A hearing on the formation of charges against former mayor Fazle Noor Taposh, former textiles and jute minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak, and 26 others is scheduled to take place today at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Dhaka. The case concerns the killing of nine people in Mohammadpur during the July Revolution. The three-member judicial panel is chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, with Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired district and sessions judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as members. The prosecution is set to present its arguments today. The hearing was previously scheduled for April 15 but was postponed following a prosecution request for more time. Among the accused are former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman, former Additional DIG Proloy Kumar Jowardar, and former Joint Police Commissioner Biplob Kumar Sarkar, along with leaders and activists from the banned Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League. Four accused are currently in custody and were brought to the tribunal from prison this morning. The tribunal is expected to deliver its order on charge framing on May 7.

A sudden gunfire incident caused panic during a dinner attended by U.S. President Donald Trump and White House correspondents in Washington, D.C. Trump confirmed that the suspected attacker had been detained and that the individual’s identity had been established. Authorities identified the suspect as Cole Thomas Allen, a 31-year-old man from Torrance, a southwestern suburb of Los Angeles, California. Washington’s mayor stated that the suspect is receiving treatment at a nearby hospital while remaining in police custody. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that formal charges will be filed against him soon. The report, citing CNN, did not provide further details about the motive or the extent of the incident, but officials indicated that the investigation is ongoing.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that no country is free from political violence, responding after a shooting incident at a dinner event. Speaking to reporters, he remarked that even with the best security systems, a disturbed individual can still cause problems. His comments came as part of his reaction to the recent event that drew attention to political safety concerns. Trump further said that participating in politics in the United States is part of doing business and that political violence exists across the world. He added that he could not imagine a profession more dangerous than politics, emphasizing that no nation is entirely free from violence. The remarks, reported by BBC and published by Amar Desh Online on April 26, 2026, highlight Trump’s view that political risks are universal and not confined to any single country.

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is continuing its strategy of integrating expatriate talent into its youth teams. Following the success of winning the SAFF Under-20 Championship with expatriate players Ronan Sullivan and Declan Sullivan, BFF has now confirmed plans to include two more expatriates, Adam Abbas and Zidan Yusuf, in the national U-20 squad. The move comes as part of preparations for the upcoming AFC Under-20 Asian Cup qualifiers. According to BFF Vice President Fahad Karim, both players, based in England, have expressed interest in representing Bangladesh. Nineteen-year-old right winger Adam Abbas has experience playing in youth teams of top English clubs, and his performance videos have impressed BFF’s technical team. His passport process is expected to be completed by June. Meanwhile, 18-year-old center-back Zidan Yusuf, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, already holds a Bangladeshi passport and currently plays for Walton & Hersham FC’s main team. He is expected to join the U-20 training camp soon. BFF aims to strengthen its squad with these additions as it targets success on the Asian stage.

In Phulbaria upazila of Mymensingh, the local office of the Bangladesh Awami League has transformed into a betel leaf market. The office, located beside the government pond on Post Office Road, was once a hub of political activity but became inactive after the student and public movement on August 5, which led to a shift in local political dynamics. Following damage during the unrest, the office was abandoned and later repurposed as a trading spot. Local sources report that every morning, betel farmers from nearby villages bring their produce to the site, where wholesalers and traders gather to negotiate prices and conduct sales for about two hours. Residents say the market has become a regular fixture, attracting over a hundred farmers and buyers daily. The organized trading system benefits local growers and traders. According to locals, the conversion of the political office into a commercial market has created a new form of economic activity in the area, contributing modestly to the local economy.

A Comilla court has ordered former army officer Hafizur Rahman to be sent to jail after a three-day remand in connection with the murder of Sohagi Jahan Tonu, a Victoria Government College student killed ten years ago. The order was issued on Saturday by Chief Judicial Magistrate Abdullah Aman. Investigation officer Tariqul Islam of the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) said Hafizur was interrogated on key issues during remand, and his DNA sample has been collected for testing. Further legal steps will follow after verification of the obtained information. Tonu’s father, Iyar Hossain, expressed dissatisfaction with the arrest, saying he wanted to see all suspects brought to justice, not just one. The PBI had earlier collected DNA samples from three retired army personnel, including Hafizur, for matching with evidence found in 2017. The case was filed in 2016 after Tonu’s body was discovered inside the Comilla Cantonment area. The investigation continues as authorities await DNA test results to determine the next course of action.

Indian politician Raghav Chadha lost around one million social media followers within 24 hours of joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As of Friday, April 24, his Instagram following dropped from 14.6 million to 13.3 million, according to the report. The decline followed his formal entry into the BJP, marking a sharp reaction from his online audience. According to Hindustan Times, Chadha had been highly popular among India’s youth, with many from Generation Z reportedly dissatisfied with his sudden party switch. Social media users circulated calls to unfollow him after the announcement, which appeared to gain traction among younger audiences. Chadha’s popularity had been largely built through viral videos of his speeches in the Rajya Sabha and his public image, which resonated with younger voters. His marriage to Bollywood actor and singer Parineeti Chopra also contributed to his public profile.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized the need for women to play a leading role in building society and to safeguard their personal and organizational integrity. He made the remarks on Saturday during the closing session of a three-day training camp organized by the women’s wing of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for district and city secretaries and assistant secretaries, held at Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasa in Tongi, Gazipur. The program, which began on Thursday, focused on discipline, moral development, and the cultivation of social leadership. Speakers including central and regional leaders discussed Islamic leadership, accountability, and the importance of moral excellence. Women’s wing secretary Nurunnisa Siddika highlighted the role of leadership in organizational management, while other sessions covered Quranic and Hadith studies and practical workshops on enhancing organizational skills. The event concluded with a review session, departmental planning, and a closing prayer led by assistant secretary Saeeda Rumman. Participants were urged to strengthen their capabilities and maintain the organization’s positive image.

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon stated that the alleged exam question leak is nothing but a rumor, which has already been proven beyond doubt. He made the remark on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in a Facebook post, rejecting the claims circulating on social media. The minister criticized the National Citizens Party (NCP), a youth-led political group, for issuing statements without fact-checking and called their actions baseless and disappointing. Earlier, NCP’s Joint Member Secretary and Education and Research Secretary Faisal Mahmud Shanto alleged that question leak accusations had surfaced since April 20, but the Education Ministry and relevant authorities had shown no visible response. The party accused the government of negligence that could endanger the country’s education system. Meanwhile, the Dhaka Education Board urged students, parents, and the public to remain cautious about false and misleading information related to the ongoing Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have presented a framework for potential discussions with the United States to mediators in Islamabad. During talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian emphasized the need to rebuild trust as a prerequisite for any meaningful dialogue. According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, Pezeshkian identified the blockade around the Strait of Hormuz and military activities in the Gulf of Oman as major obstacles to progress. He stated that Iran is ready for negotiations but stressed that a respectful environment is essential for advancement. The Iranian president also acknowledged that various diplomatic barriers continue to complicate the dialogue process. The discussions in Islamabad reflect ongoing regional mediation efforts aimed at easing tensions and creating conditions for renewed engagement between Tehran and Washington.

Manchester City secured a place in the FA Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Southampton on April 26, 2026. The Premier League side scored twice within five minutes late in the match to overturn a deficit and reach the final for the fourth consecutive time. Southampton had taken the lead in the 79th minute through a powerful strike from Finn Azaz, briefly shifting the momentum of the game. City responded quickly as substitute Jeremy Doku equalized in the 82nd minute with a deflected shot. Just five minutes later, Nico Gonzalez sealed the win with a strong finish, completing the comeback. Earlier in the match, City had struggled to convert chances, while Southampton threatened through counterattacks. Pep Guardiola’s tactical changes in the second half added attacking pace that ultimately proved decisive. With this win, Manchester City move closer to another trophy this season. They will face either Chelsea or Leeds United in the FA Cup final at Wembley in May.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast rainfall across all eight divisions starting Sunday, April 26, 2026, following a prolonged heatwave. The agency said moderate to heavy rain may continue in parts of the country for the next five days, potentially easing the ongoing heatwave. Rainfall was recorded in several northern and northeastern districts on Saturday, while mild heat persisted in 20 districts, mainly in Khulna Division. Meteorologists indicated that rainfall activity is expected to increase gradually, with heavy to very heavy showers likely in Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions. A low-pressure extension from West Bengal to the North Bay of Bengal is influencing the weather pattern. Day and night temperatures are expected to drop slightly nationwide as rain intensifies. Experts noted that the intensity and extent of the heatwave have been decreasing since midweek. They added that, unlike in 2023 and 2024, there is no likelihood of a prolonged heatwave this year due to intermittent rainfall expected throughout the period.

The Comilla University Journalists’ Association (CUBSAS) organized a human chain on Saturday evening at the Shaheed Abdul Kaiyum Square of the university, protesting the recent attack on Dhaka University journalists by members of the student wing of a political party. The demonstration demanded justice for the victims and called for ensuring a free and safe environment for independent journalism. Journalists from national and local print and electronic media joined the event. Speakers at the protest described the assault as a direct threat to press freedom, freedom of expression, and democratic values. They urged authorities to identify and punish those responsible for the attack. Participants also criticized the silence of the university administration and law enforcement agencies, saying it legitimized such violence. They called on the government to stand by journalists who have faced attacks at various institutions. CUBSAS leaders warned that if effective measures are not taken to stop violence against journalists and ensure their safety, university journalists across the country may launch stronger movements.

In Sukash Union of Singra upazila, Natore, acting Union Parishad chairman Sohrab Hossain has repaid double the market value of rice to 247 poor women after being found guilty of misappropriating rice from the Vulnerable Women Benefit (VWB) program. The repayment, including fines, was made on Saturday at the union council office in the presence of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Abdullah Al Rifat. Each beneficiary received 3,425 taka. According to the investigation, rice allocated for 247 cardholding women in March was withdrawn from the local food warehouse but sold in the open market instead of being distributed to beneficiaries. Following media reports, the upazila administration formed an inquiry committee that confirmed the embezzlement. Under section 9 of the VWB Implementation Guidelines 2011, double the market value must be recovered for misappropriated government goods. UNO Abdullah Al Rifat stated that the recovery followed government rules and that no irregularities in government allocations would be tolerated. Sohrab Hossain admitted his wrongdoing, citing misunderstanding and external influence, and returned both the double value and the women’s savings. Beneficiaries expressed relief after receiving their due payments.

An eleven-party alliance held a protest march and rally in Rangpur on Saturday, demanding the implementation of a referendum verdict and resolution of the ongoing energy crisis. The procession began in front of Rangpur Public Library, moved through key city roads including Payra Square and Rangpur Press Club, and concluded at Shapla Square with a brief rally. Speakers at the rally urged the government to act swiftly on the referendum outcome and take effective measures to address fuel shortages and power disruptions. They alleged that the spirit of the July uprising, through which the current government assumed office, was being neglected over time. The speakers warned that ignoring the people’s verdict could lead to political consequences. They further stated that fuel shortages and power outages have severely affected ordinary citizens, particularly the working class, and that rising commodity prices have worsened the situation. The alliance leaders demanded immediate action to ease public suffering and warned of tougher programs if their three-point demands were not met.