Shibbir Ahmed, United Nation, New York: Bangladesh has called for renewed and strengthened global commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation at the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York today.

Speaking at the General Debate, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, stressed that despite eight decades of the United Nations, the vision of a nuclear-weapon-free world remains unfulfilled. He warned that continued nuclear proliferation poses a grave threat to international peace and security, while also undermining global development aspirations.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s firm commitment to disarmament, the Ambassador noted that the country has consistently advocated for both nuclear and conventional disarmament and has voluntarily remained non-nuclear despite being located in a nuclear-armed region.

Ambassador Chowdhury urged nuclear-weapon States to fulfil their legal obligations under Article VI of the NPT and called for the universalization of disarmament treaties. He also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to advancing global disarmament through dialogue, trust-building, and collective action towards a safer world free from the threat of nuclear weapons.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York, United Nations: Bangladesh has presented its progress on implementing the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord at the 25th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, currently being held at the United Nations Headquarters.

Speaking at the forum, Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, outlined the government’s initiatives to implement the peace accord and promote the development, cultural preservation, and rights of indigenous and ethnic communities.

He emphasized that the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees equal rights to all citizens regardless of religion, ethnicity, caste, gender, or place of birth. Regarding the implementation of the peace accord, he noted that the process is ongoing through an inclusive and participatory approach. Out of the 72 provisions of the accord, 65 have been fully implemented, 3 partially implemented, and 4 are currently in progress.

Rahman also highlighted measures taken to ensure security in the CHT region, maintain environmental balance, and resolve land disputes through land surveys and management initiatives. He informed the forum about broader development efforts undertaken by the government in the region.

He further stated that the government has recently appointed a Special Assistant on ethnic affairs with the status of State Minister, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive governance and participation of indigenous communities in decision-making processes.

In addition, the government’s initiatives to reduce poverty and inequality were highlighted, including expanded social safety nets, rural infrastructure development, digital connectivity, and livelihood diversification programs.

On preserving cultural and linguistic diversity, Rahman reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the unique heritage of indigenous communities. He noted ongoing efforts to expand education and healthcare services, including scholarships, multilingual and e-learning systems, district hospitals, Upazela health complexes, community clinics, and mobile medical teams.

Addressing climate change, he mentioned that the government has adopted a plan to plant two million trees in the hill districts as part of broader environmental initiatives.

The two-week session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is being held from April 20 to May 1, 2026. The Bangladesh delegation, led by Secretary Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, includes the Chairman of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board, Major General (Retd.) Anup Kumar Chakma, along with representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of indigenous communities from both hill and plain regions.

The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues operates under the United Nations Economic and Social Council and works on global indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, environment, education, health, and human rights.

Dhaka: Security has been beefed up at all airports across the country, including Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, following an intelligence alert over possible extremist attacks on key installations. Airport sources confirmed on Monday that surveillance has been intensified at sensitive points, particularly at Shahjalal International Airport. A warning letter issued by the Bangladesh Police headquarters prompted authorities to take immediate precautionary measures.

Following the alert, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh issued a high-level warning, instructing all law enforcement units operating at airports to strengthen security arrangements. Officials said additional personnel—both in uniform and plain clothes—have been deployed, while intelligence monitoring has been increased. Security checks at all arrival and departure points have also been tightened, with instructions to report any suspicious activity immediately.

A senior official at the airport said that although no specific threat has been identified, precautionary steps have been taken in advance. “Instructions have been given to strengthen security at all airports. This is part of our routine preparedness as well,” the official said.

He added that airports with limited nighttime operations have also been instructed to enhance security during night hours, and strict monitoring is being ensured at all entry points to prevent any lapse. The alert follows intelligence information suggesting that a banned extremist outfit may be planning coordinated attacks on key state installations.

According to an internal letter issued by police headquarters and signed by DIG (Confidential) Kamrul Ahsan, several individuals linked to the outfit have recently been in regular contact, raising concerns of a potential threat.

The letter also mentioned that two dismissed army personnel were reportedly in communication with a detained extremist suspect, Istiak Ahmed Sami, also known by aliases Abu Bakkar and Abu Mohammad. Potential targets listed in the alert include the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, as well as police and military installations, places of worship, entertainment venues and other key infrastructure.

Law enforcement officials said the group may attempt to carry out attacks using various methods, prompting heightened concern over national security. In response, police headquarters has directed all relevant agencies to strengthen security in vulnerable areas, enhance surveillance and improve intelligence coordination to prevent any potential incidents.

Jamal Uddin & Sujon KoiriSujon Koiri: Concerns over renewed militant activity in Bangladesh have intensified following the emergence of a warning letter from Police Headquarters, prompting widespread public debate over whether extremist groups, long perceived as dormant, are reorganizing and reactivating. The issue has quickly become a national talking point, raising a central question: why are militant groups appearing to resurface after years of relative silence?

According to law enforcement officials, human rights activists, and security analysts, such groups never fully disappear. Instead, they enter phases of strategic dormancy, using periods of low visibility to restructure, rebuild networks, and consolidate strength.

Experts say this so-called “silence” often reflects a calculated effort to exploit favorable political conditions, institutional weaknesses, and social vulnerabilities. Extremist groups, they note, tend to re-emerge when opportunities align.

In the past, militant organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) have operated using cross-border networks. Recently, attention has turned to the Pakistan-based Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), with intelligence sources indicating that possible links involving individuals within Bangladesh are under investigation.

The issue gained further urgency after a warrant officer of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), previously reported missing from a base in Chittagong, was located in a camp run by the banned TTP.

The development has prompted a comprehensive internal investigation into potential extremist infiltration within the armed forces. According to relevant sources, Pakistani authorities informed Bangladesh that the individual had been working on behalf of the TTP, an armed group engaged in conflict with the Pakistani state and known for its alignment with the Afghan Taliban.

While the presence of TTP-linked individuals in Bangladesh is not unprecedented, the involvement of a member of the armed forces marks a significant escalation. A 2013 US State Department report noted the arrest of three TTP members in Bangladesh, and as recently as last year, at least four Bangladeshi nationals linked to the group were reportedly killed in a Pakistani military operation.

In response, heightened surveillance and security measures have been introduced at key BAF installations, including Zahurul Haque, AK Khandaker, and Matiur Rahman bases. Law enforcement officials attribute the recent uptick in militant concerns to several factors. Among them is the escape of hardened militants following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024. A number of detainees fled from Kashimpur High Security Prison during that period of instability.

Police Headquarters data indicates that as of December 2025, 133 of the 202 escaped prisoners remain at large. A senior officer of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of clear directives regarding fugitives and individuals released on bail.

“The home affairs advisor of the interim government and the IGP have repeatedly said that militancy does not exist in Bangladesh,” the officer said. “After such statements from the top level, there is little we can do at the field level.”

Intelligence officials have also pointed to changes in regional mobility. The easing of visa procedures for travel to Pakistan since the political transition has increased cross-border movement, which some believe may be contributing to the current security concerns. Additionally, unease has been expressed among field-level officers over reports of visits by influential figures linked to the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, coupled with what critics describe as a lack of official response.

Dr Md Tawohidul Haque, an associate professor of Institute of Social Welfare and Research and criminologist at the University of Dhaka, described the developments as a serious warning signal.

“The significance of this issue extends beyond internal discipline within a force,” he told. “It raises broader concerns about national security. If extremist influence penetrates sensitive institutions such as law enforcement, it could pose a major threat.”

Human rights activist Nur Khan Liton echoed similar concerns, arguing that the current situation is not a sudden development but the result of long-standing structural issues.“Milit ants have not suddenly emerged,” he said. “They have existed at various levels within the state, society, and system for a long time.”

According to him, militant groups have continued covert organizational activities even during periods of apparent inactivity. The political changes following the fall of the Awami League government have, he suggested, created new opportunities for previously fragmented networks to regroup and expand. He also pointed to a recent explosion at a madrasa in Keraniganj as a possible indicator of militant activity. Investigations and media reports have suggested links to extremist elements, raising concerns that explosives produced there may have been distributed to other parts of the country.

“Militants are not only increasing their activities but also making various preparations,” Nur Khan said, adding that allegations of involvement by members of certain forces have resurfaced, heightening the need for vigilance. Despite these concerns, he expressed cautious optimism: “Since the issue has been identified, the government is expected to take necessary steps to restore public confidence and prevent further criminal activities.”

Additional Inspector General of Police (Crime and Operations) Khandaker Rafiqul Islam said that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant. “Bangladesh Police is always on alert to prevent militant activities,” he told. He added that specialized units, including the CTTC and Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU), are actively monitoring developments. Rafiqul Islam noted that several militant suspects released on bail over the past year and a half have been rearrested, while others remain under surveillance. However, he said there is no confirmed information regarding the involvement of police personnel in extremist activities.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: Bangladesh called for enhanced global efforts to ensure information integrity, combat misinformation and promote inclusive communication at the 48th session of the Committee on Information at United Nations Headquarters in New York today.

Addressing the general debate of the committee that takes place annually at the UN headquarters and deals with global communication, public information, and outreach efforts, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury highlighted the growing challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and the misuse of artificial intelligence and digital platforms, which are fueling divisions and eroding trust across societies. He stressed the need for responsible use of information and communication technologies as well as for bridging the digital divide both between and within countries.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s contributions to UN peacekeeping including the deployment of women peacekeepers, the Permanent Representative called for continued efforts to counter anti-peacekeeping narratives and to promote accountability and environmental responsibility.

Ambassador Chowdhury also drew attention to disinformation-driven crises, including the Rohingya situation in Myanmar and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for accurate information dissemination and increased global awareness. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to strengthening global communication efforts in line with the principles and values of the United Nations.

Tampa, Florida: The roommate of a USF doctoral student who went missing last week along with his friend has been charged with two counts of murder, authorities announced April 25. Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, is facing two counts of premeditated murder in the first degree with a weapon for the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27, the Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Office said.

Abugharbieh was arrested at his family’s Tampa home April. 25 following a standoff with authorities that resulted in the SWAT team’s assistance, but the charges did not include murder. Earlier in the day, the body of Zamil was discovered on the Howard Frankland Bridge. Bristy’s body has not been located.

“Evidence was presented to the State Attorney’s Office, resulting in further charges against Abugharbieh,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “At this time, the search for Bristy continues.”

In addition to murder, Abugharbieh is charged with domestic violence, tampering with evidence and unlawfully holding or removing a dead human body. He was interviewed by detectives April. 23, and after initially talking, he ended the interview and left. That was the same day authorities upgraded the case from missing to endangered.

Authorities were called to Abugharbieh’s family’s home for a domestic dispute about 9 a.m. April 24. Investigators were able to get relatives safely out of the home. Abugharbieh then barricaded himself inside and the SWAT team was called to assist. After about 20 minutes, Abugharbieh emerged from the home with his hands raised wearing no shirt and a blue towel around his waist.

“This is a deeply disturbing case that has shaken our community ad impacted many who were hoping for a safe resolution,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “While the discovery of Zamil Limon’s remains is heartbreaking, I want the public to know that our detectives are working tirelessly and relentlessly to uncover the truth.”

Limon and Bristy were last seen the morning of Thursday, April 16. A family friend reported both of them missing shortly before 5 p.m. April 17 after not being able to reach either of them. Both University of South Florida Police Department and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office documented and processed missing persons reports. Limon was pursuing a degree in geography, environmental science and policy while Bristy was studying chemical engineering.

Both families described Limon and Bristy as hardworking, dedicated, responsible students and said it was unusual for both to go days without talking to family members. They both had summer trips planned to their home country of Bangladesh. Abugharbieh is a U.S. citizen who previously took classes at USF from 2021 to 2023, according to a university spokesperson. He does have a criminal record including a 2023 charge of batter and burglary. Also that year, a relative filed two domestic petitions against him.

Shaikh Shahrukh: Thirteen years after the Rana Plaza collapse reshaped Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector, the industry has undergone sweeping changes — safer factories, stricter compliance and global recognition for green manufacturing. Yet beneath these gains lies a more complex reality: workers still face pressure on the factory floor, survivors continue to struggle with long-term hardship, and manufacturers are grappling with rising costs and financial strain. Workers across major industrial hubs say workplace safety has improved significantly since the 2013 disaster.

“Now there are fire exits, and we have regular drills,” said a female worker in Narayanganj. But concerns remain. “The production pressure is still very high. If we fail to meet targets, wages can be deducted,” she added. A worker in Gazipur said union activities remain sensitive in some factories. “There is always fear of losing jobs,” he said. Others noted that while safety awareness has increased, preparedness during real emergencies still needs improvement.

“Before Rana Plaza, we didn’t even know what a fire exit was. Now we get training, but in a real situation, not everyone can respond properly,” another worker said. For factory owners, the transformation has required heavy financial investment. “After Rana Plaza, entrepreneurs had to invest heavily to ensure safety,” said Faiz Ahmed Khan, managing director of Haseen Kayaba Group.

While necessary, he said, these investments have not been matched by higher prices from international buyers. “Many factories took bank loans to upgrade compliance. Those liabilities still remain,” he said.

Ahsanul Russel, managing director of Tua Ha Textile Mills Ltd, echoed the concern. “We carried out extensive renovations to meet compliance standards. But order prices did not increase accordingly,” he said, adding that many factories are still repaying loans taken during that period. Industry insiders say smaller factories were particularly vulnerable, with many unable to survive the financial shock.

One of the most visible outcomes of post-Rana Plaza reforms has been the growth of environmentally sustainable factories. Bangladesh now has more than 210 LEED-certified green garment factories, many with top-tier Platinum and Gold ratings—the highest number in the world. These facilities incorporate energy-efficient systems, water recycling and environmentally friendly designs, marking a shift toward sustainable production. Before 2013, only a handful of factories met such standards.

However, industry leaders say green transformation has also increased production costs without ensuring better returns. “Compliance and sustainability have improved our global reputation,” said Fazlul Hoque, managing director of Plummy Fashions Ltd and former BKMEA president. “But production costs have risen sharply, while buyers continue to negotiate lower prices,” he added.

In the aftermath of the collapse, international initiatives such as the Accord and the Alliance carried out extensive inspections, focusing on structural, electrical and fire safety. Factories were required to reinforce buildings, upgrade electrical systems and introduce modern fire safety measures, including sprinkler systems and emergency drills. These reforms significantly improved safety standards across the sector. But they also raised the cost of doing business.

Industry estimates suggest that between 2,000 and 2,500 garment factories have closed over the past decade. Key factors include high compliance costs, shrinking profit margins, rising utility expenses and intense global competition. A factory owner in Gazipur said compliance upgrades alone cost between $700,000 and $800,000.

“Buyers did not increase prices. Loans went up, profits declined, and many factories could not survive,” he said, requesting anonymity. Manufacturers say pricing pressure from international buyers remains a major challenge, with some buyers continuing to negotiate aggressively despite demanding higher compliance standards.

Compared to the pre-2013 period, the industry now operates under stricter regulations, higher costs and tighter margins. Safety investment has increased, but so have operational challenges—from energy shortages to persistent loan burdens. Thirteen years on, Bangladesh’s garment sector stands as both a success story of reform and a reminder of unresolved pressures. While factories are safer and more sustainable, workers, survivors and business owners alike say the journey toward a fully balanced and resilient industry is still far from complete.

Salma Akter Sharmin: Amid a nationwide measles outbreak, concerns are mounting over continued transmission inside hospitals and homes, as shortages of beds and inadequate isolation facilities are forcing infected and uninfected children to share wards, leading to new infections. Health experts say measles, caused by a highly contagious virus, can infect 12 to 18 unvaccinated people through a single infected case.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), one death from measles was reported in the last 24 hours, while four more suspected deaths were recorded during the same period. A total of 1,170 new suspected cases were identified in the last 24 hours.

From March 15 to April 23 (8:00am), suspected cases have reached 28,334, of which 4,059 have been confirmed as measles. So far, 18,845 patients have been hospitalized with suspected and confirmed infections, while 15,728 have recovered and been discharged. Since the outbreak began, 39 confirmed deaths and 194 suspected deaths have been reported.

Data from Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Hospital shows that 426 patients received outpatient care in the last 24 hours, while 100 were admitted. A total of 436 patients are currently undergoing treatment at the facility. One death was reported in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths at the hospital to 12. So far, 2,107 patients have been admitted there.

Hospitals, including the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali and other public and private facilities, are currently facing severe bed shortages. As a result, patients with highly contagious diseases such as measles and chickenpox are being treated in shared wards, contributing to hospital-based transmission, with new infections emerging among already admitted children.

A similar case has been reported in Chapainawabganj, where a one-and-a-half-year-old girl, Tahmina, was initially admitted with fever and later diagnosed with pneumonia. Her family said she developed measles symptoms after being exposed to infected patients in the same ward. Her condition deteriorated, and she was referred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital and later to Dhaka Shishu Hospital. However, due to a lack of available beds, she is currently receiving treatment at DNCC Hospital.

Public health expert and vaccine specialist Dr. Md. Tajul Islam Bari said measles patients must be strictly isolated. “Whether in hospital or at home, isolation is mandatory. If patient numbers are high, additional beds or even temporary arrangements such as tents should be used,” he said, adding that failure to isolate patients accelerates transmission.

Doctors at DNCC Hospital said transmission from one patient to another within healthcare facilities is known as cross-infection. They added that infections are also spreading rapidly within families, creating what they described as a chain of transmission.

Dr. Shreebas Pal, consultant at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali, said measles, chickenpox, and mumps are all highly contagious diseases. Due to heavy patient loads, maintaining proper isolation is often not possible, leading to rapid spread of infection. He added that around 10 percent of patients admitted for other conditions are found to have contracted measles during treatment.

In response to the worsening situation, the Health Services Division has instructed all public hospitals to increase bed capacity. In a directive issued on Thursday (April 23), signed by Dr. Abu Hossain Md. Moinul Ahsan, Director (Hospitals and Clinics) of the DGHS, hospitals were instructed not to turn away any measles or suspected measles patients due to lack of beds. Instead, hospitals have been directed to arrange additional beds or alternative facilities where necessary.

Dhaka: Activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) assaulted two Ducsu office-bearers inside Shahbagh Police Station on Thursday evening. The victims are Ducsu Secretary for Literature and Cultural Affairs Musaddiq Ali Ibne Mohammad and Social Welfare Secretary AB Zubair.

Eyewitnesses said JCD activists went to the police station to file a case against Dhaka University student Abdullah Al Mahmud, whom they alleged was linked to Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS) and had made a Facebook post they considered offensive. The group had earlier announced the move.

At the same time, Abdullah Al Mahmud also arrived at the police station to submit a general diary over concerns for his personal safety. Musaddiq Ali Ibne Mohammad, A B Zubair, and Fatima Tasnim Zuma accompanied him.

Witnesses said tensions escalated when both sides came face to face inside the station, leading to a confrontation between Ducsu representatives and JCD activists that quickly turned violent. Around 20 to 30 JCD activists then attacked Musaddiq and Zubair inside the police station, assaulting them separately, according to eyewitness accounts.

JCD leaders, however, claimed Musaddiq triggered the violence by attempting to strike a joint secretary of the Chhatra Dal’s Dhaka University unit. Senior JCD leaders later intervened and moved the two Ducsu leaders to a secure area inside the police station.

Witnesses also said a group of activists chanted slogans inside the station for around 20 minutes, demanding that the Ducsu leaders be handed over to them. Senior leaders later dispersed the group from the premises, though they remained gathered at the gate for some time.

Later in the evening, Ramna Zone Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam escorted A B Zubair and Fatima Tasnim Zuma to Shahbagh police station Jame Masjid around 9 pm after they were taken to safety.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: Bangladesh called for urgent global action to bridge the widening SDG financing gap and to establish a fair, inclusive and responsive international financial system. At the General debate in ECOSOC Financing for Development Forum 2026 held at the UN Headquarters in New York today, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury underscored that geopolitical conflicts, declining ODA, climate shocks, trade barriers and energy uncertainties were shrinking the policy space for developing countries. In this context, Bangladesh had sought an extension of its LDC graduation preparatory period to ensure a smooth and sustainable transition.

The Permanent Representative also highlighted the country’s progress in political and economic recovery with the government focusing on macroeconomic stability, rebuilding business confidence, strengthening the banking sector, promoting investment, and expanding direct support to vulnerable people.

Stressing the need to lower debt costs, avoid inefficient infrastructure-related debt, and channel FDI into productive, job-creating sectors with technology transfer, Ambassador Chowdhury called for a more representative global financial system, climate justice, action on loss and damage, and the return of stolen assets to their rightful owner.