Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested one suspect linked to a major online fraud ring that used the name and logo of a reputed trading company to deceive investors. The suspect, Md. Tajul Islam, 31, from Barishal’s Bakerganj area, was detained in Dhaka’s Kalyanpur neighborhood by the CID’s Cyber Intelligence and Risk Management Team. The group allegedly swindled over 2.1 million taka from victims by promising guaranteed profits through an artificial intelligence-based trading software.

According to the case filed on April 5 at Mohammadpur Police Station, the scam began with a Facebook advertisement featuring names and photos of well-known economists and a former World Bank official to gain public trust. Victims were added to WhatsApp groups and encouraged to invest increasing amounts after initial small returns. Investigators found that Tajul Islam supplied bank accounts and debit cards used to launder the stolen funds.

CID officials said the cybercrime network operates beyond Bangladesh and that efforts are ongoing to locate other members. Authorities urged the public to verify online investment offers and report suspected fraud to local police or the Cyber Police Center.

Jahangirnagar University has resumed its campus–Chandra bus service after nearly two years of suspension, following an initiative by the university’s central student union (JAKSU). The service was officially inaugurated on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 3 p.m. near the central Shaheed Minar road. The event was attended by university officials and student leaders, including the vice president, general secretary, and transport secretary of JAKSU.

JAKSU leaders stated that the resumption followed prolonged discussions with the university administration to address students’ transportation needs. They expressed gratitude to the administration and treasurer for their cooperation. The general secretary hinted that another route would be launched next week and mentioned ongoing efforts to automate the transport system with a sustainable live tracking app for students.

At the inauguration, the university’s vice-chancellor (education) Professor Dr. Sohel Ahmed emphasized that the bus service is exclusively for students and must ensure full road safety. He noted that the transport sector is one of the university’s most expensive areas, currently operating 12 double-decker and 5 large buses through outsourcing.

Popular singer, presenter, and social worker Dithi Anwar has collected a nomination form from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to contest for a reserved women’s seat in the 13th National Parliament. The announcement was made on April 16, 2026. Dithi, daughter of late lyricist and film director Gazi Mazharul Anwar, said she wishes to continue her father’s political legacy within the BNP. She expressed interest in representing either a Sylhet or Cumilla constituency if elected.

Dithi highlighted her family’s political and social contributions, noting that her father served as BNP’s cultural secretary and adviser to Khaleda Zia, while her father-in-law, Shafi Ahmed Chowdhury, was twice elected as a member of parliament from Sylhet-3. She currently chairs the Latifa-Shafi Chowdhury Women’s Degree College, where 3,000 students study free of charge.

She stated her intention to eliminate negative cultural influences, introduce content censorship on YouTube, and advocate for fair royalty systems for artists. Dithi also emphasized reviving the country’s cultural vibrancy and ensuring that artists are not politically sidelined.

A new survey titled “Measurement of ICT Access and Use” released on Thursday at the BBS office in Agargaon, Dhaka, shows that while over half of Bangladesh’s population now uses the internet, significant disparities and skill limitations persist. The survey found that 53.4 percent of people use the internet, but most users’ digital abilities are limited to basic tasks such as copy-paste. A sharp divide remains between urban and rural areas, with 75.7 percent of city residents online compared to only 43.6 percent in villages, a gap of 32.1 percentage points.

The survey also revealed that Dhaka Division has the highest internet access, while Panchagarh lags behind. Only 11.3 percent of people use computers, though 88.4 percent use mobile phones and 64.4 percent own one. In the past three months, 64.4 percent of users searched for government job information, 49.8 percent for sports, and only 11.6 percent shopped online. While 78.5 percent said they could respond to cyberattacks, half identified viruses and malware as major threats.

High internet costs remain a key barrier to digital inclusion, with 43.6 percent of respondents citing price as the main reason for not using the internet.

Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, the newly elected Speaker of the National Parliament, was honored by residents of Lalmohan upazila in Bhola. The civic reception, organized by the Lalmohan Citizens’ Forum, took place on Thursday afternoon at the upazila auditorium. During his speech, the Speaker said he did not come to receive honors but to express gratitude to the people of Lalmohan-Tajumuddin. He noted that his responsibilities as Speaker had increased, limiting his ability to visit the area frequently, and expressed his wish to live and die with honor and dignity.

In his address, Hafiz Uddin described the Bhola-Barishal bridge as a rightful and vital demand of the region’s people and assured that he would make maximum efforts to implement the project. He also mentioned plans to initiate the establishment of a medical college in Bhola and said he would request the Prime Minister and the Health Minister to consider setting it up in Lalmohan.

The event reflected local appreciation for the Speaker’s leadership and his commitment to regional development priorities.

The Ministry of Railways has revived its plan to build a 500-bed hospital and a 100-seat medical college in Chattogram’s historic CRB area. After nearly four years of suspension due to public protests and environmental concerns, Railways Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam of the BNP government is preparing to grant policy approval for the project. According to the minister’s official itinerary, he will visit Chattogram from April 18 to 21 and inspect the proposed site at Goalpahar near CRB on April 19 at 4 p.m.

A senior ministry official confirmed that preparations are underway for the minister’s on-site inspection, after which formal approval is expected. The project was originally planned under a public–private partnership with United Enterprise, which agreed to transfer the facility to the railway authority after 50 years. However, the initiative was halted in 2022 following strong opposition from social, cultural, and professional groups who described CRB as the “lungs” of Chattogram.

News of the project’s revival has reignited debate among residents and environmental activists, who argue that constructing a commercial hospital in CRB would harm its ecological and cultural significance and could trigger renewed public protests.

Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said that winning the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand would be a major achievement for his team. The first match is scheduled for tomorrow at 11 a.m. in Mirpur. Miraz emphasized that a good start is crucial, viewing the opening match as the key to building momentum for the rest of the series. He noted that Bangladesh will play on sporting wickets similar to those used in their recent 2–1 series win over Pakistan.

Miraz described victory against New Zealand’s second-string side as significant, stressing that every match is important for professional players. He explained that the series carries extra weight because Bangladesh must remain within the top nine of the ODI rankings to secure a place in the next World Cup. The captain also highlighted the importance of gaining confidence before the global tournament.

According to Miraz, performing well in the pre-World Cup series would help Bangladesh regain confidence and improve their ranking, which he believes are essential for better preparation and results in the upcoming World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Speaking at an economic conference organized by CNBC, Infantino said he remains confident that Iran will play its scheduled matches on U.S. soil. He emphasized that sports should remain separate from politics and expressed hope that the situation in the region would stabilize before the tournament begins.

Infantino explained that Iran earned its place in the tournament and represents its people, adding that FIFA’s role is to maintain bridges even during political tensions. His remarks followed Iran’s earlier request to change the World Cup venue due to its conflict with the United States and Israel, a proposal FIFA rejected.

According to the tournament schedule, the World Cup will open on June 11, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iran is set to begin its campaign on June 15 in California against New Zealand, followed by matches against Belgium and Egypt later in the group stage.

Saiful Islam, convener of the Kamalpur Union unit of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal in Saghatta, Gaibandha, has been expelled again following his arrest for alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The expulsion was announced on Thursday, April 16, 2026, through a press release signed by district Jubo Dal president Ragib Hasan Chowdhury and general secretary Abdur Razzak Bhuttu.

According to the report, Saiful was previously arrested on October 22, 2025, from his home with yaba tablets and expelled from the party the next day. However, he was later reinstated secretly by the upazila Jubo Dal convening committee and allegedly resumed drug trading activities. Police said they detained Saiful and Nazmul Haque Nayon, president of the 6th ward Jubo Dal, during a special operation at Barokona Bazar, recovering ten yaba tablets from their possession. Another suspect, Ismail Hossain, managed to flee the scene.

A case has been filed under the Narcotics Control Act at Saghatta Police Station following the arrests.

Saudi Arabia has announced an $8 billion financial support package for Pakistan, including an additional $3 billion deposit and an extension of an existing $5 billion deposit. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the initiative aims to reinforce Pakistan’s economic stability and enhance its resilience amid global economic changes. The State Bank of Pakistan confirmed via social media that it has already received $2 billion from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance, effective until April 15, 2026, to bolster the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

The announcement followed a meeting in Jeddah between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Pakistan is currently preparing to repay $3.5 billion in loans to the United Arab Emirates by the end of this month and expects an additional $5 billion in support from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that Pakistan repaid $1.4 billion in foreign debt last week.

Pakistan’s foreign reserves stand at about $21.89 billion, with $16.4 billion held by the central bank and $5.49 billion by commercial banks, reflecting ongoing pressure from high import costs and external debt obligations.

The first unit of Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has received its commissioning license after overcoming various obstacles, allowing the facility to begin the process of electricity generation. Project Director Dr. Kabir Hossain confirmed the development on Thursday, April 16, 2026. The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority granted clearance for the fuel loading license, paving the way for uranium loading in the first unit by the end of April. If all goes as planned, phased electricity supply could begin by December.

Authority Chairman Mahmudul Hasan stated that although the ministry initially planned an inauguration on April 7, critical issues delayed the process. He emphasized that the decision to postpone fuel loading was made to ensure maximum safety, given the project’s scale and potential risks. Hasan assured that all safety measures are being rigorously implemented and expressed confidence that no accidents would occur.

Located in Ishwardi, Pabna, the 2.4-gigawatt Rooppur plant is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power facility, built with assistance from Russia’s Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation. The project’s timeline was extended in February 2024 to 2027.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman’s Special Assistant for Investment and Capital Market Affairs, Tanvir Gani, held a meeting with the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) in Dhaka on Thursday. The meeting took place at the BSEC headquarters in Agargaon and was attended by BSEC Chairman Khandaker Rashed Maksud, Commissioners M. Mohsin Chowdhury, Md. Ali Akbar, Farzana Lalarukh, and Md. Saifuddin, among others.

During the session, BSEC presented an overview of its role, institutional structure, regulatory framework, and the broader capital market ecosystem. The presentation also covered the commission’s key initiatives, achievements, and future plans related to implementing the government’s election manifesto. Tanvir Gani was briefed on recent BSEC measures aimed at reforming and ensuring sustainable development of the capital market.

The special assistant inquired about various aspects of the market, signaling continued coordination between the Prime Minister’s Office and the regulatory body on capital market development.

The government of Bangladesh has set a target to generate 10,000 megawatts of electricity from solar power by 2030. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Nasimul Gani announced the plan during a briefing at the Secretariat following a cabinet meeting on Thursday night. The estimated production cost is expected to range between four and eight taka per unit. The initiative also includes discussions on biogas and wind energy as part of the broader renewable energy expansion.

According to the cabinet secretary, the government will use state-owned land to implement large-scale renewable energy projects, allowing participation from private investors. A committee has been formed to begin work shortly after final approval, with possible policy revisions and new legislation to expedite implementation. The government aims to simplify existing policies to create a more investment-friendly environment.

Dr. Gani added that both small and large-scale projects are being considered on government land near educational institutions and hospitals. The government also plans to increase private sector involvement in major power projects while ensuring easier investment procedures with state support.

Attorney General Barrister Md. Ruhul Kuddus (Kajal) handed over office assistant Md. Imran Hossain to Shahbagh police on April 16, 2026, accusing him of deliberately withholding a High Court file related to the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) recruitment case. An administrative officer from the Attorney General’s Office, Md. Nasir Uddin, filed a criminal case against the assistant, alleging that his actions caused harm to the state.

According to the case statement, the assistant failed to deliver the file concerning the NTRCA principal and vice-principal recruitment writ, preventing the Deputy Attorney General from presenting the government’s position. Following internal complaints, a preliminary inquiry was ordered, which suggested that the assistant intentionally withheld the file, possibly under external influence. The complaint also noted that he might be linked to a group seeking to damage state institutions.

Separately, the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division chamber judge stayed the High Court order that had halted the NTRCA recruitment tests. The Attorney General stated that this decision allows the scheduled April 18 examinations to proceed as planned.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar stated that there is no alternative to implementing the referendum verdict. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at a press conference following a meeting of top leaders of the 11-party alliance at Al-Falah Auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar. During the event, he announced new programs demanding the implementation of the referendum verdict.

Parwar said that through the referendum, 50 million people had sought reforms to the existing state system for development and progress, aiming to free the country from corruption, terrorism, and one-person rule. He accused the current government of reversing its stance and suppressing opposition voices in parliament. He also criticized the energy minister for denying the ongoing fuel crisis and expressed concern over the measles outbreak and the deteriorating law and order situation. Parwar alleged that the banking sector had been destroyed and that government offices were being politicized.

The 11-party alliance announced a series of protest programs, including rallies in Dhaka on April 18, in other major cities on April 25, and in all district towns on May 2. Leaflet distribution and seminars will be held nationwide from April 18 to May 2, followed by divisional rallies if demands remain unmet.