Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md. Abdus Salam announced that the government is preparing a policy to regulate illegal battery-powered rickshaws in the capital. He made the statement on Tuesday during a meeting at the DSCC building focused on easing traffic congestion and reducing public suffering caused by unlicensed rickshaws. Leaders of the Bangladesh Rickshaw-Van and Battery Rickshaw-Van Owners Federation attended the meeting, which was chaired by Salam.

According to the discussion, the number of unlicensed battery-powered rickshaws has grown sharply, worsening traffic and endangering public safety. Federation leaders said pedal rickshaws are disappearing as drivers switch to battery models, and some owners have added batteries to licensed pedal rickshaws. They urged the government to legalize these modified vehicles under the new policy and to take action against seasonal operators from outside Dhaka.

Salam stated that the policy will balance public convenience and livelihoods, setting standards for design, speed, and safety to prevent road disorder. He also called on legitimate Dhaka-based rickshaw owners and drivers to oppose illegal operators from outside the city.

A violent clash between activists of the BNP and Jamaat occurred in Taherpur village of Begumganj upazila, Noakhali, on the night of April 27, 2026. The incident, reportedly triggered by previous political disputes, left at least eight people injured, including a Jubo Dal activist named Shakil Mahmud, who sustained a gunshot wound. The confrontation took place around 9:30 p.m. following tensions that began earlier in the day at a rally of the newly formed Krishak Dal.

Police and local sources said the conflict stemmed from an earlier altercation between two BNP supporters, which escalated when rival groups gathered in the evening. BNP’s former vice president of the local unit, Md. Alauddin, alleged that Jamaat-linked individuals attacked him, while others claimed the shooting resulted from a misfire by BNP members. Jamaat’s district secretary, Borhan Uddin, denied his party’s involvement, asserting it was an internal BNP dispute.

Begumganj police confirmed visiting the scene and stated that legal action would follow upon receiving a written complaint.

European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller paid a courtesy call on Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the Secretariat on Tuesday. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between Bangladesh and the EU, with both sides describing the discussions as productive.

The minister emphasized expanding and strengthening mutual partnership, particularly by utilizing EU expertise in water management. He expressed interest in launching joint experience-sharing programs in this sector, noting their potential benefits for Bangladesh. Ambassador Miller described Bangladesh as a reliable and proven development partner and reaffirmed the EU’s interest in deepening and broadening existing cooperation.

Discussions also covered decentralization of governance, e-governance improvement, infrastructure progress, and sustainable development. Both parties expressed optimism that joint initiatives and partnerships would make future Bangladesh–EU development cooperation more dynamic. Senior officials from the ministry and its subordinate offices were present at the meeting.

Teachers at Barishal University have declared a total non-cooperation movement against Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Toufiq Alam amid an ongoing complete shutdown program demanding promotions. The announcement was made at a press conference held on Tuesday noon at the administrative building of the university. Since the work stoppage and shutdown began on April 22, all academic and administrative activities, including classes and examinations, have been halted.

According to the protesting teachers, many faculty members became eligible for promotion under the university’s existing upgradation policy as early as mid-2024, but no action was taken by the previous vice-chancellor. They allege that the current vice-chancellor has continued to delay the process despite repeated requests. Teachers claim that mandatory upgradation board meetings were not held within the required timeframe and that even after partial progress in late 2025, the final approval process was stalled.

The teachers further accuse the vice-chancellor of using comments from University Grants Commission officials as a pretext to suspend promotions and of undermining the university’s autonomy. They have called for government intervention to resolve the crisis, while the vice-chancellor has urged teachers to resume classes and warned of legal action if disruptions continue.

Kishoreganj-4 Member of Parliament Fazlur Rahman made strong remarks during a parliamentary session on Tuesday afternoon, saying that although the descendants of collaborators still exist, freedom fighters like him are also alive. He criticized opposition members, noting that some call him 'Faza Pagla' while claiming to be civilized.

Rahman further stated that an opposition leader identified himself as belonging to a freedom fighter and martyr family while being associated with Jamaat-e-Islami, which he described as a 'double crime.' He argued that members of freedom fighter or martyr families should not be involved with Jamaat.

Referring to events after August 5 under the Yunus government, Rahman said that cultural activities such as songs, plays, and Lalon music could not take place in front of the Shilpakala Academy, claiming that dark forces had destroyed everything.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the Bangladesh government is determined to make the Coast Guard a modern, strong, and time-befitting force to ensure security in the country’s maritime and coastal areas. He made the remarks on Tuesday at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, during the celebration of the 31st founding anniversary and Coast Guard Day 2026.

The minister recalled that the force was established in 1995 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia with the motto “Guardian at Sea.” He praised the Coast Guard’s recent successes in curbing drug trafficking, human smuggling, and piracy, as well as protecting forest and fishery resources in the Sundarbans, including 29 successful operations in the past year. He also highlighted the addition of three surveillance drones and ongoing construction of one multirole response vessel and two offshore patrol vessels funded by JICA.

Ahmed announced plans to procure bulletproof high-speed boats through Khulna Shipyard and to add helicopters and a maritime surveillance system in the future. The government is also working to increase the force’s manpower to 10,000 members.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed multiple times that a regime change has already occurred in Iran, asserting that the deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top officials brought about this shift. However, reports indicate that Iran’s core institutions of the Islamic Republic remain functional. Following Khamenei’s death, a religious council swiftly appointed his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as his successor.

Iran’s military, security, political, and judicial authorities have reaffirmed their loyalty to the Supreme Leader’s office and the theocratic system. Although the new leader has not yet appeared publicly, several written statements have been released on his behalf. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), established after the 1979 revolution to protect the regime, continues to lead military operations and maintain significant economic influence through control of natural resources.

The IRGC also retains armed control of the streets through the Basij and other paramilitary forces, underscoring the continued strength of Iran’s theocratic governance structure despite leadership changes.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that establishing the rule of justice is essential to consolidate Bangladesh’s democratic journey. He made the remarks on Tuesday at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed International Convention Center in Dhaka’s Shahbagh during a discussion marking National Legal Aid Day 2026, organized by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. At the event, lawyers Sayem Khan from Dhaka and Nilima Biswas from Rajshahi received awards from the Prime Minister for their contributions.

Rahman stated that no country can be truly democratic or humane without the rule of law, justice, and human rights. He emphasized that after the end of one and a half decades of authoritarian rule, Bangladesh has resumed its democratic path. The government, he said, is committed to ensuring access to justice for all, particularly for those unable to afford legal assistance, through continued legal aid programs and specific plans.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that justice should not remain confined to legal texts but become a living value reflected in all state policies and institutions. BRAC was recognized for advancing legal aid activities nationwide, with its Executive Director Asif Saleh receiving an award.

A 62-year-old Hajj pilgrim named Bacchu Mia has died, and Prime Minister Tarek Rahman has taken responsibility for transporting his body to his village and arranging the burial. The incident occurred when Bacchu Mia, accompanied by his wife, arrived at the Hajj camp early Tuesday morning. After feeling unwell, he was assisted by volunteers and taken to the medical camp, where a doctor referred him to Kurmitola General Hospital. Upon arrival, the attending physician declared him dead.

According to the Hajj Office director, Bacchu Mia’s body was sent to his home village, Lundia in Bhairab upazila of Kishoreganj, in a refrigerated vehicle. His wife, a Ministry of Religious Affairs official, a representative from the Hajj agency, and several volunteers accompanied the body. Fellow pilgrims said Bacchu Mia had felt discomfort on the way to the camp, and attempts to give him sugar at a roadside tea stall were unsuccessful.

The Prime Minister’s decision to oversee the burial arrangements reflects direct state involvement in supporting the deceased pilgrim’s family.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has said that Bangladesh has urged India to normalize visa issuance for Bangladeshi citizens and expressed hope that positive changes will be seen soon. He made the statement on Tuesday in response to a question from ruling party lawmaker Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Kishoreganj-5) during a parliamentary question-and-answer session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

The minister referred to his recent visit to India, during which he held productive discussions with India’s foreign minister, the minister of petroleum and natural gas, and the national security adviser. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s bilateral relations with India and other South Asian neighbors are based on shared values, historical ties, and strong people-to-people connections.

Dr. Rahman added that since the current government took office, it has been working to advance relations with India on the basis of sovereign equality, fairness, mutual respect and trust, and national interest.

At a gathering in New York on Sunday afternoon, expatriate leaders from organizations Patriots of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Forum called on the Bangladesh government to implement the July Charter in accordance with the referendum verdict. The event was held to demand enforcement of the verdict and an end to mob violence.

Speakers including SM Rahmat Ullah Bhuiyan of JAGPA USA, Abdul Kader of Patriots of Bangladesh, and Haji Anwar Hossain of JSF criticized the government for alleged subservience to India and for curbing freedom of speech. They described the July movement as a historic struggle for democracy and dignity, urging unity among expatriates to restore democratic rights and respect the people’s mandate. Participants also emphasized building international awareness against what they termed ongoing state repression and human rights violations.

The meeting, chaired by journalist Dipu Chowdhury of Bangladesh Forum, was attended by leaders from various political, social, and cultural organizations, human rights activists, and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanom Rita emphasized the importance of unity and harmony, stating that division, conflict, or discord bring no benefit. She made these remarks on Tuesday morning at a discussion meeting held in the Manikganj District Judge Court premises to mark National Legal Aid Day. The minister said that working together creates joy and makes tasks easier, while negative thoughts lead to mental unrest and an unhealthy environment.

During her speech, the minister noted that the Legal Aid Committee was formed in 2000 under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, marking the beginning of its journey. She added that the current Prime Minister, Tareq Rahman, later upgraded it to a directorate to ensure greater public access to legal assistance and services. The event included a rally organized by the District Legal Aid Committee, which paraded through key roads before concluding at the court premises.

Senior judges, district officials, police representatives, and members of the legal community were present at the event, which focused on expanding legal support for citizens.

Two amendment bills were placed in the Bangladesh Parliament to remove existing age limits for appointments to the top positions of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA). Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury introduced the bills during a session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. The proposals were later sent to a parliamentary special committee for further review.

The amendment to the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission Act, 1993, seeks to abolish the 65-year age limit for the appointment or continuation of the BSEC chairman and commissioners. Similarly, the amendment to the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority Act, 2010, proposes to remove the 67-year age restriction for the chairman and members of the authority. According to the explanatory notes, the changes aim to make the laws more contemporary and allow the appointment of experienced and skilled individuals to lead these key financial regulatory bodies.

If passed, the amendments would enable the government to appoint or retain qualified individuals in these leadership roles regardless of age, enhancing flexibility in leadership selection.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam told Parliament on Tuesday that politics cannot be conducted through social media or bot networks. She said the BNP is a party that works on the streets rather than relying on online popularity. Speaking during the discussion on the motion of thanks for the President’s address, she argued that viral posts and online insults cannot replace real political engagement. She also questioned whether independence would have been achieved if social media had existed in 1971.

Her remarks drew a response from Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam, who demanded proof of any corruption allegations mentioned by the minister. Shama Obaid further stated that if the President or his speech were considered illegitimate, the legitimacy of the then government should also be examined. She emphasized that both government and opposition must play constructive roles for the nation’s development.

The minister concluded by calling for unity beyond partisan disputes, saying that if Parliament remains cohesive, it can lead the country toward qualitative progress.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has accused Member of Parliament Fazlur Rahman of committing a serious offense by questioning his personal identity. Speaking on Tuesday in response to Fazlur Rahman’s remarks in parliament, Dr. Rahman said the MP had personally hurt him and further aggravated the matter by commenting on his ideological choices. He stated that he belongs to a martyr freedom fighter’s family, which Fazlur Rahman had challenged.

Fazlur Rahman had declared in parliament that no member of a freedom fighter or martyr’s family could join Jamaat-e-Islami. In reaction, Dr. Rahman argued that such a statement infringes on his constitutional right to choose his political affiliation and beliefs. He condemned the MP’s comments and urged that the relevant portion of Fazlur Rahman’s speech be expunged from the parliamentary record.

The remarks sparked uproar among opposition members in parliament, prompting Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad to restore order. During the commotion, Fazlur Rahman reiterated his stance, saying that any freedom fighter family member joining Jamaat commits a double offense.