Students of the Political Science Department at Barishal University blocked the Dhaka–Kuakata highway on Sunday afternoon, demanding action after a fellow student was injured in a road accident near the campus. The blockade began around 2 p.m. following frustration over the lack of compensation and resolution promised by the university administration.

The incident occurred on Saturday noon when a motorcycle carrying a student collided with an oil tanker near the university. The injured student, Tamim Hossain from the 14th batch of the Political Science Department, was hospitalized with serious injuries. Despite earlier discussions with the administration, students said no progress had been made, prompting them to stage the highway blockade.

Their four-point demand includes immediate police deployment at the nearby outpost, arrest of the driver involved, appointment of traffic police in front of the university, and compensation for the injured student.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has stated that the recent increase in fuel prices in Bangladesh has no connection with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday, shortly after returning from the United States, he clarified that the decision to raise fuel prices was made independently by the government.

The minister explained that while fuel prices have doubled in many other countries, Bangladesh’s increase was comparatively smaller. He said the adjustment was necessary due to pressure on the government’s financial reserves. When asked whether the price hike would lead to higher inflation, he responded that inflation might rise or might not, indicating uncertainty about the outcome.

The statement comes amid public attention on the economic implications of the fuel price adjustment and speculation about external influence on domestic policy decisions.

Thirty leaders and activists from the anti-discrimination student movement and the platform Up Bangladesh have formally joined the National Citizens Party (NCP). The joining took place on Sunday afternoon at the NCP headquarters during an official ceremony attended by the new members.

Among those who joined are Ali Ahsan Junayed and Rafe Salman Rifat, both former presidents of the Dhaka University student organization and key initiators of Up Bangladesh. Others include Sani Abdul Haque, joint general secretary of AB Party; Rifat Rashid, president of the anti-discrimination student movement; Hasib Al Islam, chief coordinator; and Shahadat Hossain, office secretary. Several additional activists such as Shahriz Sultana Ira, Ayman Rahat, Hasan Tanvir, Wahid Alam, Mohammad Jasimuddin, Sajjad Sabbir, and S M Sweet also joined the party.

The event marks a notable expansion of NCP’s organizational base through the inclusion of leaders from multiple youth and student platforms.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the deaths of 12 people in lightning strikes that occurred across several districts in a single day. The statement was issued on Sunday by Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, the party’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its Central Publicity and Media Department.

In the statement, Zubair described the deaths as tragic and heartbreaking, mentioning that the incidents took place in districts including Sunamganj, Kishoreganj, Rangpur, Netrokona, Mymensingh, and Habiganj. He particularly noted the suffering of farmers and laborers in the haor regions who lost their lives while working for their livelihood. He prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased and for patience and strength for their bereaved families, also wishing a quick recovery for the injured.

Zubair urged the authorities to strengthen weather forecasting and awareness programs to prevent such tragedies in the future, calling for divine protection from similar disasters.

Victims’ Coordination Council of Islamic Bank customers held a protest in Dhaka following a human chain by dismissed employees of six banks. During the demonstration, participants demanded the arrest of businessman S Alam, recovery of allegedly laundered money, and cancellation of a new clause in the bank resolution law. They displayed banners calling for an end to attempts to seize control of Islamic Bank and denouncing what they termed a ‘black law’ on bank ownership.

Nurun Nabi Manik, president of the Islamic Bank Customers’ Coordination Council, announced a 15-day program alongside five specific demands. These included arresting S Alam and other alleged looters, confiscating their assets, repealing clause 18/Ka of the bank resolution law, and returning bank ownership to its original owners. The protesters also warned the government against allowing any illegal groups to take control of the bank.

The protest reflected growing frustration among Islamic Bank customers over alleged irregularities and ownership disputes, with participants urging immediate government action to restore transparency and accountability in the banking sector.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, announced that the government has been compelled to increase fuel prices due to the ongoing war situation in the Middle East. He made the statement during a briefing at the Secretariat on Sunday, noting that despite the price hike, the government continues to provide subsidies on fuel.

The minister explained that the decision was made in response to global circumstances affecting energy markets. He acknowledged that the price increase could have some impact on the domestic market but emphasized that the government had to act considering the international context.

The announcement reflects the government’s effort to balance domestic economic pressures with external geopolitical developments influencing global fuel prices.

A severe storm struck Kishoreganj in Nilphamari on the night of April 18, 2026, damaging more than a hundred houses and causing extensive crop losses. The storm, accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, hit Sadar, Barovita, and Magura unions around 8 p.m., uprooting trees and tearing off roofs. Fallen trees snapped power lines, leaving several villages including Durakuti and Gada without electricity.

Local officials reported significant damage. Magura Union Parishad Chairman Akhtaruzzaman Mithu said around 30 houses in his area were affected, with widespread crop and tree damage. Upazila Agriculture Officer Lokman Alam confirmed that 35 hectares of maize fields were damaged. The local power office stated that repair work was underway and electricity could be restored by afternoon. The Upazila Project Implementation Officer reported 70 damaged houses across three unions, and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer said assistance lists were being prepared for affected residents.

Authorities have informed higher officials and initiated recovery efforts to restore power and support affected families.

The country’s only state-owned Diammonium Phosphate Fertilizer Company Limited (DAPFCL) in Anwara, Chattogram, has stopped production. The factory management announced the shutdown at around 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2026. The plant, which began commercial fertilizer production in 2006, had been dependent on ammonia supplies from Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) and Chittagong Urea Fertilizer Limited (CUFL).

According to DAPFCL officials, both KAFCO and CUFL halted ammonia production on March 4 due to a gas shortage, disrupting DAPFCL’s operations. The company’s General Manager (Administration), Abdul Jalil, said the factory does not produce ammonia itself and had been using stored reserves, which have now been exhausted. Managing Director Moinul Haque confirmed that the ammonia supply stoppage had placed production at risk, leading to the shutdown.

The closure of DAPFCL follows earlier production halts at KAFCO and CUFL, signaling a broader impact of the ongoing gas crisis on Bangladesh’s fertilizer industry.

Bangladesh pacer Shariful Islam has said that the toss could again play a decisive role in the upcoming second One Day International against New Zealand. In the first match, Bangladesh lost the toss and bowled first, managing to restrict New Zealand to a low total but ultimately failing to secure victory. Shariful noted that the team’s fortune at the toss might have influenced the result and expressed hope for a better outcome in the next game.

Shariful, who joined the national team directly from the Pakistan Super League, mentioned that adjusting to the heat was challenging but manageable. He said that switching from T20 to ODI cricket in such weather conditions was tough but he adapted with effort. Reflecting on his own performance, he described his bowling as satisfactory but admitted disappointment over the team’s loss.

The comments highlight Bangladesh’s focus on improving conditions and execution in the second match as they seek to level the series against New Zealand.

Public transport fares in Chattogram rose on Sunday morning following a nationwide increase in fuel prices. Diesel-powered local Mahindra and tempo services raised fares on routes such as Bahaddarhat to New Bridge and Bahaddarhat to WASA from 18 to 22 taka. Local bus fares also climbed by up to 20 taka, while the Muradpur–Fatikchhari Bibirhat route saw fares rise from 100 to 120 taka. However, long-distance transport operators have not yet implemented fare adjustments.

Transport officials said inter-district fare changes will depend on formal decisions from vehicle owners. On the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar route, operators are maintaining previous rates until further notice. Drivers reported difficulties obtaining fuel due to long queues and the recent price surge.

The government increased fuel prices by 15 to 20 taka per liter effective from midnight on April 18, raising diesel by 15 taka, octane by 20, petrol by 19, and kerosene by 18 taka. The hike has directly affected living costs, with daily commuting expenses rising by 20 to 50 taka for many residents.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, stated on Sunday, April 19, 2026, that domestic oil prices have increased only slightly compared to the sharp rise in global markets. Speaking to journalists, he explained that instability in the international energy market has already caused the government an additional expenditure of two billion US dollars on fuel imports.

The minister noted that global oil prices have nearly doubled since the onset of the war, creating significant economic pressure on the government. Despite this, he said the government has not raised domestic prices proportionally, prioritizing public relief and economic stability.

Tuku added that the government is maintaining market stability by providing subsidies and absorbing the extra costs itself to minimize public hardship and preserve overall economic balance.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has expressed deep concern and protest over the government’s decision to increase fuel prices. In a statement issued on Sunday, he said the new rates raise diesel by 15 taka per liter, kerosene by 18 taka, octane by 20 taka, and petrol by 19 taka. He warned that this decision would bring new suffering to ordinary people and negatively affect the overall economy.

Porwar cautioned that higher fuel prices would increase transportation costs, leading to a rise in the prices of essential goods. He said middle- and low-income groups would be hit hardest as their expenses would multiply without any increase in income, making daily life more difficult. He also noted that industrial production costs would rise, potentially worsening inflation, while the agriculture sector would face higher irrigation and input costs, posing a threat to food security.

He urged the government to reconsider the fuel price hike and reduce it to a tolerable level to ease the burden on citizens.

At least 20 people were injured in Boalmari upazila of Faridpur on Saturday evening after alleged attacks and vandalism at a temporary BNP office and nearby shops. The violence occurred around 7:30 p.m. in Komoleshwardi Charpara Bazar under Dadpur Union, reportedly involving Awami League supporters led by Union Parishad Chairman Mosharraf Hossain Musha. Police later intervened to bring the situation under control and deployed additional forces.

According to local sources, the conflict stemmed from a long-running land dispute over 21.50 decimals of land owned by resident Billal Hossain. Despite a High Court ruling, he claimed he could not take possession of the land, which remains under the chairman’s control. A planned arbitration meeting on Friday failed when the chairman’s side did not attend, leading to rising tensions and subsequent violence.

Police confirmed the clash was linked to the land dispute and said legal action is underway. The area is now calm under increased police presence.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is set to visit his ancestral home in Bagbari village of Gabtali upazila, Bogura, on Monday, marking his first return in nearly 20 years. The northern district is witnessing a festive atmosphere ahead of his arrival. This will also be his first visit to his home district since becoming prime minister. During the daylong official trip, he will inaugurate several development projects, including the Bogura City Corporation plaque, a new lawyers’ association building, and the e-bail bond system.

According to the schedule, the prime minister will leave Dhaka by road at 6 a.m. and reach Bogura Circuit House by 10:30 a.m. He will later visit Bagbari to launch a measles-rubella vaccination campaign and a family card distribution program, followed by inaugurating a canal excavation project in Nashipur. In the afternoon, he will address a public rally organized by the Bogura District BNP at Altafunnesa playground and inaugurate new facilities including the Bogura Press Club building and Baitur Rahman Central Mosque reconstruction.

Local residents expressed pride and excitement over the visit, while authorities have intensified security and beautification efforts across the district.

The Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association has welcomed the government’s decision to adjust domestic fuel prices in line with global market trends. The association’s member secretary, Mir Ahsan Uddin Parvez, said they appreciate the move as it reflects the recent rise in international fuel prices and ensures a fair adjustment in the local market.

According to the association, this decision will help reduce artificial shortages and hoarding tendencies in the fuel supply chain. They also expect the measure to bring greater transparency to market management and stabilize supply operations. The association emphasized that aligning domestic prices with international rates allows businesses to operate fairly and maintain a steady distribution system.

The statement suggests that the government’s pricing policy could contribute to a more balanced and transparent fuel market in Bangladesh, benefiting both suppliers and consumers.