Myanmar’s military-backed government has transferred former leader Aung San Suu Kyi from prison to house arrest, according to a state television announcement on Thursday night. The move came as part of a general amnesty marking a Buddhist religious festival, during which the 80-year-old’s prison term was further reduced. A government information office released a photo showing Suu Kyi seated on a wooden bench in traditional attire, accompanied by two uniformed officials.

Suu Kyi had been detained since the February 1, 2021 military coup that ousted the elected government. She was last seen publicly during a court hearing in May 2021 and was sentenced by late 2022 to a total of 33 years in prison on multiple charges. Her supporters and human rights groups have long described the convictions as politically motivated efforts to sideline her from politics.

Officials said her sentence was reduced by another one-sixth, though the exact remaining term was not disclosed. State media reported that 1,519 prisoners, including 11 foreigners, were granted amnesty following General Min Aung Hlaing’s assumption of the presidency on April 10.

Bangladesh, along with the rest of the world, is observing May Day today as a day to uphold workers’ rights. President Md. Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages marking the occasion, which carries the theme “Healthy workers, diligent hands, a new dawn will come.” The president extended greetings to workers worldwide and emphasized their vital role in national development across all sectors, including industry, agriculture, and construction.

President Shahabuddin called for ensuring fair rights, safe workplaces, and social protection for workers to build a prosperous and humane Bangladesh. He expressed confidence that the country would reach new heights through strong labor relations and occupational health protection. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving workers’ living standards, pledging regular wage reviews and equal pay for men and women. He also announced plans to introduce a “Migrant Card” to enhance economic security for expatriate workers.

In Dhaka, the Prime Minister is scheduled to address a workers’ rally organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Labour Party for the first time, as confirmed by party leader Nazrul Islam Khan.

U.S. President Donald Trump is reassessing his next steps and available options regarding the ongoing Iran war as he prepares for an upcoming visit to China. According to American media reports, the trip could significantly influence his decision-making process. A White House official told NBC that the China visit is one of the key factors Trump is considering while evaluating military and diplomatic alternatives. The visit, previously postponed due to the conflict, is now scheduled for May 14–15 and is being prioritized by the administration.

The New York Times reported that the dual blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian ports is complicating the situation ahead of the China trip. China has expressed interest in playing a constructive role in halting the war. However, the Trump administration has imposed sanctions on several Chinese refineries and shipping companies accused of continuing oil trade with Iran in violation of U.S. restrictions. Much of China’s imported oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been largely closed since early March.

Bruce Fein, a U.S. constitutional and international law expert and former Associate Deputy Attorney General, told Al Jazeera that loopholes in the 1973 War Powers Resolution could allow a U.S. president to continue military action without congressional authorization. He argued that the law contains constitutional inconsistencies and cannot override the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the sole authority to approve war unless the nation is under attack.

Fein cited Iran as an example, saying that since Tehran has not attacked the United States, any military action against it would constitute a criminal act of aggression. He warned that the law’s ambiguity enables a president to reset the 60‑day war clock at will, effectively extending hostilities indefinitely.

According to Fein, the War Powers Resolution fails to define precisely when a conflict begins or ends, leaving room for executive manipulation. This legal uncertainty, he cautioned, could let a president prolong war without congressional oversight.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, saying the group suddenly changed its stance while claiming their own image remained the same. He made the remarks on Thursday during a parliamentary discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

Fakhrul said Jamaat’s recent statements after August 5 suggested they were preparing for power, which he argued did not support democracy. He blamed the current political distance on Jamaat’s rejection of elections and allegations of vote engineering, which he said the public did not accept. Referring to the July student uprising, he noted that any mockery of that history causes pain to those who fought for democracy.

He also condemned ridicule over a historic London meeting between the BNP chairperson and the then chief adviser, saying that meeting led to the election schedule and BNP’s current parliamentary majority. Fakhrul rejected attempts to label BNP as anti-reform, asserting that his party initiated reforms.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has reported that nearly two-thirds of the candidates for reserved women’s seats in the 2026 Thirteenth National Parliament are both highly educated and millionaires. The findings, based on candidates’ affidavits, show that 65 percent are millionaires and over 63 percent hold postgraduate or higher degrees. TIB released the data in a press statement on Thursday.

According to the analysis, candidates for reserved seats surpass directly elected MPs in educational qualifications, with 63.3 percent holding postgraduate degrees compared to 50.7 percent among general seat MPs. Among the 49 candidates, 32 are millionaires, with 26 from the BNP and 5 from Jamaat-e-Islami. Lawyers make up the largest professional group at 26.5 percent, followed by businesspersons at 22.5 percent. The average age of candidates is 52.17 years, and most are between 45 and 54 years old.

TIB noted that while the participation of educated and professional women is positive, the dominance of wealth and certain professions in reserved seats mirrors trends seen in general constituencies and may have long-term implications.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman began his speech in Thursday’s parliamentary session by paying tribute to the martyrs of Shapla Chattar. He expressed respect for those who were martyred in 1971 and also remembered those who lost their lives on May 5, 2013, at Shapla Chattar.

Earlier in the same session, Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman demanded justice for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. He called for justice for all forms of injustice committed against them and specifically sought accountability for the murder of Osman Hadi.

The session also highlighted broader national themes, including the Prime Minister’s statement that a significant portion of GDP would be allocated to education and health sectors, and that Police Week would begin on May 10 with 107 officers receiving medals.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense criticism from Democratic lawmakers over the true cost of the Iran war during his first appearance before Congress since the conflict began three months ago. At a House Armed Services Committee hearing, the Pentagon reported that the war had cost $25 billion so far, mainly for ammunition and equipment maintenance. Democrats rejected the figure as unrealistically low, arguing that the broader economic impact could push total costs between $630 billion and $1 trillion.

Acting Pentagon comptroller Jay Hurst clarified that the $25 billion estimate covered only direct operational expenses. Harvard economist Linda Bilmes suggested total costs might reach $1 trillion, noting that daily spending averaged $2 billion. The prolonged conflict has also driven U.S. fuel prices up 40 percent to $4.23 per gallon, worsening living costs and eroding President Trump’s popularity, with only 22 percent of Americans supporting his handling of the issue.

The New York Times reported that repairing damage from Iranian attacks on U.S. bases, including Bahrain’s Fifth Fleet headquarters, could cost hundreds of millions more, underscoring the war’s growing strain on the U.S. economy.

A case has been filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act against around 100 leaders and activists of the Awami League in Jessore for allegedly holding a nighttime procession under the banner of the banned organization Jubo League. The case was lodged by Sub-Inspector Ashraf Uddin of Kotwali Police Station on Thursday. It names 40 individuals, including a former state minister and five former members of parliament.

According to the case statement, on the evening of April 28, leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations gathered on Aziz City Road near the Muktijoddha Complex in Jessore and chanted anti-government slogans while holding candles and lanterns. Police claimed that the first 13 accused were financiers and godfathers of the banned group, while the remaining 27 were members involved in alleged subversive activities.

Police conducted raids in various parts of the city on the night of April 29 and arrested nine individuals, who were later sent to jail through the court on Thursday.

The Ministry of Public Administration of Bangladesh issued a notification on Wednesday night announcing new appointments in several key government agencies. Mohammad Habibur Rahman, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). He had previously been under transfer order to the National Housing Authority. Mosammat Ferdousi Begum, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the National Housing Authority.

In the same announcement, Md. Shawgatul Alam, Director General of the Novo Theatre, was appointed as the Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL). Additionally, Abu Nasar Mohammad Abdullah, Additional Secretary of the Local Government Division, was transferred to serve as the Director General of the National Museum of Science and Technology.

The appointments reflect administrative reshuffles across multiple ministries and agencies, as formalized through the latest government notification.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami organized a reception in Kishoreganj on April 30, 2026, to honor newly certified lawyers. The event was held at a hall room of an upscale restaurant in the city and arranged by the Kishoreganj Lawyers Thana Branch of the organization. Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand, the party’s central publicity and media secretary and secretary general of the Bangladesh Lawyers Council, attended as the chief guest.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Barrister A.S.M. Shahriar Kabir, district Jamaat Amir Professor Md. Ramzan Ali, cardiologist Professor Colonel (Retd.) Dr. Jehad Khan, and several other local and national leaders were present as special guests. In his speech, Akand emphasized strengthening the legal profession through moral integrity and justice, while Kabir advised young lawyers to pursue continuous study and professional ethics. Around fifty new lawyers participated in the event.

The program was presided over by Advocate Md. Musleh Uddin Suman, president of the Kishoreganj Lawyers Thana Branch, and conducted by its secretary, Advocate Hafiz Uddin.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei stated in a speech on the future of the Persian Gulf region that the area’s bright future will be 'America-free.' He asserted that the region will eventually operate free from foreign influence, focusing instead on the progress, comfort, and prosperity of its own people.

Khamenei emphasized that the presence of external powers remains the main obstacle to peace and development in the region. He argued that if regional countries remain united, they can use their own resources and strategic positions to ensure prosperity independently. He also said that increased cooperation among Persian Gulf nations would reduce dependence on foreign powers, ultimately benefiting the region’s population.

His remarks centered on regional security and economic self-reliance, highlighting a vision of collective strength and independence from outside interference.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended greetings and respect to the working people of Bangladesh on the occasion of International Workers’ Day and May Day. In a message delivered on Thursday afternoon, he emphasized ensuring workers’ rights, dignity, and welfare. The Prime Minister noted that the day is being observed across Bangladesh with the theme “Healthy workers, diligent hands, a new dawn will come,” reflecting the spirit of the occasion.

He paid tribute to the workers who sacrificed their lives in the 1886 Haymarket movement in the United States for an eight-hour workday and honored all who have struggled for labor rights worldwide. Rahman described working people as the driving force behind national development, highlighting their contributions to industry, agriculture, infrastructure, and the economy. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving living standards, ensuring fair wages, and creating safe workplaces.

The Prime Minister recalled the contributions of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to labor welfare, mentioning reforms in labor laws, wage commissions, and welfare initiatives. He also announced initiatives such as the “Expatriate Card” for migrant workers and reiterated the government’s pledge to maintain timely wage payments and gender equality in pay.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that a significant portion of Bangladesh’s GDP will be allocated to education and health sectors. He made the statement on Thursday during a session of the National Parliament. The Prime Minister said efforts are underway to increase the honorarium of primary school teachers to help them focus more on students’ education. He also mentioned a plan to allocate five percent of the total budget to education. Highlighting challenges in the health sector, he noted that many hospitals have buildings but lack doctors and medicines, emphasizing the need for greater investment.

Rahman added that the government aims to build a self-reliant Bangladesh. Discussing agricultural reforms, he said the introduction of farmer cards was intended to address farmers’ problems and ensure their welfare. He stressed that all who cultivate crops, fish, or livestock are farmers and that improving their livelihoods is a national priority.

Reflecting on his time in Britain, the Prime Minister said he used to compare their schools with those in Bangladesh and wished for similar standards at home.

The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has presented 14 recommendations—seven each for the government and industrial owners—to safeguard workers’ rights, dignity, and safety in Bangladesh. The proposals were announced on April 30, 2026, at a discussion marking International Workers’ Day at the National Press Club in Dhaka. HRSS Executive Director Ejazul Islam urged stronger government enforcement of labor laws and called for tripartite dialogue among the government, employers, and workers to resolve disputes through discussion rather than conflict.

The HRSS recommendations for the government include strict implementation of labor laws, enhanced labor inspections, fair wage determination, labor court reform, protection for domestic and informal workers, migrant worker safety, and gender-sensitive labor policies. For employers, the group advised timely payment of wages and bonuses, ensuring safe workplaces, respecting trade unions, upholding women’s dignity, investing in skill development, and fulfilling social responsibilities.

Speakers including human rights activist Nur Khan Liton and political leader Mahmudur Rahman Manna emphasized workplace safety, fair compensation, and inclusion of labor interests in constitutional reforms, noting that workers remain central to Bangladesh’s development journey.