Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanom Rita emphasized the importance of unity and harmony, stating that division, conflict, or discord bring no benefit. She made these remarks on Tuesday morning at a discussion meeting held in the Manikganj District Judge Court premises to mark National Legal Aid Day. The minister said that working together creates joy and makes tasks easier, while negative thoughts lead to mental unrest and an unhealthy environment.

During her speech, the minister noted that the Legal Aid Committee was formed in 2000 under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, marking the beginning of its journey. She added that the current Prime Minister, Tareq Rahman, later upgraded it to a directorate to ensure greater public access to legal assistance and services. The event included a rally organized by the District Legal Aid Committee, which paraded through key roads before concluding at the court premises.

Senior judges, district officials, police representatives, and members of the legal community were present at the event, which focused on expanding legal support for citizens.

Two amendment bills were placed in the Bangladesh Parliament to remove existing age limits for appointments to the top positions of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA). Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury introduced the bills during a session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. The proposals were later sent to a parliamentary special committee for further review.

The amendment to the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission Act, 1993, seeks to abolish the 65-year age limit for the appointment or continuation of the BSEC chairman and commissioners. Similarly, the amendment to the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority Act, 2010, proposes to remove the 67-year age restriction for the chairman and members of the authority. According to the explanatory notes, the changes aim to make the laws more contemporary and allow the appointment of experienced and skilled individuals to lead these key financial regulatory bodies.

If passed, the amendments would enable the government to appoint or retain qualified individuals in these leadership roles regardless of age, enhancing flexibility in leadership selection.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam told Parliament on Tuesday that politics cannot be conducted through social media or bot networks. She said the BNP is a party that works on the streets rather than relying on online popularity. Speaking during the discussion on the motion of thanks for the President’s address, she argued that viral posts and online insults cannot replace real political engagement. She also questioned whether independence would have been achieved if social media had existed in 1971.

Her remarks drew a response from Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam, who demanded proof of any corruption allegations mentioned by the minister. Shama Obaid further stated that if the President or his speech were considered illegitimate, the legitimacy of the then government should also be examined. She emphasized that both government and opposition must play constructive roles for the nation’s development.

The minister concluded by calling for unity beyond partisan disputes, saying that if Parliament remains cohesive, it can lead the country toward qualitative progress.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has accused Member of Parliament Fazlur Rahman of committing a serious offense by questioning his personal identity. Speaking on Tuesday in response to Fazlur Rahman’s remarks in parliament, Dr. Rahman said the MP had personally hurt him and further aggravated the matter by commenting on his ideological choices. He stated that he belongs to a martyr freedom fighter’s family, which Fazlur Rahman had challenged.

Fazlur Rahman had declared in parliament that no member of a freedom fighter or martyr’s family could join Jamaat-e-Islami. In reaction, Dr. Rahman argued that such a statement infringes on his constitutional right to choose his political affiliation and beliefs. He condemned the MP’s comments and urged that the relevant portion of Fazlur Rahman’s speech be expunged from the parliamentary record.

The remarks sparked uproar among opposition members in parliament, prompting Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad to restore order. During the commotion, Fazlur Rahman reiterated his stance, saying that any freedom fighter family member joining Jamaat commits a double offense.

Abdullahil Aman Azmi told the International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Tuesday that he did not detain anyone unlawfully during the period of martial law under General Ershad. He made the statement while being cross-examined by defense lawyer Aminul Gani Tito in a case concerning alleged crimes against humanity linked to enforced disappearances at the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC) during the Awami League’s rule.

Azmi said he had no knowledge of why Sheikh Hasina, Matia Chowdhury, and Sahara Khatun were detained under his supervision during Ershad’s military regime. He explained that he was then a newly commissioned junior officer and had no authority or opportunity to question such decisions. He maintained that he personally did not detain anyone.

In the same case, three of the thirteen accused are in custody and were produced before the tribunal from the sub-jail inside the cantonment. The remaining ten accused, including several former senior military officers, are absconding.

Chattogram-15 Member of Parliament Shahjahan Chowdhury stated in parliament on Tuesday that Jamaat-e-Islami had organized a movement through the Pakistani movement to secure the release of the late Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from the Agartala case. He made the remarks during a parliamentary session held in the afternoon.

Shahjahan Chowdhury said that the recent election recognized the patriotism of the nation, emphasizing that both the party and the people love the country. He added that Jamaat has made its position on the history of independence clear and urged others not to blame the current Jamaat for past events. According to him, Jamaat’s history shows that it has always acted to restore democracy whenever it was undermined.

The MP’s comments linked Jamaat’s historical role to democratic movements, presenting the party as a defender of democratic values in Bangladesh’s political history.

A delegation led by Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met with Prime Minister’s Defense Adviser AKM Shamsul Islam at the Armed Forces Division in Dhaka Cantonment on Tuesday. During the courtesy meeting, both sides exchanged greetings and discussed matters related to technological and military cooperation between Bangladesh and China.

According to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), the two officials expressed optimism about further strengthening the existing military relations and strategic partnership between the two countries. The meeting reflected ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral defense collaboration and mutual understanding.

The ISPR statement highlighted that the discussion focused on reinforcing the foundation of cooperation already in place, signaling continued engagement between Dhaka and Beijing in defense and strategic affairs.

A high-level delegation from the European Union Election Observation Mission met with Bangladesh’s Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at his office in the National Parliament building on Tuesday. During the meeting, Dr. Rahman discussed the political context surrounding the national election and referendum issues, stating that although the BNP had initially agreed to various reforms under the National Consensus Commission, it later delayed their implementation. He warned that continued inaction could erode public trust in political leaders.

The EU delegation, led by Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs, included senior officials such as Baiba Zarina, Inta Leis, Irini Maria Gounari, and Ryan Islam. The team handed over the EU’s observation report on Bangladesh’s latest national election and sought updates on the progress of the July Charter’s implementation. Dr. Rahman also expressed concern over violence by ruling party activists, unrest in universities, and attacks on Jamaat lawmakers.

The EU mission emphasized the importance of strengthening democracy, ensuring political balance, and implementing necessary reforms to guarantee fair future elections.

The High Court has directed the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner and two other officials to explain why they should not be held in contempt for allegedly violating a court order related to the eviction and sealing of shops at the Collectorate Mosque Market in Sylhet city. The order was issued on Monday by a bench comprising Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Md Ashiq Hasan.

The dispute began on March 10 when the Collectorate Mosque Trust notified tenants that their contracts were canceled and asked them to vacate within three days. Following a writ petition by the traders, the court on March 12 ordered a two-month status quo, later extending the suspension of eviction notices for three months in two other petitions. Despite this, the shops were reportedly sealed on March 26 at night under the district administration’s initiative. Shop owners sent a contempt notice on April 1, but no action was taken.

After the traders filed a petition, the court heard the matter and ordered Deputy Commissioner Sarwar Alam, Additional Deputy Commissioner Syeda Parveen, and NDC Kishore Kumar Pal to submit explanations within a specified time.

Sarjis Alam, the chief organizer for the northern region of the National Citizens Party (NCP), was hospitalized after suddenly falling ill. He experienced abdominal pain around 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday and was taken to Ibn Sina Hospital in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, where he is currently receiving treatment. The information was confirmed by his younger brother, Sahadat Hossain Sakib.

The report did not specify the cause of Alam’s illness or provide details about his current condition. It only confirmed that he remains under medical care at the hospital. The incident occurred on April 28, 2026, and was reported by local media outlet Amar Desh.

Further updates on Sarjis Alam’s health status or possible discharge timeline were not available at the time of reporting.

The Trump administration has dismissed all 22 members of the U.S. National Science Board (NSB), which serves as the policy and advisory body of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The move, confirmed by a former board member and lawmaker, is seen as part of the administration’s broader effort to restructure federal agencies. Similar cuts were previously made at the Department of Education and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Former board member Dr. Beachy, a retired biology professor from Washington University in St. Louis, said the dismissal notice was brief, thanking members for their service. He expressed concern about the future direction of research and education, emphasizing that the board’s independence is vital for NSF’s success. Democratic lawmakers, including Representative Zoe Lofgren, sharply criticized the decision, calling it another reckless act that undermines science and innovation in the United States.

The White House and NSF have not commented on the matter. The NSF, founded in 1950, spent over $8 billion on research and education in 2025. The long-term impact of the dismissals remains uncertain, though bipartisan support for the NSF has historically been strong.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the army is currently deployed in the field according to existing laws and government requirements. He made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking to reporters after attending the 31st founding anniversary ceremony of the Bangladesh Coast Guard in Agargaon, Dhaka. The minister added that the army would be withdrawn gradually.

Responding to questions about militancy, the minister said there is no militant activity in the country, alleging that the previous fascist government had used the issue as a political tool. He also said he was not aware of a letter from the police headquarters regarding enhanced security at key installations, but noted that security is routinely strengthened during state events.

Earlier in the day, the Coast Guard’s 31st anniversary celebrations began with colorful arrangements at its headquarters in Agargaon.

The European Union (EU) election observation mission in Bangladesh reported that it found no evidence supporting allegations of vote rigging in Dhaka constituencies during the country’s 13th national parliamentary election. The final report was released on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at a hotel in Dhaka, where mission chief Ivers Ijabss stated that democracy had been established through the election.

Ijabss noted that any complaints could be addressed through legal procedures and said the mission had focused on six key aspects of the electoral process. He emphasized that the election was significant for upholding Bangladesh’s democratic principles and governance standards.

The EU mission had been present in Bangladesh since late the previous year. On February 12, 2026, a total of 223 international observers from all EU member states, as well as from Canada, Norway, and Switzerland, monitored voting activities across all 64 administrative districts of the country.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman stated that the government will take firm measures to control militant activities in Bangladesh. Speaking at a press briefing at the Department of Information’s conference center in the Secretariat on Tuesday, he acknowledged that some individuals are involved in militancy and occasionally attempt to become more active, but assured that the government will keep such activities under control.

He noted that there are two extreme narratives about militancy in the country—one claiming Bangladesh is full of militants and another claiming there are none—both of which he described as incorrect. The adviser also announced a strict stance against disinformation, saying that the government will not allow misinformation-based photo cards in the media. He emphasized that the government’s firm position will help reduce such tendencies and that investigations and punishment of past offenders are part of the effort.

Dr. Rahman further stated that those responsible for negligence in the recent measles vaccination issue should face action.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that democracy cannot be established in a country where human rights are absent. He announced that the government will take swift measures to ensure justice and expedite legal proceedings. The remarks were made on Tuesday afternoon during the National Legal Aid Day event.

Rahman emphasized that the government has adopted specific plans to provide legal assistance to those who are financially unable to afford it. He said justice should not remain confined to legal texts but should become a reality in every citizen’s life. According to him, true justice is meaningful only when the law upholds human dignity and guarantees rights through a moral commitment rather than mechanical enforcement.

The Prime Minister added that delayed justice amounts to denied justice, and for that reason, initiatives have been taken to resolve disputes before they reach the courts.