An Indigenous Australian senator, Lidia Thorpe, has called for action against growing anti-Palestinian racism in Australia. Her remarks followed a new report by the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, which claimed that anti-Palestinian sentiment is increasing across the country. Thorpe accused the government, institutions, and media of actively fueling such racism, warning that this trend is contributing to a broader climate of intolerance.

She linked the tightening of protest laws to efforts to silence those speaking out against the situation in Gaza and alleged genocide there. Thorpe emphasized that Australia must confront all forms of racism if the nation hopes to heal its divisions.

The report and Thorpe’s comments highlight rising tensions in Australia’s political and social discourse concerning Palestine, with calls for stronger institutional accountability and protection of free expression.

After two phases of voting in the West Bengal assembly election, the Trinamool Congress has expressed confidence that it will win more than 230 seats. Party sources said internal analyses indicate such a result, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that her party expects to secure a two-thirds majority.

According to the party, the election discourse centered on the BJP’s campaign around infiltration and public dissatisfaction over the SIR issue. Trinamool leaders argued that the BJP’s ‘outsider’ attacks and warnings backfired. Reports suggested that in Nandigram, the ruling party holds a slight advantage based on internal assessments. Party sources also mentioned that both Rabindra Sangeet and DJ music will be played on May 4, the counting day, echoing earlier campaign remarks by Abhishek.

Trinamool sources further claimed that a warning video by Ajaypal Sharma created a negative impression among voters, and threats allegedly made by outsiders from Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat were poorly received. The party believes it successfully mobilized women voters and benefited from migrant workers’ support in weaker districts.

Romania has introduced a new conditional legalization program for foreign workers who have become irregular despite initially entering the country legally. The government issued Emergency Ordinance No. 32 on April 23, which was published in the official gazette on April 27. This measure allows non-EU workers meeting specific conditions to regain legal status. The initiative has been welcomed by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Romania, which said it could help many Bangladeshi workers regularize their stay.

The provision mainly targets those who entered Romania with valid work visas but later became irregular due to employer-related issues, such as job loss or administrative lapses. Workers must contact Romanian immigration authorities within 60 days of the law’s enactment, secure a valid employer, obtain a work permit, and then apply for a temporary residence card. Those who entered illegally or have received a return decision are excluded from the program.

The special legalization opportunity will remain effective until December 31 of the current year, and the Bangladeshi embassy has advised affected workers to seek its assistance if needed.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has accepted a proposal from the Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman to provide additional allowances to parliament officials and employees. The announcement came during a parliamentary session on Thursday, where the prime minister expressed full support for the opposition leader’s demand.

During his speech, Prime Minister Rahman reflected on the challenges of leadership, noting that the prime minister’s chair may appear comfortable but feels like sitting on fire. He began his address by paying tribute to the martyrs of 1971 and those who died on May 5, 2013, at Shapla Chattar. Earlier in the session, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman had called for justice in the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi and demanded accountability for all injustices committed against them.

The parliamentary exchange highlighted a rare moment of agreement between the government and opposition benches, focusing on welfare measures for parliamentary staff and remembrance of national sacrifices.

Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman called for firm action against extortion during a discussion in the National Parliament on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Speaking on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, he stated that he does not want to hear who the extortionists are, and if he himself is one, he should be handcuffed. The session was presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

Dr. Rahman emphasized that extortionists cannot belong to any political party and that the people of the country must be freed from their oppression. He also noted that about 80 percent of the parliamentary discussions since the 12th have been focused on historical topics, which he said is important for understanding the nation’s path forward.

His remarks highlighted a call for accountability and transparency in political and social conduct, urging collective responsibility to eliminate extortion from all sectors.

The Dhaka Bar Association election for the 2026–27 term concluded peacefully and in a festive atmosphere on Thursday. Voting began at 9 a.m. and continued until 5 p.m. Over two days, a total of 7,069 votes were cast out of 20,727 registered voters, marking a 34 percent turnout. The Chief Election Commissioner, Alhaj Mohammad Borhan Uddin, confirmed that vote counting will take place on Friday.

The election schedule was announced on March 29, and 54 candidates contested for 23 posts, including 13 editorial and 10 executive positions. The main competition was between the BNP-backed Blue Panel, led by Anwar Zahid Bhuiyan and Md. Abul Kalam Khan, and the Jamaat-backed Green Panel, led by S.M. Kamal Uddin and Abu Bakar Siddique. Six independent candidates also contested for various posts. No Awami League candidates participated due to a state restriction.

According to the election commission, adverse weather and voter hesitation contributed to the lower turnout, though the overall process remained peaceful and orderly.

Opposition Deputy Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Nayebe Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has alleged that the current ruling party is speaking against Jamaat in the same tone once used by the Awami League. Speaking in parliament on Thursday, he said that the government benches now sound like the Awami League, while the opposition side seems to represent Jamaat-BNP members. He expressed concern that the parliamentary atmosphere has become heated and divisive.

Dr. Taher recalled the joint movements of BNP, Jamaat, and other parties against the Awami League in the past, emphasizing that they had once agreed to work together for good governance after the fall of the Awami League. However, he said the post-election scenario has disappointed many, as the expected unity and reform have not materialized. He also warned that a two-thirds majority has historically led to negative outcomes in the subcontinent and urged the government to avoid repeating such mistakes.

He further defended Jamaat’s political stance, rejected allegations linking the party to anti-liberation forces, and called for mutual respect and constructive politics in parliament.

In a parliamentary session held on Thursday, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the Leader of the Opposition and Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, called for justice over the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. Speaking before lawmakers, he demanded accountability for all forms of injustice and specifically urged that those responsible for Hadi’s death be brought to trial.

The statement came during a regular sitting of the national parliament, where Dr. Rahman reiterated his party’s stance on addressing past injustices. His remarks centered on the need for fair trials and justice for victims of political violence, including the case of Hadi, whom he referred to as a martyr.

Further details about the case or government response were not provided in the session, and the report indicated that more information would follow.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced that workers in the country will be entitled to up to 15 days of paid leave to perform Hajj. The ministry stated that this leave, which includes the Eid al-Adha holidays, is part of the Saudi labor law and aims to strengthen workers’ rights. Employees must have worked continuously for at least two years in the same organization to qualify for the benefit.

According to the ministry, the special leave can only be taken once during an employee’s entire career and is available only to those who have not previously performed Hajj. Employers will determine how many workers can take the leave each year, based on the nature and operational needs of their organizations, to ensure that business activities are not disrupted.

The ministry emphasized that the initiative will make it easier for Muslim employees in Saudi Arabia to fulfill their religious obligations while reinforcing labor protections across the workforce.

At a meeting of the 11-party alliance liaison committee held on Wednesday, April 30, 2026, at the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan declared that their movement to implement the referendum verdict would continue both through their representatives’ voices in parliament and through public mobilization on the streets.

The meeting was attended by senior leaders from several allied parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Nezame Islam Party, Bangladesh Labour Party, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party, AB Party, LDP, and Bangladesh Development Party. Following the meeting, the 11-party alliance announced a series of nationwide programs, including divisional rallies in Rajshahi on May 16, Chattogram on June 13, Khulna on June 20, Mymensingh on June 27, Rangpur on July 11, Barishal on July 18, and Sylhet on July 25.

The alliance also plans to hold a grand rally in Dhaka in October as part of its ongoing campaign to press for the implementation of the referendum verdict.

The Election Commission (EC) has issued the official gazette for 49 reserved women members of the 13th National Parliament of Bangladesh. The gazette was published on Thursday evening and signed by Additional Secretary K M Ali Newaz, who is performing the routine duties of the EC Secretary. The commission will soon send the gazette to the Parliament Secretariat, after which the newly elected women MPs will take their oath administered by the Speaker of the National Parliament.

According to the final list, 36 of the 49 reserved seats have been filled by candidates nominated by the BNP-led alliance. Twelve members were nominated by the Jamaat-NCP and the 11-party alliance, while one candidate was elected as an independent. The EC’s announcement completes the formal process of filling the reserved seats for women in the 13th Parliament.

The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place soon, marking the full formation of the new Parliament’s representation under the reserved quota for women.

A controversy erupted in Fatullah of Narayanganj Sadar upazila after newly appointed acting chairman of Boktabali Union Parishad, Pinky Akter, greeted Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) S M Foyez Uddin with flowers. The event, held on Wednesday at the upazila office, included individuals accused in assault and attempted murder cases as well as local Awami League leaders. Photos of the incident spread on social media, sparking public outrage and criticism.

The Boktabali Union chairman post had remained vacant for a long time, causing difficulties in public services. Following media reports, Pinky Akter was recently appointed as acting chairman. However, her participation in this event with controversial figures drew strong reactions. Among those present were charge-sheeted accused Russell Member, Awami League leader Amjad Member, and others.

Local BNP leaders expressed anger, alleging that those involved in past political violence were being rehabilitated. The UNO could not be reached for comment. Grassroots activists urged Narayanganj district and Fatullah BNP leadership to intervene and demanded an investigation and administrative action over the incident.

A protest and brief road blockade took place on Wednesday night at the Jhinai Filling Station in Sarishabari municipality of Jamalpur district, centering on fuel distribution. Locals alleged that a syndicate’s influence caused suffering for ordinary bikers and emergency service workers. The unrest reportedly forced station employees to remain inside their office for about one and a half hours until police restored order.

According to local sources, long queues formed from morning, and fuel was distributed until 6 p.m. Allegations surfaced that former Sarishabari municipal Chhatra League joint convener Faruk Ahmed stayed near the dispenser under the pretext of assisting distribution, obstructed journalists and service workers, and later incited bikers to protest. The station manager said distribution stopped at 6 p.m. per administrative instruction, after which some people created chaos and blocked the road. The owner stated that fuel supply was adequate but distribution was being done three days a week due to exams and traffic congestion.

Police confirmed that no major untoward incident occurred and that the situation is now normal.

BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-2 MP Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said many ruling party lawmakers would feel uncomfortable if the events of 1/11 were discussed. Speaking in parliament on Thursday during the debate on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, he recalled that during the 1/11 period, many senior BNP leaders abandoned Khaleda Zia out of fear and did not respond to her calls. Roy claimed he was among the first to oppose the 1/11 political situation.

He also noted that during that time, Jamaat-e-Islami did not issue any statement in support of Tarique Rahman, saying it would not take responsibility for the alleged misdeeds of Khaleda Zia and her son. Roy added that when Jamaat leaders were later arrested in war crimes cases, Khaleda Zia issued statements and even sought their release. He urged Jamaat to acknowledge its mistakes from 1971.

Referring to Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam’s comments on relations with India, Roy said Bangladesh should maintain economic friendship with all but avoid subservience, emphasizing equality and sovereignty in foreign relations.

In a parliamentary discussion on the president’s address, opposition chief whip and NCP lawmaker Nahid Islam criticized the current president, calling him corrupt, deceitful, and complicit in past atrocities. He said the government’s inability to replace such a figure reflected its bankruptcy and claimed that the BNP had qualified and trustworthy individuals who could assume the presidency if the party chose to do so.

Nahid Islam, also the NCP convener, questioned why the BNP continued to accept the current president, alleging his involvement in financial irregularities and controversial decisions, including handing over Islami Bank to private interests. He also criticized the 1972 Constitution as undemocratic and rooted in authoritarianism, arguing that it was not written by elected representatives of independent Bangladesh. He accused the BNP of shifting its stance on constitutional issues and urged a return to earlier positions favoring constitutional rewriting.

He further raised concerns about the financial sector, governance, and law and order, citing recent killings and assaults allegedly under BNP rule. Nahid called for national unity against extremism and demanded a balanced foreign policy with India based on equality and dignity.