Former minister Kamrul Islam appeared at the tribunal two hours late on Thursday after initially refusing to attend a hearing in a war crimes case linked to the July uprising. He was brought from PG Hospital under prosecution orders after declining to leave due to illness. The incident occurred on the day the tribunal was scheduled to announce its decision on framing charges against Kamrul Islam and Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon.

According to the source, Kamrul, an Awami League presidium member, had been receiving treatment at the hospital. When prison authorities informed the tribunal registrar and chief prosecutor about his refusal, the explanation was deemed unacceptable, prompting an oral directive to ensure his presence. The three-member bench of Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, was set to deliver the order on charge framing.

Earlier, on March 11, the defense sought acquittal, arguing that the prosecution had failed to present strong evidence or prove involvement in killings. The prosecution, however, claimed the two accused incited actions that led to violence and deaths of 23 people in Badda and nearby areas.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the current government neither uses nor intends to use religion for political purposes. He emphasized that while religion belongs to individuals, security and equal rights belong to all citizens. Speaking on Thursday morning at a reception marking Buddha Purnima at the Cabinet Division’s conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat, he reiterated the government’s policy of ensuring equality for all, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or belief.

The event was attended by several ministers and officials, including the home minister, the religious affairs minister, and the state minister for the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Representatives of the Buddhist community presented the prime minister with a crest and a symbolic Buddha image. Rahman highlighted that all religions promote welfare and that the moral principles of Buddhism—non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion—are universal values essential for building a humane society.

He added that the government is committed to creating a state where every citizen can freely practice their faith and live in peace and security. Rahman reaffirmed that Bangladesh’s political philosophy of “Bangladeshi nationalism” ensures coexistence among all communities.

The High Court has granted bail to former Narayanganj mayor Selina Hayat Ivy in two murder cases filed in connection with incidents that occurred in July. The order was issued on Thursday by a bench comprising Justice K M Zahid Sarwar and Justice Sheikh Abu Taher. The cases were filed at Siddhirganj Police Station, with one registered on September 11, 2024, and the other on June 30, 2025. Police had sought to show Ivy arrested in these cases, and the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Narayanganj approved the requests on March 2 and April 12, respectively.

The report states that Ivy was initially arrested on May 9 of the previous year from her residence in Deovog, Narayanganj. She was later shown as an accused in multiple cases. Although the High Court had earlier granted her bail in five cases, the Appellate Division suspended those orders. On November 18, she was again shown arrested in five new cases and received bail on February 26 this year, but those orders were also stayed following a state petition.

The Appellate Division, led by the Chief Justice, is expected to decide on Sunday whether Ivy’s previous five bail orders will remain in effect.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocked U.S. President Donald Trump over the surge in global oil prices and Washington’s so-called ‘sanctions theory’. In a post on social media platform X, Ghalibaf said that figures like Information Minister Scott Besent were giving Trump’s administration ‘false advice’, which he claimed was pushing oil prices toward 120 dollars per barrel. He added that the next destination for oil prices would be 140 dollars.

Ghalibaf also ridiculed Trump’s recent remarks about Iran’s energy infrastructure. Trump had told Fox News that Iran’s oil lines could soon explode internally, causing irreversible damage within three days. Referring to that interview, Ghalibaf said that three days had already passed without any explosion and sarcastically offered to extend the countdown to 30 days, even suggesting a live broadcast of the oil wells on X.

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington over energy markets and sanctions, as reported by CNN.

Chittagong University has become tense following a series of rival processions and protests between Islami Chhatra Shibir and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal. The conflict intensified after incidents at Chittagong City College, where Shibir activists were attacked, leading both groups to stage counter-demonstrations on campus. Shibir also protested a reported attack by Chhatra Dal on Dhaka University Central Students’ Union leaders and journalists. Both organizations have exchanged accusations, labeling each other as terrorist groups during their rallies.

The rivalry follows major political shifts after the July uprising and the formation of a BNP-led government. Shibir had previously dominated the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union elections, while Chhatra Dal gained renewed strength after the national polls. Ordinary students have expressed concern that the ongoing political tension could disrupt academic activities and threaten personal safety.

University political leaders have blamed each other for the unrest, while a political science professor urged central leaders of both groups to engage in dialogue to prevent further deterioration of the campus environment.

A commentary published on April 30, 2026, argues that Bangladesh’s democracy has evolved into an undeclared monarchy dominated by dynastic political leadership. The author claims that since the political shift of the 1990s, two main parties have maintained power through family-based succession, creating a system where authority is centralized and reinforced by vast party networks. These networks allegedly sustain control through influence, intimidation, and suppression of opposition.

The article further describes how this dynastic system extends beyond politics into civil, military, and media institutions, forming what the author calls a “deep state.” This structure, the piece contends, enables corruption, resource exploitation, and economic decline while depriving citizens of justice and genuine democracy. The author calls for dismantling the old establishment and fostering a strong anti-establishment movement led by youth and patriotic citizens.

Citing recent dissatisfaction with the BNP government’s early actions, including ordinance cancellations and alleged misuse of cyber laws, the commentary suggests that public disillusionment may soon trigger a “second revolution” or “October uprising.”

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has called on citizens to remain united against what he described as enemy conspiracies aimed at weakening the country from within. Speaking on April 30, 2026, Ghalibaf accused US President Donald Trump of trying to force Tehran into submission through economic pressure and by dividing the Iranian people. He characterized these efforts as part of a broader strategy of blockade and media manipulation.

Ghalibaf, identified as a key negotiator in ceasefire talks with the United States, emphasized that maintaining unity among Iranians is the main way to resist such conspiracies. He stated that every act of division serves the enemy’s plans and reaffirmed that all Iranian officials follow the directives of the Supreme Leader. However, he did not provide further details about the divisions he mentioned.

The remarks reflect Tehran’s continued framing of external pressure as part of a coordinated campaign to destabilize the country, underscoring the leadership’s focus on internal cohesion in the face of foreign challenges.

Eight women leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami have been nominated as members of parliament for reserved women’s seats in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament. The nominations were finalized following recommendations from the party’s women’s wing, emphasizing political experience and organizational dedication. Among the eight nominees, six previously held central leadership positions in the Bangladesh Islami Chhatri Sangstha, the party’s student wing for women. They are currently active in various professional and social roles and are preparing to work on national and women’s issues in parliament.

According to the report, Jamaat, as part of an 11-party alliance, received 13 reserved seats proportionally, of which eight were allocated to Jamaat nominees. The remaining seats went to allied parties, including the National Citizen Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party. The Election Commission has validated 12 of the alliance’s nominations, with official gazette publication expected soon, after which the MPs will take oath.

The nominated MPs include senior Jamaat women leaders such as Nurunnisa Siddika, Marzia Begum, Advocate Sabikun Nahar Munni, Nazmun Nahar Nilu, Mahfuza Hannan, Sajeda Samad, Shamsunnahar Begum, and Engineer Mardia Momtaz.

Following the Pentagon’s announcement that the ongoing war in Iran has cost $25 billion, Democratic leaders in the United States voiced strong criticism. Congressman Mark DeSaulnier argued that the vast expenditure could have been used to reduce healthcare costs for millions of Americans. He noted that instead, the country has lost 14 soldiers, seen fuel prices rise, and become less secure.

Another Democratic congressman, Ro Khanna, criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying he was unaware of the war’s true economic impact. Khanna said he had asked Hegseth about the combined costs of replacement spending, gas, and food prices resulting from the Iran war, but the secretary had no answer. He described the situation as “unbelievable.”

The criticism underscores growing Democratic frustration over the financial and social toll of the conflict, as questions mount about its broader economic consequences.

The upcoming 2026–27 Supreme Court Bar Association election in Bangladesh has taken a decisive turn as the BNP-backed Nationalist Lawyers Forum announced its blue panel, nominating Barrister A.M. Mahbub Uddin Khokon for president, Mohammad Ali for secretary, and Advocate Ziaur Rahman for treasurer. The election, one of the judiciary’s most influential contests, will proceed without participation from Awami League-aligned lawyers after the party’s activities were banned under anti-terrorism laws. A special general meeting on April 26 confirmed that Awami League supporters are ineligible to contest.

Opposition-aligned groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party (NCP), failed to form a unified panel despite earlier efforts. Jamaat’s Lawyers Council and the NCP-backed National Lawyers Alliance each announced separate slates of candidates. Meanwhile, Awami League-affiliated lawyers protested their exclusion, staging demonstrations and denouncing the decision as unconstitutional and undemocratic.

The election reflects deepening political polarization within the legal community, with the BNP consolidating its position while the opposition remains fragmented and Awami League lawyers sidelined by legal restrictions.

After voting concluded in the West Bengal Assembly election, six exit polls released on April 29, 2026, presented mixed outcomes. Four surveys suggested that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could form the state government for the first time, while two others projected a strong victory for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee. The state assembly has 294 seats, requiring 148 for a majority. According to Praja Poll, BJP might secure 178–208 seats and TMC 85–110. P-Mark estimated BJP at 150–175 and TMC at 118–138, while Matrix and Poll Diary also showed BJP ahead.

In contrast, Janamat Polls predicted TMC would win 195–205 seats, and Peoples Pulse gave it 177–187, indicating a possible third consecutive term for Banerjee’s party. All surveys agreed that the Left and Congress are likely to perform poorly again. Analysts noted BJP’s rapid rise in the past decade, citing its 2019 parliamentary gains and the party’s strong booth-level organization this year. The final results will be announced on May 4, clarifying who controls the Writers’ Buildings.

Exit polls are not always accurate, and the official outcome will determine the actual power balance in the state.

U.S. President Donald Trump is facing mounting political pressure to end the ongoing war with Iran, which has become a major burden for the White House, according to a Reuters report published Tuesday. Intelligence agencies are assessing how Iran might respond if Trump unilaterally declares victory after two months of conflict that has already claimed thousands of lives and turned into a political liability for his administration.

Senior officials have asked intelligence agencies to evaluate possible outcomes of a U.S. troop withdrawal from the conflict. Advisers have warned that continuing the war could severely damage Republican prospects in the upcoming November midterm elections. Sources told Reuters that intelligence assessments following the initial February offensive suggest Iran would likely interpret a U.S. withdrawal after a victory declaration as its own success.

The report also noted that if Trump declares victory but maintains a significant troop presence in the region, Iran may view it as part of a strategic negotiation process, though such a move would not guarantee an end to the war.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahiduddin Swapan told parliament that debate with Jamaat-e-Islami will persist until the party adopts an acceptable position on the 1971 genocide. Speaking during discussions on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, he added that disputes over the July movement will also remain unresolved until the Awami League addresses its historical accountability. The session, chaired by Speaker Hafizuddin Ahmed, began at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

Swapan said the BNP will continue political debate within the framework of the constitution, parliament, and democracy, without allowing it to move beyond those boundaries. He described the 13th National Parliament as historically unique for its diversity and noted that the current political landscape differs from the past two-party structure. He also cited progress in economic indicators such as stock market turnover and remittance growth.

Law Minister Asaduzzaman claimed Jamaat-e-Islami has effectively acknowledged itself as an anti-liberation force under the National Freedom Fighters Council Act 2026. Other ministers and MPs discussed issues including electricity shortages, national unity, education reforms, and calls for implementing Islamic law, reflecting wide-ranging debates across party lines.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has made it mandatory to present an education certificate when applying for a National Identity Card (NID), both for new voter registration and for correction requests. The directive, issued on April 29 by the EC’s NID wing, was sent to field-level officials to ensure data accuracy and prevent future complications in identity corrections.

According to the instruction signed by NID Wing Director Saiful Islam, voter registration requires several documents, including the registration form, birth certificate, and proof copy. The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) is now essential, especially for verifying birth dates during data corrections. The EC observed that many field offices were not including SSC certificates in the database, leading to difficulties in verifying applicants’ information. To maintain transparency, applicants with higher education must also submit their highest degree certificates.

Regional and district election officers have been assigned to monitor compliance and conduct random checks. EC officials stated that this initiative will enhance the accuracy of NID data and help prevent identity fraud.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed Cumilla City Corporation Administrator Yusuf Molla Tipu to take immediate measures to resolve waterlogging in the city. The directive came after 126 millimeters of rainfall on Tuesday submerged major roads and several educational institutions, forcing SSC examinees at Cumilla Ishwar Pathsala School to sit for exams in knee-deep water. The administrator confirmed receiving the Prime Minister’s phone call on Wednesday afternoon.

Yusuf Molla Tipu stated that the Prime Minister expressed concern over the situation and emphasized the need for rapid drainage. He reported that overnight operations had been conducted to remove stagnant water and that the city was now free of flooding. The administrator also mentioned identifying and clearing areas prone to water accumulation.

He further criticized irregularities over the past 16 years of city administration, alleging misuse of development funds and neglect in cleaning the Gungarjuri canal, which is crucial for drainage in Cumilla.