Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan announced that technical trade courses will be introduced in 1,000 madrasas across Bangladesh. He made the statement on Thursday, April 23, during the 20th day of the parliamentary question-and-answer session, presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram. The announcement came in response to a question from Comilla-4 MP Md. Abul Hasnat, who highlighted employment challenges faced by madrasa graduates outside religious institutions.

In his reply, the minister said the government aims to modernize madrasa education by including vocational and professional subjects in the curriculum. Alongside religious studies, students will have access to science, technology, IT, and English education. A committee under the Technical and Madrasa Education Division has already begun updating the curriculum to make it more relevant to current needs. The initiative aligns with the government’s election manifesto to ensure technical education for all.

The minister added that vocational courses have already been launched in 548 madrasas, and the new technical trade courses will be expanded to 1,000 more institutions in phases.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad on Thursday to discuss diplomatic efforts related to the second round of US-Iran ceasefire talks. Following the meeting, Naqvi expressed hope for positive progress from Iran, noting that the talks had been delayed because Tehran had not yet confirmed its delegation.

In an official statement, Naqvi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir were making all-out efforts to help achieve a peaceful resolution and urged all parties to choose diplomacy. The statement added that Baker praised Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace.

Naqvi also commended US President Donald Trump for extending the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely just hours before it was due to expire, calling it a welcome step toward reducing tensions.

Independent Member of Parliament Rumin Farhana described Brahmanbaria as both a culturally rich and paradoxical region during a parliamentary session on Thursday. She highlighted its heritage as the birthplace of renowned artists and language movement figures, while also noting its reputation for local disputes. Her remarks came while presenting a private member’s resolution in the National Parliament.

Farhana criticized the persistent gas crisis in her constituency, Sarail, despite Brahmanbaria being a key supplier of gas to the rest of Bangladesh. She said residents face low gas pressure from morning to afternoon, forcing reliance on clay stoves, LPG cylinders, and electric cookers. She alleged that illegal gas connections continue through corrupt practices, depriving the government of revenue and worsening shortages for legal users.

She urged that Brahmanbaria residents should receive gas supply priority before distribution to other regions, arguing that the district’s resources should first benefit its own people.

State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan has called on maritime trainees to view themselves as ambassadors of Bangladesh when working on foreign-flagged vessels. He made the remarks on Thursday, April 22, during the passing-out ceremony of the second batch of ratings at the National Maritime Institute in Madaripur. The event marked the completion of training for 95 trainees who are now preparing to enter professional service.

The ceremony, held on the institute’s campus, was attended by Madaripur-2 Member of Parliament Jahandar Ali Mia, Shipping Ministry Secretary Zakaria, and Director General of the Department of Shipping Commodore Md. Shafiul Bari. The institute’s principal Md. Shahidullah delivered the welcome address. Awards were distributed among the top-performing trainees.

Local and foreign shipowners, shipping agents, military and civilian officials, and guardians of the trainees were also present at the event, highlighting the importance of skilled maritime professionals in representing Bangladesh abroad.

Authorities in Jhenaidah district have confirmed that the body recovered from the Ichamati River near the Paliyanpur border in Maheshpur upazila belongs to Afghan citizen Hashmat Mohammadi. His identity was verified by his US-based brother, Mohammad Ira, after recognizing photos of the body. The body had been found on April 13 and was buried by a local charity after remaining unclaimed.

According to the report, Hashmat had been living in Italy and frequently traveled to India for gemstone trade. He was previously arrested in India following a business dispute but was later acquitted. Unable to return home, he planned to travel back to Italy through Bangladesh with the help of a man named Masud. Hashmat last contacted his brother on April 11 or 12, saying he was about to cross the Ichamati River into Bangladesh.

Police in Maheshpur have begun investigating the case, collecting Masud’s phone numbers and awaiting the autopsy report to determine the cause of death, as no injury marks were found on the body.

Authorities in Chattogram have identified two individuals seen wielding weapons during violent clashes between Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir at Government City College on Tuesday. Despite the identification, police have yet to make any arrests but said operations are ongoing to detain all involved. The clashes erupted over disputes surrounding graffiti related to the July Movement, escalating into multiple rounds of violence that spread from the campus to nearby areas.

Witnesses reported that several participants carried sharp weapons, including machetes, while others wore helmets. Identified individuals include City College student Noor Nabi Rishad and MES College Chhatra Dal member-secretary Mirza Faruk. Following the incident, both groups held rival demonstrations across Chattogram on Wednesday, joined by central leaders. The college suspended classes and exams, and additional police were deployed as tension gripped the campus.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasan Mohammad Shawkat Ali confirmed that CCTV footage is under review and assured that no armed participant will be spared. The city remains tense as both organizations continue to exchange accusations and stage counter-protests.

Opposition Leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP visited several SSC, Dakhil, and equivalent examination centers in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Thursday. His inspection covered Mirpur-10 Adarsha High School, Kazipara Siddiqia Fazil Madrasa, and Shaheed Police Smriti College. During the visit, he inquired about the well-being of examinees and prayed for their success.

Dr. Rahman advised the center secretaries to ensure a fair and peaceful examination environment and called on the authorities to maintain uninterrupted electricity during the exams. He was accompanied by Jamaat’s central executive council member and Dhaka North Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin along with local leaders.

Later, he inspected facilities arranged by the local Jamaat unit outside the centers, including shaded seating for guardians and safe drinking water. Guardians expressed appreciation for the arrangements and thanked the opposition leader and other organizers for maintaining a comfortable environment.

The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly election began under tight security across 16 districts and 152 constituencies, but the process has been overshadowed by a major controversy over the ‘SIR’ procedure. Allegations have surfaced that millions of voters were removed from the rolls, reshaping the political landscape and sparking debate over whether the election is a contest of power or a struggle for democratic rights.

According to the report, around 9.1 million names were excluded from the voter list, with the Trinamool Congress claiming that at least 4 million of them were legitimate voters. Analysts suggest the SIR process may be a calculated political move rather than a routine administrative step, with accusations that the BJP is attempting to alter the electoral balance. The Trinamool has responded by mobilizing public opinion through protests and a “Black Day” campaign under the Vote Rights Protection Forum.

The election has become deeply polarized, with the BJP emphasizing development and employment while invoking religious themes, and the Trinamool countering with regional identity narratives. The outcome, due May 4, is expected to test the resilience of democratic institutions in the state.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman has said that even after 55 years of independence, the country has not been able to establish a second oil refinery, which he described as an urgent necessity in the current context. He made the remarks on Thursday at the closing ceremony of the Capstone Course conducted by the National Defence College in Mirpur, Dhaka.

General Waker-uz-Zaman emphasized that global crises are emerging one after another, making energy security more critical than ever. He underscored the importance of developing energy infrastructure to address these challenges. The army chief also stated that no institution can sustain itself without accountability and expressed his expectation that the army will always remain within a framework of accountability.

According to the source, a total of 45 fellows participated in the course, including members of parliament, senior military and police officers, academics, doctors, high-ranking representatives from government and private organizations, diplomats, and business leaders. Senior officials from various institutions attended the ceremony.

Authorities in Chauddagram, Cumilla, are investigating allegations against the Chaudhury Filling Station for selling fuel at inflated prices during nighttime hours while claiming shortages during the day. The issue resurfaced after earlier irregularities, including a fine of 50,000 taka imposed on August 25 for underweight fuel sales. Despite this penalty, reports indicate that the station’s manager, Nasir Uddin, charged an extra five taka per liter for diesel and additional amounts for petrol and octane.

Local transport operators and motorcycle riders have complained of being unable to purchase fuel during the day. However, after 8 p.m., soil transport businesses reportedly collect large quantities of fuel in drums. During a field visit on Tuesday evening, journalists observed fuel being loaded into vehicles, and one buyer confirmed paying extra for diesel. When questioned, the manager refused to comment and left the scene.

Chauddagram Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Nurul Amin visited the site following complaints but stated that the accused had left before his arrival. He added that further action would be taken if similar allegations arise again.

The Israeli military has claimed that it captured a fighter from Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force in southern Lebanon. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the detained fighter had been planning an attack against Israeli forces. The IDF said he surrendered shortly after being identified and was transferred to an Israeli military intelligence unit for questioning.

Al Jazeera reported that it could not independently verify Israel’s claim. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) said that Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon killed five people, including a journalist. The NNA reported that the first strike hit a car in the village of At-Tiri, killing two people inside a house nearby.

The developments highlight ongoing hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border, with both sides reporting casualties and military actions in recent days.

The administration of Kishoreganj upazila in Nilphamari has introduced a mandatory fuel card system to regulate fuel distribution. Starting Thursday, April 23, 2026, no vehicle will receive fuel without a valid fuel card. The upazila executive officer, Arifur Rahman, inaugurated the distribution by handing cards to two recipients at his office. The initiative aims to restore order at filling stations and prevent fuel hoarding.

According to the upazila administration, a verification and distribution committee has been formed to process applications and issue cards. On the first day, 280 cards were distributed after verification. Residents can collect cards from their respective union councils, while government employees can obtain them from the rural development office. Each card specifies the fuel allocation based on the applicant’s occupation and needs.

The administration stated that fuel supply operations will be conducted under the supervision of law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance. The card distribution process remains ongoing.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s public approval has dropped sharply in 2026, reaching levels comparable to George W. Bush’s lowest ratings nearly two decades ago. According to three new polls released Tuesday, Trump’s support now stands in the mid-30 percent range. The Reuters-Ipsos poll recorded 36 percent approval, Strength in Number Verasight found 35 percent, and AP-NORC reported 33 percent. Earlier, an NBC News survey showed 37 percent support, then the lowest of his presidency.

Out of nine major polls conducted over the past month, eight placed Trump’s approval in the 30s, with only Fox News showing 41 percent—still its lowest since 2017. Analysts note that the current decline surpasses previous dips seen early in Trump’s first term and after the Capitol Hill attack. CNN’s “Poll of Polls” indicates that 62 percent of Americans now disapprove of him.

Experts cited in the report suggest that more Americans than ever before are opposing Trump, and his second-term approval trend continues to fall steadily.

In Osmaninagar upazila of Sylhet, around 400 families in Dayamir Union’s Chakbazar area have been trapped in prolonged waterlogging caused by inadequate drainage during the ongoing Dhaka–Sylhet highway expansion into six lanes. Residents report that even light rainfall floods homes and roads, turning the area into a near-permanent waterlogged zone. Despite repeated appeals, no effective relief has been provided so far.

The problem began when the old drainage system in Chakmandal Kapan village was filled in during highway construction without building a replacement. As a result, homes, roads, mosques, markets, and schools are inundated, severely disrupting daily life. Students, patients, and livestock face particular hardship, while crop harvesting has been hampered. Locals also fear waterborne diseases and accidents involving children.

Project manager Debashish Roy stated that houses built over the original drainage channels contributed to the issue but assured that the project team would address any suffering caused by the expansion. Residents have urged authorities and local representatives to take immediate action to install a permanent drainage system.

Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that six closed jute mills will be leased to the private sector by December. He made the statement during a press briefing at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Thursday morning. The minister said the initiative is expected to bring investments ranging from 200 to 500 crore taka and create new employment opportunities.

The announcement marks a step toward revitalizing the jute industry through private sector participation. The government aims to attract investment and generate jobs by transferring management of the closed mills to private operators. The decision follows ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and productivity in the sector.

If implemented as planned, the leasing process could help restore industrial activity in the affected areas and contribute to broader economic growth through renewed jute production and export potential.