Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), stated that the U.S.-Israel invasion of Iran has permanently changed the global fossil fuel industry. In an interview published by The Guardian on Friday, he said the conflict has eroded global confidence in fossil fuels and reduced demand, prompting countries to shift toward safer energy sources such as renewables and nuclear power.

Birol explained that governments are now reassessing their energy strategies, with growing interest in renewable and nuclear energy and a stronger move toward electrified systems. He warned that the crisis has caused irreversible damage to the global energy market, describing it as a permanent turning point. He also urged caution in approving new fossil fuel exploration and production projects.

Commenting on the UK’s plan to explore North Sea resources, Birol said it would not significantly alter Britain’s energy security or global oil and gas prices. He added that renewable energy holds vast potential, though rising oil and gas prices could push developing nations toward cheaper coal, even as solar power becomes increasingly competitive.

A sharp rise in fuel prices has begun to affect agriculture, transport, and market systems across Bangladesh, particularly in Rajshahi. From farms to wholesale markets, costs are rising and profits shrinking, pushing up consumer prices and creating market instability. Traders report that truck rental rates have surged by several thousand taka per trip, while farmers dependent on diesel-powered irrigation pumps face sharply higher production costs.

At Naohata and Maugachi markets, traders said that increased transport expenses are forcing them to raise prices in urban markets, hurting both sellers and buyers. Transport operators report fuel shortages and long waits at pumps, making it impossible to operate at previous rates. Farmers are reducing irrigation due to higher diesel costs, which could lower crop yields. Small traders and transport workers are also struggling as their operating costs climb.

Analysts warn that if fuel prices and supply issues are not stabilized soon, the combined impact on agriculture, transport, and consumer markets could deepen inflationary pressures and strain the broader economy.

The BNP-led government of Bangladesh is facing a dual crisis over its loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Meeting the IMF’s conditions could trigger higher inflation, while failing to do so risks foreign reserve shortages, exchange rate instability, and loss of international confidence. The IMF withheld the sixth tranche of a $5.5 billion loan after Bangladesh failed to meet key reform conditions related to subsidies, banking, and revenue collection.

Economists describe the situation as difficult, noting that the economy remains fragile despite some recovery under the interim government. The IMF’s conditions include eliminating energy subsidies by 2027, reforming the banking sector, and raising the tax-to-GDP ratio. The National Board of Revenue has missed its targets, with a shortfall of about 980 billion taka in the first nine months of the fiscal year. The government recently raised fuel prices by 15–20 taka per liter, citing global oil price increases rather than IMF pressure.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said further discussions with the IMF are planned. Analysts warn that failure to meet IMF conditions could jeopardize future foreign loan access and worsen economic instability.

A recent increase in fuel prices has begun to disrupt Dhaka’s essential goods market, causing widespread price instability. Traders report that transportation costs have risen, leading to higher prices for vegetables, fish, eggs, edible oil, and other daily necessities. Consumers say prices have surged since last week’s fuel price adjustment, straining lower- and middle-income households. Business activity has slowed, with traders noting a sharp decline in daily sales.

Market visits to Karwan Bazar, Babubazar, Nayabazar, and Hatirpool revealed that most vegetables now sell above 70 taka per kilogram, except for potatoes and okra. Prices of poultry, particularly local and Sonali chickens, have increased sharply, while edible oil and packaged goods such as sugar, milk, and rice have also become costlier. Traders attribute the trend to higher transport fares and reduced product supply from companies.

Although some items like rice and meat remain stable, traders warn that the full impact of the fuel price hike may intensify in the coming days as transport and supply costs continue to rise.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that collective practice of technology-based modern knowledge and creative thinking will become a strategic strength for future civilization. He made the remarks on Saturday in Dhaka at a discussion organized by the Bangladesh ICT Stakeholders Association (BISA) on the Telecom, Data and Cyber Security Bill 2026. The minister emphasized transforming the nation’s creative intellect, innovative ideas, and technological skills into assets for national development.

Addressing technology experts, Swapan said their gathering represented not only attendance but also a convergence of creative thinking, which could become a national resource. He expressed hope that BISA would build an effective platform for stakeholders in the technology sector to collectively invest their knowledge, skills, and ideas. He also noted that semiconductors, rare earth materials, and communication technologies have become key strategic elements in global politics, economics, and technology.

The minister added that expert knowledge and research are vital for formulating timely and realistic policies suited to the demands of a technology-driven civilization, helping the elected government fulfill its responsibilities effectively.

China has announced the discovery of two new minerals from lunar samples collected by its Chang’e-5 mission. The country’s state media reported the finding on Friday, citing the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The minerals, named Magnesiochangesite-(Y) and Changesite-(Ce), were identified from samples brought back to Earth in December 2020. The Chang’e-5 mission returned with about 1,731 grams of lunar soil, marking China’s first collected lunar sample and the first brought to Earth in 44 years.

According to CNSA, the announcement was made at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Space Day of China in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. The International Mineralogical Association’s Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification has officially approved the two new minerals. With this discovery, the total number of known lunar minerals worldwide has increased to eight.

China previously discovered a lunar mineral named Changesite-(Y) in 2022, and its continued lunar exploration follows earlier milestones such as the Chang’e-4 probe’s historic landing on the moon’s far side in 2019.

State-owned Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCCPLC) has reported a significant rise in profits for the first nine months of the 2025–26 fiscal year, driven by growing internet bandwidth demand and digital infrastructure expansion. According to the unaudited financial report approved at the company’s 252nd board meeting on April 23, 2026, net profit reached Tk 2.19 billion, up from Tk 1.40 billion in the same period last year, marking a 56% increase.

The company’s Deputy General Manager (Marketing and Sales), Engineer Md. Ariful Haque, said the growth reflects customer trust and the rising national demand for bandwidth. BSCCPLC earned Tk 3.77 billion in revenue from bandwidth sales and related services, compared to Tk 2.94 billion a year earlier. Earnings per share rose from Tk 7.49 to Tk 11.71, while net asset value per share increased to Tk 98.71.

BSCCPLC is investing Tk 12.86 billion in the third submarine cable project, with Tk 8.09 billion from its own funds and Tk 4.76 billion in government equity. The project aims to expand bandwidth capacity and strengthen the company’s long-term revenue base.

Chuadanga is enduring an intense heatwave, with temperatures recorded at 36.8°C on Saturday evening, 36.7°C at 3 p.m., and 34.8°C at noon. The previous days also saw extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 37.3°C on Thursday and Friday, and 37.2°C on Wednesday. The scorching conditions have brought daily life to a standstill, as residents struggle under both high temperatures and prolonged power cuts.

Officials from the local electricity offices reported a significant power shortage. The zonal office, serving 84,000 customers, has a regular demand of 105 megawatts but receives only 77 megawatts, resulting in a 30 percent deficit. The West Zone office faces a daily shortfall of 5–6 megawatts against a 24-megawatt demand. The combination of heat and load-shedding has caused severe hardship, particularly for children, the elderly, and laborers.

According to the Chuadanga weather observatory, humidity levels ranged from 47 to 62 percent during the day, intensifying the discomfort caused by the heatwave.

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has published a new fare list for inter-district and long-distance bus routes, including those in Dhaka and Chattogram, following the recent increase in fuel prices. The list was released on Saturday on the BRTA website, though passengers reported that no buses had yet displayed the updated fare charts. Supervisors said they had not received the official lists and were therefore continuing to charge previous fares.

According to a government notification issued on April 23, fares for diesel-run buses were raised by 11 paisa per kilometer. In Dhaka and Chattogram, 52-seat buses will now charge Tk 2.53 per kilometer, up from Tk 2.42, while inter-district buses will charge Tk 2.23, up from Tk 2.12. Minimum fares remain unchanged at Tk 10 for buses and Tk 8 for minibuses. The new rates do not apply to gas-powered vehicles.

Transport Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam warned that any gas-run buses charging higher fares would face action. He added that future fare adjustments will automatically align with international fuel price changes through BRTA notifications, ensuring a transparent and consistent process.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast rainfall across all eight divisions starting Sunday, April 26, 2026, following a prolonged heatwave. The agency said moderate to heavy rain may continue in parts of the country for the next five days, potentially easing the ongoing heatwave. Rainfall was recorded in several northern and northeastern districts on Saturday, while mild heat persisted in 20 districts, mainly in Khulna Division.

Meteorologists indicated that rainfall activity is expected to increase gradually, with heavy to very heavy showers likely in Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions. A low-pressure extension from West Bengal to the North Bay of Bengal is influencing the weather pattern. Day and night temperatures are expected to drop slightly nationwide as rain intensifies.

Experts noted that the intensity and extent of the heatwave have been decreasing since midweek. They added that, unlike in 2023 and 2024, there is no likelihood of a prolonged heatwave this year due to intermittent rainfall expected throughout the period.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the government will move away from borrowing through money printing and local bank loans, citing the economic damage caused by such practices. Speaking at a pre-budget discussion organized by the Ministry of Finance on Saturday, he said this policy had raised interest rates and crowded out the private sector, undermining sustainable growth.

He emphasized a policy framework that avoids inflationary pressure from excess money supply and supports entrepreneurs. The minister said the government aims to democratize the economy to ensure inclusive growth, highlighting initiatives such as the ‘Family Card’ program to empower women financially. He also stressed strengthening primary healthcare to reduce personal medical costs and identified small and medium enterprises as the main drivers of employment and growth.

Chowdhury pointed to challenges in the banking sector, currency depreciation, and high inflation, while reaffirming efforts to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio. He also underscored investment in education, skills, and renewable energy to harness demographic advantages and ensure energy security.

The government led by Prime Minister’s ICT adviser Rehan Asif Asad announced that it is focusing on four major areas to reform Bangladesh’s telecom sector. These include developing a new telecom policy through stakeholder consultation, implementing digital ID and digital wallet systems for all citizens, formulating an AI policy, and ensuring efficient revenue management. Asad made the remarks at a roundtable titled “New Telecom Policy and Entrepreneurs’ Expectations” held in Dhaka’s Moghbazar on Saturday.

He said the government aims to bring 90 percent of the population under 100 Mbps broadband and 5G mobile networks. The digital ID initiative is expected to integrate identity and financial transactions into one platform, improving access to public and private services. The rollout is planned within 12 to 18 months. Asad also highlighted the need for fair taxation and better interconnectivity among ISPs.

BTRC Chairman Emdadul Bari emphasized the importance of foreign investment and innovation in infrastructure development. Industry leaders and journalists attending the event urged collaboration to adapt to rapid technological changes and promote a win-win approach for all stakeholders.

On April 23, 2026, Dhaka Electric Supply PLC (DESCO) carried out special drives across shopping malls, markets, and residential and commercial establishments under its jurisdiction to promote electricity conservation and reduce excessive lighting. The operations were conducted under the directive of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. A mobile court led by Special Metropolitan Magistrate Hadiuzzaman inspected Mirpur area markets and shops from 7 p.m. on Thursday.

A separate drive took place in the Gulshan–Banani area on April 22, led by Executive Magistrate Mohammad Zubair Alam. During that operation, several establishments, including Spark Gear and Best Buy, were fined 10,000 taka each for violating regulations. One restaurant in Gulshan was also fined for excessive decorative lighting, and unnecessary display lights were confiscated. DESCO teams distributed leaflets and used loudspeakers to raise public awareness about energy conservation.

The drives were supervised by DESCO Managing Director Brigadier General Shamim Ahmed and Executive Director (Operations) Engineer Md. Rashidur Rahman, with participation from several senior engineers and staff members.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) held a discussion with business sector leaders on Saturday, April 25, in Dhaka, focusing on the theme “Delay is costly: Why immediate economic reform is essential.” The event took place at a city hotel and was organized by the NCP’s Industry and Commerce Cell. Member of Parliament and NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain attended as chief guest, alongside key party officials including Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari and Joint Member Secretary Advocate Abdullah Al Amin.

During the session, representatives from FBCCI, BGMEA, and entrepreneurs from the housing and renewable energy sectors shared their views. Speakers emphasized the need for immediate reform to revive the economy, criticizing the current state of the banking sector and revenue management. Nasiruddin Patwari accused the BNP government of derailing reform processes and urged business leaders to protest against it.

Business leaders called for institutional reforms and urged the government to focus on job creation in light of recent public unrest. The event concluded with active participation from all attendees.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding Bangladesh’s traditional products such as Jamdani and Hilsa in the global market. In a message to the media on the eve of World Intellectual Property Day, he said that steps have been taken to ensure online registration, faster services, legal protection, and prevention of counterfeit goods.

World Intellectual Property Day is observed globally on April 26 each year to raise awareness about the role of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and designs in promoting innovation and creativity. This year’s theme is “Intellectual Property and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.” The Prime Minister emphasized that intellectual property protection encourages innovation and creativity, contributing to sports technology, athlete training, branding, broadcasting, and entrepreneurship.

He added that the government is working to build an efficient service system to ensure proper recognition of innovators and creative individuals. The Prime Minister also highlighted initiatives to support athletes through allowances and sports cards, talent scouting, and modern training facilities, which he believes will boost sports-based industries, investment, and employment opportunities.