Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada is not yielding to pressure in its trade discussions with the United States, emphasizing that the talks are being conducted on an equal partnership basis. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Carney said that negotiations involve two sides and Canada is not merely following U.S. directives. He noted that Canada understands the U.S. position while identifying areas of mutual benefit.

Carney highlighted that Canada recognizes its own interests and seeks to strengthen joint interests with the United States. He also underlined his government’s ability to manage multiple issues simultaneously. Differentiating between manageable trade disputes and direct violations, Carney cited U.S. tariffs of 50 percent on steel and aluminum, 25 percent on automobiles, and duties on forest products as violations rather than ordinary trade issues.

He further noted that the United States is Canada’s largest trading partner, while Canada ranks as the second-largest for the U.S., underscoring the mutual dependence between the two economies.

Bangladesh Bank has announced that the country's total foreign exchange reserves stood at 35,117.50 million, or 35.11 billion US dollars, as of Thursday, April 23. The information was shared with the media by Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and Spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank.

According to the central bank, the gross reserve figure was 35,117.50 million dollars, while under the International Monetary Fund’s BPM6 calculation method, the reserve stood at 30,484.01 million dollars. Two days earlier, on April 21, the gross reserve was 35,125.90 million dollars, and the BPM6-based reserve was 30,459.01 million dollars.

The report also noted that net reserves are calculated following the IMF’s BPM6 method, which determines the actual reserve amount by deducting short-term liabilities from the total reserve.

Spain’s Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, announced that the government is considering regulatory measures on online book sales to protect independent bookstores across the country. Speaking on World Book Day, April 23, during an interview with Cadena SER radio, Urtasun said one proposal involves requiring large online platforms to impose a minimum delivery charge on book purchases, effectively ending free shipping. The minister noted that similar rules already exist in France, where a minimum delivery fee applies to low-cost online book orders.

Urtasun emphasized that thousands of small bookstores in Spain are at risk and described them as not only retail spaces but also cultural centers. He said the government already provides direct support to these independent shops. Comparing the experience of buying books online and in-store, he highlighted the personal interaction and advice available in physical bookstores.

He added that reading habits in Spain have grown significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching record levels, particularly among women and young readers. Urtasun also underscored the cultural importance of World Book Day, celebrated in Catalonia as “Sant Jordi,” which promotes reading and strengthens the publishing industry.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Dhaka South acting president Maulana Ahmad Abdul Kaiyum has called on the government to accept the demand for a proportional representation (PR) system in the upper house of the National Parliament. Speaking at a grassroots meeting in Shahjahanpur, he said political parties had proposed PR for the lower house, while the constitutional reform commission had recommended PR for the upper house. Under this system, a party’s seats in the upper house would correspond to its nationwide vote share, ensuring balanced representation and preventing single-party dominance.

Kaiyum criticized the government for ignoring public demands for state reform following the July uprising, warning that people would resist any move toward authoritarianism. He also accused opposition parties of failing to play an active role in the reform process, noting that they quietly submitted their women’s candidate lists instead. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Maulana Syed Hafizur Rahman and attended by local and organizational leaders.

The event reflected growing calls from Islami Andolan Bangladesh for structural political reforms and broader representation in national governance.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday called on alliance members to learn from Turkey’s defense industry, describing the country as having undergone a defense industry revolution. Speaking at the headquarters of Turkish defense company Aselsan, he said Turkey’s rapid progress in recent years could serve as an example for others. Rutte emphasized that increasing production alongside innovation is one of NATO’s top priorities and noted that these issues will be highlighted at the NATO summit scheduled for July in Ankara.

He stated that raising defense spending alone will not ensure security, stressing the need to expand production of air defense systems, drones, ammunition, radar, and space technologies. Rutte praised Turkey’s achievements, saying Aselsan is at the forefront of this progress, and urged the company to accelerate innovation and production. He added that ensuring the security of nearly one billion people across Europe and North America requires not only strong armed forces but also a robust defense industry.

Rutte also noted growing cooperation within NATO and highlighted that Turkish defense firms are expanding their operations and exports across Europe, calling for stronger collaboration from Alaska to Ankara.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Liberation War Generation has announced a new 151-member full central committee. Engineer Md. Ishraq Hossain has been appointed as president, while Dr. K. M. I. Monty has been named general secretary. Ishraq Hossain currently serves as the state minister for the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs. The announcement was made on Thursday through a press release issued by the Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Party, signed by its president Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat.

According to the release, the previously declared central convening committee from November 24, 2025, has been dissolved. The new committee was formed to make the organization more active and stronger. The committee includes senior vice president Zahedul Haque Shamim, several vice presidents, joint secretaries, and departmental secretaries covering areas such as finance, information technology, sports, culture, women’s affairs, and health.

The press release also noted that BNP chairman and current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been listed as the number one member of the new committee.

Land registration and deed processing have been suspended for more than one and a half years in seven mouzas of Shambhupur Union under Tazumuddin upazila in Bhola district due to persistent server complications. The issue has left thousands of residents unable to buy or sell land, causing severe inconvenience and social tension. The information was confirmed by Tazumuddin’s acting Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Rezaul Islam.

According to the local land office, the problem arose because Shambhupur Union, previously under Borhanuddin upazila, has not yet been updated online under Tazumuddin in the DLRS system. As a result, the system still shows the union as part of Borhanuddin. Despite multiple letters sent to the Bhola Deputy Commissioner and the Ministry of Land, no resolution has been achieved. Residents report that the inability to complete land transfers has disrupted social and family matters such as marriages.

Officials from the Land Management Automation Project have attributed responsibility to the Tazumuddin land office, stating that the issue could be resolved locally if the office took necessary steps.

India’s Home Ministry has reportedly proposed releasing crocodiles and snakes in riverine areas along the Bangladesh-India border that remain unfenced. The proposal, reported by The Telegraph India, aims to strengthen border security in regions where surveillance is difficult. However, the plan has triggered internal disagreement within the Border Security Force (BSF).

Former BSF Director General and Padma Shri recipient Prakash Singh criticized the idea as foolish, warning that it could endanger civilians living near the border. He questioned how animals could distinguish between Indian and Bangladeshi nationals. According to a senior BSF source, the ministry has asked the force to assess the feasibility of the proposal, but many officers oppose it due to potential risks, especially during floods.

A follow-up meeting is scheduled next week to continue discussions. The India-Bangladesh border stretches about 4,096 kilometers, with roughly 175 kilometers consisting of rivers and difficult terrain that complicate monitoring, according to the Home Ministry.

A protester threw a red liquid at exiled Iranian figure Reza Pahlavi in Berlin on Thursday, shortly after he left a press conference at the Federal Press Conference building. Video footage showed Pahlavi being struck on the neck and shoulder as he walked toward his car. He waved to supporters before quickly leaving the area. German police immediately detained the protester.

Earlier at the press conference, Pahlavi had sharply criticized the ongoing ceasefire between the United States and Iran, calling it ineffective and arguing that expecting behavioral change from the Iranian government was misguided. He advocated for continued military pressure on Iran.

Pahlavi, who has lived in exile since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has recently sought to position himself as a potential political figure in Iran amid the ongoing Iran-Israel-United States conflict. The attack is believed to have been motivated by opposition to his pro-war stance.

The Power Division of Bangladesh has announced that the country may face a shortfall of 3,000 megawatts of electricity on Thursday due to an ongoing fuel crisis. The information was shared by Joint Secretary Umme Rehana at a press conference held at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources in Dhaka. She stated that the maximum electricity demand for the day was estimated at 17,000 megawatts, while production was expected to reach only 14,000 megawatts.

According to the official, the country’s generation capacity is sufficient, but inadequate fuel supply has caused a production deficit. On Wednesday, electricity generation stood at 13,681 megawatts against a demand of 15,767 megawatts, resulting in over 2,000 megawatts of shortage and widespread load-shedding across the country. The crisis has been attributed to the fuel shortage, increased demand due to intense heat, technical problems at Adani’s power unit, and complications at one unit of the Banshkhali IPP plant.

The Power Division did not specify how long the shortfall or load-shedding might continue.

At least six journalists were harassed at Dhaka University on April 21, 2026, while covering tensions between Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir over wall writings. The incidents occurred at Bijoy 71 Hall and Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah Hall in the evening and late at night. Victims included reporters from several national outlets, who alleged that Chhatra Dal activists obstructed them despite identifying themselves as journalists.

Eyewitnesses said the first incident took place when a Dhaka University Journalists’ Association member was stopped from filming a Chhatra Dal protest. Two other journalists faced verbal abuse when they protested. Later that night, three more journalists were reportedly threatened and nearly assaulted while gathering news at Shahidullah Hall. One victim claimed the attack happened in the presence of a house tutor, who did not ensure their safety.

Chhatra Dal leaders later visited the journalists’ association office to apologize, calling the incidents a misunderstanding. The association’s general secretary urged organizational and legal action against those involved.

In Mirsharai, Chattogram, protesters blocked the Baraiyarhat–Khagrachhari road for about two hours on Thursday following the death of a Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leader. Shahriar Ahmed Hridoy, 26, the organizational secretary of the Korerhat Union JCD, died at Chattogram Medical College Hospital after five days of treatment in the ICU. His uncle Nazmul Hossain confirmed the death.

The conflict began on April 18 at Koila Bazar over the detention of a cattle truck allegedly linked to BNP leaders Md Tipu and Abdur Rahim. Local Jubo Dal leader Sabuj and his associates reportedly demanded extortion money from the truck operators. When they refused, driver Suman was beaten. Later, Hridoy and another man, Anwar Hossain, were sent to the scene and were attacked shortly after arriving. Hridoy was critically injured and later died.

Hridoy’s father, Abdul Alim, alleged that his son was killed in a planned attack. Police said a case has been filed and operations are underway to arrest those involved. The situation is currently under control.

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) have signed a memorandum of understanding to simplify and accelerate banking services for investors. The agreement was confirmed on April 23, 2026, through a press release. Under this initiative, UCB’s services will be integrated into BIDA’s online One Stop Service (OSS) portal, aiming to make financial and administrative processes for foreign investors in Bangladesh faster, easier, and more transparent.

The signing ceremony took place at BIDA’s headquarters, where BIDA Director General Jiban Krishna Saha and UCB Additional Managing Director Adnan Masud signed the memorandum on behalf of their respective organizations. The event was chaired by BIDA Executive Member Air Commodore Md. Shaharul Huda and attended by senior officials from Bangladesh Bank and UCB.

BIDA’s OSS portal currently offers over 50 services, including company registration, utility connections, and import approvals. With UCB’s integration, investors will now be able to access direct banking services and documentation support through the same platform.

The United States Navy has seized an Iranian oil-carrying vessel identified as the 'M/T Majestic X' in the Indian Ocean. The operation took place on Wednesday night, when US forces boarded and took control of the ship. The US Department of War confirmed the seizure in a statement posted on social media platform X, describing the vessel as 'stateless' and operating under the jurisdiction of the US Indo-Pacific Command.

According to the statement, the ship was transporting Iranian oil in violation of US sanctions. The department said the action was part of efforts to disrupt illegal maritime networks and prevent material support to Iran. It emphasized that no sanctioned entity would be allowed to use international waters as a shield.

The seizure was described as part of the broader enforcement of strict sanctions imposed on Iran. The US also pledged to continue global operations aimed at curbing unlawful maritime activities and protecting freedom of navigation.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has called for peaceful and successful implementation of the 11-party alliance’s previously announced mass rallies to be held on Saturday, April 25, in all major cities except Dhaka. In a statement issued on Thursday, he said the rallies aim to press for the implementation of the referendum verdict, resolution of the energy crisis, control of rising commodity prices, and solutions to various public hardships.

Porwar stated that the country is going through a deep crisis and that citizens voted ‘yes’ in the referendum with high expectations. He emphasized that implementing the referendum’s outcome is the government’s main responsibility. According to him, the movement is not for any particular group but for restoring democratic rights and building a just society.

He urged Jamaat members, alliance activists, and patriotic citizens to ensure the rallies are orderly and peaceful. Porwar also prayed for national peace and prosperity and sought cooperation from all to maintain discipline during the program.