Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested the alleged mastermind behind an SSC examination question leak ring in Cox’s Bazar. The suspect, identified as 17-year-old Salahuddin Ahmed, was detained Thursday afternoon in the Daryanagar area of Cox’s Bazar Sadar. RAB-15’s Assistant Director (Law and Media) and Assistant Superintendent of Police A. M. Faruk confirmed the arrest on Friday. According to RAB, the operation was conducted following a tip-off near the Daryanagar Nature and Tourism Center around 3:30 p.m. Thursday. Salahuddin allegedly collected phone numbers of examinees from various WhatsApp groups, contacted them claiming to supply leaked question papers, and demanded large sums of money. He reportedly used specific mobile payment accounts to receive the money and then blocked the students, committing digital fraud. The detainee has been handed over to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station for further legal action.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has dismissed exit polls predicting a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lead in the 2026 state assembly election. She asserted that such surveys were being circulated to demoralize Trinamool Congress workers and expressed confidence that her party would secure at least 226 seats. Banerjee said she trusted the people's overwhelming mandate and even suggested the tally could exceed 230 seats. The state recorded a voter turnout of 92.47 percent across 294 constituencies, despite extreme heat and allegations of intimidation. Banerjee thanked voters for their participation and described the exit polls as a major conspiracy to influence public opinion before results are announced. She urged party members to remain calm, avoid provocation, and wait peacefully until the vote count on May 4. Most exit polls have projected a close contest between the BJP and Trinamool, with several giving the BJP a slight edge. Only one survey, by People’s Pulse, forecast a clear Trinamool majority with 177–187 seats.

In Sunamganj, two days of sunshine followed five days of heavy rain and flash floods, offering brief relief to farmers drying their soaked paddy. However, much of the crop has already rotted, leaving the haor region unusually quiet and lifeless this harvest season. Farmers are seen cutting paddy in knee- to chest-deep water, with many reporting severe losses and exhaustion. Local farmers described extensive damage, with large portions of their fields submerged and much of the harvested paddy spoiled before drying. Some hope for government financial assistance to recover. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, 2047 hectares of land across 137 haors have been affected out of 223,511 hectares of Boro cultivation, with an estimated production target of 1.4 million metric tons worth about Tk 5,000 crore. Officials are coordinating with mill owners to use dryers for wet paddy. The Water Development Board reported a slight drop in water levels but warned that further rainfall could strain embankments. The district administration extended a ban on sand extraction until May 5 to address labor shortages in the haor areas.

According to a report by NBC News, Iran is taking advantage of the ongoing ceasefire with the United States to recover weapons that were previously hidden or buried under rubble. The report states that after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, Tehran has intensified efforts to retrieve missiles and other munitions from underground or destroyed sites. The information was attributed to one U.S. official and two other individuals familiar with the matter. The report further indicates that U.S. officials believe Iran aims to quickly rebuild its drone and missile capabilities. They assess that Tehran’s actions are intended to prepare for potential retaliatory strikes across the Middle East if President Trump decides to resume military operations. The developments come amid heightened regional tensions and uncertainty over the future of the ceasefire. The situation underscores the fragile nature of the current truce and the possibility of renewed hostilities if diplomatic efforts fail to hold.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei announced in a written statement that Tehran will ensure the security of the Gulf region and eliminate what he described as the ‘enemy’s misuse’ of the sea routes. His declaration comes as tensions persist over maritime control and regional stability. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the American naval blockade on Iranian ports could continue for several more months. He said Washington is waiting for Tehran to accept an agreement and, in his words, to ‘give up.’ Trump emphasized that the blockade would remain in place until Iran complies with the terms of the proposed deal. In contrast, Khamenei reaffirmed Iran’s determination to maintain its dominance and security in the region. The statements from both leaders underscore the ongoing standoff between Tehran and Washington over control of Gulf waters, with no immediate sign of de-escalation mentioned in the source.

A journalist named Shahibul Islam Pipul was allegedly assaulted in Bhangura, Pabna, on Thursday evening following a Facebook post he made about a previous incident involving his younger brother. The attack reportedly occurred around 6:30 p.m. near the Bhangura bus stand, and the complaint was filed at Bhangura Police Station. Pipul, a correspondent for the Daily Jugantor and Bangla Tribune, accused Sharif, brother of Bhangura municipal BNP general secretary Sayedul Islam Buruj, and several others of carrying out the assault. According to the complaint, earlier that day, Pipul’s brother Yasin Ali Sami was allegedly abducted and beaten by several local youths linked to the student wing of the BNP. After Pipul posted about the incident on Facebook, tensions escalated. Later, a group led by Sharif allegedly attacked him. Sharif denied the assault, claiming the dispute stemmed from an old conflict and that Pipul’s post was provocative. Sayedul Islam Buruj also denied his brother’s involvement and said he was trying to mediate between the parties. Bhangura Police Station’s officer-in-charge Sakiul Azam confirmed receiving the complaint and said an investigation is underway.

A Bangladeshi man allegedly killed his younger brother in Lecce, Italy, following a long-standing family dispute. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Wednesday. The accused, Humayun Fakir, reportedly attacked his brother Nayon Fakir with a sharp weapon, causing his death on the spot. Both brothers were originally from Sonarang in Tongibari upazila of Munshiganj district, Bangladesh. After the killing, Humayun Fakir contacted his family in Bangladesh through a video call, showing them the bloodied body of his brother and admitting to the crime. Family members broke down in tears upon witnessing the scene. Italian police later arrived at the location and arrested the accused, according to reports. News of the murder quickly spread to the Tongibari area, casting a shadow of grief and fear among local residents.

A discussion meeting was held in Moulvibazar to ensure the proper implementation of the 2026 Boro paddy and rice procurement program. The meeting, organized by the District Food Department, took place on Thursday afternoon at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner, who also presided over the session. Officials discussed various aspects of the procurement activities planned for the Boro season. During the meeting, it was informed that the targets for collecting parboiled and non-parboiled rice have not yet been set. Paddy will be purchased directly from farmers through an app, and selected farmers must complete online registration. Rice will be procured from millers through contracts. To ensure fair prices for farmers, the price per kilogram of paddy has been fixed at 36 taka. The procurement drive will run from May 30 to August 31. Participants were instructed to maintain transparency and accountability throughout the process. Representatives from the agriculture and food departments, mill owners’ association, and related committees attended and emphasized coordination in implementation.

The United States has remained in a state of 'permanent war' for the past 25 years, leading to soaring defense expenditures. Dan Grazier, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Stimson Center, told Al Jazeera that many American companies and national security officials have become accustomed to high defense budgets, making it difficult to reverse the trend. Grazier explained that maintaining elevated defense spending often depends on engaging in new conflicts. He cited the ongoing Iran war, noting that the missiles and bombs currently being used will need to be replaced, creating lucrative opportunities for major weapons producers such as Lockheed Martin and RTX. This cycle of sustained military spending has become a significant source of income for the U.S. arms industry. According to the report, the entrenched pattern of high defense budgets continues to benefit American defense contractors, reinforcing the economic incentives tied to prolonged military engagements.

In Madarganj upazila of Jamalpur, continuous rain and strong winds have caused extensive damage to boro paddy, jute, maize, and other crops. Fields are submerged, and half-ripe paddy is rotting as farmers face both yield losses and difficulties in harvesting. According to the local agriculture office, 560 hectares of boro paddy, 350 hectares of jute, 120 hectares of maize, 50 hectares of vegetables, and several banana fields have been affected, with some areas completely destroyed. Farmers in several low-lying areas, including Tartapara, Jorkhali, and Gabergram Jhalupara, are struggling to harvest crops in knee- to waist-deep water. Many are cutting half-ripe paddy to prevent further losses, while others are tying fallen stalks to keep them upright. Local farmers described severe waterlogging and crop damage, saying they were forced to harvest early to avoid total loss. Upazila Agriculture Officer Habibur Rahman said officials are assessing the damage and advising farmers to drain water quickly, harvest fallen paddy, and tie up unripe plants to reduce further losses.

The Directorate of Films and Publications (DFP) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced a government initiative to produce two short films highlighting Bangladesh’s history, heritage, and culture. According to a public notice issued by the DFP, experienced consultancy firms are invited to submit applications and scripts for the projects by May 9, 2026, at noon. One of the films will be based on the folk tale 'Gazi Kalu and Champabati' and will run 25 to 30 minutes with English subtitles. The government has allocated Tk 2 million for its production. The second film will focus on a story promoting Islamic culture, tolerance, and unity, with a duration of 12 to 15 minutes and a budget of Tk 1 million. Selected firms will be responsible for all stages of production, including scripting, casting, shooting, editing, dubbing, and color grading. The DFP emphasized that the films must combine modern technical standards with creativity, and participating firms must have at least five years of professional experience.

A man named Rajib Mistri, 32, has been arrested in connection with the murder of self-proclaimed spiritual leader Abdur Rahman, also known as Shri Kalandar Shamim Jahangir, in Kushtia’s Daulatpur. The arrest took place around 11 p.m. on Thursday in front of Nasim Hair Dresser on Godagari Thana Road in Rajshahi. Rajib, the third named accused in the case, is the son of Gazi Mistri from Dakshin-Pashchim Philipnagar village under Philipnagar Union. The arrest was confirmed in a press release by Sudipta Sarkar, Additional Superintendent of Police and Commander of RAB-12 CPC-1, Kushtia. According to the release, the operation was jointly conducted by RAB-12, Kushtia, and RAB-5 Headquarters. Earlier, police had arrested three other suspects: Biplob Hossain, 26, Alif Islam, 23, and a 16-year-old student named Alomgir Hossain. The murder occurred on April 11, when locals attacked Shamim Jahangir’s residence, accusing him of distorting Islamic teachings. He was beaten and later died at the Upazila Health Complex. Following the incident, Shamim Jahangir’s elder brother Fazlur Rahman filed a case on April 13, naming four individuals and 180 to 200 unidentified persons.

State-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (BAPEX) has launched gas exploration up to six kilometers beneath the surface, marking the deepest drilling effort in the country’s history. Preparations are complete for exploration wells at Titas in Brahmanbaria, Bakhrabad and Srikail in Cumilla, and Mobarakpur in Pabna’s Santhia upazila. Petrobangla sources confirmed that one well has already begun operations, breaking the previous depth record of four kilometers. Officials said the initiative follows 3D surveys indicating potential gas reserves below hard rock layers, with estimates suggesting around 2.5 trillion cubic feet of gas across the targeted fields. Petrobangla plans deep drilling at four wells—two under Bangladesh Gas Fields Company Limited and two under BAPEX. The move comes after years of limited exploration activity, during which Bangladesh’s energy sector became increasingly import-dependent. Petrobangla Chairman Md. Erfanul Haque described the six-kilometer drilling as a bold step to address the national gas shortage. He said 150 wells are planned under short-, medium-, and long-term programs, with expectations of adding about three trillion cubic feet of gas reserves upon completion.

At the 76th FIFA Congress held in Vancouver, political tensions surfaced as Palestinian and Israeli football officials faced each other. Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub publicly expressed anger toward Israel, refusing to shake hands with Israel Football Association Vice President Basim Sheikh Sulaiman despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s call for unity. Rajoub accused Israel of violating FIFA’s anti-discrimination policies by operating clubs in occupied West Bank areas and confirmed that his association had appealed FIFA’s earlier decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport on April 20. FIFA had previously declined to take punitive action against Israeli clubs in West Bank settlements, citing the unresolved international status of the territory. However, it fined the Israel Football Association about 150,000 Swiss francs for separate violations involving racism, discriminatory behavior, and breaches of fair play rules. Infantino urged both sides to remain calm and work together for the future of football and children. Rajoub maintained his stance, questioning Israel’s FIFA membership and demanding sanctions for alleged human rights violations. Israel’s acting general secretary, Yariv Teper, avoided direct rebuttal but expressed willingness to cooperate with Palestine for football development.

The Iranian Embassy in London has denied allegations linking Iran to recent violent incidents in the United Kingdom. In a statement, the embassy said a deliberately negative media environment was being created against Iran. The embassy posted on social media platform X that there was no credible evidence supporting such accusations, describing them as politically motivated attempts to mislead public opinion and divert attention from the real causes of terrorism and extremism. The statement further asserted that Iran has long been a primary victim of terrorism, citing the killing of innocent civilians, senior officials, and scientists over the decades. It claimed that Iran remains at the forefront of the global fight against terrorism and extremism. The embassy also noted that it had previously expressed concerns to relevant authorities about suspicious activities and alleged “false flag” operations on British soil aimed at discrediting Iran.