United News of Bangladesh

Electricity generation at the Karnphuli Hydrpower Plant in Kaptai has declined significantly due to a fall in water levels in Kaptai Lake, with four out of five units now shut down, officials said on Wednesday. At present, only one unit of the plant is in operation, producing around 40 megawatts (MW) of electricity, compared to its maximum generation capacity of 230 MW from all five units. Plant Manager and Executive Engineer Mahmud Hasan said water levels in Kaptai Lake continue to drop during the dry season, directly affecting hydroelectric production. He said that as of 9: 00am on Wednesday, only Unit-2 was in operation, generating 40 MW of electricity. According to the rule curve, the water level of Kaptai Lake is supposed to remain at 83.80 feet mean sea level (MSL) but it stood at 77.47 feet MSL at 9: 00am on Wednesday, he added. Engineers at the plant’s control room said that in recent weeks, two units were kept operational, but due to the rapid fall in water levels, operations have now been reduced to a single unit. They said the situation is likely to persist until rainfall increases and water levels in the lake rise again.

Ukraine is seeking a direct meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to revive slow-moving US-led peace talks, the country’s top diplomat said. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Kyiv believes a face-to-face summit could help bring fresh momentum to diplomatic efforts aimed at ending Russia’s invasion, which has been ongoing for more than four years. At the same time, Russian officials reported that a Ukrainian drone strike hit a residential building deep inside Russia, killing a woman and a child. Ukraine has asked Turkey to help arrange the high-level talks and has contacted other countries as possible hosts. Kyiv said it is open to holding the meeting in any country except Russia and Belarus. “We are advocating for a summit now to inject new energy into diplomacy,” Sybiha told reporters. Talks mediated by the United States over the past year between Russian and Ukrainian representatives have made little progress on key issues, including the fate of four Ukrainian regions that Moscow claims but does not fully control. With Washington now focused on tensions involving Iran, the peace process has largely stalled. Zelenskyy has agreed to an unconditional ceasefire proposed by US President Donald Trump, but Putin has rejected it. Analysts say Moscow believes time is on its side, expecting Western support for Ukraine to weaken over time. Fighting continues along a roughly 1,250-kilometer front line stretching across eastern and southern Ukraine, with heavy losses reported on both sides. Western officials estimate that Russia is suffering tens of thousands of casualties each month, though such figures cannot be independently confirmed. Ukraine has also expanded its domestic arms production, developing long-range drones and missiles capable of hitting targets deep inside Russia, including oil and military-related facilities. In the Russian city of Syzran, about 800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, a drone strike caused part of a residential building to collapse. Authorities said the bodies of a woman and a child were recovered from the debris, while 12 others were injured. Images from the scene showed a section of the four-story building reduced to rubble as rescue workers searched through the wreckage. Reports said a Rosneft refinery, often targeted in Ukrainian strikes, is located on the same street. Russian officials say Ukraine’s drone attacks have surged sharply, rising from around 6,200 in 2024 to over 23,000 in 2025.

Bangladesh is taking a significant step toward transforming its construction sector with the development of the Green Building Certification Framework (DESH), a nationally tailored system designed to promote sustainable, climate-resilient, and resource-efficient buildings, officials said on Wednesday. Developed by the Housing and Building Research Institute (HBRI) with support from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), under the leadership of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works (MoHPW), the DESH framework is part of the broader initiative “Transforming the Built Environment through Sustainable Materials in Bangladesh.” The recently held stakeholder consultation marked a critical milestone in the development of the framework, said the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) on Wednesday.  Bringing together representatives from government, academia, and industry, the session focused on technical validation and co-development of the certification system. Despite the presence of established national and international certification systems, the introduction of DESH, a locally adapted, performance-driven framework, received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Stakeholders expressed strong appreciation for its contextual relevance, practical applicability, and alignment with Bangladesh’s climate and development priorities, with no major opposition raised during the consultation or in subsequent engagements. The DESH framework adopts a holistic approach, integrating key dimensions such as climate resilience, energy efficiency, water management, sustainable materials, and occupant health. Its structure is designed to ensure both technical rigor and practical usability across Bangladesh’s rapidly growing built environment. Building on this momentum, the Ministry of Housing and Public Works and HBRI have emphasised the importance of expanding awareness and visibility of the DESH framework nationwide. Increasing public and institutional understanding will be critical as the framework moves toward its next phase, including broader consultations and eventual public review. This next stage will focus on ensuring that DESH is not only technically robust but also widely recognised, accepted, and adopted across sectors, supporting Bangladesh’s transition toward a low-carbon, resilient, and sustainable built environment, according to UNOPS Bangladesh Office. The initiative, the UN agency said, reflects a growing national commitment to align construction practices with climate goals, strengthen local capacity, and establish a certification system that responds to Bangladesh’s unique environmental and socio-economic context.

Mexico has announced increased security measures at major tourist destinations after a deadly shooting at the Teotihuacan pyramids raised fresh concerns ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Authorities said a lone gunman opened fire on tourists Monday at the UNESCO World Heritage site, killing one Canadian visitor and injuring at least a dozen others. President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged security gaps at the site, describing the attack as an “isolated incident” but vowing steps to prevent a recurrence. Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said forces have been ordered to immediately strengthen protection at archaeological sites and key tourist areas nationwide. Measures include increasing the presence of the National Guard, enhancing security checks and expanding surveillance systems. The shooting comes less than two months before Mexico co-hosts the World Cup with the United States and Canada, with Teotihuacan expected to be a major attraction for visiting fans. The government has already announced a broader security plan involving the deployment of around 100,000 personnel, along with military vehicles, aircraft and drones, particularly in host cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Despite officials highlighting a decline in homicides in recent years, the incident has renewed scrutiny over security preparedness as the global tournament approaches.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has reiterated Washington’s commitment to maintaining economic pressure on Iran, saying measures targeting its key revenue sources will remain in place. In a post on X on Tuesday evening, Bessent said the ongoing blockade of Iranian ports is aimed at restricting the country’s maritime trade and cutting off its primary income streams. “The blockade directly targets the regime’s primary revenue lifelines,” he said, adding that storage facilities at Kharg Island could soon reach capacity, forcing disruptions in Iran’s oil production. Kharg Island handles around 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports and is considered central to the country’s energy sector. Bessent also said Iranian funds will remain frozen and warned that any individual or vessel involved in facilitating financial flows to Iran could face US sanctions. The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over maritime security and economic restrictions.

Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) has warned of a possible flash flood in Sunamganj due to rising water levels in major rivers, urging farmers to harvest ripened paddy without delay. BWDB issued a press release in this regard on Wednesday. BWDB Sunamganj Executive Engineer Mamun Hawlader said continuous rainfall in upstream areas has led to a steady increase in water levels in the Surma, Kushiyara and Baulai rivers as well as other rivers in the region. According to the latest data from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and the Bangladesh Water Development Board, the water levels of rivers in the northeast region, particularly in Sunamganj, may increase rapidly over the next few days, heightening the risk of flash floods. The rainfall within haor areas may lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas, said the release. To minimise potential damage to Boro crops in the haors, BWDB has advised farmers to harvest paddy from fields as quickly as possible where at least 80 percent of the crop has matured.  

Iran’s paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has attacked a third vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian news agencies reported on Wednesday, in an apparent escalation of maritime tensions. Semi-official outlets including Nour News, Fars and Mehr said the Guard targeted a ship identified as Euphoria, which they claimed later became “stranded” along the Iranian coast. No further details were immediately provided. In a separate report, Iranian state television said two other vessels attacked earlier in the day—MSC Francesca and Epaminodes—are now in the custody of the Revolutionary Guard and are being taken to Iran. According to a statement from the Guard, the ships were accused of operating without authorization, violating maritime regulations, manipulating navigation systems and attempting to leave the Strait covertly, thereby “endangering maritime security.” The seizures mark a significant escalation following earlier US actions against Iranian vessels, as fragile ceasefire talks are underway. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, had traditionally been considered an international waterway open to all vessels, despite lying between Iranian and Omani territorial waters.

Pakistan has requested the United States to lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports and release a seized Iranian vessel in a bid to revive stalled negotiations, according to sources. The sources said Islamabad conveyed its request to Washington, urging the release of the detained ship and its crew, and received “positive signals” from the US side. However, no timeline has been set for their release. The move comes amid ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions between the two countries. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he is extending the ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan’s request while awaiting a “unified proposal” from Tehran, even as US forces continue enforcing the blockade. The announcement came ahead of the scheduled expiry of the truce on Wednesday, with both Washington and Tehran indicating the possibility of renewed hostilities if no agreement is reached. Meanwhile, the White House has postponed Vice President JD Vance’s planned visit to Pakistan for a second round of talks, after Iran signalled reluctance to engage further at this stage. Trump said the ceasefire would remain in effect “until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.”

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan on Wednesday said the upcoming national budget will focus more on removing non-tariff barriers rather than reducing tariff rates to lower the cost of doing business and revitalise the country’s macroeconomic environment. The NBR chairman made the remarks while speaking at a pre-budget discussion held at the NBR conference centre where Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) placed their budget proposals for FY2026-27. Aligning with many of the proposals put forward by the business bodies, the NBR chairman said easing non-tariff barriers would help bring relief to entrepreneurs and support business expansion without significantly affecting revenue collection. He emphasised that the revenue authority would remain firm in identifying tax evaders and bringing them under the tax net, while ensuring that compliant taxpayers are not subjected to unnecessary harassment. “There will be no leniency in identifying tax evaders. At the same time, we will work to reduce the burden and harassment on compliant taxpayers.” Abdur Rahman also reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding the Value Added Tax (VAT) base and sought all-out cooperation from the business community in this regard. Highlighting recent policy changes, he said the VAT threshold has been reduced from Tk 3 crore to Tk 50 lakh last year to widen the tax base. However, he noted that the number of VAT-registered businesses currently remains below 8 lakh, which is not satisfactory considering the size of the country’s economy. “Given the size of the economy, the number of VAT-registered entities should be at least 10 lakh.” The NBR chairman further said the corporate tax rate has already been significantly reduced over time, from 50 percent to 27.5 percent, leaving limited scope for further reduction. However, he assured that the revenue authority would remain cautious so that the effective tax rate does not increase. He also informed that the submission of corporate tax returns will be made fully online from next year, marking a significant step towards automation in the tax administration system. According to the NBR chairman, the process of ensuring an online tax refund system is nearly complete, which is expected to improve transparency, reduce delays and enhance taxpayer confidence. Abdur Rahman noted that expanding the VAT base, strengthening compliance and improving automation will remain key priorities for the revenue authority in the coming fiscal year. Earlier, DCCI and BCI leaders placed a set of proposals aimed at expanding the tax net, reducing the cost of doing business and enhancing revenue mobilisation through automation and policy reforms. The business chambers also stressed improving the investment climate and boosting employment through supportive fiscal measures. The NBR chairman said constructive recommendations from the private sector would be considered in preparing the upcoming national budget, reiterating that the goal is to strike a balance between revenue mobilisation and business growth.

Farida Khanam, a deputy secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been appointed as the new Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Dhaka. The Public Administration Ministry issued a notification in this regard on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the incumbent DC Md Rezaul Karim has been withdrawn from his post and reassigned as a Deputy Secretary at the Cabinet Division.

Jubo Mohila League activist Shilpi Begum, who secured bail on Tuesday in an explosives case filed during July-August uprising, was released from Kashimpur Women's Central Jail on Wednesday. She walked out of Kashimpur Women’s Central Jail around 12:00pm along with her one-and-a-half-month-old infant, said Senior Jail Superintendent Kawalin Nahar. Earlier on Tuesday, Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman granted her bail after hearing a review petition filed by the defence. Family members received her upon release from the jail. Shilpi, an activist of Dhaka North Jubo Mohila League’s ward No. 26, was arrested on Monday evening from the Tejkunipara Railway Colony area in a case filed with Tejgaon Police Station under the Explosive Substances Act. Family members told the court that Shilpi delivered her baby by caesarean section on March 4 and remained physically weak. They said she is unable to properly breastfeed or even hold the infant due to complications, including a fractured left arm from a recent fall. Despite repeated appeals from the family to keep the baby in their care, police did not allow the infant to be separated. Both mother and child were later taken to Kashimpur Jail, they added. According to the case statement, Dhaka University student Tahmid Mubin Ratul was shot in the Chankharpool area on July 16, 2024, and later attacked along with fellow students at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. On July 23, a group of 120-130 people allegedly attacked his residence in Tejgaon, vandalising property worth Tk 5 lakh and looting goods valued at Tk 3 lakh. The case was filed on January 25, 2025 by Ratul’s mother Shahnur Khanam at Tejgaon Police Station, naming 103 accused, including former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

AmCham Bangladesh has deeply mourned the passing of Dr. Forrest E. Cookson, former President of AmCham (1996–2001). He passed away Tuesday night while undergoing treatment at United Hospital, Dhaka. Dr. Cookson first came to Bangladesh in the mid-1980s to contribute to a financial sector reform initiative. He worked as a consultant to the Bangladesh Bank and played a significant role in the Financial Sector Reform Program during the 1990s, said an AmCham press release. Over time, he developed a deep and enduring connection with the country, dedicating a substantial part of his life to Bangladesh. During his tenure as AmCham President (1996–2001), Dr. Cookson was instrumental in strengthening the Chamber’s foundation and advancing U.S.–Bangladesh business relations, AmCham said. In addition to his work with Bangladesh Bank, he served as a consultant to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and other institutions, leaving a lasting imprint on the country’s economic landscape. A constant presence at the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh, Dr. Cookson remained actively engaged over the years—participating in events and contributing to the AmCham Journal even in recent times. In his later years, he continued to shape public discourse through his regular writings on Bangladesh’s financial sector and investment climate in leading newspapers and publications. AmCham Bangladesh said they remain deeply grateful for his invaluable contributions and will remember him with profound respect and admiration. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable life. May his soul rest in peace."    

The government will procure 18 lakh tonnes of Boro paddy and rice at Tk 36 and Tk 49 per kg respectively during the current season starting from May 3, said Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday. Besides, the government will procure 50,000 tonnes of wheat at Tk 36 per kg, he said while speaking at a press briefing at the Press Information Department (PID), The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee at Secretariat with Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed in the chair. The procurement drive of Boro paddy and wheat will commence on May 3 and continue until August 31. Of the total procurement, the government will procure 5 lakh tonnes of paddy at Tk 36 per kg, 12 lakh tonnes of parboiled rice at Tk 49 per kg and one lakh tonnes of Atap rice at Tk 48. Besides, the procurement of rice is scheduled to begin on May 15 and will continue until August 31. State Minister for Food Abdul Bari was present there. The minister assured that the country has sufficient stocks. "Currently, government warehouses hold a reserve of 1.7 to 1.8 million tonnes of rice," he said.

The government has decided to distribute jute-made school bags and uniforms among students in primary educational institutions across the country in phases. The decision was taken at a meeting held on Wednesday morning at the Prime Minister’s Office in Secretariat with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in chair, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. “Today a meeting was held between the Prime Minister and the officials of ministries — Primary and Mass Education, Textiles and Jute, and Local Government. The meeting decided to provide jute-made bags and uniforms to students in two primary schools in each upazila. It will begin as a pilot project,” he said. Rumon said the initiative has been taken to protect the local jute industry and reduce environmental pollution. Following the meeting, Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin told reporters that the programme will start from July in two schools in each upazila. He said the local administration will select the schools for the pilot project. “In the first month, around one lakh students will receive free school bags and uniforms. In the first phase, two schools in each upazila will be covered. Gradually, all primary level students will be brought under the programme,” Mahdi said. He said the initiative has been taken under the Prime Minister’s directive to encourage the use of ‘Made in Bangladesh’ products. “It will promote local industries as well as spread a message of equality and fairness among students, helping reduce social inequality.” State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam said the programme will be implemented jointly by the three ministries. Textiles and Jute State Minister Shariful Alam said the main goal of the government is to restore the lost heritage of the jute industry. “To reduce environmental pollution caused by polythene, this programme has been taken to provide students with eco-friendly products,” he added.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen said US President Donald Trump has set forward a clear vision to take relations with Bangladesh to the next level, and he is working hard in Dhaka to make that a reality. “After 100 days, I am even more optimistic about the future of US-Bangladesh relations. 
I can't wait to see what we all accomplish next," he said in a video message released on Wednesday, marking 100 days since his arrival as the US ambassador to Bangladesh. Ambassador Christensen said Bangladesh and the US signed a 'historic trade agreement' that will balance their trade deficit and make both the countries more prosperous. "I have tirelessly advocated for U.S. businesses across Bangladesh to build those trade ties," he said. The US envoy said they are working together to combat the illegal migration and securing a 'closer security partnership' for a free and open Indo-Pacific. "We are combating diseases like tuberculosis and measles through a new health partnership with Bangladesh," he said. 
 The Ambassador said they remain the largest donor supporting Bangladesh's hosting of the Rohinga people and they will continue to push for a political solution. He said they received an incredible welcome from the people of Bangladesh and have enjoyed getting to know Bangladesh for a second time, visiting cultural and historical sites, enjoying the facivities of Pahela Baishakh, watching a friendly cricket match, and experiencing new foods with a friendly local blogger. 
 "We could not have asked for anything more. I came at an important time, just before Bangladesh's historic February election," he said, noting that the United States was the first country to recognise the results of the election, and congratulate the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. For over two decades, Ambassador Christensen has had the privilege of working closely on US policy toward Bangladesh and the broader region. As US Ambassador recently said his primary responsibility is to advance the interests of the American people and the agenda of President Donald Trump, making America safer, stronger and more prosperous. On January 15, Ambassador Christensen presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban and said he looks forward to strengthening the Bangladesh-US relationship. In over 50 years of partnership, the US Ambassador said they have worked together to promote regional stability, economic growth benefiting both the two countries, and the sovereignty of their great nations.

A senior Iranian adviser has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire extension, saying it “means ‘nothing’” and is “certainly a ploy to buy time for a surprise strike”. Mahdi Mohammadi, an adviser to Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, made the remarks in a post in Persian on X. He said the continuation of Trump’s “siege” is “no different from bombardment” and must be “met with a military response”. He added: "The time for Iran to take the initiative has come." Tensions remain high as U.S. naval forces continue to enforce a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. American forces also boarded an Iranian-flagged cargo ship on Sunday, after Iran had effectively closed the key shipping route for weeks.  #From BBC

With Bangladesh's tax-to-GDP ratio languishing at a mere 7.3 percent, the lowest not only in South Asia but across Asia, the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has urged the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to fundamentally overhaul the country's tax architecture ahead of FY 2026–27 budget. The policy brief, titled “Tax Justice for Graduating Bangladesh: The Case of Corporate Income Tax and Value Added Tax,” was published recently jointly by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and Christian Aid (CA). It calls for an urgent shift from a narrow, revenue-centric approach to a comprehensive tax-justice framework one that treats equitable financing, reduced regressivity, elimination of revenue leakage, and accountable governance as equally essential pillars. According to CPD estimates, Bangladesh lost Tk 226,236 crore in potential tax revenue in fiscal year 2022–23 from tax evasion alone. Meanwhile, actual Value-Added Tax (VAT) collections represent a mere 28 to 29 percent of the country's VAT potential, a gap the report attributes to rampant evasion and an overly generous exemption regime. The administration led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has pledged to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio to 10 per cent in the medium term and to 15 per cent by 2035. CPD warned that chasing revenue targets without structural reform risks deepening inequality and undermining social progress. A singular focus on revenue collection, without addressing underlying structural weaknesses, risks deepening existing inequalities, the report cautioned. On corporate income tax, CPD recommended gradually aligning Bangladesh's statutory CIT rate with the OECD/G20 global minimum tax threshold of 15 per cent, ensuring neither the export-oriented nor the non-export sector falls below that floor. The think tank also flagged that the Effective Tax Rate (ETR) faced by corporations routinely exceeds the statutory rate in some sectors reaching as high as 60 to 70 percent owing to disallowed deductions, compliance costs, and administrative inconsistencies. The effective CIT rate currently averages around 31 percent for listed firms and approximately 33.5 per cent for comparable non-listed firms. It recommended bringing these down to more competitive levels. The report further calls for replacing the current flat reduced tax rate for listed companies with performance-based incentives tied to measurable outcomes such as capital investment, export growth, or employment generation. Acknowledging VAT's inherently regressive character, CPD recommended consolidating the current eight-slab VAT structure into a simplified three-tier system, standard, reduced, and zero rates with an eventual long-term goal of a two-tier arrangement.   It also proposed lowering the standard VAT rate from 15 per cent to 10 percent, but only alongside concrete measures to broaden the tax base and tighten enforcement. Crucially, the report advocateed ring-fencing a portion of VAT revenues for cash transfers and social safety net programmes targeting low-income households. VAT collected from sensitive sectors such as private health and education should be reinvested to improve access for disadvantaged communities rather than flowing into a general revenue pool that disproportionately serves better-off segments of society, it said. It also called on the Ministry of Finance to scrap tax concessions for power producers relying on fossil fuels. These incentives, the report finds, disproportionately benefit high-emission producers while degrading the environment. The think tank also recommended introducing sunset clauses for all tax incentives so that industries are required to transition to standard rates after a fixed period.   Export cash incentives, long a cornerstone of Bangladesh's industrial policy should be phased out gradually as the country prepares for LDC graduation, with WTO-compliant alternatives such as duty drawbacks and investment credits introduced in their place.   To modernise enforcement, CPD urgeed the government to deploy data analytics and artificial intelligence in tax administration and to mandate a secure, bidirectional data-sharing framework connecting the NBR, Bangladesh Bank, and commercial financial institutions. Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs) should be made mandatory for all eligible businesses nationwide, the report said. The think tank also recommended that Bangladesh align itself with the OECD's Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) framework to tackle cross-border tax evasion. Perhaps the sharpest criticism in the report is reserved for the NBR's own institutional shortcomings. CPD describeed the current state of data reporting at the revenue authority as “highly problematic,” citing significant inconsistencies and glaring data gaps that undermine any serious accountability. To remedy this, the report called for a universal Unique TIN system, mandatory digital tax filing for all businesses, standardised data reporting practices, and a dedicated digital tax dispute resolution system capable of settling disagreements within 30 to 45 days. CPD further recommended separating tax policymaking from tax collection within the NBR, a structural reform it says is essential for greater transparency and efficiency. A dedicated independent entity should be established solely to manage tax refunds, removing this function from the NBR's remit, it added. The report also flagged the burden advance tax payments place on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), calling for their removal so that businesses can access the judicial process without being financially coerced into accepting unjust settlements. On broader tax culture, CPD recommended that the Ministry of Education introduce mandatory tax literacy classes in schools, colleges, and universities, a long-term investment in voluntary compliance. Repeated failure to file tax returns, the report adds, should be made a criminal offence. CPD estimated that the NBR's active taxpayer base should be raised to cover at least 59 per cent of registered companies, a significant jump from current levels. It recommended cleaning up the corporate registry by removing defunct businesses, publicly disclosing tax submission status data to create reputational pressure on non-compliant entities, and bringing emerging sectors including the gig economy, the entertainment industry, and NGOs within the tax net. The CPD report framed its recommendations not merely as a fiscal exercise but as a question of justice ahead of a consequential national transition. Bangladesh is scheduled to graduate from least developed country (LDC) status, a shift that will strip away preferential trade and aid arrangements the country has long relied upon. The report was jointly authored by Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Tamim Ahmed, Maleehah Sabah Ali, Sami Mohammad, and Mohammad Iftekharul Islam of CPD.

The National Executive Committee of Bangladesh Scouts paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s special conference room under the Cabinet Division at the Secretaiat, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the delegation was led by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani. During the meeting, Rumon said the Scouts leaders briefed the prime minister on their ongoing activities and future plans. The prime minister listened attentively and praised the role of the scouting movement in developing the younger generation into skilled, patriotic and humane citizens. The delegation also informed him about an international Scouts conference scheduled to be held in Dhaka in December. At the beginning of the meeting, the prime minister was presented with a Scout scarf. The Scouts representatives highlighted their various programmes and sought the government’s continued support for their activities. Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon,, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Md Ehsanul Haque were, among others, present.  

Tahsan Khan, popular Bangladeshi singer, song-writer, actor and TV host, on Wednesday renewed his engagement as a goodwill ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. “It has been nine years since the Rohingya fled Myanmar and sought shelter and safety here in Bangladesh. Without a sustainable solution in sight, it is essential to continue advocating for continued compassion with their plights is far from being done,” said Tahsan. He met families who have endured unimaginable loss and hardship. "Their strength inspires me, and I want to use my voice to amplify their stories.” Tahsan, UNHCR’s first Goodwill Ambassador in Bangladesh, was first appointed in 2021. Tahsan is one of 36 Goodwill Ambassadors for UNHCR, a dedicated group of prominent supporters playing a critical role in advancing UNHCR’s mandate by mobilizing public support and drawing attention to the needs and rights of people forced to flee, UNHCR officials told UNB. The extension of Tahsan’s appointment reflects UNHCR’s appreciation for his continued commitment and its shared resolve to ensure that refugees are not forgotten. He has since supported UNHCR’s advocacy and public engagement, helping raise awareness and inspire positive change in support of the plight, resilience, and rights of refugees. “Tahsan has been a dedicated advocate for refugees over the years. His engagement reflects the empathy and a deep sense of responsibility we all need in such time,” said Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR representative in Bangladesh. “We are proud to extend his appointment and look forward to continuing our collaboration to promote protection and hope for refugees. In a country that generously hosts over one million refugees, such a voice counts.” Over the years, Tahsan actively supported UNHCR’s work with Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, including visits to refugee camps, engagement with refugee communities, and participation in global advocacy moments such as World Refugee Day. In 2025, Tahsan visited the site of a recent fire that destroyed part of the camp, seeing firsthand the devastation fire can bring to the camps, impacting thousands of lives. He called the fire a tragic reminder of the hardship that Rohingya refugees continue to face. “The refugees I met told me of their wish to return home, voluntarily, when it is safe for them to do so,” Tahsan said during his visit. “Until that is possible, we must continue to stand by them, providing them with support, protection and life-saving services, supporting their resilience and keeping hope alive”. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the UNHCR team for their tireless efforts in alleviating the refugee crisis, especially given the significant risks associated with their work. Bangladesh currently hosts nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, the vast majority living in 33 densely populated camps in Cox’s Bazar district, one of the largest settlements in the world. Many Rohingya refugees have now lived in the camps for almost nine years, with restricted access to formal education, livelihoods, and long-term opportunities.  

A mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over different parts of the country, including Dhaka and it may continue, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said on Wednesday. “A mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Rajshahi division and the districts of Tangail, Faridpur, Lakshmipur, Khulna, Jashore and Kushtia and it may continue,” said a Met office bulletin. Besides, rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind and lightning flashes is likely to occur at one or two places over Mymensingh, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions with hails at isolated places. Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country. Day and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country. Besides, a trough of low lies from West Bengal to North Bay.

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) on Wednesday submitted a set of proposals for FY2026-27 national budget to NBR, calling for tax relief, automation, and wide-ranging reforms to improve the business climate and strengthen revenue mobilisation. The proposals were formally presented at the NBR in the morning as part of the chamber’s recommendations ahead of the upcoming national budget. The chamber prepared the recommendations focusing on strengthening revenue collection capacity, creating a business-supportive environment, lowering the tax burden, and promoting investment in productive sectors to boost employment. DCCI said it submitted a total of 54 proposals for inclusion in the FY2026-27 national budget, highlighting 16 key recommendations covering income tax, VAT, customs, automation of tax administration, and measures to facilitate businesses and investment. The chamber emphasised expansion of the tax base and simplification of tax structure as core objectives. It proposed business-friendly tax policies, automation of tax administration, reforms in value-added tax (VAT) systems, protection for local industries and simplification of import duty and tariff structures. Among the major income tax proposals, DCCI recommended increasing the tax-free income threshold and restructuring tax slabs. Under the proposal, income up to Tk 500,000 would remain tax-free, followed by 5% tax on the next Tk 200,000, 10% on the next Tk 300,000, 15% on the next Tk 400,000, 20% on the next Tk 500,000, and 25% on the remaining income. The chamber argued that the change would encourage new taxpayers to enter the tax net and help expand the tax base. It also said the revised structure would ease the burden on low-income and lower-middle-income earners and stimulate economic activity. DCCI proposed reducing the tax rate for non-listed companies from 27.5% to 25%, particularly for firms complying with banking transactions and other compliance requirements. It also recommended maintaining strict revenue reporting conditions, requiring all receipts to be received through banking channels or digital payments. The chamber noted that while only about 350 companies are listed, the number of non-listed companies is significantly higher, and reducing the tax rate would encourage business expansion and motivate firms to move toward listing. It said Bangladesh’s tax-GDP ratio remained low at 6.7% in FY2025 and a large portion of economic activity remained outside the formal system. To address this, DCCI proposed automation of tax administration, data integration and digital filing systems. It suggested integrating databases including national ID, banking, trade licence, electricity and gas connections, vehicle registration, mobile financial services, and land ownership through a central API to automatically identify potential taxpayers and bring them under the tax net. DCCI recommended introducing an automated e-corporate tax return system, citing that corporate tax filing currently involves manual processes that are complex, time-consuming and prone to errors. The proposed platform would allow online filing, appeals and refunds, and enable automated bank transfers through BEFTN for tax refunds, reducing time and compliance costs. The chamber proposed reducing withholding tax on interest from securities to 5% and gradually exempting it entirely. It also recommended allowing taxpayers to adjust or claim refunds where excess tax is deducted. Similarly, DCCI proposed reducing withholding tax on interest from corporate deposits from 20% to 10%, with provisions for adjustment against final tax liability. It said the move would ease pressure on companies and support investment, particularly for small businesses. DCCI recommended restoring provisions similar to the Income Tax Ordinance 1984 to allow adjustment of business losses against other income, stating that current provisions increase tax burden on businesses. The chamber also proposed gradual abolition of surcharge on net wealth over three to five years instead of immediate withdrawal, arguing this would reduce “tax on tax” and ensure fairness for taxpayers with high assets but low income. The chamber proposed reducing minimum tax on turnover from 1% to 0.25% for individuals and 0.60% for entities other than individuals. It argued that minimum tax based on turnover increases business costs and should eventually be abolished so tax is levied only on profits. On VAT issues, DCCI proposed withdrawing the increase in advance tax on commercial imports from 5% to 7.5% and maintaining it at 5%, with gradual removal in future. The chamber said the higher advance tax increases working capital requirements, affects cash flow and ultimately raises consumer prices. DCCI also recommended abolishing the Tk 50,000 cap on VAT refunds and allowing full refund of negative net amounts through automated systems. It said removing the ceiling would increase working capital and support production and business expansion. The chamber proposed complete online VAT processes, including appeals, credit refunds and risk management, through the e-return portal. It also recommended a single-step VAT refund system to reduce administrative delays and improve cash flow. DCCI suggested introducing a national mobile application for VAT collection, allowing sellers to generate VAT receipts in real time using BIN numbers. The data would automatically be transmitted to NBR systems and shared with buyers via mobile or email. The chamber said such an app would increase transparency, reduce tax evasion and boost revenue collection. DCCI recommended automating customs refunds by transferring refund amounts directly to bank accounts through BEFTN or EFT instead of manual cheque payments. It said automation would reduce harassment and improve service efficiency. The chamber also proposed uniform customs valuation for stearic acid and similar chemicals instead of country-specific valuation rates. It said differing valuation based on source country creates market distortion and unfair competition. DCCI said its proposals aim to expand the tax base, improve compliance, reduce business costs, encourage investment, enhance automation, and strengthen revenue mobilisation. The chamber expects the recommendations, if implemented, to support economic growth, improve competitiveness and create employment in the upcoming fiscal year.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has emphasised that although Bangladesh and African countries collaborate extensively in multilateral settings, there is a pressing need to establish regular bilateral political consultations. She said such initiatives would further deepen mutual understanding and help unlock the full potential of partnerships across a wide range of sectors. The State Minister held a series of bilateral meetings in Dakar, Senegal on Tuesday on the margins of the “Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa”, reinforcing Bangladesh’s growing engagement with African nations under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Her discussions with African counterparts opened new avenues for partnership, revitalised diplomatic ties and underscored a shared commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In her bilateral meeting with Morissanda Kouyaté, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea, both leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration in agriculture, particularly contract farming, alongside enhancing trade and investment through increased business-to-business exchanges. They identified mineral resources, garments and textiles and pharmaceuticals as promising sectors for future cooperation, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During her bilateral meeting with The Gambia’s Foreign Minister Sering Modou Njie, the State Minister expressed appreciation for The Gambia’s continued support in addressing the Rohingya crisis, including its case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice. The Gambian Minister commended Bangladesh’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions. Both sides emphasised strengthening cooperation in multilateral forums such as the OIC, while expanding engagement in sectors, including trade, defence, technology, agriculture, culture and sports. In a separate bilateral meeting with Abdoulaye Diop, Foreign Minister of Mali, discussions focused on boosting trade and investment, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, ready-made garments, jute, cotton and leather. Mali’s Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s significant role in peacekeeping operations in Mali. Both parties also agreed to deepen cooperation within the Non-Aligned Movement and advance the interests of the Global South. The State Minister also met Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad of Niger, where discussions centered on strengthening business linkages, expanding trade and enhancing people-to-people connectivity. Opportunities for collaboration in education, vocational training, agriculture, healthcare, information technology and mineral resources were explored. In her meeting with Esmeralda Bravo Conde da Silva Mendonça, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Angola, both the highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, ready-made garments, jute and energy. They also emphasized the early finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding on Foreign Office Consultations and discussed collaboration on women’s empowerment, democracy, peace and security, alongside mutual support in international forums. Additionally, Richard Michaels, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the US met the State Minister when the later described the United States as a steadfast partner in promoting democracy, strengthening institutions and advancing human rights. Sadia Faizunnesa, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Morocco and Ambassador-designate to Senegal, accompanied the State Minister during the meetings.

Uncertainty continues over the next steps for possible US-Iran talks after US President Donald Trump said Washington had extended the ceasefire in the conflict at Pakistan’s request, while waiting for what he called a “unified proposal” from Tehran. Iran has not yet responded to Trump’s announcement. Both sides have also warned they could resume fighting if no agreement is reached. In a social media post on Tuesday, Trump said Iran does not want the Strait of Hormuz closed because it relies on the route to export crude oil. He also earlier indicated that the US military would maintain pressure on Iranian ports. The developments come as tensions remain high across the wider region. Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon exchanged fire on Tuesday, despite a recent 10-day ceasefire. Talks in Washington are expected later this week. The conflict has already caused heavy casualties, with thousands killed in Iran and Lebanon and deaths also reported in Israel and Gulf Arab states, along with losses among soldiers and US personnel in the region. In a separate development, Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard opened fire on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, damaging the vessel, according to the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). UKMTO said the incident occurred around 7:55am when a Guard gunboat fired without first contacting the ship. No injuries or environmental damage were reported. Iranian media outlets linked to the Revolutionary Guard confirmed the incident, with one describing the move as enforcement of Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway, through which a large share of global oil shipments passes, is widely regarded as an international shipping route despite lying between Iranian and Omani waters. The incident follows recent US actions in the region, including the seizure of an Iranian-linked ship and the boarding of an oil tanker associated with Iran’s oil trade in the Indian Ocean, further heightening tensions.

Bangladesh and Ethiopia have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a higher level through enhanced economic cooperation. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, now visiting Ethiopia, held a meeting Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos and discussed issues of mutual interest.  

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard fired on a container ship in the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, damaging the vessel and further heightening tensions in the region. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the incident took place around 7:55am local time, when a Guard gunboat targeted the ship without issuing any warning. The attack damaged the container vessel, but no one on board was injured and there was no environmental damage, according to UKMTO. Iran did not immediately comment on the incident. The development comes amid rising maritime tensions, following recent US actions including the seizure of an Iranian-linked container ship and the boarding of an oil tanker connected to Iran’s oil trade in the Indian Ocean. The latest incident also coincided with stalled efforts for planned ceasefire talks in Pakistan that ultimately did not move forward. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, and any disruption there often raises global concern over energy supplies and security. 

Two US officials who died in a vehicle crash after returning from an anti-drug operation in northern Mexico over the weekend were working for the CIA, according to a US official and two other people familiar with the matter. Two Mexican investigators were also killed in the crash. Mexican authorities said the convoy had been returning after a mission targeting drug laboratories run by criminal groups. However, differing accounts from US and Mexican officials have raised questions over the exact nature of the operation. The CIA link was confirmed Tuesday by sources familiar with the incident, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of intelligence matters. The Washington Post had earlier reported that the officials were CIA personnel. The incident comes amid confusion and conflicting statements from both governments about US involvement in the raid in Chihuahua state, where drug labs were reportedly destroyed. The lack of clarity has renewed debate over how deeply the United States is involved in security operations inside Mexico, especially as pressure grows from US President Donald Trump’s administration for stronger action against drug cartels. Trump has taken a tougher stance on Latin America, including military operations in the region and repeated offers of direct US action against Mexican cartels, which Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected as unnecessary. US Ambassador to Mexico Ron Johnson initially described the deceased officials as embassy personnel. The US Embassy later said they were supporting efforts by Chihuahua state authorities but did not confirm their identities or agency ties. Mexican officials first suggested cooperation with US forces in the operation but later softened their statements after the matter drew political attention in Mexico. President Sheinbaum said she was not aware of any formal joint operation involving US agencies and Mexican forces, although she acknowledged that some level of coordination had taken place between local and US authorities. The controversy highlights the sensitive nature of US intelligence activity in Mexico, where cooperation against drug cartels often clashes with concerns over national sovereignty. Security analysts say covert US operations in Mexico have become more common in recent years, particularly under the Trump administration’s intensified anti-drug strategy, though both governments often avoid publicly acknowledging them.

At least nine shops were gutted in a fire that broke out at Bithangal Akhra Bazar in Baniachong upazila of Habiganj early Wednesday. The fire which broke out around 2:00 am at a restaurant owned by Sanjit Roy spread rapidly to adjacent shops after a gas cylinder inside the establishment exploded, according to Fire Service and local sources. Station Leader of Baniachong Fire Service, Riaz Uddin said although they received information at night poor road conditions delayed their response. Three grocery stores, an electronics shop and several other establishments were completely gutted, bringing the total number of affected shops to nine. The intensity of the blaze left no time to salvage goods, said shop owners. Affected traders said they suffered losses worth around Tk 1 crore in the fire incident. The exact cause of the fire could not be determined immediately and an investigation is underway, said Riaz.

A special guided tour at the Berlin Zoo is helping people living with dementia reconnect with familiar surroundings and enjoy moments of calm, memory and joy. Eighty-six-year-old Christel Krueger and her daughter were among participants last month in a program organized by Malteser Deutschland, part of the international Catholic aid group Order of Malta. Standing by the glass of a hippo enclosure, Krueger watched a mother hippopotamus and her calf resting in the water. Nearby, other participants observed elephants and rhinos at a relaxed pace designed to avoid stress or confusion. “I’ll still be thinking about it when I go home,” said 85-year-old Ingrid Jansen, describing how the experience stayed with her. The initiative is part of a growing global effort to make cultural spaces more accessible for people with disabilities, including those with dementia, hearing or visual impairments, and autism. Organizers say traditional tours are often too fast and overwhelming. These special visits instead focus on fewer exhibits, slower movement and sensory experiences such as sounds and smells that can help trigger memories. “People with dementia are often not visible in society,” said Christine Gruschka, who helps coordinate the program. “They still deserve to take part in public life, feel included and be seen.” Millions of people worldwide live with dementia, a condition that affects memory, thinking and daily functioning. In Germany alone, around 1.6 million people are affected, a number expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. The Berlin program includes visits not only to the zoo but also to museums and historic sites, with plans to expand further. For families and caregivers, the tours also offer emotional support. Relatives say shared experiences like these help them connect in new ways with loved ones who are gradually losing cognitive abilities. “I can’t communicate with her the same way anymore, but I can see she notices things and responds,” said Manuela Grudda, whose mother participated in the tour. “That means a lot to me.” Organizers say such programs help ensure that people with dementia remain part of everyday social and cultural life rather than being isolated.

Police recovered the body of a 60-year old woman stuffed inside a sack from Bejpara area of Jashore town. The deceased was identified as Sakina Begum, wife of Lal Chand Khalifa and a resident of Bejpara Main Road area. According to family sources, Shahidul left for his shop around 9:00 am on Tuesday after his wife Mariam asked him to eat outside, saying no food had been prepared. When he asked about his mother before leaving he was told that she had gone out. However, when he returned home around 10:00 pm and still did not find her he grew suspicious and informed police. Later, around 12:30 am, he noticed a sack lying in front of the house. After opening it, he and his sister Shahida Begum identified the body as that of Sakina Begum. Police later recovered the body from the spot. Kotwali Police Inspector Kazi Babul said investigation is underway.

Taiwan’s president has postponed a planned visit to Africa after three countries withdrew permission for his aircraft to use their airspace following reported pressure from China, his office said Tuesday. President Lai Ching-te was scheduled to travel to Eswatini, Taiwan’s only remaining diplomatic ally in Africa, from April 22 to 26. However, authorities in Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar cancelled the overflight permits along his route at short notice. A presidential spokesperson in Taipei said the decision came after “strong pressure” from Beijing, including alleged economic coercion. He accused China of interfering in other countries’ internal affairs and undermining regional stability. China, which considers Taiwan its territory, responded by welcoming the move, saying it supports the “one-China principle” and is consistent with international law. Beijing regularly urges countries with which it has diplomatic ties to avoid official relations with Taipei. In recent years, it has stepped up efforts to reduce Taiwan’s remaining allies through aid and investment offers. Taiwan now has formal diplomatic relations with only 12 countries, mostly small nations in Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Eswatini, however, said it regretted that President Lai could not make the visit but stressed that its ties with Taiwan remain unchanged. The governments of Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar did not immediately comment on the issue. China’s diplomatic push has already led several countries, including Honduras, Nicaragua and Nauru, to switch recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in recent years. The last Taiwanese presidential visit to Eswatini took place in 2023.

A 2,500-year-old golden helmet and other ancient treasures stolen from a Dutch museum have been returned to Romania after a 14-month investigation and international effort to recover them. The decorated Coțofenești helmet, along with three gold bracelets linked to Romania’s ancient Dacian civilization, was flown back to Bucharest on Tuesday and taken under tight security to the National History Museum, where they were briefly displayed behind glass with armed guards present. The artifacts were stolen in January 2025 from the Drents Museum in the Netherlands during a raid that shocked the art world and triggered a major cross-border investigation. Authorities say three suspects are currently on trial in connection with the theft. Museum officials described the return as both a relief and an emotional moment after months of uncertainty over whether the treasures had been lost forever. “This is not just a return of objects, but of a part of our historical memory,” said Cornel Constantin Ilie, interim director of the National History Museum. “We lived with the fear that part of our past could be gone permanently. Today, we can say it has come home.” Dutch museum director Robert van Langh also welcomed the recovery, calling it a significant moment for both countries and praising the cooperation between Dutch and Romanian authorities. Prosecutors in the Netherlands recently presented the recovered items, although one of the three gold bracelets is still missing. Officials say efforts to locate it are ongoing, with a court ruling expected in the coming weeks. During its disappearance, the helmet was found slightly damaged, while the recovered bracelets remain intact. Investigators had earlier feared the helmet might have been melted down due to its high profile and difficulty to sell. Romania’s culture minister said the case highlighted both the importance and vulnerability of cultural heritage, warning that such treasures remain at risk from theft, trafficking, and neglect. The artifacts will be shown to the public in Bucharest before undergoing restoration work, museum officials said, calling their return a symbol of international cooperation and persistence in protecting cultural heritage.

Acute power outages have gripped Mymensingh region at the very start of Baishakh as electricity supply continues to fall short of rising demand, causing widespread suffering for residents, businesses, and key economic sectors. Frequent load-shedding is being reported across the district with rural and remote areas bearing the brunt more than district and upazila headquarters. The ongoing crisis is severely affecting fisheries and poultry farms- two of the region’s major economic drivers — while also disrupting the ongoing Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations. With electricity unavailable for hours, people are struggling with intense heat and mosquito infestation, making daily life increasingly difficult. Business owners have expressed frustration, saying they are already forced to close shops by around 7:00pm and recurring outages of two to three hours throughout the day are adding to their losses. Masudur Haque, executive engineer of the Mymensingh Grid, said electricity demand in greater Mymensingh zone — comprising Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Sherpur, Netrokona, Kishoreganj, and Tangail — rises to 1,200–1,300 megawatts during peak evening hours amid extreme heat. However, supply remains between 700 and 900 megawatts. On Monday, power supply stood at 840MW at 10:00am, he said. In Mymensingh district alone, peak demand reaches around 400MW in the evening while average demand stands at about 250MW. Sources said power generation at the Mymensingh Rural Power Company has dropped drastically due to gas shortages. Against a target of 210MW, production has fallen below 50MW. Besides ,Jamalpur United Power Development plant, which has a generation capacity of 315MW, is currently producing only 66–67MW due to fuel constraints. Subrata Roy, executive engineer of the Mymensingh South Power Distribution Division, said demand in the zone ranges from 450–460MW during off-peak afternoon hours to 500–520MW during peak periods, with other times seeing demand between 430 and 450MW. However, a daily shortfall of around 50–55MW persists, necessitating load-shedding, he said. Officials of various Palli Bidyut Samities said the situation is particularly severe in their respective service areas. Md Golam Mostafa, general manager of Mymensingh Palli Bidyut Samity-3, said demand in their area stands at 70–80MW, with 20–25MW of load-shedding required during peak hours. Md Janab Ali, general manager of Samity-1, said their areas require 160–170MW but receive only 80–100MW, forcing them to impose 30–40 percent load-shedding. Abdul Majid, deputy general manager (technical) of Samity-2, said demand in their areas exceeds 300MW, with outages affecting 30–50 percent of supply during both peak and off-peak hours. Visits to different upazilas  including Ishwarganj, Gauripur, Tarakanda, Fulpur, Dhobaura, Fulbaria, and Muktagacha in Mymensingh revealed that residents are experiencing power cuts lasting between three and eight hours daily. In more remote villages, outages can stretch up to seven or eight hours. SSC candidates are among the worst affected. Ashrafunnahar Rayda from Bogar Bazar in Trishal, and Naeem and Jobayer from Trishal municipality, said they face power cuts of five to seven hours daily, severely hampering their studies. The heat and mosquitoes make it almost unbearable to concentrate,they said. Farmers are also facing mounting losses. Fish farmer Roman Mia from Chikna Monohor village in Trishal said continuous irrigation is crucial during Baishakh, but outages are disrupting water supply, affecting fish growth — especially for those producing fry. In Fulbaria’s Rangamatia area, poultry farmer Ayub Ali said many chickens are dying due to heat. “We are spraying water on tin roofs, while some farmers are using generators or IPS systems to run fans,” he said. Power division sources said hourly load-shedding data and demand reports are being regularly sent to regional offices. However, unless generation and supply increase significantly, the situation may worsen further with rising temperatures, they said.

The upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla brings Akshay Kumar back together with filmmaker Priyadarshan, with much of the film being shot at a historic palace near Jaipur. The production is taking place inside Chomu Palace, a sprawling royal estate known for its grand yet eerie atmosphere. The location has cinematic history, having featured in the 2007 hit Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Its maze-like corridors, dim courtyards and regal setting align closely with the film’s haunted mansion theme. Originally built in the 16th century as Chomugarh Fort by Rao Gopalji, the structure served as a military stronghold for Jaipur’s royal lineage. Over time, it was expanded and transformed into a palace, particularly during the 18th century under Thakur Karan Singhji and later rulers, shifting from defence to royal residence. By the early 20th century, it had evolved into a full-fledged palace featuring grand spaces such as the Darbar Hall. Today, the restored property operates as a heritage hotel, preserving its historic character while hosting visitors and film productions. Architecturally, the palace reflects a blend of Rajput and Mughal styles, with carved balconies, domed pavilions and expansive courtyards. Distinctive lattice stonework, known as jaali, allows natural airflow while maintaining privacy. Interiors are decorated with frescoes and murals depicting mythology, royal life and hunting scenes, alongside intricate marble inlay designs. Now functioning as a luxury heritage hotel, the palace offers guests a cultural experience that includes traditional Rajasthani cuisine and royal-style hospitality. It has also become a popular venue for destination weddings and high-end events. Situated about 45 kilometres from Jaipur, the palace is accessible through scenic routes showcasing Rajasthan’s rural landscapes, adding to its appeal as both a tourist destination and a filming location. #From NDTV

The trailer for the second season of Citadel has been released, with the new instalment set to premiere on Prime Video on May 6. The action-packed preview of the spy drama, starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden, was unveiled on Tuesday, confirming the return date of the series. The show follows elite agents Mason Kane and Nadia Sinh, played by Madden and Chopra Jonas, along with Bernard Orlick, portrayed by Stanley Tucci. The trio were once part of a powerful global agency that was destroyed by Manticore, a shadowy network backed by influential families. According to the official synopsis, a new and dangerous threat forces the former operatives back into action. They must assemble a team of skilled recruits and carry out a worldwide mission to stop a conspiracy that could have far-reaching consequences. The upcoming season will see the return of cast members Lesley Manville and Ashleigh Cummings. New additions to the cast include Jack Reynor, Matt Berry and Lina El Arabi, along with Merle Dandridge, Gabriel Leone and Rayna Vallandingham. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios and AGBO, the series is executive produced by Anthony Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot and Scott Nemes. David Weil serves as showrunner, director and executive producer, while Joe Russo and Greg Yaitanes also direct and executive produce the series. #From NDTV

OpenAI is facing a criminal investigation in the United States over whether its chatbot ChatGPT played a role in a deadly mass shooting at Florida State University last year. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said Tuesday that his office has been examining how the suspected gunman used the AI tool before the attack in Tallahassee. "Our review has revealed that a criminal investigation is necessary," Uthmeier said. "ChatGPT offered significant advice to this shooter before he committed such heinous crimes." OpenAI rejected the allegation, saying: "ChatGPT is not responsible for this terrible crime." The case is believed to be the first time the company has faced a criminal probe over alleged misuse of its chatbot in connection with a violent crime. An OpenAI spokesperson said the company has been cooperating with investigators and had “proactively shared” information about a ChatGPT account believed to be linked to the suspect. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old student Phoenix Ikner, is currently in custody awaiting trial. According to OpenAI, the chatbot “did not encourage or promote illegal or harmful activity.” "In this case, ChatGPT provided factual responses to questions with information that could be found broadly across public sources on the internet," the spokesperson added. However, Uthmeier alleged that ChatGPT advised the suspect on weapons, ammunition and even suggested when and where on campus a large number of people could be found. "My prosecutors have looked at this, and they told me that if it was a person on the other end of that screen, we would be charging them with murder," he said. He noted that under Florida law, anyone who “aids, abets or counsels” a crime can be treated as a principal offender, adding that authorities are now assessing potential “criminal culpability” for OpenAI. OpenAI, co-founded by Sam Altman, rose to global prominence after launching ChatGPT in 2022, which has since become one of the most widely used AI tools. The company is already facing legal challenges over another incident in British Columbia, where a separate shooting earlier this year raised concerns about the misuse of AI tools. OpenAI said it had identified and banned the suspect’s account after that incident and plans to strengthen safety measures. The parents of a girl injured in that attack have filed a lawsuit against the company. Concerns over AI misuse have also drawn attention from regulators. Last year, a coalition of 42 state attorneys general wrote to major tech firms including Google, Meta and Anthropic, urging stronger safeguards. The letter warned of increasing risks as more people use AI tools without fully understanding potential dangers, citing a growing number of serious incidents across the country linked to AI use. #From BBC

Real Madrid returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over relegation-threatened Deportivo Alavés, reducing FC Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga to six points. Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior scored on either side of halftime to seal the win at the Santiago Bernabeu, ending Real’s two-match winless run in the league. The result comes after Real’s exit from the Champions League quarter-finals against Bayern Munich. Barcelona have the chance to restore their nine-point cushion when they face Celta Vigo on Wednesday, with six matches remaining in the season. Real Madrid are in danger of ending the campaign without a trophy for only the fifth time this century, having previously gone without silverware in 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10 and 2020-21. With coach Álvaro Arbeloa’s future reportedly uncertain, winning the league could be key to his stay next season. Mbappe opened the scoring in the 30th minute, netting his 24th league goal of the season. Vinicius doubled the lead six minutes into the second half, finishing from a pass by Federico Valverde for his 12th goal of the campaign. Alaves pulled one back with the final kick of the match through Tony Martínez. Real will next travel to Real Betis on Friday, while Alaves host RCD Mallorca a day later. #From BBC

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked 7th among the world’s most polluted cities on Wednesday morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 109 at 08:53 am. The air was classified as ‘Unhealthy for sensitive groups’, means air quality is poor enough to cause health effects in vulnerable people, such as breathing discomfort, but the general public is unlikely to be affected, according to the AQI scale. India’s Delhi, Pakistan’s Lahore and Nepal’s Kathmandu were the three most polluted cities, with AQI scores of 273, 208 and 190. An AQI between 101 and 150 is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, while 151–200 is ‘unhealthy’, 201–300 is ‘very unhealthy’, and anything above 301 is ‘hazardous’ and can cause serious health problems. The AQI measures daily air quality, showing how clean or polluted the air is and what health effects people might experience. In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five main pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and ozone. Dhaka has long faced serious air pollution. The situation usually gets worse in winter and improves during the monsoon season. The World Health Organization says air pollution causes around seven million deaths worldwide each year, mainly due to stroke, heart disease, chronic respiratory illness, lung cancer and acute infections.

The White House has confirmed that U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s planned visit to Pakistan for peace negotiations has been cancelled. Vance had been scheduled to travel to Islamabad for a second time this month, with his arrival expected on Wednesday, as part of efforts to finalise a deal with Iranian officials. "Any further updates on in-person meetings will be announced by the White House," an administration official said. The decision follows President Donald Trump’s announcement that he agreed to extend the U.S.-Iran ceasefire indefinitely. #From BBC

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he is extending the ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan’s request while waiting for a “unified proposal” from Tehran, even as U.S. forces continue blocking Iranian ports. The announcement came as uncertainty deepened ahead of the truce’s scheduled expiry on Wednesday. Washington and Tehran have both indicated they could return to fighting if no agreement is reached. The White House has also postponed Vice President JD Vance’s planned visit to Pakistan for a second round of talks, after Iran signaled reluctance to engage further for now. Trump said the ceasefire would remain in place “until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.” Earlier, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tehran has yet to decide whether to join negotiations in Pakistan and would only participate if it sees a realistic chance of progress. Since the conflict began, at least 3,375 people have been killed in Iran and more than 2,290 in Lebanon. Death tolls also include 23 in Israel and over a dozen in Gulf Arab states, along with 15 Israeli soldiers in Lebanon and 13 U.S. service members across the region. Later Tuesday, Trump struck a combative tone in a post on his Truth Social platform after extending the ceasefire without a clear timeline for talks. He argued that Iran wants the Strait of Hormuz to remain open to export oil, warning that allowing this without a deal would undermine any future agreement. It remains unclear when or how negotiations in Islamabad might resume.

Farmers in the haor areas of Sunamganj district are facing severe difficulties in transporting harvested Boro paddy as dilapidated, earthen roads turn movement into a costly and time-consuming ordeal. During the peak harvesting season, farmers are struggling to carry ripe paddy from deep haor fields to drying yards, often navigating broken and muddy earthen paths. In many areas, vehicles remain stuck for hours, while accidents are also being reported, increasing transportation costs and reducing farmers’ profits. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), a total of 2,23,511 hectares of land across 137 small and large haors in 12 upazilas of the district had been brought under Boro cultivation this year, with production target of 12,33,517 metric tons of paddy. Although the government spends crores of money to protect crops, farmers have expressed frustration over the lack of initiatives to repair or construct proper roads for paddy transportation. Farmers said repeated appeals over the years to repair and pave haor roads have gone unheeded. Even light rainfall makes the roads almost impassable for tractors, auto-rickshaws, pickup vans and other vehicles. “Transporting paddy from deep haor areas requires proper paved roads. Due to the lack of roads, we have to spend Tk 30-40 per sack for transportation by trolleys. If the roads had been better, the cost would have been much lower,” said Jamal Mia, a farmer of Shani Haor. Farmer Faruk Mia of Matiyan Haor said the rising transportation cost has wiped out expected profits. “We are struggling to recover costs amid harvesting cost, labour shortages and poor road conditions,” he added. Locals said the muddy and risky roads often lead to accidents involving farmers and labourers. In many cases, paddy has to be unloaded before stuck vehicles can be freed. Tahirpur Sadar Union Parishad Chairman Junab Ali said some temporary repairs have been carried out under TR-KABITA projects, but a permanent solution requires construction of paved roads. Tahirpur Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Shariful Islam said this year’s paddy production is good, but farmers are facing increased costs due to the lack of durable roads. “Paved roads would significantly ease transportation,” he said. Haor residents have urged authorities to give equal priority to building durable roads for paddy transport, similar to crop protection embankments, to ensure fair profits for farmers in future seasons.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members seized smuggled Indian medicines and food items worth over Tk 2 crore during a drive in Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj on Tuesday. Members of Habiganj Battalion (55 BGB) conducted the operation in the Muktijoddha Chattar area based on a tip-off. Around noon, BGB personnel signalled a suspected truck to stop and carried out a search. During the search, they found a large quantity of banned Indian medicines and food items, including fuchka, hidden inside sacks beneath bricks in the vehicle. BGB officials said the seized items, worth around Tk 2.20 crore, are being handed over to the customs authorities following legal procedures. Commanding officer of Habiganj BGB Battalion Lt Col Md Tanzilur Rahman said the force remains firm in preventing smuggling and ensuring border security. He added that intelligence surveillance has been strengthened in border areas and such drives will continue to protect the local pharmaceutical industry and maintain economic stability.

Local residents in Golapganj upazila blocked a regional highway on Tuesday evening, protesting prolonged power outages that they claimed have left many areas nearly 16-17 hours a day without electricity. The demonstration on the Sylhet-Zakiganj-Beanibazar regional highway, organised by the residents of Fulbari union, lasted for around two hours and caused severe traffic congestion. Locals said they have been facing acute suffering for days due to erratic electricity supply, with Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinees forced to study under candlelight. The blockade began around 7:00pm, halting vehicular movement on the highway. Tension escalated during the protest, prompting deployment of the army. A team of army personnel arrived at the scene around 8:30pm and brought the situation under control, clearing the road. The residents demanded uninterrupted electricity supply, warning that they will launch a tougher movement if the demand is not met.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday underlined the need for forming a strategic cooperation framework to effectively harness the full potential of bilateral engagement in priority sectors. During a meeting with Foreign Minister of Nepal Shishir Khanal at his office, the Ambassador suggested that the two sides may consider identifying a set of time-bound, mutually agreed deliverables to guide their implementations. The two sides reviewed the existing avenues to expand bilateral trade and investment, underscoring that early conclusion of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) will provide a meaningful impetus to deepen commercial ties and create mutually beneficial opportunities for businesses in both countries. Recalling the strong public mandate, the envoy urged that this is an opportune moment for both the leadership to review the current state of cooperation and take forward-looking action plans with a view to further elevating the partnership. He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh stands ready to advance and build upon the positive momentum and synergies that mark the two countries’ shared efforts towards economic development and peace. The Ambassador conveyed warm congratulations and regards from the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh to the Foreign Minister of Nepal on his recent appointment and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to work closely with Nepal under his esteemed leadership. Noting the longstanding bonds of friendship between the two countries, the two sides held constructive discussions on a broad range of issues of mutual interest, with a shared focus on translating the goodwill into practical cooperation. The two sides also expressed keen interest in advancing cooperation in tourism, agriculture, food security, and hydropower, with a view to delivering tangible benefits to their respective peoples. Foreign Minister Khanal highlighted the potential value of establishing direct air connectivity between Pokhara and Cox’s Bazar, noting that such a link could significantly facilitate tourism, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, and further deepen mutual understanding between the two countries.

A 14-year-old boy died after falling from the rooftop of a five-storey building in the Jatrabari area of the capital on Tuesday evening. The deceased was identified as Shah Alam, a garment factory worker, according to family members. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) in a critical state, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Hailing from Raybazar village in Ishwarganj upazila of Mymensingh, Shah Alam, son of Saidul Islam, had been living with his family in a rented house on the first floor of a five-storey building in the Kajla School Goli area of Jatrabari. Neighbours Mohammad Shuvo and Kamruzzaman, who took him to the hospital, said Shah Alam went to the rooftop to pass time. They said they were sitting in front of the building when they heard a loud sound. Rushing over, they found Shah Alam lying on the ground in a pool of blood. In-charge of the DMCH police camp Md Faruk said the body has been kept at the hospital morgue.

Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie Amde has welcomed Bangladeshi investment in Ethiopia, particularly in the garment and pharmaceutical sectors.  He highlighted the need for closer interaction between the business communities of the two countries, including business-level cooperation, to facilitate trade and investment. The issues were discussed when Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman met the President at the latter's office in Addis Ababa. Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir was present at the meeting.  The Foreign Minister invited the Ethiopian President to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time and requested him to open Ethiopia’s embassy in Dhaka, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.   

At least seven people were killed and several others injured in separate road accidents in Jhenaidah, Dinajpur, Mymensingh and Pabna districts on Tuesday. In Jhenaidah, two teenage motorcyclists were killed after being crushed by a truck in Sadar upazila in the evening. The deceased were identified as Arif Hossain, 17, son of Mizanur Rahman, and Sohan Ahmed, 17, son of Shipon Ahmed, both from Bijoypur village in Sadar upazila. According to police, the two teenagers were returning home from Jhenaidah town on a motorcycle. At that time, the motorcycle was hit by a Mahindra vehicle at Pachmile, causing it to fall under a truck. Both victims were crushed by the truck and died on the spot. In Dinajpur’s Birol upazila, a two-month-old baby was killed after being run over by a ‘Hanif Paribahan’ bus while in its mother’s arms. The incident occurred in the Narabari area in the evening. The child had come to visit relatives with the mother but died instantly in the accident. The mother and five other women were injured in the accident. Officer-in-Charge of Birol Police Station Al Imran said the child was killed in a bus-related accident, adding that the victim’s family is not interested in filing a case. In Mymensingh, two people, including a child, were killed and three others injured in a head-on collision between a tractor and a Mahindra vehicle in the Shambhuganj area on the Mymensingh-Netrokona road around 7:45pm. The deceased were identified as Rabeya Khatun, 60, and a one-and-a-half-year-old child named Toufiq. In Pabna, an 18-year-old madrasah student, Jesmin Akter Ritu, was killed in a road accident in the Pakshi area of Ishwardi upazila. Ritu, an Alim examinee and daughter of Zahidul Islam of Saraikandi village under Muladuli union, was travelling in a CNG-run auto-rickshaw with her father when her scarf got entangled in the vehicle’s wheel. She lost balance, fell onto the road, and sustained critical injuries that led to her death.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that Iran has been “trapped by false promises,” while commenting on ongoing US-Iran negotiations, according to Russia’s TASS news agency. Lavrov said Moscow views the US-Iran talks as involving “threats and pledges” rather than concrete facts. “We also see Iran’s position, which quite rightly argues that they have already found themselves trapped by false promises, including that very Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action,” he said, referring to the 2015 nuclear deal signed under former US President Barack Obama that limited Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. US ready for war again if Iran deal fails, Trump warns The Russian foreign minister also said Moscow is analysing developments surrounding possible new talks in Pakistan, noting that “the situation can make an about-face 10 times within 24 hours.” “If the current efforts of the Iranian and American negotiators, which we support, result in something like the 2015 agreement, I think it would be a great success,” Lavrov added. Source- Al Jazeera

Jhenaidah, Apr 21 (UNB) - Two teenage motorcyclists were killed after being crushed by a truck in Sadar upazila of Jhenaidah on Tuesday evening. The deceased were identified as Arif Hossain, 17, son of Mizanur Rahman, and Sohan Ahmed, 17, son of Shipon Ahmed, both from Bijoypur village in Sadar upazila. The accident occurred around 6:30pm in the Pachmile area on the Jhenaidah-Magura road. According to police, the two teenagers were returning home from Jhenaidah town on a motorcycle. At that time, the motorcycle was hit by a Mahindra vehicle, causing it to fall under a truck. Both victims were crushed by the truck and died on the spot. Officer-in-Charge of Sadar Police Station Shamsul Arefin said the bodies were recovered and sent to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital morgue.

Two minor girls drowned in a pond at Dangra village in Nandail upazila of Mymensingh district on Tuesday. The deceased were identified as two-and-half-year-old Saifa Akhter, daughter of Sumon Mia, and Suraiya Akhter, 3, daughter of Tuhin Mia of the village. Family sources said the two children were frolicking on the bank of a pond in the afternoon. At one stage, they fell into the water body, unnoticed. Child dies after drowning in pond in Sylhet They were found floating in the pond around 5:00pm and taken to Upazila Health Complex where the on-duty doctor declared them dead. Officer-in-charge of Nandail Police Station Azharul Islam said the bodies were handed over to the families without autopsy following petitions.

US President Donald Trump has said he is “ready to go” back to war with Iran if no agreement is reached by the end of the ceasefire scheduled for tomorrow. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s information minister said Iran’s response on whether it will send a delegation to meet US officials is still awaited, as diplomatic efforts to end the US-Israel conflict with Iran remain uncertain. Earlier, Tehran said it would not enter negotiations under the “shadow of threats” or under a US naval blockade. Vance to travel to Pakistan on Tuesday for Iran talks Source: Al Jazeera

A Dhaka court on Tuesday granted bail to a Jubo Mohila League activist in an attempted murder case linked to the July uprising, paving the way for her release along with her one-and-a-half-month-old infant. Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman passed the order after hearing a review petition filed by the defence. The court granted bail on a bond of Tk 5,000, effective until submission of the police report. Earlier in the day, the investigation officer of the case – Sub-Inspector Sheikh Nazrul of Tejgaon Police Station Islam – sought a court order to keep the accused – Shilpi Begum – in jail. Ex-Speaker Shirin Sharmin walks out of jail on bail Following hearings from both sides, Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Awlad Hossain Muhammad Junaid initially rejected her bail and ordered her to be sent to jail. Shilpi Begum, an activist of Dhaka North Jubo Mohila League’s ward No. 26, was arrested on Monday evening from the Tejkunipara Railway Colony area. She was produced before the court around 2:00pm on Tuesday, where several family members, including her husband, sister and aunt, were present. Family members told the court that Shilpi had given birth to the baby through a caesarean section on March 4 and is still physically weak. They said she is unable to properly breastfeed or even hold the baby due to complications, including a fractured left arm from a recent fall. Despite family appeals to keep the infant with them, police did not permit separation, and both mother and child were later taken to Kashimpur Jail. According to the case statement, Dhaka University student Tahmid Mubin Ratul was shot in the Chankharpool area on July 16, 2024, and later attacked along with fellow students at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. On July 23, a group of 120-130 people allegedly attacked his residence in Tejgaon, vandalising property worth Tk 5 lakh and looting goods valued at Tk 3 lakh. The case was filed on January 25, 2025 by Ratul’s mother Shahnur Khanam at Tejgaon Police Station, naming 103 accused, including former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

European Union countries have agreed to broaden sanctions against Iran to target those responsible for blocking the Strait of Hormuz, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said. She said the decision was taken during a meeting of foreign affairs ministers in Luxembourg. Kallas also said she had asked ministers to strengthen the EU’s naval mission in the Middle East, which is currently protecting commercial vessels from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group in the Red Sea.  #From Al Jazeera

A security guard died reportedly after being electrocuted in the Sabujbagh area of the capital on Tuesday. The deceased was identified as Md Mobarak Hossain, 45, son of Mongol Mia of Dumuria village in Homna upazila of Cumilla. He had been living with his family at South Basabo of Sabujbagh. According to police, the incident occurred in the morning near a playground in South Basabo. He was found unconscious beside an electric pole and later taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where the on-duty doctor declared him dead. Sub-Inspector Naruttam of Sabujbagh Police Station said they found Mobarak in an unconscious state near the electric pole. Meanwhile, the victim’s nephew Sumon said Mobarak worked as a security guard and had been in feud with his wife for not attending work regularly.

A total of 54 nomination papers were submitted against 50 reserved seats for women in Parliament, exceeding the number of seats by four. According to officials, 53 nomination papers were submitted within the stipulated deadline of 4:00 pm on Tuesday. Of them, 36 candidates were nominated by the BNP-led alliance, 13 by the Jamaat-led alliance, and one from an independent alliance. Besides, three more candidates—Shamma Akter, Mosammat Mehrunnessa and Mahbuba Rahman—submitted nomination papers independently outside any party or alliance. Their eligibility will be reviewed during scrutiny. Claims of 21.4% fake votes misleading: TIB Another nomination paper was submitted by NCP Joint Convener Nusrat Tabassum after the deadline, as NCP nominated Monira Sharmin may face legal challenge over the validity of her candidacy. The Election Commission (EC) had announced the schedule for the reserved women’s seats on April 8, setting April 21 as the deadline for nomination submission. Returning Officer Md Moin Uddin Khan said they received 36 nomination papers from BNP and its allies, 13 from the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, and one from an independent alliance candidate, Sultana Jesmin. He said the submitted nomination papers will be scrutinised on April 22 and 23. Appeals against the scrutiny decisions can be filed with the commission on April 26, while disposal of appeals will take place on April 27 and 28. The deadline for withdrawal of candidature is April 29. Usually, elections for reserved seats do not require voting as political parties and alliances nominate candidates equal to the number of seats. However, this time the number of nomination papers exceeded the available seats. The returning officer said the late submission by Nusrat Tabassum would not be considered, while the nominations submitted outside alliances would also be examined for legal validity during scrutiny. Earlier in the day, a team of the Jamaat-led alliance, led by its Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad went to the EC Secretariat during the submission of nomination papers by their candidates. Speaking to reporters, Hamidur Rahman Azad expressed hope that their alliance candidates would be elected unopposed based on the submitted list. “We have submitted a combined list, and there is no scope for competing candidates. We expect all 13 candidates to be elected unopposed,” he said. BNP nominees also submitted their nomination papers separately, many accompanied by party leaders and activists. After submission, BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman said the party’s nominated candidates for the reserved seats would work towards strengthening democracy. “There is a combination of experienced and new faces. We hope they will play an effective role in Parliament,” she said, adding that the current Parliament, formed after 17 years, would contribute to democratic transition and national development. Questions over Monira Sharmin’s candidacy: Questions have been raised over the candidacy of NCP nominee Monira Sharmin, who submitted her nomination under the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance. It is alleged that she applied for nomination just five months after retiring from a government job, while the law requires a gap of three years before contesting parliamentary elections after leaving a government position. Sources said that anticipating possible cancellation of her candidacy under this provision, the party arranged for Nusrat Tabassum to submit a nomination as an alternative, although it was filed after the deadline. EC sources said that if any nomination is cancelled, the respective seat will be opened for all parties, and a fresh schedule will be announced. Political parties and alliances will then be able to nominate candidates anew, and the member for that seat will be elected through votes of MPs.

Pakistan has not yet received formal confirmation from Iran regarding its participation in upcoming peace talks in Islamabad, the country’s information and broadcasting minister said. Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan, acting as a mediator, remains engaged with Iranian authorities and continues diplomatic efforts to ensure their participation. “Pakistan, as the mediator, is "in constant touch with Iranians and pursuing the path of diplomacy and dialogue", he said, adding that a decision from Iran to attend the talks before the end of the two-week ceasefire "is critical". He further said, "Pakistan has made sincere efforts to convince the Iranian leadership to participate in the second round of talks and these efforts continue," according to a statement posted on X. #From BBC

Bus services on the Natore-Rajshahi route remained suspended from Tuesday morning due to a dispute between bus owners, disrupting road communication and causing immense suffering to passengers. The situation did not improve till evening. Sources said, the conflict erupted over allegations that Rajshahi-bound buses were not being allowed to pass through Natore. In response, Natore bus owners claimed their vehicles were being obstructed in Rajshahi, although the allegation was denied by leaders of the Rajshahi Motor Workers’ Union. Cumilla bus services suspended as owners enforce strike Transport insiders said the dispute began after a bus named ‘Andan Paribahan’, owned by the general secretary of Natore Bus Owners’ Association, allegedly operated violating scheduled timing and route rules on the Rangpur-Rajshahi corridor. Rajshahi Motor Workers’ Union acting general secretary Rafiqul Islam Pakhi said the irregular operation created a passenger crisis. “Despite warnings, they continued and even threatened to stop Rajshahi buses if their vehicles were not allowed,” he said. He said Rajshahi buses were blocked in Natore in the morning. Although some buses entering Rajshahi were later released, new services from Natore were not allowed. Ticket counters for Dhaka-bound buses were also shut in Natore, halting services from Rajshahi. Bus movement on multiple routes, including Rangpur division, Sirajganj, Pabna, Dhaka and Khulna via Natore, remained suspended. Passengers were seen struggling at Rajshahi’s Shiroil Bus Terminal, trying alternative transport. Natore Bus Owners’ Association president Prashanta Kumar Poddar Lakkhan denied blocking buses, alleging instead that several Natore buses were held in Rajshahi. He warned that passenger suffering may worsen if the situation persists.

National Citizen Party (NCP) lawmaker Md Abul Hasnat, popularly known as Hasnat Abdullah, on Tuesday sought vehicles for Members of Parliament (MPs) to facilitate better communication with people in their respective constituencies. He placed the demand taking floor in Parliament after State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam informed the House that a directive has been issued to Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) to prepare “visiting rooms” for the MPs in all Upazila Parishads. “We have been given a place to sit (at every Upazila Parishad complex). Now, if a vehicle is arranged, it will be easier for us to reach people in our constituencies,” said Hasnat Abdullah, elected from Cumilla-4. Hasnat ignites debate in House over content creator's arrest for post on Chief Whip He said he usually speaks against the government but this time he rose to appreciate it. “We, the opposition, thank you as at least a sitting arrangement has been made,” he said. Claiming himself as the second most junior MP in Parliament, the NCP lawmaker said UNOs and Upazila Parishad chairmen have official vehicles, but MPs often have to rely on rented transport, which they feel embarrassing for them to mention publicly. In response, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said there was a directive from Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman that MPs would not be allowed tax-free vehicle facilities in line with public expectations. However, he said he would request the Prime Minister to consider the demand. He said the Prime Minister had, at the very beginning of current Parliament, instructed that MPs would not take any special privileges beyond public expectations, saying an amendment would be brought to the existing law so that no member of this august House takes a tax-free vehicle. Noting that opposition lawmakers gave claps to support for the demand, the Home Minister said the government is moving in line with public expectations and the issue of transport facilities for MPs could be discussed further. He said the MPs are surely happy for getting the rooms at upazilas but now they might be unhappy if they do not get vehicles. “So, I request the Prime Minister to take a suitable step following a separate discussion between the ruling party and the opposition on how to arrange transportation for Members of Parliament,” Salahuddin said. Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman said a member from the opposition bench had raised the demand and the treasury bench had taken it into cognisance. “I thank the treasury bench for taking the matter into cognisance and for considering steps toward its implementation,” he said, adding that younger members’ requests should not be turned down outright. Later, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury said the opposition had earlier declared that they would not accept tax-free vehicles or government plots. He expressed hope that since the entire House appeared to be in agreement, a consensus decision could be taken in due course.

Bangladesh has called for stronger regional cooperation to tackle climate change, economic pressures and global uncertainty at the 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok. A Bangladesh delegation, led by Faqir Mahbub Anam, adviser to the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, joined the session on Monday. During the meeting, Bangladesh urged countries in the region to work together to address shared challenges and ensure sustainable development. It also highlighted steps taken to strengthen its economy, including supporting small businesses, attracting investment and promoting innovation. The delegation stressed the importance of creating more opportunities for youth and women through skills development, employment generation and expansion of the digital economy. At the same time, Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to social protection, healthcare and climate action, including the promotion of renewable energy. The country emphasised that stronger regional cooperation is essential for shared progress and building a better future for all. The 82nd session of ESCAP is being held in Bangkok this week under the theme “Leaving no one behind: advancing a society for all ages in Asia and the Pacific.” The session was officially inaugurated by Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday announced a revamped pace bowling attack for the first two T20Is against New Zealand, resting key fast bowlers and handing a maiden call-up to all-rounder Abdul Gaffar Saqlain. Fast bowlers Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Nahid Rana have been rested for the upcoming fixtures. To fill the void, selectors included 28-year-old Saqlain, recognised for his format-suited bowling and lower-order hitting capabilities. The board also recalled 23-year-old right-arm quick Ripon Mondol, rewarding him for his consistency as a death-overs bowler. Mondol previously represented Bangladesh in three T20 matches during the 2023 Asian Games.Litton Das will captain the 15-member squad, with Saif Hassan serving as vice-captain.  The three-match series begins on April 27 at the Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram, which will also host the second match on April 29. The series concludes at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on May 2. Bangladesh squad: Litton Das (captain), Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hassan (vice-captain), Shamim Hossain, Tawhid Hridoy, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Ripon Mondol, Shaif Uddin, and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain.

International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICCB) has said the recently signed Bangladesh–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is more than a milestone and it is a message that Bangladesh is ready to move beyond its LDC identity and assert itself as a dynamic, rules-based trading nation. If implemented effectively, the ICCB said, this agreement could unlock a new era of industrial upgrading, export diversification, and global integration. The leading chamber body said the challenge now is clear: to translate this historic opportunity into sustained economic momentum while pursuing similar EPAs with other developed countries. The signing of the EPA on 6 February 2026 marks a defining moment in Bangladesh’s trade diplomacy, according to the editorial of the current News Bulletin (Jan- March, 2026) of International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICCB) released on Monday. As the country’s first-ever comprehensive economic partnership agreement with a developed economy, the EPA signals a strategic transition—from preferential access as a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a rules-based, competitive global trade framework. It is not merely a trade deal; it is a forward-looking blueprint for Bangladesh’s economic transformation in a post-LDC world, said the ICCB. At its core, the EPA delivers immediate and tangible benefits. Japan has granted duty-free access to 7,379 Bangladeshi products—covering nearly 97% of Bangladesh’s export basket, including its dominant ready-made garments sector. This is particularly significant as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from LDC status, a transition that would otherwise expose its exports to tariffs in key markets. By securing continued preferential access to Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy, Bangladesh has effectively mitigated one of the biggest risks associated with LDC graduation, ICCB said. Beyond tariffs, the EPA is comprehensive in scope. It includes provisions on services, investment, customs facilitation, intellectual property, and digital trade—areas that are increasingly critical in modern trade agreements. Japan is opening 120 service sub-sectors to Bangladeshi professionals, while Bangladesh is reciprocating with access to 97 sub-sectors. This now opens new pathways for skilled Bangladeshi workers in sectors such as IT, engineering, and care giving, while also encouraging Japanese investment in high-value manufacturing and technology transfer, ICCB said. Equally important is the EPA’s potential to reshape Bangladesh’s export structure. For decades, the country’s export portfolio has remained heavily concentrated in readymade apparels. The EPA provides an opportunity to diversify into higher-value sectors such as electronics, automotive components, and processed goods, supported by Japanese investment and integration into regional supply chains. By reducing non-tariff barriers and improving regulatory transparency, the agreement enhances Bangladesh’s credibility as a reliable trade and investment destination. Looking ahead, ICCB said the Bangladesh–Japan EPA sets a powerful precedent for future trade agreements. It strengthens Bangladesh’s negotiating position with other major economies, including the European Union, ASEAN countries, and the United Kingdom. Policymakers, as well as the private sector, are already viewing the EPA as a template for future Economic Partnership Agreements and Free Trade Agreements. The experience gained in regulatory alignment, standards compliance, and market access negotiations will be invaluable as Bangladesh seeks to expand its trade network and reduce overdependence on a limited number of markets. Parallel to this development, the evolving Bangladesh–USA Reciprocal Trade Agreement offers a more conditional and limited framework compared to the comprehensive Japan EPA.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Tuesday warned that the government will not tolerate any attempt to create artificial crisis or manipulate market, saying no group or individual will be allowed to hold the market hostage. “This is a country of 180 million people. No group or individual can take the market hostage,” he said while speaking to reporters after a meeting of the task force on commodity prices and market situation at the Ministry of Commerce. Fuel price hike ‘modest’, unlikely to accelerate inflation: Muktadir The minister said the current global situation, particularly the conflict in the Middle East, has created pressure on fuel and supply chains. “The government is closely monitoring the situation and the import flow remains stable.” Responding to a question about soybean oil supply, he said although the supply of bottled oil is somewhat limited, loose oil is available in sufficient quantity. “The government is also monitoring any attempt to charge prices beyond the fixed rate and will take necessary action.” On inflation, Muktadir said any unreasonable price hike or creation of artificial shortages is unacceptable. Addressing traders, he said the market cannot be influenced through speculation and prices must be set based on the actual impact of increased fuel costs. The minister urged businesspeople and other stakeholders to have confidence in the government, adding that efforts are underway to introduce a stable pricing mechanism to ensure a more balanced market in the future.

A woman posing as a doctor was detained by students at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) on Tuesday. The detainee is Monika Akter Mitu, 32. The ID card she was carrying bore the name “Nupur Islam Jannat,” which was later confirmed to be fake. The incident occurred around 2:00pm when students found Mitu inside the female common room of the DMC wearing a doctor’s apron and carrying a stethoscope. They interrogated her following her suspicious behaviour. As she failed to provide satisfactory answers, they detained her and informed the authorities, who later handed her over to police. During primary interrogation, the detainee said she hails from Tongibari in Munshiganj and had discontinued her studies after passing SSC. She reportedly started visiting the DMCH campus about a month ago out of a desire to become a doctor. She also admitted to using a fake identity card made in Nilkhet and operating under the alias “Nupur Islam Jannat.” She said she is active on social media platform TikTok. According to DMCH sources, her suspicious movements over the past month had drawn the attention of several students. On Tuesday, they confronted her and detained her when her responses raised further suspicion. Sub-Inspector Md Rezaul Karim of Shahbagh Police Station said they took her into custody. An apron, a stethoscope and the fake ID card were recovered from her possession.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, during a meeting with members of the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) on Tuesday, expressed his government’s strong stance on ensuring press freedom. “He (Prime Minister) said his government believes in press freedom. He also expressed his government’s firm stance in favour of press freedom,” said his Additional Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the Prime Minister also told NOAB members that he regularly reads newspapers and watches television.   The Prime Minister said he keeps track of how the country is portrayed in the media and, when necessary, gives instructions to the relevant authorities to look into the issues, Rumon added. He said Tarique Rahman listened patiently to the views of NOAB members and said such meetings with NOAB members will be held regularly after a specific time. The meeting between the Prime Minister and NOAB members was held at the Cabinet Division conference room in the Secretariat. The meeting began at 2:20pm and ended around 3:30pm. Rumon said the Prime Minister also joined NOAB members for lunch and later a group photo. This was the first formal meeting with NOAB after the formation of the BNP government. At the beginning of the meeting, NOAB President and Manab Zamin Editor-in-Chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury spoke. He highlighted the challenges facing the newspaper industry and sought the Prime Minister’s cooperation in resolving them. Rumon said NOAB members congratulated the BNP on its victory in the 13th parliamentary election and Tarique Rahman on becoming Prime Minister.   He said they also recalled that the newspaper industry was declared an industry during the BNP government in 2001, noting that it has now turned into a struggling sector. The Additional Press Secretary said NOAB members pointed out that large government advertisement bills outstanding from previous governments remain unpaid, and sought the Prime Minister’s support in this regard. He said they also stressed the importance of regular meetings between the government and newspaper owners and suggested that such meetings should be held every three months. Rumon said the NOAB delegation also drew the Prime Minister’s attention to cases filed against journalists and the issue of the arrest of journalists made during the interim government period, seeking his cooperation for withdrawal of cases and bail for those in custody. The meeting was also attended by NOAB Vice-President ASM Shahidullah Khan, Treasurer Altamash Kabir, members AK Azad, Prothom Alo Editor and Publisher Matiur Rahman, The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam, Inqilab Editor AMM Bahauddin, Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Karatoa Editor Mozammel Haque, Purbokon Editor Ramiz Uddin Chowdhury, and Financial Express Publisher Nasim Manzur. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, State Minister Yeaser Khan Choudhury, Information Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Abu Abdullah M Saleh, widely known as Saleh Shibly, and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon were also present.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam on Tuesday told Parliament that a directive has been given to Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) to prepare “visiting rooms” for the Members of Parliament (MP) concerned in every upazila parishads as the lawmaker has no office or sitting space in the upazila-level. “An official order has been issued today (Tuesday) asking UNOs to prepare a room on the second floor of every upazila parishad building, with attached bathroom and necessary furniture,” he said taking the floor in the House. Yunus presented 'trophy' of July Uprising to Tarique in London: Mir Shahe Alam MP The state minister said the rooms will be set up in both new and old upazila parishad buildings, depending on availability and will be named “visiting rooms” as there is no provision to allocate rooms in the name of any MP. He said MPs will be able to sit in these rooms, carry out their official activities, meet with local people and spend time there as needed. Mir Shahe Alam noted that lawmakers often face difficulties in finding a place to sit when they visit upazila parishads. “When MPs visit upazila parishads they often do not have any place to sit. Recently, an MP raised this demand and following that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed me to take necessary measures,” he said. He added the decision was taken in consultation with Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir after which the government order (GO) was issued. The MPs were asked to communicate with the respective UNOs to ensure that the rooms are prepared quickly, he said.

A socially excluded fishing community in coastal Barishal has, for the first time, elected its own leadership body through a participatory vote, marking a significant step toward inclusive governance and climate resilience. The initiative took place in Laharhat, a river-dependent area in Barishal sadar, where members of the Manta community formed a “Manta Management Committee” aimed at improving their living conditions and social inclusion. The Manta are a traditionally nomadic, river-based fishing community in Bangladesh, often living on boats and moving along rivers and coastal areas in search of livelihood. Over the years, they have remained socially and economically marginalised, with limited access to land ownership, education, healthcare and formal civic participation, including voting rights and government services. Information Minister calls for transparent family card distribution in Barishal

Police suspect a land dispute behind the murders of four members of a family, who were found slaughtered at their house in Niamatpur upazila of Naogaon district early Tuesday. District’s Superintendent of Police Mohammad Tariqul Islam said during primary investigation, they found that the murders took place due to enmity over land dispute, not robbery. He came up with the information while talking to reporters during a visit to the spot in the afternoon. Parents, 2 children found dead in Naogaon Four people have so far been taken into custody for interrogation, the SP said. They are victim Habibur Rahman’s father Namir Uddin, 70, sisters Dalima Khatun and Halima Khatun, and nephew Sabuj Rana, 25. “Prima facie, it does not appear to be a case of robbery. It may have occurred over a family or land-related dispute. Victim Popy Sultana still had earrings in her ears, indicating valuables were not taken away,” the SP said, adding that mystery behind the incident will be uncovered soon. Habibur Rahman, 32, his wife Popy Sultana, 25, their son Parvez, 9, and three-year-old daughter Sadia Akter were found dead at their house at Bahadurpur village in the upazila, with their throats slit. Neighbours first spotted the bodies after entering the house following Fajr prayers when they found the door open and later informed police. Locals said there had been a long-standing feud between Habibur Rahman and his sister Shirina over land-related issues, and threats had reportedly been made earlier. Popy’s father Moazzem Hossain alleged that Shirina and her son Sabuj Rana were involved in the killings, claiming they had previously attempted to kill his daughter and son-in-law.

At least 10 people were injured in two rounds of clashes between Chhatra Dal(JCD) and Islami Chhatra Shibir activists at Chattogram Government City College on Tuesday over the writing of the word “Gupto” on a graffiti drawn during the July movement. Witnesses said a graffiti drawn during the July-August movement on the college building initially carried a slogan declaring the campus free from student politics and Chhatra League. Later, a group of Chhatra Dal activists allegedly led by JCD leader Abdullah Al Mamun removed the word “student” from the slogan and replaced it with the word “secret (gupto).” Tensions escalated after a video of the incident spread on social media, leading to clashes on the campus around 4:30 pm. The injured were taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for treatment. Among them, a Shibir activist reportedly suffered a serious leg injury after being attacked during the clash. Principal of Government City College Abu Saleh Mohammad Nayeem Uddin said a scuffle broke out between the two groups and teachers initially tried to control the situation before police intervened. Officer-in-Charge of Kotwali Police Station Md Aftab Uddin said additional police were deployed on the campus to maintain law and order.

Speakers at a high-level workshop on today (Tuesday) emphasized the critical role of robust Shariah governance in ensuring transparency, accountability, and public trust within the Islamic banking sector. The remarks were made during the opening session of a three-day special training workshop titled "Shariah Governance for Members of Shariah Supervisory Committees," held at the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM) in the capital. The program is being jointly organized by BIBM and the Bangladesh Bank. Dr. Md. Kabir Ahmed, Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, inaugurated the workshop as the chief guest. He stated that effective Shariah governance is essential for upholding public confidence in the Islamic banking system. Shariah compliance in banking more than a formality, it’s a matter of trust: BIBM DG He further noted that Shariah-based supervision plays a pivotal role in ensuring accountability across all banking operations. Dr. Abu Bakar Rafique, Chairman of the Shariah Advisory Board of Bangladesh Bank, attended as a special guest. He stressed the need for a strong institutional framework to guarantee transparency in Islamic financial activities. Supporting this view, Mohammed Abdul Mannan, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Central Shariah Board for Islamic Banks of Bangladesh (CSBIB), highlighted that as the country's Islamic banking sector continues to expand rapidly, the need for effective Shariah oversight has become more crucial than ever. The inaugural session was presided over by Dr. Md. Ezazul Islam, Director General of BIBM. In his address, he reaffirmed BIBM’s commitment to enhancing good governance and professional expertise in the banking sector through regular training, research, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. The workshop, which runs from April 21 to April 23, 2026, is being attended by members of Shariah Supervisory Committees from various Islamic banks and financial institutions across the country. The sessions will focus on Shariah governance frameworks, regulatory policies, and global best practices. Earlier, Dr. Mohammed Tazul Islam, Professor and Director at BIBM, also spoke in the opening event.

BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas is gradually recovering, his wife Afroza Abbas said on Tuesday afternoon. She said the BNP leader is currently undergoing regular therapy and his condition has improved significantly. “He is receiving therapy every day. Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah, his condition is now better. He is slowly recovering and his physical condition has improved a lot,” Afroza said, urging everyone to pray for Abbas’ speedy and full recovery. Mirza Abbas was admitted to Prince Court Medical Centre in Malaysia on April 14 for physiotherapy. Earlier on March 11, he fell ill after suddenly losing consciousness during Iftar and was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. A medical team of neurology specialists quickly performed surgery on his brain. After the operation, on March 15, he was taken to Singapore by an air ambulance and admitted to Singapore General Hospital. There he received intensive treatment for about a month and made significant recovery. He was later moved to Malaysia for physiotherapy on doctors’ advice. Afroza said he is now doing well and is receiving physiotherapy every day.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday told Parliament that BNP’s political stance does not allow any compromise on matters related to economic governance and financial discipline. “I want to clearly state that BNP’s politics does not allow any compromise with anyone on economic operations,” he said, while replying to a supplementary question from NCP lawmaker from Cumilla-4 Md Abul Hasnat, popularly known as Hasnat Abdullah. Hasnat Abdullah in his question alleged that there had been attempts to rehabilitate S Alam Group even after without repayment of its loans, and wanted to know whether the government had made any compromise with the group. In response, the Finance Minister asserted that whenever BNP had been in power in the past, there had been no questions regarding macroeconomic stability, the share market, or financial discipline. “I want to categorically say during BNP’s tenure, no questions were raised about macroeconomic strategy, macroeconomy, or the share market. So, you can rest assured that there is no scope for compromise in BNP’s economic planning,” he said. Khosru said legal action has been taken against those who fled the country after taking money from banks. He further said both government-to-government (G2G) initiatives and private recovery firms are working to recover the funds that were siphoned out of the country, expressing hope that the funds would be recovered in the coming days. Strong effort to recover laundered assets tied to S Alam, Beximco: Khosru The Finance Minister said the government continues all possible efforts under the existing legal system to recover the assets allegedly laundered abroad by S Alam Group and Beximco Group. He was replying to a starred question from the same lawmaker. Abul Hasnat in his question asked the Finance Minister to clarify how many countries Bangladesh has pursued legal action to recover assets allegedly laundered abroad by S Alam Group and Beximco Group, and how much could be recovered in the current fiscal year. He also mentioned that Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC held Tk 96,195 crore in defaulted loans, around Tk 80,000 crore linked to the S Alam Group, while Janata Bank had about Tk 25,000 crore in defaulted loans tied to the Beximco Group. In reply, Khosru said cases have been filed in the Bangladesh court as part of the recovery of assets illegally smuggled abroad by the two groups. He said sending Mutual Legal Assistance Requests (MLARs) to the countries concerned under the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, 2012 is a key legal step to recovery of assets illicitly transferred to foreign lands. The Finance Minister said MLARs have been forwarded in relation to the S Alam Group to four countries – British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, Jersey and Singapore –, while MLARs concerning the Beximco Group have been sent to two countries – the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. “In addition to criminal proceedings, civil proceedings are being pursued to recover the funds laundered by these two groups,” he said, adding that steps have been undertaken to search for their assets abroad through four reputable foreign law firms. Khosru, however, said recovering money illegally laundered abroad is a complex and long-term legal process. He said the recovery can only be possible upon proofs ensured by the courts in Bangladesh or abroad, following responses to MLARs, completion of investigations and identification of assets related to the crimes. The minister further said it was not possible at this stage to estimate how much money or assets could be recovered in the current or upcoming fiscal year, though efforts under the existing legal framework continue. Govt plans to revitalise banks: Khosru The Finance Minister said the government has taken steps to revitalise banks and support private sector recovery through budgetary measures and cooperation with multilateral organisations. He said Bangladesh’s financial sector is currently facing a significant capital deficit, identifying it as one of the most pressing economic challenges. Both banks and private sector businesses are experiencing capital shortages as the currency of the country has depreciated by more than 40 percent in recent years, along with rising utility and operational costs, which have collectively created nearly a 50 percent capital deficit in private sector activities, Khosru said. He also pointed out that a capital crisis has been created in the banks due to capital outflow abroad. To address this situation, the government has already taken steps to replenish capital and will continue to allocate funds in the upcoming budgets, the minister said. He added that the government is working with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to recapitalise the banking sector. Khosru acknowledged past irregularities, including loan mismanagement and financial sector misconduct, which exacerbated the crisis.

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet on Tuesday reaffirmed France’s continued support for strengthening defence cooperation with Bangladesh. While visiting the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT), the Ambassador expressed interest in exploring new opportunities for further collaboration with the institute. The Ambassador commended the professionalism, efficiency, and global standards maintained by BIPSOT as a key training hub for UN peace operations, said the French Embassy in Dhaka. He highlighted the strong cooperation between France and Bangladesh in UN peacekeeping operations, particularly under missions such as the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) where Bangladesh remains one of the leading troop-contributing countries. He was given an overview of the institution’s training activities and its role in preparing personnel for UN peacekeeping missions. The Ambassador especially appreciated the strong emphasis placed on French language training, as some UN missions are active in Francophone countries.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, on Tuesday constituted a five-member high-powered parliamentary committee to investigate the alleged irregularities in the procurements of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) following media reports. The report titled “Massive plundering (Horiloot) in procurements of parliament” was published in a Bengali daily and several online portals on April 19. As the report came to the notice of the highest authority of Parliament, the Speaker formed the probe committee to look into the matter, said a press release. The committee is headed by Whip and Member of Parliament ABM Ashraf Uddin (Nizan) (Laxmipur-4) as convener. The other members are ruling party MPs Lutfullahel Mazed (Mymensingh-8) , Humam Quader Chowdhury (Chattogram-7), Jamaat MP Md. Saiful Alam (Dhaka-12) and NCP lawmaker Md. Abul Hasnat, who is widely known as Hasnat Abdullah (Cumilla-4). The committee has been asked to submit its investigation report within seven days.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has made it clear that he does not want to make any journalist or media outlet hostile, Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) President and Manab Zamin Editor-in-Chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said on Tuesday. “We talked about press freedom. On press freedom, he (PM) said that he does not want to make anyone hostile. This is a very good thing as no head of state or head of government has said this before,” he told reporters after a meeting with the Prime Minister. PM Tarique Rahman visits BNP central office in Nayapaltan The meeting was held at the Secretariat with NOAB members, where they discussed a range of issues, including press freedom and the challenges facing the newspaper industry. Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said they appreciated the Prime Minister’s stance on liberal democracy and assured their support if the government continues on that path. “The most important thing is that we told him (PM) that he is moving on the path of liberal democracy, which is positive for Bangladesh. As newspapers and as the media, we will support him in this journey if he continues on this path,” he said. The veteran editor said the media industry is under serious pressure, particularly due to economic strain, raising concerns about its sustainability. “We shared our concerns with the Prime Minister. He listened to us carefully. We also told him that he is a man of this industry. As you know he was associated with a newspaper (Dainik Dinkal) for a long time, he understands its challenges. He listened to us and spoke with us sincerely,” he said. Matiur Rahman Chowdhury also said the Prime Minister agreed in principle to many of their demands, although some steps may take time to implement. He said they reminded the Prime Minister of previous actions against the media, when he said he is aware of all those matters. “He assured us that his government will not follow that path. We found the meeting very useful and effective,” he added. Asked about the specific demands they made at the meeting, the NOAB President said they raised concerns about harassment of journalists, including those facing cases or are in custody. He said the Prime Minister assured them that the government will look into whether any journalists are actually in jail without valid reasons, or whether they can be granted bail. “The Prime Minister said he will look into this matter carefully,” he said. Matiur Rahman Chowdhury also said the Prime Minister has agreed to hold such meetings at least once every three months. Outgoing NOAB President AK Azad of the Dainik Samakal, Prothom Alo Editor and Publisher Matiur Rahman, The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam, Bonik Barta Editor and Publisher Dewan Hanif Mahmud, and Financial Express Publisher Nasim Manzur, among others, were also present at the meeting.

The Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust (QECT), established by Queen Elizabeth II, has announced the QECT 100 Young Leaders Awardees 2026, recognising 100 exceptional young changemakers from across the Commonwealth, including four young leaders from Bangladesh. “Congratulations to the four young leaders from Bangladesh recognised among the QECT 100,” said British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke on Tuesday. She said their work reflects the shared Commonwealth values of inclusion and innovation and honours Queen Elizabeth II’s enduring commitment to empowering young people to shape a better future. This initiative marks what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday on 21 April 2026 and celebrates her belief in the power of young people to strengthen communities and shape the future, said the British High Commission in Dhaka. Shah Rafayat Chowdhury of Footsteps Bangladesh, Munia Islam Mozumder of Teach for Bangladesh, Imran Hamin of Farm Solution BD and Md Rezwanul Islam Shuvo of Eco Sentinels Bangladesh are the four young leaders from Bangladesh who have been selected as part of this distinguished global cohort. Selected through a highly competitive process from thousands of applications, the awardees represent impactful work across education and employability, environment, food and agriculture, health, and inclusion. The awards honour young leaders whose initiatives are transforming communities and addressing some of the Commonwealth’s most pressing challenges. Over the coming months, awardees will participate in curated engagements, capacity-building opportunities, and global networking designed to amplify their work and strengthen their impact.

Police have arrested two people in connection with an extortion attempt and a shooting incident at a garment factory in Kafrul area in the capital. The arrestees are Russell Molla, 35, and Ruman Talukdar, 26. Police said on April 18, when factory owner Kamrul Islam, 33, was working at his office in the garment factory 12–13 unidentified miscreants entered the office forcibly and demanded Tk 1 crore, threatening to kill him if their demand was not met. At one stage, two of them pulled out pistols and fired two rounds. One bullet narrowly missed Kamrul’s left ear and struck the glass of a file cabinet behind him, shattering it, while the other hit the wall. A case was later filed with Kafrul Police Station over the incident. N M Nasiruddin, Deputy Commissioner (Media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said on Tuesday afternoon that a team from Kafrul Police arrested Russell Molla in a raid in Mirpur-13 around 12:15 am on April 20 using intelligence and technological support. Ruman Talukdar was later arrested from an area under Savar Police Station at around 10:00 pm the same day. Police said both arrestees have multiple cases against them including charges of extortion, narcotics, violence against women, theft, assault, and explosives-related offences, filed with different police stations including Kafrul and Bhashantek. Ruman Talukdar has given a confessional statement before a court. Police said drives are ongoing to arrest the other accused involved in the incident and to recover the firearm used in the attack.

A court here on Tuesday sentenced seven people, including four brothers, to death for killing a college student in Tarakanda upazila in 2021. Mymensingh District and Session Judge Mohammad Zakir Hossain also awarded seven years’ imprisonment to two women. The condemned convicts are Yunus Ali alias Yunus Ali, 62, his brothers Mohammad Ali, 52, Golam Hossain alias Gulu, 51, and Shamsul Haque, 44, sons of Jasim Uddin of Palashkanda Tanpara in the upazila; Asif Rana Naim, 24, son of Golam Hossain, Abdul Helim, 51, son of Abdul Mannan, and Farid Ahmed alias Babu, 19, son of Mohammad Ali. 5 get life imprisonment for killing farmer in Mymensingh The court also fined them Tk 50,000 each. The two other convicts are Khaleda Akter, wife of Mohammad Ali, and Rehena Khatun, wife of Yunus Ali. They were fined Tk 25,000 and in case of failure, they will have to serve one year more in prison. According to the prosecution, Shahinur Alam alias Iqbal, a student of Rumdo Institute of Modern Technology (RIMT), went missing on May 31, 2021, prompting his father Abdur Rauf to lodge a general diary in this connection. Later, police recovered Iqbal’s decomposed body from a septic tank at Palashkanda Tanpara village on June 5, 2021. Victim’s brother Selim Mia filed a murder case on June 6, 2021, accusing Asif Rana and his associates. Police submitted a charge sheet against nine individuals.

Global stock markets moved higher on Tuesday, with Wall Street also set to open stronger, while oil prices remained mostly unchanged amid ongoing uncertainty over talks between the United States and Iran. Futures for the S&P 500 rose 0.4% before trading began, while Dow Jones futures gained 0.6%. Nasdaq futures also edged up 0.4%. In the oil market, US benchmark crude slipped 14 cents to $87.28 per barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, fell 47 cents to $95.01 per barrel. The conflict involving Iran has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply daily, pushing energy prices higher in recent weeks. US President Donald Trump has called on Iran to allow safe passage through the strait and has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports. However, Iran has taken a firm stance, refusing to negotiate under pressure. Iran’s chief negotiator and parliamentary speaker, Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf, said in a social media post that Tehran would not engage in talks “under the shadow of threats.” Despite this, Trump said he still plans to send a delegation led by Vice President JD Vance to Islamabad for discussions. However, Iran has indicated it will not participate unless the US softens its position. Trump also signalled that extending the current ceasefire, which expires Wednesday, is “highly unlikely.” Analysts say the situation remains fragile, with both sides facing pressure to reach an agreement before the truce ends. Even so, oil prices remain below earlier highs, when Brent crude had surged to $119 per barrel at the peak of tensions. The S&P 500 is also still trading above its pre-conflict level. In corporate news, Apple shares were little changed after the company announced that CEO Tim Cook will step down on Sept. 1, handing over the role to John Ternus. Cook will continue as executive chairman after leading the company for 15 years. Shares of UnitedHealth Group jumped more than 7% in premarket trading after the company reported better-than-expected first-quarter earnings and raised its full-year profit forecast. Investors are also watching developments in Washington, where Kevin Warsh, Trump’s nominee for Federal Reserve chair, is set to appear before the Senate Banking Committee. He is expected to face tough questions, particularly from Democrats over his financial disclosures. In Europe, Germany’s DAX rose 0.6%, while France’s CAC 40 added 0.2%. Britain’s FTSE 100 remained unchanged. Asian markets also closed higher. Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 0.9%, supported by gains in technology stocks. South Korea’s Kospi surged 2.7%, while Taiwan’s Taiex rose 1.8%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index gained 0.5% and Shanghai’s Composite index edged up 0.1%. However, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 slipped slightly by less than 0.1%.

The Iranian Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday said it will continue its efforts to facilitate the safe passage of Bangladeshi vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and has also facilitated the safe evacuation of 186 Bangladeshi nationals from Iran via Azerbaijan. The Embassy, in a press statement, called upon all concerned to refrain from any actions or statements that may create misperceptions, and to uphold the spirit of mutual respect that governs the enduring ties between the two brotherly nations. Iran reiterates its firm commitment to strengthening the close and amicable relations between the two nations. The Embassy expressed its dissatisfaction with the selective dissemination of excerpts from recent media interviews concerning developments in the Middle East, which have been republished by certain media outlets and social media platforms. “Such actions are deemed inconsistent with the friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries,” said the Embassy, noting that these inaccurate and selective representations are regrettable and contrary to the principles of responsible media conduct. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the People's Republic of Bangladesh enjoy longstanding, friendly, and brotherly relations founded upon mutual respect and shared values. Iran reaffirmed its firm commitment to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. The Embassy welcomed the meeting held between Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran Dr. Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The Embassy said they will earnestly pursue the constructive and fruitful engagements and initiatives between the officials of the two countries and underscores the importance of further expanding bilateral relations across all areas of mutual interest. Iran appreciated the balanced and constructive position of the government of Bangladesh in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East through dialogue and diplomacy, which remain essential for the region and the wider international community. The Embassy also expressed its sincere appreciation for the messages of condolence conveyed by the Government of Bangladesh following the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the Leader of the Ummah and the great Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei. Particular appreciation is extended for the adoption of a condolence motion at the opening session of the 13th Parliament, which constitutes a notable and exceptional gesture. The Embassy further expressed its gratitude for the presence of a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dhaka to sign the condolence book. Iran also appreciated the decision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to send emergency medical assistance to the Islamic Republic of Iran through the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. The Islamic Republic of Iran, while appreciating the support of the government and people of Bangladesh, expressed its heartfelt condolences over the loss of Bangladeshi nationals resulting from the war ‘initiated by the United States and the Zionist regime and their unlawful aggression’ against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in these unfortunate incidents. 

Japan on Tuesday removed its long-standing ban on exporting lethal weapons, marking a significant shift from its post-World War II pacifist stance as it looks to strengthen its defense industry amid rising concerns over China and North Korea. The Cabinet of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi approved new guidelines that pave the way for a wider range of arms exports, including domestically developed warships, combat drones and other military equipment. The move has been welcomed by key defense partners such as Australia and has drawn interest from countries in Southeast Asia and Europe. US Ambassador to Japan George Glass described it as a “historic step” that would strengthen defense cooperation between allies. However, China strongly criticized the decision, warning that the international community would oppose what it called Japan’s shift toward militarism. Critics within Japan also argue the move goes against the country’s pacifist constitution and could raise global tensions. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the new policy aims to enhance Japan’s security and contribute to regional and global stability as the security environment evolves. He added that the government will promote defense equipment transfers strategically to strengthen the country’s industrial base. Japan has traditionally restricted arms exports under its pacifist constitution, though recent changes allowed limited exports for non-combat purposes such as rescue, transport and surveillance. The new rules remove those restrictions, allowing exports of items like fighter jets, missiles and destroyers. Initially, such exports will be limited to 17 countries that have defense equipment and technology agreements with Japan. Each deal will require approval from the National Security Council, with strict monitoring of how the equipment is used. Officials said Japan will maintain strict controls and will not supply lethal weapons to countries engaged in active conflict, though exceptions could be considered. Japan began easing its export rules in 2014 by allowing non-lethal military supplies. In 2023, it further relaxed restrictions to permit exports of certain licensed weapons, enabling it to supply US-designed Patriot missiles to the United States. The revised policy also supports joint development projects, including a next-generation fighter jet with Britain and Italy, and a major naval deal with Australia. Under that agreement, Japan will supply advanced frigates and collaborate on building additional vessels. Japan is also working to expand its domestic defense industry, which has struggled in the past due to limited demand. With growing security concerns involving China, North Korea and Russia, the government is encouraging investment in defense production, including drones and dual-use technologies. Officials say the new export framework will help deepen defense cooperation with partners and strengthen regional deterrence. Takaichi emphasized that Japan remains committed to its pacifist principles while adapting to new security challenges. Several countries, including New Zealand and the Philippines, have already shown interest in Japanese defense equipment. Meanwhile, NATO representatives recently visited Japan to explore closer cooperation in defense and technology.

Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinees this year have no opportunity to cheat and there is no risk of question paper leaks as in previous years, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon said Tuesday. “There is no fear of question leaks. The cyber cell has been given clear directives to prevent leaks from the outset. The phone numbers of everyone involved in setting the question papers are in the hands of the cyber cell,” the minister told reporters at a press conference at the International Mother Language Institute on the first day of the examinations. Milon said Bangladesh has all the technological tools needed to prevent question paper leaks, they simply had not been used before. “This year, the cyber cell is on high alert to detect devices commonly used to leak examination materials.” Over 18.57 lakh examinees sit for SSC, equivalent exams

Professor Dr Md Nazrul Islam has been appointed Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) for a four-year term. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a notification in this regard on Tuesday. It said the appointment was made with the approval of the President and Chancellor under Section 15(1) of the Bangladesh Medical University Act, 1998. Dr Nazrul Islam is a professor in the Department of Radiology and Imaging and also serves as Registrar at BMU. He will receive a salary and allowances equivalent to his current position and will be entitled to other benefits as per rules. The President and Chancellor may cancel the appointment at any time if necessary, the notification added. The order will take effect immediately.  

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has appreciated Portugal’s continued support in hosting a significant number of Bangladeshi expatriates and called for the expanded recruitment of both skilled and semi-skilled workers. She underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral trade including increasing Bangladesh’s exports of jute and jute-based products to the EU market, and invited greater Portuguese investment. The State Minister met Portugal’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ana Isabel Xavier on the sidelines of the “Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa” held in Dakar, Senegal on April 20, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. They also discussed enhancing cooperation in areas such as sports, culture and women’s empowerment, and exchanged views on addressing the Rohingya crisis.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has underscored Bangladesh’s renewed journey of democratic transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aimed at building a discrimination-free and prosperous nation anchored in stability, peace and security. She participated in a high-level panel at “Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa” on April 20. The panel was moderated by Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang and featured Yaou Sangaré Bakary, Foreign Minister of Niger, Mohamed Ali Nafti, Foreign Minister of Tunisia, Dr Morissanda Kouyaté, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea and Joao Cravinho, EU Special Representative for the Sahel region, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. Shama Obaed thanks Algeria for cooperation in hydrocarbons sector     

Central Cordoba came from behind to secure a thrilling 4-3 home victory over Platense in Argentina’s Apertura tournament on Monday. Franco Zapiola initially put Platense ahead at the Unico Stadium, before Alejandro Maciel restored parity and Fernando Martinez gave the hosts a lead. After the interval, Central Cordoba widened the margin as Ezequiel Naya and Diego Barrera scored, either side of Kevin Retamar’s 71st-minute goal for the visitors. Real Madrid crowned UEFA Youth League champions Bautista Merlini reduced the deficit for Platense three minutes from full-time, but the visitors failed to find an equaliser despite pressing strongly in the closing stages. With the result, Central Cordoba sit 13th in Group A with 15 points, just one point behind 11th-placed Platense, with both sides having played 14 matches each. In other top-flight fixtures on the same day, Belgrano played out a goalless draw against Barracas Central, Gimnasia Mendoza edged Lanus 1-0 at home, Banfield were held 0-0 by Independiente Rivadavia, Huracan drew 1-1 with Tigre, and Velez Sarsfield shared a goalless draw with San Lorenzo.

The local administration has imposed a three-month ban on fishing in Kaptai Lake, effective from April 24, to ensure safe breeding, reproduction, and natural growth of fish. The decision was taken at a meeting held at the Rangamati Deputy Commissioner’s office on Monday afternoon regarding restrictions on fishing and marketing of fish from the lake. According to the decision, all kinds of fishing, transportation, and marketing of fish in Kaptai Lake will remain suspended from 12:00am on April 24. Strict action will be taken against those violating the ban. Chaired by Deputy Commissioner Najma Ashrafi, the meeting was held at the conference room of the DC office. The meeting also decided to raise awareness about the ban through announcements on roads and waterways. Authorities will continue mobile court drives in the lake to prevent illegal fishing during this period. Deputy Commissioner of Rangamati, Najma Ashrafi said the ban has been imposed to ensure proper breeding and development of fish in the current season. Government food assistance will be distributed to registered fishermen dependent on the lake through VGF cards during the ban period. Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) Commander Md Foyez Al Karim said fishing in the lake will stop from midnight on April 24, while fish landing at BFDC ghats will be allowed until 4:00pm on April 25. He also said the release of fish fry in the lake will begin on May 2, and temporary checkpoints will be set up to prevent illegal fishing and transportation during the period.  

President of Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) Zillur Rahman on Tuesday defended his wife Fahmida Haq’s selection as Member of Parliament (reserved seats for women) from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), stressing that in a democracy, members of the same family may pursue different public roles, but professional integrity must always remain independent. Zillur said the principles that guide his work - intellectual independence, fairness, and commitment to open debate - will continue to shape everything he does. “I wish Fahmida success in carrying out her new responsibilities with sincerity and dedication. For my part, I will continue to pursue my professional work with the same independence and commitment that have guided my journey in journalism and policy discourse for many years,” he said in a statement, noting that many friends, colleagues, and members of the media have asked for his reaction. Zillur, a journalist, columnist and Talk Show host, said Fahmida’s engagement with public issues did not begin today. “For many years she has been involved in writing, social initiatives, and policy discussions. She has travelled widely across Bangladesh and beyond, interacted with diverse communities, and contributed to public conversations through her writings and civic engagement. Her interest in politics has evolved gradually through these experiences and through her own conviction about the importance of public service,” he said. Zillur said her selection as a Member of Parliament therefore reflects a continuation of that engagement. He sincerely hoped she will carry out this responsibility with integrity and contribute positively to parliamentary life and democratic discourse in Bangladesh. “At the same time, I would like to make one matter very clear. My professional life - as a journalist, columnist, talk-show host, and head of a policy think tank - has been built over decades through independent work in the media and policy arena. That professional responsibility remains unchanged,” Zillur said.

Bangladesh's National Board of Revenue (NBR) is running nearly Tk 98,000 crore behind its revised collection target for the current fiscal, even as it posted over 11 percent growth in revenue. The gap came into sharp focus Tuesday as business associations urged the tax authority to slash import duties ahead of the 2026-27 national budget. Business groups met NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan in the office for pre-budget consultations, presenting a raft of proposals aimed at nurturing domestic industry and reducing reliance on imports. NBR extends corporate tax return deadline to May 15   Three associations led the charge: the Accumulator Battery Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh (ABMEAB), the Bangladesh Electrical Association (BEA), and the Bangladesh Manufacturers Association of Transformers and Switchgears (BMATS). Their central demand is a steep reduction in import duties, supplementary duties and VAT on raw materials and components used in the electrical and electronics manufacturing sectors. Specifically, they called for duties on inputs for electric fans, LED bulbs, circuit breakers, transformers and batteries to be slashed from the current 10–25 percent range to just 1–5 percent. The battery industry also pressed for greater investment incentives in lithium-ion and sodium-ion technologies, as well as tax relief on used battery recycling areas the sector sees as critical to long-term industrial competitiveness. The broader thrust of the proposals is to promote “Made in Bangladesh” manufacturing, shield small and medium enterprises from import competition, and keep consumer prices within reach of ordinary buyers. NBR Chairman, while acknowledging the submissions, struck a cautionary note. “We need to move away from a culture of tax exemptions,” he said, adding that while duty adjustments for business needs are possible, blanket exemptions create leakage in the tax system. His remarks came against the backdrop of a yawning revenue shortfall. According to data published by NBR's Research and Statistics Wing, the board collected Tk 2,87,862 crore in the nine months through March 26 against a revised target of Tk 3,85,852 crore — leaving a deficit of nearly Tk 97,990 crore. Despite the gap, year-on-year collection grew by 11.15 percent compared to the same period in fiscal 2024-25, offering some consolation as the government prepares to frame the next budget.

Five hired attackers have been arrested in connection with the stabbing of Dr Ahmad Hossain, deputy director of the National Cancer Hospital in the capital’s Mohakhali area, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) said on Tuesday. The arrestees were identified as Shariful Alam alias Karim, Aminul Islam alias Kalu, Sajjad alias Bodi, Salauffin and Arifuzzaman The elite force said the attack was carried out to intimidate the physician amid a dispute between two groups over a hospital tender. Miscreants stab Mohakhali cancer hospital's Deputy Director in Dhaka Briefing reporters at the RAB Media Centre in Karwan Bazar, RAB Director (Legal and Media) Wing Commander M Z Entekhab Chowdhury said the victim was attacked with sharp weapons, leaving him injured in the hand and back. He was first taken to the National Cancer Hospital and later shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. A case was filed with Banani Police Station by a hospital administrative official against 8–10 unidentified attackers following the incident. RAB said it intensified intelligence surveillance immediately after the attack and conducted drives based on collected evidence.  Five suspects were arrested from different parts of the capital in a joint operation by RAB-1 and its headquarters’ intelligence wing. During preliminary interrogation, it was learned that the attack stemmed from a dispute between two group over a tender at the National Cancer Hospital. Hired assailants were engaged to carry out the attack, RAB said, adding that no political involvement has been found. According to RAB, the two rival groups involved are ‘Rubel’s EM Traders’ and ‘Monayem Group’. Rubel, who is currently in Malaysia, allegedly ordered the attack, while his associates in Bangladesh, including one Karim, executed the plan. RAB officials said the attack was carried out in exchange for Tk 20,000. Based on its nature, investigators believe the intent was to intimidate rather than kill the victim. The RAB official said investigators got important leads after speaking with the injured doctor, which helped identify and arrest the suspects within a short time. Efforts are underway to bring the main planner, who is currently abroad, under the law, he added.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday told Parliament that Bangladesh’s foreign debt stood at around $78 billion as of February 2026. “According to the account up to February, 2026, the foreign debt of the Bangladesh government amounts to $78,067.20 million,” he said while replying to a starred question from independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2). Earlier, the Tuesday’s sitting of parliament started at 3:00 pm with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair. The finance minister said the Economic Relations Division (ERD) repays foreign loans on behalf of the government. Each fiscal year, a projection is prepared to estimate the total expenditure for servicing foreign debt including both principal and interest, and necessary allocations are kept in the national budget. Loan repayments are being made from the budgetary allocation throughout the year following a scheduled plan. In reply to a scripted question from treasury bench member Md Shamsur Rahman Simul Biswas (Pabna-5), Khosru said that the government received a total of $85,992.64 million (nearly $86 billion) in foreign loans from 2008–09 fiscal year to 2025–26 fiscal year. During the same period, the government repaid $22,328.47 million in principal and $8,696.82 million in interest, he said. As of December 30, 2025, the foreign debt stood at $77,279.12 million ($77 billion), said Amir Khosru. He told the House that from the 2007–08 fiscal year to February of 2025–26, the government borrowed a total of $87,396.03 million and repaid $22,050.79 million in principal. “As a result, the country’s foreign debt amount increased by $65,346.24 million during this period,” the minister added.

South Korean police Tuesday said they seek an arrest warrant for Bang Si-Hyuk, Hybe chairman and BTS agency head, over alleged investor fraud exceeding $100 million. Police said they asked prosecutors for court warrant as probe expands. Bang is accused of misleading investors in 2019 by saying Hybe would not list, prompting share sales to a private fund before IPO. Authorities suspect a 200 billion won ($136m) side deal granting him 30% IPO profit share. His lawyers said he regrets the arrest move despite full cooperation, and denies wrongdoing. He is barred from leaving Korea since August.The case hits Hybe as BTS returns after four-year military hiatus. The group held comeback shows in Seoul, Goyang and Tokyo, and will tour US starting Tampa, Florida. Deepika continues filming action scenes during pregnancy for RaakaBang founded Hybe (Big Hit) in 2005 and built it into a K-pop giant, later buying Ithaca Holdings for $1 billion in 2021, managing Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande. Hybe includes Seventeen, Le Sserafim and Katseye. The company also faced dispute between Bang and producer Min Hee-jin over Ador and NewJeans in 2024; court ordered NewJeans to honor contract until 2029 according to officials and court rulings the investigation remains ongoing at this stage police said report adds.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting  Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday said transport fares will be rationally fixed in line with the recent increase in fuel prices. He made the remarks at a press briefing on the progress of various government activities at the Press Information Department conference room at Secretariat. State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury was present. “As fuel prices have increased discussions are ongoing to adjust transport fares accordingly. We hope the fares will be set at a reasonable level,” he said. To ease complexities, fares of air-conditioned buses may be fixed in two or three tiers which is expected to be implemented ahead of the upcoming Eid, he added. He said freight charges especially for trucks would have a greater impact on the overall cost of living than bus fares. “The government’s responsibility is not only to protect consumers. It must be remembered that a government also represents businesspeople. Those who drive buses and trucks are also citizens of this country and this government is theirs as well. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to impose measures on them that would make their businesses unviable,” he said. “The government does not favour any particular group; it is a government for all. It will try to reach a point where the least harm is caused to everyone. As I mentioned before, in this crisis, all of us will have to bear some loss. This is happening all over the world,” he added. Citing an example, he said even a small increase in the price of essentials like eggs could significantly affect low-income families, forcing difficult choices. To support such groups, the government plans to expand assistance programmes, he added. Besides, more people will be brought under assistance programmes through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), he said. The adviser also announced a plan to launch eight night markets in Dhaka to relocate street vendors and keep footpath free for pedestrians. “Footpaths are meant for walking, not for business. However, considering the current situation, efforts are being made to provide alternative arrangements for hawkers,” he said. Dr Zahed said the pilot expansion of the ‘Fuel Pass BD’ app has been extended beyond Dhaka to several districts for motorcycle registration. “Although registration has been completed, fuel collection is not yet available everywhere. Registered users can currently collect fuel from designated stations in Dhaka,” he said adding that over 170,000 registrations have been completed so far.  

A delegation led by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Food, Md. Abdul Bari and discussed issues of mutual interest, including wheat imports from the United States and broader bilateral cooperation. During the meeting the state minister expressed satisfaction that the wheat shipments arrived in Bangladesh on schedule despite the current global situation and thanked all concerned for their support. The US ambassador also thanked the state minister and expressed hope for enhanced cooperation between the two countries, particularly in expanding trade and promoting the welfare of the people of both nations. Bangladesh has already started importing wheat from the United States under a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement said sources from the Ministry. During the fiscal year 2025–26, more than 700,000 metric tonnes of wheat have been imported from the US. Political-Economic Counselor Eric Geelan, Economic Officer Richard Rasmussen, Food Secretary Firoz Sarkar and other officials concerned were present at the meeting.  

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday met Prime Minister’s Political and Agriculture Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan and emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation in key sectors including agriculture and education. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Tejgaon office, where issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and China were discussed, said a press release. It said various bilateral issues were discussed with a focus on expanding cooperation in agriculture, forestry and education. The two sides highlighted the need for closer collaboration in modern farming technology, afforestation to protect the environment, and skills development in the education sector in Bangladesh. Nazrul Islam Khan sought more active support from China in these areas while the Chinese envoy assured continued cooperation in Bangladesh’s development efforts. Chinese Embassy’s Cultural Counsellor Li Shaopeng and other officials were also present at the meeting.

Oil prices edged lower and global equities mostly advanced on Tuesday across Europe and Asia, as uncertainty persisted over potential US-Iran negotiations to end the ongoing conflict. Brent crude fell 0.7% to $94.81 per barrel, while US benchmark crude declined 0.9% to $86.63. The الحرب has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping route, driving prices significantly higher in recent weeks. US President Donald Trump has called for the waterway to reopen fully to international shipping and has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports. He also said Vice President JD Vance would travel to Islamabad for possible talks with Iran. However, Tehran has not confirmed participation, particularly following the recent seizure of an Iranian-flagged vessel by the US Navy. In European trading, Germany’s DAX gained 0.6% to 24,558.9, while France’s CAC 40 remained nearly unchanged at 8,333.05. Britain’s FTSE 100 inched up 0.1% to 10,620.92. US futures for both the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose slightly, each adding just over 0.1%. Asian markets also showed strength. Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 0.9%, supported by technology stocks such as Tokyo Electron, which rose 3.5%. SoftBank Group surged 8.5% on continued optimism around artificial intelligence-driven gains. South Korea’s Kospi jumped 2.7%, while Taiwan’s Taiex advanced 1.8%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.5%, and China’s Shanghai Composite added 0.1%. Meanwhile, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was little changed, slipping marginally. Oil prices had risen earlier amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, though recent gains have been less sharp compared to earlier in the conflict. US stocks, meanwhile, pulled back slightly from record highs. On Monday, the S&P 500 fell 0.2%, the Dow slipped marginally, and the Nasdaq declined 0.3%. Investor sentiment remains cautious due to concerns that continued disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could impact global oil supply. Attention is now focused on the looming ceasefire deadline between the US and Iran, set to expire late Tuesday US time. Analysts say the situation remains delicately balanced, with hopes that renewed talks could lead to a breakthrough agreement to end the conflict. Despite recent volatility, oil prices remain below their peak levels seen earlier in the war, and US equities continue to trade above pre-conflict levels. Strong corporate earnings and resilient consumer spending have helped support the US economy, with most companies reporting better-than-expected profits for the first quarter of 2026. Key earnings reports expected this week include UnitedHealth Group, Tesla and Procter & Gamble. In currency markets, the US dollar strengthened to 159.21 Japanese yen, while the euro weakened slightly to $1.1767.

Pakistan continued preparations on Tuesday for a second round of Iran-US talks in Islamabad, despite uncertainty over whether Tehran would participate, as a fragile ceasefire remained at risk. Rhetoric from both sides stayed tense. US President Donald Trump warned of heavy military escalation if no agreement is reached before the ceasefire deadline, which he set for Wednesday. Meanwhile, Iran’s chief negotiator said Tehran has “new cards” yet to be revealed. The two-week ceasefire, which began on April 8, is likely to be extended if negotiations proceed. US officials have indicated Vice President JD Vance would head the American delegation, but Iran has not confirmed its participation. Iranian state television reported that no delegation had yet arrived in Islamabad. The broadcast, often reflecting hard-line views within Iran, highlighted internal debate over how to respond to the recent US seizure of an Iranian container ship. Control over the Strait of Hormuz remains central to the dispute. The US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports to pressure Tehran, while Iran’s grip on the strategic waterway has driven global oil prices higher, with Brent crude nearing $95 per barrel. Before the conflict, the strait was open to international shipping, and Washington is pushing for unrestricted passage to resume. European officials, meeting in Brussels, are also assessing the impact on energy supplies after warnings of limited jet fuel reserves. Although Iran acknowledged receiving new proposals from Washington, significant differences persist, particularly over its nuclear programme, regional influence and control of the strait. Iranian parliamentary speaker and chief negotiator Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf accused the US of seeking Iran’s surrender, saying Tehran would not negotiate under threats. Despite tensions, Pakistani officials remain optimistic that Iran will send representatives, allowing talks to proceed. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has been engaged in diplomatic efforts, including discussions with Egypt and China, both key regional players. China described the situation as a critical transition between war and peace and urged all sides to remain committed to dialogue. Security has been tightened in Islamabad, with increased deployments and patrols, suggesting preparations for possible high-level visits if progress is made. Analysts say Pakistan appears ready to host senior leaders from both countries should negotiations advance toward an agreement. Separately, diplomatic efforts are also underway elsewhere in the region. Talks between Israel and Lebanon are expected to resume in Washington, following rare direct contacts aimed at easing tensions and potentially reaching a peace deal. The broader conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties across the region, underscoring the urgency of renewed diplomatic efforts.          

Ten people including a local leader of Swechchhasebak Dal suffered bullet injuries in a gun attack at Mazdiyar in Doulatpur upazila of Kushtia district early Monday. The injured were identified as Rabiul Islam, 36, convener of Moricha Union unit Swechchhasebak Dal,  his father Hafez Pramanik, Sohel Rana, 45, Sohel’s wife Toma Khatun, 26, Quamrul Islam, 37, Munni Khatun, 24, Runa Khatun, 27, Mita Khatun, 30, Touhidul Islam, 30 and Merinan Khatun, 25. Witnesses said Rabiul was walking in front of his house during a power outage when a group of 10 to 15 armed men suddenly attacked him. Hearing his screams, when his parents and neighbours rushed to the scene the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, leaving 10 people, including family members and locals bullet-injured. Locals rescued the injured and took them to Kushtia General Hospital. Liaquat Member, maternal uncle of Rabiul Islam, told reporters at the hospital that they were unaware of the motive behind the attack and could not confirm the identities of the assailants. “My nephew had no known disputes with anyone. Suddenly, a group of 10 to 15 armed men carried out the attack at night. When family members and neighbours came forward they were also targeted,” he said. Officer-in-Charge of Daulatpur Police Station Arifur Rahman said several rounds of gunshots were heard in Moricha union at night, leaving 10 people injured. Police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control, he said. He added that the motive behind the attack is yet to be known and efforts are underway to identify those involved.  

Four years after her death, Queen Elizabeth II continues to cast a long shadow over the British monarchy as the country marks the 100th anniversary of her birth. At souvenir shops near Buckingham Palace, items featuring the late queen remain far more popular than those of her son, King Charles III, reflecting her lasting appeal among the public. Shopkeepers say products bearing Elizabeth’s image still sell strongly, highlighting how deeply she remains connected to people’s memories after her record 70-year reign. Elizabeth, who died in September 2022, was the only monarch most Britons had ever known. Even now, the phrase “the queen” often brings her to mind rather than Queen Camilla. Her long rule saw her transform from a young and glamorous monarch in post-war Britain into a widely respected national figure who helped steady the country during difficult periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts say her influence continues to shape how people view the monarchy today. “Despite her absence, Elizabeth II remains a central figure whenever we think about the monarchy,” historian Ed Owens told AP, adding that she remains one of the most important figures in the institution’s modern history. The centenary is being marked with events including a reception at Buckingham Palace, a new memorial garden in Regent’s Park and exhibitions showcasing her fashion. Elizabeth was not originally expected to become queen. Born on April 21, 1926, she was the daughter of the second son of King George V and was expected to live a relatively quiet royal life. However, her uncle King Edward VIII’s abdication changed her future, placing her father on the throne and making her the heir. She became queen in 1952 at the age of 25, beginning a reign that would span decades of major global and social change. Throughout her rule, she carried out thousands of engagements at home and abroad, helping strengthen Britain’s ties with countries across the world, including former colonies and long-time allies. In her later years, she also connected with younger generations, appearing in memorable moments such as a short film with actor Daniel Craig during the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. King Charles paid tribute to his mother, recalling how millions remember her for both historic moments and brief personal encounters that left a lasting impression. Observers say Elizabeth managed to adapt to changing times while staying above politics, offering stability during periods of uncertainty. However, her legacy is not without criticism. Her handling of the controversy surrounding her son Prince Andrew and his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been questioned, with critics saying she acted too slowly to address the issue. Even so, analysts argue that her achievements far outweigh such shortcomings, noting her role as a steady figure across generations. As historians continue to assess her impact, many members of the public still view her with admiration, remembering her as a symbol of dignity and continuity in a rapidly changing world.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has called for enhanced Japanese investment in key sectors including renewable energy, ICT, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing and manufacturing. The State Minister held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Onishi Yohei on the sidelines of the ‘Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa’ held in Dakar, Senegal on April 20, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. They discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, technology, skills development and people-to-people exchanges. The State Minister expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support in addressing the Rohingya crisis and sought further assistance to facilitate their early and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.

Iran has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations over the United States’ seizure of an Iranian-flagged merchant vessel, condemning the move as “illegal and barbarous”. In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the complaint was submitted to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the International Maritime Organization following the interception of the vessel Touska on Monday, reports Al Jazeera. The ministry said the seizure violated international law as well as the ongoing ceasefire arrangement. “The Islamic Republic of Iran, while warning of the very dangerous consequences of this illegal and criminal act by the United States, emphasizes the need for the immediate release of the Iranian ship, its sailors, crew, and their families,” the statement said, according to state-run IRNA news agency. It also alleged that the operation involved intimidation of the ship’s crew and their families. The development comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington over maritime security and enforcement measures in the region.

Spain, Slovenia and Ireland have called on the European Union to discuss the possible suspension of its association treaty with Israel, citing growing concerns over regional developments and recent policy measures. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said the three countries submitted a joint letter last Friday to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, urging an urgent review of the bloc’s response, reports Al Jazeera. The letter highlights concerns over the situation in Lebanon as well as a recently passed Israeli law that предусматриes the death penalty by hanging for Palestinians convicted in Israeli military courts. The request comes ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, where the issue is expected to be discussed. Meanwhile, international criticism has also intensified following reports of an Israeli soldier desecrating a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon. The incident has drawn condemnation from various quarters, including political figures and religious observers, who say it reflects a broader pattern of tensions in the region.