State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam stated that Chattogram city is functioning normally and is not submerged in water. During an inspection tour of key city areas on Thursday morning with Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain, he said no stagnant water was found and dismissed media reports suggesting widespread waterlogging. He noted that sudden rainfall of around 60 millimeters could cause temporary water accumulation but clarified that this does not amount to prolonged waterlogging.

Explaining the situation, the minister said ongoing canal construction has led to temporary water congestion in some areas due to retaining walls and other barriers. The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) has assured that these obstacles will be removed soon. He added that, following the Prime Minister’s directive, a coordination committee has been formed under the mayor’s leadership, including representatives from all relevant agencies, to address the issue.

The minister’s remarks aimed to reassure residents and counter claims of persistent flooding in the city.

In Sirajganj’s Raiganj upazila, toxic smoke from a brick kiln reportedly damaged around 80 bighas of Boro rice fields, affecting at least 30 farmers. The incident occurred near Bilchandi area, where locals allege that emissions from the ‘Tanjila’ brick kiln spread over nearby farmland, burning rice plants and blackening the grains. In protest, affected farmers held a demonstration in Telijana village, demanding immediate closure of the kiln and compensation for their losses.

Farmers including Abdul Malek, Abdul Alim, Amzad Hossain, and Gokul Nandi said their crops were destroyed overnight, leaving them uncertain about repaying debts and supporting their families. Brick kiln owner Faruk Hossain denied responsibility, claiming the damage might have other causes and dismissing concerns about administrative action. A Raiganj upazila official confirmed receiving complaints and said an investigation would be conducted.

Environmental experts warned that unregulated brick kiln operations are harming agricultural land and posing risks to food security, urging stronger oversight and enforcement.

In Chirirbandar upazila of Dinajpur, van driver Asaduzzaman has become a key ally for local farmers battling rat infestations in Aman and Boro rice fields. He designed a bamboo cone-shaped trap that has proven highly effective in controlling rats, offering an alternative to chemical pesticides and traditional methods that failed to deliver results. Farmers now rely on his traps to safeguard their crops, and Asaduzzaman earns between 40,000 and 50,000 taka each season from this work.

Farmers such as Robiul Islam and Arman Ali reported that Asaduzzaman’s bamboo traps have significantly reduced rat damage, improving yields and reducing costs. Each rat caught earns him 30 to 50 taka, and he kills 30 to 70 rats daily during peak seasons. Agricultural officials, including assistant officer Minhajul Islam Nawab, confirmed that Asaduzzaman has killed around 30,000 to 35,000 rats so far and has been recognized by the agriculture department for his contribution.

Officials are encouraging farmers to adopt bamboo traps instead of chemical poisons, citing their effectiveness and environmental safety.

The liaison committee of the eleven-party alliance convened a meeting on Thursday morning at the central office of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Moghbazar, Dhaka. The session began after 11 a.m. and aimed to determine the next course of action for the ongoing political movement.

According to the source, the meeting focused on reviewing the current state of the movement, discussing future strategies, and formulating coordinated programs. Leaders involved in the discussions stated that the next steps would be decided jointly, taking into account the overall political situation in the country.

Following the meeting, the alliance leaders are scheduled to hold a press conference at the same venue to present their decisions to the media.

A human chain was organized in Chapainawabganj demanding the cessation of toll collection on the Birshreshtha Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir Bridge. The demonstration took place on Thursday at 11 a.m. in front of the Roads and Highways Department office near the bridge in Rehaichar, led by the Citizens’ Rights Realization Committee. Participants included transport workers, owners, teachers, students, lawyers, and people from various professions.

Speakers at the event stated that tolls have been collected on the bridge since its inauguration in 1993, continuing for 33 years. Despite repeated appeals and submission of memorandums to stop the toll, local authorities have not taken action. They noted that even a recent request by local Member of Parliament Nurul Islam Bulbul to the Road Transport Minister in parliament yielded no result.

The speakers warned that if toll collection continues into the next year, they will launch stricter movements, including road blockades, to press their demand.

Police in Brahmanbaria have arrested a doctor couple, Dr. Noman and his wife Dr. Kimia Sadat Tofa, on charges of torturing their 10-year-old domestic worker, Ayesha Akter. The arrest took place on Thursday afternoon in the Uttar Mourail area of Brahmanbaria town, and the couple was later sent to court. Ayesha, daughter of Rakib Mia and Nargis Begum from Pakshimul village in Sarail upazila, was admitted to Brahmanbaria General Hospital on Wednesday evening with multiple injury marks on her body.

According to Ayesha’s family, she had been working at the couple’s home for about nine months, but contact with her had been cut off for the past three months. The couple reportedly told the family that Ayesha had stolen valuables and fled. After failing to locate her, the family filed a general diary on April 26. Police later rescued Ayesha from a nearby house and handed her over to her family, who then took her to the hospital.

Dr. Noman denied the torture allegations, claiming Ayesha had stolen gold and cash before fleeing. Police confirmed that a case was filed by Ayesha’s father and that the couple was arrested based on that complaint.

The first session of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament concluded after 25 working days, during which 94 bills were passed and 133 ordinances were introduced. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed presented these figures in his closing speech on Thursday, also announcing the formation of seven committees and the participation of 280 members in over 40 hours of discussion. The session began on March 12 following the President’s address, and a motion of thanks for that speech was passed by voice vote.

The Speaker described the session as significant, marking the start of the 13th Parliament after what he termed a fair and participatory national election held after 18 years. He praised the cooperative atmosphere between government and opposition members, noting that 220 members were serving their first term. The session also saw 93 questions directed to the Prime Minister and 2,509 to various ministers, with many answered in the chamber.

In his remarks, the Speaker urged all members to strengthen parliamentary democracy, uphold the rule of law, and prioritize national interests under the principle of “Bangladesh First.”

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on both ruling and opposition parties to work together in the interest of Bangladesh, emphasizing that the current parliament must not fail. Speaking on Thursday during the closing session of the 13th Parliament and the motion of thanks on the President’s address, he said that this parliament should be unlike any in the country’s history, where both sides cooperate for the nation’s welfare. The motion of thanks was passed by voice vote, though the opposition voted against it.

Rahman stated that the parliament stands on the sacrifices of the 1971 martyrs and warned against repeating past political disruptions such as prolonged strikes. He stressed that the success of the parliament equates to the success of Bangladesh and urged dialogue on key issues including electricity, employment, education, and healthcare. He also highlighted the need for stability to strengthen the economy and advance national development.

The Prime Minister noted that a large share of GDP will be allocated to education and health, and reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting farmers, improving school conditions, and promoting women’s education up to the degree level.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that the government has decided to make education free for women up to the undergraduate (degree) level. He made the declaration during his concluding speech at the first session of the 13th National Parliament, adding that scholarships will also be provided based on academic performance.

Rahman emphasized his commitment to transforming the education sector, stating that he seeks fundamental change rather than maintaining the current state. Starting from July, the government will distribute school bags, uniforms, and shoes to primary school students to ensure a dignified learning environment. He also paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in various national movements and reaffirmed the government's dedication to fulfilling their aspirations for freedom and employment based on merit.

Addressing the ongoing energy crisis, Rahman said the government has accepted proposals from the opposition and formed a joint committee to resolve the issue, expressing hope for a quick solution. He reiterated that the government is elected by the people and accountable to them.

In a parliamentary session on Thursday, Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman called for national unity, urging all sides to move beyond historical divisions to build the country together. He also demanded justice for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, emphasizing his call for accountability for all injustices committed against them.

During the same session, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reflected on the burdens of leadership, saying that while the prime minister’s chair may appear comfortable, it feels like sitting on burning fire. He began his speech by paying tribute to the martyrs of 1971 and those who died on May 5, 2013, at Shapla Chattar.

The session highlighted contrasting yet complementary appeals from both leaders—one focusing on justice and unity, the other on sacrifice and responsibility—underscoring ongoing efforts to reconcile the nation’s political and historical divides.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher claimed in the National Parliament that he was a 'child freedom fighter'. He made the statement on Thursday, April 30, 2026, while participating in the discussion on the President’s address. During his speech, Taher elaborated on Jamaat’s position during the Liberation War and addressed current parliamentary issues.

Taher rejected allegations labeling Jamaat leaders as 'razakar' or 'al-Badr', asserting that none of the current party leadership were involved in such roles. He described how his family, living near the border, helped refugees heading to India during the war by providing shelter and guidance. He also reminded the assembly that figures accused of collaboration had served in both Awami League and Ziaur Rahman cabinets. Toward the end of his speech, Taher called for political harmony and mutual respect between the government and opposition.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the use of offensive language in parliament, Taher criticized a reported remark by the Health Minister and urged lawmakers to maintain decorum and mutual respect in parliamentary discourse.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring fair wages and gender equality in pay. In a message issued on Thursday ahead of International Workers’ Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2026, he said the government regularly reviews wages to guarantee just compensation for workers. He noted that all workers received timely salaries, bonuses, and benefits during the last Eid-ul-Fitr, and pledged to continue this practice.

Rahman emphasized that workers are the foundation of national development, contributing to industry, agriculture, and infrastructure. He said improving their living standards, ensuring fair rights, and creating safe workplaces are central to the government’s democratic commitments. He also recalled late President Ziaur Rahman’s initiatives to strengthen labor welfare and expand overseas employment opportunities, which remain vital to Bangladesh’s economy.

The Prime Minister added that the government maintains close cooperation with the International Labour Organization and remains dedicated to building a prosperous, self-reliant, and humane Bangladesh through collective effort and mutual support.

Bata Bangladesh has announced a 105 percent final cash dividend for the year 2025, raising its total annual dividend to 248 percent. The company reported a turnover of 9,164 million taka despite global economic pressures, political uncertainty, and challenging geopolitical conditions. The announcement reflects Bata’s continued focus on strengthening its long-term competitiveness in the footwear market.

Throughout the year, the company emphasized customer-centric strategies, prioritizing high-growth segments such as casual, sneaker, and premium product categories. These areas showed notable progress, aligning well with evolving market trends. The expansion of Bata’s omnichannel network further enhanced customer engagement across both digital and physical platforms.

Bata Bangladesh continues to improve institutional efficiency and maintain an organized structure to navigate current market conditions. With ongoing investments in product innovation and customer service, the company aims to capitalize on future opportunities and sustain its leadership in the country’s footwear industry.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament that he signed the July National Charter through compromise to prevent election delays under the pretext of reforms. Speaking during the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, he said the government prioritized holding elections and therefore agreed to the charter despite differences. He emphasized that all parties united and reached an understanding to safeguard the electoral process.

Referring to the July implementation order, the minister said his party and allies had publicly declared they would not accept anything outside the July National Charter. He also criticized the misuse of freedom of expression on social media, warning that unchecked behavior could harm national culture and religious harmony. Ahmed urged young people not to exploit the spirit of July for political gain and called for collective ownership of its democratic ideals.

He further noted that the interim government had support from both major political sides and thanked the President for his leadership during the governmentless period in August 2024.

A major fire broke out at a tin-shed ink manufacturing factory in Amulia Model Town, Demra, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, around 11:30 a.m. According to Fire Service Inspector Anwarul Islam, the Demra Fire Station dispatched two units immediately after receiving the alert at 11:38 a.m., reaching the site by 11:55 a.m. As the fire intensified, additional units from Siddikbazar and Khilgaon fire stations joined, bringing the total to eight units working to control the blaze.

Local sources reported that the fire spread rapidly due to the flammable materials inside the tin-shed structure, causing panic among nearby residents. Many people evacuated to safer areas as smoke and flames engulfed the factory. Firefighters continued their efforts to bring the situation under control, while law enforcement personnel were deployed to maintain order at the scene.

As of the latest update, no casualties or damage estimates were confirmed, and the cause of the fire remained unknown.