in 2025, with around 1.4 million people newly falling below the poverty line last year alone.

The report warns that external shocks — particularly the war in the Middle East — are compounding existing economic pressures, threatening to reverse earlier gains. The World Bank projects that Bangladesh’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth could slow to 3.9% in the 2025–26 fiscal year, as global uncertainty dampens consumption and investment.

At a briefing in Dhaka, World Bank Bangladesh and Bhutan Director Jean Pesme said weak revenue collection, rising trade barriers — including retaliatory tariffs — and persistent inflation are adding to economic strain. He stressed the need to sustain reform efforts and improve the investment climate to generate jobs and support long-term poverty reduction.

The report identifies several channels through which the conflict could impact Bangladesh’s economy. It warns of pressure on the current account balance, driven by disruptions in imports, exports and remittances, as well as exchange rate volatility. Rising global fuel prices are expected to push up transport costs, contributing to higher inflation.

At the same time, government finances may come under increased strain due to higher subsidy requirements for fuel and fertiliser. The report also highlights the risk of widening inequality, with the Gini coefficient projected to rise slightly in 2026, reflecting uneven income distribution.

Without the impact of the conflict, the World Bank estimates Bangladesh’s poverty rate could have declined to 19.3% by 2028. However, current conditions may delay that trajectory. The report underscores the importance of controlling inflation, expanding employment opportunities and strengthening the investment environment to mitigate the impact.

Experts say the coming months will be critical, as policymakers seek to balance short-term shocks with longer-term economic recovery. As global uncertainties persist, the World Bank’s warning signals a growing risk that external conflicts could translate into deeper economic hardship for millions in Bangladesh.

DHAKA – The United Kingdom (UK) today expressed interest in participating in ground handling operations at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The interest was shown when UK Trade Envoy Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster paid a courtesy call on Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.

During the meeting, discussions focused on prospects for increased investment in Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism sectors under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Both sides emphasised strengthening bilateral trade relations and enhancing cooperation in key sectors. The UK trade envoy assured continued support for Bangladesh in implementing the electoral manifesto of the current democratic government.

The minister and state minister expressed their commitment to working jointly with the United Kingdom to further develop the country’s aviation and tourism industries.

DHAKA – Ten more people have died of suspected measles in the country in the last 24 hours, according to the control center of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). In a press release today, it said that in the last 24 hours, 1,248 new suspected measles patients have been identified across the country and 189 laboratory-confirmed patients have been found.

According to the release, from March 15 to April 8, the total number of confirmed measles patients was 1,599 and the number of suspected measles cases was 11,133. DGHS has so far confirmed a total of 21 deaths as measles-related and 138 people have died of suspected measles during the same period, it added.

During this period, the highest number of suspected measles cases was reported in Dhaka Division, where 4,667 people were infected. Of these, 991 people were confirmed to have measles.

The DGHS is continuously monitoring the situation and is regularly collecting and analyzing information through the Integrated Control Center. In addition to ensuring necessary medical care for patients, the people have been advised to remain vigilant.

SANGSAD BHABAN – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today reaffirmed that his government is committed to expanding women’s education, ensuring women empowerment and equal opportunities in education.

“The current government is committed to expand women’s education and ensure empowerment and equal access to education for women…The government is positively considering the nationalization of one women’s college in every upazila sadar to achieve this goal,” he said.

The premier said this while responding to a tabled question from treasury bench lawmaker from Naogaon-4 constituency Ekramul Bari Tipu in the House with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair.

Addressing the lawmaker from Naogaon-4, Tarique Rahman said that the government would take initiatives to gradually nationalize eligible educational institutions, including Manda Thana Adarsha Girls’ School and College in Naogan, in line with existing policies and subject to necessary financial provisions.

SANGSAD BHABAN – Reiterating that four crore families across the country will be brought under the Family Card programme gradually, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today told the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) that the BNP government considers family, not the individual, as the fundamental unit of development.

“The philosophy of the current government is ‘family, not the individual, as the fundamental unit of development’,” he said. The Leader of the House said this while replying to a tabled question from treasury bench member from Noakhali-1 Barrister AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair.

Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, said that the current government has taken the Family Card programme based on the vision of ensuring social security for citizens through a family-centric development approach.

In the initial phase, he said Family Cards were distributed to 37,814 families across 10 districts and three city corporations on March 10, 2026. The premier stated that the government has a plan to gradually bring about four crore marginalized and low-income families under this program in the future.

Referring to the Noakhali-1 (Chatkhil and Sonaimuri) constituency, Tarique Rahman expressed the hope that female members of poor families in the area would soon be brought under the Family Card programme to promote empowerment and self-reliance.

News Desk: A promising young software engineer of Bangladeshi origin, Sakib Ali, has passed away at the age of 29, leaving behind a grieving family and a shocked expatriate community across the United States.

According to local authorities, Sakib Ali was found deceased on April 6 at his residence in Marina del Rey. Police recovered his body after a concerned friend, requested by his family, visited the apartment and found the door locked from inside with no response.

Sakib Ali was the only son of Dr. Muhammad Ali Manik, a well-known pediatrician and community figure based in Georgia. He was a graduate of Georgia Institute of Technology, where he completed his studies in engineering before joining Amazon Music as a software engineer. His work had recently brought him to the Los Angeles area.

Family members reported losing contact with him earlier in the week, which raised concern. After several unsuccessful attempts to reach him, his father requested a friend in Los Angeles to check on him. The subsequent discovery led to immediate police involvement.

Preliminary reports suggest that the cause of death may have been cardiac-related, although officials have stated that a full autopsy is underway to determine the exact cause. His parents have since arrived in Los Angeles. Funeral prayers will be held there before his body is transported to Atlanta for a second service and burial.

Sakib Ali’s untimely death has cast a shadow over the Bangladeshi diaspora, particularly among communities in Georgia and California. Friends and community members have expressed deep sorrow, remembering him as a talented, dedicated, and humble individual. His passing serves as a somber reminder of the often unseen struggles faced by young professionals living abroad, far from their families and support systems.