New UK Visa Framework Triggers ‘Silent Suspension’ for Bangladesh and Pakistan
The United Kingdom government’s controversial “emergency brake,” or visa suspension mechanism, is currently in effect for four countries. Student visas for citizens of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan are now completely halted. Meanwhile, UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced a new “compliance-based” border control system, which will effectively act as an “indirect restriction” for high-risk countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Bangladesh Drops Three Spots in 2026 Press Freedom Rankings
Bangladesh has dropped three places in the Media Freedom Index this year. Out of 180 countries, Bangladesh now ranks 152nd, down from 149th last year.
Custodial Deaths Raise Alarm as 39 Die in 3 Months: HRSS
A quarterly report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has revealed that 39 inmates died in prisons across Bangladesh during the first quarter of 2026.
Mangal Shobhajatra Returns to Dhanmondi in a Festive Atmosphere
In the capital’s Dhanmondi 27 area, the Mangal Shobhajatra 1433 was held in a festive atmosphere with the participation of people from all walks of life. On Tuesday, the first day of the Bengali New Year, the procession began at 10 AM, and the area became vibrant with the presence of artists, poets, rhymers, and cultural activists.
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.