Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, told Parliament on Sunday that dishonest traders are illegally stockpiling and black-marketing fuel, creating an artificial shortage at filling stations. He clarified that no directive has been issued to limit fuel sales or apply color markings on motorbikes, but panic buying and hoarding have contributed to the perceived crisis.

The minister said there is no actual fuel shortage in the country and cited the foreign affairs state minister’s earlier statement affirming this. To maintain normal supply, district and upazila administrations, along with Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) tag officers, have been deployed nationwide. Mobile courts have conducted 9,116 operations, filed 3,510 cases, imposed fines totaling 15.6 million taka, and recovered 542,000 liters of fuel. Awareness campaigns and law enforcement actions are ongoing to curb illegal storage and black marketing.

Mahmud added that the government has introduced a pilot fuel card system at several Dhaka filling stations to enhance transparency in fuel distribution. If successful, it will be expanded nationwide.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has stated that the recent increase in fuel prices in Bangladesh has no connection with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday, shortly after returning from the United States, he clarified that the decision to raise fuel prices was made independently by the government.

The minister explained that while fuel prices have doubled in many other countries, Bangladesh’s increase was comparatively smaller. He said the adjustment was necessary due to pressure on the government’s financial reserves. When asked whether the price hike would lead to higher inflation, he responded that inflation might rise or might not, indicating uncertainty about the outcome.

The statement comes amid public attention on the economic implications of the fuel price adjustment and speculation about external influence on domestic policy decisions.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the deaths of 12 people in lightning strikes that occurred across several districts in a single day. The statement was issued on Sunday by Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, the party’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its Central Publicity and Media Department.

In the statement, Zubair described the deaths as tragic and heartbreaking, mentioning that the incidents took place in districts including Sunamganj, Kishoreganj, Rangpur, Netrokona, Mymensingh, and Habiganj. He particularly noted the suffering of farmers and laborers in the haor regions who lost their lives while working for their livelihood. He prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased and for patience and strength for their bereaved families, also wishing a quick recovery for the injured.

Zubair urged the authorities to strengthen weather forecasting and awareness programs to prevent such tragedies in the future, calling for divine protection from similar disasters.

Victims’ Coordination Council of Islamic Bank customers held a protest in Dhaka following a human chain by dismissed employees of six banks. During the demonstration, participants demanded the arrest of businessman S Alam, recovery of allegedly laundered money, and cancellation of a new clause in the bank resolution law. They displayed banners calling for an end to attempts to seize control of Islamic Bank and denouncing what they termed a ‘black law’ on bank ownership.

Nurun Nabi Manik, president of the Islamic Bank Customers’ Coordination Council, announced a 15-day program alongside five specific demands. These included arresting S Alam and other alleged looters, confiscating their assets, repealing clause 18/Ka of the bank resolution law, and returning bank ownership to its original owners. The protesters also warned the government against allowing any illegal groups to take control of the bank.

The protest reflected growing frustration among Islamic Bank customers over alleged irregularities and ownership disputes, with participants urging immediate government action to restore transparency and accountability in the banking sector.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, announced that the government has been compelled to increase fuel prices due to the ongoing war situation in the Middle East. He made the statement during a briefing at the Secretariat on Sunday, noting that despite the price hike, the government continues to provide subsidies on fuel.

The minister explained that the decision was made in response to global circumstances affecting energy markets. He acknowledged that the price increase could have some impact on the domestic market but emphasized that the government had to act considering the international context.

The announcement reflects the government’s effort to balance domestic economic pressures with external geopolitical developments influencing global fuel prices.

The Philippines has declared a one-year national energy emergency as rising tensions between Iran and Israel threaten to disrupt oil shipments through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned that the country’s energy security faces imminent danger. In response, the government has launched extensive programs for energy conservation, subsidies, and direct cash assistance to citizens.

According to the report, 98 percent of the Philippines’ energy supply passes through the Hormuz Strait, leaving the country with no alternative but to act decisively. The situation serves as a wake-up call for developing, import-dependent economies such as Bangladesh, which could face similar vulnerabilities. The article emphasizes that global market instability directly affects transportation, agriculture, and industry in such nations.

The author suggests that Bangladesh should establish at least a three-month strategic energy reserve, diversify import sources through regional diplomacy, and accelerate domestic exploration of gas and coal. Expanding renewable energy production and enforcing strict energy-saving policies are also deemed essential to ensure long-term national energy security.

A severe storm struck Kishoreganj in Nilphamari on the night of April 18, 2026, damaging more than a hundred houses and causing extensive crop losses. The storm, accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, hit Sadar, Barovita, and Magura unions around 8 p.m., uprooting trees and tearing off roofs. Fallen trees snapped power lines, leaving several villages including Durakuti and Gada without electricity.

Local officials reported significant damage. Magura Union Parishad Chairman Akhtaruzzaman Mithu said around 30 houses in his area were affected, with widespread crop and tree damage. Upazila Agriculture Officer Lokman Alam confirmed that 35 hectares of maize fields were damaged. The local power office stated that repair work was underway and electricity could be restored by afternoon. The Upazila Project Implementation Officer reported 70 damaged houses across three unions, and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer said assistance lists were being prepared for affected residents.

Authorities have informed higher officials and initiated recovery efforts to restore power and support affected families.

The country’s only state-owned Diammonium Phosphate Fertilizer Company Limited (DAPFCL) in Anwara, Chattogram, has stopped production. The factory management announced the shutdown at around 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2026. The plant, which began commercial fertilizer production in 2006, had been dependent on ammonia supplies from Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) and Chittagong Urea Fertilizer Limited (CUFL).

According to DAPFCL officials, both KAFCO and CUFL halted ammonia production on March 4 due to a gas shortage, disrupting DAPFCL’s operations. The company’s General Manager (Administration), Abdul Jalil, said the factory does not produce ammonia itself and had been using stored reserves, which have now been exhausted. Managing Director Moinul Haque confirmed that the ammonia supply stoppage had placed production at risk, leading to the shutdown.

The closure of DAPFCL follows earlier production halts at KAFCO and CUFL, signaling a broader impact of the ongoing gas crisis on Bangladesh’s fertilizer industry.

Public transport fares in Chattogram rose on Sunday morning following a nationwide increase in fuel prices. Diesel-powered local Mahindra and tempo services raised fares on routes such as Bahaddarhat to New Bridge and Bahaddarhat to WASA from 18 to 22 taka. Local bus fares also climbed by up to 20 taka, while the Muradpur–Fatikchhari Bibirhat route saw fares rise from 100 to 120 taka. However, long-distance transport operators have not yet implemented fare adjustments.

Transport officials said inter-district fare changes will depend on formal decisions from vehicle owners. On the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar route, operators are maintaining previous rates until further notice. Drivers reported difficulties obtaining fuel due to long queues and the recent price surge.

The government increased fuel prices by 15 to 20 taka per liter effective from midnight on April 18, raising diesel by 15 taka, octane by 20, petrol by 19, and kerosene by 18 taka. The hike has directly affected living costs, with daily commuting expenses rising by 20 to 50 taka for many residents.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, stated on Sunday, April 19, 2026, that domestic oil prices have increased only slightly compared to the sharp rise in global markets. Speaking to journalists, he explained that instability in the international energy market has already caused the government an additional expenditure of two billion US dollars on fuel imports.

The minister noted that global oil prices have nearly doubled since the onset of the war, creating significant economic pressure on the government. Despite this, he said the government has not raised domestic prices proportionally, prioritizing public relief and economic stability.

Tuku added that the government is maintaining market stability by providing subsidies and absorbing the extra costs itself to minimize public hardship and preserve overall economic balance.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has expressed deep concern and protest over the government’s decision to increase fuel prices. In a statement issued on Sunday, he said the new rates raise diesel by 15 taka per liter, kerosene by 18 taka, octane by 20 taka, and petrol by 19 taka. He warned that this decision would bring new suffering to ordinary people and negatively affect the overall economy.

Porwar cautioned that higher fuel prices would increase transportation costs, leading to a rise in the prices of essential goods. He said middle- and low-income groups would be hit hardest as their expenses would multiply without any increase in income, making daily life more difficult. He also noted that industrial production costs would rise, potentially worsening inflation, while the agriculture sector would face higher irrigation and input costs, posing a threat to food security.

He urged the government to reconsider the fuel price hike and reduce it to a tolerable level to ease the burden on citizens.

Japan has introduced a new term, 'Kokushobi', to describe the country's increasingly severe heat conditions. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced the term after last summer’s record-breaking temperatures reached up to 40 degrees Celsius. The word combines 'koku', meaning 'extremely high', to denote days of intense heat. The decision followed a national online survey conducted between February and March, in which 478,000 people participated to select the most fitting term from 13 options.

According to the Japan Times, Japan experienced its hottest summer since temperature records began in 1898, with the 2025 season averaging 2.36 degrees Celsius above normal. During June to August, nine days exceeded 40 degrees, and Isesaki city recorded a national high of 41.8 degrees Celsius. Tokyo saw 25 days above 35 degrees, while Kyoto recorded 52 such days. The JMA has forecast that temperatures from June to August this year will again remain above normal.

The new terminology reflects Japan’s growing concern over climate change, as fossil fuel use and human activities continue to drive global warming.

The Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association has welcomed the government’s decision to adjust domestic fuel prices in line with global market trends. The association’s member secretary, Mir Ahsan Uddin Parvez, said they appreciate the move as it reflects the recent rise in international fuel prices and ensures a fair adjustment in the local market.

According to the association, this decision will help reduce artificial shortages and hoarding tendencies in the fuel supply chain. They also expect the measure to bring greater transparency to market management and stabilize supply operations. The association emphasized that aligning domestic prices with international rates allows businesses to operate fairly and maintain a steady distribution system.

The statement suggests that the government’s pricing policy could contribute to a more balanced and transparent fuel market in Bangladesh, benefiting both suppliers and consumers.

The Bangladesh government has initiated a process to increase electricity prices in response to heavy subsidy pressures and mounting financial losses in the power sector. A high-level committee, formed on April 9 and led by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, has begun reviewing proposals to adjust wholesale and retail electricity rates. The Power Development Board (PDB) reported that the current production cost per unit is around Tk 12, while the average selling price is just over Tk 7, resulting in a loss of about Tk 5 per unit. Despite Tk 38,637 crore in subsidies during the 2024–25 fiscal year, the sector still recorded a Tk 17,021 crore loss.

Officials indicated that consumer-level prices may rise by Tk 0.70 to Tk 1.80 per unit, and wholesale rates by Tk 0.50 to Tk 1.20, though prices for small users consuming up to 70 units may remain unchanged. The committee will submit its recommendations to the cabinet after reviewing the proposals.

Energy experts said the government has little alternative but to raise prices amid global fuel instability, though they urged accountability for past corruption and mismanagement that inflated production costs.

More than 4,500 people have died in lightning strikes across Bangladesh over the past fifteen years, according to data from the GDStar Forum. Despite the rising number of incidents each year, experts say that government measures to prevent lightning-related deaths have been largely ineffective and wasteful. On April 18, twelve people died in separate lightning incidents in Sunamganj, Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Netrokona districts.

The Disaster Management Department reported 21 deaths and 16 injuries so far this year, while last year saw 243 deaths. Weather experts note that Bangladesh experiences an average of 3.36 million lightning strikes annually, killing around 350 people, with the highest risks in Sunamganj, Netrokona, and Sylhet. The Meteorological Department began issuing lightning alerts in April last year, focusing on forecasts and public awareness.

A previous palm tree planting project intended to reduce lightning deaths was criticized for mismanagement and financial waste. Authorities have since shifted to installing lightning arresters, which divert high-voltage strikes safely into the ground. Officials emphasize that public awareness remains the most effective protection against lightning hazards.