BNP lawmaker Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan accused opposition parties of conspiring inside and outside Parliament to embarrass the government during a session on April 22, 2026. Speaking during the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, he alleged that the opposition was acting like fascists and warned that their supporters would not remain silent but would protest. His remarks drew loud objections from opposition members, who accused him of using threatening and unparliamentary language.

Opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman strongly protested Wadud’s comments, questioning whether he was inciting public disorder and demanded that his remarks be expunged from the record. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed responded that the matter would be reviewed and any unparliamentary language removed. The session also saw references to recent clashes at Chittagong City College and further exchanges between ruling and opposition MPs over political tolerance and democratic conduct.

The Speaker urged both sides to maintain decorum and respond through speeches rather than interruptions, emphasizing that differing political ideologies should not disrupt parliamentary proceedings.

Three teachers have been relieved of their duties after an SSC examination in Shibganj, Chapainawabganj, was conducted with the wrong question paper. The incident occurred at the KanSat Soleman Mia Degree College examination center, where students in room number eight reportedly received the incorrect paper for the Bangla First Paper exam. The issue came to light when a student named Tahmidur Rahman submitted a written complaint to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) on Wednesday afternoon.

Following the complaint, the administration removed three teachers from examination duties: Abdus Sattar, head teacher of Bagbari High School; Maksudur Rahman, assistant teacher of Kansat Mahedur Rahman Girls’ High School; and Mahbubur Rahman, assistant teacher of Daipukuria Union Council High School. UNO Mazharul Islam stated that the matter had been referred to the Rajshahi Education Board for re-evaluation of the affected students’ papers.

The administrative action aims to ensure accountability and proper evaluation for the students affected by the error, according to the local authority.

The two-day International Education Fair and Seminar organized by Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) in collaboration with Edumex Consultancy concluded at Jagannath University. The event featured an international education seminar held on Wednesday, April 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the university’s central auditorium, focusing on study abroad preparation, application processes, and higher education opportunities. The first day’s activities took place on Tuesday at the Faculty of Science field from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Speakers included North South University lecturer Md. Zahidul Islam Miaji and Jagannath University marketing professor Dr. Imranul Haque, who emphasized goal setting and perseverance in pursuing higher studies abroad. Organizers reported that over 300 students would receive free IELTS courses from Edumex after a selection test, requiring a refundable deposit of 2,000 taka for those meeting attendance and test performance criteria.

JAKSU’s education and research secretary Ibrahim Khalil stated that the expo aimed to provide students with a platform for career and higher education planning through on-campus counseling, visa guidance, and language test support.

Police in Sherpur seized 835 liters of diesel being transported illegally from Babar Filling Station in Sherpur Sadar upazila late on April 21, 2026. Two employees of the station were detained during the operation but were later released after fines were paid through a mobile court proceeding.

On April 22, Assistant Commissioner (NDC) Rajib Sarkar led a mobile court at the district administration office, where the seized diesel and the detained employees were presented. The court fined Babar Filling Station one lakh taka under Section 52 of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009, for attempting to store diesel illegally. The fine was imposed in the name of Fazlul Haque, who was in charge of the station.

Authorities also ordered the open sale of the confiscated diesel, with 96,425 taka from the sale to be deposited into the government treasury, according to the district administration.

Abdul Hannan Masud, Member of Parliament for Noakhali-6 and leader of the National Congress Party (NCP), has called in parliament for the formation of a new administrative division centered on Noakhali. He raised the demand on Wednesday, emphasizing that residents of the greater Noakhali region have been campaigning for this administrative upgrade since 1994.

Masud argued that Noakhali’s distinct geographical position, rich history, and cultural diversity justify its recognition as a separate division. He noted that the district, one of Bangladesh’s oldest, held historical importance during British rule, including the establishment of a major airbase and the presence of Bhulua, once the largest river port in the southern region.

He further stated that people from greater Noakhali played leading roles in key national movements such as the Khilafat, anti-British, Language, and Liberation movements, as well as recent uprisings. Despite this legacy, he lamented that the region has long suffered from administrative and developmental neglect, leaving its population disadvantaged.

A land dispute has emerged in Burichang upazila of Cumilla, where Moynamoti Union BNP president Salahuddin Ahmed has been accused of forcibly occupying land belonging to Jubo Dal joint convener Sharif Ahmed. The allegation was made at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon by Sharif Ahmed, his brother Arif Ahmed, and other family members. They claimed that Salahuddin and his associates attacked them and vandalized their shop when they tried to stop the construction of a 10-foot road through their ancestral property.

According to Sharif Ahmed, their family owns 12 decimals of ancestral land in Rampal mouza, legally inherited from their grandfather Akmat Ali. He alleged that a local group is trying to grab their land by falsely portraying it as a public road. Family members, including Shah Alam and Hasina Akter, demanded justice, saying Salahuddin has no ownership or residence in the area but continues to exert pressure.

Salahuddin Ahmed denied the allegations, saying he intervened only to resolve the dispute on the instruction of local MP Haji Jasim Uddin and that local residents were present during the discussions.

Millions of voters in India’s West Bengal have reportedly lost their voting rights ahead of this week’s crucial state elections following a controversial electoral revision. Over 9.1 million names, more than 10 percent of the electorate, were removed from the rolls under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Critics have described the move as a “bloodless political genocide,” alleging that Muslim and other minority voters were disproportionately targeted. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has defended the process as necessary to prevent illegal voting by alleged infiltrators.

Opposition leaders, election experts, and civil society organizations have condemned the deletions as unconstitutional and politically motivated. Former Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi called the SIR unnecessary and administratively disastrous, warning that an AI-assisted algorithm used to flag “logical inconsistencies” in voter data ignored linguistic and cultural nuances. Affected citizens, including government employees and retired security personnel, said their names were removed despite valid documentation.

Legal challenges are underway, but few appeals have been heard before voting begins. Analysts warn that the mass disenfranchisement could reshape India’s democratic participation, creating a divided polity where minorities are systematically excluded from the political process.

Farmers in the haor regions of Sunamganj, including Madhyanagar, are receiving only Tk 650–700 per maund of paddy, far below the government-fixed price of Tk 1,440 for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. Due to excessive rainfall, about 30 percent of the haor land has been submerged, and many farmers are struggling to harvest their crops as roads remain underwater and harvesters cannot be used. Rising fuel prices, labor shortages, and higher wages have further increased production costs, leaving farmers unable to recover their investments.

Local traders report a stagnant market with fewer buyers compared to previous years. Farmers blame the ineffective government procurement program for forcing them to sell at low prices, while middlemen profit from the situation. Agricultural officials acknowledge that limited government purchase centers and weak market management are key issues. They have begun listing genuine farmers for fair-price procurement.

Experts and local representatives have urged the government to expand purchase centers, strengthen direct procurement, and provide low-interest loans to ensure fair prices for farmers.

Iran has seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, continuing its previously declared policy that all vessels, including oil tankers, must coordinate with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) before passing through the waterway. The IRGC stated that the ships were detained for violating these regulations. Iranian media identified the vessels as MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, which are now being escorted toward Iran’s coast.

The IRGC emphasized that this action aligns with Iran’s long-standing strategy to assert control and authority over maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The statement reiterated that coordination with the IRGC is mandatory for all ships navigating the area. Discussions are also underway to impose specific charges and transit fees on vessels using the route, a move described as part of efforts to ensure prior coordination with Iranian authorities.

The measure reflects Iran’s continued focus on regulating passage through one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints, reinforcing its stance on sovereignty and security in regional waters.

A collision between a corpse-carrying ambulance and a battery-run easybike injured seven people in Gouranadi upazila of Barishal on Wednesday afternoon. The accident occurred around 2:15 p.m. at the Torki bus stand area on the Dhaka-Barishal highway while the ambulance was returning to Barishal from Dhaka with a body. Local fire service personnel rescued the injured and sent them to the upazila health complex for treatment.

According to the Gouranadi Highway Police Station officer-in-charge, both vehicles involved in the crash have been seized. The deceased’s body was later transported in another ambulance. Authorities stated that legal action will be taken regarding the incident.

The report highlights the quick response from emergency services and the initiation of legal procedures following the highway collision.

In Sandwip upazila of Chattogram, BNP leader and upazila member secretary Alomgir Hossain Thakur has come under criticism after proposing to increase the Kumira-Guptachhara speedboat fare from Tk 250 to Tk 300 per passenger. The proposal was made during an open discussion meeting organized by the upazila administration on Monday, sparking public outrage. Although the administration indicated that the new fare would take effect, activists and residents questioned its legal validity.

According to meeting sources, the proposal followed demands from boat owners citing rising fuel prices. Thakur explained that he suggested Tk 300 as a compromise since owners wanted Tk 350. Jaglul Hossain Nayon, owner of Adil Enterprise, defended the increase, saying higher fuel and parts costs made current fares unsustainable. Upazila Executive Officer Mongchingnu Marma stated that the decision was reached with consensus and would remain effective until a gazette is issued.

However, over a hundred online activists challenged the legality of implementing the fare before approval from the BIWTA. Former BNP joint convener Belayet Hossain assured that no decision harming Sandwip residents would be accepted and said communication with the shipping minister was underway.

The Iran-United States confrontation has reached a dangerous and uncertain stage, with both sides deeply mistrustful of each other. According to the report, Iran believes that US President Donald Trump is merely delaying before launching a sudden attack. The planned Iran-US meeting remains uncertain as Iran refuses to join peace talks while the US naval blockade continues. Although the ceasefire has been extended indefinitely, the situation remains highly unsatisfactory.

The Strait of Hormuz has become extremely dangerous, with Iranian gunboats firing on vessels attempting to pass through, while the United States claims to have turned back more than 20 ships heading to or from Iranian ports. This standoff is severely damaging both Iran’s economy and the global economy.

Analysts warn that the longer the deadlock continues, the greater the risk of a full-scale war in the Gulf region. The crisis is described as the most severe since Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, raising fears of renewed regional conflict and economic instability.

More than 1,000 musicians and cultural workers have signed an open letter calling for a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest unless Israel is excluded from participation. The appeal, organized by the group 'No Music for Genocide', was made public on Tuesday and urges artists, broadcasters, workers, and fans to reject the event until Israel’s public broadcaster KAN is barred. The letter cites Israel’s actions in Palestine as the reason for the call.

Signatories include internationally known artists such as Brian Eno, Massive Attack, Ni-Kap, and Roger Waters, as well as former Eurovision winners Emmelie de Forest and Charlie McGettigan. The letter accuses the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) of hypocrisy for allowing Israel to compete while Russia remains suspended due to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The statement also praises broadcasters and contestants from Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands who have withdrawn or refused to participate in protest. The next Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place in Austria from May 12 to 16.

Bangladesh failed to maintain their winning momentum in the second women's ODI against Sri Lanka, losing by four wickets in Rajshahi on April 22, 2026. Despite a fighting effort with both bat and ball, Nigar Sultana Joty’s team could not defend their total, allowing Sri Lanka to level the three-match series 1-1.

Batting first, Bangladesh suffered early setbacks, losing two openers for just four runs. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty anchored the innings with a responsible 58 off 101 balls, but lack of support from the other end restricted the team to 165 runs. Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu starred with the ball, taking three wickets.

In reply, Sri Lanka also stumbled early but recovered through a 77-run fourth-wicket stand between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hansima Karunaratne. Athapaththu contributed 40 off 39 balls, while Kavisha and Nilakshi guided the visitors to victory. Nahida Akter was Bangladesh’s standout bowler with four wickets. The series will now be decided in the third and final match.

Tahmina Akter, an SSC examinee from Government Setara Smriti Girls' High School in Jianagar, Pirojpur, has received the 'Konya Sahasika' (Brave Daughter) award from the Pirojpur district administration. The award, presented on April 22, 2026, included a certificate and financial assistance to help her continue her education. District Commissioner Abu Sayeed handed over the honor and support at his office.

Tahmina, daughter of Alam Hawlader from Charakhali Ward in Indurkani Sadar Union, gained attention after she sought help from Jianagar police on April 18 to prevent her own marriage and ensure she could sit for her SSC exams. With the assistance of the local administration and community leaders, she successfully avoided child marriage.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Hasan Md. Hafizur Rahman praised Tahmina’s courage, saying her determination was inspiring and that the administration was proud to recognize her bravery.