A case has been filed following an attack on police officers in Sarikaith Union of Sandwip, Chattogram, late Saturday night. The case names 11 individuals and includes 35 unidentified suspects, bringing the total number of accused to 46. Police have so far arrested six people in connection with the incident. The case was filed at Sandwip Police Station on Saturday afternoon, with the police as the complainant, confirmed Officer-in-Charge Sujan Halder.

According to the case statement, around 12:30 a.m. police conducted an anti-drug operation at the home of a man named Didar in Ward No. 7 of Sarikaith Union. Upon arrival, they encountered several armed local groups allegedly linked to drug networks. During a clash between these groups, the police came under sudden attack. The attackers reportedly confined and assaulted the officers, obstructing official duties and attempting to cause serious harm. Additional police forces later rescued the injured officers and detained six suspects.

Police reported that the situation in the area is now under control and operations to arrest the remaining fugitives are ongoing.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the government will move away from borrowing through money printing and local bank loans, citing the economic damage caused by such practices. Speaking at a pre-budget discussion organized by the Ministry of Finance on Saturday, he said this policy had raised interest rates and crowded out the private sector, undermining sustainable growth.

He emphasized a policy framework that avoids inflationary pressure from excess money supply and supports entrepreneurs. The minister said the government aims to democratize the economy to ensure inclusive growth, highlighting initiatives such as the ‘Family Card’ program to empower women financially. He also stressed strengthening primary healthcare to reduce personal medical costs and identified small and medium enterprises as the main drivers of employment and growth.

Chowdhury pointed to challenges in the banking sector, currency depreciation, and high inflation, while reaffirming efforts to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio. He also underscored investment in education, skills, and renewable energy to harness demographic advantages and ensure energy security.

Advocate Sabikun Nahar Munni, nominated by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for a reserved women's seat in the 13th National Parliament, has declared an annual income of Tk 1.6 million in her affidavit submitted to the Election Commission. Her total assets amount to Tk 13.8 million, while her husband, Mymensingh-5 candidate Matiur Rahman, declared assets worth Tk 29.8 million. Together, the couple reported total assets of Tk 43.6 million for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

According to the affidavit, Sabikun Nahar, a lawyer by profession and secretary of Jamaat’s central women’s division for human resources, law, and human rights, owns 13 bhori of gold jewelry and a private car valued at Tk 370,000. Her movable assets were shown at an acquisition value of Tk 4.47 million, now estimated at Tk 8.96 million. She also declared immovable property worth over Tk 10 million, including land in Uttara valued at Tk 808,500 and a building on her own plot worth Tk 12.5 million.

The affidavit notes that the acquisition value of her immovable assets was Tk 13.3 million, which she now estimates to be worth Tk 85 million.

Tensions between Turkey and Israel have intensified following a series of mutual accusations and legal actions. Turkey previously filed charges against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 35 others over an attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters. In response, Netanyahu accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of atrocities against Kurdish citizens. The dispute has since expanded, with former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also making provocative remarks, calling Turkey the new Iran.

The ongoing verbal conflict reflects deeper divisions over Israel’s actions in Gaza, Syria’s political changes, and Israel’s growing ties with Greece and Cyprus. Analysts suggest that if relations deteriorate further, Turkey could take punitive measures such as halting oil supplies through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline or closing its airspace to Israeli flights. These steps could temporarily disrupt Israel’s energy and aviation sectors but may have limited long-term impact due to alternative routes and markets.

Despite reduced bilateral trade since 2024, some Turkish goods still reach Israel through third countries. Turkey’s growing defense capabilities and regional alliances are seen as part of its broader strategy to counter Israeli influence while maintaining strategic ties with NATO and other regional powers.

The government led by Prime Minister’s ICT adviser Rehan Asif Asad announced that it is focusing on four major areas to reform Bangladesh’s telecom sector. These include developing a new telecom policy through stakeholder consultation, implementing digital ID and digital wallet systems for all citizens, formulating an AI policy, and ensuring efficient revenue management. Asad made the remarks at a roundtable titled “New Telecom Policy and Entrepreneurs’ Expectations” held in Dhaka’s Moghbazar on Saturday.

He said the government aims to bring 90 percent of the population under 100 Mbps broadband and 5G mobile networks. The digital ID initiative is expected to integrate identity and financial transactions into one platform, improving access to public and private services. The rollout is planned within 12 to 18 months. Asad also highlighted the need for fair taxation and better interconnectivity among ISPs.

BTRC Chairman Emdadul Bari emphasized the importance of foreign investment and innovation in infrastructure development. Industry leaders and journalists attending the event urged collaboration to adapt to rapid technological changes and promote a win-win approach for all stakeholders.

Two rounds of meetings have been held in the United States involving the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon and American politicians, aiming to open a direct negotiation channel between Israel and Lebanon. However, this process has exposed deep divisions between the Lebanese government and the armed group Hezbollah. Lebanon’s president and prime minister, along with much of the political leadership, support continuing the talks, viewing them as the only path to ensure Israeli troop withdrawal, lasting peace, and national sovereignty.

President Saf stated that Lebanon should not be used as a pawn in regional interests, a remark seen as directed at Hezbollah and Iran, who are trying to link Lebanon’s ceasefire and negotiations to the broader Iran-Israel conflict. Hezbollah argues that the Lebanese government lacks the capacity to pressure Israel, as the national army is not directly involved in the fighting. The group insists that Iranian support and the threat of Iranian attacks on Israel are essential to achieve any concessions.

Hezbollah parliamentary leader Mohammad Raad warned that negotiating while Israeli attacks continue could lead to consequences worse than the 1983 agreement, which failed to bring peace and deepened internal divisions.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj visited Basail Government Primary School in Narsingdi on Saturday to inspect the quality of mid-day meals and observe classroom activities. During the visit, he expressed dissatisfaction with the contractor over the meal quality and warned that the work order could be canceled if improvements were not made. Two samples of bread distributed to students were sent to a Dhaka laboratory for testing after an odor was detected.

Hajjaj told reporters that the government has begun nationwide monitoring of mid-day meals to ensure children receive safe and appealing food that encourages regular school attendance. He said the ministry is closely reviewing all complaints about meal quality and may restructure the program if necessary. Efforts are underway to redesign the meal system in consultation with experts to prevent food spoilage.

He also stated that the government is working on a parallel curriculum aligned with English and Ivy mediums to modernize primary education, with implementation expected within two to three years.

Solaiman Badsha, a Jubo League activist previously arrested for allegedly firing an AK-47 rifle during the July Movement in Chattogram’s Kotwali area, has reappeared publicly after being released on bail. On Friday, he led a rally of 10–15 people in the city’s Sholoshahar area. Eyewitnesses confirmed his leadership role, while attempts to reach the local police officer for comment were unsuccessful. Former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel shared a video of the rally, which participants confirmed took place that day.

Solaiman was arrested by the Rapid Action Battalion on September 19 from Noakhali’s Sonaimuri upazila. Authorities had accused him of opening fire on students and protesters on August 4, injuring a college student named Imran Hossain. He also faces multiple allegations of extortion, drug trafficking, and violent crimes in Chattogram, including being a charge-sheeted accused in a university student murder case.

Human rights groups have expressed concern over how Solaiman obtained bail despite serious charges, calling the situation alarming and demanding accountability from law enforcement.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has strongly condemned the recent reciprocal seizures of commercial vessels by the United States and Iran, calling the actions violations of international law. The organization urged both countries to immediately release detained seafarers and ensure their safety. The statement was made in an interview with Al Jazeera on April 25, 2026.

ICS Marine Director John Stawpert emphasized that seafarers must be allowed to travel and work freely at sea without harassment. Representing nearly 80 percent of the world’s commercial fleet, the ICS stressed that crew members are simply performing their duties and should not be caught in political disputes. Stawpert added that detaining ships for political gain is unacceptable and that innocent seafarers should not face imprisonment for doing their jobs.

The ICS’s remarks highlight growing concern within the global shipping community over the safety of maritime workers amid escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran.

The Israeli army has again warned residents of southern Lebanon not to return to their villages, saying large areas remain under its control. The military has reportedly extended its control up to the Litani River, establishing what it calls a 'yellow line.' Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that access to the Litani River, Wadi Salhaniya, and Saluki areas is prohibited. He also listed numerous villages where residents are barred from returning.

In a separate development, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) condemned the recent seizure of commercial vessels by the United States and Iran. The organization described the actions as violations of international law and called for the immediate release of detained sailors. ICS Marine Director John Stawpert told Al Jazeera that seafarers must be allowed to work and travel freely without harassment.

Representing nearly 80 percent of the world’s commercial fleet, ICS emphasized that seafarers are innocent workers and should not be caught in political disputes or used for political leverage.

The United States and Iran are reportedly engaged in ongoing discussions, though both sides are maintaining strict secrecy over the details and technical aspects. There has been no official announcement of direct talks between the two nations, and historically, they have rarely acknowledged such communication publicly. According to sources in Tehran, contact with Washington continues through intermediaries, with several rounds of indirect discussions held in Islamabad, Moscow, and other locations.

The main focus now is whether the two countries can resolve their disputes through diplomacy. Outstanding issues include Iran’s nuclear program, the lifting of sanctions, security guarantees, and war-related compensation. The situation intensified after the U.S. Treasury Department imposed new sanctions on Iran yesterday.

It remains uncertain whether these issues will be settled diplomatically. Both sides have issued warnings, signaling readiness for renewed confrontation if the talks fail.

Iran has warned that its armed forces will take retaliatory action if the United States maintains its blockade on Iranian ports. The warning came from the Central Headquarters of Hazrat Khatam al-Anbia, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency. The statement emphasized that Iran’s military is stronger and more prepared than before to defend the country’s sovereignty, territory, and national interests.

The Iranian command noted that its forces had already demonstrated part of their strength and offensive capability during what it called the “third imposed war.” It further stated that Iran remains vigilant and determined, closely monitoring enemy movements in the region. The statement also asserted that control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains in Iran’s hands.

According to the statement, any renewed aggression would result in greater losses for what it described as American-Zionist enemies, signaling Tehran’s readiness for escalation if the blockade persists.

The National Youth Power, youth wing of the National Citizens Party (NCP), announced a seven-member partial central committee on Saturday in Dhaka. Tarikul Islam, previously the convener, was named president, engineer Farhad Sohel became general secretary, and former anti-discrimination student movement leader Rifat Rashid was appointed organizational secretary. The announcement came during a coordination meeting at a restaurant in Banglamotor, where NCP member secretary and Rangpur-4 MP Akhtar Hossain declared the new leadership and said a full committee would be announced soon.

Other senior positions went to Tuhin Mahmud and Khaled Mahmud Mostafa as senior vice presidents, Kazi Ayesha Ahmed as senior joint general secretary, and Yasin Arafat as senior assistant organizational secretary. Akhtar Hossain stated that the committee had been approved through a council at the youth wing’s tenth general meeting and later endorsed by the NCP.

The new committee follows the resignation of former member secretary Jahedul Islam, who stepped down after new leaders from three organizations, including the anti-discrimination student movement, joined the NCP on April 19.

Israeli military forces carried out attacks in southern Lebanon on Saturday, violating an existing ceasefire. Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirmed that at least four people were killed in two separate strikes on Yahmour al-Shakif village in Nabatieh district. The area lies north of the Litani River and outside Israel’s self-declared ‘Yellow Line’ exclusion zone. The identities of the victims have not yet been confirmed.

According to reports, explosions were heard throughout the morning in the southern city of Tyre, while Israeli forces continued destroying homes and structures in several border areas, including Bint Jbeil, eastern border zones, and Naqoura. The Israeli military has been conducting operations both inside and beyond the ‘Yellow Line’ area, claiming that Hezbollah had been launching rockets from those locations.

Despite the ceasefire, tensions and destruction persist across southern Lebanon, with ongoing Israeli military activity raising concerns about renewed escalation in the border region.

On April 23, 2026, Dhaka Electric Supply PLC (DESCO) carried out special drives across shopping malls, markets, and residential and commercial establishments under its jurisdiction to promote electricity conservation and reduce excessive lighting. The operations were conducted under the directive of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. A mobile court led by Special Metropolitan Magistrate Hadiuzzaman inspected Mirpur area markets and shops from 7 p.m. on Thursday.

A separate drive took place in the Gulshan–Banani area on April 22, led by Executive Magistrate Mohammad Zubair Alam. During that operation, several establishments, including Spark Gear and Best Buy, were fined 10,000 taka each for violating regulations. One restaurant in Gulshan was also fined for excessive decorative lighting, and unnecessary display lights were confiscated. DESCO teams distributed leaflets and used loudspeakers to raise public awareness about energy conservation.

The drives were supervised by DESCO Managing Director Brigadier General Shamim Ahmed and Executive Director (Operations) Engineer Md. Rashidur Rahman, with participation from several senior engineers and staff members.