International discussion has intensified over whether the United States’ ongoing economic and naval sanctions can effectively stop Iran’s oil exports. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that despite the sanctions, no major damage has occurred to Iran’s oil fields and the country is prepared to withstand economic pressure for at least 30 more days. The US, however, maintains that its sanctions are working, arguing that if Iran cannot export oil, storage limits will eventually force production cuts.

Satellite data show that since the sanctions began on April 13, Iran’s oil storage has risen sharply. By April 20, storage tanks on Kharg Island—through which about 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports pass—were 74 percent full, with an additional three million barrels added, according to the Center on Global Energy Policy. Analysts note that oil companies typically avoid filling storage beyond 80 percent for safety reasons.

Experts suggest that while the sanctions are increasing pressure, they are unlikely to halt production immediately. Instead, Iran may face a gradual slowdown leading to a prolonged economic strain.

Sumi Khatun, the eldest daughter of a struggling family, began producing vermicompost fertilizer in Mymensingh during the COVID-19 pandemic after losing her low-paying NGO job. Guided by agricultural officer Alamgir Hossain, she started with only ten rings and three kilograms of earthworms, using vegetable waste and cow dung to create organic fertilizer. Despite initial setbacks and six months without sales, she persevered and produced 15 maunds of fertilizer, later gaining market access with help from the Upazila Agriculture Officer Shakura Nambir.

Over time, Sumi expanded her farm to twelve chambers and added a nutrition garden and pineapple plantation, cultivating fruits like papaya and malta alongside companion crops such as chili, mustard, and banana. She is also an active member of Transparency International Bangladesh’s YES group and local blood donation organizations. In 2025, she survived a severe road accident that claimed two fellow activists but continued her work after recovery.

Sumi received the Joyeeta Award in 2024 at both upazila and district levels for economic self-reliance and earned regional agricultural productivity awards in 2024 and 2025. She now studies for a master’s degree at Anand Mohan College and plans to expand production and create jobs for local youth.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is facing one of its biggest crises in 65 years, with officials holding an emergency meeting at its Vienna headquarters. The group is grappling with multiple challenges, including a global energy crisis and the United Arab Emirates’ announcement to leave the organization after years of membership, raising questions about OPEC’s future stability.

The main focus of Wednesday’s meeting was OPEC’s 61st annual report, which detailed global oil import, export, and reserve data. According to the report, global oil demand, reserves, and exports all increased in 2025 compared to 2024, with Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East receiving the largest shares of exports. However, the data reflects conditions before the UAE’s withdrawal decision, which is expected to significantly affect next year’s report.

OPEC officials declined to comment on the UAE’s move or the internal situation, further highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the organization’s cohesion and direction.

Sudden heavy rainfall and flash floods from India have submerged vast areas of Boro rice fields across northeastern Bangladesh, leaving farmers in despair. The worst-hit districts include Sunamganj, Kishoreganj, Mymensingh, Netrokona, and Moulvibazar, where ripe and half-ripe paddy fields are underwater. Farmers are struggling to harvest submerged crops, facing labor shortages and machinery inoperability due to flooding. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has intensified field monitoring and provided mechanical support, including dryer machines, to minimize losses.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed concern in parliament and announced three months of government assistance for affected farmers, directing local administrations to expedite relief and rehabilitation. Meteorological officials warned that rainfall may continue until May 4, increasing the risk of crop rot and further damage. Agricultural economists fear a significant production shortfall this year, potentially up to 10 percent, as Boro rice accounts for over half of the nation’s rice output.

Experts urged coordinated action among government agencies to mitigate the crisis, emphasizing urgent harvesting and price support to prevent long-term agricultural setbacks.

Heavy and continuous rainfall combined with upstream hill torrents has severely disrupted life in Habiganj’s haor region. Over the past few days, vast areas have gone underwater, destroying the district’s only boro crop. On Wednesday, April 29, water from the Khoai River entered the haor after an embankment broke at Dattagaon in Sujatpur under Baniachong upazila, flooding hundreds of acres of farmland within moments.

According to the district agriculture officer, around 5,000 hectares of paddy fields are now submerged, with about 30 percent of the crop still unharvested. If the weather does not improve within 24 hours, the remaining paddy may also be lost. The Water Development Board reported 110 millimeters of rainfall in the last 24 hours and said vulnerable embankments are being monitored.

Farmers in Baniachong, Ajmiriganj, and Lakhai upazilas are harvesting paddy in waist- to chest-deep water using small boats. Many are suffering from skin diseases due to prolonged exposure to water, and they complain that the agricultural warning came too late to prepare.

A severe nor'wester storm struck Char Zahir Uddin in Tazumuddin upazila of Bhola on Tuesday afternoon, causing extensive damage to the 63 No. Mariam Government Primary School. The storm blew away the school’s tin roof and destroyed classroom furniture, leaving the building in disarray. No casualties were reported as students had been dismissed early when the sky darkened.

Local residents urged immediate repairs to resume classes, emphasizing the disruption to the learning environment. Headteacher Abul Kashem confirmed that the furniture inside was badly damaged but said timely evacuation prevented injuries. School authorities warned that without quick restoration, continuing educational activities would be difficult.

Upazila Primary Education Officer Md. Riaz Alam stated that photos and details of the damage would be sent to higher authorities for emergency funding. He added that once funds are allocated, repairs will begin promptly to restore normal schooling conditions.

International oil prices rose sharply after the United States decided to extend sanctions on Iran’s ports, raising concerns about prolonged supply disruptions from the Middle East’s key energy-producing region. According to the Wall Street Journal, Brent crude prices climbed 3 percent on Wednesday, reaching their highest level in a month.

The report said President Donald Trump instructed his aides on Tuesday to prepare for extending the sanctions, aiming to maintain pressure on Iran’s economy and oil exports by keeping its ports closed to shipping. Despite a temporary ceasefire between Iran and the U.S.-Israel alliance, the conflict remains unresolved. Brent crude futures for June rose by $3.33, or 3 percent, to $114.59 per barrel, while July contracts increased 2.9 percent to $107.43. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures for June climbed 3.6 percent to $103.48 per barrel, the highest since April 13.

Analysts noted that the Hormuz Strait blockade is the main driver of the price surge. Investors are also assessing the impact of the United Arab Emirates’ sudden exit from OPEC, though experts expect limited short-term effects.

A severe nor'wester accompanied by hail and lightning struck Matlab North in Chandpur on Sunday night, damaging around 445 hectares of farmland, according to preliminary data from the Upazila Agriculture Office. The affected crops include boro paddy, maize, jute, sesame, mung beans, and summer vegetables. The storm followed several days of intense heat, bringing temporary relief but leaving farmers worried about extensive crop losses.

Field visits on Monday revealed that many paddy fields under the Meghna-Dhonagoda irrigation project were ready for harvest, with some farmers already cutting their crops. However, the hailstorm flattened many fields and uprooted trees, disrupting road traffic and electricity supply in several areas. Farmers reported significant damage to ripe paddy, maize, jute, and vegetables, raising concerns about financial losses.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Faisal Mohammad Ali said officials are assessing the exact extent of the damage. Farmers have been advised to move harvested paddy to safe locations and take protective measures for remaining crops.

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has issued a new directive requiring all bank chairmen, managing directors, and directors to sign written pledges against corruption, bribery, money laundering, and fraud. The instruction, sent through an internal letter to banks, mandates that these signed declarations be displayed prominently in office spaces. The BFIU has also provided a fixed format for the pledge.

According to the directive, the move follows concerns over weak corporate governance, loan management, and risk control in recent years, with widespread loan frauds reported in the banking sector. The initiative aims to strengthen ethical standards, accountability, transparency, and anti–money laundering measures across financial institutions.

The BFIU further stated that the pledge and declaration will be required for every new or reappointed chairman, director, or managing director. Customers who face bribery, corruption, or harassment while seeking banking services will be able to report directly to the BFIU.

Europe experienced one of its warmest years in history in 2025, according to a report released Wednesday by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and European Union scientists. The report highlighted widespread heatwaves, record wildfires, glacier melt, and drought across the continent. WMO data indicated that including Greenland and the Caucasus, 2025 was Europe’s hottest year on record, while Copernicus data ranked it second or third when those regions were excluded.

Nearly 99 percent of Europe recorded above-average temperatures, marking the first time almost the entire continent exceeded normal levels. The WMO warned that a powerful El Niño could form by the end of the current year, potentially raising global temperatures through 2027. The UK Met Office suggested this event might evolve into a “super El Niño,” possibly the strongest of the century.

The report also noted unprecedented wildfire damage, record sea surface temperatures for the fourth consecutive year, and alarming glacier loss. Experts said Europe is warming about twice as fast as other continents, urging immediate large-scale climate action.

Bangladesh Bank has eased the conditions for appointing senior officials from one bank to another. According to a circular issued on Wednesday, bankers can now join higher positions in other banks without passing the Banking Professional Examination. Previously, passing this exam was mandatory for such appointments.

The central bank stated that a banker holding a senior officer rank with at least 15 years of experience can now be appointed to a higher position in another bank even without the exam qualification. The decision aims to enhance the development of skilled human resources in the banking sector.

Earlier, in January of the previous year, Bangladesh Bank had made passing the Banking Professional Examination a requirement for inter-bank senior-level appointments. The new relaxation marks a reversal of that policy to facilitate greater mobility and talent utilization within the sector.

Iran’s government has approved a new plan allowing citizens to purchase essential goods on credit, according to Iranian media reports published on April 29, 2026. Under the scheme, families receiving government assistance will be able to buy basic items from shops every two months on credit, with the government acting as a guarantor for repayment. The value of purchases cannot exceed the amount of assistance each family receives. Funding for the initiative will come from private companies.

The decision comes as prices of many goods in Iran have risen sharply in recent weeks. Tehran-based newspaper Donya-e-Eqtesad has presented three possible inflation scenarios for the current year. It reported that if Iran reaches an agreement with the United States, inflation could be contained at around 49 percent. If the current “no war, no peace” situation continues, inflation may rise to 67 percent. However, if conflict intensifies, the country could face hyperinflation, with rates potentially reaching 123 percent.

The plan aims to ease short-term financial pressure on low-income families while broader economic uncertainties persist.

An unexpected nor'wester accompanied by three days of heavy rain has caused extensive crop damage in Kachua upazila of Chandpur. The storm struck on Sunday evening, uprooting trees, damaging houses, and breaking electric poles. Continuous rainfall from Monday to Wednesday submerged vast areas of ripe and half-ripe boro paddy, maize, and sesame fields, leaving farmers in deep distress during the harvest season.

Field observations showed that large tracts of farmland in Sacher Ghograr Jala, Haripur, Atmor, Joarikhol, Budhunda, Bitara, Jalabitara, and Teteya lowlands were underwater, with around 80 percent of crops submerged. Fearing further water rise, many farmers began cutting half-ripe paddy early. Farmers expressed concern over repaying debts as their crops were destroyed. Kachua Upazila Agriculture Officer Tafu Ahmed advised farmers to harvest their paddy as soon as water recedes and to reinforce maize roots with soil once fields dry.

Officials expect water levels to drop within a few days, but prolonged rainfall could worsen the situation for local farmers.

The British government has directed its refineries to produce the maximum possible amount of jet fuel as part of an emergency plan to maintain energy supply stability. The order comes as the country faces fuel shortages linked to the ongoing Iran war, according to Energy Minister Michael Shanks.

The directive aims to ensure adequate fuel availability ahead of the upcoming peak holiday travel season, when demand for aviation fuel typically rises. Airlines are already under pressure from rising fuel prices caused by the conflict. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned earlier that the jet fuel shortage would first hit Asia before spreading to Europe, Africa, and Latin America.

Facing this potential global supply disruption, the UK is taking early measures to stabilize its domestic energy system and safeguard the aviation sector from further shocks.

An elderly woman was killed when a wall collapsed due to heavy rainfall in Chattogram’s Karnaphuli upazila on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. in the Shikalbaha area under the local police beat. The deceased was identified as Delowara Begum, 60, wife of Fazal Ahmed from the Master Hat area. She was taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared her dead after examination.

According to the Chattogram Medical College Hospital police outpost in-charge, the wall beside a road suddenly gave way following intense rainfall, trapping Delowara Begum underneath. Locals rescued her and rushed her to the hospital, but she could not survive her injuries.

The report highlights the impact of heavy rainfall in the region, which has caused structural damage and safety hazards in parts of Chattogram.