Two sections of the Jamuna Riverbank protection area in Kazipur, Sirajganj, collapsed into the river on Friday night during the dry season. Locals blamed the erosion on illegal sand extraction using dredger machines in several nearby areas, including Kazipur Eco Park, Palashpur Ghat, Meghai Ghat, and Dhekuriya. The sudden collapse has caused widespread concern among residents living near the river.

According to the Water Development Board, the western bank protection work was completed in 2014 using stone blocks and sandbags. The recent collapse has raised fears of further damage to Meghai embankment, croplands, and nearby structures. Locals reported that around 40 sand points in Kazipur are now controlled by political groups, with large-scale sand trading continuing daily despite the absence of legal leases.

Officials from the Water Development Board and the Upazila administration stated that sandbags are being placed at the collapsed sites and that actions are being taken against illegal sand extraction. They assured that monitoring is ongoing and that no one will be allowed to extract sand in ways that damage the embankment.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku has called for increased foreign investment to enhance development and production in Bangladesh’s fisheries and livestock sector. He made the appeal on Sunday during a courtesy meeting with Shibli Alam, the Civic Mayor of Tameside Council in Manchester, England, at his office in Dhaka.

During the meeting, the state minister highlighted the longstanding partnership and mutual understanding between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. He urged British investors to expand their investments in Bangladesh to further strengthen bilateral relations. Mayor Shibli Alam raised several issues faced by businesspeople investing in Bangladesh, and the minister assured that existing problems would be resolved promptly.

Both sides discussed organizing a joint working group meeting to expand economic and trade relations between the two countries. The minister expressed optimism that through joint initiatives and coordinated efforts, Bangladesh and the UK would elevate their investment and trade cooperation to new heights.

Water Resources Minister Md. Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee stated that resolving waterlogging in Dhaka and across Bangladesh cannot be achieved in a short time. He made the remark on Sunday afternoon after a meeting with the Prime Minister at the Secretariat, emphasizing that the government remains committed to addressing the issue.

The minister explained that the government has undertaken a canal excavation program aimed at reducing waterlogging and ensuring irrigation for agriculture. As part of this initiative, canal excavation programs will be inaugurated in Jashore district on April 27 and in Sylhet on May 2.

These measures are part of ongoing government efforts to improve water management and mitigate flooding problems in both urban and rural areas.

Farmers in Sarishabari municipality of Jamalpur staged a road blockade on April 18, 2026, protesting a severe shortage of petrol and diesel at local filling stations. The unrest erupted after allegations surfaced that Messrs Jhinai Filling Station and Messrs Chan Filling Station were supplying fuel irregularly and favoring certain individuals through a syndicate. Farmers said they had been unable to obtain diesel for three to four days, halting irrigation for maize and paddy cultivation. The protest disrupted traffic on the Sarishabari-Dikpait highway until local authorities intervened to restore order.

Farmers accused the stations of prioritizing commercial vehicles over agricultural ones and claimed that only 130 out of 300–400 farmers received diesel. They alleged that some people were allowed to buy fuel multiple times while others waited in vain. Station owners denied the allegations, asserting that fuel distribution followed government rules. Acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer Liza Richel stated that the complaints would be investigated and that legal action would be taken against anyone found creating an artificial crisis.

The incident highlights growing tension over fuel distribution fairness in rural agricultural areas, with farmers demanding transparent and equitable supply management.

Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon stated that investments and contributions from expatriate Bangladeshis are making the national economy stronger. He described expatriates as the country’s invaluable assets and urged them to continue contributing to future development. The minister made these remarks on Sunday at his office during a courtesy meeting with Councillor Shibli Alam, the Civic Mayor of Tameside Council in Manchester, England.

During the meeting, the minister highlighted that England is the cradle of democracy and noted that Bangladeshis living there have been playing a positive role not only in economic activities but also in the democratic progress of Bangladesh. Councillor Shibli Alam praised Bangladesh’s achievements in women’s empowerment and expressed hope that Bangladeshi women would advance further in economic and social sectors. He also showed interest in working for women’s health protection and rights.

Both sides expressed optimism about further strengthening relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.

In Rangpur’s Gangachhara upazila, work has begun on the Teesta irrigation canal renovation and expansion project in Alambiditar Union, leaving more than a hundred families fearing the loss of their homes. The project, costing Tk 1,452 crore, is being implemented based on a survey conducted about 35 years ago, causing widespread concern and anger among residents.

According to the report, the project’s second phase began in 2022, but its original feasibility study dates back decades. Over time, the Teesta irrigation project’s effectiveness has declined sharply, with irrigation coverage falling far short of targets. Residents in Brahmottorpur village said they have received eviction notices as canal expansion work proceeds on both sides of their settlement. Local representatives and activists argue that the project is outdated and risks creating a humanitarian crisis if evictions occur without rehabilitation.

Officials from the Water Development Board maintain that the land was legally acquired in the 1980s–90s and compensation was paid, though local authorities acknowledge complaints that some residents were unaware or uncompensated. The project remains controversial as locals question whether it will truly benefit the region under current water conditions.

Dismissed employees from six banks staged a sit-in in Dhaka’s Motijheel area on Sunday morning, demanding that control of Islami Bank and five other banks be returned to S Alam Group and that they be reinstated in their jobs. The protest took place in front of Islami Bank’s head office in Dilkusha, with participants from Islami Bank Bangladesh, First Security Islami Bank, Union Bank, Al-Arafah Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, and Social Islami Bank. Their three-point demand included reinstatement, restoration of S Alam’s control, and dissolution of the current boards.

Many of the protesters were residents of Patiya in Chattogram, the home area of S Alam Group chairman Saiful Alam Masud. Sources said the protest followed a new law allowing former owners to return to their banks. Thousands reportedly arrived in Dhaka from Patiya over the previous two days and stayed in hotels before joining the demonstration.

Bank sources stated that only employees with forged certificates or who skipped evaluation tests were dismissed, and that reinstatement was not possible. They added that Bangladesh Bank had restructured the boards after finding evidence of large-scale fund withdrawals linked to S Alam.

Long queues were seen at filling stations across Dhaka on Sunday morning as motorists waited to buy fuel despite a recent price hike. The government adjusted fuel prices effective from midnight on Saturday, setting diesel at 115 taka per liter, kerosene at 130 taka, petrol at 135 taka, and octane at 140 taka. The adjustment followed rising prices in the global market.

Buyers expressed frustration over the increase, saying it has already affected daily life and raised the cost of goods. At stations in Asad Gate, Tejgaon, and Paribagh, fuel was being rationed, and many drivers complained of not receiving their desired amount even after waiting for hours.

The Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association welcomed the government’s decision, saying it would reduce artificial shortages and hoarding tendencies while improving transparency in fuel distribution. The association added that aligning domestic prices with international markets helps stabilize supply and ensures fair business operations.

Turkey has shown interest in extending its natural gas supply agreement with Iran, which is set to expire in the coming months. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed that no formal discussions have yet begun due to ongoing conflicts but emphasized Ankara’s willingness to maintain gas imports from Iran to ensure supply continuity.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Bayraktar said Turkey remains committed to securing stable energy supplies despite regional instability. He noted that, despite tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, Turkey has not faced any supply disruptions so far.

The minister’s remarks suggest that Ankara may soon initiate talks with Tehran to renew or extend the existing gas deal once conditions allow, aiming to safeguard its energy security.

Farmers in Sunamganj are anxious about bringing in their haor paddy crops as harvesting begins in some areas while others remain waterlogged. Many fields are partially submerged, making it nearly impossible to use harvester machines. Concerns have grown over labor shortages, diesel scarcity, heavy rainfall, and flash floods, with farmers frequently watching the skies in fear of further damage.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, 755 hectares of paddy have been harvested across 12 upazilas, while 3,189 hectares have been affected by waterlogging. Around 200,000 farmers cultivated 223,511 hectares of boro paddy this season, valued at about Tk 5,000 crore. Officials said 900 harvesters and reaper machines are ready for use, though water levels have limited their operation. Farmers have urged authorities to suspend sand and stone extraction for 15 days to ease the labor shortage.

District officials stated that embankments have been built to protect crops and that water will be drained where necessary. They expect full-scale harvesting to begin next week and finish by May 15 if weather conditions remain favorable.

The Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association has proposed a 15 paisa per kilometer increase in bus fares following a recent rise in diesel prices. The organization’s secretary general, Md. Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, made the proposal on Sunday night after reports surfaced of a secret meeting at the BRTA headquarters to discuss fare adjustments. He alleged that influential leaders of the bus owners’ association, with government backing, were attempting to monopolize fare increases through covert negotiations.

Chowdhury noted that in the past, bus fares were reduced proportionally when fuel prices dropped, citing examples of 3 paisa and 2 paisa fare cuts corresponding to fuel price decreases of 3 and 2 taka per liter respectively. He warned that any fare increase beyond the proposed 15 paisa per kilometer, achieved through bureaucratic manipulation, could harm the government’s popularity and provoke public anger. The association called for the prime minister’s intervention to prevent unfair advantages for bus owners.

The statement reflects growing tension between passenger rights advocates and transport operators over fare-setting practices linked to fuel price fluctuations.

Islamic scholar and As-Sunnah Foundation chairman Shaykh Ahmadullah announced that a former imam earning Tk 1,500 monthly has become an entrepreneur now earning Tk 45,000 per month. He shared the story on his verified Facebook page on April 19, 2026, highlighting the success of Siddiqur Rahman from Ververi village in Kurigram Sadar. Once dependent on a small income from leading prayers and teaching, Rahman turned to nursery work to support his family.

Over three years, Rahman gained expertise in seed selection, planting, irrigation, and plant care. He began selling seedlings online and gradually expanded his business. With Tk 180,000 in support from As-Sunnah Foundation’s skill-based entrepreneurship program, he established his own nursery named Sabah Agro Valley. The nursery now produces and sells various vegetable seedlings, including tomato, eggplant, chili, papaya, cauliflower, cabbage, and bottle gourd.

According to the post, Rahman currently earns Tk 40,000 to 45,000 per month during peak seasons and Tk 20,000 in off-seasons. The foundation expressed pride and joy in his achievement.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, informed Parliament that as of April 9, 2026, the total outstanding bills owed by public and private power plants amount to Tk 52,300.88 crore. He disclosed this while responding to a question from a ruling party lawmaker during a parliamentary session chaired by Deputy Speaker Qaiser Kamal. The minister added that Petrobangla is owed Tk 11,634.06 crore in gas bills, while Tk 3,891.55 crore remains unpaid for electricity imports from India. He also noted that power plants have bank loans totaling Tk 149,311.26 crore.

Mahmud said the government has introduced fuel cards on a trial basis at several filling stations in Dhaka to enhance transparency in fuel distribution. He further stated that Bangladesh imports 50 percent of refined fuel under direct contracts with countries including Kuwait, Malaysia, China, the UAE, Indonesia, Thailand, Oman, and India, while the rest is procured through open tenders. Crude oil is imported mainly from Saudi Arabia and the UAE via the Strait of Hormuz.

The minister also confirmed that the government has repealed the controversial quick rental power law and initiated efforts to recover embezzled funds allegedly laundered abroad during previous administrations.

Five private banks have been integrated into the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority’s (BIDA) online One Stop Service (OSS) platform. The banks are National Credit and Commerce (NCC) Bank, One Bank, United Commercial Bank (UCB), Shimanto Bank, and Al-Arafah Islami Bank. The memorandum of understanding was signed on Sunday at BIDA’s conference room, chaired by Executive Member Air Commodore (Retd.) Md. Shaharul Huda.

With the inclusion of these banks, investors can now open bank accounts and temporary accounts for foreign investors directly through the OSS portal. BIDA officials said the move aims to ensure faster, simpler, and more modern services for investors by strengthening the OSS platform. Senior representatives from the participating banks, Bangladesh Bank, and the Financial Institutions Division attended the signing event.

Currently, the OSS platform offers 142 services involving 47 stakeholder organizations and has processed over 215,000 applications. BIDA plans to expand the system to provide more than 150 services from 60 institutions and integrate them under the unified BanglaBiz platform.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, told Parliament on Sunday, April 19, that the country’s existing gas reserves are sufficient to meet national demand for the next 12 years. Responding to a question from MP Md. Mosharraf Hossain during a session chaired by Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal, the minister said the total recoverable gas reserve stands at 29.74 trillion cubic feet, of which 22.11 trillion cubic feet had been extracted by December 2025. As of January 1, 2026, the remaining reserve is 7.63 trillion cubic feet.

He explained that if no new gas fields are discovered and the current supply rate of about 1,700 million cubic feet per day continues, the remaining reserves could sustain supply for around 12 years. The minister also outlined ongoing exploration efforts under Petrobangla’s master plan, which includes drilling 50 new wells and overhauling 100 others, with 26 wells already completed.

Additionally, seismic surveys are progressing, with Bapex completing 3,600 kilometers of 2D data collection in blocks 7 and 9, and preparations underway for 3D surveys in several regions.