A new mineral agreement has been signed between Ukraine and the United States, granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources and promising investment in Kyiv’s reconstruction. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reacted, saying this effectively dismantles the Kyiv regime, as Ukraine will now have to finance U.S. military aid with its mineral wealth. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besent stated, “This agreement sends a strong message to the Russian leadership — there is no difference between the American and Ukrainian people or their goals. It also gives President Trump a stronger position in negotiations with Russia.” The agreement now awaits approval by Ukraine's parliament.

According to a circular signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Golam Kabir, the position of ‘Assistant Teacher’ has officially been included in the gazetted category as per the 1970 memorandum of the Education Department. This means teachers at government secondary schools will now receive benefits associated with gazetted status, including higher pay scales. The new rules also stipulate that second-class master’s or M.Ed. degree holders will receive one additional increment, while first-class postgraduates will receive two. The order has been made retroactively effective from July 1, 2015.

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, has stated that the next seven months are critical for the nation’s economic future. “This period could either build Bangladesh or break it,” he wrote. The interim government has adopted an ambitious plan to increase the capacity of Chattogram Port sixfold. Alam stressed that such progress is only possible through partnerships with top global port operators. “If successful, this will send a strong message to international investors that Bangladesh is open for business.” He also noted that the global economic order born out of the Bretton Woods system is fading, suggesting that now might finally be Bangladesh’s time — if politics allows it.

A Swedish court has sentenced journalist Joakim Medin to 11 months in prison for allegedly insulting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Medin, a reporter for Dagens ETC, was arrested on March 27 at Istanbul Airport during widespread protests. He is accused of participating in a January 2023 protest in Stockholm, where a puppet of Erdoğan was symbolically hanged. The puppet was also seen later at the Stockholm Pride Parade with a Kurdish group’s float. While Medin has denied the charges, the court has conditionally released him pending trial on another related offense.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that of the 59 hostages held in Gaza, only 24 are believed to be alive — and he fears the number may be even lower. Referring to Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, Trump said, “We don’t know how he’s doing, but we hope for the best.” He also expressed disappointment, saying, “Two months ago, we were fairly confident he’d be released. But now the situation has worsened.” On Iran, Trump added, “Iran is a failed state. The U.S. is imposing more sanctions, and those buying oil from Iran will not be allowed to do business in America.”

India and Pakistan continue to trade blame over the recent Pahalgam attack. Now, a leaked document on Telegram has added fuel to the fire, allegedly linking India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), to the incident. The document outlines a plan to produce forensic evidence using vague video footage 36 hours after the attack, attempting to tie it to Pakistan’s ISI. It also suggests that hundreds of fake social media accounts and pre-arranged media outlets were used to spread disinformation. RAW agents disguised as tourists were reportedly stationed in specific areas to act as ‘eyewitnesses’ for the narrative.

Police from Uttara West Police Station conducted a raid on Hotel Grand Inn in Uttara following allegations of immoral activities. Inspector AB Siddique stated that the operation, based on specific information, was carried out around 10 PM and several individuals were detained. Further details will be shared later, he added.

Ahead of their grand rally scheduled for May 3 at Suhrawardy Udyan, Hefazat-e-Islam organized a motorbike rally and mass procession in Uttara. The procession began from Azampur on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway. Addressing the rally, Junayed Al Habib demanded that all proposals deemed contrary to the Quran, including the establishment of a women’s commission, be withdrawn before the event. He urged exemplary punishment for those involved in “deceit against the country and Islam,” stating, “In a country with 92% Muslims, any Quran-opposing legislation will have to pass over our dead bodies.”

During a hearing at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Qatar blamed Israel for the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Qatar’s representative accused Israel of weaponizing humanitarian aid to achieve military goals, saying hunger is once again part of Israel’s official policy. The hearing followed a 2023 UN General Assembly resolution seeking an advisory opinion on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation and its influence on international institutions.

On Thursday night in Fatullah, Narayanganj, armed assailants attempted to assassinate businessman Nantu Mia, owner of Afsar Karim Plaza near Pagla Bazar. Eyewitnesses report that he was shot in the stomach and arm. After receiving initial treatment at Khanpur Hospital, he was transferred to Dhaka Medical College. The attack occurred when he was getting into his private car after shopping. His driver quickly fled the scene with him towards Fatullah, while the attackers escaped towards Dhaka on a motorcycle.

Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Khondokar Azim Ahmed warned business owners that while securing bank loans for investment is acceptable, fleeing the country with the funds—especially to Singapore—will not be tolerated. He called on employers to ensure fair wages for workers and emphasized timely payment before the sweat of their labor dries. He highlighted the plight of agricultural, construction, and transport workers in the region, noting poor safety, extreme heat, and low pay, especially among tea workers, who earn less than Tk 200 daily.

In a defiant protest in Quetta, Hindu lawmaker Sanjay Kumar of the Pakistan People’s Party condemned Indian allegations of Pakistani involvement in the Pahalgam attack. Leading a demonstration, he declared, “If India dares to attack, more than 10 million Pakistani Hindus will stand with our army.” Demonstrators held placards denouncing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed solidarity with Pakistan’s military.

Indian authorities claim the four militants responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people, are still hiding in South Kashmir’s dense forests. According to NDTV, these militants are believed to be self-sufficient in supplies, which has helped them avoid detection—suggesting no ongoing support from across the border.

Indian outrage has surged over Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir’s remarks about Kashmir. Speaking on April 17 to expatriates, Munir called Kashmir Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and vowed to support its people’s struggle. Linking this with the April 22 Pahalgam attack, Indian commentators are drawing connections despite no conclusive evidence. Munir previously claimed Pakistan would fight ten wars if necessary over Kashmir.

Despite the significance of May Day, workers took to the streets demanding unpaid wages. Protests led to discussions between workers and factory management at the main gate. Workers said the factory had shut down on November 9, promising payments by December 28, but nothing has been paid yet. Mahmud Jeans Ltd. and Mahmud Washing Plant Ltd. claimed that although they planned to begin payments from April 28, banking complications delayed the process. They now aim to clear all dues by May 15 in coordination with the Labor Ministry.