Biometric attendance machines installed in government primary schools of Matlab North upazila, Chandpur, to ensure teacher attendance have become non-functional, turning a multimillion-taka investment into a waste. The devices, installed about eight years ago across 180 schools during the 2018–19 fiscal year, cost each school between Tk 26,000 and Tk 35,000, though similar machines were available in the market for Tk 5,000–6,000. Many of the machines are now missing or disconnected, with no operational database links.

Teachers and local officials have alleged that the machines were supplied at inflated prices under political pressure from ruling party members and that the project lacked proper planning and technical support. Several head teachers said the devices never worked due to missing connections and oversight, calling the initiative a misuse of government funds. The Upazila Primary Education Officer confirmed that none of the machines are currently functional.

Calls have been made for an investigation and accountability to prevent similar irregularities in future education technology projects.

A day laborer named Abdul Karim from Ulipur upazila in Kurigram has built a bridge over the Burir Teesta canal, fulfilling a long-standing demand of residents from about ten nearby villages. After repeated appeals to government offices failed, Karim took the initiative himself, using his savings and personal assets to complete the project. He sold his motorcycle and two goats, invested his small savings, and borrowed 100,000 taka to finish the construction. The bridge, made of bricks, wood, and iron supported by concrete pillars, was officially opened for public use last Friday.

Karim said he was inspired to act after witnessing the daily struggles of students, patients, and elderly people crossing the canal. Local residents praised his effort, noting that the bridge has eased access to hospitals, schools, and markets. Businessman Robiul Islam and teacher Sharmin Jahan highlighted how the bridge has reduced travel time and improved safety.

Ulipur’s acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer SM Mehedi Hasan described Karim’s initiative as a rare example of social responsibility, saying it should inspire others to contribute to community welfare.

The Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) has published the results of the recruitment examinations for head and assistant head positions in private schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical institutions across Bangladesh. The results were released at 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, with 14,942 candidates passing and a pass rate of 31 percent. Results are available on the NTRCA website.

According to the authority, 53,069 candidates applied for the examination against 11,151 vacant posts. The tests were held on April 18 in four separate sessions throughout the day. Successful candidates will receive their results via SMS from Teletalk Bangladesh Limited, and the full results can be accessed online.

NTRCA stated that the schedule for the viva voce (oral) examinations for those who passed the written test will be announced later on its official website.

Teachers at Barishal University have been observing a two-day academic work stoppage and shutdown program since Tuesday, demanding resolution of promotion issues. All classes and examinations were suspended after the complete shutdown began on Wednesday, raising fears of session delays among students. The protest followed a written declaration signed by 102 teachers on Monday evening.

The teachers cited long-standing faculty shortages, promotion complications, and legal uncertainty as reasons for their action. They said a recent University Grants Commission directive requiring the Chancellor’s approval for employment, promotion, and administrative regulations has created legal ambiguity and questioned the validity of previous activities. Around 51 teaching positions remain vacant, and unpaid part-time lecturers have disrupted teaching. Frustration has also grown over the pending promotion of 24 teachers to professor rank.

Students expressed concern about session jams and academic losses, while university authorities urged teachers to avoid actions harming students. The vice-chancellor stated that efforts are underway to resolve the promotion crisis and called for cooperation until an acceptable solution is reached.

A new rule at a temple in Uttarakhand, India, has sparked controversy as it requires visitors to consume 'Panchagavya'—a mixture of cow milk, curd, ghee, dung, and urine with Ganga water—before entering. The regulation coincides with the start of the Char Dham Yatra and applies to all visitors, including non-Hindus, who must fulfill this condition to gain entry. The temple committee stated that the practice demonstrates devotion to Sanatan Dharma.

According to the Yamunotri Temple Committee spokesperson Purushottam Uniyal, no religious ritual is complete without Panchagavya, and the temple has followed this tradition for generations. He added that the rule aims to ensure that only those who respect Sanatan traditions can visit the shrine, as the number of visitors without such devotion has reportedly increased.

The decision has triggered renewed debate in India over religious freedom and discrimination, with discussions emerging about the implications of imposing faith-based entry conditions at religious sites.

A group of farmers in Shariatpur drew attention after carrying their shallow irrigation machines on their shoulders to a local fuel station to collect fuel. The unusual scene, captured in a video that went viral on social media on April 22, 2026, showed the farmers preparing to refuel their machines directly at the pump. The incident took place earlier on April 18 at Messrs Chokdar Filling Station in Dogri Bazar, Naria upazila.

According to the station operator, the farmers acted on the belief that fuel could not be sold in bottles or drums, a restriction that had previously existed. Although current regulations allow limited bottle sales for agricultural use with proper authorization, many farmers remain unaware of the updated rules. The operator explained that local authorities have now permitted limited bottled fuel sales to ease farmers’ access.

Local residents reacted with mixed opinions, noting that the incident reflected a lack of clear communication and information among rural farmers. Stakeholders urged authorities to improve awareness and ensure smoother fuel distribution for agricultural needs.

A student from Chakrampur High School in Khansama upazila of Dinajpur was unable to take the SSC examination due to alleged negligence by the head teacher. The student, Naim Islam, had completed the form fill-up process but did not receive his admit card, which prevented him from sitting for the exam. According to the complaint, head teacher Shariful Islam Lipu collected 3,000 taka from Naim for form fill-up and center fees but failed to complete the registration.

Naim stated that he discovered the issue two days before the exam when he visited the school and learned that his admit card had not arrived, shattering his hopes of participating in the SSC examination. In response, head teacher Shariful Islam Lipu said he did not recall taking the money but later returned it to the student’s family after learning of the matter.

Khansama Upazila Nirbahi Officer Kamruzzaman Sarkar said that if the head teacher had contacted him earlier, some action might have been possible. He added that an investigation will be conducted and necessary measures will be taken.

Turkey’s Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University will host ten visiting scholars from Comilla University under a visiting scholar program announced on April 22, 2026. The opportunity is open to faculty members and PhD-level students, with applications managed through Comilla University’s International Relations Office and IQAC. The announcement was made during a seminar attended by senior university officials and representatives from the Turkish university.

According to the International Relations Office, the application deadline is April 25, though it may be extended. The program duration ranges from seven days to two months, during which participants will receive accommodation and meals from the host university while engaging in academic activities. The initiative marks the first tangible outcome of Comilla University’s recent efforts to establish international academic collaborations.

University authorities described the program as a milestone that could open new opportunities for global engagement. Efforts are also underway to expand academic cooperation with other countries, including China, to strengthen Comilla University’s national and international standing.

A delegation from Premier University, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor S. M. Nasrul Kadir, met with University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed at the UGC office on Tuesday. The delegation included Treasurer Professor Dr. Zahed Hossain Sikder and Registrar Mohammad Iftekhar Monir. During the meeting, they handed over copies of accreditation certificates received from the Bangladesh Accreditation Council for five undergraduate programs: Bachelor of Business Administration, BA (Honours) in English, LLB (Honours), BSS (Honours) in Economics, and BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. They also presented a copy of the confidence certificate for the BSc in Computer Science and Engineering program.

The UGC chairman expressed satisfaction upon receiving the certificates and praised Premier University for its achievement. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the achieved quality standards and advised the university to take necessary steps for accreditation of its remaining programs. The vice-chancellor also briefed the chairman on the university’s overall academic progress and future plans.

The meeting highlighted the institution’s ongoing efforts to strengthen academic quality and compliance with national accreditation standards.

Three teachers have been relieved of their duties after an SSC examination in Shibganj, Chapainawabganj, was conducted with the wrong question paper. The incident occurred at the KanSat Soleman Mia Degree College examination center, where students in room number eight reportedly received the incorrect paper for the Bangla First Paper exam. The issue came to light when a student named Tahmidur Rahman submitted a written complaint to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) on Wednesday afternoon.

Following the complaint, the administration removed three teachers from examination duties: Abdus Sattar, head teacher of Bagbari High School; Maksudur Rahman, assistant teacher of Kansat Mahedur Rahman Girls’ High School; and Mahbubur Rahman, assistant teacher of Daipukuria Union Council High School. UNO Mazharul Islam stated that the matter had been referred to the Rajshahi Education Board for re-evaluation of the affected students’ papers.

The administrative action aims to ensure accountability and proper evaluation for the students affected by the error, according to the local authority.

The two-day International Education Fair and Seminar organized by Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) in collaboration with Edumex Consultancy concluded at Jagannath University. The event featured an international education seminar held on Wednesday, April 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the university’s central auditorium, focusing on study abroad preparation, application processes, and higher education opportunities. The first day’s activities took place on Tuesday at the Faculty of Science field from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Speakers included North South University lecturer Md. Zahidul Islam Miaji and Jagannath University marketing professor Dr. Imranul Haque, who emphasized goal setting and perseverance in pursuing higher studies abroad. Organizers reported that over 300 students would receive free IELTS courses from Edumex after a selection test, requiring a refundable deposit of 2,000 taka for those meeting attendance and test performance criteria.

JAKSU’s education and research secretary Ibrahim Khalil stated that the expo aimed to provide students with a platform for career and higher education planning through on-campus counseling, visa guidance, and language test support.

Tahmina Akter, an SSC examinee from Government Setara Smriti Girls' High School in Jianagar, Pirojpur, has received the 'Konya Sahasika' (Brave Daughter) award from the Pirojpur district administration. The award, presented on April 22, 2026, included a certificate and financial assistance to help her continue her education. District Commissioner Abu Sayeed handed over the honor and support at his office.

Tahmina, daughter of Alam Hawlader from Charakhali Ward in Indurkani Sadar Union, gained attention after she sought help from Jianagar police on April 18 to prevent her own marriage and ensure she could sit for her SSC exams. With the assistance of the local administration and community leaders, she successfully avoided child marriage.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Hasan Md. Hafizur Rahman praised Tahmina’s courage, saying her determination was inspiring and that the administration was proud to recognize her bravery.

Biometric attendance machines installed in government primary schools of Matlab North upazila in Chandpur have become non-functional, despite being introduced to ensure regular attendance. The devices, installed in 180 schools during the 2018–19 fiscal year at a cost of Tk 26,000–35,000 each, were found to be mostly missing, disconnected, or broken. Teachers and residents allege that the machines, purchased at inflated prices, failed to improve education quality and now lie unused.

Local teachers and residents claim that a syndicate, allegedly backed by influential Awami League leaders, supplied substandard machines at high prices for personal gain. Several head teachers said the devices stopped working soon after installation due to poor quality and lack of maintenance. They also reported that no effective monitoring or repair initiatives were taken even after repeated complaints. The acting head teachers of Gazra and Otarchar Government Primary Schools described the project as wasteful and poorly planned.

Upazila Primary Education Officer Harunur Rashid Molla confirmed that none of the schools currently have operational biometric attendance systems, noting that the project was implemented before his tenure.

An auto-rickshaw driver named Sakib from Borhanuddin upazila in Bhola set an example of honesty by returning a lost bag containing three lakh taka and important documents to its rightful owner. The incident occurred on April 21, 2026, when Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, a resident of Ward 6 of the municipality, accidentally left his bag in an auto-rickshaw after dropping his son at an exam center. Despite extensive searching, he could not find it and later posted on Facebook offering a reward for its return.

Sakib, who is also a student retaking his SSC exams, found the bag in his vehicle and, after failing to locate the owner, handed it to his parents for safekeeping. Upon seeing the Facebook post, he contacted Rafiqul Islam and returned the money and documents at Borhan Ganj Bazar. Rafiqul Islam offered him a 10,000 taka reward, which Sakib declined. Local teachers, journalists, and residents praised Sakib’s integrity, calling his act a shining example of honesty in society.

The incident has sparked widespread admiration in the community, reinforcing the value of ethical conduct among youth in Borhanuddin.

The Dhaka Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has released the schedule for the 2026 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations along with 11 special instructions for candidates. The routine was published on the board’s website on April 22, 2026. The guidelines specify that students must enter the exam hall 30 minutes before the start, with multiple-choice questions (MCQ) held first followed by creative or theoretical sections. The timing for each section varies depending on the subject type, and there will be no breaks between sections.

The instructions also require students to collect their admit cards at least seven days before the exam, correctly fill in their roll and registration numbers on the answer sheets, and pass each part of the exam separately. Only non-programmable watches and calculators are allowed, and mobile phones are strictly prohibited for all except the center’s officer-in-charge.

The board emphasized that students may only sit for subjects listed on their registration and admit cards, and exams must be conducted strictly according to the schedule printed on the question papers.