An Israeli soldier was killed in southern Lebanon amid ongoing tensions despite a ceasefire that has been in place since mid-April. Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have accused each other of violating the truce, with both sides claiming the other is responsible for renewed hostilities. Lebanese media reported Israeli airstrikes in several southern areas following evacuation orders, resulting in casualties. Hezbollah rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s accusations, saying its actions were legitimate responses to repeated ceasefire violations. Netanyahu warned that Hezbollah’s conduct threatens the truce and vowed strong retaliation. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow after returning to Pakistan from Oman, as diplomatic efforts continue. The Iranian judiciary announced the execution of a member of the Sunni militant group Jaish al-Adl for attacks on security forces, a day after another execution for alleged espionage for Israel. U.S. President Donald Trump said a recent shooting incident in Washington would not distract him from his goal of victory in the Iran conflict.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has handed Pakistan a 'red line' list intended for the United States, according to Iran’s state media Fars. The report said the list includes issues related to nuclear matters and the Strait of Hormuz. The message exchange was described as unrelated to any Iran–U.S. negotiations and aimed instead at clarifying Iran’s regional positions and boundaries. Fars added no further details about the content or implications of the list. Araghchi is currently in St. Petersburg, where he is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. Over the weekend, he held meetings in Pakistan and Oman with key intermediaries. Upon arriving in Russia, he told Iran’s state news agency IRNA that discussions in Pakistan focused on conditions under which Iran–U.S. talks might resume. The development highlights Iran’s ongoing diplomatic activity across the region, involving Pakistan, Oman, and Russia, as it seeks to define its stance amid complex regional and international dynamics.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has confirmed that the recruitment process for 14,000 assistant teachers in government primary schools will not be reviewed. He made the statement on Sunday, noting that the recruitment process is still ongoing and that there is an urgent need to fill teacher shortages in primary schools across the country. Hajjaj explained that a meeting was held last week with the education minister, the secretary of primary and mass education, and the director general of the Directorate of Primary Education, where it was decided to continue the recruitment process as planned. Earlier, Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan had indicated that the recruitment might be reviewed, but the ministry later withdrew that decision. The recruitment process began in November with two phases of applications, followed by a written exam on January 9 across 61 districts. Although final results were published on February 8, recommended candidates have not yet received appointment letters, prompting protests in Dhaka. The state minister assured the candidates during a meeting at the Secretariat.

A BNP leader was allegedly assaulted in broad daylight by a Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leader in Sreepur, Gazipur, on Sunday, April 26, 2026. The incident occurred at the Sreepur municipal town’s Chourasta area, where Rajbari Union BNP convening committee member Saidur Rahman was attacked. The assault was reportedly led by Sharif Sheikh, organizational secretary of JCD’s Ward No. 3 unit, along with several associates. A written complaint was filed with Sreepur Model Police Station naming Sharif Sheikh and Salauddin of Lohagachh village. Saidur Rahman stated that the dispute stemmed from a scuffle during a local game event in Bindubari on April 24, where he was present as a guest. He claimed that the attack was a continuation of that earlier altercation. Upazila BNP convener Abdul Motaleb condemned the assault, saying initial inquiries found no fault on Saidur’s part and that strict organizational and legal action would follow. Police confirmed receiving the complaint and said an investigation is underway. The incident has reportedly caused unease in local political circles due to internal party tensions and disciplinary concerns.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has alleged that some political parties are attempting to divert the outcome of the recent referendum for their own interests. Speaking on Monday, April 26, 2026, at the inauguration of the Ulshi canal re-excavation program in Sharsha upazila of Jessore, he urged citizens to remain alert, warning that such attempts could disrupt public programs. He reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling all promises made to the people during his tenure. During the event, Rahman highlighted the government’s plan to re-excavate about 20,000 kilometers of canals across the country over the next five years, following the legacy of former president Ziaur Rahman. He also praised former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s initiatives for women’s education, noting that she had made education free up to the intermediate level. Rahman announced that his government would extend free education for girls up to the degree level and introduce stipends for those achieving good results, aiming to promote higher education among women.

Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have continued despite a ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump, according to Emma Shortis, director of the International and Security Affairs Program at the Australia Institute. She told Al Jazeera that several weeks after the ceasefire declaration, attacks in Lebanon remain ongoing. Trump had recently extended the ceasefire period by three weeks, urging Israel to halt its bombing campaign. Shortis noted that the relationship between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently not strong enough for Trump to fully influence Netanyahu’s decisions. She added that Netanyahu is under domestic political pressure, particularly from Israel’s right-wing factions, while Trump’s attention is divided due to internal issues in the United States. According to the analysis, Netanyahu appears to be acting with relative independence regarding Lebanon policy under the current circumstances.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said Bangladesh wants to advance its friendship with the United States. He made the remarks after meeting with US Ambassador Brent Christensen at the Secretariat on Monday. The discussion focused on how both countries could cooperate in managing the evolving global media ecosystem. Swapan explained that both the US Embassy in Dhaka and the Ministry of Information will explore areas for joint work in the media sector. He emphasized that combating misinformation and disinformation has become a major challenge worldwide, particularly on digital platforms, where false information can harm social and civic life. The minister added that while media freedom remains important, maintaining balanced freedom is now crucial. He noted that misuse of freedom, especially on social media, often causes suffering for ordinary people. The ministry, therefore, faces the dual task of protecting media freedom and shielding citizens from misinformation.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed to have neutralized a large number of unexploded bombs and missiles left after recent clashes with the United States and Israel in the country’s northern region. According to the Tasnim News Agency, the operation took place in Zanjan province, where more than 9,500 bomb fragments, several unexploded rockets, and missiles were reportedly identified and defused. The IRGC stated that the weapons, dropped during airstrikes, included three U.S.-made GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs weighing 2,000 pounds each, as well as various LB-65, LB-84, LB-85, and LB-86 rockets launched from F-15, F-16, and F-35 aircraft. The corps also reported destroying 52 rockets and safely recovering over 10 missiles, which were later handed over to relevant authorities. According to the IRGC, these munitions were intercepted by Iran’s air defense systems before being recovered and neutralized during a ceasefire period.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that women will receive LPG cards to ease cooking hardships. He made the statement on April 27, 2026, during the inauguration of the historic Ulashi–Jadunathpur canal re-excavation program in Sharsha, Jessore. He said that once water flows into the Ulashi canal, around 72,000 people will directly benefit from it. Rahman explained that the canal re-excavation fulfills a promise made by his party, the BNP, to continue the development initiatives started by late President Ziaur Rahman. He added that the government aims to excavate about 20,000 kilometers of canals across the country within the next five years. He also highlighted former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s contributions to women’s education, noting that she made education free up to the intermediate level. Rahman further announced that the government will extend free education for girls up to the degree level and introduce stipends for those achieving good academic results to encourage higher education among women.

Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone at the ongoing Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, as the national women's kabaddi team officially received the bronze medal. The medal ceremony created an emotional moment when the players, dressed in red and green, stood on the victory podium. India claimed the gold medal in the kabaddi discipline, while Sri Lanka secured silver. Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation General Secretary S M Nawaz Sohag attended the ceremony and congratulated the players, calling the achievement a major milestone for the sport in the country. The team’s organized and aggressive performance throughout the tournament earned praise from sports analysts, despite losing to a strong Indian side in the semifinals. Sohag noted that this was Bangladesh’s first kabaddi medal at the Asian Beach Games in 14 years and expressed hope that the success would boost the team’s confidence for future international competitions, including the Asian Games. He described the bronze as the result of long-term preparation and hard work.

Police in Florida have recovered the dismembered remains of Bangladeshi student Nahida Brishti from a waterway in the Tampa Bay area. Brishti, a PhD researcher at the University of Florida, had been missing for several days. Local law enforcement confirmed the discovery late on Sunday, April 26, stating that the remains were found in Pinellas County near the St. Petersburg section of the Howard Frankland Bridge, close to Interstate 275 and Fourth Street North. Brishti had gone missing along with another student, Jamil Limon, whose mutilated body was found on a bridge near Tampa on Friday, April 24. Following that discovery, police arrested Limon’s 26-year-old roommate, Hisham Abugaribeh, on charges of premeditated murder of both victims and possession of a weapon. Court documents indicate Limon’s body was found decomposed inside multiple black trash bags. Investigators believe Brishti’s body was disposed of in a similar manner. Authorities have not yet confirmed the motive behind the killings, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Twenty-four government electricity meters were installed across 24 Bihari camps in Syedpur, Nilphamari, but no bills have been paid for the past 11 years. Each month, electricity worth about Tk 5 million is consumed, and by February 2026, the total unpaid amount reached Tk 660 million. Field visits revealed that many residents also use direct connections from power lines without meters, keeping fans running continuously to avoid fire or disconnection risks. Residents said they pay small amounts monthly but are unsure whether the money reaches the electricity office, as they cannot obtain meters in their own names. The Syedpur Camp Development Committee stated that they do not seek free electricity but want proper rehabilitation and the right to pay bills formally. A human rights activist attributed the problem to poor planning and the camps’ exclusion from formal urban infrastructure, which causes revenue losses and safety hazards. According to the local NESCO official, the government installed one meter per camp and repeatedly requested the Disaster Management Ministry to clear dues. The ministry agreed to pay bills only up to 2016, citing that residents are now Bangladeshi citizens and responsible for their own payments.

The Election Commission has rejected the appeal of Monira Sharmin, the National Citizens Party (NCP) candidate for a reserved women’s seat, upholding the earlier cancellation of her nomination. The decision came on Monday, April 27, 2026, around 11 a.m., following a lengthy hearing at the commission. Sharmin had filed her appeal the previous day, April 26, after her nomination was initially canceled during scrutiny on April 23. According to the commission’s earlier decision, Sharmin’s nomination was invalidated because three years had not passed since her resignation from a government job. In her statement to reporters after submitting the appeal, she argued that the law used to cancel her nomination was being interpreted too rigidly and that it undermined the purpose of the reserved women’s seat system. She emphasized that as a junior bank officer with only two years of service, she had held no administrative authority or capacity to influence decisions. On April 22, the returning officer had declared 12 out of 13 nominations valid from the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami, excluding Sharmin’s candidacy.

Al-Jazari, a leading mechanical engineer of the Islamic Golden Age, created groundbreaking machines nearly 800 years ago that remain relevant today. His inventions, powered by water pressure and air, included automatic mechanical devices that demonstrated early principles of robotics and cybernetics. His seminal book, 'Kitab fi Ma'rifat al-Hiyal al-Handasiyya', described around 100 mechanical devices with detailed illustrations and construction methods, serving as a practical engineering guide. Among his notable inventions were the crankshaft, segmental gear, and double-cylinder water-lifting pumps, which introduced mechanisms later fundamental to modern engines and automation. Al-Jazari also built automata such as humanoid robots, musical boats, and water clocks, showcasing advanced control and feedback systems centuries before similar European developments. The article emphasizes that Al-Jazari’s work established the conceptual basis for modern robotics, hydraulics, and control engineering. His integration of balance, feedback, and hydro-mechanical control in devices anticipated many ideas central to today’s cybernetics and mechanical engineering.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 has shown the arrest of Awami League’s publicity and publication secretary Md. Abdus Sobhan Golap in connection with the killings during the July uprising in Madaripur. He was produced before the tribunal on Monday afternoon, when the court recorded his arrest in the case and set May 4 for the next hearing. Police had earlier detained Golap on August 25, 2024, from a residence in West Nakhalpara. Abdus Sobhan Golap was elected as a Member of Parliament from Madaripur-3 constituency in December 2018 on the Awami League ticket. In the party’s national council held last December, he was appointed as the central publicity and publication secretary, having previously served as the central office secretary. The tribunal’s decision marks a new phase in the investigation into the July killings, with further proceedings scheduled for early May.