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.

National Professor Dr. A K Azad Khan, president of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh and former chairman of the Health Reform Commission, has called on the government to provide insulin free of cost to type-1 diabetes patients. Speaking at a press briefing on April 15 at BIRDEM Hospital in Dhaka, he said that insulin is essential for survival and that diabetic patients have the right to live. He emphasized that type-1 patients are the most vulnerable as they depend entirely on insulin.

Dr. Azad explained that diabetes has become a global epidemic, with developing countries experiencing faster growth rates than developed ones. The Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, founded in 1956 by National Professor Mohammad Ibrahim, now operates in 61 districts with 94 affiliated members. The association provides free services worth about Tk 1.19 billion annually, while the government contributes around Tk 300 million. He added that the organization is expanding services through mosque-based initiatives and cross-financing support.

He also noted that nearly 80 percent of diabetes cases can be prevented through lifestyle changes and physical activity, stressing the importance of early prevention and public awareness.

A rubber trader named Omar Faruk, aged 30, was allegedly attacked in Lama upazila of Bandarban after refusing to pay Tk 1 million in extortion money. The allegation was made by his father, Abdus Sabur Babul, during a press conference at the Lama Reporters Unity auditorium on Thursday evening. He claimed that Mahfuz Alam alias Masum, 28, and his associates had long been threatening them for money. Despite paying Tk 15,000 earlier, the group reportedly demanded Tk 1 million more and threatened to destroy their rubber plantation if unpaid.

According to Babul, the attackers, led by Mahfuz Alam, assaulted Omar Faruk on April 14 near Badon’s computer shop in Aziznagar Bazar while he was returning home on a motorcycle with two employees. The assailants allegedly used hockey sticks and iron rods, leaving Faruk seriously injured. He was first taken to Lohagara Health Complex and later transferred to Chittagong Medical College Hospital for treatment. The family has sought administrative protection and is preparing to file a case.

Mahfuz Alam has denied all allegations, calling them false.

Md. Jasim Uddin from Shariatpur donated one of his kidneys to save his wife, Minara Begum, who had been suffering from kidney failure. The transplant was successfully performed on March 5 at Shyamoli CKD and Urology Hospital in Dhaka. Following the surgery, Minara has been recovering gradually and is now living in a rented house in Dhaka with her husband and son, under medical supervision.

According to family sources, Minara’s illness began two years ago with high blood pressure and other complications, eventually leading to kidney failure and a tumor. Her mother initially volunteered to donate a kidney but was found unfit due to heart disease. Facing financial hardship and emotional distress, Jasim decided to donate his own kidney. The couple, married since 2007, have one son who studies in Dhaka.

Local residents and officials, including the chairman of Kuchaipatti Union Parishad, praised Jasim’s decision as an extraordinary example of love and selflessness that has deeply moved the community.

New Zealand captain Tom Latham expressed confidence in winning the upcoming series against Bangladesh, even though his team is composed largely of second-string players. Many of New Zealand’s regular cricketers are currently engaged in franchise leagues, while several ‘A’ team members are also unavailable. Speaking at a pre-series press conference in Mirpur on April 16, 2026, Latham said the team’s main goal is to win the series and emphasized the need to learn and improve with each match.

Latham acknowledged that several players in the current squad have limited experience playing in subcontinental conditions. He noted that the more they play in Bangladesh, the better it will be for their development. He added that if the team can learn and adapt, they might create an opportunity to win by the end of the series. Historically, New Zealand has had mixed results in Bangladesh, winning seven and losing eight of their 16 ODIs there.

Latham also highlighted the responsibility of experienced players like himself to guide younger teammates and help them adjust to local conditions during the series.

Maruf Al Hasan, who was shot during the 2024 Rajshahi protest, testified on Tuesday as the 25th witness in the International Crimes Tribunal-2 case against former bridge minister Obaidul Quader and six others. He described joining the anti-discrimination student movement on July 15, 2024, and participating in a demonstration on August 5 that turned violent when groups from the Awami League, Jubo League, Swechchhasebak League, and Chhatra League allegedly attacked protesters. Hasan said he was shot in his right hand and later underwent multiple surgeries in Rajshahi and Dhaka hospitals.

In his testimony, Hasan stated that the attack was carried out jointly by ruling party activists and police, resulting in several injuries and deaths among protesters. He named several political figures, including then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and senior Awami League leaders, as responsible for the violence and demanded maximum punishment for those involved.

The tribunal continues to hear witness statements in the case concerning alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution events.

The Bangladesh government has decided to reinstate November 7 as National Revolution and Solidarity Day starting this year. The decision was approved during a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday at the Secretariat. Cabinet Secretary Md. Nasimul Gani announced the decision at a press briefing later that evening, confirming that the day will be classified as a Category ‘A’ holiday, meaning government offices will remain closed. Additionally, July 6 will be observed as National Rural Development Day, though it will not be a public holiday.

According to the report, November 7 holds deep political significance in Bangladesh’s history. On that day in 1975, a historic uprising by soldiers and civilians reshaped the country’s political landscape and freed then Army Chief Major General Ziaur Rahman from detention. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies have long commemorated the date as National Revolution and Solidarity Day. The day was previously a public holiday under BNP governments but was later removed by the Awami League administration.

The reinstatement marks a return of official recognition to a politically symbolic date that had been absent from the national calendar for several years.