The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a notification announcing the transfer of Dr. Nurunnahar Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, to the Planning Commission as a member (secretary). The order was released on Sunday, April 12, 2026. In a separate notification, Zakaria, who had been serving as a member (secretary) of the Planning Commission, was appointed as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping.

Dr. Nurunnahar Chowdhury was promoted to Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping on November 2 of the previous year, after serving as Additional Secretary in the Energy and Mineral Resources Division. She belongs to the 17th batch of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Administration) cadre. Zakaria was promoted to the rank of secretary on March 25 while serving as Chairman (Additional Secretary) of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority and was later posted to the Financial Institutions Division before being assigned to the Planning Commission.

The reshuffle reflects an administrative rotation among senior officials, aligning with the government’s ongoing personnel management practices.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming daily life in Bangladesh, offering new opportunities in education, health, business, and communication. However, recent incidents highlight growing misuse of the technology. On April 10, 2026, a student at Pabna University of Science and Technology was expelled for using ChatGPT during an admission test, while on April 5, 2026, a man in Chattogram was arrested for creating a fake image of the home minister using AI. These cases reflect a broader trend of fraud, misinformation, and unethical use of AI tools.

The report warns that excessive reliance on AI is weakening critical thinking and creativity, especially among students. Deepfake technology and AI-generated content are blurring the line between truth and falsehood, making it difficult for people to verify information. This poses risks not only to individuals but also to national security and social stability.

The article calls for stronger digital awareness, tighter cybersecurity, and a clear national policy to regulate AI use. Without proper guidance and ethics, the country’s technological progress may come at the cost of social and moral decline.

A petition has been submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) seeking action against former Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, former Health Adviser Dr. Nurjahan Begum, and others over alleged misappropriation of funds related to vaccine procurement. The application was filed on Monday, April 13, 2026, by Supreme Court lawyers Biplob Kumar Das and Barrister Sanaullah Nur-e-Sagar. It urges the ACC to investigate possible corruption and irregularities in the purchase and distribution of measles and other vaccines during the tenure of the former interim government.

The petition cites recent reports of a nationwide measles outbreak that has caused the deaths of over a hundred children, describing the situation as alarming. It notes that despite a substantial health budget of about Tk 42,000 crore, the interim government allegedly failed to procure and distribute vaccines on time. The applicants argue that this failure and the subsequent vaccine shortage contributed to the rise in measles cases and child deaths, calling for a thorough investigation in the public interest.

If the ACC proceeds, the investigation could determine whether any irregularities occurred in vaccine procurement under the previous administration.

Armed Police Battalion (APBn) officers seized 10,000 yaba tablets and arrested a Rohingya drug dealer during a pre-dawn raid in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on April 13, 2026. The operation took place at Block-B/18 of Camp-8/East in the Balukhali area, under the jurisdiction of the Panbazar Police Camp. Acting on a tip-off, police searched the home of Rohingya resident Md. Ilias and recovered the amphetamine-type tablets from a locked blue polypack hidden inside a black plastic bag.

According to police sources, the seized drugs were documented in the presence of witnesses. The arrested suspect, Md. Ilias, is the son of Nur Amin from the same camp. APBn commander Riaz Uddin Ahmed stated that operations against drugs and other crimes in the Rohingya camps are ongoing and will continue to be intensified. Legal proceedings are underway to file a regular case with Ukhiya Police Station.

The operation underscores continued law enforcement efforts to curb narcotics trafficking within the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman reaffirmed his party’s commitment to defending citizens’ rights and fulfilling promises made to the public. He made the remarks on Sunday night at a meeting with local dignitaries in Dhaka’s Kafrul West Thana, organized by the party’s Dhaka North unit. The event was chaired by Thana Ameer Abdul Matin Khan and conducted by Thana Secretary M. Atik Hasan Raihan, with several central and city-level leaders also addressing the gathering.

Dr. Rahman recalled his candidacy in the 2018 election under the 20-party alliance, alleging voter intimidation and violence during that poll. He said he withdrew then but was later elected after the July uprising, crediting voters’ trust in Jamaat’s pledge to build a corruption-free and humane society. He vowed to continue efforts to establish justice and equality, regardless of parliamentary status, and urged unity to create a Bangladesh free from oppression, corruption, and discrimination.

He emphasized that Jamaat remains determined to pursue change and will not be deterred by obstacles in its mission to secure citizens’ rights.

Folk singer Abul Sarkar, who was arrested on charges of hurting religious sentiments and defamation of religion, has been released on bail. He was freed from Kashimpur Central Jail-2 in Gazipur at 11:12 a.m. on Monday, confirmed jail superintendent Md. Abul Hossain. The High Court had granted him six months of interim bail on April 6, and his release papers reached the prison on Monday morning before verification and release.

According to the case details, Abul Sarkar was accused of making derogatory remarks about religion during a performance at the Khala Pagli Mela in Jabra, Ghior upazila of Manikganj, on November 4. A video of his comments spread on social media, sparking criticism. He was later detained by a team from the Manikganj Detective Branch on November 19 during a musical event in Madaripur.

Following his arrest, a case was filed at Ghior Police Station by Mufti Md. Abdullah, and Sarkar was sent to jail through the Senior Judicial Magistrate Court of Manikganj.

Former Jubo Dal leader Moin Uddin, the prime accused in an extortion case at CKD Urology Hospital in Dhaka’s Shyamoli area, allegedly demanded Tk 5 lakh, according to Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General Ahsan Habib Palash. He disclosed this during a press briefing at Ramna Park on Monday after inspecting RAB’s security arrangements for the Bengali New Year 1433 celebrations.

RAB stated earlier in a text message that Moin and six others had been arrested in connection with the case. The other detainees were identified as Suman, Liton, Md. Falan Mia, Md. Rubel, Md. Swapan Kazi, and Md. Shawon Hossain. CCTV footage reportedly showed Moin arriving at the hospital on April 10 at 8:40 p.m. with associates, threatening staff while demanding money using the name of Jubo Dal.

The hospital, led by Dr. Kamrul Islam, is known for providing free kidney transplants to over 2,000 patients. Dr. Islam received the Independence Award in 2022 for his humanitarian contributions.

India has agreed to simplify the process for medical and business visas, according to Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir Sheikh. He announced the decision after meeting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Monday, April 13, 2026. The change is expected to take effect next week, marking a step toward easing travel between the two neighboring countries.

The adviser said that several issues of mutual interest were discussed positively during the meeting. He also mentioned that the Bangladeshi government expressed gratitude to India for supplying fuel through a pipeline. Additionally, he stated that the government would follow legal procedures to bring back Sheikh Hasina and that the process to repatriate Hadi’s killers was ongoing.

The discussions reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and India, particularly in trade, energy, and legal matters, as both sides continue to address shared regional concerns.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma met with Information and Broadcasting Minister Jahir Uddin Swapon at the minister’s office on Monday. During the courtesy meeting, they discussed various issues of mutual interest related to bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh.

The Indian High Commissioner congratulated the minister on assuming his new responsibilities at the ministry. Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening communication at different levels to enhance relations between the two neighboring countries.

The meeting reflected a continuation of diplomatic engagement aimed at deepening cooperation in areas of shared interest between Bangladesh and India.

The Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) has called for prioritizing renewable energy to address the country’s ongoing energy crisis. The appeal was made at a press conference held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, where BSREA leaders highlighted that heavy reliance on imported fuels, rising global energy prices, and pressure on foreign reserves have created severe challenges. They noted that the government currently spends over Tk 200 crore daily in subsidies due to high LNG, coal, and oil prices.

BSREA President Mostafa Al Mahmud said renewable energy, especially solar power, is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly long-term solution but lacks adequate policy support. The association pointed out that import duties of 50–60% on renewable equipment and high tariffs on lithium-ion batteries hinder investment, while conventional energy sectors continue to receive subsidies. Citing examples from countries like India and Vietnam, BSREA argued that policy incentives can rapidly enhance energy security.

The organization recommended reducing taxes on renewable imports, introducing zero duty on lithium-ion batteries, ensuring low-interest financing, and expediting stalled solar projects to strengthen Bangladesh’s energy resilience.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a strict directive to all scheduled banks to accept torn, damaged, and dirty banknotes and provide new or reissuable notes in exchange. The circular, released recently, aims to ensure smooth and fair cash transactions for the public. It requires every branch of all banks to regularly offer exchange services for such notes in accordance with existing regulations.

The central bank noted that despite earlier instructions issued on December 15, 2025, damaged and dirty notes remain widespread in circulation, causing inconvenience in daily transactions. To implement its 'Clean Note Policy,' the bank instructed that all denominations, particularly smaller ones such as 5, 10, 20, and 50 taka notes, must be accepted at designated counters and exchanged immediately.

The circular also warned that any bank branch refusing to provide this service would face necessary action. Bangladesh Bank emphasized the importance of this directive and urged all banks to ensure full compliance.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General Ahsan Habib Palash stated that there is no information suggesting any threat or untoward incident ahead of Pahela Baishakh celebrations. Speaking at a press briefing after inspecting security arrangements at Ramna Batamul in Dhaka on Monday, April 13, he said RAB is fully prepared to ensure public safety during the festivities.

According to RAB, multi-layered security measures have been set up at key celebration venues including Shahbagh, TSC, Ramna Batamul, Hatirjheel, and Manik Mia Avenue. The force has deployed 15 battalions nationwide, operating 308 patrols—181 pickup and 127 motorcycle units—alongside plainclothes intelligence surveillance. Bomb disposal units, dog squads, control rooms, CCTV monitoring, and reserve forces are also on standby. A cyber monitoring team is working round the clock to prevent misinformation or provocative content on social media.

Special measures have been taken to ensure the safety of women and children, with immediate action instructed against any harassment complaints. RAB urged festivalgoers to remain alert and seek assistance from nearby law enforcement if needed.

The Chakaria upazila unit of the Bangladesh Mofossol Sangbadik Forum (BMSF) has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister through the acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Rupayan Deb, demanding state recognition for National Media Week. The memorandum was handed over at the UNO office in Chakaria on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

According to the memorandum, although the media plays a vital role as the fourth pillar of the state and contributes significantly to democratic progress, journalists in Bangladesh still lack proper state recognition. The BMSF noted that the 10th National Media Week 2026 is scheduled to be observed from May 1 to 7, and official recognition would enhance journalists’ professional dignity while strengthening media freedom and responsibility.

Journalists from various national and regional newspapers working in Chakaria were present during the submission of the memorandum, alongside leaders of the BMSF Chakaria unit.

Authorities in Babuganj upazila of Barishal seized 3,000 liters of illegally stored fuel during a raid on Sunday night, April 12, 2026. The operation, led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Asma Ul Husna and based on intelligence from the National Security Intelligence (NSI), targeted two local businesses—Messrs Howlader Store and Sikdar Store. Two dealers, A. Kuddus Howlader and Md. Saidur Rahman Sikdar, were fined a total of 8,000 taka under the Essential Commodities Control Act of 1956.

Officials confiscated 2,400 liters of diesel and 600 liters of petrol, which were later auctioned to local trawler, tractor, speedboat, and auto drivers. The sale generated 309,600 taka, deposited into the government treasury. According to intelligence sources, the accused had been sourcing fuel illegally from a filling station in Barishal city and selling it at inflated prices in Babuganj.

Local authorities stated that similar operations will continue to curb illegal fuel storage and black-market trading in the region.

Merchant banks and brokerage houses in Bangladesh are under pressure to adjust margin loans by April 30, 2026, as required by the new Margin Rules 2025. The adjustment deadline comes amid a prolonged downturn in the stock market, worsened by global instability following Iran’s attacks on the United States and Israel. Analysts warn that enforcing the adjustment now could trigger heavy selling pressure and deepen the market crisis.

In response, the DSE Brokers Association (DBA) has requested the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) to extend the adjustment deadline by three months, until July 31, 2026. The DBA’s letter to BSEC Chairman Khondkar Rashed Maksud, signed by President Saiful Islam, argues that forced adjustments during the current slump could negatively affect trading and investor confidence.

The Margin Rules 2025, effective since November 1, 2025, introduced stricter conditions on margin financing, including limits based on investment size, company category, and capital adequacy requirements. Market participants fear that forced compliance could intensify the ongoing market weakness.