Opposition lawmaker Hafez Rabiul Bashar, representing Satkhira-3 constituency, suddenly fell ill during the ongoing session of the 13th National Parliament on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, around 1:40 p.m. Fellow members of parliament and staff from the Parliament Secretariat quickly assisted him out of the chamber and into the lobby, where doctors provided initial medical treatment.

During the break for the Zuhr prayer, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman personally visited the parliamentary lobby to inquire about the opposition MP’s condition. He also gave instructions to ensure that Bashar received the necessary medical support. The Chief Whip and other whips of the National Parliament were present at the time.

The incident briefly interrupted the session but was handled promptly, with medical attention provided on-site. No further details about the MP’s health condition were disclosed in the report.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook met Prime Minister’s Defense Adviser Dr. A.K.M. Shamsul Islam on Wednesday at the Armed Forces Division office in Dhaka Cantonment. The meeting focused on strengthening defense cooperation and deepening existing military relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.

On the same day, a high-level United States delegation also held a meeting with the defense adviser. During the discussion, the delegation was briefed on the priorities of Bangladesh’s armed forces and explored potential areas of collaboration through the Indo-Pacific Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) to enhance military capability and skills. Both sides expressed optimism about expanding and reinforcing defense cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), the meeting was attended by Lieutenant Colonel Robert Green, head of the United States Military Group at the US Embassy in Dhaka, DSCU Regional Program Lead and Assistant Professor Michael Rembold, and two other representatives.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmad Azam Khan announced in parliament that the government will prepare a complete list of martyred freedom fighters and genocide victims of the 1971 Liberation War. He said the initiative aims to create an accurate and accepted record that will ensure proper recognition and honor for those who sacrificed their lives. The statement came during a question-and-answer session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.

According to the minister, the ministry’s gazette currently lists 6,480 martyred freedom fighters, including 3,698 civilians, 1,541 members of the armed forces, 817 from the Border Guard Bangladesh, 423 police personnel, and one Ansar member. He also informed that 6,476 names have been canceled from the gazette, red freedom certificates, or Indian lists since 2010 based on recommendations from the Freedom Fighters Council, including 481 cancellations since August 2024.

The initiative is expected to formalize the recognition process for all martyrs and victims, ensuring historical accuracy and administrative transparency in the Liberation War records.

Jamaat-e-Islami central executive council member and Dhaka North city chief Mohammad Selim Uddin has accused the government of acting against public opinion regarding the July Charter. Speaking on Wednesday at a unit leaders’ gathering organized by Jamaat’s Badda South Thana unit in the Shadi Mahal auditorium on DIT Project Road, he said the government’s stance reflects a fascist and authoritarian mindset. He urged full implementation of the July Charter in line with public expectations and warned that the government would not escape accountability if it failed to do so.

Selim Uddin stated that people across the country are eagerly waiting for change and that Dhaka residents look to Jamaat to secure their rights. He added that Jamaat continues its uncompromising struggle to establish an Islamic welfare state based on justice. Criticizing the BNP-led alliance government, he said it has failed to solve basic public problems and deceived citizens about the energy crisis, as people still face fuel shortages despite official claims of sufficient reserves.

The Chief Minister of India's northeastern state of Assam has drawn controversy after making remarks opposing closer India-Bangladesh relations. In a recent interview, he stated that he personally prays for the relationship between the two countries not to improve, saying he wishes the situation to remain as it was during the time of 'Yunus'. The interview was broadcast on April 15, 2026, but parts of it have recently gone viral on social media.

During the same interview with an Indian media outlet, the Chief Minister discussed the alleged 'push-back' process along the India-Bangladesh border. He claimed that border security forces sometimes hold individuals for days or weeks before forcibly sending them across the border, often at night when Bangladeshi forces are not present. He also referred to Bangladesh’s border force by its old name, 'BDR', instead of its current name, 'BGB'.

Analysts noted that his comments came at a time when India appeared to be signaling renewed diplomatic engagement with Bangladesh, particularly following the announcement of former Union Minister Dinesh Trivedi’s appointment as ambassador to Dhaka.

The United States Department of State has announced a special edition of passports featuring President Donald Trump’s image. The initiative, confirmed by the White House, will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the country’s Declaration of Independence in July. According to a Fox News report, the limited-edition passports will be available exclusively through the Washington Passport Agency.

A State Department design preview shows Trump’s portrait surrounded by the text of the Declaration of Independence and the US flag, along with the president’s signature in gold. An administration official told the BBC that any American citizen will be eligible to apply for the commemorative passport once distribution begins.

The release marks an unprecedented decision by the US government to include a sitting president’s image on official passports as part of a national celebration.

Independent Member of Parliament Rumin Farhana from Brahmanbaria-2 has demanded that the recently signed trade agreement between Bangladesh and the United States be brought before Parliament. Speaking on a point of order during Wednesday’s session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, she argued that the deal, signed on February 9—three days before the national election—contains clauses contrary to Bangladesh’s interests. She noted that the government retains the option to cancel the agreement within 60 days if it chooses.

Farhana referred to a meeting held the previous day between the US ambassador and Bangladesh’s commerce minister, where issues such as trade imbalance, agricultural and energy imports, business environment reforms, and investment policies were discussed. She emphasized that the agreement was signed by an interim government despite objections from civil society and think tanks, who argued that such a government lacked the mandate to finalize international deals.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed ruled that her remarks did not constitute a valid point of order and advised her to submit a formal notice instead. Her request to table the agreement in Parliament was not accepted.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) announced its Lakshmipur district committee late Tuesday night, according to a statement signed by central member secretary Akhtar Hossain and chief organizer (southern region) Hasnat Abdullah. The committee named Md Masum Billah as convener and Muhammad Alamgir Hossain as member secretary, along with several joint conveners and secretaries. Twelve additional members were also included in the committee.

A few hours after the announcement, the committee list was removed from the NCP’s official page without any explanation. When asked about the removal, newly appointed member secretary Muhammad Alamgir Hossain said the reason was unknown to them but confirmed that the committee had been officially announced and would continue to operate as the legitimate body for NCP activities in Lakshmipur.

The incident has created uncertainty about the party’s internal decision-making process in the district, though no official clarification from the central leadership was reported in the source.

The United States Senate has blocked a proposal that sought to require congressional approval before President Donald Trump could take military action against Cuba. On Tuesday, the Republican-led chamber voted 51–47 in a procedural move that prevented the Democratic-sponsored war powers measure from advancing. The vote was largely along party lines.

Democrats argued that Congress must play a decisive role in preventing unilateral military action by the president. Senator Tim Kaine, a key supporter of the proposal, said that actions such as restricting Cuba’s fuel supply could already be considered hostile acts. Republicans countered that there is currently no direct military conflict with Cuba, making the proposal unnecessary. Senator Rick Scott stated that since no troops have been deployed, a war powers vote is not required.

The debate emerged amid growing criticism that the Trump administration is intensifying economic pressure and energy blockades against Cuba.

U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed allies to prepare for a long-term sanctions strategy against Iran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The plan aims to maintain economic pressure on Iran by restricting ship movements at its ports instead of resuming military attacks.

The report states that Trump is demanding Iran suspend uranium enrichment for at least 20 years and remains firm on this position. He reportedly believes that maintaining sanctions is less risky than pursuing alternative measures. Iranian officials have informed mediators that they need more time for consultations before submitting a revised proposal.

The report, citing Middle East Eye, indicates that the sanctions approach is intended to sustain pressure on Iran’s economy and oil exports while avoiding direct military confrontation.

The Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) has been accused of erasing July-themed graffiti from the walls of the Government Alia Madrasa area in Chowhatta as part of a city beautification drive ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit on May 2. The removal has triggered political and social debate in the city, with student activists expressing anger over what they call an attempt to erase history.

According to local sources, SCC has been repainting and cleaning key city areas, including Chowhatta and Alia Madrasa, where the graffiti was replaced with white paint. In response, members of the National Chhatra Shakti gathered at the site on Tuesday night, protesting and writing new slogans reading “We will give our lives, not July.”

In a joint statement, the organization’s Sylhet leaders accused SCC of deliberately removing murals commemorating historic July events and demanded their restoration within 24 hours, warning of a mass movement if ignored. The city corporation has not issued any official comment on the matter.

Four union parishad chairmen in Chuadanga’s Alamdanga upazila, previously suspended from their duties, have been reinstated following a High Court directive. The district administration canceled earlier decisions to appoint administrators to the four unions and issued a new order restoring the chairmen to their posts. The order, signed by Deputy Commissioner Lutfun Nahar, was issued in compliance with the court’s instruction.

The reinstated chairmen are Hasanuzzaman Saroar of Chitla Union, Mojahidur Rahman Jowardar of Khadimpur Union, Tarikul Islam of Daukhi Union, and Tafsir Ahmed Mallik Lal of Khaskarra Union. The High Court had earlier suspended the administrative appointment order for six months on March 12, 2026, allowing the chairmen to continue their duties. The administrators had been appointed on November 27, 2024, due to the chairmen’s absence.

Following the reinstatement, the chairmen expressed their commitment to serve the public in accordance with the court’s directive. The Alamdanga Upazila Nirbahi Officer stated that the reinstatement was carried out based on the court’s order and the divisional commissioner’s investigation report.

Iranian Army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia stated that although a ceasefire has been reached with the United States, the war is not completely over. He emphasized that Iran has no trust or confidence in the United States or its enemies. Akraminia added that the Iranian military remains as prepared as it was during the conflict.

He further explained that Iran is seriously preparing a list of targets, continuing training based on wartime experience, and maintaining weapons production. His remarks highlight Iran’s ongoing military readiness despite the declared ceasefire.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Iran had requested the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a statement he made on his social media platform. The contrasting statements from both sides indicate continued tension and mistrust following the ceasefire.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman have expressed opposing views on the presence of militant activity in the country. Speaking after a Coast Guard anniversary event in Dhaka, the Home Minister said there was no militant activity in Bangladesh, describing such claims as outdated and politically motivated. He argued that extremist threats no longer exist in the country’s current context.

In contrast, Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman told reporters at a separate briefing that militancy still exists in Bangladesh, though the government is working to reduce it to a “zero level.” He said both denying militancy entirely and exaggerating it for political gain were extreme positions. The adviser also confirmed that security had been tightened at airports and key installations following police warnings about possible attacks by a banned extremist group.

At the same briefing, Rahman announced a strict government stance against misinformation and disinformation in the media, urging journalists to maintain factual reporting while encouraging constructive criticism of the government.

The United States has imposed sanctions on 35 Iranian individuals and entities accused of involvement in Iran’s shadow banking system. US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant said the sanctioned parties were responsible for transferring billions of dollars in illicit funds that allegedly supported Iran’s terrorist activities. The announcement came amid a deadlock in ongoing talks aimed at ending the conflict.

Besant warned that the move serves as a warning to global financial institutions. He stated that any institution found to be assisting or transacting with this network would face severe consequences. The sanctions target what Washington describes as a financial network enabling Iran to bypass restrictions and fund destabilizing operations.

The action underscores Washington’s continued pressure on Tehran’s financial system and signals potential escalation in economic measures if the alleged network continues operating.