The government and opposition parties have agreed to form a 10-member committee to develop recommendations for resolving the country's energy problems. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina proposed the formation of the committee in parliament on Thursday, naming five members from the ruling party. The committee will be chaired by the Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku. The opposition leader welcomed the initiative and said that the names of their five representatives would be announced soon.

During the parliamentary session, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of joint efforts between the government and opposition to address issues of national interest. The opposition leader thanked the Prime Minister for taking the matter positively and expressed hope that the parliament would become the center for solving national problems. The Speaker, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, noted the need for a committee chair, after which the Prime Minister confirmed the energy minister as the head.

The formation of this bipartisan committee marks a rare instance of cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties, signaling a potential new phase of collaborative policymaking on critical national issues.

A violent clash erupted on Thursday afternoon between activists of Islami Chhatra Shibir and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal at Ishwardi Government College in Pabna. The confrontation involved gunfire and crude bomb explosions, spreading panic across the campus. Several individuals from both groups were reportedly injured, and a temporary office of Chhatra Dal near the college gate was vandalized during the incident.

According to Shibir’s upazila president Sajib Hasan, his group had a pre-scheduled protest program approved by the college authorities and had sought police cooperation. He claimed that Chhatra Dal members attacked them with bricks as their procession reached the college gate, triggering the clash. Chhatra Dal’s college unit vice president Imran Hossain Khan alleged that around 100–150 Shibir activists, accompanied by outsiders, attacked their members, assaulted them, and detonated crude bombs, creating fear on campus.

Ishwardi police officer-in-charge Md. Ashadur Rahman stated that the situation is now under control, both groups have left the campus, and additional police have been deployed to maintain order.

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon announced in parliament that a white paper will be published detailing irregularities and corruption in Bangladesh’s education sector during the Awami League’s tenure. Responding to a question from ruling party MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul, the minister said the government has prioritized investigations covering the fiscal years 2008–09 to 2024–25. The Education Ministry has instructed relevant authorities to verify and compile findings into a comprehensive report.

Milon stated that after the investigation and verification process is complete, the government will take necessary steps to prepare and release the white paper in phases. However, he noted that due to the extensive scope of the inquiry, no specific timeline can yet be set. The minister also addressed issues related to pending retirement benefit applications, financial shortfalls in the welfare trust, and vacant teaching positions in private institutions.

He further mentioned ongoing efforts to modernize madrasa education by including vocational and technical subjects, with vocational courses already introduced in 548 madrasas and plans to expand to 1,000 more.

A complaint has been filed against the Chuadanga Kamil Madrasa examination center for conducting the Dakhil (SSC equivalent) exam with the wrong question paper for about 22 to 25 minutes without granting sufficient extra time. The district administration has ordered the removal of the center secretary and the tag officer from their duties and is issuing show-cause notices against them.

According to the report, the incident occurred on Tuesday during the first-day exam of the Quran Majid subject. The exam was supposed to include 60 marks for written questions and 40 marks for multiple-choice questions to be answered on the main script. However, a 30-mark multiple-choice paper with a separate OMR sheet was distributed instead. After about 25 minutes, the center secretary acknowledged the error and promised to adjust the time, but students alleged that only four to five extra minutes were given.

Students and guardians expressed frustration, saying the mistake and insufficient time adjustment negatively affected performance. The additional deputy commissioner (Education and ICT) confirmed that disciplinary action was ordered after the issue came to the administration’s attention.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has issued a strict warning against transporting visit visa holders to Mecca during the Hajj season. The ministry announced that anyone found violating this rule could face a fine of up to 100,000 Saudi riyals. The restriction, which began on April 20 (1 Dhul-Qadah), will remain in effect until May 30 (14 Dhul-Hijjah). During this period, individuals holding visit visas are completely prohibited from entering or being transported into the holy city.

Authorities stated that violators will not only face financial penalties but also risk having their vehicles confiscated through court proceedings. This applies whether the vehicle owner is the driver or has partners involved in the offense. Citizens have been urged to report any violations related to Hajj and Umrah regulations by calling 911 in Mecca, Medina, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.

The ministry assured that informants’ identities will remain confidential and that they will not face legal consequences. The measure aims to preserve the sanctity of Hajj and ensure the safety of registered pilgrims.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued an emergency directive instructing all government hospitals in Bangladesh to increase bed capacity to handle the growing number of measles patients. The order, signed by Dr. Abu Hossain Md. Moinul Ahsan, Director of Hospitals and Clinics, was released on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Hospitals have been told not to refuse or redirect any measles or measles-symptom patients due to bed shortages.

According to the directive, hospitals must arrange additional beds if necessary and can only refer patients when advanced or complex treatment is required. The DGHS also emphasized that all referrals must follow the established chain from upazila health complexes to district, medical college, and specialized hospitals. Any violation of this rule will hold the hospital head responsible.

DGHS data show that between March 15 and April 22, a total of 38 children died from measles, while 190 children with measles symptoms also died during the same period.

The government of Bangladesh has increased bus fares by 11 paisa per kilometer in response to rising fuel prices. Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced the decision on Thursday at the ministry’s meeting room in the Secretariat. The minimum fare remains unchanged at 10 taka. In Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas, bus and minibus fares have been raised from 2.42 taka to 2.53 taka per kilometer, while long-distance bus fares have increased from 2.12 taka to 2.23 taka per kilometer.

The minister stated that the revised fares will take effect immediately and will apply only to diesel-powered buses. CNG-run buses are excluded from this adjustment. He also mentioned that fares would be reduced again if fuel prices decrease. No decision has yet been made regarding railway fare adjustments.

Earlier, a 12-member fare adjustment committee of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority had discussed a possible 22 paisa increase per kilometer for city and inter-district buses, but that proposal was not finalized.

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.