Rajshahi University has announced that classes for first-year undergraduate students of the 2025–26 academic session will begin on May 10. The information was confirmed on April 7 by Professor Mohammad Belal Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Coordinator of Unit 'A'. He stated that the admission process is currently ongoing and will conclude before classes commence.

According to university sources, the process of filling in subject preferences for successful candidates began on February 22. So far, the second subject choice lists for Units 'A', 'B', and 'C' have been published. The admission tests for this session were held earlier in January, starting with the 'C' Unit (Science) on January 16, followed by the 'A' Unit (Humanities) on January 17, and the 'B' Unit (Commerce) on January 24.

This year’s admission tests were conducted in two shifts across public university campuses in Rajshahi, Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Rangpur, and Barishal divisions, with no selection phase included.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan described the Ministry of Education as his place of devotion and criticized the previous government for neglecting the sector. Speaking as chief guest at a meeting with exam center secretaries organized by the Barishal Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, he announced plans for unified question papers across all boards and reforms to ensure transparency in public examinations. He also emphasized strict monitoring and warned of punitive action against examiners involved in irregularities.

The minister said the government aims to allocate 5 percent of GDP to education in the next budget to address shortages and improve quality. He announced plans to eradicate illiteracy within a year and proposed establishing one agricultural university in each division. Milan also mentioned that online and offline classes would be introduced in metropolitan schools, with a formal report to be submitted to the Prime Minister on Thursday.

He reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and misconduct in education, stressing that transparency and discipline among teachers and students are essential for maintaining academic integrity.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has announced another increase in jet fuel prices, raising the rate by about 25 taka per liter. The new prices will take effect from midnight on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, according to an official notification issued the same day. This marks the second price hike in less than two weeks, following a 90-taka increase on March 24.

Under the new pricing, domestic flights will now pay 227.08 taka per liter, up from 202.29 taka. For international flights, the price has been raised from 1.3216 dollars to 1.4806 dollars per liter, compared to the previous rate of 0.7384 dollars. BERC stated that the adjustment was made to align with current market conditions, import costs, and trends in the global energy market.

The commission confirmed that the revised rates will remain in effect until further notice, reflecting ongoing efforts to balance domestic pricing with international fuel market fluctuations.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on Water Resources Minister Md. Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, MP, at the minister’s office in the National Parliament Secretariat on Tuesday. State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, MP, was also present during the meeting.

During the meeting, Minister Anee described China and Bangladesh as long-standing and trusted friends. He noted that after assuming responsibility for the Water Resources Ministry, he accepted the Chinese ambassador’s invitation for this courtesy exchange. The discussion included mutual greetings and expressions of goodwill.

Ambassador Yao Wen expressed China’s interest in working with Bangladesh to preserve water resources and maintain environmental balance. The meeting began with the ambassador presenting flowers and congratulations to the minister.

An Israeli attack targeted a railway bridge in Iran’s Kashan city, resulting in the deaths of two people, according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency. The strike occurred at the Yahya Abad railway bridge, and the deputy governor of Isfahan confirmed the casualties. The incident follows a warning from Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) urging Iranians to avoid using trains and to stay away from railway lines.

The IDF issued an emergency alert in Persian on its X account, advising Iranian citizens not to travel by train or approach railway areas for twelve hours, citing safety concerns. The statement warned that being near trains or railways could pose a serious risk to life. The attack came shortly after this warning was issued.

The report also noted that the timing coincides with a U.S. ultimatum from President Trump to Iran regarding a pending agreement, adding to the tense regional atmosphere.

The results of the 47th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) written examination have been published. According to a press release signed by Masuma Afreen, Controller of Examinations (Cadre) of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC), a total of 3,631 candidates have passed. The oral examinations for the successful candidates are scheduled to begin in May.

The written tests were held from November 27 to December 18 of the previous year across eight divisional cities, including Dhaka. The BPSC stated that the complete results and related information are available on its official website (www.bpsc.gov.bd). The commission also noted that it reserves the right to make corrections to the results if necessary for valid reasons.

The announcement marks a key step in the 47th BCS recruitment process, moving the successful candidates closer to the final selection phase through the upcoming oral examinations.

Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported that 149 children have died from measles or measles-like symptoms between March 15 and April 7, 2026. Among them, 21 deaths were confirmed measles cases and 128 were suspected. In the latest 24-hour period ending on April 7, 11 new child deaths were recorded, including one confirmed and ten suspected cases. The DGHS control room released the data in an official statement on Tuesday.

According to the DGHS Integrated Control Center, 1,236 new suspected cases were identified nationwide in the same 24-hour period, with 641 hospital admissions. Since mid-March, authorities have recorded 9,883 suspected and 1,398 confirmed measles cases. The report indicates that Rajshahi and Dhaka divisions have the highest infection and death rates, with 58 and 51 child deaths respectively. Other divisions reported smaller numbers, including Chattogram with 10, Khulna with 6, Barishal with 2, and Sylhet with 1.

Hospitals across the country currently have 6,883 admitted children, while 4,635 have been discharged after treatment.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been dissolved following allegations of irregularities in its election. The National Sports Council (NSC) announced the formation of an 11-member ad hoc committee to oversee the board’s operations. Former national cricket captain Tamim Iqbal has been appointed as the head of this committee, which has been tasked with organizing new elections within three months.

The decision was revealed at a press conference held by the NSC on Tuesday afternoon. The ad hoc committee includes members Fahim Sinha, Rafiqul Islam Babu, Salman Ispahani, Tanzil Chowdhury, Atahar Ali Khan, Minhajul Abedin Nannu, Israfil Khasru, Syed Ibrahim Ahmed, Mirza Yasir Abbas, and Rashna Imam. The previous BCB board, led by Aminul Islam Bulbul, was formed through a controversial election held on October 6.

According to the NSC, the dissolution was made under Section 28 of its 2018 Act after reviewing the investigation report on election irregularities. The ad hoc committee will manage the board until new elections are conducted.

Former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury was sent to jail on April 7, 2026, after a Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate court rejected both her bail and remand petitions in the Lalbagh police case over the attempted murder of Ashraful. The decision was delivered by Magistrate Jewel Rana, who ordered her detention following her arrest the previous night from Dhanmondi. As police escorted her from the courtroom, pro-Awami League lawyers chanted “Joy Bangla” and other slogans in her support.

According to the case, the incident occurred on July 18, 2024, during the quota reform movement when a peaceful rally in Azimpur was attacked, allegedly under the direction of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other senior leaders. Ashraful, the complainant, was seriously injured and later filed a case in May 2025 naming 130 accused, including Shirin Sharmin as the third defendant. The prosecution argued that she played a key role in state decisions linked to the violence, while the defense claimed she had resigned earlier and was being unfairly implicated.

The court’s order keeps Shirin Sharmin in custody as the investigation continues into the alleged political violence and its organizers.

Watermelon farmers in Feni are facing severe financial losses due to off-season rain, a fuel shortage affecting transport, and a sharp fall in market prices. Despite an increase in cultivation this season, yields have dropped, leaving many farmers unable to recover their investments. In Sonagazi’s Dakshin Char Chandina, ten farmers invested Tk 11.6 million across 90 acres, but a lack of wholesale buyers has left their harvests rotting in the fields. Farmers are now feeding unsold watermelons to livestock as their produce spoils.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, watermelon cultivation in Feni rose from 774 hectares last year to 1,299 hectares this year, with Sonagazi alone exceeding its target. Last season’s sales reached Tk 1.5 billion, and expectations were high for Tk 2.5 billion this year. However, rain damage, transport costs inflated by the global fuel crisis, and virus outbreaks have dashed those hopes. Farmers report earning less than one-third of their production costs.

Local officials acknowledged the crisis, citing fuel shortages and weather disruptions as key factors. Authorities said they would assist with transport fuel if formally requested, while affected farmers are urging both government and private support to recover from the losses.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for a missile and drone attack on a petrochemical complex in Jubail, an industrial city in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The IRGC said the strike targeted facilities belonging to American companies including Sadra, ExxonMobil, and Dark Chemical. It described the operation as retaliation for an earlier Israeli attack in Shiraz.

According to the report, the IRGC also stated that it targeted another petrochemical complex in Juaymah owned by the American company Shordan Phillips. The attack followed warnings from Iranian officials that any assault on Iran’s power plants or bridges would be met with similar responses against regional infrastructure. The report noted that former U.S. President Donald Trump had set a deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, threatening escalation if unmet.

The Saudi government has not yet issued any official comment on the incident, and details about the extent of damage or the specific weapons used remain undisclosed.

The National Sports Council (NSC) of Bangladesh has dissolved the current Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) management committee and formed an ad hoc committee under Section 21 of the National Sports Council Act. According to NSC Director (Sports) Aminul Ehsan, the ad hoc committee will organize BCB elections within the next three months. The NSC has already informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) about the dissolution and the formation of the new committee.

Ehsan stated that the decision followed a review of the NSC investigation committee’s report, which identified significant weaknesses and irregularities in the previous BCB election process. The newly formed ad hoc committee will have full authority to manage regular cricket operations during this interim period, similar to an elected committee.

It remains unclear whether members of the ad hoc committee will be eligible to contest in the upcoming BCB elections, though the BCB constitution does not restrict their participation.

The Supreme Court administration of Bangladesh has relaxed the mandatory dress code for judges and lawyers in subordinate courts due to an ongoing severe heatwave. Effective from Tuesday, April 7, 2026, they are no longer required to wear black coats and gowns during court sessions. The directive was issued under the order of the Chief Justice to provide comfort to legal professionals performing their duties in extreme heat.

According to the notification, judges in all subordinate civil and criminal courts and tribunals may now wear white full-sleeve shirts, white sarees, or salwar kameez with a white neckband or black tie instead of the traditional black coat and gown. The same relaxation applies to lawyers, who may follow similar attire without the obligation to wear coats or gowns.

The Supreme Court administration stated that the order will remain in effect from April 7 until further notice. The decision was described as a humane measure to ease the discomfort faced by judges and lawyers during the intense heatwave.

Independent Member of Parliament Rumin Farhana from Brahmanbaria-2 has expressed gratitude to the BNP for not nominating her in the thirteenth national election, saying it allowed her to understand the love and support of millions across Bangladesh. Speaking during the discussion on the presidential address in parliament, she also sharply criticized the appointment of politically affiliated individuals to positions in Bangladesh Bank and public universities, calling it an unfortunate trend that undermines merit-based recruitment.

Farhana highlighted the lack of balance between the powers of the president and the prime minister, noting that despite repeated discussions, the president still delivers a cabinet-approved speech rather than an independent one. She reflected on the sacrifices of ordinary citizens who dreamed of building an inclusive Bangladesh free from discrimination and called for recognition of women’s leadership in past movements.

Addressing economic issues, she warned about rising foreign debt, high inflation, and capital flight, urging diversification of exports, creation of an investment-friendly environment, and curbing false invoicing to restore economic stability.

Islami Chhatra Shibir has announced a protest rally and assembly in Dhaka on Wednesday to oppose what it calls the government’s delay in implementing the public verdict reflected in the recent referendum. The demonstration, organized by the Dhaka Metropolitan East branch of the group, will begin at 5 p.m. from the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.

Following the rally, a gathering will be held under the chairmanship of Asif Abdullah, a member of the organization’s central executive committee and transport secretary of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union, who also serves as president of the Dhaka Metropolitan East branch. The information was confirmed on Tuesday by Muhammad Dawood Khan, the branch’s publicity and media secretary.

The announcement comes amid broader calls for protests across the country demanding the implementation of the referendum’s outcome, as reported by the same source.