Four union parishad chairmen in Chuadanga’s Alamdanga upazila, previously suspended from their duties, have been reinstated following a High Court directive. The district administration canceled earlier decisions to appoint administrators to the four unions and issued a new order restoring the chairmen to their posts. The order, signed by Deputy Commissioner Lutfun Nahar, was issued in compliance with the court’s instruction.

The reinstated chairmen are Hasanuzzaman Saroar of Chitla Union, Mojahidur Rahman Jowardar of Khadimpur Union, Tarikul Islam of Daukhi Union, and Tafsir Ahmed Mallik Lal of Khaskarra Union. The High Court had earlier suspended the administrative appointment order for six months on March 12, 2026, allowing the chairmen to continue their duties. The administrators had been appointed on November 27, 2024, due to the chairmen’s absence.

Following the reinstatement, the chairmen expressed their commitment to serve the public in accordance with the court’s directive. The Alamdanga Upazila Nirbahi Officer stated that the reinstatement was carried out based on the court’s order and the divisional commissioner’s investigation report.

Iranian Army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia stated that although a ceasefire has been reached with the United States, the war is not completely over. He emphasized that Iran has no trust or confidence in the United States or its enemies. Akraminia added that the Iranian military remains as prepared as it was during the conflict.

He further explained that Iran is seriously preparing a list of targets, continuing training based on wartime experience, and maintaining weapons production. His remarks highlight Iran’s ongoing military readiness despite the declared ceasefire.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Iran had requested the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a statement he made on his social media platform. The contrasting statements from both sides indicate continued tension and mistrust following the ceasefire.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman have expressed opposing views on the presence of militant activity in the country. Speaking after a Coast Guard anniversary event in Dhaka, the Home Minister said there was no militant activity in Bangladesh, describing such claims as outdated and politically motivated. He argued that extremist threats no longer exist in the country’s current context.

In contrast, Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman told reporters at a separate briefing that militancy still exists in Bangladesh, though the government is working to reduce it to a “zero level.” He said both denying militancy entirely and exaggerating it for political gain were extreme positions. The adviser also confirmed that security had been tightened at airports and key installations following police warnings about possible attacks by a banned extremist group.

At the same briefing, Rahman announced a strict government stance against misinformation and disinformation in the media, urging journalists to maintain factual reporting while encouraging constructive criticism of the government.

The United States has imposed sanctions on 35 Iranian individuals and entities accused of involvement in Iran’s shadow banking system. US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant said the sanctioned parties were responsible for transferring billions of dollars in illicit funds that allegedly supported Iran’s terrorist activities. The announcement came amid a deadlock in ongoing talks aimed at ending the conflict.

Besant warned that the move serves as a warning to global financial institutions. He stated that any institution found to be assisting or transacting with this network would face severe consequences. The sanctions target what Washington describes as a financial network enabling Iran to bypass restrictions and fund destabilizing operations.

The action underscores Washington’s continued pressure on Tehran’s financial system and signals potential escalation in economic measures if the alleged network continues operating.

US President Donald Trump stated that Iran should never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and claimed that the United Kingdom’s King Charles shares his view. Speaking at a state dinner at the White House, Trump discussed the situation in the Middle East, saying his administration is currently working on certain matters in the region and that developments are progressing well, according to Al Jazeera.

Trump further asserted that his administration had militarily defeated a specific adversary and would never allow that opponent to obtain nuclear weapons, adding that King Charles agreed with him even more strongly. His remarks came against the backdrop of ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.

The statement highlights continued US concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and reflects diplomatic alignment between Washington and London on preventing Tehran from developing nuclear capabilities.

A delegation from the European Union’s election observation mission met with Nahid Islam, the opposition chief whip and convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), at the Parliament complex on Tuesday afternoon. During the meeting, the EU team inquired about the progress of implementing the July Charter, and Nahid Islam expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s slow pace and performance. He alleged that the government has failed to uphold its reform promises made to the nation. The EU delegation also handed over its full observation report on the 13th National Parliamentary Election to Nahid Islam.

Nahid Islam told the EU representatives that the NCP would continue its struggle both inside and outside Parliament to achieve the institutional and structural reforms envisioned after the July uprising. The meeting was led by Ivars Ijabs, head of the EU mission, and attended by deputy chief Baiba Zarina, senior observer Inta Leis, legal analyst Irini Maria Guonari, and Ryan Islam. NCP leaders Abdullah Al Amin and Alauddin Mohammad were also present.

The discussion highlighted ongoing concerns about the pace of reform implementation and the government’s accountability to its earlier commitments.

Kachua Upazila BNP organized a press conference on Tuesday afternoon at Tripti Mini Chinese Restaurant on Kachua Bishwa Road, protesting the spread of rumors through an edited video of Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan’s speech. The party alleged that a social media account named 'Banglar Rajniti' circulated a manipulated version of an old statement to mislead the public.

In a written statement, Kachua Upazila BNP President Khairul Abedin Swapon said Dr. Milan has been working tirelessly to advance the education system nationwide, prioritizing education as part of Tarique Rahman’s 31-point national development plan. He claimed that while the minister was earning recognition at home and abroad for his contributions to education, certain groups were attempting to defame him through false propaganda.

The BNP leaders condemned the act and confirmed that a general diary had been filed at Kachua Police Station against the social media account involved. Several local BNP leaders and activists were present at the event.

The second phase of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections began on Wednesday, with polling taking place across 142 constituencies. In this phase, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting against Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari in the Bhabanipur constituency in Kolkata. Voting started at 7 a.m. Indian time, following a mock polling process that began at 5 a.m. to verify the proper functioning of voting machines in the presence of candidates’ representatives.

The first phase of the election was held on April 23 across 152 constituencies, and the overall process was largely peaceful except for a few isolated incidents. The Election Commission reported a record voter turnout of 93.19 percent in the first phase. The results for all 294 constituencies in the state are scheduled to be announced on May 4.

The Election Commission has stated that it is taking measures to ensure free and fair polling in the second and final phase, with close attention on how the voting process unfolds across the state.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the government has taken extensive and coordinated initiatives to strengthen security at all international airports in Bangladesh. Speaking in Parliament on April 28, 2026, he said overall security has already been ensured, but further improvements are being implemented by the Bangladesh Police through various plans.

The minister detailed that checkpoints have been set up at entry and exit points, police patrols have been increased, and a multi-layered security system has been introduced. Intelligence-based actions are being taken to prevent sabotage, while coordination among police, intelligence agencies, and airport authorities has been enhanced. CCTV cameras and modern technology are being used to prevent theft and ensure comprehensive surveillance.

He added that modern equipment, advanced scanning systems, and technology-driven baggage handling have been introduced. Immigration counters and manpower have been increased, and body-worn cameras are being used. Special training programs are underway to handle terrorism, cyber threats, and emergencies efficiently, while help desks have been set up to assist passengers and prevent harassment.

The Dhaka Bar Association election began on Wednesday morning, marking the start of a two-day voting process to elect representatives for 23 posts, including president and general secretary. Voting will continue from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, with a total of 21,731 registered lawyers eligible to cast their votes.

Two main panels are contesting the election: the Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers Unity Panel (Blue Panel), supported by BNP and Gano Adhikar Parishad-backed lawyers, and the Lawyers Unity Council (Green Panel), supported by Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP). In addition, nine independent candidates are competing for various positions. Notably, the Awami League-backed Combined Lawyers Coordination Council is not participating this year following recent political changes.

According to the election commission, voting will continue uninterrupted on April 29 and 30. Ballots for member posts will be invalidated if voters select fewer or more than ten candidates.

During the parliamentary discussion on the motion of thanks over the President’s address, Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Nurul Islam sharply criticized the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He described the cancellation of the July Charter Implementation Order and the referendum verdict as the BNP’s greatest political mistake and a self-destructive decision. According to him, these actions trampled public aspirations and the spirit of mass uprisings, signaling the beginning of a new phase of authoritarianism.

Nurul Islam expressed disappointment that the expected unity for building a new Bangladesh was fading both inside and outside Parliament. He further alleged that a loan defaulter affiliated with the ruling party had been appointed as the governor of Bangladesh Bank, calling it a national disgrace and a warning sign for the country’s fragile economy.

The discussion took place as part of the parliamentary debate on the President’s speech, reflecting ongoing political contention over governance and economic management.

The government has introduced new regulations governing visitor passes for entry into the Bangladesh Secretariat. According to a recent circular from the Security Branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs, a full minister will now be allowed to issue up to 20 visitor passes, while a joint secretary can issue three. The circular was signed by Md. Tofayel Hossain, Deputy Secretary of the Secretariat Security Branch.

The directive further specifies that a state minister may issue 15 passes, while the cabinet secretary, senior secretaries, and secretaries are each permitted to issue 10 passes. Additional secretaries can issue passes for up to four visitors. The new system aims to standardize and regulate visitor access to the Secretariat premises.

The announcement formalizes the distribution of visitor pass authority among different administrative ranks, indicating a structured approach to managing entry permissions within the Secretariat.

Bangladesh National Party (BJP) lawmaker Andalib Rahman Partha stated in parliament that the Awami League should not be allowed to engage in politics until it faces trial. Speaking on Tuesday during the discussion on the President’s address, he argued that those denying July or labeling it as extremism cannot legitimately participate in Bangladesh’s political process.

Partha accused the Awami League of widespread corruption and theft in the power sector during its rule, alleging that an artificial crisis had been created. He said the party failed to connect with the youth over the past 17 years, which he described as its major weakness. He also claimed that the judiciary had been destroyed, asserting that verdicts, including that of Khaleda Zia, were written from the Prime Minister’s residence.

He further alleged that media owners lived in fear under the previous government and that citizens were afraid to post on social media due to the ICT Act. Partha also criticized the relationship between major business figures and political leaders, suggesting undue personal closeness.

Lebanon’s political landscape has been shaken by the government’s decision to engage in direct talks with Israel. The move has drawn fierce criticism from Hezbollah, which dismissed the discussions as ineffective and accused the government of lacking the leverage needed to pressure Israel. Hezbollah described the situation as bordering on treason, with its parliament member Ali Ammar vowing that the bloodshed in southern Lebanon would be avenged.

In response, Lebanon’s president sharply rebuked Hezbollah, alleging that the group was acting in the interests of a foreign power, specifically Iran, and pushing the country toward war. The exchange of accusations has deepened divisions between the government and Hezbollah, raising concerns about Lebanon’s internal stability.

The escalating rhetoric highlights the fragile balance of power in Lebanon, where efforts to resolve disputes through dialogue are clashing with militant resistance, potentially complicating future peace initiatives.

Law Minister Md. Anisul Haque has called for making the country’s legal aid program more effective to reduce the existing backlog of cases. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking National Legal Aid Day 2026 at the Supreme Court Auditorium on Tuesday, he said that justice is a fundamental right and that legal aid services must reach every citizen. The event was organized by the Supreme Court Legal Aid Committee.

The minister noted that the concept of legal aid in Bangladesh was first introduced in 1994 when then Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia established a fund to support poor and helpless people. He said the government is now working to expand and strengthen that initiative. Referring to the judiciary’s budget, he stated that the current allocation of about Tk 2,200 crore is insufficient and that additional funding is needed to make legal aid activities more dynamic. Discussions are ongoing to increase the allocation in the future.

The event was chaired by Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque and attended by judges, lawyers, legal aid officials, and representatives of foreign development partners.