An opinion piece published on April 26, 2026, in the newspaper 'Amar Desh' warns that the cancellation of a recent referendum has deepened political divisions in Bangladesh. The article criticizes the ruling BNP government for reversing its earlier positions after coming to power, allegedly seeking to entrench authority and avoid reforms. It argues that ignoring the people’s vote and prioritizing party interests over constitutional principles risks reviving authoritarian tendencies and undermining national unity.

The commentary highlights controversies surrounding key government appointments, including the Bangladesh Bank governor, university vice-chancellors, and city administrators. It claims these decisions have raised public concern about favoritism and competence. The writer recalls the 2024 mass uprising that ousted an autocratic regime, saying citizens had hoped for a people-centered government focused on justice, industrialization, and employment.

The article concludes that rejecting the referendum’s outcome sends a dangerous message and could provoke renewed public resistance, potentially more intense than the 2024 movement.

A sharp rise in fuel prices has begun to affect agriculture, transport, and market systems across Bangladesh, particularly in Rajshahi. From farms to wholesale markets, costs are rising and profits shrinking, pushing up consumer prices and creating market instability. Traders report that truck rental rates have surged by several thousand taka per trip, while farmers dependent on diesel-powered irrigation pumps face sharply higher production costs.

At Naohata and Maugachi markets, traders said that increased transport expenses are forcing them to raise prices in urban markets, hurting both sellers and buyers. Transport operators report fuel shortages and long waits at pumps, making it impossible to operate at previous rates. Farmers are reducing irrigation due to higher diesel costs, which could lower crop yields. Small traders and transport workers are also struggling as their operating costs climb.

Analysts warn that if fuel prices and supply issues are not stabilized soon, the combined impact on agriculture, transport, and consumer markets could deepen inflationary pressures and strain the broader economy.

The 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) concluded in Bangkok on Friday, where Bangladesh led the adoption of a landmark resolution on sustainable bio-economy. The resolution, titled “Supporting the Transition Towards a Sustainable Bio-Economy in Asia and the Pacific,” was introduced by Bangladesh and adopted unanimously by member states. According to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, this achievement reinforces Bangladesh’s growing leadership in shaping the regional development agenda.

The resolution aligns with Bangladesh’s national priorities for sustainable, innovation-driven, and inclusive growth. It emphasizes circular economy principles, efficient resource use, and the application of science and technology for economic transformation. It also calls for enhanced regional cooperation to promote knowledge sharing, capacity building, investment, and the development of sustainable bio-economy value chains across the Asia-Pacific region.

The session also adopted the Baku-Bangkok Declaration on strengthening social development for inclusive societies for all ages, reaffirming the region’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable social progress.

The BNP-led government of Bangladesh is facing a dual crisis over its loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Meeting the IMF’s conditions could trigger higher inflation, while failing to do so risks foreign reserve shortages, exchange rate instability, and loss of international confidence. The IMF withheld the sixth tranche of a $5.5 billion loan after Bangladesh failed to meet key reform conditions related to subsidies, banking, and revenue collection.

Economists describe the situation as difficult, noting that the economy remains fragile despite some recovery under the interim government. The IMF’s conditions include eliminating energy subsidies by 2027, reforming the banking sector, and raising the tax-to-GDP ratio. The National Board of Revenue has missed its targets, with a shortfall of about 980 billion taka in the first nine months of the fiscal year. The government recently raised fuel prices by 15–20 taka per liter, citing global oil price increases rather than IMF pressure.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said further discussions with the IMF are planned. Analysts warn that failure to meet IMF conditions could jeopardize future foreign loan access and worsen economic instability.

Bangladesh’s women’s kabaddi team made history at the 2026 Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, by winning a bronze medal after a 14-year gap. Despite losing to India in the semifinals, the team secured the bronze, marking Bangladesh’s first kabaddi medal at the event since 2012. The semifinal match was competitive early on, with Bangladesh trailing 22–15 at halftime before eventually losing 50–31 to the more experienced Indian side.

Throughout the tournament, Bangladesh showed consistent performance from the group stage to the knockout rounds, earning praise for their determination and teamwork. The bronze medal finish is seen as a major achievement for the team and a significant milestone for women’s sports in Bangladesh.

The success is expected to inspire further development in women’s kabaddi and strengthen Bangladesh’s presence in international competitions, reflecting growing progress in the country’s female sporting sector.

Islami Chhatra Shibir has condemned and protested a reported threat made by Rajshahi University Chhatra Dal vice-president Md. Shariful Islam against the university’s student adviser, Professor Dr. Amirul Islam. The condemnation came through a joint statement issued on Sunday by Shibir’s branch president Mujahid Faisal and secretary Mehedi Hasan, signed by publicity and media secretary Mehedi Sajib.

The statement described the threat, allegedly made in response to a Facebook post by the adviser, as a disgraceful and extremist act. Shibir leaders said such behavior reflects authoritarian tendencies reminiscent of past regimes and undermines the democratic environment expected after the July uprising. They emphasized that intimidation of teachers is unacceptable and damages the academic atmosphere on campus.

The organization urged the university administration to take exemplary disciplinary action against the Chhatra Dal leader, warning that such conduct disrupts the educational environment and suppresses differing opinions.

A recent increase in fuel prices has begun to disrupt Dhaka’s essential goods market, causing widespread price instability. Traders report that transportation costs have risen, leading to higher prices for vegetables, fish, eggs, edible oil, and other daily necessities. Consumers say prices have surged since last week’s fuel price adjustment, straining lower- and middle-income households. Business activity has slowed, with traders noting a sharp decline in daily sales.

Market visits to Karwan Bazar, Babubazar, Nayabazar, and Hatirpool revealed that most vegetables now sell above 70 taka per kilogram, except for potatoes and okra. Prices of poultry, particularly local and Sonali chickens, have increased sharply, while edible oil and packaged goods such as sugar, milk, and rice have also become costlier. Traders attribute the trend to higher transport fares and reduced product supply from companies.

Although some items like rice and meat remain stable, traders warn that the full impact of the fuel price hike may intensify in the coming days as transport and supply costs continue to rise.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has set May 7 for delivering its order on charge framing against former mayor Fazle Noor Taposh, former textiles and jute minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak, and 26 others in connection with the killing of nine people during the July uprising in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area. The decision came after hearings from both prosecution and defense before a three-member judicial panel led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder on Sunday.

The other members of the tribunal are Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired district and sessions judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury. The hearing was initially scheduled for April 15 but was postponed following a prosecution request for more time. Among the accused are former DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman, former additional DIG Proloy Kumar Jowardar, and former joint police commissioner Biplob Kumar Sarkar, along with leaders and activists of the banned Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League.

Four accused are currently in custody and were produced before the tribunal from prison on Sunday. They include Naeemul Hasan Russell, Sajjad Hossain, Omar Faruk, and Fazle Rabbi, all linked to the banned Mohammadpur unit of Chhatra League.

Bangladesh T20 captain Liton Das said the team has moved on from the disappointment of missing the last T20 World Cup and is now focused on playing positive cricket. Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Chattogram on Sunday, he explained that the players have recovered mentally and are eager to perform well in upcoming matches.

Liton noted that the team had already played a tournament after the World Cup period, which helped them regain confidence and rhythm. He emphasized that every international game is important for both the team and individual players, and that they are preparing to take the field with a winning mindset for Bangladesh.

His comments reflect a renewed focus within the squad on forward-looking performance and mental resilience as they prepare for their next international fixtures.

A political controversy has erupted in Chandina upazila of Cumilla after a reception was organized under a party banner for an expelled leader. The event took place on Saturday at the Chandina municipal auditorium, where expelled upazila Jubo Dal convener Abul Khayer presided over the program honoring Cumilla-7 MP Atikul Alam Shawon. Shawon had been expelled from the BNP for violating party directives by contesting in the 13th national election, while Khayer had also been expelled earlier from the upazila Jubo Dal.

Local sources said the reception, held under the BNP banner, angered many party activists who questioned its legitimacy. Cumilla North Jubo Dal leader Borhan Uddin stated that using the party banner for such an event was completely against party rules. Another unnamed leader questioned how expelled members could organize a program under the party’s name.

Abul Khayer claimed he had permission from higher authorities but did not specify from whom. MP Shawon did not respond to calls for comment. The incident has sparked debate in local political circles about the validity of organizing a party-branded event for expelled members.

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.

Two primary school students, Junayet from Patuakhali’s Dashmina upazila and Sifatulllah Siam from Pirojpur’s Mathbaria upazila, fell ill in their classrooms on Saturday during an ongoing heatwave. Both fourth-grade students fainted while classes were in session and received primary treatment. Teachers said the incidents occurred due to extreme heat and lack of electricity during class hours.

Earlier, a third-grade student named Amena Akter from Cumilla’s Makrampur Government Primary School had also fainted in class on Thursday. Parents and teachers attributed the incidents to the combination of intense heat and frequent load-shedding, which left classrooms without fans. Teachers reported that many students were suffering from dizziness, vomiting, and weakness, while normal teaching activities were being disrupted.

The Bangladesh Primary Teachers’ Association urged the government to adjust school hours so that classes end by noon to protect children from rising temperatures. The Directorate of Primary Education declined to comment, calling it a policy matter, and the state minister for primary and mass education could not be reached for response.

Salahuddin Ammar, General Secretary of the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RACSU), made a Facebook post on Sunday afternoon indirectly addressing leaders of the student wing Chhatra Dal. In his post, he humorously remarked that these senior leaders had become part of the campus’s ‘heritage,’ suggesting that if they were placed in a museum, people would buy tickets to see them.

Ammar’s post compared his own academic timeline with that of the senior leaders, noting that while he progressed through school and university, they remained active on campus for many years. His comments highlighted generational differences and implied stagnation among older student politicians. The post quickly drew attention for its satirical tone.

A day earlier, on April 25, Ammar’s mother, Rokeya Khanam, had shared an emotional post describing herself as the proud mother of a revolutionary and recalling the political struggles and repression their family faced. Her statement added a personal dimension to the public discussion surrounding Ammar’s activism.

A case has been filed against 300 people in connection with an attack on Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Executive Magistrate Sabuj Kumar Basak while he was on duty at a fuel station in Debiganj, Panchagarh. The case was lodged on Saturday night, April 25, by Sirajul Islam, a staff member of the upazila administration, at Debiganj Police Station. It names 25 individuals and includes 200 to 300 unidentified persons as accused. Following the filing, police launched operations in the area and increased surveillance to arrest the suspects. Fuel sales at the station have been suspended to maintain order.

According to the report, the incident occurred when the UNO visited the station around 12:30 p.m. to inspect petrol distribution after long queues had formed since early morning. He instructed drivers without proper documents to leave and fined two motorcyclists Tk 500 each for lacking papers. Some drivers then started a commotion, leading to an attack on the UNO and accompanying Ansar members. Ansar member Tayebur Rahman was reportedly assaulted, and an attempt was made to snatch his weapon.

Police confirmed that the case has been registered and operations are ongoing to apprehend those involved.

Bangladesh narrowly missed topping its group in the Asian Beach Games Kabaddi competition after losing to Nepal by just two points in Sanya, China. The match, originally postponed due to rain, was completed on Sunday morning. Nepal led 19–17 at halftime and maintained its advantage despite Bangladesh’s repeated efforts to recover. The final score stood at Nepal 38, Bangladesh 36.

With this result, Bangladesh finished second in its group and will now face India, the top team from the other group, in the semifinals. The close contest demonstrated Bangladesh’s competitive form but also highlighted Nepal’s strong defense and effective raiding strategy.

Regardless of the semifinal outcome, Bangladesh remains in contention for at least a bronze medal, as reaching the semifinals guarantees a place in the medal round.