Iranian authorities have arrested 35 people in the western province of Lorestan on charges of illegally photographing military installations and spreading false information, according to the Tasnim news agency as reported by Al Jazeera. Among those detained, 16 individuals are accused of capturing images or videos of sensitive and military sites and collaborating with what officials described as 'hostile' media outlets. The remaining 19 were detained for allegedly disseminating false information.

The Iranian government has categorized the incident as a matter of national security. The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny of information sharing and media activity within the country, particularly concerning military and security-related content.

Authorities have not released further details about the detainees or the specific nature of the alleged misinformation, leaving questions about the broader implications of the arrests for media freedom and civil activity in the region.

Two LPG tankers carrying about 94,000 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas have successfully crossed the Hormuz Strait and are now heading toward India, according to the country's petroleum ministry as reported by Al Jazeera. The vessels, flying the Indian flag, are expected to arrive at Mumbai port later this week, marking them among the latest ships to navigate the narrow maritime passage.

Ship tracking data from LSEG indicated that as of Friday, a total of four LPG tankers had already passed through the strait, while three more were positioned in its western section. Official figures also show that 18 Indian-flagged vessels and 485 Indian sailors remain stranded in the western Gulf region.

India, the world’s second-largest LPG importer, consumed 33.15 million tons of LPG last year. Around 60 percent of its total demand is met through imports, with nearly 90 percent of that supply originating from the Middle East.

Prime Minister’s Economic Adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir said the government’s goal is to free the country from concerns about excessive domestic or foreign borrowing. He emphasized that the administration is prioritizing revenue collection more than ever before, with a National Board of Revenue (NBR) task force already working toward this objective. He made the remarks at a press briefing following a meeting with NBR officials at the Revenue Building in Agargaon, Dhaka, where NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan was also present.

Titumir noted that Bangladesh’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains below 7 percent, which he described as insufficient for sustainable economic growth. The government aims to raise this ratio to 10 percent within five years and eventually to 15 percent if it continues in office. He stated that the current administration is using the iBAS+++ system to ensure accurate revenue accounting and will focus on performance-based tax benefits while curbing tax evasion and fraud.

The adviser also criticized the previous Awami League government for mismanaging the economy and providing misleading revenue figures, which the current government seeks to correct through transparency and reform.

A tragic gas cylinder explosion in Gazipur’s Sreepur upazila has claimed the life of Mrs. Shaheda Ahmed, principal of Dhaka Oxbridge International School. The incident occurred when a gas leak in the kitchen of her family home caused a sudden fire, leaving her severely burned. She had returned to her village home to spend the Eid holidays when the accident took place.

Family members immediately rescued her and took her to Alhera Hospital in Maona. Due to the severity of her injuries, doctors referred her to Sheikh Hasina National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute in Dhaka, where she was placed on life support. With about 55 percent of her body burned, her condition deteriorated, and she passed away on Sunday morning after several days of treatment.

Her death has cast a pall of grief over the local education community, relatives, and well-wishers. The family has requested prayers for the departed soul.

Authorities in Kaliakair upazila of Gazipur detained a man for illegally storing approximately 3,000 liters of diesel. The operation took place on Saturday night near the Fatema Hotel area adjacent to the Kaliakair Bypass Bus Stand along the Dhaka-Tangail highway. A mobile court led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Fahim Shahriar imposed a fine of 20,000 taka after recovering the fuel stored in 18 drums.

Police reported that a syndicate had been illegally collecting and hoarding fuel for an extended period. Acting on a tip-off, law enforcement and administrative officials conducted the raid that led to the arrest and seizure. The detained individual was identified as Abul Hossain.

Kaliakair Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khondaker Nasir Uddin stated that similar operations against illegal fuel trading would continue and that legal action would be taken against those involved.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Afroza Khanam (Rita), met with Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghanshyam Bhandari, in Dhaka on Sunday morning. According to a ministry statement, the meeting took place at the minister’s office and was also attended by State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Nepal and enhancing cooperation in aviation and tourism.

During the meeting, the Nepalese ambassador emphasized the importance of upgrading Saidpur Airport to international standards. Both sides also discussed setting reasonable ticket prices for flights on the Dhaka–Kathmandu route. The participants expressed optimism about working jointly to promote tourism development between the two countries.

Minister Afroza Khanam and the state minister assured continued cooperation with Nepal to advance mutual interests in aviation and tourism sectors.

World Bank’s Regional Director for Bangladesh, Jean Pesme, has assured cooperation in implementing the Family Card program. The assurance came during a courtesy meeting on Sunday with Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain and State Minister Farzana Sharmin. The discussion also covered joint efforts with the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs to promote social security and good governance.

During the meeting, Minister Zahid Hossain presented details of the Family Card initiative, one of the government’s key election pledges. He stated that 37,567 families, each led by a woman, have already received Family Cards, entitling them to monthly financial support of 2,500 taka. The minister added that within four years, a universal Family Card will be issued in the name of each family’s female head as a mark of civic recognition.

Jean Pesme described the initiative as a positive step toward strengthening social protection. Both sides agreed to work jointly for the sustainable implementation of the Family Card program.

Hatirjheel Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Golam Mortuza has offered an unconditional apology over the closure of a Nabin Fashion panjabi shop in Dhaka’s Moghbazar area. On Sunday, 29 April, he appeared before Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman’s court and submitted a written explanation along with his apology. The court had earlier summoned him to explain the police’s role in the incident and ordered him to reopen the shop within 24 hours.

The court took the matter into consideration after a video circulated on social media on 20 March showing neighboring traders closing the Nabin Fashion shop for selling panjabis at low prices. The traders reportedly compared the discount sales to “relief distribution” and objected to it, while police were seen present at the scene. The state prosecutor, Jamal Uddin Marjin, confirmed the OC’s appearance and apology, adding that the court has kept its order pending.

The court also sought the prosecution’s opinion regarding individuals who had introduced themselves as friends or relatives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during the incident.

Authorities in Saghata upazila of Gaibandha conducted a raid at an unregistered fuel pump in Bharatkhali, seizing 1,200 liters of petrol. The operation took place on Sunday at Messrs. Abul Kalam Azad Traders, led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Ashraful Kabir, who also imposed a fine of Tk 30,000 on the establishment.

According to local residents, the pump’s proprietor, Abul Kalam Azad (also known as Olok), had been selling petrol at nearly double the government-fixed price for an extended period. During the raid, officials confirmed the allegations of overpricing. The seized petrol was ordered to be sold at the official rate, with the Officer-in-Charge of the local police station and the Upazila Agriculture Officer assigned to oversee the sale.

The proceeds from the sale of the confiscated fuel are to be deposited into the government treasury, as directed by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer.

A Rohingya teenager was seriously injured when a landmine, allegedly planted by Myanmar’s armed rebel group Arakan Army, exploded near the Balukhali border in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The incident occurred around 1 p.m. along the zero line of the Naf River. The victim, 15-year-old Abdul Hakim, is the son of Mohammad Ibrahim, a resident of Block A in Camp 19 of the Ukhiya Rohingya refugee settlement. Locals rescued him and took him for urgent medical treatment after the blast severed his leg.

According to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officials, the explosion happened when Hakim was returning to shore after fishing in the Naf River. The blast caused severe injuries, including the amputation of his right ankle. BGB’s Ukhiya Battalion 64 commander stated that such mines are planted inside Myanmar territory and pose a serious risk to people near the border.

Frequent landmine explosions in the border area have created widespread fear among local residents, who are urging authorities to identify dangerous zones and strengthen security measures.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed at three oil depots in Srimangal, Moulvibazar, to prevent illegal fuel hoarding, maintain discipline in distribution, and ensure uninterrupted supply. Since March 25, two BGB platoons have been stationed at the Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna depots. On March 29, the depots were inspected by Lieutenant Colonel Sarkar Asif Mahmud, Commanding Officer of Srimangal 46 Battalion BGB.

According to officials, the deployment aims to counter attempts by certain groups to stockpile fuel amid global market instability. BGB members are conducting strict checks at entry points, verifying vehicle documents, and monitoring tanker loading operations. Depot authorities reported minor supply delays but said security has improved significantly since the deployment.

The Srimangal Upazila administration has also held a coordination meeting with depot owners, pump owners, BGB, and law enforcement agencies to maintain smooth fuel distribution across the region.

Police have arrested Faisal Matubbar, a banned Chhatra League leader, for his involvement in an attack on the anti-discrimination student movement in Madaripur. The arrest took place on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in his home area of Ghatokchar under Kendua Union. Faisal faces multiple cases, including charges related to the killings of Roman Bepari and Tawhid Sannamat, obstruction of police duties, and violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act. He was previously arrested but resumed violent activities after being released on bail.

According to police, Faisal was sent to jail through the Madaripur court following his arrest. He was shown arrested in an anti-terrorism case and other pending cases without bail. Faisal, son of Zainal Matubbar, was previously associated with the Chhatra League and linked to activities under former Awami League minister Shajahan Khan’s faction. Videos of his armed attacks on students during the 2024 anti-discrimination protests in Mostafapur and near the Youth Development office had circulated widely on social media.

Authorities confirmed that Faisal remains an accused in multiple ongoing cases under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

A police officer in Jhenaidah’s Kaliganj upazila has been closed to the police lines following allegations of assault and misconduct against motorcyclists at a local filling station. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at Ayesha Filling Station in Kaliganj town, where Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Abdullah Al Mamun was accused of beating several bikers with a baton, verbally abusing them, and damaging motorcycles. A video of the incident, recorded by journalists at the scene, later went viral on social media, prompting widespread criticism.

Following the viral video, senior officials of Jhenaidah district police ordered ASI Mamun’s removal to the police lines on Saturday evening. Local residents claimed he had faced similar misconduct allegations before. ASI Mamun denied the accusations, saying he was only maintaining order and that a biker accidentally ran over his foot, after which he pushed the person away. Kaliganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Jellal Hossain confirmed the transfer but said it was unclear whether the decision was due to the video or other administrative reasons.

A violent armed attack took place at a businessman’s residence in Palongkhali Union of Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, late Sunday night after he allegedly refused to pay Tk 2 million in extortion money. During the assault, the attackers attempted to abduct the homeowner, Abdur Rashid Saudagar, and his two sons. Villagers intervened, prompting the assailants to fire indiscriminately before fleeing. At least five people, including a woman, were injured, and one victim, Abdul Majid, was hospitalized with serious stab wounds.

According to the victim, the attack was led by Syedul Bashar from the same union’s Ward 9, who had earlier demanded the extortion money before Eid. Local witnesses said the sound of gunfire caused panic across the area. Palongkhali Union Parishad Chairman Gafur Uddin Chowdhury described the incident as highly alarming and urged swift administrative action to maintain law and order.

Ukhiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mujibur Rahman confirmed that police visited the scene and said legal action would follow upon receiving a written complaint.

The Bangladesh Government Officers and Employees Welfare Association has requested a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to discuss the publication and implementation of the ninth pay scale gazette. The organization submitted a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office on March 29, 2026, outlining ten specific demands related to pay scale implementation and employee welfare.

According to the letter, government officers and employees play a vital role in state administration and public service but have long been deprived of fair benefits. Rising commodity prices, increased living costs, promotion delays, and unresolved block post issues have caused frustration and uncertainty among employees. The association noted that despite expectations of two pay scales over the past eleven years, none have been implemented, leaving lower-paid workers struggling.

The association believes that ensuring fair rights and welfare for government employees would enhance administrative efficiency and morale. It has proposed a 13-member delegation to meet the Prime Minister and present their demands directly.