U.S. President Donald Trump continues military operations against Iran without new authorization from Congress, as a key legal deadline approaches under the War Powers Resolution. The law allows a president to deploy troops for only 60 days without congressional approval, and that period is set to expire within a week. Despite this, most Republican lawmakers are still backing Trump, effectively giving him a political free pass.

Public support for the war is declining, and Trump’s approval rating is also falling. Confidence in the Republican-controlled Congress has hit a low point, while the U.S. military has requested an additional 200 billion dollars to cover war expenses. Rising living costs and fuel prices have fueled voter dissatisfaction.

Observers are now watching how Republican members of Congress will respond once the legal time limit expires, as their stance could determine the future of Trump’s wartime authority.

Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman proposed that load-shedding in Dhaka should begin from the Parliament area. He made the suggestion on Thursday while participating in an unscheduled discussion in Parliament. Earlier, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit said that a decision had been taken to implement 110 megawatts of load-shedding in the capital on a trial basis to reduce the disparity between urban and rural areas. The decision was made following the Prime Minister’s advice and discussions with the opposition leader.

During the session, when the Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed noted that power cuts could disrupt parliamentary proceedings, Dr. Rahman clarified that he was not referring to the Parliament session itself but to other facilities within the Parliament complex. He emphasized that the Parliament area should experience load-shedding in the same way as other parts of the capital.

The discussion highlighted the government’s plan to distribute power shortages more evenly across regions and the opposition’s call for fairness in implementing the policy.

West Bengal recorded an exceptionally high voter turnout during the first phase of its assembly elections, following the removal of about 9.1 million names from the electoral roll through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. According to the Election Commission, by 5 p.m. on Thursday, the average turnout across 152 constituencies had reached 89.93 percent, surpassing previous records from 2021 and 2024. South Dinajpur district reported the highest turnout at 93.12 percent, followed by Cooch Behar at 92 percent. Seven of the sixteen districts voting that day saw participation above 90 percent.

Analysts and observers noted that voter enthusiasm was unusually strong from early morning. Political analyst Biswajit Bhattacharya described the steady rise in turnout as unprecedented. Researcher Sabir Ahmed from the Sabar Institute suggested that many migrant workers may have returned home to vote, driven by concern over the SIR process. Asif Farooq of the Migrant Workers’ Unity Forum said voters were eager to ensure their names remained on the rolls, even keeping photocopies of voter slips as proof.

Observers believe the heightened turnout reflects public determination to assert voting rights amid uncertainty caused by the SIR exclusions.

Lebanese Prime Minister Tamam Salam has declared that Lebanon will not sign any agreement that does not include the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. He made the statement in an interview ahead of scheduled talks in Washington on Thursday. The remarks followed his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, where he reiterated Lebanon’s firm stance against any proposal allowing Israeli presence in buffer zones that would prevent displaced Lebanese from returning or rebuilding destroyed areas.

Salam emphasized that Lebanon is entering the discussions with the belief that the United States is the only actor capable of exerting real influence over Israel. He credited Washington’s role in achieving a ceasefire and urged continued U.S. pressure on Israel. Addressing Western demands for Hezbollah’s disarmament, he described it as a long-term process that cannot happen overnight.

The prime minister underscored that Lebanon’s participation in talks should not be interpreted as a sign of flexibility, stating that while the outcomes remain uncertain, Lebanon’s objectives are clear.

Syed Muhammad Reza Ali Mirza, known as 'Chhote Nawab' and a descendant of Mir Jafar, was unable to vote in the recent West Bengal election held on April 23, 2026. According to his family, more than 150 members of Mir Jafar’s lineage, including his son Syed Muhammad Fahim Ali Mirza, were excluded from the official voter list. The first phase of polling took place in Murshidabad, but those whose names were missing could not cast their votes.

The family resides in and around Kella Nizamat in Lalbagh, Murshidabad. They stated that after the preliminary voter list was published, several family members were called for hearings and submitted all required documents. Despite this, their names were reportedly removed from the final list.

The report, citing BBC Bangla, highlights the family’s complaint but does not include any official response or explanation from election authorities regarding the omission.

The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections saw an average voter turnout of 78.77 percent by 3 p.m. on Thursday, according to data from the state election commission. The highest turnout was recorded in Shamsherganj constituency of Murshidabad district, where 87.53 percent of voters cast their ballots. Shamsherganj, a Muslim-majority area, had previously seen the highest number of names removed from the voter list.

Lalgola and Bhagabangola constituencies, which also had large numbers of names deleted from the electoral rolls, recorded approximately 85 percent and 84 percent turnout respectively. BBC correspondents visiting these areas observed that many migrant workers had returned home from other states specifically to vote. Residents reportedly feared that failing to vote might lead to their names being removed from the voter list.

In Nandigram, where opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari is contesting, the turnout reached 81.3 percent by 3 p.m., while Purulia recorded the lowest turnout at 72.22 percent.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and a member of parliament, warned that his party and its 11-party alliance would not hesitate to take to the streets if the ruling BNP government fails to initiate reforms. In an interview with Amar Desh published on April 23, 2026, he said that while his party does not seek another mass uprising, public anger could erupt if the government ignores popular demands.

He argued that the current administration has become deeply unpopular within two months of taking office, citing fuel shortages, rising commodity prices, and difficulties in handling international pressure. Nahid Islam questioned whether the government could complete its five-year term under such conditions.

Referring to the post-July uprising political landscape, he described Bangladesh as standing at a crossroads between old political forces trying to retain power and a new generation eager for state reconstruction. He suggested that the direction of future politics will depend on how this tension unfolds.

The government and opposition parties have agreed to form a 10-member committee to develop recommendations for resolving the country's energy problems. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina proposed the formation of the committee in parliament on Thursday, naming five members from the ruling party. The committee will be chaired by the Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku. The opposition leader welcomed the initiative and said that the names of their five representatives would be announced soon.

During the parliamentary session, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of joint efforts between the government and opposition to address issues of national interest. The opposition leader thanked the Prime Minister for taking the matter positively and expressed hope that the parliament would become the center for solving national problems. The Speaker, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, noted the need for a committee chair, after which the Prime Minister confirmed the energy minister as the head.

The formation of this bipartisan committee marks a rare instance of cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties, signaling a potential new phase of collaborative policymaking on critical national issues.

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon announced in parliament that a white paper will be published detailing irregularities and corruption in Bangladesh’s education sector during the Awami League’s tenure. Responding to a question from ruling party MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul, the minister said the government has prioritized investigations covering the fiscal years 2008–09 to 2024–25. The Education Ministry has instructed relevant authorities to verify and compile findings into a comprehensive report.

Milon stated that after the investigation and verification process is complete, the government will take necessary steps to prepare and release the white paper in phases. However, he noted that due to the extensive scope of the inquiry, no specific timeline can yet be set. The minister also addressed issues related to pending retirement benefit applications, financial shortfalls in the welfare trust, and vacant teaching positions in private institutions.

He further mentioned ongoing efforts to modernize madrasa education by including vocational and technical subjects, with vocational courses already introduced in 548 madrasas and plans to expand to 1,000 more.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad on Thursday to discuss diplomatic efforts related to the second round of US-Iran ceasefire talks. Following the meeting, Naqvi expressed hope for positive progress from Iran, noting that the talks had been delayed because Tehran had not yet confirmed its delegation.

In an official statement, Naqvi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir were making all-out efforts to help achieve a peaceful resolution and urged all parties to choose diplomacy. The statement added that Baker praised Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace.

Naqvi also commended US President Donald Trump for extending the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely just hours before it was due to expire, calling it a welcome step toward reducing tensions.

Independent Member of Parliament Rumin Farhana described Brahmanbaria as both a culturally rich and paradoxical region during a parliamentary session on Thursday. She highlighted its heritage as the birthplace of renowned artists and language movement figures, while also noting its reputation for local disputes. Her remarks came while presenting a private member’s resolution in the National Parliament.

Farhana criticized the persistent gas crisis in her constituency, Sarail, despite Brahmanbaria being a key supplier of gas to the rest of Bangladesh. She said residents face low gas pressure from morning to afternoon, forcing reliance on clay stoves, LPG cylinders, and electric cookers. She alleged that illegal gas connections continue through corrupt practices, depriving the government of revenue and worsening shortages for legal users.

She urged that Brahmanbaria residents should receive gas supply priority before distribution to other regions, arguing that the district’s resources should first benefit its own people.

State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan has called on maritime trainees to view themselves as ambassadors of Bangladesh when working on foreign-flagged vessels. He made the remarks on Thursday, April 22, during the passing-out ceremony of the second batch of ratings at the National Maritime Institute in Madaripur. The event marked the completion of training for 95 trainees who are now preparing to enter professional service.

The ceremony, held on the institute’s campus, was attended by Madaripur-2 Member of Parliament Jahandar Ali Mia, Shipping Ministry Secretary Zakaria, and Director General of the Department of Shipping Commodore Md. Shafiul Bari. The institute’s principal Md. Shahidullah delivered the welcome address. Awards were distributed among the top-performing trainees.

Local and foreign shipowners, shipping agents, military and civilian officials, and guardians of the trainees were also present at the event, highlighting the importance of skilled maritime professionals in representing Bangladesh abroad.

Opposition Leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP visited several SSC, Dakhil, and equivalent examination centers in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Thursday. His inspection covered Mirpur-10 Adarsha High School, Kazipara Siddiqia Fazil Madrasa, and Shaheed Police Smriti College. During the visit, he inquired about the well-being of examinees and prayed for their success.

Dr. Rahman advised the center secretaries to ensure a fair and peaceful examination environment and called on the authorities to maintain uninterrupted electricity during the exams. He was accompanied by Jamaat’s central executive council member and Dhaka North Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin along with local leaders.

Later, he inspected facilities arranged by the local Jamaat unit outside the centers, including shaded seating for guardians and safe drinking water. Guardians expressed appreciation for the arrangements and thanked the opposition leader and other organizers for maintaining a comfortable environment.

The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly election began under tight security across 16 districts and 152 constituencies, but the process has been overshadowed by a major controversy over the ‘SIR’ procedure. Allegations have surfaced that millions of voters were removed from the rolls, reshaping the political landscape and sparking debate over whether the election is a contest of power or a struggle for democratic rights.

According to the report, around 9.1 million names were excluded from the voter list, with the Trinamool Congress claiming that at least 4 million of them were legitimate voters. Analysts suggest the SIR process may be a calculated political move rather than a routine administrative step, with accusations that the BJP is attempting to alter the electoral balance. The Trinamool has responded by mobilizing public opinion through protests and a “Black Day” campaign under the Vote Rights Protection Forum.

The election has become deeply polarized, with the BJP emphasizing development and employment while invoking religious themes, and the Trinamool countering with regional identity narratives. The outcome, due May 4, is expected to test the resilience of democratic institutions in the state.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s public approval has dropped sharply in 2026, reaching levels comparable to George W. Bush’s lowest ratings nearly two decades ago. According to three new polls released Tuesday, Trump’s support now stands in the mid-30 percent range. The Reuters-Ipsos poll recorded 36 percent approval, Strength in Number Verasight found 35 percent, and AP-NORC reported 33 percent. Earlier, an NBC News survey showed 37 percent support, then the lowest of his presidency.

Out of nine major polls conducted over the past month, eight placed Trump’s approval in the 30s, with only Fox News showing 41 percent—still its lowest since 2017. Analysts note that the current decline surpasses previous dips seen early in Trump’s first term and after the Capitol Hill attack. CNN’s “Poll of Polls” indicates that 62 percent of Americans now disapprove of him.

Experts cited in the report suggest that more Americans than ever before are opposing Trump, and his second-term approval trend continues to fall steadily.