At least 280 people, including women and children, were aboard a wooden trawler that sank in the Andaman Sea while attempting to reach Malaysia from Bangladesh. Only nine survivors were rescued by a Bangladeshi-flagged ship and later handed over to the Coast Guard. The incident occurred after the vessel departed from the Cox’s Bazar coast on April 4, 2026, and capsized near the Andaman Islands following rough weather. Most passengers were from Cox’s Bazar, Teknaf, Ukhiya, and Chattogram, with some Rohingya refugees among them.

Local sources said human traffickers lured jobless youths and Rohingya women with false promises of employment and marriage before sending them on the dangerous sea journey. Despite repeated tragedies, the main traffickers remain at large, while six Bangladeshi survivors have been jailed as alleged smugglers. Families of the missing accuse authorities of inaction and claim traffickers continue operating openly. Police and Coast Guard officials confirmed the sinking but could not provide information on the missing passengers.

Local representatives reported that dozens of residents from Teknaf’s coastal villages remain unaccounted for, as families continue searching for their loved ones amid growing frustration over the lack of enforcement against trafficking networks.

U.S. President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social praising Israel as a great ally of the United States. In his message, Trump described Israel as brave, fearless, loyal, and intelligent, asserting that the country knows how to fight hard and win. He stated that whether people like Israel or not, it has proven itself as one of America’s greatest allies.

The post came a day after Trump had reportedly told Israel to stop bombing Lebanon. His latest remarks, however, expressed strong support for Israel’s conduct and resilience during times of conflict and pressure. The comments were reported by Al Jazeera and published by the outlet Amar Desh.

The timing of Trump’s statement suggests a shift in tone following his earlier call for restraint, though the source does not elaborate on any official policy implications or reactions from other parties.

The Ministry of Education in Bangladesh has officially abolished the long-standing 'silent expel' rule from public examinations. The decision followed instructions from Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan, who directed the immediate removal of the provision. The Dhaka Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education issued a notice on Saturday night confirming that Article 29 of the 2026 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Examination Policy, which contained the silent expel clause, is now void.

Earlier that day, during a virtual meeting on ensuring fair conduct of SSC, HSC, and equivalent exams, the minister ordered the cancellation of the practice. He explained that the rule originated from an outdated 1961 policy and had no basis in the 1980 Public Examination Act. The minister emphasized that no unreasonable regulation should exist in exam procedures and that students should not face measures harming their mental well-being.

The decision marks a significant policy shift aimed at modernizing examination governance and ensuring a more transparent and student-friendly environment in Bangladesh’s public exams.

Reports indicate that the United States may expand its naval blockade against Iran beyond the country's ports. According to the U.S. Central Command, more than 12 warships, over 10,000 troops, and a large number of combat aircraft have already been deployed around Iranian ports. So far, 23 Iranian or Iran-linked ships have been turned away as part of the ongoing blockade operations.

Additional reports suggest that the blockade could extend to Iranian-linked vessels found anywhere in the world, not just those entering or leaving Iranian ports. Analysts note that the U.S. has adopted policies allowing it to stop, inspect, or even seize ships connected to Iran or under sanctions globally. Such operations typically involve specially trained Marine or Navy SEAL teams boarding ships by helicopter and taking control, sometimes redirecting them to other ports.

Experts warn that if the blockade expands globally, it could significantly affect international trade, energy supply, and maritime security.

The United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom held a high-level diplomatic meeting to discuss the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. According to a statement from the UAE Foreign Ministry, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to review the regional situation and recent developments.

The statement said the talks covered the overall situation in the region, including what the UAE described as “unprovoked and terrorist attacks” by Iran against the Emirates and other Gulf countries. Cooper reaffirmed the UK’s solidarity with the UAE in protecting its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its citizens, residents, and visitors. Sheikh Abdullah praised Cooper’s visit, calling it a reflection of the strong bilateral relationship and the UK’s full support following Iran’s “terrorist aggression.”

The report noted that the UK has not yet issued an official statement regarding the meeting.

Turkey has shown interest in extending its natural gas supply agreement with Iran, which is set to expire in the coming months. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed that no formal discussions have yet begun due to ongoing conflicts but emphasized Ankara’s willingness to maintain gas imports from Iran to ensure supply continuity.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Bayraktar said Turkey remains committed to securing stable energy supplies despite regional instability. He noted that, despite tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, Turkey has not faced any supply disruptions so far.

The minister’s remarks suggest that Ankara may soon initiate talks with Tehran to renew or extend the existing gas deal once conditions allow, aiming to safeguard its energy security.

Farmers in Sunamganj are anxious about bringing in their haor paddy crops as harvesting begins in some areas while others remain waterlogged. Many fields are partially submerged, making it nearly impossible to use harvester machines. Concerns have grown over labor shortages, diesel scarcity, heavy rainfall, and flash floods, with farmers frequently watching the skies in fear of further damage.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, 755 hectares of paddy have been harvested across 12 upazilas, while 3,189 hectares have been affected by waterlogging. Around 200,000 farmers cultivated 223,511 hectares of boro paddy this season, valued at about Tk 5,000 crore. Officials said 900 harvesters and reaper machines are ready for use, though water levels have limited their operation. Farmers have urged authorities to suspend sand and stone extraction for 15 days to ease the labor shortage.

District officials stated that embankments have been built to protect crops and that water will be drained where necessary. They expect full-scale harvesting to begin next week and finish by May 15 if weather conditions remain favorable.

Iran’s parliament speaker Bagher Ghalibaf warned that war could resume at any moment, according to a statement broadcast early Sunday on state television. Ghalibaf, who also serves as Iran’s chief negotiator, said Tehran does not trust the United States and cautioned that renewed conflict remains a real possibility.

His remarks came amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the current ceasefire. The warning reflects heightened tensions and a lack of confidence in diplomatic progress between the involved parties.

Meanwhile, Israeli radio, citing military and political sources, reported that Israel’s army has been placed on high alert over fears that the ceasefire with Iran could collapse.

The Dhaka Education Board has issued new instructions regarding entry to examination centers ahead of the 2026 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent exams, which begin on April 21. According to a notice signed by Exam Controller Professor S M Kamal Uddin Haydar, center secretaries have been requested to allow examinees to enter the centers from 8:30 a.m. to reduce traffic congestion and public inconvenience around exam venues. Previous instructions regarding entry into exam rooms will remain unchanged.

Separately, the Ministry of Education has abolished the long-standing 'silent expulsion' rule from the SSC examination policy following a directive from Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan. The Dhaka Board announced that Section 29 of the 2026 SSC Examination Conduct Policy, which contained the provision, is now void. The minister stated that the rule originated from an outdated 1961 guideline and had no basis in the 1980 Public Examination Act.

The minister emphasized that examinations should be held in a positive environment and that no regulation should negatively affect students’ mental health.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources has increased fuel prices by 15 to 20 taka per liter, according to a government notification issued yesterday. The Islamist political party Khelafat Majlis strongly protested the decision in a statement released on Sunday, saying the hike has pushed fuel prices to a record high in the country’s history and will intensify inflation and public suffering.

Party leaders Maulana Abdul Basit Azad and Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader questioned the timing of the increase, noting that the government cited global oil price rises and the ongoing Middle East war as reasons, even though the conflict is reportedly nearing its end. They also criticized the government for reducing subsidies under pressure from international lenders such as the IMF and development partners.

The statement further alleged that fuel shortages at pumps, long queues, and mismanagement have already caused insecurity among citizens. Khelafat Majlis demanded an immediate rollback of the price hike and effective measures to ensure national energy security.

The Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association has proposed a 15 paisa per kilometer increase in bus fares following a recent rise in diesel prices. The organization’s secretary general, Md. Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, made the proposal on Sunday night after reports surfaced of a secret meeting at the BRTA headquarters to discuss fare adjustments. He alleged that influential leaders of the bus owners’ association, with government backing, were attempting to monopolize fare increases through covert negotiations.

Chowdhury noted that in the past, bus fares were reduced proportionally when fuel prices dropped, citing examples of 3 paisa and 2 paisa fare cuts corresponding to fuel price decreases of 3 and 2 taka per liter respectively. He warned that any fare increase beyond the proposed 15 paisa per kilometer, achieved through bureaucratic manipulation, could harm the government’s popularity and provoke public anger. The association called for the prime minister’s intervention to prevent unfair advantages for bus owners.

The statement reflects growing tension between passenger rights advocates and transport operators over fare-setting practices linked to fuel price fluctuations.

Islamic scholar and As-Sunnah Foundation chairman Shaykh Ahmadullah announced that a former imam earning Tk 1,500 monthly has become an entrepreneur now earning Tk 45,000 per month. He shared the story on his verified Facebook page on April 19, 2026, highlighting the success of Siddiqur Rahman from Ververi village in Kurigram Sadar. Once dependent on a small income from leading prayers and teaching, Rahman turned to nursery work to support his family.

Over three years, Rahman gained expertise in seed selection, planting, irrigation, and plant care. He began selling seedlings online and gradually expanded his business. With Tk 180,000 in support from As-Sunnah Foundation’s skill-based entrepreneurship program, he established his own nursery named Sabah Agro Valley. The nursery now produces and sells various vegetable seedlings, including tomato, eggplant, chili, papaya, cauliflower, cabbage, and bottle gourd.

According to the post, Rahman currently earns Tk 40,000 to 45,000 per month during peak seasons and Tk 20,000 in off-seasons. The foundation expressed pride and joy in his achievement.

Three Bangladeshi youths were detained by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) on Sunday afternoon while allegedly attempting to bring drugs into Bangladesh through the Par Gopalpur border in Maheshpur upazila of Jhenaidah. According to local residents, the arrests took place in the Madhupur area of India after the youths crossed the border illegally.

The detainees were identified as Shahin, 22, son of Abdul Gani of Par Gopalpur village; Sohag, 27, son of Abu Bakkar of the same village; and Hridoy, 15, son of Hayat Ali of Kanaidanga village. Locals said they entered Indian territory to collect drugs when BSF patrol members apprehended them.

Lieutenant Colonel Md Rafiqul Alam, commanding officer of Maheshpur 58 BGB, confirmed that the trio was detained by BSF while attempting to bring drugs. He said communication had been established with BSF regarding the matter, and the detainees were reported to be in good health under BSF custody.

U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Iran of committing a serious violation of the ceasefire but expressed confidence that a peace agreement will eventually be reached. The statement was reported by ABC News journalist Jonathan Karl, who said Trump made the remarks during a conversation shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

According to Karl, Trump stated that the peace deal would happen “one way or another,” emphasizing that it could occur either easily or with difficulty. The report, citing Al Jazeera as the source, did not provide further details about the nature of the alleged ceasefire breach or the context of the ongoing conflict.

The comments come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, though Trump’s remarks suggest continued optimism for a diplomatic resolution despite the reported violation.

Two leaders of the Chhatra Dal at Mymensingh Medical College were removed from their positions following a violent clash between two groups at the college dormitory. The central Chhatra Dal relieved senior joint convener Nure Jawad Rutap from his organizational post and Nafiu Islam from primary membership. The incident led to a case being filed by Dr. Ahmad Shafi, brother of seriously injured student Aman Ullah Muaj, naming 32 accused including Nafiu Islam as the prime suspect.

Following the clash, the college authorities suspended all classes and examinations for seven days. Police confirmed that the altercation began on Friday evening over a minor issue. One person has been arrested so far in connection with the case. The central Chhatra Dal also formed a one-member investigation committee led by vice-president Hafizur Rahman Sohan, tasked with submitting a written report within 12 hours.

Two injured students, Mir Hamidur Rahman and Aman Ullah Muaj, are currently receiving treatment at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in Dhaka.