The Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) has withdrawn its 48-hour ultimatum to shut down unregistered online news portals within just 24 hours of issuing it. The initial directive, signed by SMP Commissioner Abdul Kudduch Chowdhury and released on Wednesday evening, required all unregistered portals to be removed from domestic and foreign domains by 6 p.m. on May 1, 2026, warning of legal action for non-compliance.

The original notice cited the National Online Media Policy 2017 (amended 2020), which mandates government registration for online news operations. It alleged that many unregistered portals were spreading false, baseless, and defamatory content, including anti-government propaganda that could harm Bangladesh’s image internationally. The sudden withdrawal of the order was announced through another notice on Thursday morning, also signed by the SMP commissioner.

The new notice did not specify any reason for the reversal, prompting further discussion and speculation about the decision’s background and implications.

The eleven-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a series of rallies culminating in a grand assembly in Dhaka in October. The program was unveiled at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka, by alliance coordinator and Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Dr. Hamidur Rahman Azad. The initiative aims to implement the verdict of a referendum on reforms.

According to the announcement, the divisional rallies will begin on May 16 in Rajshahi, followed by events in Chattogram on June 13, Khulna on June 20, Mymensingh on June 27, Rangpur on July 11, Barishal on July 18, and Sylhet on July 25. The alliance also decided to form liaison committees at the district level and to hold discussions with professionals and civil society across the country.

The press conference was attended by representatives from several member parties, including the National Citizen Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Labour Party, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party, and AB Party.

Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam told Parliament that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has turned the July Charter into a document of endless deception. Speaking during the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address on Thursday afternoon, he said BNP had corrupted the charter by turning it into a party manifesto and called for the immediate formation of a constitutional reform council. He added that the opposition would not act against the government’s prescribed course.

Nahid Islam also questioned in Parliament why no case had been filed over the assault on members of the Dhaka University Journalists’ Association, allegedly by activists of the BNP’s student wing. He demanded an explanation from the Home Minister, noting that two elected representatives of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union were attacked inside a police station. He emphasized the association’s role in democratic movements within the university and the country.

He further stated that the Liberation War remains the foundation of the nation and that disputes over it should end so the country can move forward beyond divisive politics.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has formally framed charges against former food minister Kamrul Islam and Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon in connection with killings during the July uprising. The three-member panel, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder, issued the order on Thursday and set June 9 for opening statements and the first witness testimony.

Earlier, on March 11, defense counsel Monsurul Haque Chowdhury sought acquittal, arguing that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence linking the accused to any killings. Chief Prosecutor Aminul opposed the plea, asserting that the charges were based on credible evidence and that the prosecution would prove the crimes during trial. The tribunal had reserved its order for April 30 after hearing both sides.

According to the prosecution, Kamrul and Menon allegedly incited violence and authorized the use of lethal force against unarmed protesters to sustain Sheikh Hasina’s government. Both men were arrested in 2024 and have remained in custody since then.

Former minister Kamrul Islam appeared at the tribunal two hours late on Thursday after initially refusing to attend a hearing in a war crimes case linked to the July uprising. He was brought from PG Hospital under prosecution orders after declining to leave due to illness. The incident occurred on the day the tribunal was scheduled to announce its decision on framing charges against Kamrul Islam and Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon.

According to the source, Kamrul, an Awami League presidium member, had been receiving treatment at the hospital. When prison authorities informed the tribunal registrar and chief prosecutor about his refusal, the explanation was deemed unacceptable, prompting an oral directive to ensure his presence. The three-member bench of Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, was set to deliver the order on charge framing.

Earlier, on March 11, the defense sought acquittal, arguing that the prosecution had failed to present strong evidence or prove involvement in killings. The prosecution, however, claimed the two accused incited actions that led to violence and deaths of 23 people in Badda and nearby areas.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the current government neither uses nor intends to use religion for political purposes. He emphasized that while religion belongs to individuals, security and equal rights belong to all citizens. Speaking on Thursday morning at a reception marking Buddha Purnima at the Cabinet Division’s conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat, he reiterated the government’s policy of ensuring equality for all, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or belief.

The event was attended by several ministers and officials, including the home minister, the religious affairs minister, and the state minister for the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Representatives of the Buddhist community presented the prime minister with a crest and a symbolic Buddha image. Rahman highlighted that all religions promote welfare and that the moral principles of Buddhism—non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion—are universal values essential for building a humane society.

He added that the government is committed to creating a state where every citizen can freely practice their faith and live in peace and security. Rahman reaffirmed that Bangladesh’s political philosophy of “Bangladeshi nationalism” ensures coexistence among all communities.

The High Court has granted bail to former Narayanganj mayor Selina Hayat Ivy in two murder cases filed in connection with incidents that occurred in July. The order was issued on Thursday by a bench comprising Justice K M Zahid Sarwar and Justice Sheikh Abu Taher. The cases were filed at Siddhirganj Police Station, with one registered on September 11, 2024, and the other on June 30, 2025. Police had sought to show Ivy arrested in these cases, and the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Narayanganj approved the requests on March 2 and April 12, respectively.

The report states that Ivy was initially arrested on May 9 of the previous year from her residence in Deovog, Narayanganj. She was later shown as an accused in multiple cases. Although the High Court had earlier granted her bail in five cases, the Appellate Division suspended those orders. On November 18, she was again shown arrested in five new cases and received bail on February 26 this year, but those orders were also stayed following a state petition.

The Appellate Division, led by the Chief Justice, is expected to decide on Sunday whether Ivy’s previous five bail orders will remain in effect.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocked U.S. President Donald Trump over the surge in global oil prices and Washington’s so-called ‘sanctions theory’. In a post on social media platform X, Ghalibaf said that figures like Information Minister Scott Besent were giving Trump’s administration ‘false advice’, which he claimed was pushing oil prices toward 120 dollars per barrel. He added that the next destination for oil prices would be 140 dollars.

Ghalibaf also ridiculed Trump’s recent remarks about Iran’s energy infrastructure. Trump had told Fox News that Iran’s oil lines could soon explode internally, causing irreversible damage within three days. Referring to that interview, Ghalibaf said that three days had already passed without any explosion and sarcastically offered to extend the countdown to 30 days, even suggesting a live broadcast of the oil wells on X.

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington over energy markets and sanctions, as reported by CNN.

Chittagong University has become tense following a series of rival processions and protests between Islami Chhatra Shibir and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal. The conflict intensified after incidents at Chittagong City College, where Shibir activists were attacked, leading both groups to stage counter-demonstrations on campus. Shibir also protested a reported attack by Chhatra Dal on Dhaka University Central Students’ Union leaders and journalists. Both organizations have exchanged accusations, labeling each other as terrorist groups during their rallies.

The rivalry follows major political shifts after the July uprising and the formation of a BNP-led government. Shibir had previously dominated the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union elections, while Chhatra Dal gained renewed strength after the national polls. Ordinary students have expressed concern that the ongoing political tension could disrupt academic activities and threaten personal safety.

University political leaders have blamed each other for the unrest, while a political science professor urged central leaders of both groups to engage in dialogue to prevent further deterioration of the campus environment.

A commentary published on April 30, 2026, argues that Bangladesh’s democracy has evolved into an undeclared monarchy dominated by dynastic political leadership. The author claims that since the political shift of the 1990s, two main parties have maintained power through family-based succession, creating a system where authority is centralized and reinforced by vast party networks. These networks allegedly sustain control through influence, intimidation, and suppression of opposition.

The article further describes how this dynastic system extends beyond politics into civil, military, and media institutions, forming what the author calls a “deep state.” This structure, the piece contends, enables corruption, resource exploitation, and economic decline while depriving citizens of justice and genuine democracy. The author calls for dismantling the old establishment and fostering a strong anti-establishment movement led by youth and patriotic citizens.

Citing recent dissatisfaction with the BNP government’s early actions, including ordinance cancellations and alleged misuse of cyber laws, the commentary suggests that public disillusionment may soon trigger a “second revolution” or “October uprising.”

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has called on citizens to remain united against what he described as enemy conspiracies aimed at weakening the country from within. Speaking on April 30, 2026, Ghalibaf accused US President Donald Trump of trying to force Tehran into submission through economic pressure and by dividing the Iranian people. He characterized these efforts as part of a broader strategy of blockade and media manipulation.

Ghalibaf, identified as a key negotiator in ceasefire talks with the United States, emphasized that maintaining unity among Iranians is the main way to resist such conspiracies. He stated that every act of division serves the enemy’s plans and reaffirmed that all Iranian officials follow the directives of the Supreme Leader. However, he did not provide further details about the divisions he mentioned.

The remarks reflect Tehran’s continued framing of external pressure as part of a coordinated campaign to destabilize the country, underscoring the leadership’s focus on internal cohesion in the face of foreign challenges.

Eight women leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami have been nominated as members of parliament for reserved women’s seats in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament. The nominations were finalized following recommendations from the party’s women’s wing, emphasizing political experience and organizational dedication. Among the eight nominees, six previously held central leadership positions in the Bangladesh Islami Chhatri Sangstha, the party’s student wing for women. They are currently active in various professional and social roles and are preparing to work on national and women’s issues in parliament.

According to the report, Jamaat, as part of an 11-party alliance, received 13 reserved seats proportionally, of which eight were allocated to Jamaat nominees. The remaining seats went to allied parties, including the National Citizen Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party. The Election Commission has validated 12 of the alliance’s nominations, with official gazette publication expected soon, after which the MPs will take oath.

The nominated MPs include senior Jamaat women leaders such as Nurunnisa Siddika, Marzia Begum, Advocate Sabikun Nahar Munni, Nazmun Nahar Nilu, Mahfuza Hannan, Sajeda Samad, Shamsunnahar Begum, and Engineer Mardia Momtaz.

Following the Pentagon’s announcement that the ongoing war in Iran has cost $25 billion, Democratic leaders in the United States voiced strong criticism. Congressman Mark DeSaulnier argued that the vast expenditure could have been used to reduce healthcare costs for millions of Americans. He noted that instead, the country has lost 14 soldiers, seen fuel prices rise, and become less secure.

Another Democratic congressman, Ro Khanna, criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying he was unaware of the war’s true economic impact. Khanna said he had asked Hegseth about the combined costs of replacement spending, gas, and food prices resulting from the Iran war, but the secretary had no answer. He described the situation as “unbelievable.”

The criticism underscores growing Democratic frustration over the financial and social toll of the conflict, as questions mount about its broader economic consequences.

The upcoming 2026–27 Supreme Court Bar Association election in Bangladesh has taken a decisive turn as the BNP-backed Nationalist Lawyers Forum announced its blue panel, nominating Barrister A.M. Mahbub Uddin Khokon for president, Mohammad Ali for secretary, and Advocate Ziaur Rahman for treasurer. The election, one of the judiciary’s most influential contests, will proceed without participation from Awami League-aligned lawyers after the party’s activities were banned under anti-terrorism laws. A special general meeting on April 26 confirmed that Awami League supporters are ineligible to contest.

Opposition-aligned groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party (NCP), failed to form a unified panel despite earlier efforts. Jamaat’s Lawyers Council and the NCP-backed National Lawyers Alliance each announced separate slates of candidates. Meanwhile, Awami League-affiliated lawyers protested their exclusion, staging demonstrations and denouncing the decision as unconstitutional and undemocratic.

The election reflects deepening political polarization within the legal community, with the BNP consolidating its position while the opposition remains fragmented and Awami League lawyers sidelined by legal restrictions.

After voting concluded in the West Bengal Assembly election, six exit polls released on April 29, 2026, presented mixed outcomes. Four surveys suggested that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could form the state government for the first time, while two others projected a strong victory for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee. The state assembly has 294 seats, requiring 148 for a majority. According to Praja Poll, BJP might secure 178–208 seats and TMC 85–110. P-Mark estimated BJP at 150–175 and TMC at 118–138, while Matrix and Poll Diary also showed BJP ahead.

In contrast, Janamat Polls predicted TMC would win 195–205 seats, and Peoples Pulse gave it 177–187, indicating a possible third consecutive term for Banerjee’s party. All surveys agreed that the Left and Congress are likely to perform poorly again. Analysts noted BJP’s rapid rise in the past decade, citing its 2019 parliamentary gains and the party’s strong booth-level organization this year. The final results will be announced on May 4, clarifying who controls the Writers’ Buildings.

Exit polls are not always accurate, and the official outcome will determine the actual power balance in the state.