Police in Jianagar, Pirojpur recovered 75 barrels of stolen bitumen that had been left abandoned inside a house in Seutibaria village. The operation was conducted on Tuesday evening, April 21, under the leadership of Sub-Inspector Ismail Hossain. The barrels were found inside the home of Ibadul Kabir Badol Hawlader and taken into police custody. According to police, the bitumen had been lying there for about a month. House owner Badol Hawlader stated that he lives in Dhaka and was unaware of who had left the bitumen on his property. Earlier, on April 4, police had recovered 59 barrels of stolen bitumen from a work site linked to contractor Shakil Mahmud Palash Hawlader, Badol’s relative. Locals suspect the newly recovered barrels may also belong to Palash, though he denied any involvement, claiming he was being framed by rivals. Sub-Inspector Saiduzzaman confirmed that several individuals have contacted police claiming ownership of the bitumen. Authorities said the barrels will be handed over through court once valid ownership documents are verified. Several related bitumen theft cases have recently been filed in nearby districts.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly searching for a way to withdraw from the ongoing Iran war, which began on February 28. The conflict has proven extremely expensive, with the United States spending between $890 million and $1 billion daily, while Israel has spent $112 billion in total. Post-war reconstruction in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states is expected to cost hundreds of billions, with Saudi Arabia alone needing over $600 billion to restore its oil and gas infrastructure. The United Arab Emirates has suffered severe damage to civilian and energy facilities from drone and missile strikes and has begun informal discussions with the U.S. about economic assistance. According to the Wall Street Journal, the UAE’s central bank chief recently sought a currency swap with the U.S. Federal Reserve after losing significant oil revenue due to Hormuz Strait disruptions. Meanwhile, Iran has demanded $2.7 trillion in war compensation from several Arab states. The White House confirmed that Trump remains interested in financial burden-sharing similar to the 1991 Gulf War. However, rising costs and Gulf nations’ demands for U.S. aid could strain the American economy and weaken the dollar’s global position.

A cargo trawler bound for Monpura sank at Choumuhani Ghat in Tazumuddin upazila of Bhola on Tuesday evening after being hit by strong waves from the Dhaka-bound launch MB Farhan. The incident resulted in the loss of goods including 934 pieces of school feeding bread, 150 sacks of poultry feed, 110 sacks of rice, and edible oil, with an estimated damage of about Tk 2 million, according to locals. Trawler driver Hiron Mia said the MB Farhan launch had departed from Betuaghata in Charfassion and created strong waves while leaving Choumuhani Ghat for Dhaka, causing the trawler heading to Monpura to sink. Some school feeding items were saved, but most of the cargo went underwater immediately. No casualties were reported in the incident. The officer-in-charge of Tazumuddin Police Station said he was unaware of the incident and would look into it after being informed by the reporter.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran is facing a financial collapse. In a post on his social media platform X, Trump stated that Iran is 'crying for cash' and losing about 500 million dollars every day. He further alleged that Iran’s military and police are complaining about not receiving their salaries. Trump also said that the United States has completely blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route. According to him, Iran wants to reopen the strait to earn 500 million dollars daily, but has kept it closed to 'save face.' The statements were reported by Al Jazeera and published by the Bangladeshi outlet Amar Desh. The remarks come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with recent reports of ship seizures and escalating regional conflict in the Middle East.

Two sub-health centers in Raipur upazila of Lakshmipur have been operating without doctors for about 11 to 12 years, depriving local residents of essential healthcare. According to the Raipur Upazila Health Complex office, the centers in Haydarganj Bazar of Char Ababil Union and Saicha village of Bamni Union each have sanctioned doctor posts that remain vacant. Currently, an MBBS doctor visits once a week, while a sub-assistant community medical officer serves patients on other days. Local union chairmen and residents said the absence of doctors has forced villagers to travel 10 to 12 kilometers to the upazila health complex for even minor ailments, increasing patient pressure on the 50-bed facility. Around 86,000 families, traders, students, and coastal workers depend on these centers, but the lack of doctors has caused severe hardship. Raipur Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Bahrul Alam confirmed that reports on the vacancies are regularly sent to the civil surgeon. He noted that the shortage has significantly increased patient load at the upazila hospital, where 400–500 people visit the outpatient department daily.

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) has initiated the viva voce process for candidates who passed the written examination of the 47th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS). As part of the preparation, candidates are required to fill out and submit the ‘BPSC Form-3’ online using their BCS user ID and password. The form must be completed in Bangla through the designated website, and candidates need updated browsers with Flash Player and Unicode support. After submission, the form must be downloaded, printed, and two copies submitted to the viva board. Candidates can edit any incorrect information within the specified time. The BPSC notice, signed by Exam Controller (Cadre) Masuma Afrin, also instructs candidates to select the correct option under the ‘Freedom Fighter Status’ section from four available categories. In addition, the commission has announced that viva examinations for 2,570 general cadre candidates will begin on May 11 at the BPSC headquarters in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, starting daily at 10 a.m. according to registration numbers. The directive ensures a standardized digital process for candidate data submission ahead of the 47th BCS viva sessions.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized illegal Indian medicines worth about Tk 20 million during an operation in the Muktijoddha Chattar area of Madhabpur upazila, Habiganj. The operation took place on Tuesday afternoon along the Dhaka–Sylhet highway, where a truck was stopped and searched. The contraband medicines and Indian snacks were found hidden under bricks inside sacks. The seized goods were later handed over to the customs office following legal procedures. According to a press release issued by Lieutenant Colonel Tanzilur Rahman, commander of the Habiganj Battalion (55 BGB), the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb cross-border smuggling. He stated that BGB remains firm in protecting the border and preventing illegal trade. Intelligence surveillance has been strengthened in border areas to safeguard domestic industries and maintain economic stability. The BGB official added that similar operations will continue in the future to ensure tighter control over smuggling activities and to support lawful trade practices.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its forces are rearming during the ongoing ceasefire with Iran. CENTCOM stated that American troops remain prepared for any situation. The announcement was made during a press conference where CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper said the military is adjusting its strategies, methods, and operational procedures. Standing beside US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Cooper emphasized that no other military in the world adapts as effectively as the US forces, and that this period of ceasefire is being used to enhance readiness. The remarks followed President Donald Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire period with Iran. The statement reflects Washington’s intent to maintain military preparedness even amid a temporary halt in hostilities, signaling continued strategic caution in the region.

Fuel is being sold at inflated prices across several districts of Bangladesh, with sellers citing supply shortages. Consumers are being forced to pay more for petrol, octane, diesel, and kerosene, which is driving up the prices of essential goods. In Jamalpur, new official rates have been set, but many stations are charging extra, leading to long queues and frustration among buyers. Reports from Faridpur, Rangpur, and Bogura describe irregularities such as phone-based fuel sales, syndicate control, and deliberate supply halts. In Sunamganj, a mobile court fined a businessman for overpricing fuel, while in Chuadanga, 300 liters of illegally stored diesel were seized and resold to farmers at official rates. The Coast Guard in Bhola confiscated 4,000 liters of petrol being transported illegally, and in Narayanganj, a company was fined for selling diesel and furnace oil without valid documents. Authorities in several districts have launched mobile court operations and enforcement drives to curb illegal sales and stabilize the market, though widespread public hardship continues.

An adviser to Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed US President Donald Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire with Iran as meaningless. The adviser said Washington cannot impose any conditions on Tehran, asserting that the United States has been defeated in the conflict. He added that a defeated side cannot dictate terms during ongoing tensions. The remarks came amid continued disputes over the US naval blockade and stalled negotiations. Iranian officials have warned that sustained pressure could further escalate the situation. The comments reflect Tehran’s firm stance against US actions in the region. Earlier, Trump announced the extension of the ceasefire with Iran in a statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social. He also ordered the US military to maintain the naval blockade against Iran, citing requests from Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to delay attacks until Tehran presents a unified proposal.

Lightning protection rods installed in the haor areas of Sunamganj have become ineffective, leading to an increase in lightning-related deaths and growing public fear. The region, known as one of the most lightning-prone areas in the world, has recorded 68 deaths from lightning strikes between 2022 and April 18, 2026. Despite government efforts, the installed rods have failed to reduce casualties. According to the report, the Disaster Management Department spent two crore taka during the 2021–22 fiscal year to install 18 lightning rods across six upazilas, mainly on government buildings such as union council offices and land offices, rather than in open haor fields where farmers and fishermen work. Field visits revealed that many rods are nonfunctional, with meters not working and no lightning measurement taking place. Environmental activists blamed mismanagement and climate change for worsening conditions, urging the establishment of small shelters and a weather center in Sunamganj. District relief officials acknowledged the need for improved safety measures but cited budget and planning constraints. They stated that rods were placed in populated areas, though all are currently inactive.

A Bangladeshi expatriate businessman, Abu Naser Shamim, aged 50 and originally from Noakhali’s Companiganj upazila, was shot dead by armed assailants in front of his business establishment in the Bara area near Johannesburg, South Africa. The attack occurred around 5 p.m. local time on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, when the assailants held a pistol to his head and fired multiple rounds, killing him instantly. The incident has plunged his family and local community into mourning. According to his son, Abu Rafsan Piyas, Shamim had first migrated to South Africa in 2007 and returned there after a brief stay in Bangladesh to expand his business. He reportedly owned four to five enterprises in South Africa. Recently, he had disputes with a business partner from Noakhali over the sale of a large shop, prompting him to install bulletproof glass and hire a security guard for safety. The murder occurred while he was speaking with the guard outside his shop. Members of the Bangladeshi expatriate community expressed deep sorrow, while the victim’s family urged the government to ensure a proper investigation and repatriate his body to Bangladesh.

Lawmakers in Bangladesh’s National Parliament have renewed calls to reopen the Shamshernagar Airport in Kamalganj upazila of Moulvibazar to enhance tourism and local business. The issue was raised through an emergency notice by Moulvibazar-3 MP M Naser Rahman, who urged the Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister to consider partial civilian use of the airbase currently under the Air Force. The discussion took place in a recent parliamentary session, where the agenda was confirmed by the Legislative Support Wing of the Parliament Secretariat. The airport, built during World War II over about 800 acres, has a 6,000-foot runway and is now used for Air Force training. Local residents and expatriates claim vested interests have blocked its reopening, though they argue it would benefit the economy and tourism. Another MP, Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, also supported the demand, citing easier access to nearby tourist sites such as Lawachara and Madhabkunda. In response, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita said a feasibility study is underway to assess the airport’s commercial viability. The Moulvibazar Chamber of Commerce welcomed the parliamentary attention, noting that improved air connectivity could revitalize regional trade.

The Rangamati district administration has imposed a complete ban on all types of fishing in Kaptai Lake to ensure proper breeding, growth, and natural expansion of released fish fry. The decision was made at a meeting chaired by Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi, who also heads the Kaptai Lake Management and Operations Committee. According to a press release from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the ban will take effect from midnight on April 24 and remain in place until further notice. During the ban, fishing, transportation, and marketing of fish from the lake will be prohibited. However, fish already caught may be landed at the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) jetty until 4 p.m. on April 25. The release of new fish fry into the lake will begin on May 2. To enforce the restrictions, joint patrols by the naval police and BFDC will be conducted, with temporary checkpoints and mobile courts operating to prevent illegal fishing. The ministry has also launched a humanitarian program to support 26,845 affected fishing families in Rangamati and Khagrachhari, providing 40 kilograms of rice per family over two months and transport allowances to ensure food security during the ban.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has suspended the transfer of cash dollars to Iraq and temporarily halted security cooperation with the Iraqi military. According to The Wall Street Journal, the move aims to pressure the Iraqi government to dismantle powerful Iran-backed militia groups operating within the country. The report states that the US Treasury Department recently blocked a cargo plane carrying about 500 million dollars in cash destined for Iraq. The funds originated from Iraqi oil sales and were held in an account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. US officials cited concerns over the influence and activities of the militias as the reason for withholding the money. Neither the Trump administration nor the Treasury Department has issued an official comment on the matter. The suspension marks a significant escalation in US efforts to curb Iranian influence in Iraq, reflecting ongoing tensions in the region.