Bangladesh’s Central Land Allocation Committee has approved several land acquisition proposals for key national development projects. The approvals were granted during the committee’s 155th meeting held in Dhaka on Sunday, chaired by Land Minister Md. Mizanur Rahman Minu. Among the approved projects are the establishment of 20 Fire Service and Civil Defence stations, including one acre of land for the Pubail Fire Station in Gazipur. Additional approvals include 12.1471 acres for the Dhaka (Kanchpur)-Sylhet-Tamabil Highway expansion and 13.4448 acres for the fourth phase of the Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway.

During the meeting, the minister emphasized that while land acquisition is vital for national development, it must be carried out in compliance with existing laws and with minimal public hardship. He also instructed officials to remain vigilant about preserving agricultural land.

The meeting also reviewed district-level recommendations for land acquisitions exceeding 50 bighas, including proposals in Sylhet’s Beanibazar and Jaintapur upazilas under the Sylhet-Charkhai-Sheola Highway project, and in Chandpur’s Matlab North upazila under the Daudkandi-Goalmari-Sreeramchar-Matlab North Highway project.

A man died after being electrocuted while cutting a bamboo that had fallen on an electric wire in Chakdadpur village under Dhubil Union of Raiganj upazila in Sirajganj. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. The deceased was identified as Faridul Islam, 35, son of Md. Gaziur Rahman Gazi of the same village.

According to local sources, Faridul attempted to remove the bamboo from the electric wire using a machete when he accidentally came into contact with electricity and was severely injured. Locals rescued him and took him to Raiganj Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead. The news spread quickly, casting a pall of grief over the area as relatives mourned his death.

Officer-in-Charge of Salanga Police Station Md. Aslam said police visited the scene and filed an unnatural death (UD) case regarding the incident.

Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that the government will not undertake any project that undermines national interests. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon after inspecting operational activities at Chattogram port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT). The minister said global terminal operator DP World has submitted a proposal to manage the NCT, which the government is currently reviewing. He emphasized that any decision will prioritize the interests of the country and port workers.

Alam described the NCT as a fully functional terminal that has progressed with time, noting that the government is analyzing whether to expand its capacity independently or through a foreign operator. He said the evaluation focuses on how national and workers’ interests can be safeguarded if foreign operators are involved. Referring to past protests over foreign operator appointments, he added that if national interests outweigh other concerns, the government will coordinate with workers to reach consensus.

The minister also said that all procurement methods, including open tender, G2G, and DPM, are valid, and DP World’s proposal is under review through the G2G process. If national interests are not protected, the government will switch to open tender and announce a decision soon.

Chattogram City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain has declared that no new structures, including hospitals, will be allowed in the CRB area of the city. He made the statement on Sunday morning while inaugurating a special canal and drain cleaning program at Jamal Khan Lichutola, responding to journalists’ questions about the issue.

The mayor said he had discussed the matter with a government minister the previous day, emphasizing that cutting trees and building new facilities in CRB would not be acceptable to the people of Chattogram. According to him, the minister agreed with this position. Shahadat added that the existing old hospital in the area could be renovated or rebuilt into a modern facility since it currently receives few patients.

He further mentioned that plans for a dental college and a full-fledged medical hospital and college have been proposed, possibly using the old building. Meanwhile, the ‘CRB Rokkha Moncho’ group held a human chain and protest program on Sunday morning against what they described as a conspiracy to construct a hospital in the CRB area.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has announced an increase in the retail price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The price of a 12-kilogram cylinder has been raised from Tk 1,728 to Tk 1,940. The new rate takes effect from the evening of Sunday, April 19, 2026, according to a message issued by the commission.

This marks the second price adjustment in April 2026. The previous revision took place on April 2, when the 12-kg cylinder price was set at Tk 1,728. The latest change represents a Tk 212 increase per cylinder at the consumer level.

The BERC did not provide further details in the announcement, including reasons for the price hike or its expected duration.

A suspected robber named Dulal was killed in a mob beating in Nazirpur upazila of Pirojpur district after attempting a burglary at the home of college teacher Nazmul Hasan on Saturday night. Police said Dulal was from Hizla upazila in Barishal. The incident occurred when an eight-member gang broke into Nazmul’s house in Kalaradoania village, held the family hostage, and attacked Nazmul and his son Mishkat with sharp weapons.

According to local accounts, Nazmul retaliated, and when his wife screamed for help, neighbors surrounded the house. The robbers fired blank shots and fled, but Dulal was caught and beaten to death by locals. Nazirpur police chief Tariqul Islam confirmed that preparations were underway to file a case and efforts were ongoing to arrest the remaining gang members.

Nazmul and his son, both seriously injured, were sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Police said Dulal had 15 previous cases filed against him in different police stations.

The Sylhet Battalion of Border Guard Bangladesh (48 BGB) conducted coordinated anti-smuggling operations across several border areas in Sylhet, seizing goods valued at approximately 4.87 million taka. Acting on confidential information, the raids took place in locations including Banglabazar, Sonalichela, Sripur, Domdomia, Protapur, Songram, Tamabil, Sonarhat, and Bisnakandi Border Outposts.

According to BGB, the confiscated items included Indian cattle, cumin, sugar, tires, saris, blankets, chocolates, creams, olive oil, facewash, soap, mehendi, biscuits, bidi, and liquor. Additionally, betel nuts and catfish were seized while being smuggled out of Bangladesh. The total estimated market value of the seized goods was reported to be 4,868,640 taka.

The 48 BGB commander stated that regular patrols and intelligence operations are being maintained to strengthen border security and prevent smuggling and drug trafficking in the Sylhet region.

The Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association submitted a memorandum on Sunday, April 19, to Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam and Shipping Minister, demanding the reformation of the committees responsible for determining bus and launch fares. The organization argued that previous administrations, in collaboration with private transport owners and labor leaders, had monopolized fare-setting decisions, causing severe hardship for passengers.

The memorandum stated that despite the formation of a new government by the BNP, it continues to follow the policies of the previous regime. The association expressed concern that the recent 15 percent or Tk 15 per liter increase in fuel prices has worsened the situation for commuters. It also noted that the ministries lack expert panels for fare determination, allowing influential transport leaders to impose fares unilaterally.

The association urged the government to prioritize public interest by restructuring the fare committees to include representatives from passenger and consumer groups, following international consumer rights laws, and to ensure fair fare adjustments that protect passenger welfare.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman visited the Alikadam cantonment under the Bandarban region last Saturday and formally inaugurated the newly established Army Hill and Jungle Warfare School. The visit and inauguration were confirmed in a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) on Sunday.

The training institution has been set up to enhance the army’s specialized capabilities for conducting professional operations in both plain and difficult hilly or jungle-covered areas. Through this facility, army personnel will receive specialized training to strengthen their physical fitness, mental resilience, and tactical skills for effective performance in challenging and risky environments.

Senior military officials, including the General Officer Commanding of the Army Training and Doctrine Command, the Engineer-in-Chief, the Adjutant General, and the General Officer Commanding of the 24th Infantry Division and Area Commander of Chattogram Area, were present during the visit.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that more than 150 Hezbollah members were killed within 24 hours before a ceasefire agreement came into effect. In a post on Telegram, the IDF stated that the attacks were carried out across Lebanon targeting various military sites. According to the statement, around 300 military installations, including command centers and weapons depots, were struck during the operation.

The IDF also claimed that several Hezbollah commanders were among those killed in the strikes. Meanwhile, during the ceasefire period, two Israeli soldiers were reported killed in southern Lebanon over the past two days. The IDF confirmed that this brings the total number of Israeli soldiers killed since the conflict began to 15.

The report, citing the BBC, did not provide independent verification of the Israeli claims or details about Hezbollah’s response to the attacks.

A college student was killed and at least 30 others injured in a violent clash between two groups over possession of government land in Begumpur village of Nabiganj upazila, Habiganj, on Sunday morning. The deceased, Manjur Mia, 23, was a first-year BA student at Nabiganj Government Degree College and son of Khalilur Rahman. Police said the situation was brought under control and the body was sent to the morgue.

According to local sources, Khalilur Rahman had long been living on the government land, which another group led by Helal Mia and Moniruzzaman attempted to seize. The longstanding dispute escalated when Helal and Moniruzzaman’s men allegedly tried to occupy the land with weapons, triggering the clash. Manjur and about 20 others were injured, and he was declared dead at Nabiganj Upazila Health Complex.

Police have deployed additional forces in the area and launched an operation to arrest those involved. The investigation officer confirmed that the situation remains under control.

Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Iran will not withdraw its decision to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed if the United States continues its naval blockade. He mentioned that the ongoing talks between the two sides are stuck on only a few issues, though he did not specify what those issues are or how significant they might be.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump expressed optimism about ending the conflict, saying that the discussions between the two sides have gone well and that he believes an agreement will be reached. However, just hours before his remarks, reports emerged that a ship in the Strait of Hormuz had come under fire from Iranian gunboats.

The situation highlights the fragile state of negotiations and the persistent tension in the region, with both sides maintaining firm positions despite diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has called for transforming the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) into a truly representative, effective, and non-political organization for the country’s business community. He made the remarks on Sunday, April 19, during a meeting with business leaders at the Ministry of Commerce conference room.

The minister emphasized that FBCCI must play a stronger and more active role in protecting business interests and presenting their demands to the government. He said the organization should exert constructive pressure when necessary to secure policy support but must not be used for political purposes. Muktadir added that FBCCI should serve as a collective platform for all entrepreneurs and act as a supportive force to the ministry by providing practical policy input.

He assured business leaders of the government’s commitment to a business-friendly environment and announced that the new import policy is in its final stage. Separate committees will also be formed with business representatives to simplify services in the textile, jute, industry, and commerce ministries.

The Malacca Strait, one of the world’s most vital maritime routes linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans, has reemerged as a focal point of global attention amid geopolitical tensions. The renewed concern follows a US proposal seeking broader permission to operate military aircraft over Indonesian airspace after a recent defense agreement. Indonesia’s foreign ministry confirmed the proposal remains under consideration. Experts warn that such moves could reshape regional stability and influence global trade dynamics.

Researchers note that the Malacca Strait handles nearly one-third of global trade, including 29 percent of seaborne oil and large volumes of liquefied natural gas, electronics, and vehicles. The area also faces persistent threats from piracy and natural disasters. Analysts emphasize that while immediate disruptions to shipping are unlikely, long-term risks could emerge if major powers such as China perceive expanded US presence as a strategic challenge.

The so-called “Malacca Dilemma” underscores China’s heavy reliance on this route for energy imports and trade. Experts suggest that instead of reducing dependence, China is focusing on managing and expanding its influence across the South China Sea and adjacent maritime corridors.

A large-scale measles vaccination campaign has begun in Chandpur, aiming to immunize 321,000 children aged six months to five years. The program will continue until April 25, with an official inauguration scheduled at 10 a.m. on Monday at the District Collectorate School by Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik, Member of Parliament for Chandpur Sadar.

Ahead of the campaign, a press conference was held at the Chandpur Press Club, where Dr. Md. Rafiqul Hasan Faisal, the Upazila Family Planning Officer, explained the symptoms and transmission risks of measles. He emphasized that the virus spreads rapidly and poses serious danger to young children, urging parents to ensure timely vaccination. To support the effort, 2,424 vaccination centers have been set up across the district, staffed by 313 teams.

Local journalists, including the president and former leaders of the Chandpur Press Club, attended the briefing and shared their views and suggestions regarding the campaign’s implementation.