United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the schedules for two upcoming home series on Friday, confirming a two-match Test series against Pakistan in May followed by a six-match white-ball series against Australia in June. The Pakistan squad is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on May 3. The first Test will commence on May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the capital. The teams will then travel to Sylhet for the second Test, which begins on May 16 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Both matches are part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle. Following Pakistan's departure, Australia will arrive on June 5 for three One-Day Internationals and three T20Is.. The ODI series is set to begin on June 9, with the second and third matches scheduled for June 11 and June 14. All ODI fixtures will start at 11 a.m. local time. The T20I leg of the Australian tour will start on June 17, followed by matches on June 19 and June 21, featuring 2 p.m. starts. The board has not yet confirmed the host venues for the Australia series.

Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round of talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad in the coming days, before the end of the ceasefire, two Pakistani officials told the Associated Press. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter with the press, said the proposal would depend on whether the parties request a different location. One of the officials said that, despite ending without an agreement, the first talks were part of an ongoing diplomatic process rather than a one-off effort. Earlier Reuters reported, citing four sources, that the #US and Iranian negotiation teams will return to Islamabad later this week to resume ceasefire talks. "No firm date has been set, with the delegations keeping ⁠Friday through Sunday open," a senior Iranian source told the news agency. On April 13, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said there remains a possibility of resuming talks between the United States and Iran, expressing optimism about ongoing diplomatic efforts. He added that a new round of negotiations is expected to begin soon, noting that Islamabad is satisfied with the discussions so far and that no negative developments have emerged from them.

The five-star Serena Hotel in Islamabad — known for its luxury and tight security — has been selected as the venue for high-stakes talks between the United States and Iran, despite concerns given past attacks in the capital. At first glance, the choice may seem unusual, particularly as one of Islamabad’s deadliest militant attacks occurred in 2008 at the nearby Marriott Hotel. However, officials say Serena’s reputation for robust security and strategic location makes it a suitable option, reports Al Jazeera. Trump says US ‘clearing out’ Strait of Hormuz Behind its scenic gardens and distinctive Moorish-style architecture lies a carefully managed security system. Experts and former officials note that the hotel has long experience in hosting high-profile guests under strict protection. Former Islamabad police chief Tahir Alam Khan said many of the hotel’s security personnel are retired professionals, ensuring a high level of expertise. He added that the design — with entry and exit points set away from the main compound — strengthens safety. Its proximity to key government sites, including the prime minister’s residence and parliament, also adds to its appeal. According to a government source, the hotel’s expansive 6-hectare complex, featuring over 400 rooms, conference facilities and office spaces, can comfortably accommodate large delegations such as those from Washington and Tehran, each comprising over 150 members. Another former police chief, Kaleem Imam, highlighted the hotel’s layered security screening and strong coordination with state agencies as key factors behind its selection.

A high-level U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for crucial talks with Iranian officials, marking the first direct engagement since the outbreak of war more than a month ago. The discussions are expected to test whether the fragile ceasefire can be strengthened and potentially developed into a lasting peace agreement. The Pakistan-brokered ceasefire remains uncertain as fresh tensions continue, with ongoing exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah along the southern Lebanon border. Iran has also set preconditions for entering negotiations. Iran’s delegation, headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, reached Islamabad early Saturday. He said on social media that talks would proceed only if a ceasefire in Lebanon is implemented and frozen Iranian assets are released. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly commented on the situation, claiming Iranian officials “have no leverage” and accusing them of exploiting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. He also asserted that Iran’s survival depends on negotiations. Security in Islamabad was tightened ahead of the talks, with major roads sealed and residents urged to stay indoors, giving parts of the capital a restricted, near-lockdown appearance. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the situation as a critical turning point, saying the conflict had reached a “make-or-break” phase as parties attempt to move from a temporary ceasefire toward a durable settlement. Vice President Vance is leading the U.S. side alongside special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner. Before departing Washington, Vance expressed optimism about the talks but warned that Washington would not tolerate bad-faith negotiations. Separate discussions are also planned between Israel and Lebanon, expected to begin Tuesday in Washington, aimed at addressing the ongoing war involving Hezbollah. Beirut is seeking a direct framework to end hostilities, while Israel wants Lebanon to take responsibility for disarming Hezbollah. However, disagreements over whether the Iran ceasefire includes Hezbollah have complicated efforts to reach a broader agreement. The conflict has intensified in Lebanon, with heavy casualties reported following Israeli airstrikes in recent days. Meanwhile, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz remain a major global concern. Iran’s influence over the key waterway has disrupted global oil flows, pushing prices sharply higher and affecting international markets. Oil shipments through the strait have dropped significantly since the conflict began, highlighting ongoing instability in the region. The Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard, reported that the Iranian delegation is expected to meet Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday at noon. The Iranian negotiating team, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, also held a meeting late Friday with Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. These meetings come ahead of crucial Iran–U.S. talks in Islamabad aimed at finding a long-term solution to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Pakistan has established a modern media center to facilitate coverage of the negotiations by local and international journalists, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said. He explained that the facility at the Jinnah Convention Centre is equipped with high-speed internet and other free services to assist reporters. Shuttle buses have also been arranged to transport journalists between the media center and a hotel located in the city’s main commercial area. Pakistan has also introduced visa-on-arrival facilities for journalists and official delegations arriving from both the United States and Iran for the talks, which are being referred to as the “Islamabad talks.” Inside the media centre, rows of workstations with laptops and charging points have been set up for reporters to file their stories. Large screens display major local and international news channels, while separate spaces have been designated for live broadcasts, press briefings, and interviews.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said Tehran will take the management of the Strait of Hormuz “into a new phase,” as tensions persist over access to the critically important waterway despite a fragile ceasefire with the United States. In a statement broadcast by state media, Khamenei said Iran would “seek compensation for every single loss inflicted” and pursue damages for those injured in the war. While he did not clarify what the new phase of Hormuz management would entail, the remarks signal a potential shift in Tehran’s strategy over the vital global oil route. He stressed that Iran “never sought war and we’re not seeking war,” but warned it would “not back off from seeking our legitimate rights in any way,” including support for what he described as the “entire resistance front.” He also called on pro-Iran supporters to mobilise publicly, saying their voices could influence the outcome of ongoing negotiations. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Israel would “scale back” strikes on Lebanon ahead of talks with Iran in Islamabad, expressing optimism about a potential deal. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the notion of a truce in Lebanon, declaring “there is no ceasefire” and vowing continued attacks against Hezbollah. Netanyahu says Israel to hold direct talks with Lebanon amid ceasefire dispute The conflicting positions have cast doubt on the durability of the two-week ceasefire, with disputes over Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz emerging as key sticking points. Heavy Israeli strikes on Beirut shortly after the truce announcement further deepened uncertainty. Diplomatic efforts are set to continue, with Pakistan hosting talks in Islamabad involving senior officials from the US, Iran and Pakistan, as both sides test the possibility of a broader settlement. Pakistani officials have disclosed the names of key figures expected to attend the upcoming negotiations aimed at ending the conflict between Iran and the United States. The talks are tentatively scheduled for Saturday in Islamabad, though officials said details are still being finalised and the list of participants may change, reports Al Jazeera. From Pakistan, expected attendees include Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and National Security Adviser Asim Malik, who also heads the country’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The US delegation is likely to feature Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, senior presidential adviser Jared Kushner, and Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM). Iran’s side is expected to be represented by Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi. Officials emphasised that the final list of participants could be updated as preparations continue. The talks come amid a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US, providing a window for diplomatic engagement. With inputs from BBC

Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, announced that an Iranian delegation will travel to Islamabad tonight to hold discussions based on Tehran’s 10-point peace plan. In a post on X, Moghadam noted that the trip is proceeding despite some “scepticism” among Iranians regarding Israeli government efforts to “sabotage the diplomatic initiative.”

Pakistan’s Prime Minister ‘Shehbaz Sharif’said on X that he had a “warm, substantive” conversation with ‘Iran’s President Pezeshkian’on Tuesday. “I expressed my sincere appreciation for the wisdom of the Iranian leadership in accepting Pakistan’s invitation to host peace talks in Islamabad later this week, aimed at jointly restoring regional peace,” he said. “President Pezeshkian confirmed Iran’s participation in the upcoming negotiations and thanked Pakistan for its efforts, also sending his best wishes to the people of Pakistan,” the prime minister added. Source: AL Jazeera  

Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have restarted negotiations in China, where Beijing is acting as a mediator to help secure a lasting ceasefire following weeks of clashes, according to two Pakistani officials on Wednesday. Another source familiar with the mediation process said the discussions are focused on ending the ongoing hostilities. Officials, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization to brief the media, said delegations from both sides are meeting in Urumqi, a city in northern China. China has yet to make any official statement on the matter, while Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has neither confirmed nor denied the talks. However, sources indicated that the negotiations are seen as a hopeful step toward easing tensions affecting millions of people in both Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan. Pakistan has long alleged that Afghanistan shelters militants responsible for cross-border attacks, particularly members of the Pakistani Taliban. While the group is distinct, it maintains close ties with the Afghan Taliban, who returned to power in 2021 after the withdrawal of US-led forces. Kabul has consistently rejected these accusations. Relations worsened last month after Afghan authorities claimed that a Pakistani airstrike struck a drug rehabilitation facility in Kabul, leaving more than 400 people dead. The United Nations said the casualty figures are still being verified. Pakistan denied targeting civilians, asserting that it struck a weapons depot. Earlier, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the country had targeted only militant infrastructure and not civilian facilities, emphasizing that operations were directed at Taliban-linked military and terrorist setups. Although both sides observed a temporary ceasefire during Eid al-Fitr, hostilities resumed afterward, albeit at a lower intensity compared to the heavy fighting seen in February and March, when Pakistan conducted repeated airstrikes on militant positions and Afghan sites. The conflict has intensified in recent years. In February, Pakistan declared it was in a state of “open war” with Afghanistan. The violence has raised concerns globally, especially as groups like al-Qaida and Islamic State remain active in the region. Sources said the latest talks were initiated after both countries agreed to China’s mediation offer. Tensions have persisted for months, with recent clashes also undermining a Qatar-brokered ceasefire reached in October that had previously halted fighting which killed dozens, including civilians and security personnel. Earlier negotiations held in Istanbul in November also failed to produce a lasting peace agreement.

At least eight people were killed and more than 50 injured when the roof of a shop collapsed in a village in eastern Pakistan on Monday as women gathered to receive government welfare payments, police and rescue officials said. Rescue worker Ashiq Mahmood said the roof caved in due to the pressure of a large crowd. According to him, the shopkeeper had asked some of the more than 100 women present to move onto the roof while others stayed inside the shop, which caused the structure to give way. Six killed as militants attack house in southwest Pakistan    The incident occurred in Rahim Yar Khan district of Punjab province, where women had assembled to collect financial assistance ahead of Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The payments were being distributed under the Benazir Income Support Program, a government initiative named after former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was killed in a gun and bomb attack in 2007. The programme provides cash support to millions of low-income families across the country, many of them headed by women. Eligible families receive quarterly payments of 13,000 Pakistani rupees, equivalent to about $45. Crowding and stampedes are not uncommon in Pakistan during Ramadan when government bodies, charities and businesses distribute food and cash among poor families. In 2023, at least 11 women and children died in a stampede at a Ramadan aid distribution centre in Karachi after hundreds of people rushed to collect assistance outside a factory.

Director Aditya Dhar says he is not worried about a possible ban on his upcoming film ‘Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge’ in Pakistan. The action film, starring Ranveer Singh, is scheduled to hit theatres on March 19, with paid preview shows beginning on the evening of March 18. Dhar, who has directed only two films so far, has already gained wide recognition in India. He began his career as an assistant director under filmmaker ‘Priyadarshan ‘and also worked as a lyricist before establishing himself as a director and producer. He currently runs B62 Studios with his brother Lokesh Dhar. His first film, ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ (2019), was based on India’s military response to the 2016 Uri attack carried out by Pakistan-based militants. The film, starring Vicky Kaushal, became a major box-office success and won four National Film Awards, including Best Director for Dhar and Best Actor for Kaushal. It also earned awards for Best Audiography and Best Music Director, with composer Shashwat Sachdev returning for the ‘Dhurandhar’ franchise. Responding to questions about a potential ban in Pakistan, Dhar said it does not concern him. According to the filmmaker, if Pakistani audiences watch the film, they will understand that it does not target the people of Pakistan but speaks only against terrorism. “If viewers trust us and watch the film once, they will realise it says nothing against the Pakistani public. It only speaks against terrorism,” he said. Despite restrictions, the first ‘Dhurandhar’ gained significant attention in Pakistan. Pirated DVDs reportedly sold for about Rs16, while the film saw more than two million illegal downloads in the country within 12 days of its release. When the film later arrived on Netflix in January, it reportedly became the platform’s top title in Pakistan. Source: NDTV