The 2026–2027 executive committee election of the Dhaka Lawyers Association has been declared unacceptable by Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Lawyers Council, due to alleged irregularities and fake voting. In a statement issued on Saturday, he claimed that inconsistencies in forming the election commission allowed fraudulent votes and booth tampering. Several voters reportedly found their votes already cast when they arrived to vote.

Akand stated that irregularities and bias occurred at every stage of the election process. He explained that traditionally, the election commission is formed with equal representation from two panels, but this time the BNP-backed Blue Panel had 90 members while the Lawyers Unity Council’s Green Panel had only 41. Written and verbal appeals to the Bar Council and the chief election commissioner allegedly went unanswered, giving the Blue Panel a numerical advantage.

Following the vote count, the BNP and Gano Adhikar Parishad-backed Blue Panel won all 23 posts. Akand reiterated that the election was neither fair nor credible and urged vigilance against those undermining democratic processes.

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on party supporters not to open shops or organizations using the name of Zia Parishad. Speaking at a discussion at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in Dhaka on Saturday, May 2, he said the BNP already has many affiliated and associate bodies and does not need another. He expressed disappointment that some people were using the Zia Parishad name for personal benefit.

Fakhrul emphasized the need for a research institution dedicated to the works of Ziaur Rahman, noting that the Zia Parishad had already published several books under his encouragement. He urged the group to focus on research activities instead of commercial ventures. He also criticized the culture of lobbying in Bangladesh, saying that merit and intelligence should be the basis for advancement.

The BNP secretary general further commented on ongoing debates over the July Charter and the constitution, stating that while discussions are healthy, they should not be used for political interests. He reiterated that his party had expressed dissent on several points and did not agree on all constitutional reform issues.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Iran’s latest proposals for renewed negotiations. Speaking on May 2, 2026, he said that mediators presented demands on behalf of Tehran that he found unacceptable. Trump stated that he was not pleased with the nature of the proposals put forward by Iran.

He further alleged that Iran’s leadership is currently divided into three or four factions, which he suggested is complicating the negotiation process. According to Trump, these internal divisions within Tehran are contributing to the difficulties in reaching any agreement.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not provide details of the specific proposals or the mediators involved, leaving the next steps in the negotiation process uncertain.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanom Rita announced her intention to bring major reforms to the aviation ministry, emphasizing honesty and ideals in fulfilling the trust placed in her by the Prime Minister. She made the remarks on Saturday morning while addressing a free eye camp event held at the museum premises in West Bandutia, Manikganj Municipality.

During her speech, the minister said that after 17 years, the country is experiencing the true spirit of independence under a democratic government, which allows people to express their views freely. She urged everyone to use this opportunity responsibly and not to forget the nation’s past, including the failures of the previous interim government. Later, she allocated three lakh taka for the development of the Manikganj Museum.

The event was organized under the supervision of several local organizations, including the Manikganj Museum, Rahimunnesa-Enayet Foundation, Meher-Akiz Foundation, Manikganj Literary and Cultural Council, and Dhaka Lions Club, where hundreds of patients received free eye treatment and consultations.

Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense David Sedney has said that despite 60 days of war with Iran, the Trump administration has failed to achieve any of its stated objectives. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Sedney noted that the administration’s goal of regime change in Tehran has not materialized, as Iran’s leadership remains intact and is using the ceasefire to rebuild its military forces.

Sedney argued that President Trump has lost the information battle, suggesting that accurate information is not a priority for him and that he often misleads the public. He added that even in defeat, Trump might still claim victory, leaving it to the American people to decide whether to believe the facts or Trump’s narrative.

Beyond propaganda, Sedney emphasized that rising fuel prices could significantly influence the upcoming November midterm elections. He warned that if high petrol prices persist, Trump could face electoral defeat, as control over information and the oil market will ultimately determine the outcome of his Iran war strategy.

Mohammad Selim Uddin, a central executive council member of Jamaat-e-Islami and the party’s Dhaka North city chief, warned that if the government fails to implement the July Charter, the issue will be settled on the streets. He made the remarks on Friday at a volunteer representatives’ conference organized by Jamaat’s Dhaka North Blood Division at the Baridhara auditorium in the capital. Selim Uddin described the July Revolution and July Charter as major national achievements now at risk due to what he called the government’s negative and reckless attitude.

He accused the government of opposing the July Charter out of a fascist mindset and urged it to act wisely by implementing the charter in line with the people’s referendum. He emphasized that conscious citizens would not allow the government to ignore public will. During the event, he also highlighted the importance of humanitarian service and called for unity among volunteers and compassionate citizens to work for public welfare.

The conference, chaired by T.I. Riaz, featured speeches from several doctors and activists, and nine volunteers received the Best Blood Hero Award for their contributions.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended a civic gathering in Sylhet on Saturday morning after inaugurating a project under the Sylhet City Corporation. He arrived at the event around 11:15 a.m. following the foundation stone laying ceremony. Earlier, the prime minister visited the shrine of Sufi saint Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) and inaugurated a project along the Surma River focused on beautification and flood protection infrastructure.

Later in the day, he is scheduled to inaugurate a canal excavation program at Kandigaon Union in Sylhet Sadar upazila and launch the 'Notun Kuri Sports' initiative at Sylhet District Stadium under the Ministry of Youth and Sports to identify young athletic talents. In the evening, he will attend a party meeting before returning to Dhaka.

The city has been decorated with arches, banners, and festoons at key points to mark the prime minister’s visit, reflecting local preparations for the day’s multiple development events.

Police have detained A.K.M. Asifur Rahman Chowdhury, president of the Lohagara Upazila unit of the Chhatra League, in Chattogram. The arrest took place around 7 p.m. on Friday in the Chandgaon residential area of the city. Chandgaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Nur Hossain Mamun confirmed the detention of the leader, who belongs to a banned faction of the student organization.

According to police sources, multiple cases are filed against Asifur Rahman Chowdhury at Lohagara Police Station. Details about the nature of the cases or the specific charges were not disclosed in the report.

The report did not mention any official statement from the Chhatra League or other authorities regarding the arrest, and further legal proceedings were not described.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman inaugurated a Tk 4,000 crore mega project aimed at resolving waterlogging in Sylhet city. The inauguration took place at Chandnighat area of Sylhet Metropolitan City Corporation on May 2, 2026, at 11 a.m. Dr. Zubaida Rahman was present during the event. The project is reported to be the largest in the history of Sylhet City Corporation.

Before attending the inauguration, the Prime Minister visited the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) at around 10:30 a.m. Upon completing the visit, he proceeded directly to the Chandnighat area for the ceremony. The project is part of the government’s broader efforts to address urban waterlogging through major infrastructure initiatives.

The report also mentioned that the government is undertaking canal excavation to prevent waterlogging and considering a double rail line on the Dhaka–Sylhet route, reflecting a wider focus on sustainable urban and transport development.

The Election Commission has declared the nomination of Nusrat Tabassum, joint convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), as valid for the reserved women’s seat in the 13th National Parliament. The Chief Returning Officer made the announcement on Saturday, May 2, according to NCP office secretary Saleh Uddin Sifat. He stated in a Facebook post that the decision was made officially after completing the necessary administrative procedures, and the party will brief the media shortly at the Election Commission’s media center.

Earlier, Nusrat Tabassum’s nomination had been rejected because it was submitted at 4:19 p.m., 19 minutes after the 4:00 p.m. deadline on April 22. However, on April 27, a High Court bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar directed the Election Commission to accept her nomination. The upcoming election for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament is scheduled for May 12.

The validation of Tabassum’s nomination follows the court’s intervention, clearing her to contest in the forthcoming election under the NCP banner.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced a new plan to strengthen control over the country’s southern coastal waters, including the strategic Strait of Hormuz. According to a report by Iran’s state-run Press TV, the IRGC Navy Command stated that it will establish control across Iran’s nearly 2,000-kilometer coastline along the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC said the initiative aims to make Iran’s maritime areas a source of pride and strength for its people, as well as a foundation of security and prosperity for the region. The announcement underscores Tehran’s intent to reinforce its maritime presence in one of the world’s most critical waterways.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei earlier remarked that the Persian Gulf region could look forward to a bright future without U.S. involvement, emphasizing Tehran’s commitment to ensuring regional security and eliminating what he described as “enemy misuse” of the waterway.

U.S. President Donald Trump informed Congress that he does not need congressional approval to continue military actions against Iran, arguing that hostilities between the two nations ended following a recent ceasefire. In a letter sent on the 60th day after notifying Congress of the Iran operation, Trump stated that no exchanges of fire had occurred since April 7, 2026, and that the conflict, which began on February 28, was now over.

Under U.S. law, a president must seek congressional authorization within 60 days of initiating military action, or cease operations. Trump contended that the ceasefire exempts him from this requirement. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supported this interpretation, saying the legal “clock” had stopped, while Democratic Senator Tim Kaine disagreed, arguing the law does not support such a reading. Legal experts also questioned the administration’s stance, noting that a ceasefire does not legally end a conflict.

The Treasury Department warned that paying Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz could violate U.S. sanctions. The waterway remains largely closed, affecting global trade, while Congress debates whether to formally authorize the conflict.

US President Donald Trump said that the United States and Iran are continuing discussions over the phone. Speaking to reporters in Washington, D.C., Trump confirmed that the talks have not yet resulted in a final agreement. He described the path to a mutually acceptable deal as still very long.

Responding to questions from journalists, Trump emphasized that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons, calling it the top priority for the United States in the ongoing negotiations. Earlier, before departing for Florida, he told CNN that he was not satisfied with Iran’s latest proposal aimed at resolving tensions.

Trump also mentioned that he is weighing his options regarding Iran, questioning whether to launch a severe attack or continue pursuing a diplomatic agreement. The discussions reflect ongoing efforts to manage the conflict between the two countries, though no breakthrough has been achieved so far.

The first session of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament, which concluded on Thursday, has been described as highly significant due to its political context. Convened nearly two years after a mass uprising that ended the Awami League government, the session drew wide public attention both inside and outside the parliament. It featured heated exchanges between government and opposition members over the president’s address, the Liberation War, and the controversial July Charter, while remarks by the Speaker and Deputy Speaker also sparked discussion.

According to the Parliament Secretariat, the 25-day session presented 133 ordinances, passed 91 bills, and approved a total of 94 by its final day, setting a new record for legislative activity. The question-and-answer segment was notably active, with 93 questions submitted to the prime minister, who responded to 35, and 2,509 questions to ministers, of which 1,778 were answered.

Eight topics dominated the session’s discourse, including the president’s speech, the July Charter debate, Liberation War discussions, accountability in question time, opposition walkouts, the Speaker’s role, parliamentary dynamics, and the record number of bills passed.

Iran has announced that it will engage in talks with the United States only if Washington stops what Tehran describes as provocative actions and threats. The statement came from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi through an official post on the ministry’s Telegram account. He said Iran is ready to continue discussions once the US abandons its expansionist approach and hostile rhetoric.

The post also emphasized that Iran’s armed forces are fully prepared to respond to any threat, underscoring both military readiness and diplomatic openness. Araghchi made these remarks during his visit to Turkey, where he met with the foreign ministers of Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, and Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, Araghchi reiterated that Iran did not initiate the ongoing conflict and warned that if the United States breaks the ceasefire and resumes attacks, Iran is fully prepared to respond. The statement reflects Tehran’s dual stance of deterrence and conditional willingness for dialogue.