Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, has called on the BNP government to withdraw from what he described as an unjust and anti-national trade agreement signed with the United States. Speaking on April 8 at a discussion titled “Trade Agreement with the United States: The Question of Bangladesh’s Interest” at the National Press Club, he said the deal was secretly signed by the interim government before the national election and contradicts Bangladesh’s sovereignty and national security.

Haque argued that the agreement allows unfair U.S. interference in Bangladesh’s investment, digital trade, industry, agriculture, energy, and defense sectors. He said the terms prevent Bangladesh from testing U.S. imports, restrict nuclear energy purchases from certain countries, and compel alignment with U.S. sanctions and trade restrictions. He described the deal as part of a long-term U.S. strategic defense policy that undermines Bangladesh’s policy independence.

He added that the agreement could be canceled with 60 days’ notice and urged the government to review it in parliament and annul it through a special committee, emphasizing the need for a new, equitable trade framework with the United States.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma led a four-member delegation in a meeting with Defense Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) A K M Shamsul Islam. The meeting took place on Wednesday at the office of the Armed Forces Division in Dhaka Cantonment.

During the discussion, both sides addressed issues related to bilateral defense cooperation, training, and the enhancement of regional security. They also exchanged views on strengthening the existing military relations between the two countries and explored prospects for future progress in defense collaboration.

The meeting reflected the ongoing engagement between Bangladesh and India in defense and security matters, emphasizing mutual interest in maintaining and expanding cooperative frameworks.

The United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy to Bangladesh, Right Honourable Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE, has proposed simplifying Bangladesh’s higher education policies to strengthen joint initiatives and international cooperation. She made the proposal during a meeting with the University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman in Dhaka, attended by representatives from the British High Commission and the British Council. The envoy emphasized revising the cross-border higher education guidelines to facilitate partnership agreements between universities of both countries.

British representatives noted that many UK universities operate joint programs globally and that similar ventures in Bangladesh could maintain educational standards through joint or dual degrees, study centers, or branch campuses. However, they cited procedural delays and complex guidelines as barriers to expansion. The delegation also expressed willingness to provide technical assistance for policy reforms.

UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed welcomed international collaboration but stressed the need for strong oversight to ensure quality parity and affordability. Both sides agreed to develop a joint action plan between UGC and the British Council to advance cross-border and transnational education, incorporating stakeholder feedback.

Six young men were arrested in Feni for allegedly attempting to abduct a madrasa student while posing as police officers. The arrests took place on Tuesday, April 7, in front of a madrasa in the Panchgachia Union of Feni Sadar Upazila. The suspects were sent to court the following day, Wednesday, April 8.

According to Feni Model Police Station’s investigation officer Sajal Kanti Das, the youths had stationed themselves near the madrasa with a microbus displaying a police sticker. Locals became suspicious and alerted the police, who quickly arrived and detained the group. The student’s father later filed a case at the police station that same night.

During interrogation, the detainees reportedly admitted that they planned to abduct the student after she rejected a romantic proposal. They used the police sticker on their vehicle to intimidate locals and disguise their intentions.

Opposition Chief Whip and NCP convener Nahid Islam, Member of Parliament for Dhaka-11, proposed skipping the discussion on the President’s address during the 11th day of the first session of the 13th National Parliament. He made the proposal on Wednesday, April 8, while raising a point of order in the session presided over by Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal. Nahid argued that the parliament must pass several ordinances as bills by April 9 or 12 and that priority should be given to completing this legislative process within the limited time.

He explained that both government and opposition members had agreed earlier to focus on passing the ordinances instead of continuing the debate on the President’s speech. Nahid emphasized that this approach would prevent any future claims that the opposition lacked time to discuss bills where they had dissenting opinions. He also noted the absence of the Leader of the House and requested that the discussion on the President’s address be shortened to expedite the legislative process.

Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal acknowledged the proposal, assuring that both treasury and opposition benches were working together to ensure an effective and strong parliament. Government Chief Whip Nurul Islam supported Nahid’s remarks, noting that 133 ordinances were pending and praising the opposition’s cooperation.

A five-year-old child suffering from fever was mistakenly administered a dog vaccine at Shahrasthi Upazila Health Complex in Chandpur on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. The incident occurred in the emergency department when two patients arrived simultaneously—one with fever and another with a dog bite. The on-duty doctor issued separate prescriptions, but the sub-assistant community medical officer (SACMO) Abu Yusuf injected the wrong vaccine without verifying the prescription.

Following the error, a dispute arose between the patient’s guardians and hospital staff, drawing attention from local and national media. Abu Yusuf admitted the mistake, describing it as unintentional and assured that the child faced no health risk. He expressed regret for the incident.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Aklima Jahan confirmed awareness of the matter, stating that although the vaccine was given by mistake, it posed no danger to the patient. She added that the responsible SACMO would be formally asked to explain his negligence. The affected family has reportedly filed a complaint with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has called on the government to take an active role in controlling the country's rising commodity prices. In a statement issued to the media on Wednesday, the party’s secretary general, Principal Hafiz Maulana Yunus Ahmad, said that the abnormal price hikes of essential goods have become a serious burden for low- and middle-income families. Prices of vegetables, poultry, edible oil, sugar, and other daily necessities have sharply increased, forcing many consumers to buy cheaper alternatives or reduce their purchases.

Yunus Ahmad cited specific examples, noting that the price of golden chicken has risen to 400–430 taka per kilogram from 270–300 taka during Ramadan, while beef now sells for 800 taka per kilogram, up from 750–780 taka. He attributed the price surge to syndicates, extortion, and profiteering rather than genuine supply issues. The party demanded that the government strengthen market monitoring, prevent hoarding and syndicate manipulation, and take action against profiteers.

In a separate statement, Islami Andolan leaders from Dhaka South condemned threats allegedly made by U.S. and Israeli leaders against Persian civilization, calling such remarks a violation of global human rights.

The 15th edition of the SAFF Championship, scheduled for September–October 2026, faces uncertainty as the host venue has yet to be finalized. Originally planned for 2025, the tournament was postponed by a year due to logistical complications, including venue issues. Sri Lanka was initially designated as the central host, with matches to be played on a home-and-away basis, but later withdrew from hosting responsibilities citing limitations. In a January meeting held in Thailand, Bangladesh was proposed as the new host, yet the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) has not made an official announcement.

SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel stated that despite the uncertainty, the federation aims to hold the tournament within the September–October window. Discussions with potential sponsors are ongoing, and an official declaration will follow once sponsorship is confirmed.

Meanwhile, the Women’s SAFF Championship will begin in India on May 25, featuring six teams. Defending champions Bangladesh, winners of the last two editions, will aim for a third consecutive title. Pakistan will not participate as the matches are being held in India.

Authorities in Kalkini upazila of Madaripur district conducted a late-night operation at Mollarchar Bazar in Koyaria Union, seizing a large quantity of jatka hilsa. The raid, led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saif Ul Arefin around 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday, was based on a confidential tip-off. Officials recovered approximately 27 maunds of jatka left abandoned at the site. However, those involved managed to flee before the team arrived, and no arrests were made.

On Wednesday morning around 8:30 a.m., the seized jatka were distributed among 14 orphanages in Kalkini upazila. The upazila administration stated that such operations will continue to prevent illegal jatka fishing and enforce the government ban on catching young hilsa.

The action reflects ongoing local efforts to protect fish resources and ensure compliance with national conservation regulations.

Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, editor of Citizens for Good Governance (SUJAN), stated that the referendum on the July National Charter was approved by the people and should be implemented fully. He criticized the delay in its execution and accused the BNP of presenting weak arguments regarding the note of dissent. He made these remarks on Wednesday at a roundtable discussion titled “Politics of Ordinance Repeal and Referendum Denial: Bangladesh in the Era of Parliamentary Autocracy” held at the National Press Club.

Majumdar argued that BNP’s claim that the issue is not in the constitution is unfounded, citing historical precedents such as the caretaker government led by Justice Shahabuddin, which also lacked constitutional basis but was formed through political consensus. He explained that the note of dissent represents a minority view within the 14-member parliamentary committee, where 11 members were from the ruling party and three from the opposition. The majority view, he said, was approved in the referendum and endorsed by the people.

He concluded that BNP’s reasoning on the matter is unconvincing and inconsistent with democratic consensus.

Following a report published by the newspaper Amar Desh, the local administration in Banaripara upazila of Barishal launched an eviction drive to remove illegal structures from the Sandhya River’s char area. The operation began on Wednesday morning near the ferry ghat’s southern side and continued until evening. The drive was led by the upazila land office’s surveyor Mamun and process server Md Khayer, assisted by 10–12 workers. Local BNP leaders, including upazila president Shahe Alam, were present during the operation.

During the eviction, upazila BNP joint secretary Abdus Sabur Khan reportedly began constructing a new house within 50 yards of the ferry ghat, prompting local residents to question the administration’s actions. Assistant Commissioner (Land) GMA Munib stated that all illegal structures would be removed in phases. The drive followed an Amar Desh report alleging that influential groups, including BNP leaders, were selling parts of the river char.

The report drew strong public attention, leading to a surge in newspaper demand in Banaripara. Meanwhile, Amar Desh staff reporter Nikunja Bala Palash received threats from alleged land grabbers after the publication.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has granted policy approval for the Bhola Bridge project on the Bhola-Barishal road, to be implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The decision was made during a meeting held at the National Parliament Building, chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. The committee also approved the construction of a bridge over the Meghna River on the Shariatpur-Chandpur road under the same PPP framework.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the Meghna River bridge project will include an 8-kilometer-long four-lane bridge, 8.57 kilometers of approach roads on both sides, and 9.63 kilometers of riverbank protection work. The Bhola Bridge project aims to establish direct road connectivity between Bhola district, Barishal, and Dhaka, featuring a 10.867-kilometer four-lane bridge and 18.075 kilometers of riverbank protection. The estimated construction cost is Tk 17,466.32 crore, with 507.5 acres of land to be acquired and utility relocation costs covered by the government.

The committee also approved proposals to purchase 300,000 tons of diesel from three companies and authorized UNICEF to procure vaccines through both direct purchase and open tender methods.

Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh, has called for ensuring transparency in evaluating the second-phase research proposals under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project. He made the directive during a discussion meeting with project officials and World Bank representatives on the project’s implementation progress and work plan.

The meeting was attended by UGC member Professor Dr. Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, World Bank Senior Education Specialist and Task Team Leader T. M. Asaduzzaman, and HEAT Project Director Professor Dr. Asaduzzaman, among others. The UGC chairman emphasized that the evaluation of the Academic Transformation Fund (ATF) sub-projects must be completed carefully and within the scheduled timeframe, ensuring fairness and avoiding any confusion or controversy. The World Bank representative noted that the first-phase evaluations were conducted transparently and that the experience is being applied to other projects.

The UGC chairman also announced plans to hold a coordination meeting with the education, finance, and planning ministries to expedite implementation. The HEAT project is expected to be completed by 2028, with the current evaluation phase scheduled to conclude by June.

Three students of Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) have been expelled for varying periods for using unfair means during term examinations. The decision was announced in a notice signed by the university registrar on April 8, 2026, following the 39th meeting of the university’s disciplinary board held on March 3. Two students from the Social Work Department (academic year 2024–25) were expelled for one year, while one student from the CSTE Department (academic year 2021–22) was expelled for six months.

According to the notice, the students were found with incriminating papers and mobile phones during exams and were caught copying from them. Their respective exam papers were canceled, and they were removed from the examination hall. The disciplinary board also instructed that before resuming academic activities, the expelled students must complete psychological counseling sessions conducted by the university psychologist—three sessions for two students and two sessions for one student—and submit certificates of completion.

The notice further stated that all previous semester exams of the expelled students would remain valid, but their results would not be published during the suspension period.

The Cumilla Metropolitan unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir organized a protest march and rally on Wednesday afternoon in Cumilla, denouncing what it described as government delays in implementing the public verdict reflected in a recent referendum. The demonstration began at Tomchom Bridge and moved through several city streets, including Kandirpar, before concluding with a rally.

During the event, Cumilla Metropolitan Shibir president Hasan Ahmed alleged that the February 12 election was fair until noon, after which polling centers were taken over and ballots manipulated. He accused the government of coming to power through vote engineering and ignoring the people’s mandate. Hasan further warned that if the authorities failed to implement the so-called July Charter, which he claimed represented 70% of public opinion, they would face consequences similar to those of former leader Hasina.

Other speakers included Cumilla University Shibir president Mozammel Hossain Abir and city secretary Nazmul Hasan Panchayet, along with other local and university leaders.