On the fourth day of the ongoing Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations, a total of 49 students were expelled across nine general education boards, the madrasa board, and the technical board, marking the highest number of expulsions so far. According to the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee, the madrasa board recorded the highest number with 24 expulsions, while among general boards, Dhaka saw the most with seven. The exams held on Tuesday included English second paper for SSC, Arabic second paper for Dakhil, and Bangladesh and Global Studies and Arabic-2 for vocational streams.

The committee’s notice also reported that 32,392 students were absent on this day, compared to 34,054 absentees in the previous exam. No teachers were expelled. Earlier, six students were expelled on the first day, 19 on the second, and 39 on the third, showing a rising trend in disciplinary actions.

Among the nine general boards, 1,210,080 students were registered, with 1,193,896 attending. In the madrasa board, 253,876 were registered and 240,732 attended, while the technical board saw 111,287 of 114,351 students present.

The United Arab Emirates has decided to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the OPEC Plus alliance, effective May 1. According to the state news agency WAM, the decision aligns with the country’s long-term strategic and economic vision and aims to accelerate domestic energy investment. The UAE stated that the move will strengthen its role as a responsible and reliable energy producer in the global market.

The statement cited ongoing instability in the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz as key factors disrupting energy supply chains. The UAE said it seeks to ensure market stability and meet global demand amid the crisis. The decision comes against the backdrop of the Iran war, which has severely affected global energy flows and regional economies. The UAE reportedly expressed frustration that Arab nations failed to provide sufficient protection from Iranian attacks during the conflict.

Analysts view the UAE’s withdrawal as a major setback for OPEC and its de facto leader Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about potential disruptions in global oil supply and price volatility.

Chattogram-15 Member of Parliament Shahjahan Chowdhury stated in parliament on Tuesday that Jamaat-e-Islami had organized a movement through the Pakistani movement to secure the release of the late Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from the Agartala case. He made the remarks during a parliamentary session held in the afternoon.

Shahjahan Chowdhury said that the recent election recognized the patriotism of the nation, emphasizing that both the party and the people love the country. He added that Jamaat has made its position on the history of independence clear and urged others not to blame the current Jamaat for past events. According to him, Jamaat’s history shows that it has always acted to restore democracy whenever it was undermined.

The MP’s comments linked Jamaat’s historical role to democratic movements, presenting the party as a defender of democratic values in Bangladesh’s political history.

Bangladesh's women's hockey team advanced to the final of the Asian Games qualifiers after defeating Singapore 3–1 in the first semifinal held in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Tuesday. The victory was powered by a hat-trick from Irene Riya, marking another milestone for the team in their debut appearance at the qualifiers and their first-ever international tournament.

Despite Singapore’s experience from four previous Asian Games, Bangladesh maintained strong momentum throughout the match. Riya opened the scoring in the eighth minute, but Singapore equalized in the twelfth minute through Chia Cheryl from a penalty corner. Bangladesh regained control in the final quarter, scoring twice to secure the win and a place in the final.

The result continues Bangladesh’s remarkable run in the competition, as the team keeps setting new records in their maiden international campaign.

A delegation led by Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met with Prime Minister’s Defense Adviser AKM Shamsul Islam at the Armed Forces Division in Dhaka Cantonment on Tuesday. During the courtesy meeting, both sides exchanged greetings and discussed matters related to technological and military cooperation between Bangladesh and China.

According to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), the two officials expressed optimism about further strengthening the existing military relations and strategic partnership between the two countries. The meeting reflected ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral defense collaboration and mutual understanding.

The ISPR statement highlighted that the discussion focused on reinforcing the foundation of cooperation already in place, signaling continued engagement between Dhaka and Beijing in defense and strategic affairs.

Five people, including a child with disabilities, were killed in two separate road accidents in Cox’s Bazar on Tuesday morning. The incidents occurred in Teknaf and Chakaria upazilas. In Teknaf, resident Moktar Ahmed was traveling by motorcycle toward the town when he lost control and hit a child, resulting in the deaths of three people. The deceased were identified as Shafiur Rahman, 30, of Naytyong Para; Moktar Ahmed, 40, of Uttar Shilkhali; and Rahim Ullah, 13, a child with disabilities from Razarchhara.

In a separate accident in Chakaria on Monday night around 9:30 p.m., two others were killed. They were Mizanur Rahman, 32, from Uttar Kaliayish in Satkania, and Md. Yusuf, 35, son of Munshi Mia from Chandgaon. Teknaf Model Police Station’s officer-in-charge Saiful Islam confirmed the deaths from the motorcycle accident in the morning.

The report did not mention the causes of the Chakaria accident or any further investigation details.

Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Saiful Alam Khan, representing Dhaka-12, expressed concern in the national parliament that businessman S Alam might take advantage of the new provisions introduced by the finance minister under the amended Bank Resolution Act 2026. Speaking on Tuesday during the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, he highlighted the current situation of Islami Bank, one of the country’s largest private banks.

Saiful Alam cited media reports claiming that Islami Bank saw withdrawals of Tk 705 crore in a single day, with three-day transaction data showing a negative trend. He alleged that large-scale misappropriation had occurred across private Islamic banks, blaming S Alam and his associates for the losses. Referring to the finance minister’s statement about “opening a window” through the new law, he warned that S Alam might exploit this opportunity.

The MP urged the government to take steps to protect Islami Bank, noting that it serves around 12 million customers. He cautioned that a collapse of the bank could have serious repercussions for the national economy.

A high-level delegation from the European Union Election Observation Mission met with Bangladesh’s Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at his office in the National Parliament building on Tuesday. During the meeting, Dr. Rahman discussed the political context surrounding the national election and referendum issues, stating that although the BNP had initially agreed to various reforms under the National Consensus Commission, it later delayed their implementation. He warned that continued inaction could erode public trust in political leaders.

The EU delegation, led by Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs, included senior officials such as Baiba Zarina, Inta Leis, Irini Maria Gounari, and Ryan Islam. The team handed over the EU’s observation report on Bangladesh’s latest national election and sought updates on the progress of the July Charter’s implementation. Dr. Rahman also expressed concern over violence by ruling party activists, unrest in universities, and attacks on Jamaat lawmakers.

The EU mission emphasized the importance of strengthening democracy, ensuring political balance, and implementing necessary reforms to guarantee fair future elections.

A liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier owned by the United Arab Emirates’ state oil company ADNOC has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since the outbreak of war in the Middle East. The vessel, named Mubarak, departed from Das Island on March 2 carrying 132,890 cubic meters of LNG. According to data analyzed by AFP and shipping tracker Kpler, the ship’s AIS transponder was turned off for nearly a month before its signal reappeared off India’s coast last Monday.

Kpler analyst Charles Kosteras indicated that the tanker likely passed through the Strait of Hormuz around April 18–19, when several other vessels also attempted the crossing. ADNOC has not issued any official comment regarding the ship’s route or status. Since the war began on February 28, LNG shipments through the strait had been nearly halted.

The successful passage of the Mubarak is seen as a positive sign for global energy markets, which had faced disruptions in LNG supply routes. The vessel is reportedly en route to China.

The Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed deep concern over the widespread measles infection and rising child deaths across Bangladesh. In a press release issued on Tuesday, the rights organization said that a large number of children are being infected daily with measles or its symptoms, many are being hospitalized, and some are dying. ASK described these deaths from a preventable disease as a serious failure of public health management, policy planning, and state preparedness.

The organization noted that effective, safe, and low-cost vaccines against measles have long been available, raising questions about why timely vaccine procurement, supply, and regular immunization programs were not ensured. ASK emphasized that under Articles 15 and 18 of the Constitution, the state has a constitutional obligation to protect citizens’ health, particularly children, from preventable diseases. It also cited Bangladesh’s commitments under Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to ensure vaccination and disease prevention.

ASK urged the government to immediately expand emergency vaccination nationwide, prioritize vulnerable regions and communities, ensure free quality treatment for affected children, strengthen vaccine supply systems, and hold those responsible for past negligence accountable.

The High Court has directed the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner and two other officials to explain why they should not be held in contempt for allegedly violating a court order related to the eviction and sealing of shops at the Collectorate Mosque Market in Sylhet city. The order was issued on Monday by a bench comprising Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Md Ashiq Hasan.

The dispute began on March 10 when the Collectorate Mosque Trust notified tenants that their contracts were canceled and asked them to vacate within three days. Following a writ petition by the traders, the court on March 12 ordered a two-month status quo, later extending the suspension of eviction notices for three months in two other petitions. Despite this, the shops were reportedly sealed on March 26 at night under the district administration’s initiative. Shop owners sent a contempt notice on April 1, but no action was taken.

After the traders filed a petition, the court heard the matter and ordered Deputy Commissioner Sarwar Alam, Additional Deputy Commissioner Syeda Parveen, and NDC Kishore Kumar Pal to submit explanations within a specified time.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has said that a verdict from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the ongoing case concerning the Rohingya crisis is expected soon. The case, filed against Myanmar for alleged genocide against the Rohingya population, seeks to determine Myanmar’s responsibility, end ongoing persecution, ensure justice and compensation for victims, and prevent future atrocities. Written and oral hearings have been completed, and the case has reached an advanced stage.

Speaking during a parliamentary question session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, the minister stated that, according to UNHCR data as of April 13, there are 1,189,213 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. He emphasized that the government continues to provide moral and diplomatic support to the ICJ proceedings and remains committed to a sustainable and peaceful resolution of the crisis through international cooperation.

The minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s humanitarian commitment and its active role in upholding international justice while maintaining efforts to repatriate the displaced Rohingya population to Myanmar.

Sarjis Alam, the chief organizer for the northern region of the National Citizens Party (NCP), was hospitalized after suddenly falling ill. He experienced abdominal pain around 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday and was taken to Ibn Sina Hospital in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, where he is currently receiving treatment. The information was confirmed by his younger brother, Sahadat Hossain Sakib.

The report did not specify the cause of Alam’s illness or provide details about his current condition. It only confirmed that he remains under medical care at the hospital. The incident occurred on April 28, 2026, and was reported by local media outlet Amar Desh.

Further updates on Sarjis Alam’s health status or possible discharge timeline were not available at the time of reporting.

Bangladesh has officially begun uranium loading at the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pabna, marking its entry into the global community of nuclear power-producing nations. The ceremony took place on Tuesday inside the plant, attended by Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam, ministry officials, and representatives from Russia’s Rosatom. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi congratulated Bangladesh through a video message, calling it a historic day for the country.

The uranium fuel, which arrived in September 2023, is being loaded into the reactor pressure vessel under strict safety measures. The process is expected to take about 45 days, with trial electricity generation of around 300 megawatts planned by July or August. The plant uses advanced VVER-1200 Generation 3+ reactors, designed for high safety and efficiency. The project, decades in the making, overcame delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Once fully operational, the Rooppur plant will supply 1,200 megawatts per unit, strengthening Bangladesh’s energy security, supporting industrial growth, and contributing to low-carbon sustainable development.

The Trump administration has dismissed all 22 members of the U.S. National Science Board (NSB), which serves as the policy and advisory body of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The move, confirmed by a former board member and lawmaker, is seen as part of the administration’s broader effort to restructure federal agencies. Similar cuts were previously made at the Department of Education and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Former board member Dr. Beachy, a retired biology professor from Washington University in St. Louis, said the dismissal notice was brief, thanking members for their service. He expressed concern about the future direction of research and education, emphasizing that the board’s independence is vital for NSF’s success. Democratic lawmakers, including Representative Zoe Lofgren, sharply criticized the decision, calling it another reckless act that undermines science and innovation in the United States.

The White House and NSF have not commented on the matter. The NSF, founded in 1950, spent over $8 billion on research and education in 2025. The long-term impact of the dismissals remains uncertain, though bipartisan support for the NSF has historically been strong.