A mobile court in Sunamganj’s Dowarabazar upazila fined a businessman for selling fuel at prices higher than the government-fixed rate. The operation took place on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in the Banglabazar area. The court, led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Arup Ratan Singh, imposed a cash fine of 25,000 taka on Abdul Matin, owner of Arif Fuel Supply and joint convener of the local Volunteer Party unit.

According to court sources, consumers had recently complained that the shop was charging excessive prices for fuel. A surprise inspection confirmed the allegations, leading to the fine under Section 40 of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009. This was the first penalty imposed on the business for such an offense.

Executive Magistrate Arup Ratan Singh stated that the administration remains firm on stabilizing prices of essential goods and fuel. He warned that any trader creating artificial shortages or overcharging consumers would face legal action, adding that such drives would continue regularly in the public interest.

The British American Resource Center has announced a job circular to recruit two Product Development Managers. Applications will remain open until May 15, 2026. Selected candidates will receive a monthly salary of 35,000 taka along with benefits as per the organization’s policy. The positions are full-time and based in Uttara Sector 11, Dhaka.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree and have at least two years of relevant experience. Both male and female candidates aged 22 or above are eligible to apply. The job offers various benefits including travel allowance, mobile bill, performance bonus, profit share, annual increment, lunch facilities, and two festival bonuses per year.

Interested candidates can apply online through the provided link before the deadline. The announcement highlights the organization’s effort to attract qualified professionals for its product development team.

An endangered fishing cat was beaten to death and hung from an electric pole in Musapur Union of Sandwip upazila, Chattogram. The incident occurred on Tuesday in the Bashiria residential area after the animal was trapped overnight in a chicken farm owned by a local resident. Following the killing, locals tied the dead animal to a roadside electric pillar, drawing crowds of onlookers the next morning.

Environmental advocates said the destruction of natural habitats and food shortages often drive these animals into human settlements. They noted that fishing cats help farmers by preying on rats and snakes, and their killing poses a serious threat to ecological balance. Under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act 2012, the fishing cat is a protected species, and killing it is a non-bailable offense punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to one million taka.

Officials from the Coastal Forest Department’s Sandwip Range confirmed that a team was dispatched to the site to collect evidence. They stated that legal action will be taken against those responsible following investigation.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury told Parliament on April 21, 2026, that there is no possibility of any deal between the government and S Alam Group. Responding to a question from MP Hasnat Abdullah, he said the BNP-led government has no scope for compromise in economic matters. The minister confirmed that lawsuits have been filed against those who defaulted on bank loans and that recovery processes are ongoing through both government-to-government and private recovery firms.

He further stated that cases have been filed to recover assets allegedly laundered abroad by S Alam and Beximco groups, with Mutual Legal Assistance Requests sent to several countries. Courts have ordered the seizure of domestic and foreign assets linked to S Alam Group, including bank accounts, shares, and real estate. The minister described the recovery of laundered funds as a complex and lengthy legal process but assured that all possible legal measures are being pursued.

Chowdhury also said amendments to the Bank Resolution Act have opened a new window for investment but not for defaulters to return easily, reaffirming that the government does not support any individual patronage in the economy.

Irrigation for the Irri-Boro rice season in Neserabad upazila of Pirojpur has been severely disrupted due to a shortage of diesel, leaving farmers deeply worried about possible crop failure. Around 3,000 hectares of paddy fields are affected as irrigation machines remain idle without fuel. The lack of water is causing rice plants to wilt and increasing the risk of empty grains, threatening the expected yield.

Farmers report that diesel is either unavailable in the market or being sold at high prices, forcing many to abandon their fields or irrigate on a limited scale. Some have taken loans for cultivation and now fear financial losses if the crops fail. Local farmer Khalek Bepari expressed frustration over the absence of government assurance on fuel supply, while another farmer, Afsar Ali, said he would struggle to repay his debts if the harvest is lost.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Mahfuzur Rahman confirmed that the diesel crisis has had a negative impact and warned of large-scale crop damage unless fuel supply is restored soon.

The Rangamati district administration has imposed a complete ban on fishing in Kaptai Lake to ensure proper breeding, growth, and natural expansion of released fish fry. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by District Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi, who also heads the Kaptai Lake Management and Operations Committee. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock issued a press release confirming the decision, which takes effect from midnight on April 24 until further notice.

According to the directive, fishing, transportation, and marketing of fish will remain suspended during the ban period. However, fish already caught may be landed at the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) jetty until 4 p.m. on April 25. The release of new fish fry will begin on May 2. To prevent illegal fishing, joint patrols by the naval police and BFDC will be conducted, with temporary checkpoints and mobile court operations in place.

The ministry has also launched a humanitarian program to support 26,845 affected fishing families in Rangamati and Khagrachhari districts, providing 40 kilograms of rice per family over two months and transportation allowances to ensure food security during the ban.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman announced that transport fares in Bangladesh will be determined rationally following the recent rise in fuel prices. He made the statement on Tuesday at a press conference held at the Department of Information in the Secretariat, where State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury was also present.

Rahman said discussions are ongoing between the government and stakeholders to adjust fares in line with fuel costs. To resolve complexities, air-conditioned bus fares may be set in two or three tiers, with implementation expected before the upcoming Eid. He also mentioned that city corporations have been instructed to improve facilities at Dhaka’s bus terminals, particularly toilet management.

The adviser added that eight night markets are planned in Dhaka to relocate street vendors and keep sidewalks free for pedestrians. He further stated that the pilot expansion of the “Fuel Pass BD” app now covers motorcycle registration in several districts beyond Dhaka, with over 170,000 registrations completed so far.

Global oil prices declined following reports of possible second-round peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad. The news brought renewed optimism to investors and a slight rebound in Asian stock markets on Tuesday. Brent crude fell by 54 cents, or 0.6 percent, to 94.94 dollars per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for May delivery dropped by 1.11 dollars, or 1.2 percent, to 88.50 dollars per barrel.

The decline followed a sharp rise of nearly 6 percent in oil prices on Monday, when uncertainty over the talks had unsettled markets. The long-running conflict between Iran and the United States has disrupted global energy supplies and raised fears of a potential global recession. The renewed prospect of dialogue between the two nations has eased some of those concerns.

Analysts noted that expectations of progress in the Islamabad discussions could help stabilize energy markets if negotiations proceed as anticipated.

Italian energy company Eni has announced the discovery of a large new natural gas reserve off the coast of Indonesia. According to the government, this find could allow the European firm to triple its production in the country by 2028. The discovery site lies about 70 kilometers off East Kalimantan province, containing an estimated 5 trillion cubic feet of gas and 300 million barrels of condensate, a liquid hydrocarbon. Eni said the new reserve will open an important supply route for both domestic and international markets.

Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia described the discovery as significant, projecting condensate production to reach 90,000 barrels per day by 2028 and 150,000 by 2029–2030. The government expects higher condensate output to reduce oil imports. The announcement comes as Indonesia faces rising global energy prices following conflict in the Middle East.

Recent diplomatic efforts by President Prabowo Subianto included meetings with Russia and France to secure oil supply and advance renewable energy cooperation, reflecting Indonesia’s broader push for energy security and self-sufficiency.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir met with Australian High Commissioner Susan Ryle on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Secretariat in Dhaka. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Australia. Both sides discussed opportunities to expand collaboration in renewable energy, industrial development, and employment generation.

Minister Muktadir said the government is working to create an investment-friendly environment and is prioritizing foreign investment in renewable energy. He highlighted the government’s goal to activate industrial assets worth around 7 billion dollars and attract private investment to make them more productive. He also invited Australian investors to increase participation in Bangladesh’s solar power sector.

High Commissioner Ryle noted that bilateral trade currently stands at about 5.14 billion US dollars and continues to grow. She said there is significant potential for investment in renewable energy, and an Australian delegation is reviewing opportunities in green energy, innovation, and technology cooperation. Both sides expressed interest in expanding collaboration in trade, education, scholarships, and infrastructure development.

State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam said the government is working to reopen all closed jute mills across Bangladesh in line with its election pledges. He stated that efforts are underway to restart the mills under both public and private management. The minister made these remarks on April 21, 2026, after inspecting the closed Cooperative Jute Mill in Palash, Narsingdi.

He added that the government aims to gradually reopen all closed factories, including two in Narsingdi, and attract both domestic and foreign investors to create employment opportunities. The minister also mentioned that corruption and mismanagement in the jute sector during previous administrations are being investigated. The visit was attended by BJMC Chairman Brigadier Kabir Uddin Sikder, Chief Operating Officer Mamunur Rashid, and local officials.

During his visit, the minister also inspected Bangladesh Jute Mill and Pran Industrial Park in Ghorashal, Palash upazila, as part of the government’s broader plan to revive the jute industry.

The Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) has increased service charges by 8.5 percent, effective from one minute past midnight on Sunday, citing a rise in fuel prices. A letter announcing the new rate was sent to stakeholders on Monday morning. Business leaders, including those from the BGMEA and import-export sectors, expressed anger, saying the decision was made unilaterally without approval from the tariff committee or consultation with stakeholders.

BICDA argued that the adjustment was not a fee hike but a necessary fuel surcharge due to increased diesel costs. The association stated that all depot machinery and transport vehicles depend on fuel, and the recent government price increase of about 20 taka per liter has sharply raised operating expenses. The 19 private container depots handle a significant portion of Chattogram Port’s import and export containers, and their charges are normally set through a tariff committee under the port authority.

Business representatives warned that such unilateral action could destabilize the national economy and urged that the surcharge be suspended until proper discussions are held.

Farmers in Dharmapasha upazila of Sunamganj are struggling to harvest ripe Boro paddy due to an acute shortage of laborers. Despite the crops being fully mature, harvesting has been delayed, raising fears of damage from further storms or rainfall. According to the local agriculture office, Boro paddy was cultivated across 45 haors this season, but heavy rains on March 14, 15, and 27 submerged about 410 hectares of land in 16 haors, completely destroying crops in 13 of them. Another storm on April 16 flattened ripe paddy, and rising water levels have made it impossible to use harvesters.

Farmers report that daily wages for harvest workers have surged to Tk 1,000–1,200, while the market price of paddy remains only Tk 27–28 per maund. Many are resorting to traditional sharecropping methods where workers take half the yield. Rising fuel prices have further increased costs for threshing and transporting paddy from the haor areas. Farmers are urging the government to ensure labor supply and fair pricing to prevent large-scale losses this season.

Riverbank erosion has appeared at two points of the Jamuna River protection area in Kazipur, Sirajganj, during the dry season. Several sections have collapsed into the river, with locals blaming illegal sand extraction for intensifying water currents that struck the western bank. The Water Development Board (WDB) said there is no cause for panic, as sand-filled geo bags are being placed to prevent further damage.

Residents alleged that influential groups have been illegally extracting sand from the Jamuna using dredgers in areas such as Kazipur Eco Park, Palashpur Ghat, Meghai Ghat, and Dhekuriya. The WDB completed riverbank protection work in 2014, but recent collapses have raised fears for Meghai embankment, farmland, and nearby structures. Locals said the erosion has already consumed large portions of their land.

Officials stated that legal sand extraction must occur at least one kilometer away from public and private structures, embankments, and pipelines. The administration has conducted drives and imposed fines against illegal operators, vowing to prevent further unauthorized sand lifting.

The new government of Bangladesh has borrowed Tk 445 billion from the banking system within just 52 days of assuming power. According to Bangladesh Bank data, this rapid borrowing has already exceeded the fiscal year’s target of Tk 1.04 trillion, with total government borrowing reaching Tk 1.127 trillion by April 9. Of this, the interim government borrowed Tk 682.29 billion between July and February 16. The report indicates that the government’s net bank borrowing during the first nine months and nine days of the fiscal year rose by 139.6 percent compared to the same period last year.

Sector insiders attribute the surge in borrowing to election-related expenses, new investments, and increased subsidies in the energy sector due to the Iran war’s impact. Revenue collection has fallen short by about Tk 715 billion over the first eight months, forcing the government to rely more heavily on bank loans to meet expenditure.

Bangladesh Bank’s former chief economist Dr. Mustafa K Mujeri noted that low revenue collection has made it difficult to meet budgetary spending targets, pushing the government to exceed its borrowing limit even with three months left in the fiscal year.