Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that any problem can be solved through discussion. Referring to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Palestine-Iran war, the PM said that war can not provide any solution. Therefore, she called for a peaceful solution through negotiation to stop the war. PM  Sheikh Haqsina said this at the conference of the UNESCAP in Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday morning (April 25). Sheikh Hasina said, 'I call upon the world leaders to stop the war between Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Iran-Palestine. I know the consequences of war. Bangladesh does not want any war. World leaders should take initiatives to stop war by looking at those who are still suffering in various ways because of war.' Sheikh Hasina also urged ASEAN to play a role in dealing with Rohingya crisis and controlling the internal conflict in Myanmar.  

Major U.S. airlines and aviation unions on Thursday urged the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden to pause approvals of additional flights between China and the United States, citing ongoing "anti-competitive policies of the Chinese government." In February, the U.S. Department of Transportation said Chinese passenger airlines could boost weekly round-trip U.S. flights to 50 starting on March 31, up from the current 35, about a third of pre-pandemic levels. U.S. carriers were authorized as well to fly 50 flights per week but are currently not using all those flights. Airlines for America, a trade group whose members include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, and unions in a letter to the Transportation and State departments cited the "advantage Chinese airlines receive by continuing to access Russian airspace, while U.S. carriers stopped flying through Russian airspace at the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in March 2022." The letter, which was first reported by Reuters, was signed by the Air Line Pilots Association, Allied Pilots Association and Association of Flight Attendants. It called on Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to "pause additional passenger flights between the United States and the People’s Republic of China until U.S. workers and businesses are guaranteed equality of access in the marketplace, free from the existing harmful anti-competitive policies of the Chinese government." Flights between China and the United States — which were a point of contention during the COVID-19 pandemic — have emerged as a rare area of cooperation between the two super powers, but U.S. airlines have expressed concern about the rapid pace of increasing flights. Airlines are worried the Biden administration could boost or even double to 100 the number of weekly flights permitted by Chinese carriers. Separately, U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher, the chair of the House select committee on China, and the panel's top Democrat, Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, urged the Biden administration in a separate letter Wednesday not to approve more flights until China abides "by its existing bilateral agreement, and passenger demand begins to recover." The lawmakers said Chinese carriers "operate air routes at an anticompetitive commercial advantage that must not be allowed to increase without reciprocal parity in the number of U.S. carrier operated routes" to China. It added that "American passengers must not be exposed to unnecessary security risks by traversing Russian airspace." More than 150 weekly round-trip passenger flights were allowed by each side before restrictions were imposed in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but until August 2023, Chinese and U.S. carriers could each fly only 12 a week between the two countries. The number rose on Sept. 1 to 18 weekly round trips and then to 24 per week starting Oct. 29. The U.S. Department of Transportation approved 35 for Chinese carriers in November. Reuters reported last June that newly approved Chinese flights to the United States were not overflying Russia, which would have given them a shorter flight time and fuel advantage over U.S. rivals blocked from Russian airspace.   Source: Japan Times

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen said that there was no disruption of health services in any hospital in the country even during the long vacation of Eid. He said this while talking to reporters after visiting Mugda Medical College Hospital in the capital on Thursday (April 11). The Health Minister said that though the Eid vacation is going on, there was no disruption of health services in any hospital in the country. "This is my first Eid as a minister. I hope the people of the country are celebrating Eid very nicely. I went to two hospitals on Wednesday and found enough doctors and nurses in both places. I am satisfied. I also talked to patients. No one complained," he added. "I have sent a message to the directors of all the hospitals in the country this morning. As far as I know, treatment is going on everywhere. There was no disruption anywhere. I found enough doctors and nurses in every hospital I have visited and I am satisfied with their services.", said Dr Samanta Lal Sen.

The moon of the holy month of Shawwal was not sighted in the sky of the country. As a result, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in Bangladesh on Thursday (April 11). The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Moon Sighting committee on Tuesday (April 9) evening. Eid-ul-Fitr "festival of breaking the fast" will be celebrated in Saudi Arabia and other European countries on Wednesday (April 10) as the moon of the holy month of Shawwal was not sighted in the Middle East on Monday (April 8). Meanwhile, the holy Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in different districts of Bangladesh on Wednesday (April 10) in conformity with Saudi Arabia.  

Karan Johar's film with Salman Khan, 'The Bull', is set to start production in 2025 after rumors of it being shelved. It is based on the events of Operation Cactus. Karan Johar’s film with Salman Khan, titled ‘The Bull’ is all set to go on floors in 2025. Rumours had been doing the rounds that the film has been shelved. However, IndiaToday.In exclusively learnt that the film has not been shelved, and the writing is currently underway. Sources told India Today that ‘The Bull’ will most likely go on floors in 2025. The film has gone back to the writing room and the script is being worked up, which is why there is a delay. Earlier, it was supposed to go on floors this year and it was eyeing Eid 2025 release. ‘The Bull’ is based on the events of Operation Cactus, on November 3, 1988, where the Indian forces helped the Maldives government in regaining control after a coup attempt. Given the current status between India and Maldives, the film is being sensitised to political equations and written with a fresh perspective. Earlier, reports started circulating that ‘The Bull’ had hit the roadblock because Karan Johar and director Vishuvardhan were unable to commit a date for the film. ‘The Bull’ will mark Salman Khan and Karan Johar’s reunion after 25 years. It will be directed by Vishnuvardhan, who had earlier directed Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani-starrer ‘Shershaah’.   Source: India Toady  

International women's football star Sam Kerr is facing trial in England after pleading not guilty to a racially aggravated offence against a London police officer, prosecutors said. The Chelsea striker and Australia captain was charged following an incident in January last year, when the Metropolitan Police said they were called to a dispute over a taxi fare. The 30-year-old Kerr, born to an Anglo-Indian father and Australian mother, is a treasured sporting figure in Australia and one of the most famous players in women's football. Australia's all-time leading scorer last year graced the cover of the FIFA video game alongside Kylian Mbappe. She is expected to face trial in February 2025. The charge, relating to "threatening, abusive or insulting" behaviour, can carry a fine or custodial sentence if proven. The alleged incident occurred before last year's World Cup, which was held in Australia and New Zealand, but was not publicly disclosed until now and appeared to take Australian football bosses by surprise. Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said he had only found out about the allegation on Tuesday and was yet to speak to his skipper. "I was informed this morning and obviously I was surprised," he said. "I can't comment on the offence because it's a legal matter at this point. The only thing I can comment on is my experience and interaction with Sam as a person, and as a footballer. "And I have only had positive experiences," he said. Gustavsson said it was too early to say whether the allegation would rule Kerr out of selection for this summer's Paris Olympics. Kerr has been sidelined since January with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. "I think it's a bit too early to look at selection at this time and as we all know with Sam's serious injury in January, there's obviously a very big question mark whether she will even be up for selection," said Gustavsson. Very serious Football Australia CEO James Johnson called the allegation "unsettling" and "very serious". "We've got our own questions that we'd like to know. We've got to find out what actually happened," he said. "It's regarding racism, and there's no place for racism in our sport. At the same time. Sam has rights, natural justice rights, procedural rights, that she's going to work her way through and we're respectful of that." Former Australia men's team captain Craig Foster said the news was unexpected and distressing. "Racism is a very serious issue (not only) in sport. Let's acknowledge the rights of the other person involved and hope that February absolves Sam," he posted on X, formerly Twitter.  Pace, agility Kerr has been credited with helping drive the booming popularity of the women's game both in Australia and globally. She played Australian Rules football as a youngster and was convinced she would one day represent her beloved West Coast Eagles, like her elder brother. She switched to football aged 12 and made her full international debut against Italy in 2009, a precocious talent aged just 15 at the time. Known for her pace, agility and heading ability -- as well as her trademark backflip goal celebrations -- Kerr left for the United States in 2013. She went first to Western New York Flash, then Sky Blue FC in New Jersey and finally Chicago Red Stars. After moving to Chelsea in 2020, Kerr rose to a new level. The 2023 Ballon d'Or runner-up scored the only goal in Chelsea's 1-0 win over Manchester United in last season's FA Cup final. As her star has continued to rise over the years, Kerr has signed lucrative endorsement deals with the likes of Nike and Mastercard. She has scored 99 goals in 128 games in all competitions for Chelsea. In 2019, Kerr became the first Australian, man or woman, to score a hat-trick at a World Cup.   Source: BSS

Australia and Chelsea star Sam Kerr, one of the best known players in women's football, is said to have been involved in a dispute with a police officer in January. Australian football star Sam Kerr pleaded not guilty to a "racially aggravated offense" relating to an incident in the United Kingdom. The 30-year-old striker, who plays her club football for Chelsea, was allegedly involved in a dispute with a police officer in January 2023, London's Metropolitan Police said. What do we know about the Sam Kerr incident? The alleged offense occurred while a police officer was responding to a "complaint involving a taxi fare." According to a police statement, Kerr pleaded not guilty at Kingston Crown Court on Monday after being charged in January. She is only due back in court next year. Football Australia said it was aware of the legal proceedings, adding: "As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are unable to provide further comment at this time. "Our focus remains on supporting all our players, both on and off the field. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide support as appropriate." Sam Kerr — one of the biggest names in women's football The Matildas captain has been sidelined since January after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a mid-season training camp in Morocco and is a doubt for the Paris Olympics, which begins in July. Known for her pace, agility and being lethal in front of goal, having netted 99 goals in 128 games for Women's Super League (WSL) side Chelsea, Kerr was the face of Australia's campaign during last summer's home World Cup. The 30-year-old has lucrative endorsement deals with the likes of Nike and Mastercard and last year was on the cover of the FIFA video game alongside French superstar Kylian Mbappe.

David Warner will play his final bilateral international cricket series against New Zealand this week but the Australia opener is not expecting an affectionate farewell from Black Caps fans in Wellington and Auckland. The 37-year-old has already retired from test and one-day cricket but has delayed his farewell from the shortest format of the game until after the World Cup in the Caribbean and United States in June. Warner, who will open for Australia in Wednesday's Twenty20 series opener against New Zealand at Wellington Stadium and the two matches that follow at Eden Park, said he would not let any abuse affect his game. "Over here, it's always the harsh reality that we're neighbours, in sport we like to beat each other," Warner told reporters in the New Zealand capital on Monday. Warner, who will open for Australia in Wednesday's Twenty20 series opener against New Zealand at Wellington Stadium and the two matches that follow at Eden Park, said he would not let any abuse affect his game. "Over here, it's always the harsh reality that we're neighbours, in sport we like to beat each other," Warner told reporters in the New Zealand capital on Monday. "From that perspective, we're going to be expecting the crowd to come at us as hard as they come. As we always say, it's in one ear, out the other – if I actually hear anything."David Warner will play his final bilateral international cricket series against New Zealand this week but the Australia opener is not expecting an affectionate farewell from Black Caps fans in Wellington and Auckland. The 37-year-old has already retired from test and one-day cricket but has delayed his farewell from the shortest format of the game until after the World Cup in the Caribbean and United States in June. Warner described local fans as "derogatory and pretty vulgar" after the Australians were targeted for abuse during a test and ODI tour of New Zealand in 2016. "I enjoy playing here," Warner added. "It's about coming out and trying to put my best foot forward, and score runs. "The crowd, yeah, they got personal, but if they have to get personal, that’s their character ... if you want to pay your money to come and abuse people, you have to go back and lay in your own bed. "We're here to play the game of cricket that we love, enjoy and put bums on seats to keep the game going." Warner said he was going to continue his career in Twenty20 franchise leagues around the world for "another couple of years" . Despite having also signed up to offer his opinions on the game through media work, Warner said he was not considering a career in politics. "Yeah, look, I'll leave that for another time," he said.   Source: Reuters

The independent Members of Parliament (MPs) are awaiting Prime Minister and parliamentary leader Sheikh Hasina's decision regarding their role in the parliament.  The Prime Minister has extended an invitation to the independent candidates to her official residence, Ganabhaban.     The independent MPs hope to receive guidance during the Ganabhaban meeting regarding their parliamentary roles and the allocation of reserved seats for women. They anticipate directives from the Prime Minister regarding their parliamentary functions and the distribution of reserved seats for women.     The Awami League has secured the government for the fourth consecutive term by winning in 223 constituencies. The newly elected MPs took their oaths on 10 January, and on the same day, they elected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the parliamentary leader. The new cabinet was sworn in the following day.    There have been numerous discussions in the political arena regarding the formation of the opposition and the role of independent candidates in the parliament.   Many independent MPs have expressed their willingness to act according to the Prime Minister's suggestions.   However, at the policymaking level within the Awami League, there is discussion about some members acting as independent MPs without formally joining the party in parliament.  

After Pakistan fired at targets on Iranian territory in retaliation for attacks carried out by Iran on Pakistani territory, both states now say they want to defuse the situation. The military response was followed by a warning. On January 18, senior security sources in Pakistan said that the armed forces were on "extremely" high alert and that any further "misadventure" from the Iranian side would be met "forcefully." Pakistan fired at targets on Iranian territory, particularly in the border town of Saravan, after Iran targeted militants on Pakistani territory two days before. Iranian state television said that three women and four children, who were reportedly not Iranian nationals, had been killed in a village near the border. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said it had carried out a "series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes" against "terrorist hideouts" in Sistan and Baluchistan, a province in southeastern Iran. It said the strikes were carried out "in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities" and that several "terrorists" had been killed. Iranian state media reported the deaths of nine people. 'Diversionary maneuver by Islamic Republic' Iran, for its part, not only conducted attacks on Pakistani territory, but earlier this week also attacked targets in Syria and Iraq. Several Iranian missiles hit Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region in northern Iraq.   IRNA, Iran's state news agency, reported that Revolutionary Guards paramilitary units had attacked "a spy headquarters" of Mossad, Israel's national intelligence agency, as well as a "gathering of anti-Iranian terrorist groups." According to Iraqi reports, at least four civilians were killed and six injured in the attack. The Revolutionary Guards said that in occupied Syria they had "identified and destroyed" the gathering places of commanders of the so-called Islamic State (IS) terror group, by firing a series of ballistic missiles.  Domestic and regional motives Sara Bazoobandi from the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) said the strikes were linked to blasts that occured in early January in the Iranian city of Kerman, near the grave of the former Revolutionary Guards commander Qassem Soleimani, who was killed by the US in 2020. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the January attack, which killed approximately 90 people. "The government has barely commented on the attack so far," said Bazoobandi, who added that little was known as to why. "In particular, the government and security authorities cannot explain why they were unable to prevent such an attack." Bazoobandi said Israel's deadly late December airstrike on Sayyed Razi Mousavi, a Revolutionary Guards general in Syria, also caused considerable consternation among the Iranian regime's supporters. She said that if the regime was now attacking targets beyond its borders in an unsystematic way, it was to demonstrate that it is still strong. "This would also fit in with the explanation that the Kurdish businessman killed in the attack in Syria was a spy working for Israel. Ultimately, the regime's aim is to keep its supporters happy with random attacks." Political scientist Ali Fathollah-Nejad, the director of the Center for Middle East and Global Order (CMEG), a Berlin-based think tank, had a similar view. On X, formerly Twitter, he wrote that Iran's attacks were "primarily a diversionary maneuver by the Islamic Republic, motivated by domestic and regional concerns."  "But this Iranian strategy is not succeeding. […] Instead, this is now turning into a diplomatic fiasco."   'Pakistani sovereignty was violated' However, the motives behind the attack on Pakistan remain unclear. Mola Bakhsh Dashti, a local in Koh-e-Sabz in the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan, said that there had long been tension: "This is not the first incident. We are used to attacks by Iranian forces. The only difference is that people died, so Pakistan retaliated, and people came to know about the incident. If it had been like one of the usual attacks, where people remain unharmed, no-one would have been bothered." According to a former spokesman for the militant separatist organization Jaish al-Adl, which wants independence for the Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchistan and has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on the Iranian military in the past, the government in Tehran did not originally plan to shell Pakistani territory. "The government tried to target us in Iran, and I assume by mistake they misfired the missiles," he told DW on condition of anonymity.   Pakistani security expert Raashid Wali Janjua told DW that his country had to react. "Pakistani sovereignty was violated, and Pakistan was under pressure to respond as civilians were targeted," he said, adding that now the aim was not to escalate but to "defuse" the situation. "Iran's response will play an important role in [terms of] further clarity. […] We hope that now they will act as a responsible country. And, after these two sad incidents, they will stop the escalation."   Tehran plays down situation For their part, Iranian authorities and state media have tried to play down the significance of Pakistan's counterattack. The Tasnim News Agency, which is close to the Revolutionary Guards, published a video in which Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokeswoman for Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, insisted that Pakistan had great respect for the people of Iran. At a news conference in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, she stated: "Pakistan considers people of Iran as our friends and brothers and we have no interest in escalating any situation. […] We also believe that dialog and cooperation is essential for confronting common challenges, including the menace of terrorism and we would like to continue to engage with all neighbors including Iran." On Thursday morning, the Iranian interior minister spoke to the press about what had happened in the Iranian city of Saravan. He mentioned "explosions" but avoided using the term "attack." Sistan and Baluchistan, the southeastern Iranian province where Saravan is located, is the poorest in the country. There have been numerous social media comments by Iranians who are angry about the Iranian government's response. Khalil Balouch, an activist from Sistan and Baluchistan, wrote on X that the damage caused by Pakistan's missile attacks on Saravan was considerable: "Buildings have been destroyed, the pictures are heart-breaking. And on TV they are brazen enough to say that no Iranians were killed in the attack."