The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced an urgent press conference to address current political and organizational issues. According to the party, the event will take place on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Level 15 of Rupayan Tower in Banglamotor, Dhaka. Senior leaders including the party’s convener, member secretary, and spokesperson are expected to attend and deliver key statements on the prevailing political situation and internal matters.

The NCP has extended a special invitation to media representatives to attend the conference. The party stated that it aims to present a clear message regarding its stance and future course of action in the context of the country’s current circumstances.

The announcement comes amid ongoing political discussions in Bangladesh, with the NCP seeking to clarify its position and organizational direction through this event.

Doctors in Khulna have expressed strong anger over the forced resignation of Dr. Rafiqul Haque Bablu, chairman of the trustee board of BNSB Eye Hospital. The incident occurred after a mob allegedly compelled him to step down. At a human chain event held on Saturday, April 18, in front of the BMA building at Satrasta intersection, the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) demanded his reinstatement by Tuesday, April 21, and action against local BNP leaders involved in the incident. They also called for an end to undue interference in the hospital’s trustee board, warning that doctors would begin a work stoppage, except for emergency services, if their demands were not met.

Speakers at the event said that on April 13, Khulna-5 MP Ali Asgar Lobi visited the hospital with several local BNP leaders, whose followers created chaos that led to Dr. Bablu’s resignation. They claimed that Dr. Bablu had taken administrative steps to curb irregularities at the hospital, which angered those benefiting from corruption and prompted the orchestrated incident.

The protest was chaired by Dr. Bablu himself and conducted by city DAB president Dr. Mostafa Kamal, with several central and local leaders addressing the gathering.

The National Moon Sighting Committee of Bangladesh announced on Saturday that the moon for the Islamic month of Zilkad, 1447 Hijri, was not sighted anywhere in the country. As a result, the month of Shawwal will complete 30 days on Sunday, and the counting of Zilkad will begin on Monday. The decision was made during a meeting held at the Baitul Mukarram office of the Islamic Foundation in Dhaka, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Munshi Alauddin Al Azad.

The committee reached its conclusion after reviewing reports from all district administrations, the Islamic Foundation’s headquarters and regional offices, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, and the Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO). Senior officials and religious scholars, including the Director General of the Islamic Foundation, A. Salam Khan, and the Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Mufti Abdul Malek, attended the meeting.

The announcement formally sets the beginning of Zilkad in Bangladesh’s Islamic calendar, aligning national observances with the lunar cycle confirmed by the committee.

A BNP leader in Rangpur’s Badarganj allegedly assaulted a mosque muezzin and two others after they assisted a mobile court during an anti-illegal sand extraction drive. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at Nagerhat area by the Jamunashwari River, where the mobile court seized and disabled dredging equipment. When the court sought local assistance, muezzin Nur Amin and Jamaat leader Tarajul Islam responded, prompting anger from BNP leader Ohidul Islam and his associates.

Witnesses said Ohidul Islam, the union BNP vice-president, led the attack along with several men, beating Nur Amin near Kutubia Dakhil Madrasa and dragging him from a mosque where he sought refuge. On the way to the hospital, Tarajul Islam and Imam Rowshan Ali were also beaten. Locals accused the BNP leader of extortion, land grabbing, and illegal sand trading, saying his behavior worsened after August 5.

Badarganj BNP president Professor Paritosh Chakraborty stated that the party would take organizational action if written complaints were filed. Attempts to reach Ohidul Islam by phone were unsuccessful.

The United States has outlined several reasons that could lead to the cancellation of student visas. In a message issued on Saturday, the US Embassy in Dhaka stated that a student visa may be revoked if a student discontinues studies, remains absent from classes, or withdraws from their academic program without informing their educational institution. The embassy warned that such actions could also affect eligibility for future US visas.

The embassy urged all international students to maintain their lawful status by adhering to the conditions of their visas. It emphasized that compliance with visa regulations is essential to avoid complications that might impact their stay or future opportunities in the United States.

The advisory serves as a reminder for students to remain in good academic standing and communicate promptly with their institutions regarding any changes in their study plans.

Authorities in Syedpur upazila of Nilphamari district seized 4,505 liters of illegally stored fuel during a late-night operation on April 17, 2026. The mobile court detained seven individuals linked to the case and imposed fines under the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009. The operation took place near the Messrs Rokeya LPG Gas Filling Station on the city’s bypass road, where the fuel was being prepared for secret transport.

The seized fuel included 3,917 liters of petrol, 338 liters of diesel, and 250 liters of octane. The main accused, Rafiqul Islam, was fined BDT 200,000 with a six-month jail term in default, while six others received fines of BDT 10,000 each or three days’ imprisonment. The confiscated fuel was later sold at government-fixed prices for BDT 493,407, which was deposited into the state treasury.

Officials said the raid followed a tip-off about a syndicate storing and selling fuel at inflated prices. The mobile court stated that strict action would continue against those destabilizing the fuel market.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon announced that the government is working to introduce a retirement allowance to ensure financial security for senior journalists in Bangladesh. He made the statement on Saturday while visiting veteran journalist and former Barishal Press Club president Ismail Hossain Negaban, who is undergoing treatment at Bangladesh Medical University.

The minister said that although the media is considered the fourth pillar of a modern democratic state, journalists still lack institutional protection, leaving many in uncertainty. He noted that financial security for senior journalists has long been neglected and emphasized that journalism is a respected profession, yet many senior journalists face hardship in their later years. The government’s initiative aims to help them live with dignity.

Swapon added that the government is also working on policies to ensure media freedom and responsibility and to strengthen the Journalist Welfare Trust. During the visit, he handed over a financial assistance cheque of one lakh taka to Negaban on behalf of the trust.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has demanded the unconditional release of activist Hasan Nasim, who was allegedly taken from his home in Agargaon, Dhaka, by individuals identifying themselves as members of the Detective Branch (DB) police. The incident reportedly occurred on Friday evening, April 17, when Nasim was picked up without any warrant or specific charges, according to a social media post by his brother, Hasan Noman.

In a statement, DUCSU General Secretary S M Farhad condemned the incident as a violation of constitutional freedom of expression and described such detentions as unacceptable. He linked the event to past instances of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial actions, calling them shameful for the state. DUCSU warned that attempts to suppress government criticism on social media through fear or abduction would fail, asserting that the current generation remains vocal against injustice and repression.

DUCSU emphasized that freedom of expression is a fundamental right and urged authorities to ensure Nasim’s immediate release.

The Israeli military announced the establishment of a 'yellow line' in southern Lebanon, similar to the division line previously drawn in Gaza. According to the military, the line separates Israeli-controlled areas from those under Hezbollah’s control. The statement added that several Hezbollah fighters were attacked after allegedly crossing the line and approaching Israeli troops. This marks the first time since the ceasefire that Israel has publicly referred to such a boundary in Lebanon.

The military said that within the past 24 hours, soldiers stationed south of the 'yellow line' identified several individuals crossing from the north, violating ceasefire terms and posing an immediate threat. Israeli forces responded by launching strikes on several areas in southern Lebanon to neutralize the threat. The army reiterated its right to act against any perceived danger despite the ongoing ceasefire.

The report noted that a similar 'yellow line' was drawn in Gaza after the ceasefire took effect on October 10, dividing the territory between Israeli and Hamas control. Israel now appears to be applying the same strategy in Lebanon.

Severe confusion and disruption have gripped maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving thousands of ships stranded. Live tracking data shows most vessels turning westward despite Iran’s announcement that the route is open for commercial navigation. Yesterday, at least 12 ships attempted to approach Larak Island, where Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps monitors movement, but all turned back midway. About 10 ships managed to cross into the Gulf of Oman today, five of which are reportedly under U.S. sanctions.

The situation has created major uncertainty for international shipping companies, most of which are avoiding risk. Gulf states have strongly protested the disruption, calling it unacceptable and reiterating that free passage through the Strait of Hormuz is a universal right. They maintain that Iran cannot impose restrictions on this vital maritime route.

The unfolding situation raises questions about how long the blockage will persist and whether U.S. naval forces will intervene to enforce sanctions or ensure freedom of navigation.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump over his approach to the Iran issue. According to a report published by Al Jazeera on Saturday, Lula made the remarks during a speech at a progressive leaders’ conference in Barcelona. He said that a president’s tweets that issue threats and declare wars make it impossible for people to sleep peacefully at night or wake up calmly in the morning.

During his address, Lula also called for a change in the approach of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, blaming them for their failure to stop conflicts in the Middle East. His comments reflected growing frustration among some global leaders over escalating tensions and the perceived inadequacy of international institutions in maintaining peace.

The remarks came amid ongoing global concern about instability in the Middle East and the role of major powers in addressing it.

Iran has reopened six airports and allowed limited flights in its airspace after several weeks of suspension. The move comes just days before the end of a two-week ceasefire period, signaling a possible easing of restrictions in the country’s eastern skies. Flight tracking data showed at least two aircraft operating in Iranian airspace in recent hours. The reopened airports include Tehran’s Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad, along with Mashhad, Birjand, Gorgan, and Zahedan.

Mehrabad Airport had suffered severe infrastructure damage during 40 days of conflict, when U.S. and Israeli forces carried out heavy bombings in nearby areas. Despite the destruction, the airport’s reopening is being viewed as a significant step toward restoring normal operations. Local sources indicated that airlines are preparing to resume both domestic and international services.

However, the overall situation remains fragile, and observers are closely monitoring whether the resumption of air traffic can continue under current conditions.

Iraq’s Ministry of Oil has announced that the country will resume oil exports from all its fields within the next few days. Ministry spokesperson Saheb Bazoun confirmed the development in an interview with the Iraqi News Agency, stating that Iraq is in contact with major companies and tankers to finalize export agreements. He emphasized that all oil fields are ready for operation and that the ministry’s doors remain open to all companies.

Bazoun added that accelerating the export process will help bring economic stability, increase state revenue, and strengthen domestic oil production. He also noted that the move will support local demand for liquid and dry gas, ensuring continued operation of power plants.

Separately, Iraq’s Ministry of Transport reported that a large oil tanker has arrived at Basra port. This marks the first Iraqi shipment since the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, from which two million barrels of oil are expected to be loaded.

Arms dealer Md. Majedul Haque Helal has confessed in court under Section 164 in connection with the murder of Inquilab Mancha spokesman Sharif Osman Hadi. Police produced Helal before the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court on Saturday after a three-day remand. He voluntarily agreed to give a confessional statement, which was recorded by Magistrate Arifur Rahman following a request from CID Assistant Superintendent Abdul Kadir Bhuiyan. Helal was later sent to jail.

Helal, owner of Hamidul Haque Arms & Co. in Chattogram, was arrested earlier from the same city. Investigators traced the pistol used in Hadi’s killing to his shop, revealing that the weapon had changed hands through several licensed dealers since its import in 2017. Helal’s arms license, originally issued in his father’s name, had expired in 2014 and was not renewed. Police sought his remand to determine how the weapon reached the attackers.

Hadi was shot on December 12 last year in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area and later died in Singapore on December 18. The case was later transferred to the CID for further investigation.

Iran has withdrawn its earlier decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of breaching trust. The announcement came through a statement from Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters, which said the country had previously allowed limited oil and commercial vessel movement under a prior agreement. However, it claimed that the United States violated that understanding by continuing actions described as maritime piracy and theft under the pretext of sanctions.

The statement added that the strategic waterway is now under strict control of Iran’s armed forces. It warned that the situation would remain tense until the United States removes obstacles to the free movement of ships to and from Iran. Analysts cited in the report noted that Iran has been using control over this vital route as a key bargaining tool amid regional security and economic pressures.

The development underscores ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a focal point of geopolitical friction in the region.