Popular Bangladeshi band Nagar Baul, led by Mahfuz Anam James, has undergone a significant lineup change. Guitarist Sultan Raihan Khan Rana has left the band after more than fifteen years of performing with James in numerous concerts at home and abroad. He parted ways recently due to personal reasons, ending a long professional association. Rana had not been seen performing with the band for some time and was absent from their recent Pahela Baishakh concert in Pabna.

At that event, guitarist Ismamul Farhad Elin performed with James, and it has now been confirmed that he has officially joined Nagar Baul as Rana’s replacement. According to the band’s spokesperson Robin Thakur, Rana could no longer dedicate enough time to the group because of personal commitments and decided to leave after discussions with other members. Elin formally joined the band in March 2026, having previously played as a guest artist in 2020 and gained recognition as a guitarist for the band Shunno. The current lineup includes James, Ahsan Elahi Fanti, Talukdar Sabbir Shawon, and Ismamul Farhad Elin.

The Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association has accused influential bus and launch owners’ associations of attempting to unilaterally increase fares in violation of international consumer rights laws. The allegation was made by the association’s secretary general, Md. Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, at a press conference held on Monday afternoon at the Dhaka Reporters Unity. He claimed that transport owners were fixing fares without passenger representation by influencing certain government officials.

The association argued that while fare adjustments should reflect changes in fuel prices, the current process lacks transparency and excludes passengers. It alleged that fare calculations are based on arbitrary cost components determined by owners, with no opportunity for verification by government or independent parties. The group also criticized the use of outdated buses in Dhaka and Chattogram, claiming inflated costs are used to justify higher fares.

The Passenger Welfare Association demanded government intervention and warned of strong protests if fare hikes exceed justified levels. Representatives from the Consumer Association of Bangladesh also spoke at the event, supporting the call for fair fare determination.

Two diesel-carrying ships have anchored at the Dolphin Jetty of Chattogram Port, and fuel unloading has already begun. According to a press release from Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) issued on Monday afternoon, the MT Oaktree carrying 35,000 metric tons of diesel and the MT Cape Bonny carrying 33,000 metric tons arrived between midnight and 8 a.m. on Sunday. Unloading from both ships started before noon.

BPC also reported that three more vessels—MT Lian Song Hu with 41,000 metric tons of diesel, MT Pacific Indigo with about 33,000 metric tons of diesel, and MT Nave Cielo with about 27,000 metric tons of octane—are waiting at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port. The corporation stated that these arrivals have strengthened the country’s fuel reserves.

The port authority confirmed that all necessary logistics and security measures have been reinforced to ensure quick unloading. BPC added that the fuel will be distributed to depots and marketing networks nationwide to help stabilize supply and meet ongoing demand.

A workshop titled 'Climate Change, Women's Livelihoods and the Context of the Southwest Region' was held on April 20, 2026, at the Humayun Kabir Balu Auditorium of Khulna Press Club. Participants called for a separate budget allocation for coastal areas and the creation of gender-friendly laws to improve the lives of women and children. They also urged the government to adopt a long-term national plan to solve the drinking water crisis affecting residents of Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira.

Speakers at the event, organized by Badabon Sangho, highlighted that inadequate communication systems and water scarcity are the main challenges for coastal communities. These issues contribute to health problems, including skin diseases, while access to healthcare remains limited. The workshop was chaired by Professor Anarul Kadir of Sundarban Academy and featured contributions from academics, journalists, and social activists.

Speakers further noted that climate change has deeply affected the livelihoods of people in the three districts. Rising salinity, natural disasters, shrimp farming expansion, land-use changes, and industrialization are threatening the environment and biodiversity of the Sundarbans region.

Hasan O Rashid has officially assumed the role of Managing Director of Eastern Bank PLC (EBL), one of Bangladesh’s leading private banks. Before joining EBL, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Prime Bank PLC. With over 31 years of experience in the banking sector, Rashid has held senior positions at Credit Agricole Indosuez, HSBC, and Standard Chartered Bank.

Rashid is recognized for his leadership in transformation, innovation, and strategic management. Between 2015 and 2021, he served as Additional Managing Director at EBL, where he played a key role in strengthening the bank’s position. Under his leadership, EBL’s balance sheet doubled, trade finance operations expanded significantly, and the bank introduced financial instruments such as commercial paper and zero-coupon bonds for the first time in Bangladesh.

He holds degrees in economics and business administration from Capital University in the United States and a master’s in international management from Thunderbird’s Garvin School. Rashid is currently the Vice-Chairman of the Association of Bankers, Bangladesh, and is active in several professional and social organizations.

The United Arab Emirates has approached the United States for financial assistance as the Iran war continues to strain its economy. According to the Wall Street Journal, UAE Central Bank chief Khaled Mohammed Balama proposed a currency swap with the U.S. Federal Reserve to offset losses from missile strikes on oil and gas infrastructure and revenue disruptions caused by the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Informal talks have begun, though no official announcement has been made.

The UAE’s request follows heavy regional damage, including attacks on Dubai’s Fairmont The Palm Hotel, Fujairah’s oil terminal, and Amazon data centers. The U.S. has spent nearly $1 billion daily since February 28, while Israel’s war costs have exceeded $11 billion. Washington recently signaled it might seek war funding from Gulf states, but the UAE’s compensation demand could reverse that dynamic, forcing the U.S. to bear costs instead. Iran has separately demanded $270 billion in reparations from Gulf neighbors it accuses of aiding the conflict.

Analysts warn that adding a U.S. backstop to soaring war expenses could weaken the dollar’s dominance in energy trade, especially as the UAE explores yuan-based transactions with China.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir told Parliament that ongoing instability in the Middle East has already put pressure on Bangladesh’s exports and could affect remittance inflows if the situation continues. Responding to a question from ruling party MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul, he described the current Iran–Israel–US conflict as a military tension centered on Iran. The minister said the unrest has contributed to rising fuel prices, higher import, shipping, and insurance costs, and potential challenges for exports and remittances.

He noted that the Middle East is one of Bangladesh’s key trade partners, importing garments, pharmaceuticals, frozen foods, and leather goods from the country. The government is monitoring the situation and has initiated measures under the Prime Minister’s direction, including efforts to reduce logistics costs and expand markets beyond conflict-affected regions. The minister also presented recent export and trade deficit data, showing Bangladesh’s largest deficit with India.

Muktadir added that fuel price increases in Bangladesh have been moderate compared to global trends and are unlikely to significantly raise inflation, citing the limited impact of diesel price adjustments on production and transport costs.

The Ministry of Finance has issued a recruitment notice for 23 vacant posts under the Customs, Excise and VAT Training Academy. The positions span 11 categories, ranging from grade 11 to grade 20, with the application deadline set for May 10, 2026. The recruitment notice was published on April 20, 2026, and applications opened on April 19, 2026.

The available posts include Subedar, Office Assistant cum Computer Typist, Driver, Havildar, Nurse, Lineman Electrician, Pump Operator, Armorer, Projector Operator, Office Assistant, and Cook. Salary scales vary between 8,250 and 30,230 taka depending on the grade. Applicants must be between 18 and 32 years old as of May 10, 2026, though the maximum age limit is 40 years for certain positions.

Interested candidates must complete their applications and submit the examination fee through the designated website within the specified timeframe.

The government has launched Fuel Pass registration in 19 additional districts as part of its plan to streamline national energy management. The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources confirmed the expansion in a notice issued on Monday, April 20, 2026. Registration is now open in Gazipur, Narayanganj, Cumilla, Lakshmipur, Noakhali, Bogura, Pabna, Sirajganj, Bagerhat, Chuadanga, Jashore, Barguna, Bhola, Jhalakathi, Habiganj, Moulvibazar, Dinajpur, Gaibandha, and Kurigram.

According to the ministry, the Fuel Pass system aims to make fuel usage more transparent and efficient. The registration process will gradually be extended to all remaining districts across the country. Citizens can also share feedback, complaints, or suggestions about the system through the official Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/fuelpass.

The initiative is expected to enhance monitoring and control of fuel distribution nationwide once fully implemented.

Farmers in Dharmapasha upazila of Sunamganj are unable to harvest ripe Boro paddy due to a severe shortage of laborers. Despite the fields being ready for harvest, many farmers are watching their crops fall and rot as they fail to find workers. The situation has worsened following recent heavy rains that caused ripe paddy to collapse onto the ground, while rising water levels in the haor areas have made it impossible to use harvesters.

According to the local agriculture office, Boro paddy was cultivated across 45 haors this season. Farmers report that daily wages for harvest workers have surged to between Tk 1,000 and Tk 1,200, while the market price of paddy remains only Tk 700 to Tk 800 per maund. Many are being forced to share half their yield with workers under the traditional “Adi” system to avoid total loss. Rising fuel prices have also increased the cost of threshing and transporting harvested paddy.

Farmers have urged the government to take urgent measures to address the labor crisis and prevent large-scale crop losses.

A new Air Traffic Management Center at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka was inaugurated on Monday by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanom. The event was attended by State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, French Ambassador Jean-Marc Serre-Charlet, ministry officials, and senior members of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh.

In her speech, Minister Afroza Khanom said the state-of-the-art and automated air traffic management system will make Bangladesh’s airspace safer, more efficient, and aligned with international standards. She recalled the contribution of late President Ziaur Rahman, who inaugurated the airport in 1980, laying the foundation for the country’s aviation sector. The minister expressed her vision to transform the airport into a global aviation hub.

State Minister Millat added that the new system, covering a 350-nautical-mile range, will enhance regional cooperation through integrated airspace management and information sharing with neighboring countries, supporting Bangladesh’s goal of becoming a regional aviation hub.

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture in northern Japan on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 4:53 p.m. local time. Following the quake, tsunami warnings were issued for Aomori Prefecture, Hokkaido, and nearby coastal regions, with authorities warning that waves up to three meters high could hit the shore. Tremors were also felt in Tokyo, where buildings swayed for several minutes.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to move quickly to safe areas, advising people to avoid rivers and coastal zones and seek higher ground. Japan’s national broadcaster NHK displayed English alerts reading “Tsunami! Evacuate!” and “Don’t turn back” to warn foreign residents and visitors.

The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed that the quake originated at a depth of 10 kilometers. Authorities continued to monitor the situation as precautionary measures remained in place across affected regions.

Significant mismanagement has been reported on the Paturia-Daulatdia ferry route, one of Bangladesh’s most vital river crossings. As of April 20, only two of the seven ferry terminals at the Daulatdia end remain operational, while the No. 7 terminal has been closed for over a week due to pontoon repairs. New pontoons purchased for the route are lying unused and rusting, while old pontoons are being patched up to keep services running. The slow pace of repair work has raised uncertainty about when the closed terminal will reopen.

Local residents have expressed concern that the unused pontoons, worth millions of taka, are deteriorating due to neglect. Earlier, a bus accident at the No. 3 terminal on March 25 caused temporary closure and severe traffic congestion, but users say no visible improvements have followed. With only two terminals functioning, vehicles including trucks and buses are facing long waits, increasing both costs and travel time.

Officials from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation said repair work began on April 12 and promised that the closed terminal would reopen soon. Observers warn that without faster project implementation and better management, the route’s operational crisis could worsen.

Global oil prices rose sharply on Monday amid uncertainty surrounding shipping through the Hormuz Strait and ongoing peace discussions. In early trading, Brent crude increased by 5.8 percent to reach 95.64 dollars per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate climbed 6.4 percent to 87.90 dollars per barrel.

Asian stock markets also reacted positively, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng up 0.8 percent, Japan’s Nikkei rising 1 percent, and South Korea’s Kospi gaining 1.4 percent. However, financial caution emerged as Australia’s largest business lender, National Australia Bank, signaled a 500 million dollar impairment charge, citing concerns that the ongoing conflict could increase bad loans.

The developments reflect heightened market sensitivity to geopolitical risks affecting global trade routes and energy supplies, with financial institutions preparing for potential credit impacts.

Bangladesh has started drilling its first deep exploration well at the Titas gas field in Brahmanbaria’s Budhal area. The drilling was inaugurated by Petrobangla’s Director (Finance) Mizanur Rahman on Sunday. Officials expect the well to add about 15 million cubic feet of gas per day to the national grid upon completion. The Bangladesh Gas Fields Company Limited (BGFCL) currently supplies around 325 million cubic feet of gas daily from 22 existing wells at Titas, with production declining due to reduced pressure and reserves.

To address the decline, BGFCL launched a 3D seismic survey and initiated two deep exploration wells at Titas and Bakhrabad fields, with a total cost of Tk 594 crore. The new Titas-31 well will reach a depth of 5,600 meters and take about seven months to complete, with Chinese contractor CCDC handling the drilling. According to project officials, seismic data suggest reserves of 1–1.5 trillion cubic feet of gas.

If successful, the project could lead to seven additional wells and mark a milestone for Bangladesh’s energy sector, contributing to national energy security amid global supply uncertainties.