Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie said that BNP leader M Ilias Ali was a dedicated and courageous figure who fought for democracy and free elections in Bangladesh. Speaking on Friday, April 17, 2026, after Jumma prayers at the Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) Dargah Mosque in Sylhet, Annie stated that Ilias Ali might not have been abducted if he had not spoken for the people’s rights. The event was a prayer gathering organized by the Sylhet District BNP, seeking the safe return of the missing leader.

Annie added that the BNP had come to power through the people’s mandate after years of struggle and that Tarique Rahman was now serving as Prime Minister. He mentioned that many BNP activists had been victims of repression and casualties during the July–August movement. Annie also announced that Tarique Rahman would soon visit Sylhet to inaugurate the Bhasia River dredging project and the “Notun Kuri Sports” program at the district stadium.

Sylhet District BNP President Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury and MP Emran Ahmad Chowdhury also spoke, describing Ilias Ali as a symbol of public rights and calling his disappearance a tragic and unresolved issue.

A controversy has erupted in Feni after district council administrator and local BNP leader Professor M A Khalek allegedly received a ‘VIP protocol’ and ‘guard of honor’ from school students. The incident took place on Thursday during the annual sports competition at Motobi Adarsha High School in Feni Sadar upazila. Witnesses said students lined up to welcome him with flowers and red ribbons in a military-style formation, a gesture usually reserved for heads of state or war heroes.

The event drew sharp criticism on social media and among locals, who questioned the appropriateness of using students for such displays. Many argued that even the prime minister does not accept such protocols, calling the practice undesirable and urging an end to it. Professor Khalek said he did not personally request the arrangement, claiming the school authorities acted out of enthusiasm. Acting head teacher Monindra Kumar Nath said the arrangement followed previous practice but did not clarify the official protocol rules.

The school, with 260 students, reportedly spent about 50,000 taka on the event. Locals linked the incident to political influence and excessive flattery within educational institutions.

Three motorcyclists in Daulatdia, Goaland upazila of Rajbari district, were fined by a mobile court for driving without valid licenses while collecting fuel at a local filling station. The inspection, held on Friday morning through noon, was part of a monitoring initiative by the upazila administration to ensure orderly fuel distribution. Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Muntasib Hasan Khan led the operation.

During the inspection, officials checked vehicle documents and found that three riders failed to produce valid driving licenses. Each was fined 1,000 taka under Section 66 of the Road Transport Act, 2018, for violating Section 4 of the same law. In default of payment, each would face three days of simple imprisonment. The administration stated that such drives are being conducted regularly to restore discipline on roads and discourage unlicensed driving.

Local residents expressed that regular enforcement could help reduce road accidents and improve compliance with traffic laws.

U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected an offer of assistance from NATO to help ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said NATO had contacted him with a proposal to support operations in the area, but he advised the alliance to stay away. He remarked that NATO could only come if it wanted to refuel its ships and criticized the alliance as a 'paper tiger.'

The rejection follows earlier tensions when several NATO member states declined to join a U.S.-led naval blockade in the same region. Trump’s latest comments highlight the continuing strain between Washington and its traditional allies over security cooperation in the Gulf. He also expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar for their courage and cooperation during the crisis.

Trump’s stance toward NATO has sparked renewed debate in international circles about the future of transatlantic defense coordination amid ongoing instability in the Hormuz Strait.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that it is reviewing Bangladesh’s request to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been residing in New Delhi since leaving Dhaka on August 5, 2024. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated at a weekly press briefing in New Delhi on Friday that the request is being examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes, and that India will continue constructive discussions with all concerned parties.

The statement follows Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman’s visit to India on April 8, during which he met Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Rahman later told reporters that Bangladesh had reiterated its earlier request for Hasina’s return under the existing extradition treaty but declined to disclose further details for strategic reasons. Jaiswal emphasized that both sides agreed to explore proposals to deepen bilateral cooperation and that follow-up meetings between officials are expected soon.

The discussions also covered regional and global issues of mutual interest, reflecting both governments’ intent to strengthen ties under Bangladesh’s new administration.

A senior Iranian military official announced that all ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz must now obtain permission from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The directive was disclosed in an interview with Iran’s state television. Another Iranian government official told Reuters that commercial vessels, including those flying the U.S. flag, will be allowed passage, but warships or naval vessels from any country will not receive authorization.

Tehran indicated that the move aims to maintain security and control over the strategic waterway, which is vital for global energy trade. The decision comes amid renewed tensions surrounding the strait, drawing international attention to Iran’s assertion of authority over the route.

The statement reinforces Iran’s position that while commercial trade will continue, it will not tolerate foreign military presence in the area, underscoring its firm stance on sovereignty and regional control.

Britain and France have announced a joint international mission aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement after a meeting in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron, stating that the mission will begin once conditions are favorable. The initiative is described as peaceful and defensive, focusing on protecting commercial vessels and assisting in mine clearance at sea.

Starmer called on other nations to join the mission, noting that at least a dozen countries have already pledged resources and equipment. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for global energy trade, and recent tensions have heightened concerns over maritime security in the area.

According to Starmer, maintaining the safety of this route is a collective responsibility of the international community to protect global trade interests.

Real estate firm Coral Reef Properties has been accused of fraud, forgery, and embezzlement in constructing a 15‑storey building in Chattogram’s Agrabad area, allegedly violating Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) regulations. The company reportedly failed to hand over promised flats to landowners, sold the same units to multiple buyers, and forged signatures to create fake contracts. Police investigations confirmed the landowners’ allegations, while the developer’s counter‑case was found baseless.

The project began in 2012 under a contract with 30 land heirs, requiring completion within three years. Despite CDA approval in 2014, the company delayed construction and withheld compensation owed to owners. Complaints also cite illegal conversion of parking areas into shops and unauthorized hotel‑style modifications. The dispute has escalated into multiple lawsuits and local tensions.

Sources said Coral Reef’s fraudulent activities extended to Cox’s Bazar, where it allegedly deceived thousands of investors through false hotel ownership promises. The company’s offices are now unresponsive, and residents fear potential violent clashes over flat ownership disputes.

Bangladesh began their three-match ODI series against New Zealand with a 26-run defeat at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Friday. Despite a strong bowling performance that restricted New Zealand to 247 for 8, the hosts were bowled out for 221 in 48.3 overs. Shariful Islam, returning after 17 months, impressed with figures of 2 for 27, while Rishad Hossain and Taskin Ahmed also contributed effectively.

Bangladesh’s chase faltered early as both Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Najmul Hossain Shanto were dismissed by Nathan Smith in the fourth over. A 93-run stand between Saif Hasan (57) and Liton Das (46) revived hopes, but subsequent wickets derailed the innings. Towhid Hridoy’s 55-run effort was not enough to avert defeat. For New Zealand, Blair Tickner took four wickets and Smith claimed three.

New Zealand’s innings was anchored by Henry Nicholls’ 68 and Dean Foxcroft’s 59, helping them recover from early setbacks. Notably, the visitors did not hit a single six in their innings, a rare occurrence in a full 50-over match at Mirpur. The win gave New Zealand a 1–0 lead in the series.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that military operations against Hezbollah would continue, only hours after a ten-day ceasefire took effect in Lebanon. In a recorded message, he stated that Israel’s mission to eliminate Hezbollah was not yet complete and that the military had specific plans to counter remaining rocket and drone threats. Netanyahu reiterated that destroying Hezbollah’s military capability remained Israel’s main objective.

In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a strong warning on social media, declaring that Israel would no longer be allowed to bomb Lebanon. Expressing frustration, Trump wrote, “Enough is enough.” His statement came as a direct rebuke to Netanyahu’s stance, signaling a rare public disagreement between the two allies.

Observers fear that Netanyahu’s declaration could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire, especially after the United States, Israel’s key ally, openly opposed further military action. The next steps from the Israeli leadership remain uncertain amid growing international scrutiny.

Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain fully open to all commercial vessels during the ongoing ceasefire in Lebanon. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the decision on social media, stating that the move aligns with Iran’s support for peace and solidarity with the Lebanese truce. The permission for cargo and trade ships will remain valid for the duration of the ceasefire.

Despite Iran’s announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the existing naval blockade on Iran will remain in force. He emphasized that the blockade would not be relaxed until all aspects of a pending agreement with Iran are finalized. Trump expressed optimism that the process could conclude soon, citing progress in negotiations on most key points.

The statement came amid international efforts to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts view Trump’s firm stance as a signal that Washington intends to maintain pressure on Tehran to secure a swift and comprehensive deal. The blockade continues to target Iran’s oil exports and broader trade activities.

The Power Development Board (PDB) has announced that electricity supply will remain suspended for eight consecutive hours across large parts of Sylhet city on Saturday, April 18, due to urgent repair and development works. The outage will last from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to a notice signed by Abdur Razzak, Executive Engineer of the Sales and Distribution Division-2 of the Sylhet PDB.

The suspension will affect areas under the 11 kV feeder, including Chalibandar, Kastoghar, Sobhanighat, Bishwaroad, Zailroad, Bandar Bazar, Amjad Ali Road, Kalighat, Chararpar, Machimpur, Mahajanpotti, Hawkers Market, Laldighirpar, Dakbangla Road, Burhan Uddin Mazar area, Shaplabag, Kushighat, Mendibag, Mirapara, Noagaon, Sadatikor, Mirerchak, Muktirchak, Muradpur, Tultikor, and Pirerchak.

The PDB stated that power supply will be restored as soon as the maintenance work is completed and apologized to consumers for the temporary inconvenience, requesting public cooperation during the repair period.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sent special gifts for Bangladeshi pilgrims traveling for Hajj this year. The gifts, sent on his behalf, arrived at the Dhaka Hajj Office on Friday. According to the office’s director, Md. Lokman Hossain, the items include one hundred thousand bottles of mineral water, which are being distributed to pilgrims at the Hajj camp. Additional gift packages containing backpacks, soap, water pots, petroleum jelly, miswak, and Ajwa dates have also been prepared for the passengers of the inaugural Hajj flight.

The inaugural Hajj flight is scheduled to be launched tonight at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, where Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will officiate the ceremony. This year, a total of 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims are set to perform Hajj.

The initiative reflects the government’s gesture of goodwill toward the pilgrims, ensuring they receive essential items before their journey to Saudi Arabia.

Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah organized a symbolic protest in his constituency of Debidwar, Cumilla, by distributing candles among local residents. The event took place on Friday afternoon in Khaiyar village of Rasulpur Union, where he highlighted the suffering of people caused by the ongoing power shortages linked to the national energy crisis.

During his address, Abdullah criticized the government for not acknowledging the real situation, stating that while officials claim there is no fuel shortage, citizens are facing prolonged power outages. He explained that the candle distribution was intended as a symbolic act to draw attention to the persistent electricity crisis.

Local residents reported that frequent load-shedding has severely disrupted daily life, particularly during the hot weather. They urged the authorities to take immediate action to restore regular electricity supply and reduce public hardship.

A Bangladeshi citizen named Roti Joydhar was killed by gunfire from India’s Border Security Force (BSF) while allegedly attempting to cross into India through the Paliyanpur border in Maheshpur, Jhenaidah. His body was recovered four days later from the Ichamati River, about ten yards inside Bangladeshi territory. Local residents discovered the decomposed body under water hyacinths, prompting Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police to retrieve it.

According to Maheshpur police, the body showed signs of gunshot wounds on the neck, ribs, and back. The deceased was identified through documents found on him and later confirmed by his brother, Ronjit Joydhar. The body was sent to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital for autopsy, and a murder case was filed by the victim’s brother. Roti’s family had moved to India three months earlier, and he was reportedly trying to join them permanently.

The incident has cast a shadow of grief over Roti’s home village in Gopalganj, where preparations are underway for his funeral after the post-mortem examination.