PEN Bangladesh Condemns Brutal Mob Attack in Kushtia
PEN Bangladesh has expressed deep concern and grief over the incident in Kushtia where a man named Shamim Reza Jahangir was beaten to death. Regarding the incident that took place on Saturday (April 11), the organization clearly stated that in a democratic society, there is no place for extrajudicial violence such as mob violence or lynching. These statements were made in a press release issued on Monday (April 13).
Irrigation Halted in Rangpur Due to Diesel Shortage, Boro Fields Cracking Dry
A severe fuel crisis in Rangpur has caused extreme disruption in agriculture. Irrigation pumps are on the verge of shutting down due to a shortage of diesel. Boro paddy fields are cracking dry. Farmers have become helpless.
End of an Era: Legendary Singer Asha Bhosle No More
A bright star of the Indian music world, legendary singer Asha Bhosle is no more. She breathed her last on Sunday (April 12) while undergoing treatment at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.
Shrine attacked, vandalized and set on fire in Kushtia; pir killed
An attack, vandalism, and arson took place at a shrine in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia, centering on allegations of desecration of the Quran. In the attack, the shrine’s ‘chief pir’ Abdur Rahman, also known as Shamim (65), was killed. Three others were also injured during the incident.
Ban on Awami League activities “undemocratic”: 101 journalists statement
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has passed a law in parliament banning the activities of the Bangladesh Awami League. However, banning the activities of a political party through legal means is contrary to democratic practice. In protest against this development, 101 journalists have issued a statement.
Concern of Ain o Salish Kendra over the arrest process of former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury
According to information published in the media, on the night of April 6, 2026, former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was detained by law enforcement agencies from a relative’s residence in Dhanmondi and taken to the DB office. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) stated that it is not reasonable to show a woman as detained in this manner at midnight. It is necessary to clarify whether the arrest process could have been conducted during the daytime in a transparent and procedural manner.
Sharp Rise in Visa Rejections Worsens Prospects for Bangladeshi Students
The situation is becoming increasingly difficult for Bangladeshi students interested in going to Australia for higher studies. The rate of obtaining student visas in the country has dropped sharply. At the same time, the rejection rate has also increased.
No Fertilizer Stock for Upcoming Season, Warns Secretary Obaidur Rahman
Due to a shortage of required gas, fertilizer factories across the country have been shutting down one after another. Even fertilizer imports from the Middle East are not possible. In such a situation, Industries Secretary Obaidur Rahman delivered more bad news. He clearly stated that the government does not have the required fertilizer for the upcoming season.
BNP Faced 150K Cases in 20 Years, Bangladesh Awami League Faces 100K+ in 20 Months
After the change of government on August 5, 2024, the Bangladesh Awami League claims that in just 20 months, more than one hundred thousand cases have been filed against its leaders and activists across the country. Although it could not provide exact statistics, the party described these cases as retaliatory and false. On the other hand, the police have termed this claim as “propaganda and unrealistic.”
Consumers Pay Tk 2,200 for LPG Cylinder Despite Government Fixing Price at Tk 1,728
Even now, after the government increased the price, we are not getting gas at that price. A 12 kg cylinder is nowhere below 2100–2200 taka