Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested 27 people on April 16, 2026, for their involvement in a series of fraud and criminal activities across the capital. Among them was the mastermind behind a scam that extorted 1 million taka from a woman by playing a fake recording of her imprisoned husband’s cries. The suspects posed as members of the Detective Branch (DB) and demanded money for the man’s supposed release. The woman sent the money through a courier service before realizing she had been deceived.

Police later tracked down the ringleader, Md. Javed Hossain, from Johnson Road using CCTV footage and technology. In a separate case, Sutrapur police arrested Md. Alamin for embezzling 1.15 million taka under the pretext of verifying a bank account. Authorities recovered multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, foreign currency, and checkbooks from him. Another operation in Hazaribagh led to the arrest of 25 people involved in drug trading and other crimes.

Police urged the public to remain cautious about phone calls from unknown numbers claiming to represent law enforcement and confirmed that similar operations will continue to ensure public safety.

A deputy director from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission’s (BTRC) Spectrum Division testified before International Crimes Tribunal-1 that the nationwide internet shutdown on 18 July 2024 was carried out under instructions from then State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak. The witness, whose identity remains confidential under court order, said he was informed by then BTRC Director General Kazi Mostafizur Rahman that Palak had directed the BTRC chairman to suspend upstream connections of international terrestrial cable operators. Following this, a WhatsApp group named “18 July ICT Operation” was created to coordinate the shutdown.

According to the testimony, the internet was completely disconnected from 9 p.m. on 18 July until the afternoon of 23 July 2024. Later, Palak instructed limited restoration of internet access for key institutions such as banks, parliament, and cantonments, while keeping social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok blocked. On 31 July, he reportedly ordered full restoration of internet services through the BTRC chairman.

The testimony was given as the fourth witness statement in a case involving Sajib Wazed Joy and Zunaid Ahmed Palak, both accused in connection with the July killings.

A mass wedding ceremony for 63 orphan brides from Rangpur and Sylhet regions was held in Sylhet city, organized by the UK-based expatriate organization Seeds of Sadakah (SOS). The event, conducted without dowry or expenses, took place on Thursday at a convention center in Baluchar, creating a festive and emotional atmosphere attended by guests from home and abroad. Organizers described the initiative as an act of compassion and social responsibility aimed at ensuring social security and dignity for underprivileged girls.

The ceremony was hosted by Dr. Redwanur Rahman and attended by Members of Parliament Raihan Siraji and Habibur Rahman Belal, along with Sylhet Press Club President Muktabis Un Nur. Representatives from SOS, Abul Khayer and Zainul Abedin Ruhel, also spoke. Speakers emphasized that dowry-free marriages are achievable and reflect Islamic teachings on simplicity in marriage. Islamic scholar Shah Waliullah officiated the marriages and led prayers for the newlyweds.

Each couple received household essentials, including furniture and utensils, to help start their new lives. The event was described as a symbol of hope, dignity, and love for the newly married couples.

A workshop titled “Use of Innovative Automated Technology for Rapid Breeding and Year-Round Sustainable Crop Production through Controlled Environment Agricultural Research” was held at Gazipur Agricultural University (GAKRUBI) on Thursday morning. The event marked the formal launch of an initiative aimed at integrating advanced automation technologies with controlled-environment agriculture to accelerate crop breeding cycles and ensure sustainable production throughout the year. The workshop was organized under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project and took place at the university’s old auditorium.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. GKM Mostafizur Rahman attended as chief guest, with Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. Moynul Haque and Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Safiul Islam Afrad as special guests. Representatives from major agricultural research institutions and seed companies, along with university faculty, researchers, and students, participated. The keynote presentation by Dr. Mohammad Sharif Raihan outlined the project’s objectives, activities, and future plans.

An open discussion session followed, focusing on the project’s potential, challenges, and ways to enhance GAKRUBI’s research impact nationally and internationally. The workshop concluded with a collective commitment to collaboration and innovation in agricultural research.

Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament Barrister Kaiser Kamal stated that implementing the rights of the people is the main objective of the Parliament. He emphasized that the Parliament belongs to the people and that he was elected by the respected voters of his constituency, to whom he remains accountable. Kamal made these remarks on Thursday, April 16, 2026, during a meeting with prominent members of the Christian community from his area.

During the discussion, the Deputy Speaker announced that people of all religions and communities from his constituency, including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Garos, and Hajongs, would be invited in phases to visit the Parliament building and observe parliamentary sessions. He mentioned that after the Christian representatives, invitations would be extended to imams, Hindu priests, Garo and Hajong representatives, as well as students from local schools and colleges.

The remarks reflect an effort to promote inclusivity and civic engagement by allowing diverse community groups to experience parliamentary proceedings firsthand.

Pope Leo condemned what he described as a world ruled by autocrats following an online attack from former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to Al Jazeera. Speaking during his visit to Cameroon, the Pope sharply criticized global leaders who spend hundreds of billions of dollars on wars, calling his remarks unusually forceful.

In his speech, Pope Leo said that war heroes pretend not to know that destruction takes only a moment, while rebuilding can take a lifetime. He added that leaders ignore the truth that vast sums are spent on killing and devastation, yet resources for healing, education, and recovery remain scarce.

The Pope’s comments were seen as a strong message to world leaders, urging them to invest more in humanitarian sectors instead of warfare.

Bangladesh is preparing to introduce mandatory health warnings on the front of packaged food products under the Safe Food (Packaged Food Labeling) Regulations 2026. The initiative was discussed at a media workshop in Dhaka organized by PROGGA with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator. Officials said the draft regulation will be finalized this month and sent to the Food Ministry for review before being forwarded to the Law Ministry for approval. Once enacted, the rule will take effect six months after official notification, requiring clear front-of-pack warnings similar to those on tobacco products.

Speakers explained that the Front-of-Package Labeling (FOPL) system aims to help consumers easily understand levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats in processed foods. They noted that 97 percent of Bangladeshis consume packaged foods weekly, but most cannot interpret complex nutrition data printed on the back. The FOPL model, already adopted in 44 countries, is designed to promote informed food choices and reduce health risks.

The workshop also highlighted rising consumption of ultra-processed foods and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh, including diabetes and hypertension, which contribute to 71 percent of annual deaths.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will begin interviews for candidates seeking nomination in the reserved women’s seats of the 13th National Parliament on Friday. Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the schedule at a press conference held Thursday afternoon at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka. He said the nomination board will start interviews at 3 p.m. on Friday.

The nomination board will be chaired by BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister’s Adviser Tarique Rahman, with members of the party’s standing committee in attendance. Rizvi added that interviews will continue on Saturday for candidates who have already submitted their nomination papers.

According to the announced schedule, interviews on Friday will cover candidates from Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, and Faridpur divisions, while those from Chattogram, Sylhet, Cumilla, Dhaka, and Mymensingh divisions will be interviewed on Saturday.

Pakistan is conducting active diplomatic efforts to build trust between the United States and Iran, according to a report from Al Jazeera’s Doha correspondent Osama Bin Javed. Pakistani representatives are working with both sides on various proposals, and discussions are underway. Diplomatic sources indicate that Pakistan’s army chief is attempting to bridge differences between the two nations.

Sources further suggest that Pakistan views multiple regional actors, including Iran, the United States, and Israel, as key to regional peace. Pakistani officials are optimistic that this mutual diplomacy could either lead to a second round of talks or an extension of the current ceasefire, with a possible duration of about five weeks or 45 days.

Officials emphasize that successful diplomacy is usually conducted discreetly and relies on mutual trust. Pakistan aims to serve as a bridge of confidence, as both Iranian and American sides have publicly acknowledged their lack of trust in each other.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah said that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wins the upcoming West Bengal assembly election, no structure resembling the Babri Mosque will be allowed to be built in the state. Speaking at a rally in Gangarampur, South Dinajpur, on Tuesday, Shah accused Humayun Kabir, founder of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party, of announcing plans to build such a mosque in Murshidabad at the behest of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He asserted that the BJP’s rise to power would prevent such plans from materializing.

Shah also criticized Banerjee for allegedly opposing the removal of illegal immigrants from the voter list during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. He pledged that a BJP government would expel all illegal immigrants and strengthen border security by allocating 600 acres of land for fencing within 45 days of taking office. Additionally, he promised to build cold storage facilities in every block of Malda district to support farmers.

The West Bengal assembly elections are scheduled for April 23 and 29, with results to be announced on May 4, amid a high-stakes contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Abu Zafar Khan, Vice Chancellor of the Islamic Arabic University, emphasized that ensuring good governance, transparency, and accountability is essential for improving the quality of madrasa education. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at the closing ceremony of a two-day workshop titled 'Skill Development Training for Madrasa Principals 2026', organized by the university’s Kamil (Postgraduate) Education, Training and Research Center.

Addressing the participating principals, he urged them to establish computer labs, science laboratories, and libraries in their respective madrasas, and to organize subject-based seminars for teachers. He also highlighted the importance of motivating teachers and encouraging students to develop moral values and good behavior. To help students compete in the job market, he called for initiatives to strengthen proficiency in Arabic and English. He further stressed financial transparency, proper record-keeping, and prevention of wasteful spending.

The Vice Chancellor announced that the university is planning to set up regional centers to provide faster and easier support to affiliated madrasas and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to assist in the overall development of madrasa education.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has warned that a group acting against the country's interests is still waiting for an opportunity. Speaking on Thursday, April 16, at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka during the Independence Award ceremony, he emphasized the need to maintain national unity and avoid internal divisions. He said that honoring national leaders beyond partisan boundaries is essential, as future generations and history will not forgive negligence in this regard.

Quoting former President Ziaur Rahman, the Prime Minister said that national unity is the nation's strength, while division is its weakness. He urged all to ensure that political differences do not turn into hostility. The Prime Minister also noted that the Independence Award is given annually to recognize contributions in fields such as liberation war, education, science and technology, medicine, literature, culture, sports, rural development, social service, and public administration. This year, 15 distinguished citizens and five institutions received the award.

He added that despite significant progress in the 55 years since independence, challenges remain, and building a self-reliant and prosperous Bangladesh requires collective effort beyond political vengeance.

Police investigators have confirmed that the firearm used in the killing of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was purchased for about Tk 200,000 and eventually reached the main accused shooter, Faisal. Forensic tests verified that the recovered pistol from Narsingdi was the same weapon used in the attack. Authorities have arrested arms trader Majedul Haque Helal, while efforts continue to identify two other intermediaries involved in the weapon’s transfer.

According to investigation sources, the pistol was originally imported from Turkey by M Iich Arms Co. and changed hands through several licensed dealers before ending up with Helal’s firm, Hamidul Haque Arms & Co. The license had expired in 2014 but was not renewed, making subsequent sales illegal. CID Assistant Superintendent Abdul Kadir Bhuiyan stated that forensic analysis matched the bullets and cartridges from the crime scene to the recovered pistol.

The murder occurred on December 12 last year in Bijoynagar when Hadi was shot while returning from a campaign. He later died in Singapore on December 18. The case was later transferred to CID after dissatisfaction with the initial charge sheet filed by the Detective Branch.

The River Police of Bangladesh have reported a major success in their ongoing nationwide operations to protect river-based fisheries and restore discipline on waterways. Over the past seven days, officers seized 43.27 million meters of illegal fishing nets, 4,158 kilograms of fish, 657,000 shrimp fry, 15,000 bagda shrimp larvae, and 1,328 kilograms of jelly-mixed shrimp. A total of 279 individuals were arrested, and 133 illegal river obstacles were destroyed during the operation.

According to a statement issued by the River Police Headquarters on April 16, 83 bulkheads lacking valid documents faced prosecution in the naval court. Authorities filed 69 cases, including 46 under the Fisheries Act, nine for reckless navigation, and others related to sand extraction, drugs, theft, special powers, and abduction. Twelve bodies were also recovered during the campaign.

The seized illegal nets and jelly-mixed shrimp were destroyed, while shrimp fry were released back into the water to support natural growth. The recovered fish were distributed to local orphanages. The River Police stated that similar operations will continue to strengthen river safety and protect aquatic biodiversity.

International Energy Agency (IEA) chief Fatih Birol has warned that Europe’s jet fuel reserves may last only about six weeks. In an interview with the Associated Press, Birol said that the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has disrupted oil supplies, raising the risk of flight cancellations across Europe. He noted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger one of the most severe global energy crises to date.

Birol emphasized that the situation could have a significant impact on the world economy. The longer the disruption continues, the more global economic growth may slow, while inflation could rise. He also cautioned that the crisis could lead to sharp increases in energy prices, including petrol, gas, and electricity.

The IEA chief further warned that if the Middle East conflict persists, volatility in global energy markets will intensify, affecting multiple sectors of the world economy.