The Lakshmipur District Health Department has set a target to vaccinate 270,830 children against measles. The campaign will run from April 20 to May 10, 2026, covering 11 working days. The announcement was made by Civil Surgeon Dr. Abu Hasan Shahin during a briefing with journalists at the Civil Surgeon’s office on April 18. The vaccination will be administered to children aged six months to five years.

According to the district plan, 97,404 children will be vaccinated in Sadar upazila, 38,652 in Raipur, 44,997 in Ramganj, 35,500 in Kamalnagar, 36,974 in Ramgati, and 17,323 in Lakshmipur municipality. The campaign will be conducted across 1,584 centers with the participation of 183 supervisors, 200 vaccinators, and 400 volunteers.

Journalists, including the president of the Lakshmipur Press Club, attended the briefing session where the campaign details were shared.

The Parliament Secretariat has issued a warning after discovering several fake Facebook groups and pages operating under the name of Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaisar Kamal. In a notice released on Saturday, April 18, 2026, it stated that misleading and intentionally distorted posts were being shared from accounts such as one titled “Barrister Kaisar Kamal Fan.” The Secretariat clarified that the Deputy Speaker has no involvement with these activities.

According to the notice, Kaisar Kamal does not manage any unofficial Facebook pages or groups and only uses his verified account. All other pages or groups using his name have been labeled as fraudulent and misleading. The public has been urged not to engage with or share content from these fake platforms.

The Secretariat further cautioned that individuals or organizations found deliberately spreading such misinformation will be held responsible. Legal measures against these deceptive activities are already underway, the notice added.

Japan and Australia have signed a major defense agreement worth 10 billion Australian dollars, equivalent to about 7 billion US dollars, for the supply of advanced warships. The memorandum of understanding was signed in Melbourne on Saturday by Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, reaffirming both governments’ commitment to the successful implementation of the project.

Under the agreement, Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will deliver three advanced Mogami-class multi-role frigates to the Royal Australian Navy starting in 2029. An additional eight frigates will later be built at the Henderson Shipyard near Perth in Western Australia. Japan’s defense ministry said the deal strengthens bilateral defense relations and formalizes the process of supplying general-purpose frigates.

According to the report, Australia plans to deploy the new warships to protect key maritime trade routes and access points in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Analysts noted that the agreement adds a new dimension to regional security strategy amid China’s growing military presence.

Rashed Pradhan, vice president and spokesperson of the National Democratic Party (JAGPA), has alleged that overly enthusiastic supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have been issuing him death threats. Speaking at an emergency press conference at the National Press Club on Saturday, he said his and his wife’s phone numbers were circulated on social media, leading to harassment and embarrassment. He clarified that his recent political statement represented only JAGPA’s position, not that of the 11-party alliance or Jamaat.

Pradhan stated that BNP supporters were verbally abusing him over the phone and threatening his life. He criticized the behavior as a troubling example of the state of free speech in post-July uprising Bangladesh. He also condemned the online harassment of his wife, who is not involved in politics, and denounced false claims labeling his late father, JAGPA founder Shafiul Alam Pradhan, and his grandfather as collaborators or killers.

He urged BNP supporters to verify historical facts before making accusations and called on citizens to support healthy political practices and genuine democracy in Bangladesh.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman visited measles patients at the Shishu Hospital in Dhaka’s Shyamoli area on Saturday at 11 a.m. He toured several wards with attending doctors, inquired about the patients’ conditions, and held a discussion with medical staff about hospital issues. Senior party leaders including MP Saiful Alam Khan Milon and several central executive members accompanied him during the visit.

During a press briefing, Dr. Rahman said he came to observe the measles situation in the country and noted that the hospital had more patients than available beds. He pledged to raise the issue in parliament. He criticized the overall state of the health sector, describing hospitals as overcrowded and lacking intensive care facilities for measles treatment. He also remarked that while government records show many initiatives, the reality is different.

Later, Dr. Rahman visited a petrol station at Asad Gate, where he observed fuel shortages and long queues, blaming the government for mismanagement and public suffering.

The Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) has issued a recruitment notice for the position of Medical Retainer. The job is temporary and based in Dhaka. Applications opened on April 10, 2026, and will remain open until May 4, 2026. Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply, with a maximum age limit of 45 years as of April 9, 2026. Affidavits will not be accepted as proof of age.

Applicants must submit their applications offline by post, including all required documents, to the Director, Employee Administration Department, Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board, Head Office Building (2nd Floor), Nikunja-2, Khilkhet, Dhaka-1229. A bank draft or pay order of 1,000 taka payable to the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board must be included with the application.

The authority has requested candidates to complete their applications within the specified time frame and ensure all necessary documents are attached before submission.

The Indian Income Tax Department conducted a raid on the home and campaign office of Trinamool Congress candidate Debashis Kumar in the Rashbehari constituency of West Bengal. The operation began on Friday morning, just days before the state assembly elections. Searches were also carried out at his mother-in-law’s flat. The raids drew a crowd of Trinamool workers and supporters outside Kumar’s residence.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the action, alleging that authorities were targeting Trinamool offices while ignoring illegal money operations elsewhere. The reason for the raid has not yet been clarified. Recently, the Enforcement Directorate had summoned Debashis Kumar in connection with a land fraud case.

Debashis Kumar is contesting against BJP candidate Swapan Dasgupta in the Rashbehari seat, where the BJP expects a strong performance. The timing of the raid, so close to the election, has added political tension in the constituency.

RAB-6 has arrested Badsha, the main accused in an attempted murder case and a member of the criminal group known as 'B Company', in Khulna. The arrest took place around 10 p.m. on Thursday in the Rajbandh area under Harintana Police Station. According to a press release issued by RAB-6 headquarters on Saturday morning, Badsha, aged 19, is the son of Naimuddin Sana from Deyara village in Koyra upazila.

Acting on a tip-off, RAB conducted a raid at a tin-shed house owned by Ayesha Chowdhury in Rajbandh and detained Badsha. He had been listed as the number one fugitive accused in a case filed over the shooting of a youth named Faim on November 9 of the previous year in the Rayermohol area under Awrangghata Police Station.

During preliminary questioning, Badsha reportedly admitted to keeping illegal firearms used in various crimes. After his arrest, he was handed over to Awrangghata Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan announced that the government has taken steps to introduce a pension scheme for senior journalists to ensure their financial security. He made the statement on Saturday while visiting ailing journalist Ismail Hossain Negaban at Bangladesh Medical University. The minister said that although the media is considered the fourth pillar of a modern democratic state, journalists often work without institutional protection, leaving them vulnerable to financial uncertainty.

Swapan noted that the financial well-being of senior journalists has long been neglected and that the government’s new initiative aims to address this gap. He emphasized that journalism is a respected profession, yet many veteran journalists face hardship in their later years. The government is working to help them live with dignity.

The minister also stated that the government is strengthening the Journalist Welfare Trust and developing policies to ensure media freedom and responsibility. During the visit, he handed over a financial assistance cheque of 100,000 taka to Ismail Hossain Negaban on behalf of the trust.

Authorities in Syedpur, Nilphamari detained seven individuals for illegally smuggling fuel using a covered van and an ambulance disguised as a mobile filling station. The mobile court seized approximately 80,000 liters of stored fuel during a raid conducted on Friday night at Messrs Rokeya Filling Station along the Syedpur bypass road. The operation was led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Md Sabbir Hossain, assisted by local police.

Officials reported that the group had been modifying ambulances and covered vans with hidden tanks to transport fuel illegally. Acting on a tip-off, the mobile court intercepted the vehicles and confiscated the fuel. One detainee was fined 200,000 taka, while the remaining six were fined 10,000 taka each. Two vehicles containing fuel were also seized.

The administration stated that the confiscated fuel would be sold through nearby authorized pumps, with proceeds deposited into the state treasury. Authorities further announced that strict and regular operations would continue against those hoarding fuel to create artificial shortages.

A railway police officer in Khulna, Bangladesh, died from a self-inflicted gunshot while on duty early Saturday morning. The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. on April 18, 2026, at the Khulna Railway District Office in the Sonadanga residential area. The deceased was identified as Samrat Biswas, 27, who was stationed at the Bangladesh Railway Police Line in Khulna. Senior officials from the Khulna Railway District and Sonadanga Police Station arrived at the scene and began an initial investigation.

According to police sources, Samrat Biswas was the son of Shailen Biswas from Kalia Upazila in Gopalganj, and his wife, Puja Biswas, serves as a police officer in Satkhira district. Khulna Railway Police Superintendent Ahmad Naimul Hasan stated that Biswas shot himself in the head with his issued Chinese rifle while seated on duty between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. Preliminary findings suggest family issues may have led to the suicide, though authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause.

Further details about the motive or findings from the ongoing investigation have not yet been disclosed.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Shipping Sheikh Robiul Alam said that maritime cadets are prepared to lead the country’s progress through sea routes and represent Bangladesh internationally. He made the remarks on Saturday morning while addressing the passing-out parade of the 28th batch at Chattogram Maritime Institute. The minister emphasized that education should ensure both physical and mental development, describing the cadets as national assets who will showcase Bangladesh’s capability and professionalism at ports around the world.

He highlighted the importance of technical education, noting that skill-based training creates employment opportunities, unlike purely academic qualifications that can lead to unemployment. Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that since the 1990s, maritime training programs have produced thousands of skilled professionals contributing significantly to the national economy. He also assured that further expansion of the maritime sector is planned to strengthen Bangladesh’s global presence.

The minister advised cadets to maintain health awareness, including using sunscreen during long parades. The event was attended by institute teachers, officials, and guardians, who were impressed by the cadets’ disciplined march and performance.

Rumee Farhana, Member of Parliament from Brahmanbaria-2 and former BNP leader, has dismissed rumors about her joining the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP). Speaking on Friday during a Deutsche Welle (Bangla) talk show, she said the speculation had no basis and was entirely false. She clarified that although several political parties approached her after her expulsion from the BNP, she had not accepted any such offer.

Farhana explained that the NCP had invited her to join, citing her active political role and past experiences, but she did not pursue the matter. She emphasized that she would not join any political alliance merely to gain more speaking opportunities in parliament. According to her, there are many platforms to express opinions without compromising personal political ideals and principles.

Her remarks directly counter recent discussions about her possible alignment with the NCP, reaffirming her independent political stance following her departure from the BNP.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid has directed officials to take immediate action wherever fertilizer is sold at inflated prices. Speaking on Saturday at a public gathering in Harindhara Primary School field after inspecting Gomti River and Jayanta Canal in Burichang upazila, Cumilla, he instructed agricultural officers to collect evidence in plain clothes, record videos, and take written undertakings from violators to ensure accountability.

The minister emphasized that about 70 percent of the population is involved in agriculture and that protecting farmers’ interests is a key government responsibility. He said the government has fixed the purchase price of paddy based on production costs to ensure fair returns for farmers. Under a pre-piloting phase, farmer cards have been distributed in 11 agricultural blocks across 10 districts, providing Tk 2,500 in assistance to marginal and small farmers.

Rashid also announced the construction of a modern vegetable storage facility at Nimsar market to help farmers preserve produce and sell at fair prices. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to act against syndicates inflating prices of fertilizer, seeds, and pesticides.

Many vessels are still avoiding the Strait of Hormuz despite Iran’s announcement that the key waterway is open to all commercial shipping. Maritime transport expert Jean-Paul Rodrigue of Texas A&M University told Al Jazeera that contradictory information from multiple sides has kept many ships from using the route. He said that although some vessels have attempted to pass through since the announcement, many have turned back due to ongoing uncertainty.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier declared the strait fully open to commercial traffic. However, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that if the United States continues to impose blockades on Iranian ports, the strait would not remain open. Rodrigue noted that major shipping companies such as Maersk would only feel comfortable resuming transit once all Iranian restrictions or controls are completely lifted.

The situation underscores the fragile security and trade environment in one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, with uncertainty still shaping global shipping decisions.