NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday called on alliance members to learn from Turkey’s defense industry, describing the country as having undergone a defense industry revolution. Speaking at the headquarters of Turkish defense company Aselsan, he said Turkey’s rapid progress in recent years could serve as an example for others. Rutte emphasized that increasing production alongside innovation is one of NATO’s top priorities and noted that these issues will be highlighted at the NATO summit scheduled for July in Ankara.

He stated that raising defense spending alone will not ensure security, stressing the need to expand production of air defense systems, drones, ammunition, radar, and space technologies. Rutte praised Turkey’s achievements, saying Aselsan is at the forefront of this progress, and urged the company to accelerate innovation and production. He added that ensuring the security of nearly one billion people across Europe and North America requires not only strong armed forces but also a robust defense industry.

Rutte also noted growing cooperation within NATO and highlighted that Turkish defense firms are expanding their operations and exports across Europe, calling for stronger collaboration from Alaska to Ankara.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Liberation War Generation has announced a new 151-member full central committee. Engineer Md. Ishraq Hossain has been appointed as president, while Dr. K. M. I. Monty has been named general secretary. Ishraq Hossain currently serves as the state minister for the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs. The announcement was made on Thursday through a press release issued by the Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Party, signed by its president Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat.

According to the release, the previously declared central convening committee from November 24, 2025, has been dissolved. The new committee was formed to make the organization more active and stronger. The committee includes senior vice president Zahedul Haque Shamim, several vice presidents, joint secretaries, and departmental secretaries covering areas such as finance, information technology, sports, culture, women’s affairs, and health.

The press release also noted that BNP chairman and current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been listed as the number one member of the new committee.

Land registration and deed processing have been suspended for more than one and a half years in seven mouzas of Shambhupur Union under Tazumuddin upazila in Bhola district due to persistent server complications. The issue has left thousands of residents unable to buy or sell land, causing severe inconvenience and social tension. The information was confirmed by Tazumuddin’s acting Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Rezaul Islam.

According to the local land office, the problem arose because Shambhupur Union, previously under Borhanuddin upazila, has not yet been updated online under Tazumuddin in the DLRS system. As a result, the system still shows the union as part of Borhanuddin. Despite multiple letters sent to the Bhola Deputy Commissioner and the Ministry of Land, no resolution has been achieved. Residents report that the inability to complete land transfers has disrupted social and family matters such as marriages.

Officials from the Land Management Automation Project have attributed responsibility to the Tazumuddin land office, stating that the issue could be resolved locally if the office took necessary steps.

India’s Home Ministry has reportedly proposed releasing crocodiles and snakes in riverine areas along the Bangladesh-India border that remain unfenced. The proposal, reported by The Telegraph India, aims to strengthen border security in regions where surveillance is difficult. However, the plan has triggered internal disagreement within the Border Security Force (BSF).

Former BSF Director General and Padma Shri recipient Prakash Singh criticized the idea as foolish, warning that it could endanger civilians living near the border. He questioned how animals could distinguish between Indian and Bangladeshi nationals. According to a senior BSF source, the ministry has asked the force to assess the feasibility of the proposal, but many officers oppose it due to potential risks, especially during floods.

A follow-up meeting is scheduled next week to continue discussions. The India-Bangladesh border stretches about 4,096 kilometers, with roughly 175 kilometers consisting of rivers and difficult terrain that complicate monitoring, according to the Home Ministry.

A protester threw a red liquid at exiled Iranian figure Reza Pahlavi in Berlin on Thursday, shortly after he left a press conference at the Federal Press Conference building. Video footage showed Pahlavi being struck on the neck and shoulder as he walked toward his car. He waved to supporters before quickly leaving the area. German police immediately detained the protester.

Earlier at the press conference, Pahlavi had sharply criticized the ongoing ceasefire between the United States and Iran, calling it ineffective and arguing that expecting behavioral change from the Iranian government was misguided. He advocated for continued military pressure on Iran.

Pahlavi, who has lived in exile since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has recently sought to position himself as a potential political figure in Iran amid the ongoing Iran-Israel-United States conflict. The attack is believed to have been motivated by opposition to his pro-war stance.

The Power Division of Bangladesh has announced that the country may face a shortfall of 3,000 megawatts of electricity on Thursday due to an ongoing fuel crisis. The information was shared by Joint Secretary Umme Rehana at a press conference held at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources in Dhaka. She stated that the maximum electricity demand for the day was estimated at 17,000 megawatts, while production was expected to reach only 14,000 megawatts.

According to the official, the country’s generation capacity is sufficient, but inadequate fuel supply has caused a production deficit. On Wednesday, electricity generation stood at 13,681 megawatts against a demand of 15,767 megawatts, resulting in over 2,000 megawatts of shortage and widespread load-shedding across the country. The crisis has been attributed to the fuel shortage, increased demand due to intense heat, technical problems at Adani’s power unit, and complications at one unit of the Banshkhali IPP plant.

The Power Division did not specify how long the shortfall or load-shedding might continue.

At least six journalists were harassed at Dhaka University on April 21, 2026, while covering tensions between Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir over wall writings. The incidents occurred at Bijoy 71 Hall and Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah Hall in the evening and late at night. Victims included reporters from several national outlets, who alleged that Chhatra Dal activists obstructed them despite identifying themselves as journalists.

Eyewitnesses said the first incident took place when a Dhaka University Journalists’ Association member was stopped from filming a Chhatra Dal protest. Two other journalists faced verbal abuse when they protested. Later that night, three more journalists were reportedly threatened and nearly assaulted while gathering news at Shahidullah Hall. One victim claimed the attack happened in the presence of a house tutor, who did not ensure their safety.

Chhatra Dal leaders later visited the journalists’ association office to apologize, calling the incidents a misunderstanding. The association’s general secretary urged organizational and legal action against those involved.

In Mirsharai, Chattogram, protesters blocked the Baraiyarhat–Khagrachhari road for about two hours on Thursday following the death of a Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leader. Shahriar Ahmed Hridoy, 26, the organizational secretary of the Korerhat Union JCD, died at Chattogram Medical College Hospital after five days of treatment in the ICU. His uncle Nazmul Hossain confirmed the death.

The conflict began on April 18 at Koila Bazar over the detention of a cattle truck allegedly linked to BNP leaders Md Tipu and Abdur Rahim. Local Jubo Dal leader Sabuj and his associates reportedly demanded extortion money from the truck operators. When they refused, driver Suman was beaten. Later, Hridoy and another man, Anwar Hossain, were sent to the scene and were attacked shortly after arriving. Hridoy was critically injured and later died.

Hridoy’s father, Abdul Alim, alleged that his son was killed in a planned attack. Police said a case has been filed and operations are underway to arrest those involved. The situation is currently under control.

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) have signed a memorandum of understanding to simplify and accelerate banking services for investors. The agreement was confirmed on April 23, 2026, through a press release. Under this initiative, UCB’s services will be integrated into BIDA’s online One Stop Service (OSS) portal, aiming to make financial and administrative processes for foreign investors in Bangladesh faster, easier, and more transparent.

The signing ceremony took place at BIDA’s headquarters, where BIDA Director General Jiban Krishna Saha and UCB Additional Managing Director Adnan Masud signed the memorandum on behalf of their respective organizations. The event was chaired by BIDA Executive Member Air Commodore Md. Shaharul Huda and attended by senior officials from Bangladesh Bank and UCB.

BIDA’s OSS portal currently offers over 50 services, including company registration, utility connections, and import approvals. With UCB’s integration, investors will now be able to access direct banking services and documentation support through the same platform.

The United States Navy has seized an Iranian oil-carrying vessel identified as the 'M/T Majestic X' in the Indian Ocean. The operation took place on Wednesday night, when US forces boarded and took control of the ship. The US Department of War confirmed the seizure in a statement posted on social media platform X, describing the vessel as 'stateless' and operating under the jurisdiction of the US Indo-Pacific Command.

According to the statement, the ship was transporting Iranian oil in violation of US sanctions. The department said the action was part of efforts to disrupt illegal maritime networks and prevent material support to Iran. It emphasized that no sanctioned entity would be allowed to use international waters as a shield.

The seizure was described as part of the broader enforcement of strict sanctions imposed on Iran. The US also pledged to continue global operations aimed at curbing unlawful maritime activities and protecting freedom of navigation.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has called for peaceful and successful implementation of the 11-party alliance’s previously announced mass rallies to be held on Saturday, April 25, in all major cities except Dhaka. In a statement issued on Thursday, he said the rallies aim to press for the implementation of the referendum verdict, resolution of the energy crisis, control of rising commodity prices, and solutions to various public hardships.

Porwar stated that the country is going through a deep crisis and that citizens voted ‘yes’ in the referendum with high expectations. He emphasized that implementing the referendum’s outcome is the government’s main responsibility. According to him, the movement is not for any particular group but for restoring democratic rights and building a just society.

He urged Jamaat members, alliance activists, and patriotic citizens to ensure the rallies are orderly and peaceful. Porwar also prayed for national peace and prosperity and sought cooperation from all to maintain discipline during the program.

Motorcyclists in Saidpur, Nilphamari, blocked the Rangpur-Dinajpur highway on Thursday afternoon to protest a severe fuel shortage. The demonstration took place in front of the Iku Filling Station after riders were unable to buy fuel without official fuel cards. Many said they had not yet received their cards despite applying long ago, leaving them unable to work and facing daily hardship.

Participants emphasized that the protest was not politically motivated but driven by frustration over the fuel supply disruption. They warned of tougher actions if the situation did not improve soon. The blockade caused heavy traffic congestion on both sides of the highway, stranding long-distance buses, trucks, and other vehicles, and leaving passengers delayed and distressed.

According to the filling station owner, fuel sales had been restricted under written instructions from the local administration. Officials later arrived at the scene and temporarily allowed sales without cards to ease the situation, after which the motorcyclists lifted the blockade.

Two rival teenage gangs clashed violently in Tongi’s East Arichpur Bou Bazar area of Gazipur early Wednesday, engaging in several rounds of blank gunfire and detonating around 20 to 25 crude bombs. The confrontation, which took place between 3:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., stemmed from disputes over territorial dominance, drug trade control, and gang leadership.

Residents reported that the conflict involved groups led by Ariful Islam Rappi, also known as Pistol Bappi, and Sabuj, known as Vadaimma Sabuj. Both sides, comprising about 40 to 50 teenage members armed with firearms, machetes, samurai swords, hockey sticks, and iron rods, chased and attacked each other, spreading panic across several nearby neighborhoods including Rupbaner Tek, Tongi Rail Bridge, and Mirashpara.

According to Tongi East Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Mehedi Hasan, police were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of the violence. He said the incident is under investigation and that appropriate action will be taken following the inquiry.

The administration of Chittagong Government City College has formed a three-member investigation committee following repeated clashes between Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir over a dispute involving the word 'Gupta'. The committee was established on Thursday, confirmed by Principal Abu Saleh Mohammad Naeem Uddin around 3 p.m. He declined to disclose the names of the committee members citing security reasons. The principal stated that the situation during the incident was serious and that the committee will determine who was involved and recommend disciplinary action as per regulations.

The clashes began on Wednesday morning, April 21, when tensions between the two student groups escalated on the college campus. By noon, the situation turned violent, leading to an hour-long chase, brick-throwing, and widespread panic. Police and college authorities intervened to restore order, but violence resumed later in the afternoon during a protest by Chhatra Shibir. Both groups claimed that at least 20 people were injured in the confrontations.

The investigation committee is expected to review the events and identify those responsible for the unrest within the college premises.

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) technical cooperation expert mission began operations in Bangladesh on 19 April 2026 to assist in implementing the IAEA Water Availability Enhancement Approach (I-WAVE). The two-member team, comprising Dr. Melanie Vital of the IAEA and Professor Frederic Huneau of the University of Corsica Pascal Paoli, aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s national capacity for sustainable water resource management through isotope hydrology techniques. The mission is scheduled to conclude on 23 April 2026.

During the visit, the experts inspected the Isotope Hydrology Division (IHD) laboratory at the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology in Savar and noted shortages in analytical facilities and manpower. They emphasized the need to enhance isotopic analysis capabilities through IAEA technical cooperation and government-funded projects. On 20 April, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) hosted a national stakeholder workshop to promote understanding of isotope-based nuclear technology for water resource assessment and to identify priority areas for future collaboration.

Government and BAEC officials reaffirmed their commitment to integrating isotope hydrology with conventional methods to improve national water planning and to support the Sustainable Development Goals.