The Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued five New Zealand tourists after they were attacked by assailants on a boat near Sonadia Island in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar. The incident occurred on the night of April 8, 2026, when a group of criminals assaulted the tourists and looted their belongings. Acting swiftly, Coast Guard teams reached the scene, ensured the tourists’ safety, and recovered most of the stolen items. The attackers fled before they could be apprehended. According to Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon, the tourists, led by New Zealand citizen John Edward Pudne, had arrived in Bangladesh in 2024 for a world tour by sea. Authorities had earlier discouraged them from such a voyage due to safety risks and noted that their passports had expired in January 2026. Despite the warnings, they continued their journey and anchored near Sonadia Island. The rescued tourists are now in safe custody, and the Coast Guard is coordinating with relevant ministries to determine their next steps. Search operations continue to locate the attackers and recover remaining stolen property.

A planned meeting between the United States and Iran has fallen into uncertainty following continued Israeli attacks in Lebanon. The talks were scheduled to take place on Saturday in Islamabad, Pakistan, but Iran’s delegation has yet to leave Tehran. Abbas Aslani, a senior fellow at the Middle East Strategic Research Center, confirmed to Al Jazeera that Iran refuses to engage in any dialogue while the attacks persist. According to Aslani, Tehran has made it clear that no discussions will occur in Islamabad as long as the situation in Lebanon continues. The ongoing conflict has pushed the diplomatic initiative into deep uncertainty. Beyond the violence, Tehran attributes the delay to a shift in the US position, noting that Washington has signaled a move away from a ten-point peace plan previously approved by the US president. Aslani added that this change has created a renewed trust deficit among Iranians, reinforcing fears that the United States cannot be relied upon to keep its commitments.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed officials to begin direct talks with Lebanon as soon as possible. Despite agreeing to the idea of direct negotiations, Netanyahu made it clear that there will be no ceasefire in Lebanon and that military operations against Hezbollah will continue. The directive marks the first time Netanyahu has accepted Lebanon’s request for direct discussions. The report notes that the pace of Israeli military operations in Lebanon has slowed in recent hours, with no major attacks reported in Beirut since Wednesday. This development follows a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, after which Israel continued its strikes in Lebanon. The situation reflects a complex regional dynamic involving multiple actors and ongoing hostilities. It remains uncertain whether the proposed talks will lead to a reduction in hostilities or a broader diplomatic breakthrough, as Israel maintains its military stance while expressing readiness for dialogue.

The cluster-based 'A' unit admission test for the 2025–2026 academic year began today, Friday, at Islamic University (IU). The one-hour examination is being held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. across nine academic buildings on the campus. A total of 11,186 candidates are seated at the IU center under the science faculty’s 'A' unit. This test marks the conclusion of the cluster university admission process for the year. To assist candidates and guardians, various student organizations have set up help desks at the university’s main gate. The university administration has strengthened a four-tier security system involving Ansar, RAB, BNCC-Rover Scouts, and police to ensure smooth conduct of the exam. IU Proctor Professor Dr. Shahinuzzaman stated that all necessary security measures have been implemented and expressed hope for an orderly examination environment. According to the university, a total of 284,480 students applied for the cluster admission tests this year, including 166,240 for 'A' unit, 93,158 for 'B' unit, and 25,282 for 'C' unit. The 'C' and 'B' unit exams were held earlier with attendance rates of 88.53% and 86.45%, respectively.

Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a protest rally and procession to be held on Friday after Juma prayers at the north gate of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram in Dhaka. The demonstration is being organized to protest alleged vote rigging, polling center occupation, and attacks on party activists during the suspended election in Sherpur and the by-election in Bogura. Jamaat’s Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar will attend the event as the chief guest, alongside central and metropolitan leaders. The announcement was confirmed by Muhammad Delawar Hossain, publicity and media secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan South Jamaat, who informed the media about the planned gathering. The protest reflects the party’s demand for the cancellation of the Sherpur and Bogura elections, which it claims were marred by irregularities and violence against its members. The event underscores Jamaat-e-Islami’s continued political mobilization around alleged electoral misconduct and its call for accountability in the recent local and by-elections.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified their ground operations in southern Lebanon, focusing on encircling the strategically important town of Bint Jbeil. According to the latest reports, Israeli troops attempted to advance into the outskirts of the town within the past 24 hours. In response, Hezbollah claimed to have launched multiple attacks targeting Israeli forces near the town’s entrance, asserting that it halted the Israeli advance. Hezbollah stated that it carried out more than 50 military operations in the past day, including several cross-border strikes inside Israel. The group had briefly reduced rocket attacks following reports of a regional ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, believing Lebanon would be included. However, after Israel clarified that the truce would not affect its Lebanon campaign, Hezbollah resumed full-scale resistance. Military analysts cited in the report noted that Bint Jbeil holds both strategic and symbolic significance for Hezbollah. Control of the town would give Israel a major tactical advantage in southern Lebanon, raising fears that fighting in the area could escalate further in the coming days.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presented a detailed statement on Bangladesh’s overall economic condition in the National Parliament on Friday. His report highlighted widespread irregularities, mismanagement, and corruption in the financial sector during the previous authoritarian government. He said that due to economic mismanagement and illicit financial flows, foreign reserves had fallen to 20 billion dollars. The minister noted that while exports rose slightly under the interim government, import growth slowed and remittance inflows increased significantly. He stated that social safety programs under the former regime failed to adjust benefits for inflation, leaving many beneficiaries outside inclusive development. Weak market management and syndicate corruption caused abnormal price hikes and supply disruptions, burdening ordinary citizens. The minister also described steps taken under the current government’s election manifesto, including improved debt management, reduced loan dependency, and structural reforms to strengthen the capital market. He announced plans to form a special commission to investigate irregularities from the past 15 years and expressed hope that by 2034 Bangladesh would become a developed economy through sustained growth and fiscal discipline.

A US Navy surveillance drone, the MQ-4C Triton, went missing over the Strait of Hormuz area on Friday after issuing an emergency alert during flight. The aircraft, valued at more than $200 million, disappeared shortly after transmitting a 7700 emergency code and beginning a rapid descent. The drone had been conducting a three-hour surveillance mission over the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz and was reportedly returning to its base when contact was lost. According to the report, the drone was seen losing altitude quickly after turning slightly toward Iran before vanishing. It remains unclear whether the aircraft crashed or was shot down. The incident occurred shortly after a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, adding to the sensitivity of the situation. The disappearance raises questions about the stability of the ceasefire and the security of aerial operations in the region, though no official explanation has yet been provided.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for the protection of hospitals in Lebanon as Israeli airstrikes continued overnight across the southern regions, including Sidon and Nabatieh. Surveillance drones were reported over Beirut, and the Israeli military issued new forced evacuation orders for the southern suburbs, extending to the Janah area where thousands of displaced people had taken refuge. WHO expressed deep concern that two major hospitals in Janah, currently operating at full capacity, are at risk. The facilities are treating around 450 patients, and with other hospitals already overcrowded, transferring these patients elsewhere is nearly impossible. The pressure on Lebanon’s health system has intensified since last Wednesday’s attacks, which injured more than a thousand people. Many of those ordered to leave Janah had previously fled from other conflict zones, facing displacement for a second time. Israel claims its operations target Hezbollah positions, but the proximity of evacuation orders to civilian infrastructure and hospitals has drawn widespread international criticism.

U.S. First Lady Melania Trump has denied having any connection with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Speaking at the White House, she said she had no relationship with Epstein and was unaware of his crimes. Her comments came after a photo showing her with Epstein circulated online, drawing widespread criticism. The 55-year-old First Lady called the claims false and urged an end to what she described as unethical and disrespectful rumors. Melania stated that she met her husband Donald Trump two years before she ever met Epstein and clarified that Epstein did not introduce them. She also said she was never a victim of Epstein, never boarded his plane, and never visited his private island. It remains unclear why she chose to speak publicly about the issue at this time, as she did not refer to any specific allegations. Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of trafficking and sexually abusing minors. His case continues to be a major topic in U.S. political discussions.

India’s state assembly elections began on Thursday with voting held in Assam, Kerala, and the union territory of Puducherry. Millions of voters participated in the first phase, marking the start of four key regional elections this month. The Election Commission announced that results for all five participating regions will be declared on May 4. A total of 296 seats were contested on the first day, including 126 in Assam, 140 in Kerala, and 30 in Puducherry. The commission reported that 174 million voters are eligible across the five regions, representing about 18 percent of India’s electorate. The elections take place amid an energy shortage linked to the Middle East conflict. Assam remains under BJP control, while Puducherry is governed by a coalition including the party. However, the BJP has never formed governments in West Bengal, Kerala, or Tamil Nadu, where it faces strong regional rivals. Opposition parties view the elections as a test of unity against the BJP’s dominance. The vote also comes amid controversy over the Special Intensive Revision process, which opposition groups allege has unfairly removed Muslim voters from rolls—an accusation denied by both the BJP and the Election Commission.

Argentina will play two final warm-up matches before the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a last-minute schedule change. The Argentine Football Association announced that Lionel Scaloni’s team will face Honduras on June 6 in College Station, Texas, and Iceland on June 9 in Auburn, Alabama. Both matches will be held in the United States, giving Argentina a chance to face at least one European opponent before the tournament begins. The decision comes after Argentina had not played any European team since winning the 2022 Qatar World Cup. A planned match against Spain in the Finalissima was canceled, raising concerns about the team’s preparation. In March, Argentina played two friendlies at home, defeating Mauritania 2–1 and Zambia 5–0, but faced criticism for choosing weaker opponents. Coach Lionel Scaloni said the final World Cup squad would be selected based on performances in these matches. The 2026 World Cup will start on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Argentina, placed in Group J, will open their campaign against Algeria on June 16, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan.

The United States and Israel jointly launched an invasion of Iran on February 28, 2026. US President Donald Trump attempted to justify the operation by portraying it as a moral struggle between good and evil, but the American public has largely viewed the war as unnecessary. Evangelical Christian leaders in the United States have intensified efforts to present the invasion as a religious war, seeking to rally support among believers. A two-week ceasefire was announced on Tuesday, following rising domestic dissatisfaction over the conflict. The war has negatively affected Trump’s popularity, driven by higher fuel prices and American military casualties. Despite this, Trump continues to emphasize the war’s spiritual significance, describing a recent pilot rescue as an “Easter miracle” and claiming divine blessing for the joint US-Israeli campaign. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and several conservative evangelical pastors, including Trump ally Robert Jeffress, have cited biblical verses to justify the invasion and highlight Israel’s role in Christian prophecy. They argue that the existence of modern Israel is essential for the prophesied return of Jesus Christ.

The fragile two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran is on the verge of collapse following renewed accusations from both sides just hours before a planned high-level meeting in Islamabad. According to AFP, tensions have escalated over disagreements involving the Strait of Hormuz and Lebanon, with both nations refusing to compromise on key issues. US President Donald Trump accused Iran of failing to uphold its commitment to ensure oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz, warning against any collection of fees from oil tankers. Meanwhile, Tehran insists that continued Israeli attacks in Lebanon violate the ceasefire terms, while Washington and Tel Aviv maintain that the truce applies only to direct US-Iran hostilities, not to Hezbollah. Diplomatic analysts cited by AFP said that the Islamabad meeting, attended by US Vice President JD Vance and senior Iranian leaders, will determine whether peace can be restored or if the region will slide back into conflict. If no progress is made on reopening the strait and resolving the Lebanon issue, the ceasefire could formally end at any moment.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has warned that the country will avenge every martyr killed in the joint attack by the United States and Israel. In a statement broadcast on state television, he declared that Iran is determined to seek retribution for all killings, including that of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed on the first day of the war. The statement emphasized Iran’s resolve to demand compensation for all losses, the blood of martyrs, and the injuries sustained in the conflict. The statement also mentioned that Iran would take the management of the Strait of Hormuz to a new stage, though no further details were provided about what that would entail. Meanwhile, discussions between the United States and Iran on a possible ceasefire are scheduled to take place in Islamabad on Friday, with Pakistan preparing to host the talks. The developments come amid heightened regional tensions and uncertainty about the next steps in the ongoing conflict.