The National Citizen Party (NCP) has appointed two of its Members of Parliament, Advocate Abdullah Al Amin and Dr. Atik Mujahid, to its highest policymaking body, the Political Council (PC). The announcement was made in a press release issued on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. The appointments were approved by NCP Convener Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain.

According to the release, Dr. Atik Mujahid, Joint Convener and MP for Kurigram-2, and Advocate Abdullah Al Amin, Joint Member Secretary and MP for Narayanganj-4, have been added to the Political Council. Abdullah Al Amin also serves as the head of the party’s disciplinary committee.

With these additions, the NCP Political Council now consists of 12 members, including the convener, member secretary, and other senior organizational leaders from different regions and departments of the party.

The Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board of Bangladesh has officially released the schedule for the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations. According to the notice signed by S M Kamal Uddin Haider, convener of the Inter-Education Board Examination Control Committee, the exams are set to begin on July 2, 2026.

The announcement was made on April 22, 2026, confirming that the board retains the authority to revise the timetable if necessary. The published routine outlines the examination dates and related details for students across the country.

The release of the HSC exam schedule marks a key step in the national academic calendar, allowing institutions and students to prepare for the upcoming assessments under the supervision of the education board.

The Bangladesh T20 cricket team has arrived in Chattogram ahead of the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand. The squad members reached the port city on Wednesday afternoon, even before the conclusion of the ongoing One Day International series. The first two T20 matches of the series were announced on Tuesday night, and players not part of the ODI squad will begin training in Chattogram from Thursday.

Among those joining the team in Chattogram are Nasum Ahmed, Parvez Hossain Emon, Ripon Mondol, Mohammad Saifuddin, Sheikh Mahedi, and Shamim Patwary. Abdul Gaffar Saklain is also expected to join the squad. Ripon Mondol and Abdul Gaffar Saklain have earned their first call-ups to the national T20 team. To accommodate the newcomers, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has rested Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman, and Taskin Ahmed.

The team’s early arrival is aimed at ensuring adequate preparation time before the T20 series begins against New Zealand in Chattogram.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, is currently on a four-day official visit to Sanya, China, to attend the opening ceremony of the 6th Asian Beach Games that began on April 20. On the first day of his visit, he held a high-level bilateral meeting with Hainan Province Vice Governor Zhi Jing, Tourism and Sports Department Director General Chen Tiejun, and Sanya City Vice Mayor Fan Wei Zheng.

The meeting emphasized strengthening sports diplomacy and mutual cooperation between Bangladesh and China. Discussions covered expanding technical collaboration in sports such as surfing, shooting, volleyball, and table tennis. Both sides agreed to exchange skilled coaches and modern technology to enhance training quality. Talks also included increasing scholarship opportunities in China for talented students from Bangladesh’s sports institutions like BKSP.

A policy decision was reached to sign a memorandum of understanding and bilateral agreements to develop a roadmap for sports cooperation. Chinese representatives praised Bangladesh’s cricket achievements and expressed interest in recruiting experienced Bangladeshi cricket coaches. The meeting also discussed promoting women’s participation at the grassroots level and improving facilities for para-athletes. The minister’s visit continues until April 23 and is viewed as a new milestone in Bangladesh-China sports relations.

Masrur Anwar Chowdhury, who alleged he was abducted and tortured at the RAB Taskforce for Interrogation (TFI) cell, told defense lawyers that his disappearance occurred because of his Facebook writings opposing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He made the statement on Wednesday afternoon during the second day of cross-examination at International Crimes Tribunal-1, where 17 accused, including Sheikh Hasina and several current and former army officers sentenced to death, are being represented.

During questioning, defense lawyer Tabarak Hossain denied that Chowdhury was detained for his anti-Modi posts, but Chowdhury insisted the claim was true. He confirmed his involvement in charity work, including building a mosque for Rohingya refugees with funds collected from friends and relatives. He rejected allegations of involvement in militant activities. When Sheikh Hasina’s lawyer Amir Hossain suggested she was not responsible for his abduction or career damage, Chowdhury disagreed, asserting that Hasina was responsible.

Chowdhury also stated he was not affiliated with any political party, though one of his cousins currently serves as the state minister for land.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem on April 22, 2026, criticized what he described as a return to violent politics following a clash between Chhatra Shibir and Chhatra Dal at Chittagong Government City College. Speaking to reporters outside the Kotwali Police Commissioner’s office in Chittagong, he said those who promote politics of violence, including attacks with sharp weapons, would be rejected by students. The previous day’s confrontation reportedly left 20 people injured, with Shibir alleging that one of its leaders, Ashraful Islam, had his ankle severed by Chhatra Dal members.

Kayem stated that Chhatra Dal had not developed any new political narrative and accused it of reviving old fascist rhetoric. He claimed the clash was not over secret writings but that Shibir had used the issue to attack their rivals with machetes and other weapons. He also alleged that similar attacks by outsiders had occurred on other campuses, including in Rajshahi and Mymensingh.

Kayem added that police had assured zero tolerance toward such violence and that preparations were underway to file cases against those involved.

Dr. Golam Sarwar Liaquat Hossain Bhuiyan, director of the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital, has warned that air pollution and smoking are driving a rise in respiratory illnesses across Bangladesh. In an interview published on April 22, 2026, he said that vehicle emissions, brick kilns, industrial pollution, mosquito coils, and sprays are key triggers for asthma, while chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is mainly linked to smoking. He emphasized that persistent cough, chest pain, and breathing difficulties should prompt immediate medical consultation.

The doctor noted that rural areas still face major challenges in diagnosing and treating chest diseases due to shortages of sputum testing and X-ray facilities. He added that Dhaka ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, citing vehicle smoke, construction dust, and unplanned industrialization as major causes. He urged stronger public awareness campaigns to discourage smoking and improve early detection of tuberculosis and other lung diseases.

He also recommended expanding vaccination coverage for pneumonia among older adults to reduce severe outcomes and called for better diagnostic and referral systems in rural healthcare.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj announced that a new curriculum will be introduced in primary education, and the use of coaching, notes, and guidebooks will be discontinued. He made the statement on Wednesday, April 22, during a discussion titled 'Education Budget: Budget for Education' organized by the Campaign for Mass Literacy.

Hajjaj explained that the new curriculum will focus on learning through play and storytelling, emphasizing that it will be implemented carefully and in consultation with all stakeholders. He also highlighted infrastructure and security challenges, noting that around 65,000 schools currently lack security guards and that multimedia classroom equipment is often stolen. Additionally, he mentioned that students will begin learning a third language alongside Bangla and English.

The minister said the government aims to address educational problems from the root level and ensure that reforms are planned and sustainable.

In Naogaon’s Niamatpur upazila, locals set fire to the house of Sabuj Hossain, accused in the murder of a couple and their two children. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Wednesday in Bahadurpur village. According to local sources, furniture and other belongings inside the house were destroyed before police arrived and brought the situation under control.

Residents have demanded swift justice for the killings, warning that similar incidents could increase if exemplary punishment is not ensured. Police have deployed additional forces in the area to maintain order, said Niamatpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mahbubur Rahman.

Earlier, police had taken Sabuj Hossain, his father A. Samad, and another person into custody for questioning in connection with the four-murder case.

Bangladesh bowling coach Shaun Tait said on Wednesday that understanding wickets in Bangladesh is difficult, describing this unpredictability as part of the country's cricketing beauty. Speaking at a press conference in Chattogram, Tait explained that even after discussions between the curators Zahid Reza Babu and Tony Hemming with the team management and captain, the wicket remained hard to read. He referred to the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, noting that the difference between the first and second match wickets highlighted this unpredictability.

Tait emphasized that such variations make Bangladesh cricket unique. Reflecting on his one-year coaching experience in the country, he said Chattogram offers Bangladesh’s best batting wickets. He expressed optimism that Thursday’s match would feature a similar surface and added that regardless of conditions, he believes the bowlers will perform their roles effectively.

The comments came as preparations continued at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium ahead of the next match in the series.

A mobile court in Araihazar upazila of Narayanganj fined three local businesses for selling octane, diesel, and petrol in the open market without authorization. The operation took place on Tuesday evening in the Krishnapura area, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Mostafizur Rahman Imon. The fines were imposed under the Consumer Rights Protection Act.

According to the court, Rifat Auto Parts owner Shajahan was fined 3,000 taka, Insaf Auto Parts owner Habibur 7,000 taka, and Khaja Garibe Newaz establishment owner Motalib 2,000 taka. The magistrate stated that selling fuel without approval is both risky and punishable, as it poses a danger of accidents.

The enforcement action highlights local authorities’ efforts to curb unauthorized fuel trading and ensure compliance with safety and consumer protection laws in Narayanganj.

At a pre-budget discussion held on April 22, 2026, at the Revenue Building, business leaders warned that foreign apparel buyers are redirecting their orders from Bangladesh to India due to severe gas and electricity shortages. They reported a decline in orders for July and August, raising concerns that the country’s garment industry could face a major crisis if the situation persists.

Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury, president of the Bangladesh Chamber, said garment production and exports have been falling for eight consecutive months. He urged the government to take effective measures to reverse the downturn. Representatives from Gazipur highlighted a diesel shortage that has disrupted industrial operations, while others called for tax exemptions on renewable energy investments in the upcoming budget to address the energy crisis.

National Board of Revenue Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan responded that tax incentives had previously been offered for renewable energy and would continue in the future. Business representatives from Dhaka, Sylhet, Gazipur, and Narayanganj also demanded raising the tax-free income limit to 500,000 taka and reducing corporate tax rates to ease inflation-driven production costs.

NCP leader Monira Sharmin’s nomination for a reserved women’s seat in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament has come under legal scrutiny. The nomination submission deadline was April 22, when candidates from the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami filed their papers. However, Sharmin’s eligibility is being questioned because she resigned from a state-owned bank only four months ago, in December 2025, falling short of the three-year requirement for former government employees to contest elections.

According to Article 12 of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), anyone who has not completed three years since resigning or retiring from a government or statutory position cannot run for parliament. Election Commission officials confirmed that this rule also applies to reserved women’s seats. If Sharmin’s nomination is canceled, the alliance could lose one of its 13 seats, potentially benefiting the ruling BNP-led coalition, whose seat count could rise from 36 to 37.

Alliance coordinator Hamidur Rahman Azad expressed confidence that the nomination would not be canceled, while Sharmin argued that her former position was not a profit-based government post and that the rule should not apply to party nominations.

Jagannath University has decided to conduct classes online one day each week to reduce expenses amid the global energy crisis. The decision was made at the university’s 77th special Academic Council meeting, held on April 22, 2026, under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Raiqul Uddin. The meeting followed directives from the Ministry of Public Administration, the Ministry of Education, and the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh.

During the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the need for awareness in conserving electricity and fuel while ensuring that academic activities remain uninterrupted. He urged department heads and teachers to coordinate with students to maintain educational continuity and expressed optimism that the global crisis would be overcome soon.

Based on members’ proposals, the council decided that starting next week, all academic activities every Thursday will be conducted online. Treasurer Professor Dr. Sabina Sharmin noted that suspending transport operations one day a week could significantly save fuel. Participants also shared constructive suggestions to ensure energy conservation and smooth academic operations.

Electro Mart has received three prestigious recognitions at the third edition of the Bangladesh Retail Awards 2026, organized by Bangladesh Brand Forum and Bangladesh Retail Forum at a five-star hotel in Dhaka. The company was honored as Best Retailer in Electronics, Emerging Retailer of the Year, and Most Admired Retailer, reflecting its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer trust.

The Best Retailer in Electronics award recognized Electro Mart’s efforts to deliver advanced technology products, quality service, and superior retail offerings. The Emerging Retailer of the Year title was given for setting strong goals, aligning with customer needs, and offering world-class products at affordable prices. The Most Admired Retailer award acknowledged its reputation as one of Bangladesh’s most trusted electronics brands.

Electro Mart, representing global brands Konka, Gree, and Haiko, has been a leading electronics manufacturer and marketer in Bangladesh for over 25 years. The company stated that these recognitions reinforce its responsibility to maintain quality and innovation while expressing gratitude to customers for their continued trust and support.