A land dispute has emerged in Burichang upazila of Cumilla, where Moynamoti Union BNP president Salahuddin Ahmed has been accused of forcibly occupying land belonging to Jubo Dal joint convener Sharif Ahmed. The allegation was made at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon by Sharif Ahmed, his brother Arif Ahmed, and other family members. They claimed that Salahuddin and his associates attacked them and vandalized their shop when they tried to stop the construction of a 10-foot road through their ancestral property.

According to Sharif Ahmed, their family owns 12 decimals of ancestral land in Rampal mouza, legally inherited from their grandfather Akmat Ali. He alleged that a local group is trying to grab their land by falsely portraying it as a public road. Family members, including Shah Alam and Hasina Akter, demanded justice, saying Salahuddin has no ownership or residence in the area but continues to exert pressure.

Salahuddin Ahmed denied the allegations, saying he intervened only to resolve the dispute on the instruction of local MP Haji Jasim Uddin and that local residents were present during the discussions.

Millions of voters in India’s West Bengal have reportedly lost their voting rights ahead of this week’s crucial state elections following a controversial electoral revision. Over 9.1 million names, more than 10 percent of the electorate, were removed from the rolls under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Critics have described the move as a “bloodless political genocide,” alleging that Muslim and other minority voters were disproportionately targeted. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has defended the process as necessary to prevent illegal voting by alleged infiltrators.

Opposition leaders, election experts, and civil society organizations have condemned the deletions as unconstitutional and politically motivated. Former Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi called the SIR unnecessary and administratively disastrous, warning that an AI-assisted algorithm used to flag “logical inconsistencies” in voter data ignored linguistic and cultural nuances. Affected citizens, including government employees and retired security personnel, said their names were removed despite valid documentation.

Legal challenges are underway, but few appeals have been heard before voting begins. Analysts warn that the mass disenfranchisement could reshape India’s democratic participation, creating a divided polity where minorities are systematically excluded from the political process.

Farmers in the haor regions of Sunamganj, including Madhyanagar, are receiving only Tk 650–700 per maund of paddy, far below the government-fixed price of Tk 1,440 for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. Due to excessive rainfall, about 30 percent of the haor land has been submerged, and many farmers are struggling to harvest their crops as roads remain underwater and harvesters cannot be used. Rising fuel prices, labor shortages, and higher wages have further increased production costs, leaving farmers unable to recover their investments.

Local traders report a stagnant market with fewer buyers compared to previous years. Farmers blame the ineffective government procurement program for forcing them to sell at low prices, while middlemen profit from the situation. Agricultural officials acknowledge that limited government purchase centers and weak market management are key issues. They have begun listing genuine farmers for fair-price procurement.

Experts and local representatives have urged the government to expand purchase centers, strengthen direct procurement, and provide low-interest loans to ensure fair prices for farmers.

Iran has seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, continuing its previously declared policy that all vessels, including oil tankers, must coordinate with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) before passing through the waterway. The IRGC stated that the ships were detained for violating these regulations. Iranian media identified the vessels as MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, which are now being escorted toward Iran’s coast.

The IRGC emphasized that this action aligns with Iran’s long-standing strategy to assert control and authority over maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The statement reiterated that coordination with the IRGC is mandatory for all ships navigating the area. Discussions are also underway to impose specific charges and transit fees on vessels using the route, a move described as part of efforts to ensure prior coordination with Iranian authorities.

The measure reflects Iran’s continued focus on regulating passage through one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints, reinforcing its stance on sovereignty and security in regional waters.

A collision between a corpse-carrying ambulance and a battery-run easybike injured seven people in Gouranadi upazila of Barishal on Wednesday afternoon. The accident occurred around 2:15 p.m. at the Torki bus stand area on the Dhaka-Barishal highway while the ambulance was returning to Barishal from Dhaka with a body. Local fire service personnel rescued the injured and sent them to the upazila health complex for treatment.

According to the Gouranadi Highway Police Station officer-in-charge, both vehicles involved in the crash have been seized. The deceased’s body was later transported in another ambulance. Authorities stated that legal action will be taken regarding the incident.

The report highlights the quick response from emergency services and the initiation of legal procedures following the highway collision.

In Sandwip upazila of Chattogram, BNP leader and upazila member secretary Alomgir Hossain Thakur has come under criticism after proposing to increase the Kumira-Guptachhara speedboat fare from Tk 250 to Tk 300 per passenger. The proposal was made during an open discussion meeting organized by the upazila administration on Monday, sparking public outrage. Although the administration indicated that the new fare would take effect, activists and residents questioned its legal validity.

According to meeting sources, the proposal followed demands from boat owners citing rising fuel prices. Thakur explained that he suggested Tk 300 as a compromise since owners wanted Tk 350. Jaglul Hossain Nayon, owner of Adil Enterprise, defended the increase, saying higher fuel and parts costs made current fares unsustainable. Upazila Executive Officer Mongchingnu Marma stated that the decision was reached with consensus and would remain effective until a gazette is issued.

However, over a hundred online activists challenged the legality of implementing the fare before approval from the BIWTA. Former BNP joint convener Belayet Hossain assured that no decision harming Sandwip residents would be accepted and said communication with the shipping minister was underway.

The Iran-United States confrontation has reached a dangerous and uncertain stage, with both sides deeply mistrustful of each other. According to the report, Iran believes that US President Donald Trump is merely delaying before launching a sudden attack. The planned Iran-US meeting remains uncertain as Iran refuses to join peace talks while the US naval blockade continues. Although the ceasefire has been extended indefinitely, the situation remains highly unsatisfactory.

The Strait of Hormuz has become extremely dangerous, with Iranian gunboats firing on vessels attempting to pass through, while the United States claims to have turned back more than 20 ships heading to or from Iranian ports. This standoff is severely damaging both Iran’s economy and the global economy.

Analysts warn that the longer the deadlock continues, the greater the risk of a full-scale war in the Gulf region. The crisis is described as the most severe since Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, raising fears of renewed regional conflict and economic instability.

More than 1,000 musicians and cultural workers have signed an open letter calling for a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest unless Israel is excluded from participation. The appeal, organized by the group 'No Music for Genocide', was made public on Tuesday and urges artists, broadcasters, workers, and fans to reject the event until Israel’s public broadcaster KAN is barred. The letter cites Israel’s actions in Palestine as the reason for the call.

Signatories include internationally known artists such as Brian Eno, Massive Attack, Ni-Kap, and Roger Waters, as well as former Eurovision winners Emmelie de Forest and Charlie McGettigan. The letter accuses the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) of hypocrisy for allowing Israel to compete while Russia remains suspended due to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The statement also praises broadcasters and contestants from Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands who have withdrawn or refused to participate in protest. The next Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place in Austria from May 12 to 16.

Bangladesh failed to maintain their winning momentum in the second women's ODI against Sri Lanka, losing by four wickets in Rajshahi on April 22, 2026. Despite a fighting effort with both bat and ball, Nigar Sultana Joty’s team could not defend their total, allowing Sri Lanka to level the three-match series 1-1.

Batting first, Bangladesh suffered early setbacks, losing two openers for just four runs. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty anchored the innings with a responsible 58 off 101 balls, but lack of support from the other end restricted the team to 165 runs. Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu starred with the ball, taking three wickets.

In reply, Sri Lanka also stumbled early but recovered through a 77-run fourth-wicket stand between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hansima Karunaratne. Athapaththu contributed 40 off 39 balls, while Kavisha and Nilakshi guided the visitors to victory. Nahida Akter was Bangladesh’s standout bowler with four wickets. The series will now be decided in the third and final match.

Tahmina Akter, an SSC examinee from Government Setara Smriti Girls' High School in Jianagar, Pirojpur, has received the 'Konya Sahasika' (Brave Daughter) award from the Pirojpur district administration. The award, presented on April 22, 2026, included a certificate and financial assistance to help her continue her education. District Commissioner Abu Sayeed handed over the honor and support at his office.

Tahmina, daughter of Alam Hawlader from Charakhali Ward in Indurkani Sadar Union, gained attention after she sought help from Jianagar police on April 18 to prevent her own marriage and ensure she could sit for her SSC exams. With the assistance of the local administration and community leaders, she successfully avoided child marriage.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Hasan Md. Hafizur Rahman praised Tahmina’s courage, saying her determination was inspiring and that the administration was proud to recognize her bravery.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has pledged to replace fertilizer dealers appointed during the fascist era with new ones. The announcement came on Wednesday in the National Parliament during an unscheduled discussion, following a demand raised by Chief Whip Nurul Islam. The Chief Whip stated that the dealers appointed under the previous fascist government were still active but not distributing fertilizer properly, allegedly creating an artificial shortage. He urged the Prime Minister to cancel their licenses and appoint new dealers to ensure fair fertilizer prices for farmers.

In response, Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman said that the entire Parliament welcomed the proposal. He added that if there was full parliamentary consent, the government would soon take necessary steps to implement the decision.

The discussion reflected a unified stance among lawmakers to address fertilizer distribution issues and ensure transparency in the appointment process.

Bangladesh’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain announced that the government will soon recruit 100,000 health workers to address manpower shortages in the health sector. He also stated that ten armed Ansar personnel will be deployed at each upazila-level hospital to ensure doctors’ safety. The minister made these remarks on Wednesday in Dhaka’s Shahbagh after signing a memorandum of understanding to launch a Bangladesh-China joint surgical clinic.

Hossain added that the country currently has a six-month stock of measles vaccines, assuring that there will be no shortage in the coming months. He urged the public not to panic about vaccine availability. The memorandum signed with China aims to establish joint surgical clinics and mobile medical services in Bangladesh.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen expressed hope that bilateral cooperation in complex surgeries and medical services will reach new heights through this initiative.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance will take all necessary steps to defend Turkey and other member states after intercepting four missiles launched from Iran toward Turkish airspace in recent weeks. He made the remarks while visiting Aselsan, Turkey’s largest defense electronics company, during a special trip ahead of the NATO leaders’ summit scheduled in Ankara this July.

Rutte stated that Iran is spreading terror and chaos, which Turkey can clearly feel. He confirmed that NATO successfully intercepted four separate ballistic missile incidents originating from Iran and emphasized that the alliance is prepared to respond to such threats. NATO has also deployed a new Patriot missile battery at the Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey.

During his visit, Rutte praised Turkey’s defense industry, describing it as undergoing a “defense industrial revolution.” He is also expected to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the trip.

A joint operation by police and the navy in Hatiya, Noakhali, led to the seizure of 1,500 liters of stored diesel and the detention of one individual. The operation took place late Tuesday night at a motor parts shop in Tomorddi Bazar. The detained person, identified as Md. Mofiz Uddin Faruk from Kshirodia village in Tomorddi Union, was accused of illegally hoarding fuel. The confiscated diesel was handed over to Hatiya Police Station on Wednesday morning.

According to Hatiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kabir Hossain, the suspect was arrested for illegal fuel storage, and a case was filed under the Special Powers Act. The joint forces’ operation aimed to curb unauthorized fuel hoarding in the area.

The incident highlights ongoing enforcement efforts against illegal fuel storage in coastal regions like Hatiya, where joint operations between police and naval forces are being used to prevent black-market activities.

Long-distance bus operations between Rajshahi and Dhaka have remained suspended for two consecutive days, causing severe suffering for passengers. The disruption, confirmed by Rajshahi Bus Owners Association General Secretary Nazrul Islam Helal, stems from an internal conflict among bus owners. As a result, no buses departed from Rajshahi to Dhaka for the second straight day on Wednesday.

Passengers with urgent travel needs were left stranded at counters without prior notice of the suspension. Many, including commuters and students, expressed frustration at the sudden halt, saying they could not make alternative arrangements. The absence of advance announcements worsened the situation, forcing travelers to return home or wait indefinitely.

According to the association, the dispute involves bus owners from Rajshahi and Natore. Discussions with local administration are underway to resolve the issue, and officials hope that normal operations may resume by Wednesday evening, though no specific timeline has been confirmed.