DINAJPUR – Bangladesh today has started receiving 5,000 more tonnes of diesel from India through the cross border pipeline, said officials familiar with the process. “Another 5,000 tonnes of diesel has stated coming to Parbatipur Padma Oil depot from India through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline,” Parbatipur Padma Oil depot Manager Md Ahsan Habib Chowdhury said.

He said that the Parbatipur Rail Head depot has started getting the supply since the morning of April 16. According to the ministry, 8,000 tonnes of diesel came to Parbatipur depot from Numaligarh, India on April 14, while 22,000 tonnes of diesel in March. A total of 30,000 tonnes of diesel so far arrived at Parbatipur depot from Numaligarh, India from March to April 14, the sources said.

The depot authorities said that another 7,000 tonnes of diesel will come from Numaligarh Refinery Limited, India, in the next 4 to 5 days. In April Bangladesh will receive a total of 25,000 tonnes of diesel.

“The government is continuing to import diesel from India through pipelines to maintain normal fuel stocks and ensure uninterrupted supply,” said the depot manager. The depot authorities kept the depot open on Friday (holiday) to ensure smooth fuel supply, he said.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: At the 59th Session of the Commission on Population and Development at the UN Headquarters in New York today Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury called for strengthening research and data systems, bridging the digital divide through enhanced international cooperation, technology transfer and capacity building, promoting the ethical use of emerging technologies with strong data privacy safeguards, and investing in digital skills particularly for women and youth while delivering its statement.

Highlighting the critical role of technology and research in achieving ICPD objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals, he noted that nearly one-third of the global population still lacks internet access, limiting opportunities in essential services.

In his statement the Ambassador underlined Bangladesh’s progress in reducing maternal mortality, expanding immunization coverage, strengthening community-based healthcare, promoting women’s empowerment and enhancing collaboration with research institutions. He also emphasized the use of digital health solutions, including telemedicine and real-time disease surveillance.

Stressing the importance of investing in youth, skills development and innovation, Ambassador Chowdhury also acknowledged challenges such as urbanization, climate change, and non-communicable diseases as barrier for sustainable development.

New York: The Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN hosted a luncheon in honor of the Heads of Military Components and Force Commanders serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions at the Mission today hosted by the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury. The event was attended by the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare, Acting Military Adviser of the Office of Military Affairs Lieutenant General Cheryl Pearce along with distinguished Force Commanders, senior UN officials and diplomats.

In his welcoming remarks, the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury expressed deep appreciation for the leadership of Force Commanders and Heads of Military Components serving in challenging UN peacekeeping missions. Paying rich tribute to the peacekeepers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, Ambassador Chowdhury underscored Bangladesh’s readiness to further strengthen its contributions in partnership with the United Nations and the international community.

The programme was moderated by Brigadier General Mohammad Golam Rabbani the Defence Attaché of the Mission who concluded the event by expressing his sincere gratitude to all distinguished guests for their presence.

Dhaka: Six senior officials from Bangladesh’s leading intelligence agencies are set to visit Washington, D.C., following an official invitation from the United States. The visit is scheduled to take place from April 10 to April 15. According to sources, the delegation includes two officials each from three major agencies: the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), the National Security Intelligence (NSI), and the Special Branch (SB). They are expected to depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

The primary objective of the visit is to strengthen bilateral intelligence cooperation and enhance information sharing on internal and regional security matters. During the visit, discussions will focus on security collaboration, strategic coordination, and exchange of intelligence between the two countries.

The Special Branch representatives reportedly include an Additional Inspector General and a Special Superintendent of Police. However, the identities of officials from the other agencies have not been disclosed. The visit has been approved by Bangladesh’s new government, and analysts believe it could further deepen security ties between Bangladesh and the United States.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today sought US$ 2 billion fund from development partners to meet the Bangladesh’s immediate energy needs and safeguard its economic stability.

“The situation before us demands urgency, solidarity, and decisive action. Immediate support for the most vulnerable countries must be at the top of our collective agenda,” he told the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit. “We urge the intentional community to respond swiftly and positively to this call,” he said.

Highlighting the ongoing global energy crisis, the Bangladesh prime minister said the crisis is a stark reminder of their shared vulnerability and interdependence. No nation- regardless of its size or strength- can overcome this challenge in isolation, he said, adding that it demands a coordinated and forward-looking Asian response, to strengthen regional energy security, address immediate supply disruptions, and support the most vulnerable countries.

Tarique Rahman said the energy crisis has already disrupted Bangladesh’s economy. “In response, we have taken a range of short-term measures to contain the impact.”

He said the measures include demand-side management through the rationing of government office and market hours; stabilisation fuel supplies through emergency imports and diversification of sourcing; and consumption controls, including fuel rationing and limits on retail sales to prevent hoarding and panic buying through initiatives such as ‘Fuel App’.

The premier said Bangladesh is concerned that the scale and consequences of this crisis could exceed those of the 1970’s oil shock, which triggered a decade of stalled development in the 1980s.

Since gaining independence in 1971, he said, Bangladesh has worked relentlessly to drive economic growth, lift millions of out poverty, and improve the quality of life for its people.

“Today, these hard-own gains are in danger, facing the real threat of reversal,” he added. Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh is not alone in facing this risk, “nor can we overcome it through national effort alone”.

This moment calls for a decisive and co-ordinated global action, to contain the impact of the ongoing energy crisis, particularly to protect vulnerable countries, including the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), from its severe economic and social impact, he said.

Tarique Rahman appreciated Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for convening this timely and important Summit. Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and heads of the government and states of Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor Leste and representatives of different countries took part in the online summit.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivered concluding remarks at the meeting. While Prime Minister Tarique Rahman delivered his speech at the summit from his Sangshad Bhaban office this afternoon, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Foreign Affairs Adviser M Humayun Kabir were present.

SANGSAD BHABAN – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said that the government has taken necessary steps to formulate and implement action plans based on a 180-day programme to implement the commitments made in the election manifesto.

“In line with the election manifesto, several important programmes have already been taken up on a priority basis and significant progress has been achieved in implementing those,” he said in reply to a starred question from treasury bench member from Pabna-5 Md Shamsur Rahman Simul Biswasin in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair.

Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, said his government has initiated the ‘Family Card’ programme, considering the family as the core unit of development.

The programme has been launched with providing Taka 2,500 per month through ‘Family Card’ to the female heads of 37,814 families in 13 districts and three city corporations primarily to give protection to marginalised and low-income families, he added.

The Prime Minister also said the ‘Farmer Card’ programme was launched on April 14 aimed at ensuring agricultural development and providing benefits to farmers such as subsidized agricultural inputs, irrigation facilities, and easy access to agricultural loans and machinery. In the pre-pilot phase, he said, the programme is being implemented in 11 agricultural blocks across 11 upazilas in 10 districts.

Additionally, as per the ruling BNP’s election pledge, Tarique Rahman said agricultural loans up to Taka 10,000 in crops, livestock, and fisheries sectors have been waived. To this end, he said, the government has already allocated a budget of Taka 1,567.96 crore, benefiting about 13 lakh 17 thousand 500 farmers across the country.

The Prime Minister said under the 180-day priority programme of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, honorarium and festival allowances have already been sent to the bank accounts of 9,102 people working in mosques, temples, Buddhist monasteries/pagodas and churches under a pilot scheme.

The process of expanding the programme is underway, he added. Tarique Rahman also mentioned that an initiative has been taken to introduce ‘e-Health Cards’, and a project is awaiting approval to this end. Under the project, providing medical services through the e-health card to the people of five districts- Khulna, Noakhali, Bogra, Sirajganj and Narsingdi- will be launched within 180 days, he said.

About the canal excavation program, the Prime Minister said, the canal excavation/re-excavation programme under the government’s 180-day plans started on March 16. Until June this year, the Ministry of Water Resources, Local Government Department and Ministry of Agriculture will excavate/re-excavate 1,204 kilometers of canals, he said.

Besides, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief will re-excavate/renovate 1,500 kilometers of canals through Kabikha (food for work), Kabita (money for work) and TR (Test Relief) during this period, the premier added.

“Our plan is to excavate and re-excavate a total of 20,000 kilometers of canals and rivers in the next 5 years,” the Leader of the House said.

Tarique Rahman said that 1.5 crore saplings of various species have already been produced for afforestation with the aim of planting 25 crore trees and creating green jobs in five years.

“The produced saplings will be planted in the upcoming monsoon this year,” he added.

About the education sector, the Prime Minister said activities are going on to distribute uniforms among 2 lakh government primary school students free of cost in this fiscal year.

In addition, the implementation of the ‘One Teacher One Tab’ plan has started in various schools in phases, he said, adding, free Wi-Fi will be introduced in 2,336 technical institutions and 8,232 madrasahs across the country within 180 days to modernize technical and madrasa education.

About the infrastructural development, the Prime Minister said a committee formed at the central level is working to determine playgrounds and develop infrastructure in urban and rural areas across the country. He said the government has a plan to create open playgrounds on 8 bighas and 10 bighas of land in each union and upazila respectively.

About the IT sector, Tarique Rahman said a committee has been formed to effectively operate the Hi-Tech/Software Parks and ICT Centers and to take effective initiatives to start PayPal’s operations in Bangladesh.

In line with BNP’s election pledge, he said sports allowance has been introduced for national athletes under the salary structure. “Initially, a plan has been made to bring 500 athletes under this allowance, of which 129 athletes have been provided with allowances in the first phase,” the BNP chairman said.

Noting that the loan limit for language student visas has been increased from Taka 3 lakh to Taka 10 lakh without security, the Prime Minister said this loan has been simplified for students going to Japan on the basis of a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) before obtaining a visa.

About the energy sector, he said as part of generating 20 percent renewable electricity by 2030, a total of 35 megawatts of electricity has already been added to the national grid through the National Rooftop Solar Programme and net metering.

Regarding employment, Tarique Rahman said the government has decided to recruit five lakh government employees, out of which the process of recruiting 2,879 people against vacant posts in the Ministry of Public Administration and subordinate offices and organizations is underway.

DHAKA – Praising the armed forces for their contributions to safeguarding national security, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today directed them to protect sovereignty of the country and uphold dignity of the constitution, rising above party-affiliation and opinions. He also called upon the members of the armed forces to maintain public trust, and stay committed to serving the nation with integrity, dedication, and sacrifice.

Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, made the call while addressing a Darbar for the military officials at the Dhaka Cantonment Auditorium here, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman. Earlier, on his arrival at the venue, the premier was received by his Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division.

“The armed forces are not the property of any particular individual, family or party. The armed forces are a symbol of the strength and dignity of an independent state,” the premier said, adding, commitment to the constitution and the unwavering trust of the people must be the core base of the armed forces to walk the path.

“Protecting the independence and sovereignty of the country is the sole and sacred responsibility of each of our members,” he added.

In the past, the Prime Minister said, there had been attempts to weaken the army and make it controversial through various incidents and activities. Referring to the Pilkhana massacre, he said the army was damaged through that incident and in subsequent times, there were attempts to make the force controversial for various activities.

Highlighting the contribution of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to modernizing the army, Tarique Rahman said that it is important to nurture the patriotism and strong spirit that had developed in the army since that time.

“If there are united armed forces, no one can defeat Bangladesh,” he added.

Terming the Bangladesh Army’s participation in the UN peacekeeping mission as a major achievement, the premier said this achievement reached a higher level internationally during the BNP government. He said that the armed forces are not only an indispensable force in times of war, but also play a role as vigilant guards to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty and an important role in dealing with any natural disaster.

The role of Bangladesh Armed Forces is globally recognized in establishing peace in war-torn countries by being members of UN peacekeeping missions outside the country’s borders, the Prime Minister said.

“We want an armed force that will be respected by external powers and trusted by the country’s people,” he said, adding, the armed forces must always maintain a high ideological position without compromising professionalism.

Addressing the Darbar, the Prime Minister highly praised the professionalism, discipline, and contributions of the armed forces in safeguarding national security and enhancing Bangladesh’s image in the international arena.

He particularly commended their role in maintaining the overall law and order in the country since August 2024 and in ensuring the smooth and successful completion of the 13th national parliamentary election.

Tarique Rahman assured full government support to enhance the future capabilities, modernization and effective participation of the armed forces in national development. Senior military and civil officials stationed in Dhaka, along with members of different ranks, attended the Darbar. Members stationed in other parts of the country joined the event through video teleconference.

With its political activities banned under an amended anti-terrorism law, the Bangladesh Awami League’s only remaining path to resuming operations now lies in the courts, legal experts say. The 13th National Parliament on Wednesday approved the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, formalising an ordinance issued during the interim government’s tenure that allows authorities to prohibit activities of individuals or entities accused of involvement in terrorism.

Under the law, the government can ban organisational activities through a gazette notification, restrict public statements, and prohibit meetings, processions and campaigns across all platforms. While the Awami League as an entity has not been dissolved, the ban on its activities effectively sidelines it from political engagement.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Mamun Mahbub said the party still has a constitutional avenue to challenge the decision. “The Awami League has not been banned as a party, only its activities,” he said. If it wants to return, it must file a writ petition in the High Court. He added that the court could examine whether the restrictions are legally justified and consistent with constitutional provisions.

The ban has sparked debate among legal experts, particularly over its compatibility with Article 38 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association.Human rights lawyer Manzil Morshed said such restrictions may not withstand judicial scrutiny unless clearly justified. Citizens have a fundamental right to organise. If this law is challenged, the court will assess whether that right has been unlawfully curtailed, he said.

He argued that only organisations engaged in activities threatening state security or public order can be legally banned, and any broader restriction could be struck down.

The amendment empowers the government to declare any individual or organisation involved in terrorist activities as banned, either by listing them in an official schedule or by prohibiting all activities. It also restricts any form of communication or mobilisation in support of such entities, including through media and social platforms.

The ordinance was originally issued in May 2025 under presidential powers when Parliament was not in session and has now been enacted into law without changes. Analysts say the issue now shifts from the political arena to the judiciary.

With the law in force, the Awami League’s ability to operate depends largely on whether it chooses to challenge the ban – and how the courts interpret constitutional safeguards against state restrictions. For now, the High Court stands as the final avenue for the party to seek restoration of its political activities.

Legendary Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle, whose versatile voice defined generations of music lovers, has died in Mumbai. She was 92.  Her son Anand Bhosle confirmed the news, saying: “She is no more. Her last rites will be held at 4pm tomorrow at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.”

According to family sources, Asha Bhosle was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Saturday (April 11) after suffering from extreme exhaustion and a chest infection, her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle earlier wrote on X.

Known for timeless hits such as “Piya Tu Ab To Aaja”, “Kajra Mohabbat Wala”, “Rangeela Re” and “Dil Cheez Kya Hai”, Bhosle would have turned 93 on September 8 this year. She began her playback career at the age of 10, singing “Chala Chala Nav Bala” for the 1943 Marathi film “Majha Bal”. Over the decades, she became one of Indian cinema’s most versatile voices, equally acclaimed for cabaret numbers, ghazals and classical compositions. Initially typecast for dance numbers, she later earned critical acclaim for songs such as “Dil Cheez Kya Hai” and “Tora Man Darpan Kehlaye”.

The younger sister of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle was part of the iconic Mangeshkar family, including sisters Usha Mangeshkar and Meena Mangeshkar, and brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar. She often spoke about comparisons and rumours of rivalry with Lata Mangeshkar, saying the bond between them remained strong despite public narratives.

Throughout her career, Bhosle lent her voice to leading actresses across generations, including Sharmila Tagore, Asha Parekh, Rekha, Urmila Matondkar, Karisma Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. In 2000, she received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, followed by the Padma Vibhushan in 2008. She also won two National Awards for “Umrao Jaan” (1981) and “Ijaazat” (1988).

Even in her later years, Bhosle remained active, performing live concerts and engaging with fans on social media platforms. She last recorded a Hindi film song in 2022 and released a single, “Saiyaan Bina”, at the age of 91. In 2023, she celebrated her 90th birthday with a live concert in Dubai, saying music was her “breath”. “People die when they stop breathing. For me, music is my breath,” she said in an earlier interview.

Asha Bhosle married Ganpatrao Bhosle at 16 and had three children. The marriage later ended in separation. She later married music composer Rahul Dev Burman. The couple did not have children together. She is survived by her son Anand Bhosle.