A massive wildfire that spread across Japan’s Iwate region has finally been brought under control after 11 days of continuous efforts by firefighters and military personnel. Officials said it was the country’s second-largest wildfire in 30 years, burning about 1,600 hectares of mountainous forest—roughly five times the size of Central Park. According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, at least eight buildings were damaged and two people sustained minor injuries, while thousands were evacuated for safety. Otsuchi Mayor Kozo Hirano stated that the fire was contained through extensive aerial and ground operations combined with heavy rainfall, though he warned that small pockets of fire might still remain. Kyodo News also described the blaze as Japan’s second-largest in three decades. Experts noted that increasingly dry winters are heightening wildfire risks. Scientists have long warned that climate change driven by fossil fuel use is intensifying droughts, potentially leading to more severe wildfires in the future.

Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain has emphasized the importance of citizen awareness in resolving the city’s waterlogging problem. During an inspection of the month-long canal and drain cleaning campaign in East Madarbari, West Madarbari, and Pathantuli wards, he said that a clean city cannot be achieved by the corporation alone and that residents must act responsibly. The mayor noted that indiscriminate dumping of plastic, polythene, and waste undermines cleaning efforts. He mentioned that a sluice gate is under construction by the Water Development Board in Gulzar Khal, and temporary embankments have caused short-term waterlogging in nearby areas, including Agrabad Commercial Area. He expressed regret for the inconvenience and said the Bangladesh Army’s 34 Engineering Brigade and the Water Development Board have been instructed to complete the work quickly. Dr. Hossain added that once the sluice gate and canal renovation projects are completed, waterlogging will significantly decrease. He urged citizens, local representatives, and political activists to maintain cleanliness and build a culture of weekly cleaning to make Chattogram more livable.

A total of 43,773 Bangladeshi pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the ongoing Hajj season, according to the Hajj Office. Director Md Lokman Hossain said that as of 10 a.m. today, 110 flights had landed in Jeddah. The Hajj bulletin reported that seven pilgrims have died of natural causes so far, five in Makkah and two in Madinah. The bulletin also stated that the Saudi medical team has provided direct treatment to 9,175 pilgrims, while another 9,730 received health services through the IT helpdesk. This year, Bangladesh has been allocated a total of 78,500 Hajj slots, managed by 660 agencies, including 30 main and 630 coordinating agencies. Of the total, 4,565 pilgrims are under government management and 73,935 under private management. Flights have been operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia, and Flynas, with 34,543 pilgrims yet to depart. The first Hajj flight left Dhaka on April 17, and the pilgrimage is expected to take place on May 26, depending on moon sighting. Return flights are scheduled between May 30 and June 30.

Titas Gas authorities have announced a temporary suspension of gas supply in several areas of Dhaka, including Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and nearby localities. The company issued a statement on Sunday, May 3, expressing regret for the disruption and explaining the cause of the outage. According to the statement, a pipeline of Titas Gas was damaged during work by Dhaka Wasa on the Gulshan-Badda Link Road. To prevent possible damage to life and property, the gas valves were closed and repair work on the leakage is underway. As a result, gas supply in the affected areas remains suspended. The company has not specified when the repair work will be completed or when gas supply will resume in the affected neighborhoods.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned what he described as the “irresponsible” approach of several European countries toward Iran’s nuclear issue. He stated that instead of repeating false claims, those countries should denounce the military aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran. Araghchi made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Saturday night. The two diplomats discussed regional developments and the security, legal, and economic consequences of the U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran. Araghchi also briefed Tajani on the latest diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire and ending the imposed conflict, emphasizing the need for European nations to play a responsible role in this process. Reiterating that Tehran’s nuclear program is entirely peaceful, Araghchi urged European countries to adopt a more balanced and constructive position on the matter.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has stated that the United States’ room for decision-making on Iran has become increasingly limited. In a statement cited by Al Jazeera, the IRGC said Tehran has set a deadline for the removal of US blockades on Iranian ports, though the specific timeframe was not disclosed. According to the IRGC, shifts are emerging in the positions of China, Russia, and European countries against Washington. The group added that former US President Donald Trump now faces two difficult choices: launching an unfeasible military operation or agreeing to what it described as an unfavorable deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, with both military and diplomatic pressures reportedly intensifying.

Constable Nahid Mia testified before International Crimes Tribunal-2 as the 12th witness in the murder case of Imam Hasan Tayim, who was killed during the July Revolution in Jatrabari. In his statement on Sunday, Nahid said he was serving at Jatrabari Police Station during the 2024 uprising. He recalled hearing that Inspector (Investigation) Zakir had shot someone in the Kajla area on July 20. About a week later, he saw a video on YouTube showing Zakir shooting Tayim Bhuiyan at close range. Nahid identified Zakir in the video by his clothing and appearance, noting that he recognized him from their time working together. The case involves 11 accused individuals, including several former senior officers of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police. Nine of them remain fugitives, while two—former Officer-in-Charge Abul Hasan and former Sub-Inspector Shahadat Ali—are in custody and were produced before the tribunal on Sunday. The tribunal proceedings continue as part of the investigation into killings that occurred during the July Revolution events in Jatrabari.

Heavy rainfall and upstream water flow have caused severe waterlogging in Valuka upazila of Mymensingh, submerging 260 hectares of Boro paddy fields. Many farmers are unable to harvest their crops despite offering higher wages, while some have abandoned hopes of saving their harvests. The flooding has left local farmers in distress as their nearly ripe paddy fields remain underwater. Farmer Fayez reported that his 21 decimals of paddy land were almost completely submerged, and he had to pay 5,000 taka in wages to harvest what little could be saved. Another farmer, Mostufa, said his 1.5 acres of paddy were fully underwater just a week before ripening, after investing 45,000 taka in cultivation. He expressed despair over how to sustain his family after the loss. According to Agriculture Officer Nusrat Jaman, Boro paddy was cultivated on 18,670 hectares in Valuka this year. Of that, 3,174 hectares have been harvested, while 260 hectares are completely destroyed by flooding.

An Israeli human rights organization said that two foreign workers detained from a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla will be brought before a court in Ashkelon today. The flotilla, consisting of more than 50 vessels, had departed from France, Spain, and Italy with the aim of breaking the Israeli blockade and delivering food and emergency aid to Gaza, according to Al Jazeera. Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters near Greece on Thursday. Authorities stated that around 175 workers were removed from the vessels, with two taken to Israel for questioning. The detained individuals were identified as Saif Abu Keshek of Spain and Thiago Avilo of Brazil. Human rights group Adalah’s international advocacy coordinator, Miriam Azem, said the two had not yet been presented before the court. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding humanitarian efforts to deliver aid to Gaza amid Israel’s blockade, though further details on the legal proceedings remain unclear.

Bangladesh’s Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid announced that 12,333,840 animals are available for sacrifice ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. The figure includes 5,695,878 cows and buffaloes, 6,632,307 goats and sheep, and 5,655 other species such as camels and dumba. The announcement was made at a press conference held on Sunday at the Secretariat, attended by State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku. According to the minister, the national demand for sacrificial animals this year is estimated at 10,106,334, leaving a surplus of 2,227,506 animals. Last year, the total availability was 12,447,337 animals, with 9,136,734 slaughtered, resulting in a surplus of 3,310,000. The minister said the data shows Bangladesh has no shortage of sacrificial animals and can meet national demand without imports. He added that consistent government policy support and the growth of the livestock sector have made the country self-sufficient, benefiting local farmers through fair prices and contributing to economic strength.

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) stated on Saturday that no external power can weaken the determination of the Iranian people. In an official statement, the IRGC emphasized that the Iranian nation will never bow to its enemies and expressed gratitude to citizens for their steadfastness in defending the country against hostile attacks. The statement highlighted nationwide solidarity gatherings held in support of the government, describing them as a reflection of the Iranian people's insight in recognizing enemies, assessing the current sensitive situation, and understanding their national duties. It further noted that public unity serves as a source of strength for the armed forces, comparing it to the fuel that powers missiles. The IRGC’s remarks, reported by Press TV, underscore the organization’s focus on internal cohesion and resilience during what it described as a critical and challenging period for the nation.

In southern Afghanistan’s Kandahar region, hundreds of people are turning to self-proclaimed spiritual healer Neda Mohammad Qadri, who claims to cure cancer and thalassemia by blessing water. Qadri, a former cook with no medical or religious training, attracts large crowds daily as patients seek hope amid a collapsing healthcare system. Many, including families of terminally ill patients, report paying him money and livestock despite no medical improvement. According to the World Health Organization, Afghanistan records over 24,000 new cancer cases and 17,000 deaths annually, though experts believe the real figures are higher due to a lack of hospitals, doctors, and diagnostic facilities. After the Taliban took power in 2021, international aid sharply declined, leaving hospitals like Kandahar’s Mirwais facility short of essential equipment. Border closures with Pakistan have further restricted access to advanced treatment and imported medicines. Medical experts warn that unregulated spiritual practices and misuse of antibiotics pose serious health risks. They stress that such rituals may offer emotional comfort but cannot replace professional medical care, leaving many Afghans trapped between faith and failing healthcare.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said the government is working to establish an institutional framework for an independent media. He made the remarks on Sunday at a discussion titled “Independent and Responsible Media as the Main Partner in Establishing a Culture of Accountability,” organized by the ministry at the Information Bhaban auditorium in Dhaka to mark World Press Freedom Day. The minister stated that regulation does not mean control, but rather ensuring a healthy environment where the government acts as a facilitator. He announced plans to form an independent and strong Media Commission based on recommendations from a committee of media experts. Swapan also criticized irregularities in newspaper circulation and television rating systems, calling for accurate data-driven transparency. He emphasized that the government views the media as a partner in nation-building, not an adversary, and pledged legal and professional support for journalists. The event featured participation from media leaders, academics, and press council representatives, with a rally held earlier in the day as part of the observance.

Jordan carried out airstrikes in southern Syria early Sunday, targeting suspected bases and warehouses used for drug and arms smuggling. The Jordanian Armed Forces said the operation aimed to curb illegal trafficking activities along the border. According to the state news agency Petra, the targeted sites were identified through intelligence and destroyed to ensure national security amid rising smuggling attempts. Syrian state media Al-Ikhbariya reported that the strikes hit a facility in Shahba village in Suwayda province, believed to store weapons and narcotics. Additional attacks were observed near a former security branch base, where drone and ambulance movements were seen. Analysts noted that smuggling networks have remained active along the Syria-Jordan border for years, prompting Jordan to conduct similar operations in the past. The incident comes amid Syria’s ongoing political transition following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 and the formation of an interim government led by Ahmad al-Sharar in early 2025, which is seeking to reintegrate the country internationally.

Iran has submitted a 14-point proposal aimed at ending the ongoing war, calling for all related issues to be resolved within 30 days. The plan prioritizes a permanent end to hostilities over extending temporary ceasefires. It was presented by Tehran as a framework for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. According to the proposal, key elements include mutual non-aggression guarantees, withdrawal of US forces from areas near Iran, lifting of naval blockades, release of seized assets, removal of sanctions, and cessation of fighting across all fronts including Lebanon. The plan also calls for establishing a new arrangement for the Strait of Hormuz. A report by Axios stated that the proposal sets a one-month deadline to reach an agreement on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the US naval blockade. The initiative reflects Iran’s push for a comprehensive resolution rather than temporary measures.