Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie announced that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will visit Sylhet on May 2 to inaugurate the dredging of the Bashia River and the nationwide launch of 'Natun Kuri Sports'. The minister made the statement while inspecting the Bashia River at Mashukganj Bazar in Sylhet Sadar upazila on Friday. Local officials and party leaders were present during the visit.

According to the minister, the Bashia River dredging project spans three upazilas and is one of the largest excavation projects in the Sylhet region. The initiative aims to address long-standing waterlogging and enhance agricultural productivity. The riverbed had become silted over time, disrupting water flow and causing seasonal flooding and water shortages.

Officials expect the project to bring about significant benefits, including irrigation coverage for around 30,000 acres of farmland, an increase of about 10,000 metric tons in fish production, and protection of nearby communities from flooding and waterlogging.

Iran has announced plans to impose fees on certain commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Iranian news agency ISNA as reported by Al Jazeera. Mahmoud Nabavian, identified as a member of Iran’s negotiating team, stated that only specific ships will be allowed to cross the strait, and only after paying the required fee.

Nabavian linked this decision to the ceasefire in Lebanon, though U.S. President Donald Trump previously claimed the two issues were unrelated. Conflicting statements have emerged from both Washington and Tehran regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing negotiations between the two sides.

No official written document of any potential agreement has yet been released by either party, leaving the details of the plan and its implementation timeline uncertain.

Justice and Democracy Party (JDP) convener Naeem Ahmad has alleged that the aspirations of the 2024 uprising were undermined by what he called 'many shadow Mujibs'. Speaking at a discussion titled “From People’s War to Mass Uprising: Expectations, Achievements and New Politics” at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen on Mujibnagar Day, he said Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the mastermind behind the lost aspirations of 1971, while the current political failures stem from those following his shadow.

Ahmad stated that although the 1971 Mujibnagar government took oath while Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was imprisoned in Pakistan, he became the president of the provisional government and later led the country after independence. He argued that the hopes for ending fascism and building a corruption-free, egalitarian Bangladesh after the July 2024 uprising were not realized, as vested groups restored old political practices.

He further claimed that some individuals, despite not participating in the uprising, gained power through collusion with the interim government and misuse of corrupt funds. Ahmad urged that power be returned to the people to free the nation from these privileged groups.

A severe cyclone accompanied by intense hailstorm struck the Char Bagdohra area of Noheli Union in Gangachara upazila of Rangpur on Friday night, destroying more than 100 houses. The storm, which began around 1 a.m., caused extensive damage in wards 7, 8, and 2, leaving hundreds of families homeless and struggling under open skies. Many houses lost their tin roofs or were completely destroyed as large hailstones pierced through the structures.

Local residents described the sudden storm as devastating, with several families including those of Suja Mia, Rafiqul, Suman, Jahanur, and others suffering severe losses. Many said their homes are now uninhabitable due to holes in the roofs and water damage. Residents expressed despair over losing their homes overnight and uncertainty about rebuilding without assistance.

Union Parishad member Rezaul Haque Bullet confirmed that a list of affected families is being prepared, while Gangachara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Jesmin Akter stated that relief distribution will begin soon and further measures will be taken for those most severely affected.

Displaced Lebanese residents have begun returning to their homes in southern Lebanon after a 10-day truce between Lebanon and Israel took effect. Tens of thousands traveled back to devastated towns such as Nabatieh, despite warnings from the Lebanese army to delay their return and Hezbollah’s caution that it remains ready to respond to any Israeli violations. The ceasefire, which followed more than a month of Israeli air strikes and ground operations, has so far largely held, though Lebanon’s army reported intermittent shelling and other breaches. A boy was killed by unexploded ordnance in Majdal Selem, and rescuers recovered 13 bodies in Tyre from attacks that occurred before the truce.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned that ongoing military activity could undermine the ceasefire and urged protection for civilians on both sides. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the truce did not end Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah, while Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the ceasefire a gateway to direct negotiations aimed at securing Israel’s withdrawal and prisoner recovery.

The truce could also ease tensions in broader US-Iran talks, with Pakistan and Iran viewing the agreement as a step toward regional stability.

Authorities in Narsingdi seized 9,000 liters of illegally stored diesel during a mobile court operation in Jinardi Union’s Mulpra area of Palash upazila on Thursday night. The operation was led by Executive Magistrate Naeem Hasan Shuvo, accompanied by Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Kalimullah. The confiscated fuel was immediately seized and later sold at the government-fixed price.

According to the district administration, the raid was part of regular monitoring activities. The diesel was recovered from Noor Nabila Sizing Mill in Mulpra. Proceeds from the sale, totaling 847,510 taka, were deposited into the state treasury. Those involved were fined 60,000 taka under Section 40 of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009, and Section 20(1) of the Petroleum Act, 2016.

The operation reflects the district administration’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal fuel storage and ensure compliance with national petroleum regulations.

A Dhaka court has granted a three-day remand for retired Lieutenant Colonel Md. Afzal Naser, former director of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), in connection with a murder case. Police presented him before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court on Friday, April 17, seeking five days of remand for investigation. After the hearing, Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam approved a three-day remand. Naser was arrested on March 30 from a residence in Mirpur DOHS by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

According to the case, on July 19, 2024, Delwar Hossain joined a student-led anti-discrimination movement in Mirpur-10, where he was allegedly shot during a violent attack by 500 to 700 individuals identified as members of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations. He was taken to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and later transferred to City Care General Hospital, where he died on July 21, 2024. Delwar’s wife, Liza, filed the case at Mirpur Model Police Station on July 6, 2025.

The court’s decision marks a new stage in the investigation into the July 2024 shooting incident that drew attention for its alleged political links.

A severe fuel shortage has gripped Chattogram, mirroring the nationwide crisis triggered by the ongoing war in the Middle East. Many petrol pumps across the city have run dry, forcing drivers to wait in lines stretching up to a kilometer. Some motorists have waited four to five hours without receiving fuel, leading to frustration and occasional scuffles at filling stations. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation reported that Chattogram Division has 383 petrol pumps, with 46 located in the city.

Most city pumps are out of octane, and those still operating are rationing fuel, causing traffic congestion around the stations. Several major pumps, including those in Katalganj, New Para, Baluchhara, and Oxygen areas, remained closed due to lack of supply from depots. Only a few stations, such as QC Petrol Pump in Gani Bakery area, continued limited operations.

Officials and station managers attributed the crisis to reduced depot supply and panic buying by consumers. They warned that unless supply normalizes soon, the situation in Chattogram could deteriorate further, disrupting transportation and goods movement.

Advocate Mohammad Naser, a Jamaat-e-Islami–backed candidate, has been elected unopposed as president of the Banshkhali Lawyers’ Association for the 2026–2027 session. The result was announced on Thursday at the Banshkhali court premises. According to an official notice jointly signed by the election commissioners, Naser became the sole candidate after the nomination of his only rival was canceled, leading to his uncontested victory.

Naser previously served as the general secretary of the association for the 2024–2025 session, where he gained recognition among lawyers for his organizational skills and active participation. The election commission’s notice bore the signatures of Chief Election Commissioner Advocate Dilip Kanti Sushil and Assistant Commissioners Advocate Md. Saifuddin and Advocate Md. Jasim Uddin.

Elections for other posts in the association will be held through direct voting on April 20, with campaigning already underway and local lawyers showing strong enthusiasm for the upcoming polls.

Prime Minister’s adviser on finance and planning, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, said that the current Prime Minister does not believe in rhetorical speeches. Speaking at a meeting on equitable regional development at the Faridpur Deputy Commissioner’s office on Friday, he noted that the Prime Minister announced a 10,000 taka loan waiver for farmers, livestock owners, and fishermen during the first cabinet meeting and introduced a family card within the first month of forming the government.

He stated that equitable regional development is underway, with coordination meetings already held in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions. Titumir criticized the previous government’s economic model for failing to create employment and highlighted rising unemployment, especially among women and graduates. He added that inflation over the past three years has increased hardship and poverty, but the Prime Minister has prioritized public welfare as the top agenda.

During his daylong visit, Titumir inspected industrial and research facilities, including the Zobaida Karim Jute Mill and the River Research Institute, emphasizing stronger roles in production and river management research.

The United Nations has reported that around 900 Rohingya refugees died at sea in 2025, marking the deadliest year on record for the region. The announcement came on Friday following a shipwreck earlier this month that left hundreds missing. UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch said in a briefing in Geneva that the deaths occurred in the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

According to UNHCR data, over 6,500 Rohingya attempted dangerous sea journeys last year, with one in every seven either missing or dead. Baloch noted that this represents the highest mortality rate among major sea routes used by refugees and migrants worldwide.

Most of the Rohingya begin their journeys from overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where more than one million refugees live after fleeing conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. The region continues to face intense fighting between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army, worsening conditions for civilians and prompting more to attempt perilous escapes by sea.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described Iran’s decision to fully open the Strait of Hormuz for the remainder of the ceasefire as a “right step.” In a statement cited by BBC, Guterres said that the full restoration of international navigation rights and freedoms in the Strait must be respected by all parties.

The statement added that Guterres hopes this measure, alongside the ongoing ceasefire, will help build trust among the involved parties. He also expressed optimism that it would strengthen the dialogue currently being mediated by Pakistan.

The UN chief’s remarks come amid efforts to maintain stability in the region and ensure the free movement of international maritime traffic through one of the world’s most critical waterways.

A human chain was organized in front of the Narsingdi Press Club on Friday afternoon, following Jumu'ah prayers, demanding the release of Islamic scholars arrested in connection with the July Movement. Local residents and participants from various professions joined the demonstration, calling for justice and the unconditional release of the detained clerics.

Speakers at the event alleged that several scholars, including Maulana Ataur Rahman Bikrampuri, Maulana Ainul Haque Kasemi, and Maulana Abdullah Al Mamun, were arrested without valid cause during the previous government’s tenure. They claimed the charges against them were baseless and urged authorities to ensure fair treatment. Organizers stated that their movement would continue until the detainees are freed.

According to the report, the arrests occurred between 2023 and 2025, with some detainees allegedly re-arrested under special powers even after receiving bail. Participants concluded the protest by pressing the government to secure the immediate release of the scholars.

Social media content creator A M Hasan Nasim was taken from his residence in Dhaka’s Agargaon area by a team of Detective Branch (DB) police on Friday, April 17, shortly after evening prayers. According to DB officials, Nasim is accused of spreading anti-government propaganda and rumors on social media. His family members said police entered their home without a warrant and took him away in front of his young daughter, causing panic in the neighborhood.

Nasim, originally from Patharghata in Barguna, works as a consultant assisting students with overseas education applications and manages a Facebook page called “Patharghata Dot Com,” where he writes about local issues. Relatives believe his outspoken posts on public concerns drew official attention. Family members gathered at the DB office later that night seeking information about him.

DB Additional Commissioner Shafiqul Islam stated that Nasim is being interrogated at the DB office and that legal procedures are underway, though no formal case had been filed as of late Friday. The incident has sparked strong reactions online, with many users criticizing it as a continuation of warrantless detentions to suppress dissent.

Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie said that BNP leader M Ilias Ali was a dedicated and courageous figure who fought for democracy and free elections in Bangladesh. Speaking on Friday, April 17, 2026, after Jumma prayers at the Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) Dargah Mosque in Sylhet, Annie stated that Ilias Ali might not have been abducted if he had not spoken for the people’s rights. The event was a prayer gathering organized by the Sylhet District BNP, seeking the safe return of the missing leader.

Annie added that the BNP had come to power through the people’s mandate after years of struggle and that Tarique Rahman was now serving as Prime Minister. He mentioned that many BNP activists had been victims of repression and casualties during the July–August movement. Annie also announced that Tarique Rahman would soon visit Sylhet to inaugurate the Bhasia River dredging project and the “Notun Kuri Sports” program at the district stadium.

Sylhet District BNP President Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury and MP Emran Ahmad Chowdhury also spoke, describing Ilias Ali as a symbol of public rights and calling his disappearance a tragic and unresolved issue.