Dhaka University Chhatra Dal Joint General Secretary Sheikh Shovon has resigned from his post, criticizing the BNP’s stance on the July commitment and reform issues. He announced his resignation on Thursday afternoon through a Facebook post, citing the party’s questionable role in these matters as the main reason behind his decision. Shovon, a student of the 2015–16 session in the university’s law department and a follower of Chhatra Dal leader Fazlur Rahman Khokon, expressed deep concern over the current political situation. In his post, he said the spirit of past movements and the sacrifices of martyrs were being neglected, and that national interests were being harmed by personal and group conflicts. He stated that his ideological position no longer aligned with the BNP’s policies and activities. Speaking to Amar Desh, Shovon said the BNP and Jamaat’s stance on reform issues amounted to deceiving the public. He added that the party’s opposition to the July commitment created a questionable position, leading to his frustration and eventual resignation.

Four cargo ships linked to Iran have crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite a recently enforced US blockade. According to BBC reports citing tracking data on Friday, three of the vessels sailed under the Iranian flag while the fourth was registered in Comoros. The ships departed from Iranian ports earlier in the week and were observed moving toward destinations including India, Pakistan, and China. Marine Traffic data showed that the ships—Azargoun, Ashkan3, Shabdis, and Tava 4—left ports such as Shahid Rajaee, Chabahar, and Imam Khomeini after the sanctions took effect on Monday. Their reported positions placed them near Indian and Pakistani coasts, with some heading toward Kandla, Karachi, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port. Analysts noted that the findings were based on self-reported tracking data. The report also cautioned that some vessels may disable or falsify their tracking signals, a practice known as “spoofing,” which can obscure their true locations and routes.

At a press briefing held on Wednesday at BIRDEM Hospital’s conference room, Professor Dr. A.K. Azad Khan, president of the Bangladesh Diabetic Association and former chairman of the Health Reform Commission, called on the government to supply insulin free of cost to Type-1 diabetes patients. He emphasized that these patients are entirely dependent on insulin for survival, comparing its necessity to oxygen and water. Dr. Khan highlighted that the Bangladesh Diabetic Association, founded in 1956 by National Professor Mohammad Ibrahim, has expanded its services significantly over the decades. He stated that the association provides far more comprehensive care than similar organizations worldwide, which mostly focus on advocacy. The event was attended by the association’s member secretary Muhammad Abu Taher Khan and national councillor Matiur Rahman Laltu. Dr. Khan reiterated that access to insulin is a fundamental right for citizens living with diabetes in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested one suspect linked to a major online fraud ring that used the name and logo of a reputed trading company to deceive investors. The suspect, Md. Tajul Islam, 31, from Barishal’s Bakerganj area, was detained in Dhaka’s Kalyanpur neighborhood by the CID’s Cyber Intelligence and Risk Management Team. The group allegedly swindled over 2.1 million taka from victims by promising guaranteed profits through an artificial intelligence-based trading software. According to the case filed on April 5 at Mohammadpur Police Station, the scam began with a Facebook advertisement featuring names and photos of well-known economists and a former World Bank official to gain public trust. Victims were added to WhatsApp groups and encouraged to invest increasing amounts after initial small returns. Investigators found that Tajul Islam supplied bank accounts and debit cards used to launder the stolen funds. CID officials said the cybercrime network operates beyond Bangladesh and that efforts are ongoing to locate other members. Authorities urged the public to verify online investment offers and report suspected fraud to local police or the Cyber Police Center.

Jahangirnagar University has resumed its campus–Chandra bus service after nearly two years of suspension, following an initiative by the university’s central student union (JAKSU). The service was officially inaugurated on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 3 p.m. near the central Shaheed Minar road. The event was attended by university officials and student leaders, including the vice president, general secretary, and transport secretary of JAKSU. JAKSU leaders stated that the resumption followed prolonged discussions with the university administration to address students’ transportation needs. They expressed gratitude to the administration and treasurer for their cooperation. The general secretary hinted that another route would be launched next week and mentioned ongoing efforts to automate the transport system with a sustainable live tracking app for students. At the inauguration, the university’s vice-chancellor (education) Professor Dr. Sohel Ahmed emphasized that the bus service is exclusively for students and must ensure full road safety. He noted that the transport sector is one of the university’s most expensive areas, currently operating 12 double-decker and 5 large buses through outsourcing.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon, describing it as part of the main Iran-US agreement mediated by Pakistan. He reiterated that Iran has consistently emphasized the need for a simultaneous ceasefire across the entire region, including Lebanon, and expressed solidarity with the Lebanese people and government. Baghaei urged displaced Lebanese residents to return to their homes following the ceasefire and stressed the necessity of a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. However, Israel has refused to withdraw its troops. Less than an hour after the ceasefire officially took effect, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported continued Israeli shelling in the southern towns of Khiam and Dibbin. The developments highlight ongoing tensions despite the ceasefire, with Iran supporting regional calm and Israel accused of violating the truce shortly after its implementation.

Popular singer, presenter, and social worker Dithi Anwar has collected a nomination form from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to contest for a reserved women’s seat in the 13th National Parliament. The announcement was made on April 16, 2026. Dithi, daughter of late lyricist and film director Gazi Mazharul Anwar, said she wishes to continue her father’s political legacy within the BNP. She expressed interest in representing either a Sylhet or Cumilla constituency if elected. Dithi highlighted her family’s political and social contributions, noting that her father served as BNP’s cultural secretary and adviser to Khaleda Zia, while her father-in-law, Shafi Ahmed Chowdhury, was twice elected as a member of parliament from Sylhet-3. She currently chairs the Latifa-Shafi Chowdhury Women’s Degree College, where 3,000 students study free of charge. She stated her intention to eliminate negative cultural influences, introduce content censorship on YouTube, and advocate for fair royalty systems for artists. Dithi also emphasized reviving the country’s cultural vibrancy and ensuring that artists are not politically sidelined.

A new survey titled “Measurement of ICT Access and Use” released on Thursday at the BBS office in Agargaon, Dhaka, shows that while over half of Bangladesh’s population now uses the internet, significant disparities and skill limitations persist. The survey found that 53.4 percent of people use the internet, but most users’ digital abilities are limited to basic tasks such as copy-paste. A sharp divide remains between urban and rural areas, with 75.7 percent of city residents online compared to only 43.6 percent in villages, a gap of 32.1 percentage points. The survey also revealed that Dhaka Division has the highest internet access, while Panchagarh lags behind. Only 11.3 percent of people use computers, though 88.4 percent use mobile phones and 64.4 percent own one. In the past three months, 64.4 percent of users searched for government job information, 49.8 percent for sports, and only 11.6 percent shopped online. While 78.5 percent said they could respond to cyberattacks, half identified viruses and malware as major threats. High internet costs remain a key barrier to digital inclusion, with 43.6 percent of respondents citing price as the main reason for not using the internet.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the ceasefire in Lebanon as a historic opportunity for peace, while rejecting calls to withdraw Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. He stated that Israeli troops remain positioned in an expanded security zone to prevent attacks and cross-border shelling into Israel. Netanyahu emphasized that his main objective is the elimination of Hezbollah, reiterating earlier intentions to maintain control up to Lebanon’s Litani River. In contrast, Lebanon has demanded a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and the return of displaced residents to their homes. The report, citing The Guardian, highlights the ongoing tension between Israel’s security stance and Lebanon’s sovereignty demands, suggesting that despite the ceasefire, core disputes over territory and security remain unresolved.

Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, the newly elected Speaker of the National Parliament, was honored by residents of Lalmohan upazila in Bhola. The civic reception, organized by the Lalmohan Citizens’ Forum, took place on Thursday afternoon at the upazila auditorium. During his speech, the Speaker said he did not come to receive honors but to express gratitude to the people of Lalmohan-Tajumuddin. He noted that his responsibilities as Speaker had increased, limiting his ability to visit the area frequently, and expressed his wish to live and die with honor and dignity. In his address, Hafiz Uddin described the Bhola-Barishal bridge as a rightful and vital demand of the region’s people and assured that he would make maximum efforts to implement the project. He also mentioned plans to initiate the establishment of a medical college in Bhola and said he would request the Prime Minister and the Health Minister to consider setting it up in Lalmohan. The event reflected local appreciation for the Speaker’s leadership and his commitment to regional development priorities.

Political analyst Abed Abu Shehade told Al Jazeera that news of a 10-day ceasefire with Lebanon has generated mixed reactions among Israelis. Many citizens reportedly feel disappointed, believing that a full military victory had been promised but not achieved. According to Shehade, Israelis were surprised that Hezbollah managed to maintain its military capabilities until the end of the conflict. He added that the ceasefire has deepened public distrust toward the Israeli government, as some citizens feel they were not fully informed about the situation. Shehade also noted that Iran and Pakistan had earlier stated that Lebanon was included in the ceasefire, a claim initially denied by Israel and the United States. Later, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly informed the Israeli public about the ceasefire agreement. The report highlights growing skepticism within Israel regarding the government’s handling of the conflict and communication with the public.

The Ministry of Railways has revived its plan to build a 500-bed hospital and a 100-seat medical college in Chattogram’s historic CRB area. After nearly four years of suspension due to public protests and environmental concerns, Railways Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam of the BNP government is preparing to grant policy approval for the project. According to the minister’s official itinerary, he will visit Chattogram from April 18 to 21 and inspect the proposed site at Goalpahar near CRB on April 19 at 4 p.m. A senior ministry official confirmed that preparations are underway for the minister’s on-site inspection, after which formal approval is expected. The project was originally planned under a public–private partnership with United Enterprise, which agreed to transfer the facility to the railway authority after 50 years. However, the initiative was halted in 2022 following strong opposition from social, cultural, and professional groups who described CRB as the “lungs” of Chattogram. News of the project’s revival has reignited debate among residents and environmental activists, who argue that constructing a commercial hospital in CRB would harm its ecological and cultural significance and could trigger renewed public protests.

Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said that winning the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand would be a major achievement for his team. The first match is scheduled for tomorrow at 11 a.m. in Mirpur. Miraz emphasized that a good start is crucial, viewing the opening match as the key to building momentum for the rest of the series. He noted that Bangladesh will play on sporting wickets similar to those used in their recent 2–1 series win over Pakistan. Miraz described victory against New Zealand’s second-string side as significant, stressing that every match is important for professional players. He explained that the series carries extra weight because Bangladesh must remain within the top nine of the ODI rankings to secure a place in the next World Cup. The captain also highlighted the importance of gaining confidence before the global tournament. According to Miraz, performing well in the pre-World Cup series would help Bangladesh regain confidence and improve their ranking, which he believes are essential for better preparation and results in the upcoming World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Speaking at an economic conference organized by CNBC, Infantino said he remains confident that Iran will play its scheduled matches on U.S. soil. He emphasized that sports should remain separate from politics and expressed hope that the situation in the region would stabilize before the tournament begins. Infantino explained that Iran earned its place in the tournament and represents its people, adding that FIFA’s role is to maintain bridges even during political tensions. His remarks followed Iran’s earlier request to change the World Cup venue due to its conflict with the United States and Israel, a proposal FIFA rejected. According to the tournament schedule, the World Cup will open on June 11, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iran is set to begin its campaign on June 15 in California against New Zealand, followed by matches against Belgium and Egypt later in the group stage.

Saiful Islam, convener of the Kamalpur Union unit of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal in Saghatta, Gaibandha, has been expelled again following his arrest for alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The expulsion was announced on Thursday, April 16, 2026, through a press release signed by district Jubo Dal president Ragib Hasan Chowdhury and general secretary Abdur Razzak Bhuttu. According to the report, Saiful was previously arrested on October 22, 2025, from his home with yaba tablets and expelled from the party the next day. However, he was later reinstated secretly by the upazila Jubo Dal convening committee and allegedly resumed drug trading activities. Police said they detained Saiful and Nazmul Haque Nayon, president of the 6th ward Jubo Dal, during a special operation at Barokona Bazar, recovering ten yaba tablets from their possession. Another suspect, Ismail Hossain, managed to flee the scene. A case has been filed under the Narcotics Control Act at Saghatta Police Station following the arrests.