The High Court has issued a rule directing authorities to explain why 57 former Upazila Program Officers of the Basic Literacy Project (64 districts) under the Bureau of Non-Formal Education should not be made permanent. The bench of Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Md Asif Hasan issued the rule after a preliminary hearing on Monday, following a writ petition seeking directives for their inclusion in permanent posts.

According to the petition, the officers were recruited through written, practical, and oral examinations under 2016 and 2018 circulars and have been serving for years. The project ended in 2022, but the government created 491 Upazila Non-Formal Education Officer posts in 2020 to maintain continuity. The petition claims that a summary sent to the Prime Minister on October 25, 2023, seeking approval for their absorption, was returned without proper presentation, allegedly violating constitutional and legal provisions.

The petitioners argue that not making them permanent is discriminatory and contrary to constitutional equality principles. They also expressed concern that new recruitment for 351 posts announced in December 2025 could harm their prospects if 57 positions are not reserved for them.

Two dismissed officials of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro have been on a hunger strike for three consecutive days at the base of the Raju Memorial Sculpture on the Dhaka University campus. They allege that they were terminated for protesting financial irregularities and corruption within the organization. The protesters, former Assistant Director of the Mobile Library Project Toukir Ahmed and former officer Mohammad Erfanul Haque, began their strike on April 25 and are demanding reinstatement and an impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities.

According to the protesters, the government-funded Mobile Library Project has long suffered from mismanagement, including halted library vehicles, irregular book purchases, and inadequate reader services. They also claim that provident fund payments were mishandled, half salaries were paid for six months in 2023 despite full government funding, and readers’ refundable deposits were locked in fixed deposits. They further allege misuse of project funds and fake vouchers.

The dismissed employees have vowed to continue their hunger strike until their demands for reinstatement and financial transparency are met. Reports also suggest that 65 to 70 of about 180 project staff were recently dismissed, with new appointments made simultaneously.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of ministers and some members of parliament during a parliamentary session on Monday, emphasizing that no matter is more important than attending the session. He noted that MPs raise issues from their constituencies that ministers should hear. Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni responded that the absent ministers were accompanying the Prime Minister on an important state visit.

The Speaker also pointed out that several MPs scheduled to speak on the motion of thanks for the President’s address were either absent or unprepared. Chief Whip Moni explained that many MPs prefer to deliver their speeches in the presence of the Prime Minister, describing her as the “life of Parliament.” He assured that efforts would be made to convey MPs’ remarks to her.

During the discussion, opposition members supported the Speaker’s call for ministers to attend sessions regularly. The Speaker reiterated that attending parliamentary sessions is of utmost importance, as MPs often raise critical issues such as health and infrastructure conditions in their constituencies.

Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Ataur Rahman, representing Narail‑2, sharply criticized the President during a parliamentary discussion on the thank‑you motion for the President’s speech on Monday. He remarked that the President’s backbone was either too stiff or bent, implying a lack of independence. Rahman also condemned ruling party MPs for thanking the President, suggesting their praise was misplaced.

He argued that the President had previously legitimized fascist activities and the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, saying that offering thanks to such a figure would cause her spirit deep pain. Rahman urged his colleagues to speak with accountability. Referring to a past comment by late MP Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, he reiterated doubts about the President’s autonomy, citing an incident where the Home Minister claimed the President was forced to approve an order against his will.

Rahman concluded that the President’s actions and speeches lacked credibility, asserting that a leader who changes stance with shifting power cannot be genuinely thanked.

Retired Lieutenant General Masud Uddin Chowdhury denied allegations that he was involved in torturing Tarique Rahman during the 2007 'One-Eleven' period. The claim surfaced during a remand hearing in the Mirpur-based Delwar Hossain murder case at Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Monirul Islam’s court on Monday, April 27, 2026. The prosecution alleged that Masud was among those who physically assaulted Rahman, but the accused rejected the charge as completely false.

The hearing also addressed the prosecution’s request for a seven-day remand, arguing that Masud was a key figure during the 1/11 events and that further interrogation was necessary. Defense lawyer Touhidul Islam Sajib opposed the request, citing Masud’s health issues and previous remand periods totaling eight days without clear investigative progress. After hearing both sides, the court granted a three-day remand.

Masud was arrested on March 23 from Baridhara DOHS and has since been shown arrested in multiple cases, including those related to embezzlement and human trafficking, before being placed on successive remands.

Iran is seeking military and diplomatic assistance from Russia, according to an interview with Tehran University associate professor Foad Izadi published by Al Jazeera. The report states that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Russia for meetings with President Vladimir Putin and other senior leaders.

Izadi told Al Jazeera that Iran’s air defense system is not at the desired level, and the country hopes Russia can help strengthen it. He also emphasized that Russia’s political backing as a permanent member of the UN Security Council is vital for Iran. Izadi noted that Russia recently vetoed a Bahrain–United States proposal, which reinforced Tehran’s interest in maintaining Moscow’s support in international forums.

The report highlights that Iran–Russia military cooperation is longstanding, dating back to the period following Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, when Tehran began viewing Moscow as a key partner in military technology.

The High Court has directed the Election Commission (EC) to accept the nomination papers of Nusrat Tabassum, a leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP), for the reserved women’s seat in the national parliament. The order was issued on Monday by a High Court bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar. Nusrat Tabassum had earlier filed a writ petition seeking to restore her candidacy after the EC rejected her nomination.

According to the report, the Election Commission had canceled Nusrat Tabassum’s nomination papers because they were submitted after the deadline on April 22. The final submission time was 4:00 p.m., but she submitted her papers at 4:19 p.m. The EC also suspended the candidacy of Monira Sharmin, the joint convener of the same party. The election for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament is scheduled for May 12.

The High Court’s directive now allows Nusrat Tabassum to participate in the upcoming election, pending the EC’s compliance with the order.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told Parliament that the government plans to begin the local government election process soon after completing necessary preparations. Responding to a question from Jamaat-e-Islami MP Zahirul Islam during Monday’s parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, the minister said the matter is under active consideration by the government.

In response to another question from independent MP Rumin Farhana, the minister explained that local government elections are held in phases, requiring 10 months to a year to complete all levels. Preparations include voter list updates, collection of election materials, scheduling around religious festivals and public exams, weather considerations, and training of election officials. At least 45 days are needed for pre-schedule preparations.

The minister also informed Parliament that the Election Commission has decided not to use electronic voting machines (EVMs) in any upcoming national or local elections. The EVMs, purchased under a project completed in June 2024, are currently stored in various facilities while audit and anti-corruption investigations continue.

The Gede-Darshana border checkpoint between Bangladesh and India will remain closed for three days due to the legislative assembly election in India’s Nadia district. According to Darshana Immigration In-Charge SI Tuhin, the closure will be in effect from 9:20 a.m. on April 27 until 6:00 p.m. on April 29, 2026. The decision follows an official order from the Indian central government. During this period, passport holders will not be able to cross through the Darshana Integrated Check Post.

However, Indian citizens currently staying in Bangladesh will be allowed to return to India during the closure. Normal operations at the checkpoint are scheduled to resume on April 30, 2026. The temporary suspension aims to facilitate smooth conduct of the election process in the adjacent Indian district.

The closure affects cross-border travelers and trade activities through the Darshana-Gede route, a key land connection between Chuadanga in Bangladesh and Nadia in India.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 has completed the testimony phase in a war crimes case against Obaidul Quader and six other accused linked to killings during the July uprising. The tribunal scheduled May 17 for the start of closing arguments. The order was issued on Monday, April 27, 2026.

A total of 26 witnesses provided statements in the case. The other accused include Awami League Joint General Secretary A F M Bahauddin Nasim, former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, and the banned Chhatra League’s President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Wali Asif Enan.

The tribunal’s next session on May 17 will focus on presenting legal arguments before proceeding toward a verdict in the case.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that peace talks in Islamabad failed due to what he described as excessive demands from the United States. He made the remarks to local journalists after arriving in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he said he would discuss the Middle East conflict with Russia, a key ally.

Araghchi explained that the discussions in Islamabad involved mediators and included talks on the conditions under which further negotiations might continue. He also highlighted Iran’s ongoing blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, calling safe passage through the strategic waterway a global concern. The minister urged neighboring countries, including Oman, to work closely together in their mutual interests.

Araghchi added that further discussions with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz are planned, signaling continued diplomatic engagement on regional maritime security.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has confirmed that the recruitment process for 14,000 assistant teachers in government primary schools will not be reviewed. He made the statement on Sunday, noting that the recruitment process is still ongoing and that there is an urgent need to fill teacher shortages in primary schools across the country.

Hajjaj explained that a meeting was held last week with the education minister, the secretary of primary and mass education, and the director general of the Directorate of Primary Education, where it was decided to continue the recruitment process as planned. Earlier, Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan had indicated that the recruitment might be reviewed, but the ministry later withdrew that decision.

The recruitment process began in November with two phases of applications, followed by a written exam on January 9 across 61 districts. Although final results were published on February 8, recommended candidates have not yet received appointment letters, prompting protests in Dhaka. The state minister assured the candidates during a meeting at the Secretariat.

A BNP leader was allegedly assaulted in broad daylight by a Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leader in Sreepur, Gazipur, on Sunday, April 26, 2026. The incident occurred at the Sreepur municipal town’s Chourasta area, where Rajbari Union BNP convening committee member Saidur Rahman was attacked. The assault was reportedly led by Sharif Sheikh, organizational secretary of JCD’s Ward No. 3 unit, along with several associates. A written complaint was filed with Sreepur Model Police Station naming Sharif Sheikh and Salauddin of Lohagachh village.

Saidur Rahman stated that the dispute stemmed from a scuffle during a local game event in Bindubari on April 24, where he was present as a guest. He claimed that the attack was a continuation of that earlier altercation. Upazila BNP convener Abdul Motaleb condemned the assault, saying initial inquiries found no fault on Saidur’s part and that strict organizational and legal action would follow. Police confirmed receiving the complaint and said an investigation is underway.

The incident has reportedly caused unease in local political circles due to internal party tensions and disciplinary concerns.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has alleged that some political parties are attempting to divert the outcome of the recent referendum for their own interests. Speaking on Monday, April 26, 2026, at the inauguration of the Ulshi canal re-excavation program in Sharsha upazila of Jessore, he urged citizens to remain alert, warning that such attempts could disrupt public programs. He reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling all promises made to the people during his tenure.

During the event, Rahman highlighted the government’s plan to re-excavate about 20,000 kilometers of canals across the country over the next five years, following the legacy of former president Ziaur Rahman. He also praised former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s initiatives for women’s education, noting that she had made education free up to the intermediate level.

Rahman announced that his government would extend free education for girls up to the degree level and introduce stipends for those achieving good results, aiming to promote higher education among women.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said Bangladesh wants to advance its friendship with the United States. He made the remarks after meeting with US Ambassador Brent Christensen at the Secretariat on Monday. The discussion focused on how both countries could cooperate in managing the evolving global media ecosystem.

Swapan explained that both the US Embassy in Dhaka and the Ministry of Information will explore areas for joint work in the media sector. He emphasized that combating misinformation and disinformation has become a major challenge worldwide, particularly on digital platforms, where false information can harm social and civic life.

The minister added that while media freedom remains important, maintaining balanced freedom is now crucial. He noted that misuse of freedom, especially on social media, often causes suffering for ordinary people. The ministry, therefore, faces the dual task of protecting media freedom and shielding citizens from misinformation.