The Bangladesh government has decided to reinstate November 7 as National Revolution and Solidarity Day starting this year. The decision was approved during a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday at the Secretariat. Cabinet Secretary Md. Nasimul Gani announced the decision at a press briefing later that evening, confirming that the day will be classified as a Category ‘A’ holiday, meaning government offices will remain closed. Additionally, July 6 will be observed as National Rural Development Day, though it will not be a public holiday. According to the report, November 7 holds deep political significance in Bangladesh’s history. On that day in 1975, a historic uprising by soldiers and civilians reshaped the country’s political landscape and freed then Army Chief Major General Ziaur Rahman from detention. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies have long commemorated the date as National Revolution and Solidarity Day. The day was previously a public holiday under BNP governments but was later removed by the Awami League administration. The reinstatement marks a return of official recognition to a politically symbolic date that had been absent from the national calendar for several years.

Bangladesh Chhatra Pokkho has demanded the immediate implementation of the referendum verdict and the reinstatement of key ordinances linked to the aspirations of the July uprising. The demand was made on Thursday afternoon at a discussion titled “Ignoring Public Ordinances and Referendum Verdict: Current Context and Future Actions,” held at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen. The event was presided over by the organization’s central president Mohammad Prince, with participation from leaders and activists of various branches. Speakers at the event criticized the government and major political parties for allegedly disregarding public opinion and weakening democratic accountability. AB Party chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju accused the ruling party of delaying the realization of the July revolution’s goals, while NCP joint convener Sarowar Tushar claimed that BNP had abandoned its 31-point agenda. Other speakers, including Fahim Mashroor and Nasrin Sultana Mili, warned that repealing key ordinances and introducing new regulations could erode transparency and strengthen group-based governance. Participants emphasized that restoring public trust requires reinstating the ordinances and enforcing the referendum’s outcome to ensure constitutional stability and democratic participation.

A serious error has been reported in the admission results of Rajshahi University’s 2025–26 academic year for the first-year undergraduate ‘C’ unit under the non-science section. Despite achieving the required passing marks, hundreds of students were incorrectly marked as failed, sparking anger and concern among students and parents. The issue arose after the results were published, with many affected candidates claiming they were denied further admission opportunities. According to the source, the pass mark for both science and non-science sections was set at 40. However, the science section required separate minimum scores in compulsory and optional parts, a condition not applicable to the non-science section. Allegedly, the same rule was mistakenly applied to non-science candidates, causing many to fail. Several quota students, including those under player and freedom fighter categories, were also affected. University officials acknowledged receiving complaints. The ICT Center director confirmed the issue, while the ‘C’ unit coordinator and the vice-chancellor (academic) stated that a meeting on April 19 would decide on result corrections. Affected students and guardians have demanded immediate revision and republication of the results.

A group identifying itself as the 'ABCD Group' has issued death threats to officials involved in toll collection at Eidgaon Market in Cox’s Bazar. On April 12, leaflets appeared across the market, the Upazila and Union land offices, and nearby areas, warning that anyone collecting tolls would face fatal consequences. The leaflets specifically named several local officials and claimed that only the group would control toll collection at the market. Following the circulation of the leaflets, local residents and traders expressed concern over the threats and speculated about the identity of those responsible. Attempts to reach the acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Md. Fazle Rabbani Chowdhury, for comment were unsuccessful. However, his assistant Rubel confirmed that the threats began before the Bengali New Year and that the matter had been reported to the administration. He added that tolls were being collected under official supervision as per regulations. Eidgaon Market, a major commercial hub in southern Chattogram, usually generates significant government revenue through lease auctions. This year, no bids were submitted, forcing the market into direct government collection, which coincided with the emergence of the threats.

A medical student named Abdul Wadud Sayem, aged 18, was found dead in the Matamuhuri River in Lama upazila of Bandarban district. He had gone missing earlier on Thursday while bathing in the river at a location known as Sadapahar. After an extensive seven-hour rescue operation, divers from the Chattogram Fire Service and Civil Defence recovered his body around 7 p.m. the same day. According to local sources, Sayem, a first-year student at Sir Salimullah Medical College and son of Md. Sayef Ullah from Sitakunda in Chattogram, had arrived at the White Fig Station Resort in the Yangcha area of Lama with several friends earlier that morning. The group went to the river to bathe, during which Sayem drowned. The Lama Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Muhammad Shahjahan Kamal, confirmed that the body was handed over to the victim’s father. Authorities have not reported any further investigation details or safety advisories regarding the incident.

A new survey released on Thursday at the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics office in Agargaon revealed that internet usage in Bangladesh has grown significantly, with 53.4 percent of the population now online. However, the study found major disparities in both access and digital skills. While most users can perform basic tasks like copy-paste, advanced digital literacy remains limited. The gap between urban and rural internet use stands at 32.1 percent, with 75.7 percent of city residents online compared to only 43.6 percent in villages. Regionally, Dhaka Division recorded the highest internet penetration, while Panchagarh ranked lowest. In terms of computer use, Dhaka households lead, whereas Thakurgaon lags behind. The survey also found that 88.4 percent of people use mobile phones, but only 11.3 percent use computers. Among internet users, 64.4 percent searched for government job information, 49.8 percent for sports, and 11.6 percent shopped online. High internet costs remain a major barrier to digital inclusion, with 43.6 percent of respondents citing price as a reason for not using the internet.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested 27 people on April 16, 2026, for their involvement in a series of fraud and criminal activities across the capital. Among them was the mastermind behind a scam that extorted 1 million taka from a woman by playing a fake recording of her imprisoned husband’s cries. The suspects posed as members of the Detective Branch (DB) and demanded money for the man’s supposed release. The woman sent the money through a courier service before realizing she had been deceived. Police later tracked down the ringleader, Md. Javed Hossain, from Johnson Road using CCTV footage and technology. In a separate case, Sutrapur police arrested Md. Alamin for embezzling 1.15 million taka under the pretext of verifying a bank account. Authorities recovered multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, foreign currency, and checkbooks from him. Another operation in Hazaribagh led to the arrest of 25 people involved in drug trading and other crimes. Police urged the public to remain cautious about phone calls from unknown numbers claiming to represent law enforcement and confirmed that similar operations will continue to ensure public safety.

A deputy director from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission’s (BTRC) Spectrum Division testified before International Crimes Tribunal-1 that the nationwide internet shutdown on 18 July 2024 was carried out under instructions from then State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak. The witness, whose identity remains confidential under court order, said he was informed by then BTRC Director General Kazi Mostafizur Rahman that Palak had directed the BTRC chairman to suspend upstream connections of international terrestrial cable operators. Following this, a WhatsApp group named “18 July ICT Operation” was created to coordinate the shutdown. According to the testimony, the internet was completely disconnected from 9 p.m. on 18 July until the afternoon of 23 July 2024. Later, Palak instructed limited restoration of internet access for key institutions such as banks, parliament, and cantonments, while keeping social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok blocked. On 31 July, he reportedly ordered full restoration of internet services through the BTRC chairman. The testimony was given as the fourth witness statement in a case involving Sajib Wazed Joy and Zunaid Ahmed Palak, both accused in connection with the July killings.

The investigation into cases filed over the July uprising is progressing slowly, with police confirming that only 147 of 1,841 cases have reached the charge sheet stage. A total of 1,694 cases remain under investigation, and authorities have not specified when the process will conclude. Police described the cases as complex, citing false accusations, overlapping complaints across multiple stations, and the need for careful verification. According to the report, most cases involve allegations of shootings and targeted killings during the uprising. Investigators are reviewing video footage, call records, and forensic evidence while visiting crime scenes to ensure impartiality. Police are also examining claims that innocent individuals were falsely implicated. Murder cases in several districts, including Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Chattogram, have reached the charge sheet stage, while others are nearing completion. The July 2024 uprising led to 1,841 cases nationwide, naming several political leaders, ministers, and 952 police officers as accused. Former police chiefs and senior officials face multiple charges, while 372 individuals have been acquitted due to lack of evidence.

A mass wedding ceremony for 63 orphan brides from Rangpur and Sylhet regions was held in Sylhet city, organized by the UK-based expatriate organization Seeds of Sadakah (SOS). The event, conducted without dowry or expenses, took place on Thursday at a convention center in Baluchar, creating a festive and emotional atmosphere attended by guests from home and abroad. Organizers described the initiative as an act of compassion and social responsibility aimed at ensuring social security and dignity for underprivileged girls. The ceremony was hosted by Dr. Redwanur Rahman and attended by Members of Parliament Raihan Siraji and Habibur Rahman Belal, along with Sylhet Press Club President Muktabis Un Nur. Representatives from SOS, Abul Khayer and Zainul Abedin Ruhel, also spoke. Speakers emphasized that dowry-free marriages are achievable and reflect Islamic teachings on simplicity in marriage. Islamic scholar Shah Waliullah officiated the marriages and led prayers for the newlyweds. Each couple received household essentials, including furniture and utensils, to help start their new lives. The event was described as a symbol of hope, dignity, and love for the newly married couples.

A workshop titled “Use of Innovative Automated Technology for Rapid Breeding and Year-Round Sustainable Crop Production through Controlled Environment Agricultural Research” was held at Gazipur Agricultural University (GAKRUBI) on Thursday morning. The event marked the formal launch of an initiative aimed at integrating advanced automation technologies with controlled-environment agriculture to accelerate crop breeding cycles and ensure sustainable production throughout the year. The workshop was organized under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project and took place at the university’s old auditorium. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. GKM Mostafizur Rahman attended as chief guest, with Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. Moynul Haque and Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Safiul Islam Afrad as special guests. Representatives from major agricultural research institutions and seed companies, along with university faculty, researchers, and students, participated. The keynote presentation by Dr. Mohammad Sharif Raihan outlined the project’s objectives, activities, and future plans. An open discussion session followed, focusing on the project’s potential, challenges, and ways to enhance GAKRUBI’s research impact nationally and internationally. The workshop concluded with a collective commitment to collaboration and innovation in agricultural research.

Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament Barrister Kaiser Kamal stated that implementing the rights of the people is the main objective of the Parliament. He emphasized that the Parliament belongs to the people and that he was elected by the respected voters of his constituency, to whom he remains accountable. Kamal made these remarks on Thursday, April 16, 2026, during a meeting with prominent members of the Christian community from his area. During the discussion, the Deputy Speaker announced that people of all religions and communities from his constituency, including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Garos, and Hajongs, would be invited in phases to visit the Parliament building and observe parliamentary sessions. He mentioned that after the Christian representatives, invitations would be extended to imams, Hindu priests, Garo and Hajong representatives, as well as students from local schools and colleges. The remarks reflect an effort to promote inclusivity and civic engagement by allowing diverse community groups to experience parliamentary proceedings firsthand.

Pope Leo condemned what he described as a world ruled by autocrats following an online attack from former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to Al Jazeera. Speaking during his visit to Cameroon, the Pope sharply criticized global leaders who spend hundreds of billions of dollars on wars, calling his remarks unusually forceful. In his speech, Pope Leo said that war heroes pretend not to know that destruction takes only a moment, while rebuilding can take a lifetime. He added that leaders ignore the truth that vast sums are spent on killing and devastation, yet resources for healing, education, and recovery remain scarce. The Pope’s comments were seen as a strong message to world leaders, urging them to invest more in humanitarian sectors instead of warfare.

Bangladesh is preparing to introduce mandatory health warnings on the front of packaged food products under the Safe Food (Packaged Food Labeling) Regulations 2026. The initiative was discussed at a media workshop in Dhaka organized by PROGGA with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator. Officials said the draft regulation will be finalized this month and sent to the Food Ministry for review before being forwarded to the Law Ministry for approval. Once enacted, the rule will take effect six months after official notification, requiring clear front-of-pack warnings similar to those on tobacco products. Speakers explained that the Front-of-Package Labeling (FOPL) system aims to help consumers easily understand levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats in processed foods. They noted that 97 percent of Bangladeshis consume packaged foods weekly, but most cannot interpret complex nutrition data printed on the back. The FOPL model, already adopted in 44 countries, is designed to promote informed food choices and reduce health risks. The workshop also highlighted rising consumption of ultra-processed foods and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh, including diabetes and hypertension, which contribute to 71 percent of annual deaths.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will begin interviews for candidates seeking nomination in the reserved women’s seats of the 13th National Parliament on Friday. Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the schedule at a press conference held Thursday afternoon at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka. He said the nomination board will start interviews at 3 p.m. on Friday. The nomination board will be chaired by BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister’s Adviser Tarique Rahman, with members of the party’s standing committee in attendance. Rizvi added that interviews will continue on Saturday for candidates who have already submitted their nomination papers. According to the announced schedule, interviews on Friday will cover candidates from Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, and Faridpur divisions, while those from Chattogram, Sylhet, Cumilla, Dhaka, and Mymensingh divisions will be interviewed on Saturday.