National Citizen Party (NCP) Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah expressed astonishment in parliament on Sunday, April 19, 2026, over the arrest of an individual for sharing a cartoon. He raised the issue during a parliamentary session, questioning why such an arrest would occur in the present time.

Hasnat alleged that the person was arrested under an incorrect law and that bail was being denied even though the offense was bailable. He emphasized the need for ministerial accountability within parliament, stating that if ministers are not held answerable there, lawmakers have no other platform to voice their concerns. He also complained about being deprived of the right to ask starred questions in parliament.

The remarks highlighted ongoing concerns about legal procedures and parliamentary transparency, though no official government response was recorded in the session.

Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman strongly condemned indecent gestures made by some treasury bench members during the speech of independent MP Rumin Farhana from Brahmanbaria-2 in the National Parliament on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Speaking on a point of order under the chairmanship of Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal, he said such behavior had hurt his conscience and was unexpected from senior members of the House.

Dr. Rahman urged the Speaker to ensure proper order and fairness in allowing members to speak, noting concerns about discrimination in speaking opportunities. He emphasized the need to uphold parliamentary decorum and foster a culture of respect in discussions. The Speaker responded by urging all members to maintain parliamentary etiquette and ensure a conducive environment for debate.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam also called for maintaining serial order in granting speaking turns, suggesting that following this practice would encourage new members and make parliamentary sessions more vibrant.

Tehran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz as the United States continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports. According to ship-tracking website MarineTraffic, there are currently no signs of vessel movement through the strait. Many ships have been observed anchored across the Gulf, particularly near the coasts of Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

The report notes that some ships were still passing through the vital waterway on Saturday, but traffic dropped sharply after Tehran announced the closure. On the same day, several vessels were reportedly struck by missiles or projectiles, and a separate incident involved gunfire targeting an oil tanker.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime routes, underscores rising tensions in the region as maritime security deteriorates under the ongoing blockade.

The High Court has issued a rule asking why registration of domestic workers should not be made mandatory across Bangladesh, including in the capital. The rule was issued on Sunday by a bench comprising Justice Razik Al Jalil and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury. The court directed the law secretary, labour secretary, and other relevant authorities to respond within four weeks.

Advocate Khadijatul Kobra represented the petitioner during the hearing. Earlier, she had filed a writ petition seeking a directive to make registration of domestic workers mandatory nationwide. The petition aimed to bring domestic workers under a formal registration system to ensure better regulation and oversight.

The court’s order initiates a legal process that could lead to formal registration requirements for domestic workers if the authorities justify or implement the measure following the rule’s response period.

Five private banks have been integrated into the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority’s (BIDA) online One Stop Service (OSS) platform. The banks are National Credit and Commerce (NCC) Bank, One Bank, United Commercial Bank (UCB), Shimanto Bank, and Al-Arafah Islami Bank. The memorandum of understanding was signed on Sunday at BIDA’s conference room, chaired by Executive Member Air Commodore (Retd.) Md. Shaharul Huda.

With the inclusion of these banks, investors can now open bank accounts and temporary accounts for foreign investors directly through the OSS portal. BIDA officials said the move aims to ensure faster, simpler, and more modern services for investors by strengthening the OSS platform. Senior representatives from the participating banks, Bangladesh Bank, and the Financial Institutions Division attended the signing event.

Currently, the OSS platform offers 142 services involving 47 stakeholder organizations and has processed over 215,000 applications. BIDA plans to expand the system to provide more than 150 services from 60 institutions and integrate them under the unified BanglaBiz platform.

Iran’s armed forces on Sunday turned back two oil tankers attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, according to Tasnim News, a media outlet close to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The report said the tankers, sailing under the flags of Botswana and Angola, were forced to change course and retreat after Iranian forces intervened.

The move follows Iran’s earlier declaration that it would keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until the United States lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports. Since that announcement, Tehran has maintained a strict posture over the vital maritime route, which is crucial for global energy supply.

The incident underscores heightened tensions in the region and signals Iran’s continued enforcement of its blockade policy in one of the world’s most strategic waterways.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, told Parliament on Sunday, April 19, that the country’s existing gas reserves are sufficient to meet national demand for the next 12 years. Responding to a question from MP Md. Mosharraf Hossain during a session chaired by Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal, the minister said the total recoverable gas reserve stands at 29.74 trillion cubic feet, of which 22.11 trillion cubic feet had been extracted by December 2025. As of January 1, 2026, the remaining reserve is 7.63 trillion cubic feet.

He explained that if no new gas fields are discovered and the current supply rate of about 1,700 million cubic feet per day continues, the remaining reserves could sustain supply for around 12 years. The minister also outlined ongoing exploration efforts under Petrobangla’s master plan, which includes drilling 50 new wells and overhauling 100 others, with 26 wells already completed.

Additionally, seismic surveys are progressing, with Bapex completing 3,600 kilometers of 2D data collection in blocks 7 and 9, and preparations underway for 3D surveys in several regions.

Iran’s army chief Amir Hatami declared that the country’s armed forces are fully committed to defending Iran’s independence, territorial integrity, and security across land, air, and sea. He stated that all branches of the armed forces are enhancing their military capabilities and are ready to decisively confront any potential enemies.

Hatami emphasized that Iranian forces are inspired by the spirit of sacrifice and “jihad,” and remain steadfast in pursuing their objectives. In his remarks, he asserted that the troops are prepared for conflict and sacrifice, pledging to face enemies until their last breath.

According to the report, Hatami’s comments reaffirm Iran’s military readiness and stance amid ongoing regional tensions.

In Nandigram, Bogura, police allegedly raided the home of a Jubo Dal leader following a protest demanding the removal of the local officer-in-charge (OC). The protest, held on Thursday night, was organized by Jubo Dal and supported by Chhatra Dal activists, who marched through the municipal area declaring a campaign against drug abuse. The demonstration was led by Abdur Rouf Rubel, senior joint convener of the upazila Jubo Dal, who announced a commitment to resist narcotics.

Local residents accused police of retaliating against the protesters by conducting searches at their homes and attempting to file false cases. They also alleged that gambling and drug trading continued openly in rural areas while police conducted only superficial operations. Locals expressed concern over what they described as reckless behavior by law enforcement.

Nandigram OC Tarikul Islam denied the allegations, stating there was no conflict with the protesters and that a case was filed after an assault incident. Additional Superintendent of Police (Media) Md. Ataur Rahman said he was aware of the anti-drug rally but had not yet received full details and would investigate further.

Member of Parliament Rumin Farhana from Brahmanbaria-2 has strongly criticized the government in the national parliament over the ongoing fuel crisis and rising fuel prices. Speaking on a point of order during the 16th day of the first session of the 13th National Parliament, she accused the government of deceiving the public by denying the existence of a fuel shortage while long queues for fuel are visible across the country.

Farhana questioned the government’s repeated claims that there is no shortage of fuel, pointing to three-kilometer-long lines at fuel stations and drivers waiting through the night without success. She also criticized the government’s decision to close marketplaces at 7 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. as shortsighted, arguing that most people shop in the evening. Additionally, she raised concerns about changes to office hours and demanded transparency about the country’s actual reserves of octane and diesel.

She urged the government to clarify why fuel is not being adequately supplied to pumps, who is hoarding fuel, and who is responsible for the crisis.

A Dhaka court has once again postponed the submission of the further investigation report in the murder case of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho. The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court had set April 19 for the report’s submission, but the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) failed to present it. As a result, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sefatullah fixed May 5 as the new date. This marks the twelfth time the submission date has been deferred.

Osman Hadi was shot by assailants on December 12 last year near Box Culvert Road in Paltan while returning from Friday prayers. He was later taken to Singapore for advanced treatment but died on December 18. A murder case was filed two days after the attack, and the murder charge was added on December 20 following a court order.

Earlier, the Detective Branch had submitted a charge sheet against 17 accused, 11 of whom are in custody and six absconding. Dissatisfied with that report, the plaintiff filed an objection, prompting the court to order the CID to conduct further investigation.

More than thirty leaders from the AB Party, UP Bangladesh, and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (BAISCHA) have joined the National Citizen Party (NCP). The announcement was made on Sunday afternoon at a press conference held at the NCP’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka. Among those joining were UP Bangladesh convener Ali Ahsan Junaid, chief coordinator Rafe Salman Rifat, BAISCHA president Rifat Rashid, and AB Party joint general secretary Sani Abdul Haque. NCP convener Nahid Islam confirmed their inclusion, accompanied by party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and northern region organizer Sarjis Alam.

Nahid Islam stated that the NCP welcomes individuals regardless of their previous political affiliations, emphasizing that all members must work under the party’s ideals. However, he clarified that anyone involved in fascism, genocide, extortion, or corruption would not be allowed to join or remain in the party. Asif Mahmud added that the NCP aims to fulfill the people’s aspirations for reform and justice while building a just and unified Bangladesh.

The joining of multiple platform leaders was described as part of a broader effort to strengthen collective understanding and unity toward national reconstruction.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that his country does not want war and is acting solely in self-defense against attacks from the United States and Israel. He emphasized Iran’s commitment to peace and regional stability, asserting that its actions are lawful and defensive in nature.

Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure, calling such actions violations of international law and evidence of double standards in human rights. According to Iran’s state news agency ISNA, he reiterated that Iran has not attacked any country and does not intend to do so under current circumstances.

He further explained that Iran’s measures should not be seen as aggression but as legitimate self-defense, comparing a nation’s right to defend itself to that of an individual responding to aggression.

The administration in Tarakanda Sadar of Mymensingh has imposed Section 144 following counter programs announced by two rival groups of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The order was issued due to fears of deteriorating law and order stemming from a dispute between BNP leader Motahar Hossain Talukdar and Mymensingh Metropolitan Jubo Dal leader Jubaid Hossain Shakil. The restriction will remain effective from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, according to the local administration.

Police officials said tension had been building for several days between supporters of Motahar Hossain Talukdar, a defeated BNP candidate, and those of Jubaid Hossain Shakil. A worker from Shakil’s group was injured during an attempt to stop a clash between the two sides. Both groups have since held separate press conferences and protest rallies.

Authorities stated that the Section 144 order aims to maintain public safety and prevent further unrest. During the restriction period, gatherings of five or more people will not be allowed in the designated area.

The education board has issued an urgent directive requiring all examination centers to submit detailed information regarding CCTV cameras and officials responsible for receiving question papers. According to the notice released on Sunday, April 19, centers must send CCTV camera IDs and passwords, along with the names, addresses, and mobile numbers of teachers and staff collecting question papers from the treasury, to controller@dhakaeducationboard.gov.bd within office hours.

The directive has been labeled as 'highly urgent' and aims to ensure proper monitoring and security during the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations. As per the published schedule, this year’s SSC and equivalent exams will begin on April 21 with the Bangla First Paper test. Written exams will continue until May 20, followed by practical exams from June 7 to June 14.

The instruction underscores the board’s emphasis on maintaining transparency and preventing irregularities during the national examination process.