Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid Yasin stated that the newly introduced 'Farmer Card' will make the agricultural sector stronger and that future farming will be a respected profession. He made these remarks on Tuesday afternoon during the inauguration ceremony of the 'Farmer Card' program held at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail Sadar Upazila, coinciding with the celebration of Pahela Baishakh.

According to the minister, about seventy percent of the country's population is involved in agriculture, and national economic progress depends on improving the livelihoods of farmers. Before his speech, Prime Minister Tarek Rahman handed over the 'Farmer Card' to local cultivators in Tangail, marking the official start of the program and the distribution of incentive funds to farmers.

The initiative also includes plans to establish factories in agriculture-dependent areas, with the belief that a prosperous farming community will ensure Bangladesh’s overall well-being.

A construction contractor fatally attacked a college student with a sharp weapon in front of her mother in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area early Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The victim, 20-year-old Diya Moni Naboni, a student of Borhan Uddin College, was declared dead at 4:55 a.m. after being taken to a local hospital. Her mother, Nusrat Jahan Mausumi, and two siblings, Joya and Moaj, were seriously injured in the same assault. Locals captured the attacker, identified as Abu Musa, immediately after the incident.

Police and witnesses said the attack occurred between 2:30 and 3:00 a.m. at the family’s residence in Samad Member’s house in Bhanga Press area. According to the family’s driver, the assault stemmed from a financial dispute over construction payments. The injured were first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Anwar Khan Modern Hospital as their condition worsened.

Police confirmed that the suspect is under treatment under custody, and preparations are underway to file a murder case at Jatrabari Police Station.

On April 14, 2026, while Bangladesh celebrated Pahela Baishakh with colorful festivities, the char regions of Kurigram remained untouched by the joy. In areas such as Rajibpur, Roumari, Chilmari, and Ulipur, residents continued their daily struggles, unaware or unable to participate in the traditional celebrations. For many, extreme poverty and the constant battle against nature have made the festival a distant luxury.

Locals described how most families live hand to mouth, unable to afford new clothes, festive meals, or visits to fairs. Frequent floods and river erosion have left nearly 400 chars deprived of basic needs, while poor communication infrastructure prevents participation in city events. Despite their hardships, residents still settle debts through traditional hal khata practices to maintain credit with local lenders.

Teachers and cultural activists in Kurigram expressed concern over the exclusion of char communities from national celebrations. They urged government and administrative initiatives to ensure that all citizens, regardless of location or wealth, can share in the cultural spirit of Pahela Baishakh.

Seven workers were killed and six others injured when a truck overturned on the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway in Hasanpur area of Daudkandi upazila, Cumilla, early Monday, April 13. The truck, carrying goods and 13 laborers from Dinajpur to Cumilla and Feni, lost control and flipped over around 3 a.m., throwing the workers off and crushing several beneath it. The victims had been traveling in search of work.

Injured passengers alleged that the truck’s helper was driving at the time of the accident after the main driver handed him the steering wheel near the Meghna Bridge toll plaza. Highway police confirmed that the truck veered off the road and fell into a ditch. The bodies of the deceased were recovered and sent to the police station, while the injured were taken to the local health complex for treatment.

Police suspect excessive speed caused the crash but said a full investigation is underway to determine the exact reason.

Members of the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar Highway Development Movement and local residents blocked the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway for one and a half hours on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, demanding its expansion into six lanes. The demonstration took place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in front of the traffic police box at Bottoli Motor Station in Lohagara upazila, Chattogram. Protesters said the narrow and risky highway causes frequent accidents and loss of lives, and they warned of tougher programs if no action is taken soon.

Following the blockade, representatives of Shahjahan Chowdhury, Member of Parliament for Chattogram-15 (Satkania–Lohagara), assured that all necessary steps would be taken within seven days to upgrade the highway to six lanes. Based on this assurance, the protesters withdrew their blockade. Local administrative officials, including the upazila executive officer, the officer-in-charge of Lohagara Police Station, and the traffic in-charge, were present during the event.

The protest reflects growing frustration over long-standing promises to widen the highway, which remains a major safety concern for commuters and residents.

On April 14, 2026, Bangladesh’s national cricket players joined the Pahela Baishakh festivities by sharing New Year greetings on social media. Their messages reflected the spirit of the Bengali New Year, spreading joy among fans across the country. Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan posted a card emphasizing family togetherness, while wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim shared a family photo to wish everyone well. Former captain Mahmudullah Riyad encouraged writing new stories in the coming year, and opener Soumya Sarkar wished for beauty in every moment of life. Wicketkeeper-batter Liton Kumar Das kept his message brief, simply wishing a happy New Year 1433.

The cricketers’ greetings added to the festive atmosphere nationwide, with fans responding enthusiastically online. Social media platforms filled with colorful posts and cheerful exchanges, reflecting the cultural significance of Pahela Baishakh and the close bond between players and supporters.

The wave of greetings highlighted how sports figures continue to play a role in uniting fans through shared cultural celebrations.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the 'Farmer Card' program on April 14, 2026, at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail Sadar Upazila, marking the beginning of a nationwide initiative to distribute 27.5 million cards over the next five years. The launch coincided with Pahela Baishakh celebrations, highlighting the connection between the festival and the country’s agricultural roots.

During the event, the Prime Minister emphasized that the well-being of Bangladesh depends on the prosperity of its farmers. He stated that the government is engaging with agricultural traders to ensure better prices for farmers and that both domestic and foreign investors have shown interest in building cold storage facilities. The initiative aims to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

The distribution began with over 20,000 farmers receiving cards as part of a pre-piloting phase, fulfilling one of the government’s key electoral pledges. The Prime Minister described the effort as part of the broader goal of national reconstruction and development through public participation.

Chattogram city celebrated Pahela Baishakh and the Bengali New Year 1433 on April 14, 2026, with vibrant festivities across major cultural and public spaces. From early morning, people of all ages joined events at CRB Shirishtala, DC Hill, Gymnasium Field, Polo Ground, and local colleges, wearing traditional red-and-white attire and enjoying music, dance, and fairs.

At CRB Shirishtala, the Sammilito Pahela Baishakh Udjapan Parishad organized a colorful program featuring Rabindra, Nazrul, and folk songs. DC Hill hosted recitations and performances by cultural groups, while the district administration decorated a 1.5-kilometer stretch with alpana art. The University of Chittagong’s Fine Arts Institute held its Mongol Shobhajatra and cultural fair on the main campus, marking a shift from previous city-based parades.

The Chittagong Press Club arranged traditional food and performances, and local markets observed the hal khata ritual. The Chattogram Metropolitan Police strengthened security across key points to ensure safe celebrations as residents welcomed the new year with joy and optimism.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the 'Krishok Card' program in Tangail on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, coinciding with Pahela Baishakh. The launch took place at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail Sadar upazila, where the Prime Minister handed over the cards to farmers, marking the official start of the initiative. The event was attended by his adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. During the visit, the Prime Minister was also scheduled to pay respects at the mausoleum of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani.

The 'Krishok Card' is one of the major election pledges of the BNP government, following earlier implementations of the Family Card, Sports Card, and canal excavation programs. Agriculture Minister Aminur Rashid stated that the pre-piloting phase will begin in 11 agricultural blocks across the country, benefiting 20,671 landless, marginal, and small farmers. Each cardholder will receive an annual cash benefit of 2,500 taka.

The initiative aims to strengthen rural livelihoods and ensure financial support for small-scale farmers, aligning with the government’s broader agricultural development agenda.

In Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat, consumers have expressed anger over pharmacies selling medicines strictly at the maximum retail price (MRP) without offering the usual 5–10 percent discount seen elsewhere in the country. A field visit on April 13 revealed that almost all essential and life-saving drugs, including insulin, were being sold at full price, putting additional financial pressure on buyers, particularly those with chronic illnesses.

Buyers alleged that while pharmacies in neighboring districts such as Rangpur and Kurigram continue to offer regular discounts, Patgram traders have stopped doing so, creating what appears to be an informal market control or syndicate. Pharmacy owners, however, claimed that rising operational costs, including rent and electricity, have made discounts unfeasible. Some businesspeople also hinted at an unofficial local decision discouraging commission or discount offers.

Consumers reported filing complaints with the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection but said no effective action had been taken. Observers stressed the need for stronger oversight to ensure transparency in the life-saving medicine market and protect ordinary consumers from financial strain.

Two prime suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of Jubo Dal leader and July Joddha Rakib in Rangpur city’s Kamal Kachna Masua Para Bazar. According to RAB-13, top drug dealer Momin and his wife Beauty Begum were detained on Monday afternoon during a raid at Shahapara village in Mithapukur upazila, based on secret information. The arrests were announced at a press briefing at the RAB-13 headquarters late Tuesday night.

RAB reported that on April 9, a dispute broke out between Rakib and the couple over drug-related issues. Later that day, Momin, with the help of his wife and associates, allegedly lured Rakib from his home and hacked him to death in broad daylight before fleeing the scene. Rakib’s father, Abdus Samad, filed a murder case with Kotwali Police Station following the incident.

RAB said the suspects had been hiding in different locations after the killing but were eventually captured. During initial interrogation, both Momin and Beauty Begum confessed to direct involvement in the murder.

Police in Lalpur upazila of Natore arrested a drug dealer with heroin and yaba tablets during a special anti-narcotics operation. The raid took place on Monday, April 13, in Mohorkoya Paschimpara village based on secret information. A special police team led by Sub-Inspector Golam Morshed detained a 35-year-old man named Milon Sarkar. Officers recovered 120 yaba tablets and 20 packets of heroin from his possession.

Lalpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shafiqul Islam confirmed the arrest and said it was part of the ongoing anti-drug campaign in the area. A case has been filed against the detainee under the Narcotics Control Act. Police authorities stated that similar operations will continue to eliminate drug activities in the region.

The operation reflects the continuation of local law enforcement efforts to curb drug trafficking and maintain public safety in Natore district.

The New Zealand national cricket team has arrived in Dhaka to play a white-ball series against Bangladesh. The 26-member squad landed in the capital late on April 13 and was taken directly to the team hotel under tight security. Most of the players traveled together, while three others joined later after completing duties with the New Zealand ‘A’ team in Sri Lanka. The group includes players, coaching staff, and team management members.

The One Day International (ODI) series will begin on April 17 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, with the second ODI scheduled for April 20 at the same venue. The third and final ODI will take place in Chattogram on April 23. The T20 series will follow, starting with two matches on April 27 and 29 in Chattogram, before concluding with the final T20 on May 2 in Mirpur.

The arrival marks the start of another high-profile bilateral series on Bangladeshi soil, continuing the cricketing engagements between the two nations.

Ninety-two students from Baligaon High School in Feni Sadar upazila have been granted permission to sit for this year’s Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations. The confirmation came on Monday, April 13, from the district’s Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT), following earlier reports in local newspapers about the students’ uncertain exam participation.

The issue arose when the school’s office assistant, Mihir Chandra Shil, allegedly embezzled 117,000 taka meant for board fees, preventing the issuance of admit cards. Despite months passing, the head teacher and other officials failed to verify whether the payment had been made. The problem surfaced when other schools received admit cards but Baligaon High School did not. Teachers later collected 125,000 taka from coaching funds and contacted the Comilla Education Board to resolve the matter.

With assistance from the district administration, the school’s governing body, and the Feni Sadar Upazila Executive Officer, the board finally issued the admit cards, ensuring that all 92 students could participate in the exams starting April 21.

Chattogram’s iconic DC Hill, long regarded as a symbol of the city’s cultural and historical identity, is witnessing renewed optimism as new Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia initiates efforts to restore its heritage. On Pahela Baishakh, the hill once again drew attention as a potential hub for cultural revival through rapid renovation, beautification, and reintroduction of public events.

The site carries deep historical significance, notably linked to poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s 1926 visit, which inspired the creation of Nazrul Square in 2004. Over time, neglect and restrictions eroded much of its cultural infrastructure. Since 2017, most events except Pahela Baishakh celebrations were banned due to noise and privacy concerns, leading to public disappointment and protests from cultural groups.

With the new restoration drive, residents are hopeful that DC Hill will regain its role as an open cultural gathering place, preserving both the city’s heritage and its communal spirit.