Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said his government aims to end corruption and improve citizens’ livelihoods using domestic resources. Speaking on Monday afternoon at a family card distribution event at Shahid Zia Degree College field in Bagbari, Bogura, he emphasized his commitment to changing the fate of the nation’s people. His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, was also present at the event.

Rahman announced that 911 mothers received family cards at the event and that distribution will expand to 23 more upazilas by April 30. Over the next five years, four crore mothers are expected to receive these cards. He also inaugurated the re-excavation of Chowkir Ghat canal, originally dug by his father in 1979, and outlined plans to dig 20,000 kilometers of canals nationwide to aid agriculture, prevent floods, and ensure water availability.

During his Bogura visit, the Prime Minister inaugurated several projects, including an e-bail bond service, the Bogura City Corporation, and a measles-rubella vaccination campaign, signaling a focus on governance, infrastructure, and public health.

The executive council election of the Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University Journalists’ Association (HABIPROBISAS) for 2026 has been completed. Talha Hasan, university representative of Somoyer Konthoshor, was elected president, while Md. Rafiul Huda, university representative of Banglavision, was elected general secretary. Voting took place on Sunday, April 19, at the university’s Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Vote counting was temporarily halted due to a clash between two halls but resumed the next day. The results were officially announced on Monday, April 20, by Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. S.M. Emdadul Hasan.

Assistant election commissioners included Professor Dr. Md. Nowser Wan, the university proctor, and Khademul Islam, director of the public relations and publication office. A total of 23 members cast their votes, with 20 voting in person and 3 by postal ballot. Eleven positions were contested, including vice president, joint general secretary, and other executive roles. The chief election commissioner congratulated the newly elected committee and expressed satisfaction that the election was held in a festive and democratic atmosphere.

He also expressed hope that the new leadership would work together for the welfare of students and uphold democratic practices within the association.

A workshop titled 'Climate Change, Women's Livelihoods and the Context of the Southwest Region' was held on April 20, 2026, at the Humayun Kabir Balu Auditorium of Khulna Press Club. Participants called for a separate budget allocation for coastal areas and the creation of gender-friendly laws to improve the lives of women and children. They also urged the government to adopt a long-term national plan to solve the drinking water crisis affecting residents of Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira.

Speakers at the event, organized by Badabon Sangho, highlighted that inadequate communication systems and water scarcity are the main challenges for coastal communities. These issues contribute to health problems, including skin diseases, while access to healthcare remains limited. The workshop was chaired by Professor Anarul Kadir of Sundarban Academy and featured contributions from academics, journalists, and social activists.

Speakers further noted that climate change has deeply affected the livelihoods of people in the three districts. Rising salinity, natural disasters, shrimp farming expansion, land-use changes, and industrialization are threatening the environment and biodiversity of the Sundarbans region.

Two employees of the Rajapur Upazila Youth Development Office in Jhalakathi have allegedly been absent from work for seven years while continuing to draw their salaries through hired proxies. According to the report, cashier Abdur Rob and office assistant-cum-computer operator Md. Anwar Hossain have not attended the office during this period. Instead, a woman named Jhumur and a man named Isa have been working in their place for a monthly payment of seven thousand taka.

Officials and locals said that office operations have been disrupted due to the use of proxies, causing difficulties for service recipients and delays in official work. The situation has sparked anger among local residents, who have demanded an immediate investigation. Abdur Rob denied the allegations, claiming he stayed away from the office at the request of authorities, while Anwar Hossain cited illness and accused an official of demanding money.

Upazila Youth Development Officer Md. Kamrul Islam stated that the matter has been reported to higher authorities. Deputy Director Md. Alauddin confirmed that action will be taken soon, emphasizing that proxy employment is not permitted.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) announced its final list of nominees for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament on Monday, April 20, 2026. Despite several well-known entertainment personalities collecting nomination forms, including singers Konokchapa, Baby Nazneen, Rizia Parveen, Dilruba Khan, Dithi Anwar, dancer Farhana Chowdhury Baby, and actresses Rina Khan, Rukaiya Jahan Chamak, and Meghna Alam, none were selected. The final list was released by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

The exclusion of Baby Nazneen, known as the “Black Diamond” of Bangla music and a long-time BNP activist close to the late leader Khaleda Zia, drew disappointment within the entertainment community. Party sources said the selection was based on internal evaluation and political activity, prioritizing long-serving and active female leaders over celebrities. Konokchapa and Chamak accepted the decision, expressing their continued commitment to serve the country and its people.

BNP had started selling nomination forms on April 10, and around 1,300 aspirants collected them during the three-day process, reflecting strong interest in the reserved seats.

Hasan O Rashid has officially assumed the role of Managing Director of Eastern Bank PLC (EBL), one of Bangladesh’s leading private banks. Before joining EBL, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Prime Bank PLC. With over 31 years of experience in the banking sector, Rashid has held senior positions at Credit Agricole Indosuez, HSBC, and Standard Chartered Bank.

Rashid is recognized for his leadership in transformation, innovation, and strategic management. Between 2015 and 2021, he served as Additional Managing Director at EBL, where he played a key role in strengthening the bank’s position. Under his leadership, EBL’s balance sheet doubled, trade finance operations expanded significantly, and the bank introduced financial instruments such as commercial paper and zero-coupon bonds for the first time in Bangladesh.

He holds degrees in economics and business administration from Capital University in the United States and a master’s in international management from Thunderbird’s Garvin School. Rashid is currently the Vice-Chairman of the Association of Bankers, Bangladesh, and is active in several professional and social organizations.

The United Arab Emirates has approached the United States for financial assistance as the Iran war continues to strain its economy. According to the Wall Street Journal, UAE Central Bank chief Khaled Mohammed Balama proposed a currency swap with the U.S. Federal Reserve to offset losses from missile strikes on oil and gas infrastructure and revenue disruptions caused by the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Informal talks have begun, though no official announcement has been made.

The UAE’s request follows heavy regional damage, including attacks on Dubai’s Fairmont The Palm Hotel, Fujairah’s oil terminal, and Amazon data centers. The U.S. has spent nearly $1 billion daily since February 28, while Israel’s war costs have exceeded $11 billion. Washington recently signaled it might seek war funding from Gulf states, but the UAE’s compensation demand could reverse that dynamic, forcing the U.S. to bear costs instead. Iran has separately demanded $270 billion in reparations from Gulf neighbors it accuses of aiding the conflict.

Analysts warn that adding a U.S. backstop to soaring war expenses could weaken the dollar’s dominance in energy trade, especially as the UAE explores yuan-based transactions with China.

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon stated that anyone involved in corruption within the Education Ministry will not be allowed to remain in their position for even 24 hours. He made the remark on Monday during a press conference at the Secretariat regarding the ongoing SSC and equivalent examinations. The minister added that he had already dismissed one individual earlier that day for such misconduct.

During the same briefing, Minister Milon mentioned that authorities are considering whether the next SSC examinations could be held in December. However, he clarified that no final decision has been made on the matter yet.

The statements reflect the ministry’s stance on maintaining strict accountability and transparency in its operations, while also signaling possible adjustments to the national examination schedule pending further review.

Member of Parliament Abdul Hannan Masud expressed deep concern over his personal safety during a special privileges discussion in the National Parliament on Monday. He told the House that he narrowly escaped an attack while returning from Hatiya two days earlier. Masud said he represents a remote island area dominated by land grabbers and pirates and has survived at least five direct attacks before and after the election. He alleged that despite having video evidence, the attackers enjoy political protection and continue to threaten him on social media.

Earlier, the Deputy Speaker rejected Masud’s notice on the matter due to procedural limitations but urged the Home Minister to take necessary action. The Deputy Speaker later read the notice aloud and condemned the attacks, instructing the Home Minister to ensure prompt legal measures. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed responded that the issue was being taken seriously and advised the MP to file a general diary or case if not already done.

Masud urged the government to guarantee his and his supporters’ safety and called for a parliamentary investigation into the repeated attacks.

National award-winning singer Rumana Morshed Konokchapa did not secure a nomination from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for a reserved women's seat in parliament. The announcement was made on Monday, April 20, at the BNP’s Nayapaltan office by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Konokchapa’s name was absent from the final list of nominees.

Following the announcement, Konokchapa shared her reaction on social media, expressing acceptance of the outcome and gratitude to God. She recalled that she had also sought BNP nominations in previous elections, including the 13th national election and earlier contests, but was not selected. Despite repeated disappointments, she stated that she remains committed to serving her country and its people in other ways.

Konokchapa, who serves as joint convener of the BNP-affiliated cultural organization JASAS and a district BNP member, had previously contested the Sirajganj-1 seat in the 2018 national election, where she received 1,072 votes against Awami League candidate Mohammad Nasim’s 324,436 votes.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir told Parliament that ongoing instability in the Middle East has already put pressure on Bangladesh’s exports and could affect remittance inflows if the situation continues. Responding to a question from ruling party MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul, he described the current Iran–Israel–US conflict as a military tension centered on Iran. The minister said the unrest has contributed to rising fuel prices, higher import, shipping, and insurance costs, and potential challenges for exports and remittances.

He noted that the Middle East is one of Bangladesh’s key trade partners, importing garments, pharmaceuticals, frozen foods, and leather goods from the country. The government is monitoring the situation and has initiated measures under the Prime Minister’s direction, including efforts to reduce logistics costs and expand markets beyond conflict-affected regions. The minister also presented recent export and trade deficit data, showing Bangladesh’s largest deficit with India.

Muktadir added that fuel price increases in Bangladesh have been moderate compared to global trends and are unlikely to significantly raise inflation, citing the limited impact of diesel price adjustments on production and transport costs.

The Jamaat-e-Islami-led eleven-party electoral alliance will submit nomination papers for candidates contesting the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament on Tuesday. According to the election schedule, the submission will take place at 10 a.m. at the Election Commission office in Agargaon, Dhaka. Following the submission, the alliance will hold a press briefing to share details of the nominations.

Alliance coordinator and Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Dr. AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad confirmed the plan on Monday. Sources indicated that the alliance has nominated thirteen candidates for the reserved women’s seats, proportionate to its parliamentary representation.

The submission marks the final day for nominations under the current election timetable, signaling the alliance’s formal entry into the next phase of the parliamentary selection process.

The Ministry of Finance has issued a recruitment notice for 23 vacant posts under the Customs, Excise and VAT Training Academy. The positions span 11 categories, ranging from grade 11 to grade 20, with the application deadline set for May 10, 2026. The recruitment notice was published on April 20, 2026, and applications opened on April 19, 2026.

The available posts include Subedar, Office Assistant cum Computer Typist, Driver, Havildar, Nurse, Lineman Electrician, Pump Operator, Armorer, Projector Operator, Office Assistant, and Cook. Salary scales vary between 8,250 and 30,230 taka depending on the grade. Applicants must be between 18 and 32 years old as of May 10, 2026, though the maximum age limit is 40 years for certain positions.

Interested candidates must complete their applications and submit the examination fee through the designated website within the specified timeframe.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has issued show-cause notices to five of its leaders in Khulna following allegations of harassment against Dr. Rafiqul Haque Babul, president of the Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB) Khulna district unit. The incident occurred at the BNSB Eye Hospital in Khulna, where a group reportedly disrupted the hospital’s trustee board. The notices were delivered on Sunday by the Khulna Metropolitan BNP, instructing the accused leaders to provide written explanations before the party’s monitoring cell by April 22.

The accused include Kazi Mizanur Rahman, Mir Kaysed Ali, Abu Sayeed Hawlader Abbas, Molla Sohag Hossain, and Sheikh Iqbal Hossain. The dispute began on April 13 when Khulna-5 MP and former city BNP convener Ali Asgar Lobi visited the hospital. During the visit, accompanying BNP leaders allegedly verbally abused and attempted to assault Dr. Babul, pressuring him to resign. Lobi then dissolved the trustee board and declared himself chairman.

In protest, Khulna physicians held a human chain on April 18 demanding disciplinary action against those involved, reinstatement of Dr. Babul as trustee board chairman, and an end to political interference in hospital affairs.

A total of 143 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) candidates from Kanchipara M A U Academy High School in Phulchhari upazila, Gaibandha, are facing uncertainty about sitting for their exams scheduled for Monday due to mistakes in their admit cards. Students discovered errors such as incorrect parental names, mismatched photos, and wrong subject groups, while some have not yet received their admit cards. The issue has caused anxiety among students and parents.

Parents alleged that the head teacher, Raihan Sarkar, outsourced the admit card preparation to an external computer shop without involving school teachers, leading to the errors. The head teacher attributed the problem to a server issue and assured that students would still be able to take the exam. Phulchhari Upazila Secondary Education Officer Syed Monirul Hasan also said the problem might have originated from the examination board’s server and that participation would not be affected.

Upazila Executive Officer Md. Mostafizur Rahman stated that many of the errors had already been resolved and the remaining affected students would face no difficulty in taking their exams.