Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the government will move away from borrowing through money printing and local bank loans, citing the economic damage caused by such practices. Speaking at a pre-budget discussion organized by the Ministry of Finance on Saturday, he said this policy had raised interest rates and crowded out the private sector, undermining sustainable growth.

He emphasized a policy framework that avoids inflationary pressure from excess money supply and supports entrepreneurs. The minister said the government aims to democratize the economy to ensure inclusive growth, highlighting initiatives such as the ‘Family Card’ program to empower women financially. He also stressed strengthening primary healthcare to reduce personal medical costs and identified small and medium enterprises as the main drivers of employment and growth.

Chowdhury pointed to challenges in the banking sector, currency depreciation, and high inflation, while reaffirming efforts to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio. He also underscored investment in education, skills, and renewable energy to harness demographic advantages and ensure energy security.

Advocate Sabikun Nahar Munni, nominated by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for a reserved women's seat in the 13th National Parliament, has declared an annual income of Tk 1.6 million in her affidavit submitted to the Election Commission. Her total assets amount to Tk 13.8 million, while her husband, Mymensingh-5 candidate Matiur Rahman, declared assets worth Tk 29.8 million. Together, the couple reported total assets of Tk 43.6 million for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

According to the affidavit, Sabikun Nahar, a lawyer by profession and secretary of Jamaat’s central women’s division for human resources, law, and human rights, owns 13 bhori of gold jewelry and a private car valued at Tk 370,000. Her movable assets were shown at an acquisition value of Tk 4.47 million, now estimated at Tk 8.96 million. She also declared immovable property worth over Tk 10 million, including land in Uttara valued at Tk 808,500 and a building on her own plot worth Tk 12.5 million.

The affidavit notes that the acquisition value of her immovable assets was Tk 13.3 million, which she now estimates to be worth Tk 85 million.

The government led by Prime Minister’s ICT adviser Rehan Asif Asad announced that it is focusing on four major areas to reform Bangladesh’s telecom sector. These include developing a new telecom policy through stakeholder consultation, implementing digital ID and digital wallet systems for all citizens, formulating an AI policy, and ensuring efficient revenue management. Asad made the remarks at a roundtable titled “New Telecom Policy and Entrepreneurs’ Expectations” held in Dhaka’s Moghbazar on Saturday.

He said the government aims to bring 90 percent of the population under 100 Mbps broadband and 5G mobile networks. The digital ID initiative is expected to integrate identity and financial transactions into one platform, improving access to public and private services. The rollout is planned within 12 to 18 months. Asad also highlighted the need for fair taxation and better interconnectivity among ISPs.

BTRC Chairman Emdadul Bari emphasized the importance of foreign investment and innovation in infrastructure development. Industry leaders and journalists attending the event urged collaboration to adapt to rapid technological changes and promote a win-win approach for all stakeholders.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj visited Basail Government Primary School in Narsingdi on Saturday to inspect the quality of mid-day meals and observe classroom activities. During the visit, he expressed dissatisfaction with the contractor over the meal quality and warned that the work order could be canceled if improvements were not made. Two samples of bread distributed to students were sent to a Dhaka laboratory for testing after an odor was detected.

Hajjaj told reporters that the government has begun nationwide monitoring of mid-day meals to ensure children receive safe and appealing food that encourages regular school attendance. He said the ministry is closely reviewing all complaints about meal quality and may restructure the program if necessary. Efforts are underway to redesign the meal system in consultation with experts to prevent food spoilage.

He also stated that the government is working on a parallel curriculum aligned with English and Ivy mediums to modernize primary education, with implementation expected within two to three years.

Solaiman Badsha, a Jubo League activist previously arrested for allegedly firing an AK-47 rifle during the July Movement in Chattogram’s Kotwali area, has reappeared publicly after being released on bail. On Friday, he led a rally of 10–15 people in the city’s Sholoshahar area. Eyewitnesses confirmed his leadership role, while attempts to reach the local police officer for comment were unsuccessful. Former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel shared a video of the rally, which participants confirmed took place that day.

Solaiman was arrested by the Rapid Action Battalion on September 19 from Noakhali’s Sonaimuri upazila. Authorities had accused him of opening fire on students and protesters on August 4, injuring a college student named Imran Hossain. He also faces multiple allegations of extortion, drug trafficking, and violent crimes in Chattogram, including being a charge-sheeted accused in a university student murder case.

Human rights groups have expressed concern over how Solaiman obtained bail despite serious charges, calling the situation alarming and demanding accountability from law enforcement.

The National Youth Power, youth wing of the National Citizens Party (NCP), announced a seven-member partial central committee on Saturday in Dhaka. Tarikul Islam, previously the convener, was named president, engineer Farhad Sohel became general secretary, and former anti-discrimination student movement leader Rifat Rashid was appointed organizational secretary. The announcement came during a coordination meeting at a restaurant in Banglamotor, where NCP member secretary and Rangpur-4 MP Akhtar Hossain declared the new leadership and said a full committee would be announced soon.

Other senior positions went to Tuhin Mahmud and Khaled Mahmud Mostafa as senior vice presidents, Kazi Ayesha Ahmed as senior joint general secretary, and Yasin Arafat as senior assistant organizational secretary. Akhtar Hossain stated that the committee had been approved through a council at the youth wing’s tenth general meeting and later endorsed by the NCP.

The new committee follows the resignation of former member secretary Jahedul Islam, who stepped down after new leaders from three organizations, including the anti-discrimination student movement, joined the NCP on April 19.

On April 23, 2026, Dhaka Electric Supply PLC (DESCO) carried out special drives across shopping malls, markets, and residential and commercial establishments under its jurisdiction to promote electricity conservation and reduce excessive lighting. The operations were conducted under the directive of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. A mobile court led by Special Metropolitan Magistrate Hadiuzzaman inspected Mirpur area markets and shops from 7 p.m. on Thursday.

A separate drive took place in the Gulshan–Banani area on April 22, led by Executive Magistrate Mohammad Zubair Alam. During that operation, several establishments, including Spark Gear and Best Buy, were fined 10,000 taka each for violating regulations. One restaurant in Gulshan was also fined for excessive decorative lighting, and unnecessary display lights were confiscated. DESCO teams distributed leaflets and used loudspeakers to raise public awareness about energy conservation.

The drives were supervised by DESCO Managing Director Brigadier General Shamim Ahmed and Executive Director (Operations) Engineer Md. Rashidur Rahman, with participation from several senior engineers and staff members.

At the National Coordination Meeting of the National Youth Power, held on Saturday, organization president Advocate Tarikul Islam called for utilizing the strength of youth to prevent the return of fascism. He emphasized the need for political unity and urged all parties to form a national consensus against fallen fascism and the Awami League to move the country forward. During the meeting, a partial seven-member committee of the organization was announced, with a full committee to be declared soon.

General Secretary Engineer Farhad Sohel stated that the youth group has never acted as a party’s muscle force and will continue to serve as vigilant guardians in times of national crisis and for the protection of sovereignty. Organizational Secretary Rifat Rashid pledged to advance the organization in line with global youth political movements. NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain accused the BNP of betraying the public after coming to power, while Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib condemned the recent police abuse of two elected Daksu representatives.

The newly announced committee includes Tarikul Islam as president, Farhad Sohel as general secretary, and Rifat Rashid as organizational secretary, among others.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) held a discussion with business sector leaders on Saturday, April 25, in Dhaka, focusing on the theme “Delay is costly: Why immediate economic reform is essential.” The event took place at a city hotel and was organized by the NCP’s Industry and Commerce Cell. Member of Parliament and NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain attended as chief guest, alongside key party officials including Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari and Joint Member Secretary Advocate Abdullah Al Amin.

During the session, representatives from FBCCI, BGMEA, and entrepreneurs from the housing and renewable energy sectors shared their views. Speakers emphasized the need for immediate reform to revive the economy, criticizing the current state of the banking sector and revenue management. Nasiruddin Patwari accused the BNP government of derailing reform processes and urged business leaders to protest against it.

Business leaders called for institutional reforms and urged the government to focus on job creation in light of recent public unrest. The event concluded with active participation from all attendees.

Bangladesh’s national cricket team began their official training in Chattogram on April 25, 2026, under extreme heat conditions, preparing for the first T20 match against New Zealand scheduled for Monday at 2 p.m. The session started at 1 p.m. to help players adapt to the match timing. Young bowlers Ripon Mondol and Abdul Gaffar Saklain drew attention with their impressive performances during practice, earning praise from coaching staff and observers.

The training also focused on pitch assessment, with both teams’ coaches and captains inspecting the wicket alongside curators Zahid Reza Babu and Tony Hemming. Bangladesh’s spin coach Mushtaq Ahmed described the wicket as “brilliant” and expressed confidence that spinners Sheikh Mahedi and Nasum Ahmed could extract turn. He emphasized the importance of mental strength for players, particularly spinner Rishad Hossain, who rejoined the T20 squad after missing the last ODI.

Mushtaq confirmed that three spinners are in the squad but not all will play. He said team selection decisions rest with selectors, the head coach, and the captain, while his role is to ensure all players are mentally ready for each match.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding Bangladesh’s traditional products such as Jamdani and Hilsa in the global market. In a message to the media on the eve of World Intellectual Property Day, he said that steps have been taken to ensure online registration, faster services, legal protection, and prevention of counterfeit goods.

World Intellectual Property Day is observed globally on April 26 each year to raise awareness about the role of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and designs in promoting innovation and creativity. This year’s theme is “Intellectual Property and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.” The Prime Minister emphasized that intellectual property protection encourages innovation and creativity, contributing to sports technology, athlete training, branding, broadcasting, and entrepreneurship.

He added that the government is working to build an efficient service system to ensure proper recognition of innovators and creative individuals. The Prime Minister also highlighted initiatives to support athletes through allowances and sports cards, talent scouting, and modern training facilities, which he believes will boost sports-based industries, investment, and employment opportunities.

Akhtar Hossain, member secretary of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of deceiving the public after coming to power by promising a 'yes' vote in the referendum. Speaking on Saturday at the National Coordination Meeting of NCP’s youth wing, Jatiyo Juboshokti, he said the BNP’s claim of majority rule and unilateral decision-making amounted to betrayal of the referendum mandate. During the event, a seven-member partial committee of Jatiyo Juboshokti was announced, with a full committee to follow soon.

Hossain also criticized the government for printing large sums of money and amending banking laws to favor money launderers, suggesting that only the ruling chairs had changed, not the mindset of corruption. He warned that the NCP would resist any attempt to restore fascism through alliances with the Awami League unless the latter was legally banned. Other NCP leaders condemned recent police violence against student representatives and rising fuel and commodity prices, accusing the government of authoritarian tendencies.

Speakers emphasized youth unity and political consensus to prevent the return of fascism and advance the ideals of July’s democratic aspirations.

Fuel supply and sales have been suspended for two weeks in Roumari and Rajibpur upazilas of Kurigram due to delays in issuing fuel cards. The only filling station serving both areas, Brahmaputra Filling Station in Roumari, last sold fuel on April 10, leaving residents facing severe hardship. With no fuel available, transportation has nearly stopped, and people are struggling to travel for work, education, and daily needs.

The shortage has sharply reduced the number of petrol and octane-powered vehicles, especially motorcycles, on local roads. Frequent power outages have also prevented electric rickshaws from charging, forcing residents to walk long distances. SSC examinees are among the worst affected, relying on pedal rickshaws and vans to reach exam centers. Farmers are unable to irrigate their boro paddy fields, raising fears of lower yields.

Local officials and the filling station management have given conflicting statements about the reason for the delay. The station manager cited pending fuel card issuance, while the Roumari Upazila Nirbahi Officer said the card process should not prevent fuel sales.

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has announced plans to establish six open-field temporary markets to rehabilitate registered street hawkers. DNCC Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan disclosed the initiative at a city dialogue held in Gulshan on Saturday, emphasizing that hawkers must operate only in designated areas under a registration system. A maintenance fee will be collected, and stalls must be movable, not permanent or semi-permanent structures.

Khan noted that the number of hawkers on Dhaka’s footpaths has risen from 200 to nearly 2,000, severely disrupting pedestrian movement and even ambulance access near hospitals. He stressed that the city cannot allow a small group to cause hardship for the majority and called for coordinated urban management among utility agencies. He also mentioned discussions about penalizing those who dump waste into city canals.

Speakers at the event, including urban activists and officials from RAJUK and WASA, highlighted Dhaka’s broader urban challenges such as pollution, poor coordination, and infrastructure delays, urging integrated governance and stronger enforcement to prevent the city from becoming unlivable.

At least 50 million people in Bangladesh are at risk of thyroid-related hormone disorders, according to Professor Dr. Farid Uddin, president of the Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Diabetologists of Bangladesh (ACEDB). Speaking as chief guest at an event held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Saturday, he emphasized that early detection and proper treatment can prevent serious complications. He called for public awareness to reduce the family and social burden of these conditions.

Dr. Farid Uddin described hormone disorders as silent killers that can lead to obesity, weakness, infertility, and various sexual health issues. He noted that treatment for most hormone-related diseases is available in Bangladesh, including at government hospitals. He attributed the rise in hormonal imbalance to unhealthy lifestyles, poor diet, pollution, and excessive chemical use, but said regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress control can reduce risks.

He also stressed the importance of early testing for newborns to prevent complications, noting that timely diagnosis and low-cost treatment can help affected children lead normal lives.