Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that the government will not undertake any project that undermines national interests. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon after inspecting operational activities at Chattogram port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT). The minister said global terminal operator DP World has submitted a proposal to manage the NCT, which the government is currently reviewing. He emphasized that any decision will prioritize the interests of the country and port workers.

Alam described the NCT as a fully functional terminal that has progressed with time, noting that the government is analyzing whether to expand its capacity independently or through a foreign operator. He said the evaluation focuses on how national and workers’ interests can be safeguarded if foreign operators are involved. Referring to past protests over foreign operator appointments, he added that if national interests outweigh other concerns, the government will coordinate with workers to reach consensus.

The minister also said that all procurement methods, including open tender, G2G, and DPM, are valid, and DP World’s proposal is under review through the G2G process. If national interests are not protected, the government will switch to open tender and announce a decision soon.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has announced an increase in the retail price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The price of a 12-kilogram cylinder has been raised from Tk 1,728 to Tk 1,940. The new rate takes effect from the evening of Sunday, April 19, 2026, according to a message issued by the commission.

This marks the second price adjustment in April 2026. The previous revision took place on April 2, when the 12-kg cylinder price was set at Tk 1,728. The latest change represents a Tk 212 increase per cylinder at the consumer level.

The BERC did not provide further details in the announcement, including reasons for the price hike or its expected duration.

The Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association submitted a memorandum on Sunday, April 19, to Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam and Shipping Minister, demanding the reformation of the committees responsible for determining bus and launch fares. The organization argued that previous administrations, in collaboration with private transport owners and labor leaders, had monopolized fare-setting decisions, causing severe hardship for passengers.

The memorandum stated that despite the formation of a new government by the BNP, it continues to follow the policies of the previous regime. The association expressed concern that the recent 15 percent or Tk 15 per liter increase in fuel prices has worsened the situation for commuters. It also noted that the ministries lack expert panels for fare determination, allowing influential transport leaders to impose fares unilaterally.

The association urged the government to prioritize public interest by restructuring the fare committees to include representatives from passenger and consumer groups, following international consumer rights laws, and to ensure fair fare adjustments that protect passenger welfare.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has called for transforming the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) into a truly representative, effective, and non-political organization for the country’s business community. He made the remarks on Sunday, April 19, during a meeting with business leaders at the Ministry of Commerce conference room.

The minister emphasized that FBCCI must play a stronger and more active role in protecting business interests and presenting their demands to the government. He said the organization should exert constructive pressure when necessary to secure policy support but must not be used for political purposes. Muktadir added that FBCCI should serve as a collective platform for all entrepreneurs and act as a supportive force to the ministry by providing practical policy input.

He assured business leaders of the government’s commitment to a business-friendly environment and announced that the new import policy is in its final stage. Separate committees will also be formed with business representatives to simplify services in the textile, jute, industry, and commerce ministries.

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.