The Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association has warned of strong protests if bus and launch fares are increased unilaterally in violation of international consumer rights laws. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the association’s secretary general, Md. Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, said transport owners’ associations were pushing for excessive fare hikes following a recent diesel price increase.

The statement recalled that in August 2022, when diesel prices rose sharply to 114 taka per liter, bus fares increased by 22 percent and launch fares by 32 percent. Although diesel prices later dropped to 100 taka, the government only made minor fare reductions on paper, and passengers did not benefit in practice. The association alleged that despite the latest 15-taka rise in diesel prices to 115 taka, transport owners are now seeking to raise bus fares by 64 percent and launch fares by 42 percent.

The Passenger Welfare Association accused certain government officials of supporting transport owners for short-term gains while excluding passenger representatives from fare adjustment discussions, warning that such actions could trigger widespread protests.

The United States military has used a significant portion of its key missile stockpiles during the recent war with Iran, according to a CNN report citing three individuals familiar with internal Pentagon assessments. The depletion raises concerns that the US could face ammunition shortages if new conflicts arise in the coming years. A recent analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies found that at least 45 percent of precision strike missiles, half of THAAD interceptors, and about 50 percent of Patriot air defense missiles were expended during the seven-week conflict.

Sources familiar with the review said these figures align with classified Pentagon data. While the US still retains enough weapons to continue operations against Iran if the fragile ceasefire collapses, it reportedly lacks sufficient munitions to sustain a large-scale conflict with a peer power such as China. The report added that restoring stockpiles to prewar levels could take several years.

The analysis also indicated that around 30 percent of Tomahawk missiles, over 20 percent of long-range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles, and about 20 percent of SM-3 and SM-6 missiles were used, with replenishment expected to take four to five years.

The United Kingdom has passed a new law aimed at creating a smoke-free generation by banning the sale of all tobacco products to individuals born after 2008. According to The Guardian, the bill on tobacco and vaping received approval from both houses of Parliament and is awaiting royal assent to become law. Once enacted, it will prohibit the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, gradually phasing out tobacco use nationwide.

The bill was first introduced on November 5, 2024, and completed its legislative journey after the House of Lords approved amendments from the House of Commons. Policymakers expect the measure to break the cycle of addiction and significantly reduce smoking-related health risks. Statistics show that in England alone, smoking leads to about 400,000 hospital admissions and 64,000 deaths annually, costing the National Health Service billions of pounds each year.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the bill as a historic step for public health, saying it will protect future generations from addiction and tobacco-related harm while promoting a healthier society.

The Bangladesh government has issued a circular declaring November 7 to be observed annually as 'National Revolution and Solidarity Day'. The directive, released by the Cabinet Division on April 21, 2026, categorizes the date as a 'Class A' national day. All ministries, divisions, and relevant agencies have been instructed to take necessary measures to implement the decision.

According to the circular, the decision follows a government announcement made on April 16, 2026, reinstating November 7 as a national day and including it in the list of public holidays. Cabinet Secretary Md Nasimul Gani stated that the day will be officially celebrated after a long interval, with due state honor and a public holiday.

The circular also introduced July 6 as 'National Rural Development Day', though this occasion will not be accompanied by a public holiday.

Oil prices in Asian markets declined slightly on Wednesday morning as peace talks between the United States and Iran remained stalled. US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he would extend the ceasefire until progress is made in negotiations with Tehran. He also stated that the United States would continue its blockade of Iranian ports until Iran presents a comprehensive proposal.

Early in the day, oil prices initially rose but later fell, with Brent crude dropping 0.3 percent to 98.20 dollars per barrel and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declining 0.5 percent to 89.21 dollars per barrel. The energy market has remained unstable since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, prompting Tehran to threaten strikes on ships in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The continued geopolitical tension and uncertainty over US-Iran negotiations have kept global energy markets volatile, with traders closely monitoring developments in the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump has continued a series of posts targeting Iran on his social media platform, Truth Social. In his latest message, he claimed that Iran is financially collapsing and eager to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump further alleged that the country is in a severe cash crisis, losing about 500 million dollars daily, and that its military and police are complaining about unpaid salaries.

According to the report, Trump provided no independently verifiable evidence to support his claims. The Iranian government has not issued any immediate response to his statements. The posts come amid heightened tensions between the two countries, with recent reports highlighting Iran’s seizure of ships in the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional instability.

The lack of official verification or response leaves uncertainty about the accuracy of Trump’s assertions, while the rhetoric underscores the continuing strain in U.S.-Iran relations.

An alleged attack took place late Tuesday night, April 21, 2026, at a Jamaat-e-Islami-run library in the Segunbagan area under Khulshi Police Station in Chattogram. According to Jamaat leaders, a group of BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal activists stormed the library around 9 p.m. while a scheduled meeting of the Labour Welfare Federation’s hotel workers unit was underway. At least eight Jamaat workers were injured, and furniture and a large number of books were damaged.

Witnesses said the attackers vandalized over fifty chairs and tables, tore books and documents, and looted mobile phones and wallets from participants. Labour Welfare Federation leaders condemned the incident, calling it a politically motivated attack carried out without provocation. They demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and announced a press conference to address the issue.

Chattogram city Jamaat leaders described the attack as a planned act following recent clashes at City College. However, the Chattogram BNP denied involvement, claiming their members were not connected to the incident and urged authorities to investigate and arrest the real perpetrators.

Police in Jianagar, Pirojpur recovered 75 barrels of stolen bitumen that had been left abandoned inside a house in Seutibaria village. The operation was conducted on Tuesday evening, April 21, under the leadership of Sub-Inspector Ismail Hossain. The barrels were found inside the home of Ibadul Kabir Badol Hawlader and taken into police custody. According to police, the bitumen had been lying there for about a month.

House owner Badol Hawlader stated that he lives in Dhaka and was unaware of who had left the bitumen on his property. Earlier, on April 4, police had recovered 59 barrels of stolen bitumen from a work site linked to contractor Shakil Mahmud Palash Hawlader, Badol’s relative. Locals suspect the newly recovered barrels may also belong to Palash, though he denied any involvement, claiming he was being framed by rivals.

Sub-Inspector Saiduzzaman confirmed that several individuals have contacted police claiming ownership of the bitumen. Authorities said the barrels will be handed over through court once valid ownership documents are verified. Several related bitumen theft cases have recently been filed in nearby districts.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly searching for a way to withdraw from the ongoing Iran war, which began on February 28. The conflict has proven extremely expensive, with the United States spending between $890 million and $1 billion daily, while Israel has spent $112 billion in total. Post-war reconstruction in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states is expected to cost hundreds of billions, with Saudi Arabia alone needing over $600 billion to restore its oil and gas infrastructure.

The United Arab Emirates has suffered severe damage to civilian and energy facilities from drone and missile strikes and has begun informal discussions with the U.S. about economic assistance. According to the Wall Street Journal, the UAE’s central bank chief recently sought a currency swap with the U.S. Federal Reserve after losing significant oil revenue due to Hormuz Strait disruptions. Meanwhile, Iran has demanded $2.7 trillion in war compensation from several Arab states.

The White House confirmed that Trump remains interested in financial burden-sharing similar to the 1991 Gulf War. However, rising costs and Gulf nations’ demands for U.S. aid could strain the American economy and weaken the dollar’s global position.

A cargo trawler bound for Monpura sank at Choumuhani Ghat in Tazumuddin upazila of Bhola on Tuesday evening after being hit by strong waves from the Dhaka-bound launch MB Farhan. The incident resulted in the loss of goods including 934 pieces of school feeding bread, 150 sacks of poultry feed, 110 sacks of rice, and edible oil, with an estimated damage of about Tk 2 million, according to locals.

Trawler driver Hiron Mia said the MB Farhan launch had departed from Betuaghata in Charfassion and created strong waves while leaving Choumuhani Ghat for Dhaka, causing the trawler heading to Monpura to sink. Some school feeding items were saved, but most of the cargo went underwater immediately. No casualties were reported in the incident.

The officer-in-charge of Tazumuddin Police Station said he was unaware of the incident and would look into it after being informed by the reporter.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran is facing a financial collapse. In a post on his social media platform X, Trump stated that Iran is 'crying for cash' and losing about 500 million dollars every day. He further alleged that Iran’s military and police are complaining about not receiving their salaries.

Trump also said that the United States has completely blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route. According to him, Iran wants to reopen the strait to earn 500 million dollars daily, but has kept it closed to 'save face.' The statements were reported by Al Jazeera and published by the Bangladeshi outlet Amar Desh.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with recent reports of ship seizures and escalating regional conflict in the Middle East.

Two sub-health centers in Raipur upazila of Lakshmipur have been operating without doctors for about 11 to 12 years, depriving local residents of essential healthcare. According to the Raipur Upazila Health Complex office, the centers in Haydarganj Bazar of Char Ababil Union and Saicha village of Bamni Union each have sanctioned doctor posts that remain vacant. Currently, an MBBS doctor visits once a week, while a sub-assistant community medical officer serves patients on other days.

Local union chairmen and residents said the absence of doctors has forced villagers to travel 10 to 12 kilometers to the upazila health complex for even minor ailments, increasing patient pressure on the 50-bed facility. Around 86,000 families, traders, students, and coastal workers depend on these centers, but the lack of doctors has caused severe hardship.

Raipur Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Bahrul Alam confirmed that reports on the vacancies are regularly sent to the civil surgeon. He noted that the shortage has significantly increased patient load at the upazila hospital, where 400–500 people visit the outpatient department daily.

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) has initiated the viva voce process for candidates who passed the written examination of the 47th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS). As part of the preparation, candidates are required to fill out and submit the ‘BPSC Form-3’ online using their BCS user ID and password. The form must be completed in Bangla through the designated website, and candidates need updated browsers with Flash Player and Unicode support. After submission, the form must be downloaded, printed, and two copies submitted to the viva board. Candidates can edit any incorrect information within the specified time.

The BPSC notice, signed by Exam Controller (Cadre) Masuma Afrin, also instructs candidates to select the correct option under the ‘Freedom Fighter Status’ section from four available categories. In addition, the commission has announced that viva examinations for 2,570 general cadre candidates will begin on May 11 at the BPSC headquarters in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, starting daily at 10 a.m. according to registration numbers.

The directive ensures a standardized digital process for candidate data submission ahead of the 47th BCS viva sessions.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized illegal Indian medicines worth about Tk 20 million during an operation in the Muktijoddha Chattar area of Madhabpur upazila, Habiganj. The operation took place on Tuesday afternoon along the Dhaka–Sylhet highway, where a truck was stopped and searched. The contraband medicines and Indian snacks were found hidden under bricks inside sacks. The seized goods were later handed over to the customs office following legal procedures.

According to a press release issued by Lieutenant Colonel Tanzilur Rahman, commander of the Habiganj Battalion (55 BGB), the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb cross-border smuggling. He stated that BGB remains firm in protecting the border and preventing illegal trade. Intelligence surveillance has been strengthened in border areas to safeguard domestic industries and maintain economic stability.

The BGB official added that similar operations will continue in the future to ensure tighter control over smuggling activities and to support lawful trade practices.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its forces are rearming during the ongoing ceasefire with Iran. CENTCOM stated that American troops remain prepared for any situation. The announcement was made during a press conference where CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper said the military is adjusting its strategies, methods, and operational procedures.

Standing beside US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Cooper emphasized that no other military in the world adapts as effectively as the US forces, and that this period of ceasefire is being used to enhance readiness. The remarks followed President Donald Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire period with Iran.

The statement reflects Washington’s intent to maintain military preparedness even amid a temporary halt in hostilities, signaling continued strategic caution in the region.