A Swedish court has sentenced journalist Joakim Medin to 11 months in prison for allegedly insulting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Medin, a reporter for Dagens ETC, was arrested on March 27 at Istanbul Airport during widespread protests. He is accused of participating in a January 2023 protest in Stockholm, where a puppet of Erdoğan was symbolically hanged. The puppet was also seen later at the Stockholm Pride Parade with a Kurdish group’s float. While Medin has denied the charges, the court has conditionally released him pending trial on another related offense.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that of the 59 hostages held in Gaza, only 24 are believed to be alive — and he fears the number may be even lower. Referring to Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, Trump said, “We don’t know how he’s doing, but we hope for the best.” He also expressed disappointment, saying, “Two months ago, we were fairly confident he’d be released. But now the situation has worsened.” On Iran, Trump added, “Iran is a failed state. The U.S. is imposing more sanctions, and those buying oil from Iran will not be allowed to do business in America.”

India and Pakistan continue to trade blame over the recent Pahalgam attack. Now, a leaked document on Telegram has added fuel to the fire, allegedly linking India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), to the incident. The document outlines a plan to produce forensic evidence using vague video footage 36 hours after the attack, attempting to tie it to Pakistan’s ISI. It also suggests that hundreds of fake social media accounts and pre-arranged media outlets were used to spread disinformation. RAW agents disguised as tourists were reportedly stationed in specific areas to act as ‘eyewitnesses’ for the narrative.

Police from Uttara West Police Station conducted a raid on Hotel Grand Inn in Uttara following allegations of immoral activities. Inspector AB Siddique stated that the operation, based on specific information, was carried out around 10 PM and several individuals were detained. Further details will be shared later, he added.

Ahead of their grand rally scheduled for May 3 at Suhrawardy Udyan, Hefazat-e-Islam organized a motorbike rally and mass procession in Uttara. The procession began from Azampur on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway. Addressing the rally, Junayed Al Habib demanded that all proposals deemed contrary to the Quran, including the establishment of a women’s commission, be withdrawn before the event. He urged exemplary punishment for those involved in “deceit against the country and Islam,” stating, “In a country with 92% Muslims, any Quran-opposing legislation will have to pass over our dead bodies.”

During a hearing at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Qatar blamed Israel for the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Qatar’s representative accused Israel of weaponizing humanitarian aid to achieve military goals, saying hunger is once again part of Israel’s official policy. The hearing followed a 2023 UN General Assembly resolution seeking an advisory opinion on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation and its influence on international institutions.

On Thursday night in Fatullah, Narayanganj, armed assailants attempted to assassinate businessman Nantu Mia, owner of Afsar Karim Plaza near Pagla Bazar. Eyewitnesses report that he was shot in the stomach and arm. After receiving initial treatment at Khanpur Hospital, he was transferred to Dhaka Medical College. The attack occurred when he was getting into his private car after shopping. His driver quickly fled the scene with him towards Fatullah, while the attackers escaped towards Dhaka on a motorcycle.

Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Khondokar Azim Ahmed warned business owners that while securing bank loans for investment is acceptable, fleeing the country with the funds—especially to Singapore—will not be tolerated. He called on employers to ensure fair wages for workers and emphasized timely payment before the sweat of their labor dries. He highlighted the plight of agricultural, construction, and transport workers in the region, noting poor safety, extreme heat, and low pay, especially among tea workers, who earn less than Tk 200 daily.

In a defiant protest in Quetta, Hindu lawmaker Sanjay Kumar of the Pakistan People’s Party condemned Indian allegations of Pakistani involvement in the Pahalgam attack. Leading a demonstration, he declared, “If India dares to attack, more than 10 million Pakistani Hindus will stand with our army.” Demonstrators held placards denouncing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed solidarity with Pakistan’s military.

Indian authorities claim the four militants responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people, are still hiding in South Kashmir’s dense forests. According to NDTV, these militants are believed to be self-sufficient in supplies, which has helped them avoid detection—suggesting no ongoing support from across the border.

Indian outrage has surged over Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir’s remarks about Kashmir. Speaking on April 17 to expatriates, Munir called Kashmir Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and vowed to support its people’s struggle. Linking this with the April 22 Pahalgam attack, Indian commentators are drawing connections despite no conclusive evidence. Munir previously claimed Pakistan would fight ten wars if necessary over Kashmir.

Despite the significance of May Day, workers took to the streets demanding unpaid wages. Protests led to discussions between workers and factory management at the main gate. Workers said the factory had shut down on November 9, promising payments by December 28, but nothing has been paid yet. Mahmud Jeans Ltd. and Mahmud Washing Plant Ltd. claimed that although they planned to begin payments from April 28, banking complications delayed the process. They now aim to clear all dues by May 15 in coordination with the Labor Ministry.

India’s Supreme Court refused to hear a petition demanding a judicial probe into the recent Pahalgam attack, citing concerns over armed forces’ morale. The bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh, advised petitioners to consider the national interest, saying, “Don’t file petitions that demoralize security forces.” Meanwhile, Pakistan has labeled the attack a “false flag operation.”

Writer and activist Farhad Mazhar claimed the 1972 Constitution was imposed under Indian influence, disregarding the true spirit of the Liberation War. “It introduced Bengali nationalism, secularism, and socialism—none of which were part of the 1971 movement,” he said. Mazhar called for its repeal and a new constitution. He also criticized poet Dr. Yunus for allegedly blocking students’ attempts to declare a new national vision in July.

The upcoming May 10 election of the Rajshahi University Alumni Association (RUAA) has been suspended following the resignation of two election commissioners—Professors Nurul Hossain Chowdhury and Habibul Haque. Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Moin Uddin revealed that the commissioners were intimidated and pressured not to carry out their duties. Nurul Hossain cited personal reasons and mental stress, saying he had been unable to sleep for two nights. A new commission or an ad hoc committee may be formed to proceed.