The River Police of Bangladesh have reported a major success in their ongoing nationwide operations to protect river-based fisheries and restore discipline on waterways. Over the past seven days, officers seized 43.27 million meters of illegal fishing nets, 4,158 kilograms of fish, 657,000 shrimp fry, 15,000 bagda shrimp larvae, and 1,328 kilograms of jelly-mixed shrimp. A total of 279 individuals were arrested, and 133 illegal river obstacles were destroyed during the operation.

According to a statement issued by the River Police Headquarters on April 16, 83 bulkheads lacking valid documents faced prosecution in the naval court. Authorities filed 69 cases, including 46 under the Fisheries Act, nine for reckless navigation, and others related to sand extraction, drugs, theft, special powers, and abduction. Twelve bodies were also recovered during the campaign.

The seized illegal nets and jelly-mixed shrimp were destroyed, while shrimp fry were released back into the water to support natural growth. The recovered fish were distributed to local orphanages. The River Police stated that similar operations will continue to strengthen river safety and protect aquatic biodiversity.

International Energy Agency (IEA) chief Fatih Birol has warned that Europe’s jet fuel reserves may last only about six weeks. In an interview with the Associated Press, Birol said that the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has disrupted oil supplies, raising the risk of flight cancellations across Europe. He noted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger one of the most severe global energy crises to date.

Birol emphasized that the situation could have a significant impact on the world economy. The longer the disruption continues, the more global economic growth may slow, while inflation could rise. He also cautioned that the crisis could lead to sharp increases in energy prices, including petrol, gas, and electricity.

The IEA chief further warned that if the Middle East conflict persists, volatility in global energy markets will intensify, affecting multiple sectors of the world economy.

The Israeli military claimed on Wednesday that it destroyed around 70 Hezbollah installations in the Bint Jbeil area of southern Lebanon. The statement, released on Telegram, came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was on the verge of eliminating Hezbollah’s main base in the region.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the military also intercepted a drone attack launched overnight from Lebanon. The IDF reported that Israeli naval crews shot down the drone and noted that since the start of the conflict, they have conducted about 40 defensive operations to protect the country’s airspace.

The developments reflect continued hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border, with both sides engaging in aerial and ground operations as tensions remain high.

Acting Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md. Sarwar announced that special operations will be conducted in every police station area of the capital to recover drugs and arrest suspects with outstanding warrants. He gave the directive during the monthly crime review meeting for March, held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the DMP Headquarters conference room. The commissioner instructed officers to maintain law and order stability and strengthen foot patrols across Dhaka.

He emphasized the importance of community policing to build a people-friendly police service and ensure citizens receive proper legal assistance from local stations. The acting commissioner noted that Dhaka’s overall law and order situation remains stable but urged vigilance to sustain it. Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S.N. Md. Nazrul Islam stated that the force will follow a zero-tolerance policy in maintaining law and order.

During the meeting, officers of various ranks were awarded for their performance in crime control, public safety, and law enforcement activities throughout March.

According to the Saudi government’s Hajj management roadmap, Bangladesh will begin its 2026 Hajj flights on April 18. Prime Minister Tarek Rahman will officially inaugurate the Hajj flight operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on April 17 at 11:35 p.m. The first flight, carrying 419 pilgrims, will depart for Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport at 12:20 a.m. on April 18. A total of 14 flights are scheduled for that day, operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia, and Flynas.

In 2026, 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims are expected to perform Hajj, with 4,565 traveling under the government’s management and 73,935 through private agencies. Under the bilateral Hajj agreement, Biman Bangladesh Airlines will transport 50 percent of the pilgrims, while Saudia will carry 35 percent and Flynas 15 percent. The pre-Hajj flight phase will conclude on May 21 after 207 flights.

Return flights will begin on May 30 and continue until July 1, marking the end of the 2026 Hajj flight operations.

Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir met with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Thursday, according to reports. Details of the meeting have not yet been made public. The meeting took place during Munir’s visit to Tehran, where he arrived with a high-level political and security delegation.

Ghalibaf had earlier led the Iranian delegation in talks between the United States and Iran held in Islamabad the previous Saturday. Iranian media, citing officials, reported that Munir’s visit aimed to deliver “America’s message and plans for a second round of discussions.” During his trip, Munir also met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The developments suggest Pakistan’s continuing involvement in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran, though no official confirmation of mediation outcomes has been released.

Jaima Rahman, granddaughter of the late BNP Chairperson and three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, accepted the posthumous Independence Award on her behalf. The award was presented by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. during a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The event honored individuals and institutions for their exceptional contributions to the nation, with ministers, senior officials, and invited guests in attendance.

This year, the government selected Khaleda Zia for the Independence Award in recognition of her contributions to independence, democracy, women’s education, and national development. Alongside her, 14 other distinguished individuals and five institutions were chosen for the 2026 awards, including figures from science, literature, culture, sports, social service, and environmental conservation.

The Independence Award is Bangladesh’s highest national honor, given for outstanding contributions to the country’s independence, liberation war, and other national achievements.

Turkey has called for constructive dialogue between the United States and Iran to help end their ongoing conflict. The Turkish government said it will continue supporting efforts aimed at establishing peace between the two sides, according to Al Jazeera. As a NATO member and neighbor of Iran, Turkey stated that it maintains regular contact with the U.S., Iran, and mediator Pakistan, repeatedly urging an end to hostilities.

During a weekly briefing, Turkey’s Defense Ministry said it would keep providing necessary assistance to turn the current ceasefire into lasting peace and prevent further complications. The ministry also expressed hope that all parties involved in the discussions would play constructive roles.

A Turkish diplomatic source added that the foreign ministers of Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are scheduled to meet later in the week in Antalya, southern Turkey, on the sidelines of a diplomatic forum. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Sharif is expected to visit Turkey after his trip to Qatar.

Lebanese television channel Al Jadeed reported that a potential tripartite phone conversation is being arranged between Israel, Lebanon, and the United States to discuss a possible ceasefire. According to the report, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to represent Washington in the talks. Diplomatic sources said mediators are attempting to establish contact between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

The report noted that Rubio had earlier hosted the first meeting in decades between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington on Tuesday. However, there has been no official confirmation of the planned phone call. An Israeli minister told local media that Netanyahu would speak with Aoun, while Lebanese officials privately stated they were unaware of any such plan.

President Aoun said in a statement that a ceasefire with Israel would serve as a “natural gateway” for future direct negotiations, though he made no direct comment on the reported phone call.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Amir Allama Mamunul Haque announced that a nationwide movement will be organized to ensure the full implementation of the referendum. Speaking on Wednesday night at a meeting of the party’s Dhaka North unit in Mohammadpur, he said the referendum has become a national demand and an effective way to reflect the people’s aspirations. He urged citizens to remain alert and united so that the government cannot manipulate or delay the process.

The meeting was held to prepare for a mass rally scheduled for April 24 at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan, aimed at pressing for the implementation of the referendum’s outcome. Mamunul Haque reaffirmed that the party has maintained a clear and principled stance in favor of the referendum and will continue its movement until the demand is realized.

The event was presided over by Dhaka North President Maulana Anwar Hossain Raji and attended by several central and local leaders. The meeting adopted detailed plans and called on all members to make maximum preparations for the upcoming rally.

Bangladesh National Parliament Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram stated that the country’s liberation and prosperity are not possible without democracy. Speaking to journalists at Barishal Circuit House on Thursday morning, he said that a parliament formed through a neutral election can lead Bangladesh forward. He emphasized that strengthening democratic institutions is essential for achieving economic progress.

The Speaker reflected on the nation’s political history, noting that at times autocratic rulers had oppressed the people, but students and youth movements restored democracy through public struggle. He described politics as a positive force that has increased public awareness and commitment to democratic values. He also referred to the end of a 16-year period of autocratic rule as a proud chapter for Bangladesh.

Hafiz Uddin expressed hope that the newly formed parliament would continue to advance the country under a firmly established democratic system. Earlier in the day, he was given a guard of honor at Barishal Circuit House before departing for his constituency in Bhola.

The Bangladesh Hawkers Union organized a rally on Thursday in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, presenting a 10-point demand that includes halting forced evictions of hawkers without rehabilitation and allocating cleared government land for their use. Union leaders said hawkers across the country, particularly in Dhaka, have faced harsh eviction drives in recent weeks, resulting in destruction of goods and loss of livelihoods.

Speakers at the rally called for immediate enactment of a livelihood protection law to safeguard hawkers’ rights. They alleged that hawkers are being subjected to daily crackdowns, extortion, and harassment, leaving thousands without income. The union urged hawkers nationwide to unite in protest to secure their demands.

Their demands include recognition of hawkers’ economic contributions, prevention of extortion, preparation of an official list of genuine hawkers, allocation of cleared government land for rehabilitation, a five-year master plan, budgetary allocation for hawkers, and fair distribution of stalls in hawkers’ markets.

The Dhaka WASA Diploma Engineers Association (DWDEA) has announced its new 25-member central executive committee for the 2026–2027 term. The announcement was made on Sunday through a joint statement signed by outgoing president and retired executive engineer Md. Abdur Rob Mia, outgoing general secretary and retired executive engineer Md. Arman Bhuiya, and executive member and sub-divisional engineer Md. Hasibul Hasan. The newly elected president is Md. Moniruzzaman, with Md. Billal Hossain as senior vice-president and Md. Nur Hossain as general secretary.

The committee also includes vice-presidents Md. Golam Mostafa and Md. Mizanur Rahman, along with several other office bearers responsible for organizational, publicity, cultural, welfare, and technology affairs. The new leadership aims to strengthen the association’s role in supporting diploma engineers within Dhaka WASA.

President Md. Moniruzzaman stated that he intends to serve the next two years with cooperation and guidance from all members, striving to make the association a stronger and more engineer-friendly unit.

A Chattogram court has sentenced Mujibul Haque Chowdhury, chairman of Chambal Union in Banshkhali and Awami League convener, to seven years in prison in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The verdict was delivered on Thursday, April 16, 2026, by Special Judge Mizanur Rahman. The court also imposed a fine, with an additional one-year jail term in default of payment. Mujibul, who had earlier threatened former US ambassador to Dhaka Peter Haas, remains absconding.

According to the case details, the ACC’s Chattogram office filed two separate cases on December 28, 2023, against Mujibul and his wife, Saheda Begum. Investigators alleged that Mujibul illegally acquired assets worth about Tk 5.67 million beyond known income sources, failing to show valid documents for remittances from his time in Saudi Arabia between 1992 and 2010. His wife faces a separate case over Tk 8.66 million in alleged illegal assets, which is still under trial.

The report also notes that Mujibul was previously accused of embezzling government funds meant for the ultra-poor and was temporarily suspended after making abusive remarks about international figures, including US President Joe Biden and economist Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented the country’s highest civilian honor, the Independence Award 2026, to this year’s recipients at a ceremony held on Thursday, April 16, at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The award recognizes outstanding contributions at the national level, and this year 15 distinguished individuals and 5 institutions were honored. The list of awardees had been announced earlier on March 5 by the Cabinet Division.

Among the recipients, former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was posthumously honored for her contributions to independence, democracy, and women’s education. Other honorees include Major Mohammad Abul Jalil (posthumous) and Faujdarhat Cadet College for Liberation War, Professor Dr. Zohurul Karim for science and technology, and Dhaka Medical College Hospital for medicine. Cultural figures AKM Hanif (Hanif Sanket) and Bashir Ahmed (posthumous) were recognized for culture, while Dr. Ashraf Siddiqui (posthumous) received the award for literature.

Each awardee received an 18-carat gold medal weighing 50 grams, a certificate, and a monetary honorarium. Khaleda Zia’s granddaughter Zayma Rahman accepted the award on her behalf.