Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that collective practice of technology-based modern knowledge and creative thinking will become a strategic strength for future civilization. He made the remarks on Saturday in Dhaka at a discussion organized by the Bangladesh ICT Stakeholders Association (BISA) on the Telecom, Data and Cyber Security Bill 2026. The minister emphasized transforming the nation’s creative intellect, innovative ideas, and technological skills into assets for national development.

Addressing technology experts, Swapan said their gathering represented not only attendance but also a convergence of creative thinking, which could become a national resource. He expressed hope that BISA would build an effective platform for stakeholders in the technology sector to collectively invest their knowledge, skills, and ideas. He also noted that semiconductors, rare earth materials, and communication technologies have become key strategic elements in global politics, economics, and technology.

The minister added that expert knowledge and research are vital for formulating timely and realistic policies suited to the demands of a technology-driven civilization, helping the elected government fulfill its responsibilities effectively.

China has announced the discovery of two new minerals from lunar samples collected by its Chang’e-5 mission. The country’s state media reported the finding on Friday, citing the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The minerals, named Magnesiochangesite-(Y) and Changesite-(Ce), were identified from samples brought back to Earth in December 2020. The Chang’e-5 mission returned with about 1,731 grams of lunar soil, marking China’s first collected lunar sample and the first brought to Earth in 44 years.

According to CNSA, the announcement was made at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Space Day of China in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. The International Mineralogical Association’s Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification has officially approved the two new minerals. With this discovery, the total number of known lunar minerals worldwide has increased to eight.

China previously discovered a lunar mineral named Changesite-(Y) in 2022, and its continued lunar exploration follows earlier milestones such as the Chang’e-4 probe’s historic landing on the moon’s far side in 2019.

State-owned Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCCPLC) has reported a significant rise in profits for the first nine months of the 2025–26 fiscal year, driven by growing internet bandwidth demand and digital infrastructure expansion. According to the unaudited financial report approved at the company’s 252nd board meeting on April 23, 2026, net profit reached Tk 2.19 billion, up from Tk 1.40 billion in the same period last year, marking a 56% increase.

The company’s Deputy General Manager (Marketing and Sales), Engineer Md. Ariful Haque, said the growth reflects customer trust and the rising national demand for bandwidth. BSCCPLC earned Tk 3.77 billion in revenue from bandwidth sales and related services, compared to Tk 2.94 billion a year earlier. Earnings per share rose from Tk 7.49 to Tk 11.71, while net asset value per share increased to Tk 98.71.

BSCCPLC is investing Tk 12.86 billion in the third submarine cable project, with Tk 8.09 billion from its own funds and Tk 4.76 billion in government equity. The project aims to expand bandwidth capacity and strengthen the company’s long-term revenue base.

Chuadanga is enduring an intense heatwave, with temperatures recorded at 36.8°C on Saturday evening, 36.7°C at 3 p.m., and 34.8°C at noon. The previous days also saw extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 37.3°C on Thursday and Friday, and 37.2°C on Wednesday. The scorching conditions have brought daily life to a standstill, as residents struggle under both high temperatures and prolonged power cuts.

Officials from the local electricity offices reported a significant power shortage. The zonal office, serving 84,000 customers, has a regular demand of 105 megawatts but receives only 77 megawatts, resulting in a 30 percent deficit. The West Zone office faces a daily shortfall of 5–6 megawatts against a 24-megawatt demand. The combination of heat and load-shedding has caused severe hardship, particularly for children, the elderly, and laborers.

According to the Chuadanga weather observatory, humidity levels ranged from 47 to 62 percent during the day, intensifying the discomfort caused by the heatwave.

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has published a new fare list for inter-district and long-distance bus routes, including those in Dhaka and Chattogram, following the recent increase in fuel prices. The list was released on Saturday on the BRTA website, though passengers reported that no buses had yet displayed the updated fare charts. Supervisors said they had not received the official lists and were therefore continuing to charge previous fares.

According to a government notification issued on April 23, fares for diesel-run buses were raised by 11 paisa per kilometer. In Dhaka and Chattogram, 52-seat buses will now charge Tk 2.53 per kilometer, up from Tk 2.42, while inter-district buses will charge Tk 2.23, up from Tk 2.12. Minimum fares remain unchanged at Tk 10 for buses and Tk 8 for minibuses. The new rates do not apply to gas-powered vehicles.

Transport Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam warned that any gas-run buses charging higher fares would face action. He added that future fare adjustments will automatically align with international fuel price changes through BRTA notifications, ensuring a transparent and consistent process.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast rainfall across all eight divisions starting Sunday, April 26, 2026, following a prolonged heatwave. The agency said moderate to heavy rain may continue in parts of the country for the next five days, potentially easing the ongoing heatwave. Rainfall was recorded in several northern and northeastern districts on Saturday, while mild heat persisted in 20 districts, mainly in Khulna Division.

Meteorologists indicated that rainfall activity is expected to increase gradually, with heavy to very heavy showers likely in Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions. A low-pressure extension from West Bengal to the North Bay of Bengal is influencing the weather pattern. Day and night temperatures are expected to drop slightly nationwide as rain intensifies.

Experts noted that the intensity and extent of the heatwave have been decreasing since midweek. They added that, unlike in 2023 and 2024, there is no likelihood of a prolonged heatwave this year due to intermittent rainfall expected throughout the period.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the government will move away from borrowing through money printing and local bank loans, citing the economic damage caused by such practices. Speaking at a pre-budget discussion organized by the Ministry of Finance on Saturday, he said this policy had raised interest rates and crowded out the private sector, undermining sustainable growth.

He emphasized a policy framework that avoids inflationary pressure from excess money supply and supports entrepreneurs. The minister said the government aims to democratize the economy to ensure inclusive growth, highlighting initiatives such as the ‘Family Card’ program to empower women financially. He also stressed strengthening primary healthcare to reduce personal medical costs and identified small and medium enterprises as the main drivers of employment and growth.

Chowdhury pointed to challenges in the banking sector, currency depreciation, and high inflation, while reaffirming efforts to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio. He also underscored investment in education, skills, and renewable energy to harness demographic advantages and ensure energy security.

The government led by Prime Minister’s ICT adviser Rehan Asif Asad announced that it is focusing on four major areas to reform Bangladesh’s telecom sector. These include developing a new telecom policy through stakeholder consultation, implementing digital ID and digital wallet systems for all citizens, formulating an AI policy, and ensuring efficient revenue management. Asad made the remarks at a roundtable titled “New Telecom Policy and Entrepreneurs’ Expectations” held in Dhaka’s Moghbazar on Saturday.

He said the government aims to bring 90 percent of the population under 100 Mbps broadband and 5G mobile networks. The digital ID initiative is expected to integrate identity and financial transactions into one platform, improving access to public and private services. The rollout is planned within 12 to 18 months. Asad also highlighted the need for fair taxation and better interconnectivity among ISPs.

BTRC Chairman Emdadul Bari emphasized the importance of foreign investment and innovation in infrastructure development. Industry leaders and journalists attending the event urged collaboration to adapt to rapid technological changes and promote a win-win approach for all stakeholders.

On April 23, 2026, Dhaka Electric Supply PLC (DESCO) carried out special drives across shopping malls, markets, and residential and commercial establishments under its jurisdiction to promote electricity conservation and reduce excessive lighting. The operations were conducted under the directive of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. A mobile court led by Special Metropolitan Magistrate Hadiuzzaman inspected Mirpur area markets and shops from 7 p.m. on Thursday.

A separate drive took place in the Gulshan–Banani area on April 22, led by Executive Magistrate Mohammad Zubair Alam. During that operation, several establishments, including Spark Gear and Best Buy, were fined 10,000 taka each for violating regulations. One restaurant in Gulshan was also fined for excessive decorative lighting, and unnecessary display lights were confiscated. DESCO teams distributed leaflets and used loudspeakers to raise public awareness about energy conservation.

The drives were supervised by DESCO Managing Director Brigadier General Shamim Ahmed and Executive Director (Operations) Engineer Md. Rashidur Rahman, with participation from several senior engineers and staff members.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) held a discussion with business sector leaders on Saturday, April 25, in Dhaka, focusing on the theme “Delay is costly: Why immediate economic reform is essential.” The event took place at a city hotel and was organized by the NCP’s Industry and Commerce Cell. Member of Parliament and NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain attended as chief guest, alongside key party officials including Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari and Joint Member Secretary Advocate Abdullah Al Amin.

During the session, representatives from FBCCI, BGMEA, and entrepreneurs from the housing and renewable energy sectors shared their views. Speakers emphasized the need for immediate reform to revive the economy, criticizing the current state of the banking sector and revenue management. Nasiruddin Patwari accused the BNP government of derailing reform processes and urged business leaders to protest against it.

Business leaders called for institutional reforms and urged the government to focus on job creation in light of recent public unrest. The event concluded with active participation from all attendees.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding Bangladesh’s traditional products such as Jamdani and Hilsa in the global market. In a message to the media on the eve of World Intellectual Property Day, he said that steps have been taken to ensure online registration, faster services, legal protection, and prevention of counterfeit goods.

World Intellectual Property Day is observed globally on April 26 each year to raise awareness about the role of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and designs in promoting innovation and creativity. This year’s theme is “Intellectual Property and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.” The Prime Minister emphasized that intellectual property protection encourages innovation and creativity, contributing to sports technology, athlete training, branding, broadcasting, and entrepreneurship.

He added that the government is working to build an efficient service system to ensure proper recognition of innovators and creative individuals. The Prime Minister also highlighted initiatives to support athletes through allowances and sports cards, talent scouting, and modern training facilities, which he believes will boost sports-based industries, investment, and employment opportunities.

Fuel supply and sales have been suspended for two weeks in Roumari and Rajibpur upazilas of Kurigram due to delays in issuing fuel cards. The only filling station serving both areas, Brahmaputra Filling Station in Roumari, last sold fuel on April 10, leaving residents facing severe hardship. With no fuel available, transportation has nearly stopped, and people are struggling to travel for work, education, and daily needs.

The shortage has sharply reduced the number of petrol and octane-powered vehicles, especially motorcycles, on local roads. Frequent power outages have also prevented electric rickshaws from charging, forcing residents to walk long distances. SSC examinees are among the worst affected, relying on pedal rickshaws and vans to reach exam centers. Farmers are unable to irrigate their boro paddy fields, raising fears of lower yields.

Local officials and the filling station management have given conflicting statements about the reason for the delay. The station manager cited pending fuel card issuance, while the Roumari Upazila Nirbahi Officer said the card process should not prevent fuel sales.

Barishal City Corporation (BCC) Administrator Advocate Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin has declared May and June as 'Cleanliness Months' to transform Barishal into a modern and livable city. The announcement was made on Saturday at noon following the inauguration of a canal cleaning and tree-planting program on Zia Road in the city.

Shirin stated that the initiative aligns with the national program announced by the Prime Minister and the current government to excavate and re-excavate rivers, canals, and water bodies across the country. As part of this effort, BCC has planned to clean all canals within its jurisdiction. The two-month campaign aims to ensure a cleaner urban environment and marks the beginning of broader canal excavation, re-excavation, and renovation efforts.

The inauguration event was attended by BCC Chief Executive Officer Md. Rezaul Bari and other officials, along with leaders and activists from Barishal Metropolitan BNP’s affiliated organizations.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government is working to attract foreign investment to develop international-standard tourism infrastructure in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Saturday at the 'Beautiful Bangladesh Run 2026 (Season-2)' event held at Hatirjheel in Dhaka, where over a thousand participants joined the race to promote the country’s tourism sector domestically and internationally.

The minister stated that discussions are underway with the globally renowned company Emaar Properties, known for constructing the Burj Khalifa in the United Arab Emirates. Plans are being considered to involve the company under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to enhance tourism facilities in Bangladesh. He added that the tourism sector currently contributes about 2 to 3 percent to the GDP, with a target to raise it to 6 to 7 percent in the future.

The event, organized by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB), also featured prize distribution among marathon winners and remarks from representatives of the event’s sponsor, Rhythm Group, and ATJFB officials.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said the current government inherited a fragile economy and heavy debt burden due to the mismanagement of the previous administration. Speaking on Saturday at the National Press Club during a seminar titled “Ten Lakh Skilled Workforce in the European Labor Market: Masterplan (2026–2031) and Ensuring Migrants’ State Rights,” he emphasized that expanding remittance inflow is essential to keep the economy active.

The minister stated that the current BNP government is working cautiously to increase foreign currency earnings by sending skilled manpower abroad. To achieve this, the government has adopted several plans to develop skilled human resources. He added that remittances from expatriates are one of the main driving forces of the economy, and coordinated efforts among the government and stakeholders are needed to expand this flow and create new labor markets overseas.

Highlighting tourism as an alternative source of foreign currency, Swapan said that if international-standard infrastructure and environment are ensured in Kuakata or Cox’s Bazar, foreign tourists will visit, making tourism a strong alternative sector for foreign exchange earnings.