The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has granted policy approval for the Bhola Bridge project on the Bhola-Barishal road, to be implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The decision was made during a meeting held at the National Parliament Building, chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. The committee also approved the construction of a bridge over the Meghna River on the Shariatpur-Chandpur road under the same PPP framework.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the Meghna River bridge project will include an 8-kilometer-long four-lane bridge, 8.57 kilometers of approach roads on both sides, and 9.63 kilometers of riverbank protection work. The Bhola Bridge project aims to establish direct road connectivity between Bhola district, Barishal, and Dhaka, featuring a 10.867-kilometer four-lane bridge and 18.075 kilometers of riverbank protection. The estimated construction cost is Tk 17,466.32 crore, with 507.5 acres of land to be acquired and utility relocation costs covered by the government.

The committee also approved proposals to purchase 300,000 tons of diesel from three companies and authorized UNICEF to procure vaccines through both direct purchase and open tender methods.

Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh, has called for ensuring transparency in evaluating the second-phase research proposals under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project. He made the directive during a discussion meeting with project officials and World Bank representatives on the project’s implementation progress and work plan.

The meeting was attended by UGC member Professor Dr. Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, World Bank Senior Education Specialist and Task Team Leader T. M. Asaduzzaman, and HEAT Project Director Professor Dr. Asaduzzaman, among others. The UGC chairman emphasized that the evaluation of the Academic Transformation Fund (ATF) sub-projects must be completed carefully and within the scheduled timeframe, ensuring fairness and avoiding any confusion or controversy. The World Bank representative noted that the first-phase evaluations were conducted transparently and that the experience is being applied to other projects.

The UGC chairman also announced plans to hold a coordination meeting with the education, finance, and planning ministries to expedite implementation. The HEAT project is expected to be completed by 2028, with the current evaluation phase scheduled to conclude by June.

Three students of Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) have been expelled for varying periods for using unfair means during term examinations. The decision was announced in a notice signed by the university registrar on April 8, 2026, following the 39th meeting of the university’s disciplinary board held on March 3. Two students from the Social Work Department (academic year 2024–25) were expelled for one year, while one student from the CSTE Department (academic year 2021–22) was expelled for six months.

According to the notice, the students were found with incriminating papers and mobile phones during exams and were caught copying from them. Their respective exam papers were canceled, and they were removed from the examination hall. The disciplinary board also instructed that before resuming academic activities, the expelled students must complete psychological counseling sessions conducted by the university psychologist—three sessions for two students and two sessions for one student—and submit certificates of completion.

The notice further stated that all previous semester exams of the expelled students would remain valid, but their results would not be published during the suspension period.

The Cumilla Metropolitan unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir organized a protest march and rally on Wednesday afternoon in Cumilla, denouncing what it described as government delays in implementing the public verdict reflected in a recent referendum. The demonstration began at Tomchom Bridge and moved through several city streets, including Kandirpar, before concluding with a rally.

During the event, Cumilla Metropolitan Shibir president Hasan Ahmed alleged that the February 12 election was fair until noon, after which polling centers were taken over and ballots manipulated. He accused the government of coming to power through vote engineering and ignoring the people’s mandate. Hasan further warned that if the authorities failed to implement the so-called July Charter, which he claimed represented 70% of public opinion, they would face consequences similar to those of former leader Hasina.

Other speakers included Cumilla University Shibir president Mozammel Hossain Abir and city secretary Nazmul Hasan Panchayet, along with other local and university leaders.

A mobile court in Feni fined a company named Kabir & Sons Tk 200,000 for illegally storing 50,000 liters of edible oil. The operation was conducted on Wednesday under the initiative of RAB-7, with participation from an executive magistrate, the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, and the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority. The fine amount has been deposited into the government treasury as per regulations.

In a separate drive earlier in the day, the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection fined another company, Messrs Haji Nur Ahmed & Sons, Tk 50,000. The operation took place in the Takiya Road area of Feni town as part of regular monitoring activities. Officials from the Food Safety Authority, the Department of Agricultural Marketing, the National Intelligence Agency, and RAB members were present during the raids.

The coordinated enforcement actions reflect ongoing efforts by authorities to curb illegal storage and ensure compliance with food safety and consumer protection laws in the region.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the import of an additional 300,000 tons of diesel to address the country's fuel shortage caused by the Iran–United States–Israel conflict. The decision was made at a meeting held on Wednesday at the National Parliament Building, chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. The committee approved three separate proposals to purchase 100,000 tons each from Ear Energy AG, K&R International Trading Company, and Messrs Sikder International.

The committee also granted policy approval for vaccine procurement under the EPI program and for bridge construction projects in Chandpur and Bhola. It decided that 50 percent of the vaccines would be purchased directly through UNICEF and the remaining 50 percent through open tender. However, due to delays and quality concerns in open tendering, the committee approved direct procurement of the remaining vaccines through UNICEF for the 2025–26 fiscal year, with an estimated cost of Tk 421.47 crore.

Additionally, the committee approved in principle two major bridge projects under the PPP model: an 8 km bridge over the Meghna River on the Shariatpur–Chandpur road and the Bhola Bridge over the Kalabandar and Tetulia rivers on the Barishal–Bhola road.

British Trade Envoy Baroness Rosie Winterton met Bangladesh’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism Afroza Khanam on Wednesday at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. During the meeting, the envoy conveyed the United Kingdom’s interest in participating in ground handling operations at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

According to a ministry press release, both sides emphasized strengthening trade relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. The British envoy assured support for implementing the current government’s election manifesto. The meeting also discussed potential new investments in Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism sectors under a recently signed memorandum of understanding between the two countries. The minister and state minister expressed their commitment to working jointly for the development of these sectors.

The government is currently in discussions with a Japanese company regarding the third terminal’s operations. A Bangladeshi delegation led by Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman met a Japanese team last Friday, but no final decision has yet been reached.

Police in Shahrasti upazila of Chandpur arrested three individuals early Wednesday, April 8, 2026, while they were allegedly preparing for a robbery. The arrests took place in Aynatoli village of Chitoshi Paschim Union, where a police team conducted an operation at dawn.

According to Shahrasti Model Police Station, officers found a group of five to six people gathered near the old boat dock area in front of Thakur Bari on a paved road. During the operation, police detained three suspects along with a pickup van and robbery equipment. The detainees were identified as Rokonuzzaman, 25, from Hajiganj in Chandpur; Hossain, 22, from Lakhai in Habiganj; and Sagar, 20, from Gournadi in Barishal.

The officer-in-charge of Shahrasti Model Police Station, Mir Mahbubur Rahman, stated that a case has been filed against the detainees and they have been presented before the court.

Bangladesh Bank has warned that ongoing conflict in the Middle East has intensified global oil market volatility, posing potential risks to Bangladesh’s economy. In its quarterly report released Wednesday, the central bank projected that rising oil prices and continued currency depreciation could accelerate domestic inflation and deplete foreign exchange reserves.

According to the analysis, if global oil prices rise by 70 percent in the first quarter of 2026 and by another 30 percent in the second quarter, domestic fuel prices may increase significantly. A sustained five percent depreciation of the exchange rate during the same period could push inflation up by 0.5 to 2 percent by the end of 2026. The report noted that if the government absorbs the global oil price shock through fiscal measures, inflationary pressure could remain moderate.

The report further indicated that higher energy import costs and central bank interventions to stabilize the exchange rate could reduce reserves by about 6.5 billion dollars by December 2026. Bangladesh Bank emphasized the need for policy preparedness, suggesting flexible exchange rates and partial fuel price adjustments to maintain macroeconomic stability.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard conducted a large-scale operation in the Sundarbans, arresting 61 members of several notorious bandit groups. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to keep the mangrove forest free from piracy. Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon confirmed the arrests on Wednesday afternoon, noting that the joint operations are carried out regularly to ensure the safety of the region.

Lieutenant Sakib Imran, navigating officer of BCGS Swadhin Bangla, stated that the detainees belonged to the Karim-Sharif, Nana Bhai, Chhoto Suman, Alif, and Asabur gangs. The operation also led to the seizure of 80 firearms, 599 live rounds, 308 blank rounds, and 1,950 airgun bullets. Additionally, 78 fishermen and three tourists were rescued from captivity. Authorities emphasized that their goal is to secure the Sundarbans and protect those who depend on it.

The Coast Guard has intensified patrols and surveillance across rivers and canals, maintaining regular contact with local residents. Several hideouts of the bandit groups have been identified and destroyed, and joint operations will continue.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has called on citizens across the country to participate in the 11-party alliance’s announced program demanding the immediate convening of a constitutional reform council session, implementation of the referendum verdict, and resolution of the ongoing energy crisis. The weeklong program is set to begin on Thursday. The call was made by Jamaat’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, in a statement sent to the media on Wednesday.

Porwar said the February 12 referendum, held to give legal basis to the national election and the July Charter, was not implemented by the BNP government, which he described as deceitful toward the people. He stated that 70 percent of citizens voted in favor of the referendum’s “yes” outcome, and the 11-party alliance, including Jamaat, is determined to realize that mandate through street movements.

The program includes nationwide public outreach and leaflet distribution from April 9, protest rallies in all major cities on April 11, district-level protests on April 12, and a national seminar in Dhaka on April 13. The leaflet campaign will be formally inaugurated at Shahbagh, Dhaka, on Thursday afternoon.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milan announced plans to introduce a pilot hybrid learning model combining online and offline classes in selected schools in Dhaka. The initiative aims to address the global energy crisis, severe traffic congestion, and the growing need for technology-based education. He made the announcement on Wednesday at a seminar organized by the Ministry of Education at the International Mother Language Institute.

The minister explained that the program would not be implemented in all schools simultaneously but only in those with the necessary capacity. The proposed model would include a mix of online and in-person classes throughout the week to reduce student attendance pressure, traffic congestion, and energy consumption while maintaining regular academic activities. He emphasized teacher training, monitoring, and student engagement as key factors for success.

The ministry will hold a press briefing at the International Mother Language Institute to share further details about the hybrid class plan. The government intends to gradually adopt technology-driven education to prepare students for future global competition.

India has agreed to return two suspects in the murder case of Shahid Osman Hadi, convener of the July Revolutionary and Anti-Imperialist Inquilab Manch, to Bangladesh. The decision was announced by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, April 8, following meetings in New Delhi between Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and his Indian counterpart Dr. S. Jaishankar, as well as Oil and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Puri. The discussions were attended by Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah.

According to the ministry statement, both sides emphasized strengthening bilateral relations and discussed key regional and international issues. Dr. Rahman thanked India for arresting the suspected killers and confirmed that the extradition would proceed under the existing treaty. Bangladesh also reiterated its request for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal.

During the talks, India pledged to ease visa procedures for Bangladeshis, particularly for medical and business purposes. Bangladesh requested increased supplies of diesel and fertilizer, which India indicated it would consider positively.

A Natore court has sentenced six individuals, including a local Awami League leader, to life imprisonment and fined each Tk 50,000 in connection with the 1999 murder of farmer Mesher Ali in Singra upazila. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday afternoon by Judge Saiful Islam of the Additional District and Sessions Judge Court-3, according to Additional Public Prosecutor Advocate Shahed Mahmud Titu.

The convicted individuals are Mahbub Mridha, president of the Hatianandah Union Awami League and former UP chairman, along with Idris Ali, Abu Raihan Mridha, Kartik Mondal, Abul Hossain, and Yunus Ali. The case stemmed from a land dispute between Mesher Ali and his neighbor Soleman Mridha. On February 23, 1999, Mesher Ali was lured out of his home by a neighbor and later found critically injured; he died on the way to the hospital. His son filed a murder case the following day against eight people.

Police arrested the accused and submitted a charge sheet. Over the years, two accused died and two went into hiding. After 26 years of proceedings, the court convicted all six remaining accused, including the absconding ones.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled Hafez Azizul Haque, owner of Messrs Soad Filling Station and member secretary of the Gauripur upazila BNP, following allegations of fuel manipulation in Mymensingh’s Gauripur. The decision was announced on Wednesday through a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The statement said Azizul Haque was removed from all party positions and primary membership for involvement in unethical activities.

The expulsion followed a mobile court operation led by Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Md Nurul Huda Monir, which uncovered the disappearance of around 50,000 liters of petrol during a fuel inspection on Tuesday. The station’s manager, Md Jalil Hossain Rifat, was arrested, and a case was filed under the Special Powers Act of 1974 for illegal fuel trading and hoarding. The incident sparked widespread attention after being reported in national media.

Gauripur BNP’s acting convener Md Habibul Islam Khan Shahid stated that the party would not take responsibility for any member’s misuse of position. Legal proceedings against those involved are underway.