Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Mujibur Rahman, representing Rajshahi-1, called for replacing man-made laws with Quranic law during a parliamentary discussion on the president’s address on Wednesday. He urged all parties, including the BNP, not to oppose divine law and proposed forming an Islamic board comprising madrasa-educated MPs and religious scholars to advise on implementing Islamic law nationwide.

Rahman, who also serves as Jamaat’s Naib-e-Ameer, criticized successive governments led by the Awami League, BNP, and Jatiya Party for failing to enact any Quran-based laws. He argued that the Quran should be the source of national legislation, citing verses to emphasize moral and social reforms such as prayer, zakat, and the eradication of corruption, poverty, and unemployment.

He further challenged the prime minister to explain why Islamic practices like prayer and zakat have not been institutionalized, and rejected allegations that Jamaat leaders were selling “tickets to heaven,” insisting such claims misrepresented Quranic teachings.

Britain’s King Charles III addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, reminding the United States of its republican values—rule of law, democracy, and its example in international affairs. His speech, delivered with careful wording, was notably direct by royal standards. Without criticizing the Trump administration, the King subtly expressed concern over the current political direction of the United States and called for stronger support for Ukraine and protection of nature, signaling a call to address climate change.

Charles emphasized that allies can maintain enduring relationships despite differences, referring to the historic U.K.-U.S. “special relationship,” which had been strained by disagreements such as the Iraq war. He highlighted the continuing importance of America’s global influence and quoted Trump to affirm the spiritual bond between the two nations. The King presented President Trump with a Royal Navy submarine bell from World War II as a symbolic gift.

Charles also referenced the Magna Carta and the U.S. Bill of Rights, underscoring the shared commitment to the rule of law and independent judiciary that underpin both nations’ democratic traditions.

A South Korean appeals court has increased the prison sentence of former president Yoon Suk Yeol from five to seven years. The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, found Yoon guilty of obstructing judicial proceedings by using members of the presidential security service to prevent his arrest. The decision follows a January lower court verdict that had sentenced him to five years in prison.

Both Yoon and prosecutors had appealed the earlier ruling. Yoon argued that the arrest warrant issued against him was based on an unlawful investigation, while special prosecutors sought a ten-year sentence, citing the seriousness of his offenses. The Seoul High Court judge stated that Yoon’s actions and their consequences were “highly reprehensible,” noting that he had issued illegal orders to state security officials and attempted to use them as personal bodyguards.

Yoon is already serving a life sentence for leading an attempted coup related to a failed martial law declaration in late 2024, according to the report.

Former interim government adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul posted on Facebook on April 29, 2026, addressing allegations made against him by what he called 'land-grabber brothers' and their affiliated newspapers. In his post, he challenged the media to provide proof of claims that he had purchased property with illicit funds, dismissing the accusations as baseless and politically motivated.

Nazrul recounted earlier rumors, including claims that he had bought houses in Dhaka and the United States, and later accusations of embezzling large sums of money. He said these reports lacked evidence and were contradicted by official statements from the Ministry of Law, which found no irregularities in the transfer of sub-registrars. He argued that the allegations intensified after the fall of a previous government and his role in the interim administration.

Concluding his post, Nazrul stated that he would not pursue legal action or complaints to the Press Council, saying he lacked the resources to counter the media’s influence. He sarcastically saluted those spreading the allegations, asserting that the country now belonged to such powerful individuals.

Opposition lawmaker Hafez Rabiul Bashar, representing Satkhira-3 constituency, suddenly fell ill during the ongoing session of the 13th National Parliament on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, around 1:40 p.m. Fellow members of parliament and staff from the Parliament Secretariat quickly assisted him out of the chamber and into the lobby, where doctors provided initial medical treatment.

During the break for the Zuhr prayer, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman personally visited the parliamentary lobby to inquire about the opposition MP’s condition. He also gave instructions to ensure that Bashar received the necessary medical support. The Chief Whip and other whips of the National Parliament were present at the time.

The incident briefly interrupted the session but was handled promptly, with medical attention provided on-site. No further details about the MP’s health condition were disclosed in the report.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook met Prime Minister’s Defense Adviser Dr. A.K.M. Shamsul Islam on Wednesday at the Armed Forces Division office in Dhaka Cantonment. The meeting focused on strengthening defense cooperation and deepening existing military relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.

On the same day, a high-level United States delegation also held a meeting with the defense adviser. During the discussion, the delegation was briefed on the priorities of Bangladesh’s armed forces and explored potential areas of collaboration through the Indo-Pacific Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) to enhance military capability and skills. Both sides expressed optimism about expanding and reinforcing defense cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), the meeting was attended by Lieutenant Colonel Robert Green, head of the United States Military Group at the US Embassy in Dhaka, DSCU Regional Program Lead and Assistant Professor Michael Rembold, and two other representatives.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmad Azam Khan announced in parliament that the government will prepare a complete list of martyred freedom fighters and genocide victims of the 1971 Liberation War. He said the initiative aims to create an accurate and accepted record that will ensure proper recognition and honor for those who sacrificed their lives. The statement came during a question-and-answer session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.

According to the minister, the ministry’s gazette currently lists 6,480 martyred freedom fighters, including 3,698 civilians, 1,541 members of the armed forces, 817 from the Border Guard Bangladesh, 423 police personnel, and one Ansar member. He also informed that 6,476 names have been canceled from the gazette, red freedom certificates, or Indian lists since 2010 based on recommendations from the Freedom Fighters Council, including 481 cancellations since August 2024.

The initiative is expected to formalize the recognition process for all martyrs and victims, ensuring historical accuracy and administrative transparency in the Liberation War records.

Jamaat-e-Islami central executive council member and Dhaka North city chief Mohammad Selim Uddin has accused the government of acting against public opinion regarding the July Charter. Speaking on Wednesday at a unit leaders’ gathering organized by Jamaat’s Badda South Thana unit in the Shadi Mahal auditorium on DIT Project Road, he said the government’s stance reflects a fascist and authoritarian mindset. He urged full implementation of the July Charter in line with public expectations and warned that the government would not escape accountability if it failed to do so.

Selim Uddin stated that people across the country are eagerly waiting for change and that Dhaka residents look to Jamaat to secure their rights. He added that Jamaat continues its uncompromising struggle to establish an Islamic welfare state based on justice. Criticizing the BNP-led alliance government, he said it has failed to solve basic public problems and deceived citizens about the energy crisis, as people still face fuel shortages despite official claims of sufficient reserves.

The Chief Minister of India's northeastern state of Assam has drawn controversy after making remarks opposing closer India-Bangladesh relations. In a recent interview, he stated that he personally prays for the relationship between the two countries not to improve, saying he wishes the situation to remain as it was during the time of 'Yunus'. The interview was broadcast on April 15, 2026, but parts of it have recently gone viral on social media.

During the same interview with an Indian media outlet, the Chief Minister discussed the alleged 'push-back' process along the India-Bangladesh border. He claimed that border security forces sometimes hold individuals for days or weeks before forcibly sending them across the border, often at night when Bangladeshi forces are not present. He also referred to Bangladesh’s border force by its old name, 'BDR', instead of its current name, 'BGB'.

Analysts noted that his comments came at a time when India appeared to be signaling renewed diplomatic engagement with Bangladesh, particularly following the announcement of former Union Minister Dinesh Trivedi’s appointment as ambassador to Dhaka.

The United States Department of State has announced a special edition of passports featuring President Donald Trump’s image. The initiative, confirmed by the White House, will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the country’s Declaration of Independence in July. According to a Fox News report, the limited-edition passports will be available exclusively through the Washington Passport Agency.

A State Department design preview shows Trump’s portrait surrounded by the text of the Declaration of Independence and the US flag, along with the president’s signature in gold. An administration official told the BBC that any American citizen will be eligible to apply for the commemorative passport once distribution begins.

The release marks an unprecedented decision by the US government to include a sitting president’s image on official passports as part of a national celebration.

Independent Member of Parliament Rumin Farhana from Brahmanbaria-2 has demanded that the recently signed trade agreement between Bangladesh and the United States be brought before Parliament. Speaking on a point of order during Wednesday’s session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, she argued that the deal, signed on February 9—three days before the national election—contains clauses contrary to Bangladesh’s interests. She noted that the government retains the option to cancel the agreement within 60 days if it chooses.

Farhana referred to a meeting held the previous day between the US ambassador and Bangladesh’s commerce minister, where issues such as trade imbalance, agricultural and energy imports, business environment reforms, and investment policies were discussed. She emphasized that the agreement was signed by an interim government despite objections from civil society and think tanks, who argued that such a government lacked the mandate to finalize international deals.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed ruled that her remarks did not constitute a valid point of order and advised her to submit a formal notice instead. Her request to table the agreement in Parliament was not accepted.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) announced its Lakshmipur district committee late Tuesday night, according to a statement signed by central member secretary Akhtar Hossain and chief organizer (southern region) Hasnat Abdullah. The committee named Md Masum Billah as convener and Muhammad Alamgir Hossain as member secretary, along with several joint conveners and secretaries. Twelve additional members were also included in the committee.

A few hours after the announcement, the committee list was removed from the NCP’s official page without any explanation. When asked about the removal, newly appointed member secretary Muhammad Alamgir Hossain said the reason was unknown to them but confirmed that the committee had been officially announced and would continue to operate as the legitimate body for NCP activities in Lakshmipur.

The incident has created uncertainty about the party’s internal decision-making process in the district, though no official clarification from the central leadership was reported in the source.

The United States Senate has blocked a proposal that sought to require congressional approval before President Donald Trump could take military action against Cuba. On Tuesday, the Republican-led chamber voted 51–47 in a procedural move that prevented the Democratic-sponsored war powers measure from advancing. The vote was largely along party lines.

Democrats argued that Congress must play a decisive role in preventing unilateral military action by the president. Senator Tim Kaine, a key supporter of the proposal, said that actions such as restricting Cuba’s fuel supply could already be considered hostile acts. Republicans countered that there is currently no direct military conflict with Cuba, making the proposal unnecessary. Senator Rick Scott stated that since no troops have been deployed, a war powers vote is not required.

The debate emerged amid growing criticism that the Trump administration is intensifying economic pressure and energy blockades against Cuba.

U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed allies to prepare for a long-term sanctions strategy against Iran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The plan aims to maintain economic pressure on Iran by restricting ship movements at its ports instead of resuming military attacks.

The report states that Trump is demanding Iran suspend uranium enrichment for at least 20 years and remains firm on this position. He reportedly believes that maintaining sanctions is less risky than pursuing alternative measures. Iranian officials have informed mediators that they need more time for consultations before submitting a revised proposal.

The report, citing Middle East Eye, indicates that the sanctions approach is intended to sustain pressure on Iran’s economy and oil exports while avoiding direct military confrontation.

The Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) has been accused of erasing July-themed graffiti from the walls of the Government Alia Madrasa area in Chowhatta as part of a city beautification drive ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit on May 2. The removal has triggered political and social debate in the city, with student activists expressing anger over what they call an attempt to erase history.

According to local sources, SCC has been repainting and cleaning key city areas, including Chowhatta and Alia Madrasa, where the graffiti was replaced with white paint. In response, members of the National Chhatra Shakti gathered at the site on Tuesday night, protesting and writing new slogans reading “We will give our lives, not July.”

In a joint statement, the organization’s Sylhet leaders accused SCC of deliberately removing murals commemorating historic July events and demanded their restoration within 24 hours, warning of a mass movement if ignored. The city corporation has not issued any official comment on the matter.