A mobile court in Alamdanga upazila of Chuadanga district sentenced Shariful Islam, aged 52, to ten days of simple imprisonment and fined him 10,000 taka for illegally storing diesel. The operation took place on Friday night, April 17, 2026, under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Md Abdullah Al Shamim. Acting on a tip-off, a preliminary investigation by a local agriculture officer confirmed the illegal storage before the mobile court raid.

Authorities seized about 645 liters, equivalent to three barrels, of diesel from Shariful Islam’s residence in Asannagar village. As he failed to produce valid documents for the fuel, the court ordered the confiscated diesel’s value to be deposited into the state treasury. The punishment was imposed under Section 16(4) of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation Act, 2016.

Following the operation, the executive magistrate stated that the raid confirmed the illegal storage and that similar enforcement actions would continue to curb such offenses in the future.

The world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald Ford, has re-entered Middle Eastern waters, according to two unnamed US defense officials cited by the Associated Press. The carrier, accompanied by destroyers USS Mahan and USS Winston Churchill, crossed the Suez Canal and is now positioned in the Red Sea. It had previously been stationed in the eastern Mediterranean but returned to port for repairs following a fire in one of its laundry rooms.

The redeployment of the Gerald Ford marks a renewed show of US naval strength in the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln is already deployed in the Arabian Sea, while another carrier, the USS George Bush, is reportedly moving toward the area and currently near the coast of South Africa. Officials also noted that the Gerald Ford recently set a record for the longest deployment of a US aircraft carrier since the Vietnam War.

The carrier last anchored at Croatia’s Split port on March 28, 2026, before resuming operations toward the Middle East.

The Ministry of Power and Energy announced that the pilot program for the 'Fuel Pass' mobile application has been expanded to six additional districts from Saturday, April 18, 2026. Initially tested at selected filling stations in Dhaka, the app aims to make the country’s fuel supply system more transparent and modern. The expansion now includes 18 petrol pumps in the capital as part of the pilot phase.

According to the ministry’s verified Facebook post, the registration process for motorcycles under the 'Fuel Pass BD' system has been opened for vehicles registered in Dhaka, Dhaka Metro, Chandpur, Chattogram, Chattogram Metro, Barishal, Barishal Metro, Khulna, Khulna Metro, Rajshahi, Rajshahi Metro, and Mymensingh. The post also mentioned that the initiative will gradually be extended to other districts across the country.

Users can install the Fuel Pass app from Google Play Store, verify their phone number, and complete registration by entering motorcycle details and setting a password.

Bangladesh’s Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that there is no scope to say yes or no regarding the next tranche of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan. He made the remarks on Friday, April 17, after meetings with two IMF teams at the organization’s headquarters in the United States. The minister said discussions are ongoing and will continue for about two weeks, emphasizing that the matter will be resolved through dialogue rather than immediate decisions.

According to the report, the IMF has withheld the next loan disbursement due to slow progress in banking sector reforms, delays in the new bank resolution law, and weak revenue collection. The minister rejected some media reports suggesting that the IMF had suspended the tranche, clarifying that no final decision has been made yet. Bangladesh still has 1.86 billion dollars remaining under the 5.5 billion dollar IMF loan program, with expectations to receive 1.3 billion dollars by June of the current fiscal year.

Sector insiders believe that delays in implementing IMF conditions could hinder the release of the next tranche, though the government expects a resolution soon.

The US Navy has dismissed reports circulating on social media that claimed severe food shortages aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, both currently deployed in the Middle East. Images showing nearly empty food trays had fueled speculation that sailors were facing inadequate meals on the vessels.

In a statement posted on X, the Chief of Naval Operations said that both ships have sufficient and healthy food supplies for all personnel. He emphasized that the health and well-being of sailors and marines remain his top priority, and that all crew members are receiving nutritionally balanced meals.

The clarification came after widespread online discussion about the alleged shortages, which the Navy described as false information. The statement aimed to reassure the public and families of service members about the conditions on board.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced its Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh. Led by Shan Masood, the team will arrive in Dhaka on May 3, 2026, featuring four new players—Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Aazan Awais, and Mohammad Ghazi. Eleven players from the previous home series against South Africa have retained their places, while seven others, including Abrar Ahmed and Abdullah Shafique, have been left out.

Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed as Pakistan’s head coach and will oversee a preparatory camp in Karachi from April 27 to May 1. Players currently participating in the Pakistan Super League will join the camp after completing their league commitments. The first Test will begin on May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, followed by the second Test on May 16 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Both matches are part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle, marking Pakistan’s first Test tour of Bangladesh in this period.

The first Hajj flight from Bangladesh for the 2026 pilgrimage has arrived in Saudi Arabia. Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-3001 landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 4:20 a.m. local time, carrying 419 pilgrims. The flight marks the beginning of this year’s official Hajj operations from Bangladesh.

Upon arrival, the Bangladeshi pilgrims were welcomed by Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Md. Delwar Hossain, and Hajj Counselor Md. Kamrul Islam. They were greeted with flowers and provided with refreshment kits. Other officials present included Consul General Md. Sakhawat Hossain, Assistant Seasonal Hajj Officer Md. Ruhul Amin, Jeddah Hajj Terminal Head of Operations Yahya Radi, and Raed Bakshaun, Manager of Saudi firm Nusuk Marhaba.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman inaugurated the 2026 Hajj flight operations the previous night at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, officially launching Bangladesh’s Hajj travel season for the year.

The National Women's Power, an affiliated organization of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has announced the formation of its 53-member central convening committee. The announcement was made on Saturday, April 18, 2026, through an official press release approved by NCP convener Nahid Islam and member secretary Akhtar Hossain.

According to the release, Monira Sharmin has been appointed as convener and Mahmuda Alam Mitu as member secretary of the newly formed committee. Among the top positions, Sanzida Bushra Mishma will serve as senior joint convener, and Nusrat Tabassum has been named chief organizer. Other key roles include joint conveners Hafsa Jahan, Nabila Tasnid, Khondoker Khaleda Akter, Ashrefa Khatun, and Muna Hafsa.

The committee also includes senior joint member secretary Manjila Jhuma and several joint member secretaries and organizers, bringing the total number of members to 53. The formation marks a structural expansion of the NCP’s women’s wing, aiming to strengthen its organizational activities nationwide.

The Chatmohar Model Government Primary School in Pabna, originally founded in 1922 as Sreeshchandra and Raghunath Primary School during British rule, remains one of the oldest educational institutions in the region. Established by the Hindu aristocrats of the Barobari family, the school began with tin-roofed classrooms on 15 decimals of land and served as the first formal primary school in Chatmohar. It later expanded to eighth grade and played a key role in spreading education among local children. The school was nationalized in 1973 and renamed to its current title.

Former students recall its contributions to the community, noting that many alumni became doctors, engineers, and government officials. The school also had active participation from students during the 1952 Language Movement and the 1971 Liberation War. Currently, it has 317 students from grades one to five.

Despite its long history, the school faces severe infrastructure shortages. Only six classrooms exist where nine are needed, and the principal lacks a separate office. Local education officials have proposed relocating the adjacent resource center and constructing a new multistoried building to resolve space constraints.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has accused Israel of attempting to seize more land under the pretext of security. Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Fidan said that Israel is not pursuing genuine security concerns but is instead engaged in a broader effort to expand its territorial control. He specifically criticized the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for using security as an excuse to justify further land occupation.

The comments came as Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel would maintain its positions in southern Lebanon, which it has taken and now controls, despite a ceasefire with Lebanon. Katz also warned that Israel’s military operations in Lebanon are not yet over and vowed to disarm the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah by any means necessary.

The exchange of statements highlights ongoing regional tensions following the ceasefire, with Turkey voicing strong opposition to Israel’s continued military and territorial actions.

The United Kingdom has called on Iran to fully reopen maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper made the appeal during a meeting on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey. She noted that while discussions to end the war are ongoing and a ceasefire is in effect, normal navigation through the strait has not yet resumed. Cooper emphasized that restoring maritime operations is essential for the global economy and urged that the current ceasefire be turned into lasting peace.

In response, Iran announced renewed restrictions over the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Joint Military Command stated that due to continued U.S. naval blockades, the situation in the strait has reverted to its previous state. The IRGC also accused the United States of engaging in piracy-like activities under the guise of a blockade.

The developments highlight ongoing geopolitical friction in one of the world’s most critical maritime routes, with implications for global trade and regional stability.

The Dhaka South Metropolitan convening committee of the organization 'Manch 24' has been announced with the aim of upholding the spirit of the 2024 revolution and establishing social justice. The committee was approved by central convener Fahim Faruki and chief adviser Brigadier General Hasinur Rahman. Young organizer Omar Faruk has been appointed as convener, while Merazur Rahman Turjo has been named member secretary.

Other key positions include Raihan Jubair as joint member secretary, Gazi Jihad as senior joint member secretary, Mehedi Hasan Murad as organizational secretary, Tamjid Ahmed as office secretary, and Nusrat Jahan Tisha as publicity secretary. Editorial roles were assigned to Mohammad Bin Akbar (information and research), Ismail Hossain Rifat (publication), Faisal Ahmed Sifat (skill development), and Tafhimur Rahman (political affairs). Several others were included as members.

In a statement, newly appointed convener Omar Faruk pledged to build an equitable society and strengthen the Dhaka South unit to actively defend people's rights. Central leaders expressed hope that the new committee will accelerate organizational activities and earn public trust.

Iran has announced renewed restrictions on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, citing continued U.S. naval blockades. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) joint military command stated that the situation in the strategic waterway has reverted to its previous state due to what it described as ongoing U.S. obstruction. According to Iran’s state media, the IRGC accused the United States of engaging in piracy and maritime theft under the guise of a blockade.

The IRGC declared that the Strait of Hormuz is now under the armed forces’ strict management and control, with vessel movement limited as before. It warned that these restrictions will remain until full freedom of navigation for Iran-bound ships is restored. The announcement signals a renewed phase of tension in one of the world’s most critical energy supply routes.

Observers note that the situation raises concerns about potential disruptions to global energy flows, as the Strait of Hormuz remains a vital passage for international oil transport.

The Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) has called for an immediate end to the use of abusive language and violent activities in political exchanges. In a statement issued on Saturday, signed by Assistant Publicity Secretary Azadul Islam Azad, the party condemned recent incidents involving offensive remarks by JAGPA spokesperson Rashed Pradhan about BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and the subsequent violent reactions from some BNP supporters.

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju described such behavior as regrettable and harmful to political civility. He noted that both ruling and opposition leaders often cross the boundaries of courtesy, leading to verbal and physical conflicts. Monju also criticized the spread of false rumors, offensive cartoons, and AI-generated defamatory content on social media, calling it an unethical and toxic competition that affects even politicians’ families.

Monju further condemned the attack on JAGPA’s Panchagarh district office, labeling it a dangerous sign of intolerance. He demanded exemplary punishment for those involved and urged all political actors to refrain from indecent language and violent retaliation in the future.

The historic Teota Zamindar House in Shibaloy upazila of Manikganj, once a symbol of cultural and architectural grandeur, is now facing severe decay. The mansion, associated with national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and his wife Promila Devi, is deteriorating due to neglect, poor maintenance, and illegal occupation. Locals have urged the government to take immediate steps to preserve the site, which holds deep historical and cultural significance.

Built in the late 18th century by Babu Him Shankar Roy Chowdhury and Kiran Shankar Roy Chowdhury, the estate once served as an administrative and economic hub. The three-story structure, featuring 55 rooms, intricate terracotta and ironwork, and the country’s first Navaratna temple, has lost much of its original splendor. Many valuable parts have been stolen, and parts of the building have collapsed.

District Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana confirmed that the Department of Archaeology has taken over the property but little progress has been made in its restoration. MP S. A. Jinnah Kabir emphasized that government-led renovation could preserve history and boost local tourism and business.