The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast that the mild to moderate heatwave currently sweeping across parts of the country may expand further. The 24-hour weather outlook issued on Sunday evening indicated that the heatwave is affecting Dhaka, Tangail, Faridpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, and the Khulna division. The department warned that the heatwave could intensify and spread over the next few days.

According to the forecast, temporary gusty winds with rain or thundershowers may occur in a few places in the Chattogram and Sylhet divisions from Sunday evening. On Monday, scattered rain accompanied by strong winds is possible in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions, while the rest of the country is expected to remain mostly dry with partly cloudy skies.

The weather office also noted that daytime temperatures may rise slightly across the country over the next two days, with nighttime temperatures increasing by one to two degrees Celsius. A slight drop in daytime temperatures is expected from April 14.

Bangladesh is experiencing a major energy crisis, with 65 percent of its power generation capacity currently inactive. Out of a total capacity of 32,322 megawatts, only 10,000 to 10,500 megawatts are being added daily to the national grid. Officials from the Power Division and related agencies said the Power Development Board paid over Tk 26,000 crore in capacity charges in one fiscal year. They blamed the previous Awami League government’s policies for the current crisis, citing mismanagement and corruption in the energy sector.

Gas-based plants, with a capacity of 12,000 megawatts, are producing only about 4,000 megawatts due to gas shortages, while coal-based plants are generating 4,500 megawatts out of 7,500. Oil-based plants are also underperforming. Experts warned that if the fuel crisis continues, the country could face severe power disruptions as summer demand rises to 18,000 megawatts. The interim government has published a white paper alleging Tk 1.25 trillion in corruption in the power and energy sectors during the Awami League’s 15-year rule.

Officials said the government is struggling to maintain supply despite having 32,000 megawatts of installed capacity, while unpaid bills exceeding Tk 50,000 crore threaten future energy imports and production.

Turkey is positioning Istanbul as a rival to Dubai by expanding tax incentives and support measures to attract international investors. According to a report citing a senior Turkish official, Ankara plans to enhance benefits already available at the Istanbul Financial Center (IFC), including tax exemptions and income incentives for foreign professionals. The move comes as regional instability, triggered by Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Gulf financial hubs following strikes by the United States and Israel, threatens the Middle East’s investment centers.

Bloomberg reported that Turkey intends to broaden these tax incentives for multinational companies, allowing up to 50 percent tax exemption on income from foreign trade activities. Earlier this year, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted 40 global CEOs at a World Economic Forum event in Istanbul, signaling growing foreign interest in Turkey’s investment landscape. IFC’s CEO said some firms are considering relocating or expanding operations in Turkey due to the Iran conflict.

However, concerns remain over Turkey’s legal system, inflation, and rule of law, which some international bankers say could deter investors. Officials acknowledge that addressing these issues is key to attracting data centers and AI companies.

Freight transport in Chattogram has dropped sharply due to a fuel shortage, with the number of operating trucks, lorries, and covered vans falling below 8,000—a 30 percent decline from the usual 13,000 vehicles. At the same time, transport fares have risen by 20 to 40 percent, severely affecting importers and exporters who now face difficulties in maintaining regular supply chains. The shortage has also led to fears of an artificial market crisis.

Truck drivers and transport offices report that fuel scarcity has reduced vehicle availability, forcing them to pay significantly higher rental rates. For example, the cost of sending an open truck from Chattogram to Dhaka has increased from about Tk 24,000–25,000 to Tk 33,000–35,000, while covered van and container lorry rates have also surged. Drivers describe long waits at fuel stations, limited fuel allocations, and growing safety concerns.

Industry representatives warn that if fuel supply to port-based transport is not prioritized, Chattogram Port’s operations and the national economy could face serious disruption. Business leaders allege that some groups are exploiting the crisis to manipulate the supply chain, though consumer markets have not yet shown major instability.

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain announced that an international-standard DNA laboratory will be established in Dhaka. He stated that with a population of 25 million and a growing number of DNA tests each year, the ministry’s forensic DNA laboratory will be upgraded into a modern facility. The announcement was made during a meeting of the Forensic DNA Laboratory Advisory Council at the National Science and Technology Complex in Agargaon, Dhaka.

The minister said that DNA screening laboratories at divisional levels will gradually be upgraded into fully self-sufficient profiling labs. He noted that the current forensic DNA lab equipment is over 15 years old, significantly reducing efficiency, and emphasized the need for new machines to ensure quality, purity, and accuracy in sample analysis. The ministry plans to integrate all forensic DNA reports into a centralized database under the Directorate of DNA Laboratory Management.

The advisory council also discussed staffing needs, database development, amendments to DNA laws and regulations, recruitment of qualified personnel, and setting analysis fees. Senior officials from the ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office attended the meeting.

Telenor Group President and Chief Executive Officer Benedicte Schilbred Fasmer met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday, April 13, 2026. The meeting took place in the Prime Minister’s office at the Cabinet Division of the Secretariat in Dhaka. No further details of the discussion were disclosed in the source.

The report, published by Amar Desh Online, confirmed the meeting as part of the Prime Minister’s official engagements for the day. It did not specify the topics discussed or any agreements reached between the two sides.

Further information about the purpose or outcomes of the meeting was not provided in the source text.

The Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA) held a public hearing in Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar with over a hundred male and female microcredit clients. Organized jointly by Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) and COAST Foundation on April 12, the event allowed rural participants to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations related to microcredit. MRA’s Executive Vice Chairman Professor Dr. Mohammad Helal Uddin attended as chief guest, emphasizing proper fund utilization and institutional capacity building.

Participants raised issues such as high service charges, lack of safe drinking water, and the need for grants for injured or affected members. They also discussed expanding employment opportunities for women and in the tourism sector to boost the local economy. COAST and YPSA representatives highlighted ongoing training programs and joint efforts to address water scarcity.

Dr. Helal Uddin noted that regulatory reforms and concessional funding are being pursued to strengthen microcredit institutions. He added that new tourism demand following the railway expansion could create local employment through professional training.

Employees of the West Zone Power Distribution Company (Ozopadico) highlighted severe deprivation and unfair wages during a press conference held at Khulna Press Club on Sunday. Organizational leaders warned that if the current situation continues, the quality of electricity service will deteriorate and employees’ livelihoods will be at risk. They demanded fair wages, immediate recruitment to fill vacant posts, and an end to outsourcing.

According to the written statement by the organization’s general secretary, Ozopadico serves 1,728,316 customers through 10,786 kilometers of distribution lines and 97 substations, with only 440 officers and 964 workers. Each employee currently serves an average of 1,792 customers, causing excessive workload and declining service quality. The shortage of substation operators (SBA) was identified as a critical issue, with 119 of 344 positions vacant and further retirements expected by 2027.

The employees alleged that despite working 8 to 16 extra hours daily, they are not paid for 21,360 monthly overtime hours. They also claimed that recruitment notices issued in 2025 remain unimplemented and that outsourcing violates decent work principles. The organization warned of strong protests if their demands are not met.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping, Sheikh Robiul Alam, has expressed optimism about potential US investment and technical assistance in the country’s transport sector. During a courtesy meeting at the Secretariat on Sunday, US Ambassador to Dhaka Brent T. Christensen reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening mutual cooperation, increasing investment, and sharing technological expertise to advance Bangladesh’s transport infrastructure. The meeting also discussed ongoing development projects and future collaboration opportunities, attended by Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr. Ziaul Haque.

The minister said the government, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, is working tirelessly to modernize and ensure sustainable and safe transport systems. The US ambassador emphasized that his country would continue supporting road safety, modern transport systems, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Separately, a delegation from Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA) met the minister to discuss road safety, accident prevention, and public awareness. The minister highlighted government initiatives to reduce accidents and stressed the importance of citizen awareness and social movements in ensuring safer roads.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a strict directive requiring all bank branches to accept torn, damaged, and dirty currency notes from the public and provide usable replacements. The circular, released on Sunday, warns that any bank showing reluctance to serve customers in this regard will face legal action under the Bank Company Act, 1991. The directive takes immediate effect.

According to the central bank, despite previous instructions to ensure smooth cash transactions, a large number of defective notes remain in circulation. To address this, banks must set up special counters to regularly collect damaged notes of all denominations, particularly smaller ones such as 5, 10, 20, and 50 taka, and replace them with usable notes.

The move aims to maintain the quality of currency in circulation and ensure uninterrupted public access to clean and usable banknotes across the country.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir held separate meetings with German Ambassador Dr. Rüdiger Lotz and Swedish Ambassador Niclas Wik at his office in the Secretariat on Sunday afternoon. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and the two European nations.

During the meeting with the German envoy, the minister emphasized Europe’s importance as a key export destination for Bangladesh and called for German investment in the light engineering, textile, and leather sectors. He noted that the government is working to remove non-tariff barriers and create an investment-friendly environment. Dr. Lotz expressed Germany’s interest in deepening trade relations, improving skill development, and ensuring a level playing field for businesses.

In the subsequent meeting with the Swedish ambassador, both sides discussed enhancing trade and investment ties. The minister said steps have been taken to remove non-tariff barriers with Sweden, while Ambassador Wik expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh’s telecom sector, citing Sweden’s global leadership in that field.

Islami Bank’s board of directors has placed its Managing Director, Md. Omar Faruk Khan, on one and a half months of leave effective from April 13, 2026. According to bank sources, the decision will take effect from tomorrow. Khan had originally applied for a 15-day leave starting April 28, but the board extended the duration and adjusted the dates to run from April 13 to May 31.

The bank’s chairman, Dr. M. Zubaidur Rahman, could not be reached for comment despite multiple attempts by reporters. Omar Faruk Khan was appointed as the Managing Director of Islami Bank in August of the previous year.

No official explanation for the extended leave has been provided by the bank, and it remains unclear whether an acting managing director has been appointed during Khan’s absence.

Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir stated that digitalization is essential to eradicate corruption in Bangladesh. Speaking at the launch of United Commercial Bank’s digital app ‘UCB One’ in Dhaka on Sunday, he said the government is advancing toward a “One Citizen, One Card” and “One Digital Wallet” system. He expressed hope that by next year, every citizen will have a bank account, bringing the entire population under the banking system.

Titumir highlighted structural weaknesses, policy gaps, and patronage culture as major causes of fragility in the banking sector. He noted that although the interim government reduced non-performing loans from 35% to 30% through rescheduling, the actual figure may be higher pending forensic audits. He warned that many banks are lending up to 100% of deposits, exceeding international standards, and that short-term deposits are being used for long-term loans, creating systemic risks.

He emphasized three reform priorities: reducing excessive charges to attract customers, introducing innovative incentives for deposits, and overhauling risk management. He added that concentrated lending has increased poverty and unemployment, urging coordinated government–private sector efforts to restore sustainable growth.

Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury announced that the government is taking steps to reopen the long-closed Malaysia labor route soon. Speaking to journalists after a law and order committee meeting at the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner’s office on Sunday, he said the initiative aims to expand overseas employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers. The minister also mentioned that the government is working to reactivate labor markets in several other countries.

During the meeting, the minister gave law enforcement agencies a one-week ultimatum to curb incidents of robbery and snatching in Sylhet. He noted that the law and order situation had improved compared to the previous month but emphasized the need for continued vigilance. He also directed authorities to prevent smuggling and ensure strict monitoring at border areas and fuel depots.

Ariful Haque Chowdhury added that the government is addressing visa extension issues for returnees from the Middle East through diplomatic discussions and ensuring the safety of expatriates in conflict zones. He described his recent Malaysia visit as productive, highlighting a successful joint venture agreement and positive bilateral relations.

A group of leaders from the central committee of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (student wing) organized an awareness campaign at Dhaka University on April 12, 2026, to promote responsible use of water and electricity. The event began in front of the central library, where leaflets were distributed under the theme “Are we fulfilling our responsibilities in this global crisis?” urging students to reduce waste in daily life.

The campaign, led by the organization’s library secretary Touhidul Islam, emphasized that small acts of negligence—such as leaving lights or taps on unnecessarily—can collectively worsen resource shortages. He noted that conserving electricity and water is not only about saving costs but also about protecting the environment, as excessive energy use increases fuel consumption and pollution.

Touhidul Islam highlighted that residential halls, where many students live together, are particularly vulnerable to waste. He called on students to make conservation a habit, stressing that small steps today could help avert larger crises in the future.