New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has urged the British royal family to return the historic Kohinoor diamond to India. He made the statement at a press conference in Lower Manhattan ahead of King Charles’s visit. Mamdani clarified that he had no scheduled meeting with the King, who was attending an event at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. When asked what he would say if he met the monarch, Mamdani replied that he would ask him to return the priceless Kohinoor diamond to India.

The 105.6-carat diamond was taken from an Indian princely ruler during British colonial rule in the 1840s and later presented to Queen Victoria. It is now part of the British Crown Jewels, kept in the Tower of London. According to The New York Times, Mamdani’s Indian heritage and family background align with his anti-colonial stance. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a noted scholar of colonialism, and his mother, Mira Nair, is a filmmaker whose work often explores colonial experiences.

India has long demanded the return of the Kohinoor diamond, a symbol of colonial-era loss and cultural heritage.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam stated that Chattogram city is functioning normally and is not submerged in water. During an inspection tour of key city areas on Thursday morning with Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain, he said no stagnant water was found and dismissed media reports suggesting widespread waterlogging. He noted that sudden rainfall of around 60 millimeters could cause temporary water accumulation but clarified that this does not amount to prolonged waterlogging.

Explaining the situation, the minister said ongoing canal construction has led to temporary water congestion in some areas due to retaining walls and other barriers. The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) has assured that these obstacles will be removed soon. He added that, following the Prime Minister’s directive, a coordination committee has been formed under the mayor’s leadership, including representatives from all relevant agencies, to address the issue.

The minister’s remarks aimed to reassure residents and counter claims of persistent flooding in the city.

Myanmar’s military ruler and current president Min Aung Hlaing has announced a one-sixth reduction in prison sentences for all inmates, marking a general amnesty tied to a national holiday. According to official statements, the decision applies broadly without naming specific prisoners. Sources close to detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi indicated that her sentence could also be partially reduced under this order.

Suu Kyi, detained since the 2021 military coup, remains imprisoned on multiple charges including corruption and COVID-19 regulation violations. A former senior member of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party said it is still unclear how much her total sentence will decrease. An NLD-linked source claimed that the 80-year-old leader would be covered by the amnesty. In 2023, her sentence was previously reduced to 27 years following partial pardons.

Analysts view the move as a possible attempt by the junta to ease international pressure, while opposition groups and observers describe it as a limited and symbolic reform. Suu Kyi’s family and supporters have expressed concern over her deteriorating health and prolonged isolation.

The liaison committee of the eleven-party alliance convened a meeting on Thursday morning at the central office of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Moghbazar, Dhaka. The session began after 11 a.m. and aimed to determine the next course of action for the ongoing political movement.

According to the source, the meeting focused on reviewing the current state of the movement, discussing future strategies, and formulating coordinated programs. Leaders involved in the discussions stated that the next steps would be decided jointly, taking into account the overall political situation in the country.

Following the meeting, the alliance leaders are scheduled to hold a press conference at the same venue to present their decisions to the media.

A human chain was organized in Chapainawabganj demanding the cessation of toll collection on the Birshreshtha Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir Bridge. The demonstration took place on Thursday at 11 a.m. in front of the Roads and Highways Department office near the bridge in Rehaichar, led by the Citizens’ Rights Realization Committee. Participants included transport workers, owners, teachers, students, lawyers, and people from various professions.

Speakers at the event stated that tolls have been collected on the bridge since its inauguration in 1993, continuing for 33 years. Despite repeated appeals and submission of memorandums to stop the toll, local authorities have not taken action. They noted that even a recent request by local Member of Parliament Nurul Islam Bulbul to the Road Transport Minister in parliament yielded no result.

The speakers warned that if toll collection continues into the next year, they will launch stricter movements, including road blockades, to press their demand.

The first session of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament concluded after 25 working days, during which 94 bills were passed and 133 ordinances were introduced. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed presented these figures in his closing speech on Thursday, also announcing the formation of seven committees and the participation of 280 members in over 40 hours of discussion. The session began on March 12 following the President’s address, and a motion of thanks for that speech was passed by voice vote.

The Speaker described the session as significant, marking the start of the 13th Parliament after what he termed a fair and participatory national election held after 18 years. He praised the cooperative atmosphere between government and opposition members, noting that 220 members were serving their first term. The session also saw 93 questions directed to the Prime Minister and 2,509 to various ministers, with many answered in the chamber.

In his remarks, the Speaker urged all members to strengthen parliamentary democracy, uphold the rule of law, and prioritize national interests under the principle of “Bangladesh First.”

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on both ruling and opposition parties to work together in the interest of Bangladesh, emphasizing that the current parliament must not fail. Speaking on Thursday during the closing session of the 13th Parliament and the motion of thanks on the President’s address, he said that this parliament should be unlike any in the country’s history, where both sides cooperate for the nation’s welfare. The motion of thanks was passed by voice vote, though the opposition voted against it.

Rahman stated that the parliament stands on the sacrifices of the 1971 martyrs and warned against repeating past political disruptions such as prolonged strikes. He stressed that the success of the parliament equates to the success of Bangladesh and urged dialogue on key issues including electricity, employment, education, and healthcare. He also highlighted the need for stability to strengthen the economy and advance national development.

The Prime Minister noted that a large share of GDP will be allocated to education and health, and reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting farmers, improving school conditions, and promoting women’s education up to the degree level.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that the government has decided to make education free for women up to the undergraduate (degree) level. He made the declaration during his concluding speech at the first session of the 13th National Parliament, adding that scholarships will also be provided based on academic performance.

Rahman emphasized his commitment to transforming the education sector, stating that he seeks fundamental change rather than maintaining the current state. Starting from July, the government will distribute school bags, uniforms, and shoes to primary school students to ensure a dignified learning environment. He also paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in various national movements and reaffirmed the government's dedication to fulfilling their aspirations for freedom and employment based on merit.

Addressing the ongoing energy crisis, Rahman said the government has accepted proposals from the opposition and formed a joint committee to resolve the issue, expressing hope for a quick solution. He reiterated that the government is elected by the people and accountable to them.

In a parliamentary session on Thursday, Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman called for national unity, urging all sides to move beyond historical divisions to build the country together. He also demanded justice for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, emphasizing his call for accountability for all injustices committed against them.

During the same session, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reflected on the burdens of leadership, saying that while the prime minister’s chair may appear comfortable, it feels like sitting on burning fire. He began his speech by paying tribute to the martyrs of 1971 and those who died on May 5, 2013, at Shapla Chattar.

The session highlighted contrasting yet complementary appeals from both leaders—one focusing on justice and unity, the other on sacrifice and responsibility—underscoring ongoing efforts to reconcile the nation’s political and historical divides.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher claimed in the National Parliament that he was a 'child freedom fighter'. He made the statement on Thursday, April 30, 2026, while participating in the discussion on the President’s address. During his speech, Taher elaborated on Jamaat’s position during the Liberation War and addressed current parliamentary issues.

Taher rejected allegations labeling Jamaat leaders as 'razakar' or 'al-Badr', asserting that none of the current party leadership were involved in such roles. He described how his family, living near the border, helped refugees heading to India during the war by providing shelter and guidance. He also reminded the assembly that figures accused of collaboration had served in both Awami League and Ziaur Rahman cabinets. Toward the end of his speech, Taher called for political harmony and mutual respect between the government and opposition.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the use of offensive language in parliament, Taher criticized a reported remark by the Health Minister and urged lawmakers to maintain decorum and mutual respect in parliamentary discourse.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring fair wages and gender equality in pay. In a message issued on Thursday ahead of International Workers’ Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2026, he said the government regularly reviews wages to guarantee just compensation for workers. He noted that all workers received timely salaries, bonuses, and benefits during the last Eid-ul-Fitr, and pledged to continue this practice.

Rahman emphasized that workers are the foundation of national development, contributing to industry, agriculture, and infrastructure. He said improving their living standards, ensuring fair rights, and creating safe workplaces are central to the government’s democratic commitments. He also recalled late President Ziaur Rahman’s initiatives to strengthen labor welfare and expand overseas employment opportunities, which remain vital to Bangladesh’s economy.

The Prime Minister added that the government maintains close cooperation with the International Labour Organization and remains dedicated to building a prosperous, self-reliant, and humane Bangladesh through collective effort and mutual support.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament that he signed the July National Charter through compromise to prevent election delays under the pretext of reforms. Speaking during the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, he said the government prioritized holding elections and therefore agreed to the charter despite differences. He emphasized that all parties united and reached an understanding to safeguard the electoral process.

Referring to the July implementation order, the minister said his party and allies had publicly declared they would not accept anything outside the July National Charter. He also criticized the misuse of freedom of expression on social media, warning that unchecked behavior could harm national culture and religious harmony. Ahmed urged young people not to exploit the spirit of July for political gain and called for collective ownership of its democratic ideals.

He further noted that the interim government had support from both major political sides and thanked the President for his leadership during the governmentless period in August 2024.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday expressed his determination to fulfill the expectations of the people through united efforts. Speaking during a parliamentary session, he pledged to work with full strength to meet national aspirations. At the beginning of his address, he paid tribute to those who were killed in the anti-fascist movement and also remembered the martyrs of the Shapla Chattar incident.

Rahman honored the memory of those who sacrificed their lives in 1971 and on May 5, 2013. Reflecting on the challenges of leadership, he remarked that while the prime minister’s chair may appear comfortable, it feels like sitting on burning fire due to the responsibilities it carries. During the same session, he again remembered the Shapla martyrs.

Earlier in the session, opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman demanded justice for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, calling for accountability for all injustices committed against them.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told Parliament on Thursday that the prime minister’s chair may appear comfortable, but sitting on it feels like enduring burning fire. He made the remark during a parliamentary session while reflecting on the responsibilities and challenges of leadership.

At the beginning of his speech, the prime minister paid tribute to the martyrs of 1971 and those who died on May 5, 2013, at Shapla Chattar. Earlier in the session, opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman demanded justice for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, calling for accountability for all injustices committed against them.

The session also highlighted the government’s commitment to allocate a large portion of GDP to education and health sectors, as well as upcoming national events such as Police Week starting on May 10, during which 107 officers will receive medals.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee delivered a strong message to the people of the state amid an intense election atmosphere on April 30, 2026. Expressing deep gratitude to voters who braved the heat to cast their ballots, she said the election was not just a political contest but a fight to protect Bengal’s autonomy and dignity. Her remarks reflected strong confidence in the Trinamool Congress’s victory.

Banerjee accused sections of the central forces and administration of bias and alleged that Trinamool workers and ordinary voters faced harassment. She dismissed exit polls circulated by the opposition, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party, calling them part of a conspiracy to manipulate the stock market. She urged party workers to remain alert on counting day to prevent any tampering with electronic voting machines or irregularities during counting.

Reminding supporters of Bengal’s heritage of resistance, Banerjee said the people of Bengal would decide their own fate. She concluded with the belief that Bengal’s victory would be confirmed once counting ends on May 4.