Cox’s Bazar-4 Member of Parliament Shahjahan Chowdhury announced that the government is taking necessary steps to send Rohingyas back to Myanmar with dignity by 2027. He emphasized that the construction of permanent structures by Rohingyas in Bangladesh must be stopped. Chowdhury warned that if the Rohingya crisis continues, it could threaten local security, the economy, and social stability. He stressed that a quick and respectful repatriation is the only viable solution. He made these remarks on Saturday morning at a human chain event organized by the ‘Adhikar Bastobayon Committee’ at Palongkhali Station Square in Ukhiya. Chowdhury also urged law enforcement agencies to take stricter measures to control drugs, weapons, and other crimes in border areas, noting that peace and security in the Ukhiya-Teknaf region depend on border safety. The event was attended by local political, social, and professional leaders, including BNP representatives and community figures, who participated under the committee’s leadership.

US President Donald Trump compared a recent US Navy ship seizure operation to piracy during a rally in Florida on Friday. He told supporters that American forces boarded a vessel, took control of it, and seized its cargo and oil, describing the action as a highly profitable business. Trump added that the United States was acting much like pirates, though he insisted it was no joke. The remarks came as legal experts voiced concern over Iran’s blockade of key ports and its reported plan to impose fees on ships passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The situation has drawn attention to escalating maritime tensions in the region, where both US and Iranian actions are being closely scrutinized. The ongoing standoff underscores the fragile security environment in the Gulf, with potential implications for global oil transport and regional stability if the confrontation intensifies further.

State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam said the government is working to resolve the water crisis in coastal areas. He noted that salinity has worsened due to climate change, making the problem more complex. The government has already implemented several development projects and adopted long-term plans to ensure safe water for coastal residents. He made these remarks on Saturday morning at a dialogue held at Mongla Upazila Parishad auditorium, organized by the Upazila administration, Climate Action Forum, and NGO Leaders. The event was chaired by Additional Secretary of the ministry Dr. Fahmida Khanam, with Barrister Sheikh Mohammad Zakir Hossain and Executive Engineer Jayanta Mallik as special guests. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sharmin Akter Sumi said the freshwater crisis has become severe due to rising salinity and can be solved through coordinated efforts by the government and development organizations. After the dialogue, the State Minister, the Deputy Commissioner, and the Additional Secretary visited several private water projects in Mongla Upazila.

The four-day Deputy Commissioners (DC) Conference 2026 will begin on Sunday, May 3, and conclude on Wednesday, May 6, organized by the Cabinet Division. Additional Secretary (District and Field Administration) Md. Humayun Kabir announced that 498 proposals have been included in the working papers from a total of 1,729 submissions by eight divisional commissioners and 64 deputy commissioners. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium. The proposals emphasize improving public services, expanding healthcare, reducing public suffering, constructing roads and bridges, promoting tourism, amending laws and regulations, and safeguarding public interests. The health services sector received the highest number of proposals, totaling 44. The conference will feature 34 sessions, including 30 working sessions, courtesy meetings with the President, Speaker, and Chief Justice, and discussions with the Election Commission and Anti-Corruption Commission. Fifty-six ministries and divisions, along with the Prime Minister’s Office and two commissions, will participate. Key discussion topics include land management, law and order, local governance, disaster management, poverty reduction, ICT and e-governance, education, health, environment, and infrastructure development.

U.S. President Donald Trump has reaffirmed that he will visit China later this month as scheduled, despite the ongoing standoff involving Iran. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said he expects an excellent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit, initially planned for late March, was postponed to May 14–15 due to rising tensions over Iran. Analysts view the trip as crucial for both nations amid current global uncertainty. According to the report, Iran has sent a new peace proposal to the United States through Pakistan, but Trump expressed dissatisfaction with it, suggesting Iran’s weakened military position. Alongside the China visit, the Trump administration has announced other major international decisions, including expanding sanctions on Cuba and withdrawing 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, moves that could complicate relations with Europe. Chinese analysts believe the visit aims to manage risks and stabilize ties between the two powers, focusing on rare earth supply, the Taiwan Strait, and the South China Sea. Experts caution that no major breakthroughs are expected, describing the trip as a gradual diplomatic effort to reduce tensions and maintain communication.

Continuous storms and heavy rains over recent days have caused extensive damage to vegetable cultivation in Naogaon district, leading to a sharp rise in prices across local markets. Retail prices of most vegetables have increased by 10 to 20 taka per kilogram, with eggplant and pointed gourd selling for 70–80 taka, and other vegetables such as papaya, yardlong bean, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, okra, and taro priced between 50 and 60 taka. Imported drumsticks from India are selling for around 200 taka per kilogram. In contrast, potato prices remain stable at 25–30 taka per kilogram, offering some relief to middle- and lower-income families. Farmers in Manda, Badalgachhi, and Sadar upazilas reported severe crop losses, reducing supply to local and national wholesale markets. Vegetable farmer Ataur Rahman said his crops were heavily damaged, while wholesalers confirmed adequate potato stocks of both local and hybrid varieties. The Department of Agricultural Extension reported that 21,970 hectares were cultivated with potatoes this season, producing about 435,620 metric tons. Officials expect vegetable fields to recover quickly if weather conditions improve, which could stabilize supply and lower prices in the coming weeks.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman inaugurated the country’s largest national-level sports talent hunt program, ‘Notun Kuri Sports,’ at Sylhet District Stadium on Saturday. Despite rain interruptions, the event began at 5 p.m. with a grand ceremony, connecting all 64 districts virtually. The Prime Minister urged children and adolescents to prepare themselves to take responsibility for the future of Bangladesh and to bring pride to the nation through both education and sports. The program opened with the national anthem, flag hoisting, and recitations from holy scriptures, followed by a documentary highlighting the contributions of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to youth and sports. A theme song was performed, and students from BKSP presented exhibitions of eight sports included in the initiative. Youth and Sports Secretary Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam stated that the program aims to build a database of athletes aged 12 to 14 and identify grassroots talent through a four-tier administrative structure. He added that the goal is to prepare athletes for strong participation in the 2030 and 2034 Olympics and international championships.

Continuous rainfall and flash floods from upstream have submerged about 11,300 hectares of ripe paddy fields in Habiganj, according to the District Department of Agricultural Extension. As of Saturday, a preliminary list of around 20,000 affected farmers has been prepared by the district agriculture office. Additional Deputy Director Dipak Kumar Pal stated that favorable weather earlier in the Boro season had raised hopes for a good harvest. This year, 123,644 hectares of Boro paddy were cultivated in the district, including 46,954 hectares in haor areas. However, sudden heavy rainfall and flash floods quickly worsened the situation, particularly in the haor regions of Ajmiriganj, Baniachang, Lakhai, and Nabiganj, where water entered before the harvest, causing severe losses and despair among farmers. District Commissioner Dr. G. M. Sarfaraz has formed an emergency monitoring cell to address the disaster. The agriculture department reported that while about 58 percent of the paddy has been harvested, the remaining fields were submerged before harvesting, putting farmers at significant financial risk.

Indian Assistant High Commissioner Manoj Kumar visited the Burimari land port in Lalmonirhat on Saturday afternoon. During the visit, he met customs, port, and immigration officials, and held a meeting with local traders. The visit included discussions on bilateral trade activities and overall improvement of cross-border commerce between Bangladesh and India. Manoj Kumar stated that he discussed existing complexities in import and export operations at the Burimari land port with business representatives. He mentioned that work would be undertaken to address restrictions on certain goods that are allowed through other ports but not through Burimari. He also assured that steps would be taken to resolve issues related to business and other types of visas. Later, he visited the zero line of the Burimari land port check post to observe the activities of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) and discussed operational matters with their officials.

Former interim government law adviser Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul has expressed gratitude to the members of the new parliament for presenting what he described as an accountable legislature. He conveyed his appreciation in a Facebook post on Saturday, noting that the current parliament has demonstrated the government’s accountability through its proceedings. In his post, Nazrul mentioned that as a constitutional law teacher, he used to tell his students that one of parliament’s main functions is to ensure government accountability, but they were previously surprised because they had not seen such practices in Sheikh Hasina’s parliament. He said that this time, his students could relate to his teaching after hearing speeches by members such as Nahid, Akhtar, Hasnat, Jamaat leader Shafiqur Rahman, and ruling party member Naushad Jamir. Nazrul concluded by expressing hope that the dark days of unaccountable governance would not return and that parliament would continue to serve as a forum for good lawmaking and government accountability.

Law Minister Md. Anisul Huq said that progress has finally begun in the long-stalled Sohagi Jahan Tonu murder case after ten years. He stated that the Prime Minister personally inquired about the case’s progress over the phone on Eid day. The minister made these remarks while speaking as chief guest at a research presentation event held at BRAC Centre in Dhaka, where findings on procedural barriers in Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunals were unveiled. According to the minister, one suspect has already been arrested under the Prime Minister’s special directive, and the Ministry of Law is providing full cooperation despite the case being under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs. He emphasized that strict legal action will be taken against the remaining accused. The event also revealed that conviction rates in women and child abuse cases stand at only 3 percent, while 70 percent of defendants are acquitted due to weak evidence, absent witnesses, and procedural delays. Speakers at the event called for increased judicial budget, better coordination among ministries, and structural reforms to ensure faster and more effective justice delivery.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Aminur Rashid Yasin said that farmers are the main strength of Bangladesh and that the country will become more self-reliant and stronger through agricultural development and the enhancement of farmers’ dignity. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while addressing the prize distribution ceremony of an inter-department debate competition at Comilla Victoria Government College. The minister stated that he is proud to be both a farmer’s son and a farmer himself, noting that social attitudes toward farming have changed as people now take pride in their agricultural roots. He emphasized that logical reasoning and knowledge are essential tools for progress, urging students to practice healthy debate and intellectual engagement. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring a livable and secure world for future generations. Discussing farmer welfare, Yasin explained that the introduction of the Farmer Card aims to help producers receive fair prices by aligning production with regional demand. He expressed hope that technology-based, planned agriculture would strengthen Bangladesh’s food security in the future.

Fifty newly elected members of parliament for the reserved women’s seats in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament will take their oath on Sunday, May 3, at 9 p.m. The Parliament Secretariat announced the schedule in a press release on Saturday, May 2. The ceremony will take place in the designated oath room on Level 1 of the East Block of the National Parliament Building in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. According to the Secretariat, the Speaker will administer the oath to the new members as per parliamentary tradition. Among the 50 members, 36 were nominated by the BNP, 13 by the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its alliance, and one by an independent alliance. The nomination of Nusrat Tabassum from the National Citizen Party (NCP), initially canceled, was declared valid on Saturday. Relevant departments have already been instructed to complete necessary preparations for the event. Earlier, on April 29, a total of 49 candidates, including 36 from BNP, 12 from the Jamaat alliance, and one independent, were elected unopposed to the reserved women’s seats.

A senior Iranian Foreign Ministry official, Hossein Noushabadi, has declared that Iran will resist what he described as the 'aggressive' actions of the United States. Speaking to the ISNA news agency, he stated that the comfort, welfare, and progress of the Gulf region depend on the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the area. Noushabadi, who serves as Director General of the Ministry’s Parliamentary and Legal Affairs Department, said that foreign powers have long coveted the Gulf’s strategic maritime resources. He described the Gulf as an integral part of Iran’s identity and civilization, emphasizing the country’s historical role in expelling Portugal, the Netherlands, and England from the region. According to the official, Iran now intends to confront U.S. military operations in the Gulf, portraying this stance as a continuation of its past defense of regional sovereignty.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the re-excavation of the historic Basiya River in Kandigaon Union of Sylhet Sadar upazila on May 2, 2026. The river flows through four upazilas of Sylhet, originating from the Surma River and merging into the Kushiyara. The Basiya River was first excavated in 1977 under the initiative of then-President Ziaur Rahman. The new project marks the first re-excavation in 49 years. During the inauguration, Prime Minister Rahman stated that the majority of Bangladesh’s population lives in rural areas, and empowering them remains a central goal of his government. He emphasized that his administration, elected by popular vote, is accountable only to the people and is committed to fulfilling its electoral promises. According to the Prime Minister, 23 kilometers of the river’s total 40-kilometer length will be re-excavated. Once completed, the project is expected to directly benefit about 80,000 farmers and indirectly assist another 1.5 million farmers across the region.