Three major Indian airlines—Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet—have warned the government that the country’s aviation industry is on the verge of shutting down. According to a Press Trust of India report, the carriers, which together control about 95 percent of India’s aviation market, said the situation has become critical due to soaring fuel prices and operational restrictions.

The report attributes the crisis to the Iran war and the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which have driven aviation fuel prices sharply higher in India, the world’s fifth-largest aviation market. Additional restrictions on airspace use have further increased operating costs, particularly for long-haul routes.

In response, the airlines have demanded a revision of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices. The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) has also urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to introduce a special mechanism to regulate fuel prices for both domestic and international flights.

The United Arab Emirates has demanded that Pakistan immediately repay a $3.5 billion loan, creating new pressure on Islamabad as it faces an ongoing economic crisis. The demand, made earlier this month, threatens to deplete nearly one-fifth of Pakistan’s central bank reserves and could jeopardize the $7 billion IMF bailout package promised in 2024. Saudi Arabia has since stepped in, providing a $3 billion loan to strengthen Pakistan’s reserves and extending an existing $5 billion loan for more than a year.

Analysts view Abu Dhabi’s sudden move as a reflection of growing dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s softer stance toward Iran and its mediation efforts in conflicts involving the United States and Israel. The situation also highlights underlying competition between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, whose relations have been strained over Yemen and regional influence. UAE’s closer economic ties with India have further complicated its relationship with Islamabad.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry described the repayment as a routine financial transaction and denied any diplomatic rift, though officials privately expressed frustration. Observers see the episode as part of shifting alliances and power balances in the Gulf region.

The United Arab Emirates has decided to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the OPEC Plus alliance, effective May 1. According to the state news agency WAM, the decision aligns with the country’s long-term strategic and economic vision and aims to accelerate domestic energy investment. The UAE stated that the move will strengthen its role as a responsible and reliable energy producer in the global market.

The statement cited ongoing instability in the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz as key factors disrupting energy supply chains. The UAE said it seeks to ensure market stability and meet global demand amid the crisis. The decision comes against the backdrop of the Iran war, which has severely affected global energy flows and regional economies. The UAE reportedly expressed frustration that Arab nations failed to provide sufficient protection from Iranian attacks during the conflict.

Analysts view the UAE’s withdrawal as a major setback for OPEC and its de facto leader Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about potential disruptions in global oil supply and price volatility.

Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Saiful Alam Khan, representing Dhaka-12, expressed concern in the national parliament that businessman S Alam might take advantage of the new provisions introduced by the finance minister under the amended Bank Resolution Act 2026. Speaking on Tuesday during the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, he highlighted the current situation of Islami Bank, one of the country’s largest private banks.

Saiful Alam cited media reports claiming that Islami Bank saw withdrawals of Tk 705 crore in a single day, with three-day transaction data showing a negative trend. He alleged that large-scale misappropriation had occurred across private Islamic banks, blaming S Alam and his associates for the losses. Referring to the finance minister’s statement about “opening a window” through the new law, he warned that S Alam might exploit this opportunity.

The MP urged the government to take steps to protect Islami Bank, noting that it serves around 12 million customers. He cautioned that a collapse of the bank could have serious repercussions for the national economy.

Bangladesh has officially begun uranium loading at the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pabna, marking its entry into the global community of nuclear power-producing nations. The ceremony took place on Tuesday inside the plant, attended by Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam, ministry officials, and representatives from Russia’s Rosatom. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi congratulated Bangladesh through a video message, calling it a historic day for the country.

The uranium fuel, which arrived in September 2023, is being loaded into the reactor pressure vessel under strict safety measures. The process is expected to take about 45 days, with trial electricity generation of around 300 megawatts planned by July or August. The plant uses advanced VVER-1200 Generation 3+ reactors, designed for high safety and efficiency. The project, decades in the making, overcame delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Once fully operational, the Rooppur plant will supply 1,200 megawatts per unit, strengthening Bangladesh’s energy security, supporting industrial growth, and contributing to low-carbon sustainable development.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir emphasized the need for export diversification, greater market access, and increased investment to strengthen the United States–Bangladesh economic partnership. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a program titled “Strengthening US–Bangladesh Economic Partnership,” organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka.

The minister noted that while bilateral trade between the two countries continues to grow, Bangladesh remains heavily dependent on the ready-made garment sector, which poses risks. He said the government is prioritizing pharmaceuticals, leather, agricultural products, light engineering, and ICT to expand the export base. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring market access as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from least developed country status by November 2029, seeking US cooperation for a smooth transition.

Muktadir added that although US investment in Bangladesh’s energy sector has been positive, overall investment remains below potential. He underscored opportunities for collaboration in technology transfer, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, fintech, e-commerce, and digital services. US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen and AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed also stressed expanding trade and investment cooperation.

Chattogram experienced severe waterlogging on April 28, 2026, after just 6 millimeters of rainfall, submerging several low-lying areas including Probortok Moor, Muradpur, Bakulia, GEC Moor, and Dewanhat. Roads, homes, and shops were inundated, causing major disruptions for residents, pedestrians, and vehicles. The Patenga weather office reported continued rainfall and warned of possible heavy rain, waterlogging, and landslides over the next four days.

Residents expressed anger, noting that despite multi-billion-taka drainage projects claiming over 90 percent completion, the city still suffers from flooding after light rain. The Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) stated that the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) and the army are implementing the drainage project, with temporary dams placed in several canals for construction work, worsening the situation in affected areas.

CCC Mayor Shahadat Hossain visited flooded zones and urged CDA and the army to remove the dams quickly. CDA Chairman Engineer Nurul Karim said work was planned to finish by May 15 but was delayed by early rainfall. Pumping operations and dam removal have begun to restore water flow and reduce flooding soon.

A 25-kilogram pangas fish caught in the confluence of the Padma and Jamuna rivers was sold for Tk 71,250 at the Daulatdia fish market in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila. The fish was caught early Tuesday morning by local fisherman Ershad Haldar and his team and later sold through an open auction at Rezaul Mondol’s wholesale shop. Local trader Md. Chandu Molla purchased the fish at Tk 2,800 per kilogram and later sold it in Kushtia’s Poradah area for a small profit.

According to the upazila’s senior fisheries officer Md. Anwarul Islam Pilot, large pangas and other native species are naturally found in the Padma-Jamuna estuary. He emphasized that to sustain fish production, it is essential to stop illegal net use, avoid fishing during breeding seasons, and raise awareness among fishermen.

Officials believe that with proper conservation measures, the chances of catching larger fish in the future will increase.

The state-owned Jiban Bima Corporation has announced a new recruitment drive for 20 positions under the title of Insurance Representative or Agent. According to the notice published on April 28, 2026, interested candidates can apply online until May 27, 2026. Applicants must have at least an SSC or graduate-level qualification, and prior experience is not required, making it an opportunity for newcomers. Both men and women are eligible to apply.

The positions are full-time and categorized as private-sector roles. Salary and other benefits will be determined through discussion, and no specific age limit has been mentioned. Selected candidates must be willing to work in the districts of Bogura, Gaibandha, Joypurhat, Naogaon, Natore, and Sirajganj.

Applications are being accepted through the BDJobs online platform until the stated deadline.

Bangladesh and Bhutan have stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in trade and energy sectors. The discussion took place on Tuesday at the Secretariat in Dhaka during a courtesy meeting between Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and Bhutan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dasho Karma Hamu Dorji. Both sides discussed expanding bilateral trade and investment as well as enhancing regional cooperation, with particular focus on renewable energy, including solar and hydropower projects.

The commerce minister highlighted that although South Asian countries collectively have a GDP of about 59 trillion US dollars, intra-regional trade remains around one percent, far below potential. He emphasized the need for stronger economic partnerships among neighboring countries and suggested that establishing small-scale hydropower plants near border areas could be mutually beneficial.

The Bhutanese ambassador congratulated the minister on his appointment and expressed Bhutan’s interest in deepening bilateral trade ties. He noted that the distance between Bhutan and Bangladesh’s Burimari border is about 100 kilometers, making trade and investment convenient. He also mentioned that Bhutanese students study in Bangladeshi medical colleges, contributing to cultural exchange between the two nations.

A severe shortage of drinking water has hit Ramganj upazila in Lakshmipur, where deep tube wells are failing to draw water due to ongoing drought and a sharp drop in groundwater levels. Residents, including business owners, are struggling to obtain safe water, with many resorting to shallow tube wells or carrying water from distant sources. The municipal water plant is unable to meet demand, leaving households and institutions in distress.

Local residents reported that most deep wells have become nonfunctional, forcing them to buy bottled water or use pond water for daily chores. The head teacher of a local primary school said the school’s motor pump has stopped working, while others complained of irregular municipal supply. According to the assistant engineer of Ramganj Municipality, a 2023 earthquake originating in Sirundi village caused the groundwater level to drop significantly, worsening the crisis.

Officials said a new water plant in Kazirkhil area is expected to start operation within a few days, which may ease the shortage. The upazila administration has pledged to coordinate with the public health engineering department to take necessary measures.

The Bangladesh government is taking extensive preparations to send a large number of skilled workers to Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) category across 16 sectors. Japan has set a target to recruit 820,000 foreign workers in these sectors by March 2029, and experts believe Bangladesh could supply up to 40 percent of that demand if properly prepared. Previously, Bangladesh could send workers to only six sectors, but now it is expanding readiness for all 16.

According to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, the government is implementing short-, medium-, and long-term plans to train workers in Japanese language, culture, and technical skills. Initiatives include upgrading training centers, launching hybrid courses, and strengthening cooperation with Japanese institutions. The ministry has also established a “Japan Cell” and enhanced the labor wing at the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo to facilitate recruitment.

The government is also promoting student migration, aiming to send 10,000 students to Japan in 2026 with easy loan facilities. Officials say these measures will deepen bilateral cooperation and expand employment opportunities for Bangladeshi citizens in Japan.

In Tangail’s Mirzapur upazila, allegations have surfaced that topsoil from triple-crop farmland is being sold to brick kilns and other sites. For nearly two months, soil has been excavated day and night from cultivable land in three villages of Fatepur Union—Bahonatali, Nishchintapur, and Mushuriaghona—using excavators. The soil is reportedly being transported by trucks to nearby brick kilns. Local residents claim that influential individuals are involved and that soil is being taken even from others’ land without consent.

Officials from the agriculture department have warned that removing the top 15 centimeters of soil will severely reduce fertility, requiring more fertilizer and lowering yields. The Fatepur Union administrator said he had discussed halting the excavation with the assistant commissioner (land). The assistant commissioner, Tarek Aziz, stated that no legal permission had been issued for soil cutting and that investigations and legal action would follow.

The ongoing removal of fertile soil threatens long-term agricultural productivity in the affected villages if not stopped promptly.

A mobile court in Banshkhali upazila of Chattogram fined a brick kiln Tk 200,000 for violating the Brick Manufacturing and Brick Kiln Establishment (Control) Act. The operation took place on Monday at Messrs. Chowdhury Bricks, owned by Saiful Islam, located in Minjiritala under Saral Union Parishad. The court, led by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Omar Sani Akon, also ordered the destruction of raw bricks found at the site.

Senior Chemist Jannatul Ferdous from the Chattogram District Department of Environment office served as the prosecutor during the mobile court proceedings. The executive magistrate stated that such drives would continue to ensure environmental protection.

The enforcement action highlights ongoing efforts by local authorities to regulate illegal brick kilns and safeguard agricultural land and the environment in the region.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman has disclosed the current diesel reserves in Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Tuesday while discussing government progress, he said the country currently holds 170,000 tons of diesel in stock. An additional 180,000 tons are expected to arrive by April 30. He assured that there is no fuel shortage and that long queues at fuel stations are not being observed.

Dr. Zahed also commented on the issue of militancy in Bangladesh, acknowledging that militant elements exist but emphasizing that the situation has not reached a level that should cause public fear. He noted that claims of widespread militancy during the Awami League’s tenure were exaggerated, while assertions made during the interim government that no militants existed were also inaccurate.

The adviser’s remarks aimed to clarify both the energy supply situation and the government’s stance on internal security concerns.