Bangladesh’s State Minister for Youth and Sports, Md. Aminul Haque, is currently on a four-day official visit to Sanya, China, to attend the opening ceremony of the 6th Asian Beach Games, which began on April 20. On the first day of his visit, he held high-level bilateral meetings with Hainan Province Vice Governor Ms. Zhi Jing, Tourism and Sports Department Director General Mr. Chen Tiejun, and Sanya City Vice Mayor Mr. Fan Weizheng. The discussions focused on strengthening sports diplomacy and mutual cooperation between the two countries, with particular emphasis on technical collaboration in surfing, shooting, volleyball, and table tennis.

Both sides agreed to exchange skilled coaches and modern technology to enhance training quality. They also discussed expanding scholarship opportunities in China for talented students from Bangladesh’s sports institutions, including BKSP. A policy decision was made to sign a memorandum of understanding and bilateral agreements to chart a roadmap for sports development. Chinese representatives praised Bangladesh’s cricket achievements and expressed interest in recruiting experienced cricket coaches from Bangladesh. The meeting also addressed increasing women’s participation at the grassroots level and improving facilities for para-athletes. The minister’s visit continues until April 23 and is viewed as a new milestone in Bangladesh-China sports relations.

The 2026 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations began simultaneously across Bangladesh, with 1,425 students absent on the first day under the Cumilla Education Board. The board reported that 146,817 students were registered to take part in the exams across 277 centers in six districts: Cumilla, Chandpur, Brahmanbaria, Noakhali, Feni, and Lakshmipur. The board’s chairman, Professor Shamsul Islam, confirmed the information on Tuesday afternoon.

According to the board, the total number of female candidates is 87,970, while male candidates number 58,847, meaning there are 29,123 more female participants. Officials attributed the higher female participation to increasing involvement and success of girls in education. To prevent cheating, all 277 centers have been placed under CCTV surveillance, and law enforcement presence has been strengthened.

Board officials stated that all necessary preparations were made to ensure a smooth and peaceful examination process. The first day saw a festive atmosphere at centers with the presence of students and guardians, and officials expressed optimism that the exams would continue successfully.

Former acting managing director of Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company, Mirza Kamal Ahmed, testified before International Crimes Tribunal-1 that then state minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Polok instructed him to shut down internet services on July 18, 2024, during the July uprising. He said Polok called him around 9 p.m. asking why the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission’s directive had not been implemented and told him to confirm once the shutdown was complete. Following the order, the submarine cables at Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata were disconnected within 15 minutes.

Mirza Kamal detailed that the shutdown decision was first communicated through BTRC’s WhatsApp groups named “18 July ITC Operation” and “IIG Operation,” involving representatives from BTRC, BTCL, and the submarine cable company. He expressed surprise at the instruction to cut submarine-level internet, noting it had never been done before. Later, on July 23, a meeting at BTRC led to the restoration of services that night, and another temporary shutdown occurred on August 5 following further directives.

The testimony was part of proceedings against Sajib Wazed Joy and Zunaid Ahmed Polok, both accused in the July genocide case.

National Chhatra Shakti organized a human chain and protest at Dhaka University’s Raju Sculpture on Tuesday, April 21, demanding the unconditional release of content creator Hasan Nasim, who was arrested for sharing a cartoon. Leaders and activists of the organization participated, carrying placards with slogans defending freedom of expression.

Speakers at the event alleged that laws are still being used to suppress free speech and described Nasim’s arrest as a violation of fundamental rights. National Chhatra Shakti president Zahid Ahsan compared the incident to previous cases involving writer Mushtaq and cartoonist Ahmed Kishore, criticizing the manner of Nasim’s detention and the lack of information provided to his family. He urged the government to ensure that writers, artists, and cartoonists can work freely.

Senior joint general secretary Khan Talat Rafi said the Digital Security Act of 2018 continues to be misused to curb expression, calling it alarming. The speakers demanded Nasim’s immediate release and protection of citizens’ constitutional right to free expression.

A woman identified as Monika Akter Mitu was detained from the ladies’ common room of Dhaka Medical College and handed over to police after being discovered posing as a student. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in the old building of the college, where she was seen wearing a white apron and moving around like a medical student. Other students became suspicious, questioned her, and upon checking her ID card, confirmed that she was not enrolled at the institution. The college administration then verified the matter and handed her over to Shahbagh Police Station.

According to the detained woman, she is the daughter of Momin Ali from Tongibari upazila in Munshiganj district and currently resides in Nawabganj. However, she did not explain why she had entered the college under false pretenses. Inspector Md Faruk, in charge of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital police outpost, confirmed that she had been handed over to Shahbagh police for further action.

The motive behind her impersonation remains unclear, and police are expected to investigate the matter further.

A total of 53 candidates submitted nomination papers for the reserved women's seats in the 13th National Parliament election by 4 p.m. on April 21, 2026. The information was confirmed by Returning Officer and Election Commission Joint Secretary Md. Moin Uddin Khan at the Election Building in Agargaon, Dhaka. According to him, 36 nominations came from the BNP and its alliance, 13 from the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami alliance, and one from an independent alliance. Additionally, three individuals—Shamma Akter, Mosammat Mehrunnesa, and Mahbuba Rahman—submitted nominations independently, without party affiliation.

As per the previously announced schedule, the Returning Officer will scrutinize the nomination papers on April 22 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on April 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appeals against the scrutiny decisions can be filed on April 26, with the Election Commission resolving them on April 27 and 28. The deadline for withdrawal of candidacy is April 29, symbol allocation will take place on April 30, and voting is scheduled for May 12.

The Returning Officer also stated that nomination scrutiny for the Jamaat alliance and independent alliance will occur on April 22, while the BNP alliance’s scrutiny will be held on April 23.

A mobile court in Shariatpur Sadar upazila conducted an operation on Tuesday afternoon against an illegal brick kiln that had continued operations despite multiple administrative notices. The court, led by Executive Magistrate Tushar Saha, dismantled part of the chimney of Messrs. Howlader Bricks in Shaulpur area and imposed a fine of one lakh taka on the owner under the Brick Manufacturing and Kiln Establishment (Control) Act.

According to the Department of Environment, the kiln had been ordered to shut down in February 2023 for lacking legal approval, but the owner ignored the directive. The site was also found to be only 250 meters from a primary school, violating the rule that prohibits brick kilns within one kilometer of such institutions. Officials said the action was taken to reduce environmental and public health risks.

Assistant Director of the Department of Environment, Russell Noman, stated that similar drives against illegal brick kilns will continue in line with High Court directives. Local residents expressed relief, citing long-standing smoke and pollution problems caused by the kiln.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed interest in working jointly with African countries to address the negative effects of the ongoing war in the Middle East. He made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing with Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, according to Chinese state media CCTV.

Xi stated that the Middle East crisis is affecting African nations and emphasized China’s willingness to collaborate with local countries to manage the crisis, maintain peace, and sustain development. During the meeting, he also urged China and Africa to jointly call for a ceasefire and encouraged the international community to practice what he described as genuine multilateralism.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, highlights China’s diplomatic positioning as it seeks to strengthen cooperation with African partners amid global instability linked to the Middle East conflict.

The European Union has warned that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could have catastrophic consequences for Europe and the rest of the world. EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas issued the warning during an emergency video conference of EU transport ministers convened to address the ongoing crisis. He said that European airports are already facing a severe shortage of jet fuel, prompting the EU to seek alternative fuel supplies from the United States and other sources.

Despite the fuel shortage, Tzitzikostas assured that there is no immediate cause for panic. He stated that there are currently no signs of widespread flight cancellations in the coming weeks or months, and therefore no need to intervene in people’s daily travel or lifestyle at this stage.

The EU’s emergency response follows several days of disruption in global energy supplies caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route for oil shipments. The situation has heightened concerns over energy security and market stability worldwide.

Widespread allegations of irregularities, corruption, and fund misappropriation have surfaced in a canal excavation project under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Rajapur upazila of Jhalakathi. Farmers from Tulatala and Angaria villages claim that the excavation of the Rarhibari canal was carried out superficially, ignoring government guidelines and resulting in misuse of allocated funds. The project, which includes 13 canal excavations and 3 embankment constructions with a total budget of Tk 36.5 million, allocated about Tk 5.245 million for the two canals in question.

Local farmers allege that instead of proper dredging, only minimal silt was removed, turning the canal into a narrow trench. They also reported that numerous fruit and forest trees were cut down, and the steep excavation of the banks risks collapse. Farmers say they have lost trees and will not benefit from irrigation or fish farming as expected.

In response, the canal excavation association’s president and the Rajapur Upazila Engineer denied the allegations, asserting that all work followed official schedules and was properly supervised.

A new luggage wrapping service began operating at the Hajj Camp in Bangladesh on Tuesday, introduced by the Ministry of Religious Affairs to make the pilgrimage process smoother, safer, and more convenient. Hajj Office Director Lokman Hossain said the service will allow pilgrims to have their luggage professionally wrapped, protecting it from damage, tampering, and other travel-related risks. The initiative aims to reduce last-minute difficulties and streamline the travel process for pilgrims.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad stated that ensuring a smooth Hajj journey with the highest level of service is a key government priority. He added that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is closely monitoring services for pilgrims, and the new facility was launched under his guidance. The minister expressed confidence that the service will make the Hajj journey more seamless and comfortable.

Pilgrims have welcomed the government’s initiative, describing it as a timely and necessary step to improve their travel experience.

Former student leader and content creator A.M. Hasan Nasim has been granted bail in a cyber security ordinance case filed over allegations of spreading misleading information and attempting to blackmail the Chief Whip of the National Parliament. The bail order was issued on Tuesday, April 21, by Dhaka’s Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam, confirmed by prosecution sub-inspector Moktar Hossain.

Nasim was arrested on April 17 from a rented apartment in the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area and was later sent to jail after the court rejected a police remand request. The case was filed on April 18 at Gulshan Police Station by Md. Nazrul Islam, who identified himself as a loyal supporter of the Chief Whip, alleging that a Facebook account had posted misleading content about the Chief Whip on April 11.

According to the case statement, the accused also sent screenshots via WhatsApp to the Chief Whip’s personal number in an attempt to gain unethical benefits. Following discussions with the Chief Whip, the complainant filed the case.

Mohammedan Sporting Club and Bashundhara Kings advanced to the semifinals of the Federation Cup after decisive wins in their final group matches on Tuesday. Mohammedan crushed Arambagh Krira Sangha 4–0 at the Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh, with forward Sourav Dewan scoring a hat-trick. In the other match, defending champions Bashundhara Kings defeated Bangladesh Police FC 4–1 at the Bashundhara Kings Arena, with Brazilian striker Dorielton Gomes netting all four goals.

Bashundhara Kings topped Group B with eight points from two wins and two draws, while Mohammedan also collected eight points but finished second on goal difference. Both teams secured their semifinal berths after consistent performances throughout the group stage.

The results set up a competitive semifinal lineup, with both clubs showing strong attacking form and key forwards in peak scoring rhythm heading into the knockout phase.

A mother in Pakundia upazila of Kishoreganj has been waiting anxiously for her missing son, who has not returned home for 12 days. The man, identified as Md. Aslam, son of the late Abul Hasim from Syedgaon Purbo Para village, went missing on April 10 after leaving home without informing anyone. His mother filed a general diary at Pakundia Police Station on Monday morning.

According to family sources, Aslam, who has been mentally ill for several years, had shown some improvement after treatment and usually stayed at home. He was known to be quiet and calm, often walking around the neighborhood before returning home. On the day he disappeared, he was wearing jeans, a coffee-colored shirt, and a blue T-shirt. He is described as having a brown complexion and about 5 feet 3 inches tall.

The family has requested anyone with information about Aslam’s whereabouts to contact them at the provided phone number.

Member of Parliament Rumin Farhana criticized the government in the National Parliament for borrowing Tk 44,500 crore within just 52 days of assuming power. Speaking during a supplementary question session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed on April 21, she highlighted that the government had already exceeded its bank borrowing target for the fiscal year. The budget had set a target of Tk 1.04 trillion, but by early April, borrowing had reached Tk 1.12761 trillion, surpassing the target by 108 percent.

Citing a Bangladesh Bank report, Rumin Farhana noted that revenue collection was about Tk 7,500 crore short of the target, forcing the government to rely heavily on bank loans. She questioned whether the government had any concrete plans to expand the tax base or increase revenue collection.

In response, the finance minister said the large borrowing figure was a carryover from the previous administration’s liabilities, not the result of the current government’s actions. He assured Parliament that the government’s policy is to gradually reduce domestic bank borrowing, with visible results expected in the next budget.