BNP activists in Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar have accused their own union leadership of attempting to rehabilitate a former chairman allegedly aligned with the Awami League. The allegations were made at a press conference held on April 18 at the Cox’s Bazar Press Club, where local BNP and affiliated organization members demanded the dissolution of the current Rashidnagar Union BNP committee and the formation of a new one.

Speakers at the event claimed that current union BNP president Mosleh Uddin and acting general secretary Ahmad Nabi were creating divisions within the party and damaging its image through unethical activities. They alleged that the two leaders were trying to reinstate former chairman Shah Alam, who was previously removed amid accusations of violence, land grabbing, and drug-related crimes. The activists said Shah Alam’s past actions, including alleged attacks and cases against BNP-Jamaat members, had caused deep resentment among grassroots workers.

The participants urged the party’s central leadership to cancel the current committee and stop any move to reinstate Shah Alam, warning that larger protests would follow if their demands were ignored.

Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir said Bangladesh’s people are becoming hostage to IMF loans due to past bailout decisions made under tough conditions. Speaking at a seminar at the Economic Reporters Forum office in Dhaka’s Paltan on Saturday, he claimed the previous government concealed the true economic crisis and pursued nepotistic policies. The event focused on economic stability, fiscal capacity, and the government’s 180-day action plan.

Titumir emphasized that the current administration inherited a fragile economy, with remittance inflows sustaining growth rather than structural reforms. He outlined five pillars of the government’s manifesto, including state reform, equitable development, and institutional strengthening. He also called for better coordination between fiscal and monetary policies and expressed confidence in Bangladesh Bank’s independence. Economist Mustafizur Rahman identified three major tests for the government: managing inherited crises, maintaining policy autonomy amid IMF conditions and geopolitical pressures, and ensuring inclusive growth.

Speakers from the garment and export sectors highlighted energy shortages, inconsistent policies, and declining exports as key obstacles to investment and employment recovery.

Battery-run rickshaw and van drivers in Domar upazila of Nilphamari blocked a road on Saturday morning to protest toll collection. The demonstration began around 11:30 a.m. when drivers gathered in the town center, alleging harassment in the name of tolls. During an argument, toll collector Abdur Rashid was beaten by the protesters. The blockade continued for about four hours, disrupting traffic in the area.

Drivers claimed they had long been subjected to harassment by those collecting tolls, including threats and confiscation of vehicle keys if payments were not made. Leaseholder Shariful Islam Pappu stated that the municipality had leased the right to collect tolls from auto-rickshaws and vans operating within its jurisdiction, and that each toll point had designated personnel. Domar Upazila Executive Officer Shayla Saeed Tonni said that extortion would not be tolerated and that only lawful municipal procedures would continue.

Authorities indicated that steps would be taken to ensure proper regulation of toll collection and to prevent further incidents of harassment or violence.

At least eight oil and gas tankers crossed the Strait of Hormuz after Iran declared the reopening of the key trade route during a temporary ceasefire in the Middle East conflict. Ship-tracking data confirmed the movement, marking the first significant passage since the strait was closed by Iranian forces.

According to tracking firm Kpler, the vessels included one crude oil tanker, four liquefied petroleum gas carriers, two oil and chemical tankers, and one classified as an oil product ship. Another platform, Marine Traffic, showed several crude oil tankers still stationed near Iran’s Larak Island, which serves as a checkpoint for ships exiting the Persian Gulf and remains under Iranian blockade.

The closure of the strait had left hundreds of ships stranded in the Persian Gulf, sharply increasing transport costs. Many captains had avoided the area due to fears of attacks or mines, but the temporary opening allowed limited passage for some vessels.

United Medical College Hospital, a flagship institution of United Healthcare, has introduced a special health service initiative for Hajj pilgrims to ensure their well-being. A dedicated health service center has been set up at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, offering free primary healthcare and essential medicines directly to pilgrims before their departure.

Located on 100 Feet Madani Avenue, the hospital’s initiative allows travelers to undergo health check-ups before boarding flights, helping to reduce health risks during the long journey. The service center will remain open 24 hours a day from April 18, the date of the first Hajj flight, until the last flight departs.

According to the organizers, the initiative reflects a commitment to making quality healthcare more accessible and ensuring the safety and wellness of pilgrims. They also expressed hope that similar programs will continue in the future to support travelers’ health needs.

Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) has arrested an auto-rickshaw driver named Sagar Sheikh Babu, aged 37, for allegedly killing a security guard in Dhaka’s Pallabi residential area. The arrest was announced at a press conference held on Saturday afternoon at the PBI Dhaka Metro North office in West Agargaon.

According to PBI Additional DIG Enayet Hossain Mannan, the incident occurred on April 13 around 1 p.m. when Sagar Sheikh Babu attempted to enter the residential area without prior permission. Security guard Salahuddin stopped him, leading to an argument. Enraged, the driver physically assaulted the elderly guard, striking him repeatedly on the head and face. Salahuddin lost consciousness and was taken to a hospital, where he died the next day. Following the incident, the victim’s wife, Halima Begum, filed a case with Pallabi Police Station.

Based on witness statements and CCTV footage, investigators identified and arrested the suspect early Friday from Mirpur Section-11. The rickshaw used during the incident was also seized.

District Detective Branch (DB) police in Noakhali Sadar upazila arrested four individuals with 1,400 liters of illegally stored diesel and a red voucher vehicle. The arrests took place late on Friday, April 17, following a raid based on secret information. The detainees were identified as Md. Rashed, Nasir Uddin, Shihab Uddin, and Md. Maksud, all residents of different areas within the upazila.

According to police sources, the operation was conducted under the direction of the district superintendent of police and led by Sub-Inspector Helal Uddin. Acting on intelligence that diesel was being hoarded for sale at inflated prices, the DB team raided Abdul Malek Oil Store in Uday Sadhur Hat South Bazar of Char Motua Union around 11:45 p.m. The team seized the diesel and the vehicle during the operation.

District DB Officer-in-Charge Mohin Uddin confirmed that a case under the Special Powers Act has been filed at Sudharam Model Police Station, and the detainees were sent to court on Saturday afternoon.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced an urgent press conference to address current political and organizational issues. According to the party, the event will take place on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Level 15 of Rupayan Tower in Banglamotor, Dhaka. Senior leaders including the party’s convener, member secretary, and spokesperson are expected to attend and deliver key statements on the prevailing political situation and internal matters.

The NCP has extended a special invitation to media representatives to attend the conference. The party stated that it aims to present a clear message regarding its stance and future course of action in the context of the country’s current circumstances.

The announcement comes amid ongoing political discussions in Bangladesh, with the NCP seeking to clarify its position and organizational direction through this event.

Doctors in Khulna have expressed strong anger over the forced resignation of Dr. Rafiqul Haque Bablu, chairman of the trustee board of BNSB Eye Hospital. The incident occurred after a mob allegedly compelled him to step down. At a human chain event held on Saturday, April 18, in front of the BMA building at Satrasta intersection, the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) demanded his reinstatement by Tuesday, April 21, and action against local BNP leaders involved in the incident. They also called for an end to undue interference in the hospital’s trustee board, warning that doctors would begin a work stoppage, except for emergency services, if their demands were not met.

Speakers at the event said that on April 13, Khulna-5 MP Ali Asgar Lobi visited the hospital with several local BNP leaders, whose followers created chaos that led to Dr. Bablu’s resignation. They claimed that Dr. Bablu had taken administrative steps to curb irregularities at the hospital, which angered those benefiting from corruption and prompted the orchestrated incident.

The protest was chaired by Dr. Bablu himself and conducted by city DAB president Dr. Mostafa Kamal, with several central and local leaders addressing the gathering.

The National Moon Sighting Committee of Bangladesh announced on Saturday that the moon for the Islamic month of Zilkad, 1447 Hijri, was not sighted anywhere in the country. As a result, the month of Shawwal will complete 30 days on Sunday, and the counting of Zilkad will begin on Monday. The decision was made during a meeting held at the Baitul Mukarram office of the Islamic Foundation in Dhaka, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Munshi Alauddin Al Azad.

The committee reached its conclusion after reviewing reports from all district administrations, the Islamic Foundation’s headquarters and regional offices, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, and the Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO). Senior officials and religious scholars, including the Director General of the Islamic Foundation, A. Salam Khan, and the Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Mufti Abdul Malek, attended the meeting.

The announcement formally sets the beginning of Zilkad in Bangladesh’s Islamic calendar, aligning national observances with the lunar cycle confirmed by the committee.

A BNP leader in Rangpur’s Badarganj allegedly assaulted a mosque muezzin and two others after they assisted a mobile court during an anti-illegal sand extraction drive. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at Nagerhat area by the Jamunashwari River, where the mobile court seized and disabled dredging equipment. When the court sought local assistance, muezzin Nur Amin and Jamaat leader Tarajul Islam responded, prompting anger from BNP leader Ohidul Islam and his associates.

Witnesses said Ohidul Islam, the union BNP vice-president, led the attack along with several men, beating Nur Amin near Kutubia Dakhil Madrasa and dragging him from a mosque where he sought refuge. On the way to the hospital, Tarajul Islam and Imam Rowshan Ali were also beaten. Locals accused the BNP leader of extortion, land grabbing, and illegal sand trading, saying his behavior worsened after August 5.

Badarganj BNP president Professor Paritosh Chakraborty stated that the party would take organizational action if written complaints were filed. Attempts to reach Ohidul Islam by phone were unsuccessful.

The United States has outlined several reasons that could lead to the cancellation of student visas. In a message issued on Saturday, the US Embassy in Dhaka stated that a student visa may be revoked if a student discontinues studies, remains absent from classes, or withdraws from their academic program without informing their educational institution. The embassy warned that such actions could also affect eligibility for future US visas.

The embassy urged all international students to maintain their lawful status by adhering to the conditions of their visas. It emphasized that compliance with visa regulations is essential to avoid complications that might impact their stay or future opportunities in the United States.

The advisory serves as a reminder for students to remain in good academic standing and communicate promptly with their institutions regarding any changes in their study plans.

Authorities in Syedpur upazila of Nilphamari district seized 4,505 liters of illegally stored fuel during a late-night operation on April 17, 2026. The mobile court detained seven individuals linked to the case and imposed fines under the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009. The operation took place near the Messrs Rokeya LPG Gas Filling Station on the city’s bypass road, where the fuel was being prepared for secret transport.

The seized fuel included 3,917 liters of petrol, 338 liters of diesel, and 250 liters of octane. The main accused, Rafiqul Islam, was fined BDT 200,000 with a six-month jail term in default, while six others received fines of BDT 10,000 each or three days’ imprisonment. The confiscated fuel was later sold at government-fixed prices for BDT 493,407, which was deposited into the state treasury.

Officials said the raid followed a tip-off about a syndicate storing and selling fuel at inflated prices. The mobile court stated that strict action would continue against those destabilizing the fuel market.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon announced that the government is working to introduce a retirement allowance to ensure financial security for senior journalists in Bangladesh. He made the statement on Saturday while visiting veteran journalist and former Barishal Press Club president Ismail Hossain Negaban, who is undergoing treatment at Bangladesh Medical University.

The minister said that although the media is considered the fourth pillar of a modern democratic state, journalists still lack institutional protection, leaving many in uncertainty. He noted that financial security for senior journalists has long been neglected and emphasized that journalism is a respected profession, yet many senior journalists face hardship in their later years. The government’s initiative aims to help them live with dignity.

Swapon added that the government is also working on policies to ensure media freedom and responsibility and to strengthen the Journalist Welfare Trust. During the visit, he handed over a financial assistance cheque of one lakh taka to Negaban on behalf of the trust.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has demanded the unconditional release of activist Hasan Nasim, who was allegedly taken from his home in Agargaon, Dhaka, by individuals identifying themselves as members of the Detective Branch (DB) police. The incident reportedly occurred on Friday evening, April 17, when Nasim was picked up without any warrant or specific charges, according to a social media post by his brother, Hasan Noman.

In a statement, DUCSU General Secretary S M Farhad condemned the incident as a violation of constitutional freedom of expression and described such detentions as unacceptable. He linked the event to past instances of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial actions, calling them shameful for the state. DUCSU warned that attempts to suppress government criticism on social media through fear or abduction would fail, asserting that the current generation remains vocal against injustice and repression.

DUCSU emphasized that freedom of expression is a fundamental right and urged authorities to ensure Nasim’s immediate release.