Bangladesh’s banking sector is undergoing a severe crisis marked by soaring non-performing loans, deepening capital shortfalls, and reduced private investment due to heavy government borrowing. As of September 2025, non-performing loans reached 35.73 percent, while banks faced a provisioning gap of over Tk 1 trillion in 2024. The World Bank estimates that recapitalizing the sector would require 10 percent of GDP, or about Tk 5.5–6 trillion. Government borrowing from banks tripled between December 2020 and December 2025, reaching Tk 5.99 trillion, pushing private sector credit growth down to 6.03 percent in January 2026. The article argues that this is not merely a banking crisis but a national economic priority requiring immediate policy action. It calls for asset recovery mechanisms, legal reforms, recapitalization with strict accountability, tax incentives for transparency, and modernization of collateral systems. It also recommends reducing government borrowing from banks, improving tax collection through digital integration, and promoting a cashless economy. The author stresses that the success of these measures depends on ensuring the effective independence of Bangladesh Bank to restore public confidence in the financial system.

Two fuel tankers carrying a total of about 68,000 tons of diesel have anchored at the outer mooring of Chattogram port. The vessels, MT Torm Damini supplied by Unipac Singapore with 33,000 tons and MT Lucia Solis from Vitol Asia with 35,000 tons, arrived late on Tuesday night, April 14. According to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), the country currently sells over 11,000 tons of diesel daily. As of April 12, the available stock was 119,000 tons, enough to meet around ten days of demand. The new shipments are expected to extend reserves by another four to five days. BPC Chairman Rezanur Rahman stated that several vessels have already arrived and more are expected soon. He added that, alongside contracted suppliers, efforts are underway to import fuel from alternative sources, ensuring no supply shortage is anticipated this month.

National Youth Power has strongly condemned the mob violence and harassment against Hasnat Abdullah, Member of Parliament for Cumilla-4 and leader of the July uprising, in Chattogram. The organization described the incident as disgraceful and contrary to democratic values. According to the report, Hasnat Abdullah had gone to meet former Chattogram mayor and ex-BNP leader Monjur Alam. Monjur, who was elected mayor in 2010 and nominated again in 2015 by the BNP, had previously served as an adviser to Begum Khaleda Zia and organized events during her illness. National Youth Power stated that while such activities had not faced protest before, labeling Monjur as an “associate” and attacking an elected representative now reflects political intolerance and double standards. The organization called for a fair investigation, quick identification of those involved, and exemplary punishment. It also urged all political groups in the country to uphold tolerance and democratic conduct.

U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited a dispute with Pope Leo over Iran’s nuclear program and the reported number of deaths in the country’s anti-government protests. In a statement on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump declared that Iran possessing a nuclear bomb would be unacceptable. He criticized Pope Leo, claiming Iran had killed at least 42,000 unarmed protesters in the past two months and ended his message by asserting, “America is back.” Two days earlier, Trump had accused Pope Leo of being weak on crime and disastrous in foreign policy. Pope Leo, the first American-born pontiff, had recently condemned U.S. and Israeli military operations in Iran and Lebanon. In response, he said he was not afraid of the Trump administration and would continue to speak against the horrors of war. Trump’s claim of 42,000 protester deaths has been questioned. Iran’s government reported 3,117 deaths, while human rights groups estimated around 7,007. The UN’s special envoy to Iran suggested the toll could range between 5,000 and 20,000. The International Atomic Energy Agency stated it has no evidence that Iran is developing nuclear weapons.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has announced that Russia is ready to assist China in addressing its energy shortages. He made the statement in Beijing after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, noting that Russia can fill resource gaps for countries willing to cooperate on a fair and mutually beneficial basis. Lavrov emphasized that despite global instability, relations between Russia and China remain strong, supported by the close ties between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. The remarks came as the United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports, which analysts say could significantly disrupt China’s oil supply. China is Iran’s largest oil buyer, and Washington has stated it will ensure Beijing cannot purchase Iranian oil under the current sanctions. In this context, Russia’s offer could reshape dynamics in the global energy market. Analysts suggest that Moscow’s move may strengthen its strategic partnership with Beijing while challenging U.S. influence over global energy flows.

Mossad Director David Barnea stated that Israel’s intelligence mission in Iran remains active and is not yet complete. Speaking at a Holocaust Remembrance Day event, he explained that the operation is part of a long-term plan aimed at ensuring desired outcomes following recent attacks in Tehran. Barnea emphasized that the mission would continue until its objectives are fully achieved. He revealed that during a recent joint operation between the United States and Israel, Mossad operated in central Tehran, providing precise intelligence to the Israeli Air Force. This intelligence reportedly enabled strikes on missiles considered threats to Israel’s security. Barnea added that Mossad’s responsibility would not end until a new government replaces what he described as an extremist regime in Iran. Barnea also warned that Israel would not remain silent in the face of any threat to its existence, underscoring the agency’s commitment to countering perceived dangers from Iran.

The Bangladesh government has issued new directives to reduce fuel consumption by shifting official meetings, workshops, and training sessions to virtual platforms. The Cabinet Division recently sent letters to the Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary, all senior secretaries, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, and upazila executive officers instructing them to avoid in-person meetings unless absolutely necessary. According to the directive, participants from field levels must join ministry or departmental programs through virtual means. For divisional programs, district-level participants will attend online, while for district-level programs, upazila participants will connect virtually. The government emphasized that these measures aim to ensure uninterrupted and efficient administrative operations while conserving fuel in light of the global energy situation. The instruction will remain in effect until further notice, and all concerned authorities have been asked to ensure full compliance and take necessary actions to implement the directive.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its blockade on Iranian ports applies to ships from all countries. In a statement, CENTCOM said a guided-missile destroyer has been deployed to enforce the blockade, describing the vessel as crewed by more than 300 sailors skilled in offensive and defensive maritime operations. The U.S. claimed that all forms of economic trade with Iran via sea routes have been halted. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that the blockade on Iran’s ports has been fully implemented and that U.S. forces continue to maintain maritime superiority in the Middle East. He added on social media platform X that approximately 90 percent of Iran’s economy depends on international maritime trade, and within less than 36 hours of the blockade’s enforcement, all sea-based economic transactions and trade through Iranian ports had ceased. The announcement underscores Washington’s intent to tighten economic pressure on Iran through maritime restrictions, according to the CENTCOM statement cited by Al Jazeera.

The body of Girish Chandra Sutradhar, a Bangladeshi national killed in Bahrain after being struck by missile debris from the ongoing Middle East war, arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday. The remains were transported on Emirates Airlines flight EK0582 and received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, who later handed the body over to the victim’s younger brother, Naresh Sutradhar. Earlier, on April 3, the body of another Bangladeshi worker, S.M. Tarek, who was also killed in Bahrain during the same conflict, had arrived in Dhaka. His remains were received by the Minister of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, along with State Ministers Md. Nurul Haque and Shama Obaid Islam from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The repatriation of the victims underscores the human toll of the ongoing Middle East conflict on Bangladeshi migrant workers stationed in the region.

US President Donald Trump said the Iran war is 'almost over' during an interview with Fox News, suggesting that the conflict is approaching its conclusion. He also hinted at a possible second round of face-to-face talks with Iran in Pakistan in the coming days. In the same report, the United States claimed to have completely halted Iran’s economic trade through maritime routes. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), stated that the blockade on Iranian ports has been fully implemented and that US forces continue to maintain maritime superiority in the Middle East. The developments come amid ongoing diplomatic and military tensions, with regional actors reportedly showing interest in facilitating renewed dialogue between Washington and Tehran.

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continued despite a US naval blockade that began Monday evening local time. According to reports up to Tuesday night, 25 ships crossed the strait while 13 others remained in the area. Among the vessels were four tankers, including Liberia-flagged 'Christiana', US-sanctioned 'Rich Starry' and 'Murlikishan', and Panama-flagged 'Peace Gulf'. Some of these tankers reportedly halted near the blockade line between Gwadar Bay and Ras al Hadd. The blockade, ordered by US President Donald Trump after failed Iran-US talks in Islamabad, extends from Gwadar Bay to Oman’s Ras al Hadd. As a result, around 2,000 ships are trapped inside the Persian Gulf, with about 400 waiting to enter. Shipping tracker Tanker Traffic reported that several vessels are using false Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals to conceal their identities. The situation has raised concerns about potential disruptions to global energy supply and economic stability, as noted by warnings of rising oil prices and possible global recession linked to the Iran conflict.

Immigration police detained Lion Swapon, former joint convener of the banned Chhatra League in Chatkhil upazila of Noakhali, at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon. He was taken into custody upon arrival from Saudi Arabia, where he had been staying with his brothers. According to police and local sources, Swapon had gone into hiding after the fall of the government on August 5 and later left for Saudi Arabia. He faces multiple cases filed with Chatkhil Police Station, including one for murder and another related to an attack on students and protesters during an anti-discrimination movement. The airport police informed Chatkhil police about his detention. Chatkhil Police Station’s officer-in-charge Abdul Monnaf said Swapon is accused in two cases and will be handed over to Chatkhil police after legal procedures are completed. Authorities are verifying details before providing further information.

The United States has claimed that all forms of Iran’s maritime economic trade have been halted under a full naval blockade. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), stated that the blockade on Iranian ports has been fully implemented and that US forces maintain maritime superiority in the Middle East. He said on social media platform X that Iran’s economy relies on maritime trade for about 90 percent of its international commerce, and within less than 36 hours of the blockade’s enforcement, all sea-based economic transactions through Iranian ports had stopped. CENTCOM confirmed that the blockade applies to ships from all countries attempting to access Iranian ports. A statement added that guided-missile destroyers from the US Navy have been deployed to enforce the blockade. Each destroyer carries a crew of more than 300 sailors trained in both offensive and defensive maritime operations. The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not specify how long the blockade would remain in effect or whether diplomatic measures were being considered.

The United States carried out another strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in four deaths, according to an announcement by the US Southern Command (Southcom) on Tuesday. Southcom shared the information through social media and released a video showing a small boat with an outboard engine being destroyed by a missile and engulfed in flames. Southcom, which oversees US military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, stated that the attack was based on intelligence reports. It claimed the targeted vessel was operating along a drug trafficking route and was involved in narcotics smuggling. However, the command did not provide evidence to support its claim that the four people killed were “narco-terrorists.” According to the report, a total of 175 people have been killed in similar attacks on vessels in international waters of the eastern Pacific and Caribbean since early September.

Barcelona were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League despite a 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid in the quarterfinal second leg on Tuesday night at the Metropolitano Stadium. Having lost the first leg 2-0, Barcelona fell short on aggregate, losing 3-2 overall. The result sent Atlético Madrid to the semifinals for the first time since 2017 under coach Diego Simeone. Barcelona started strongly, with Lamine Yamal scoring in the fourth minute and Ferran Torres doubling the lead in the 24th minute, raising hopes of a comeback. However, Ademola Lookman’s goal in the 31st minute restored Atlético’s aggregate advantage. In the second half, Barcelona’s challenge weakened when Eric García received a red card in the 79th minute for fouling Alexander Sørloth, reducing the visitors to ten men. Atlético Madrid’s progression marks their return to the Champions League semifinals after nine years, while Barcelona’s campaign ended despite a spirited performance in the return leg.