City Bank PLC, one of Bangladesh’s leading private banks, recorded a 162% year-on-year increase in net profit for the first quarter of 2026, ending on March 31. The bank’s post-tax profit rose to Tk 2.41 billion from Tk 920 million in the same period of 2025, while earnings per share increased from Tk 0.6 to Tk 1.6. Managing Director and CEO Mashrur Arefin noted that despite the strong profit growth, he was concerned about the slowdown in credit growth across the sector.

The bank’s strong performance was driven mainly by higher core banking income. Interest income from loans rose 14% to Tk 13.06 billion, while investment income surged from Tk 6.03 billion to Tk 10.14 billion, accounting for 32% of total operating income. Fee and commission income also grew by 27% due to higher foreign exchange earnings, card-related fees, and trade commissions.

Total income increased by 38% to Tk 13.38 billion, while expenses were contained at Tk 5.95 billion, improving the cost-to-income ratio from 52% to 44%. Operating profit rose 61% to Tk 7.43 billion, supported by improved asset quality and reduced provisioning requirements.

France has strongly condemned an attack on a French Catholic nun in Jerusalem, describing it as a heinous act. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the growing trend of anti-Christian assaults in the Holy Land is unacceptable. The incident occurred in West Jerusalem and has drawn widespread outrage internationally this week.

Israeli police released a video on Thursday showing a man following the nun, pushing her to the ground, and later kicking her while she lay injured. The nun suffered a head injury, and the attacker was later arrested. Barrot expressed deep sympathy for the injured nun and wished her a speedy recovery, calling for exemplary punishment for the perpetrator.

The French reaction comes amid increasing concern over the safety of religious minorities in the Holy Land. Experts cited in the report emphasized the urgent need for swift and effective measures to prevent such attacks in the future.

Continuous and intermittent rainfall since Friday night has caused severe waterlogging across Rangpur city, submerging roads, alleys, and homes under knee-deep water. The downpour left large parts of the city, including Lalbagh Railgate, Khamar Mor, Babu Khan, Senpara, and nearby areas, inundated. Residents reported water entering their houses, forcing them to move furniture to higher ground, while transportation became difficult due to flooded streets.

Locals blamed the long-standing unplanned and weak drainage system for the recurring problem, saying even moderate rain now leads to waterlogging. Many families in Shantibagh and other neighborhoods were trapped in their homes, and residents complained that no local representatives or officials had visited them. The stagnant water has also damaged roads, increasing the risk of accidents. Citizens demanded immediate drainage repairs, regular cleaning, and an effective water disposal system.

According to Rangpur City Corporation, emergency measures are underway to drain the water and restore normalcy. The local weather office recorded 68.8 millimeters of rainfall in the past 24 hours and warned that conditions could worsen if the weather does not improve.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milan inaugurated the Notun Kuri Sports 2026 at Chandpur Stadium on Saturday afternoon, organized by the district administration. He said that the late President Ziaur Rahman had initiated the Notun Kuri program nationwide to discover young talents, and now Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is continuing that legacy through Notun Kuri Sports to identify meritorious youth across the country.

The minister emphasized that students should remain engaged in both sports and studies throughout the year to foster intellectual and moral development. He expressed confidence that the next generation would represent Bangladesh as a new, capable nation on the global stage. He also noted that the Ministry of Education has already introduced sports activities at primary, secondary, college, and university levels, and this initiative will continue.

The event was chaired by Additional District Magistrate Nazmun Nahar and attended by several local Members of Parliament and officials. The minister formally inaugurated the games by releasing balloons in the presence of participating students.

Residents from Bangladesh’s haor regions living in Dhaka have placed nine demands, including scientific research on crop protection embankments and compensation for farmers affected by early floods. The demands were announced during a human chain held on Saturday in front of the National Press Club, organized by Haoranchalbasi, Dhaka. The group’s chief coordinator, Dr. Halim Dad Khan, said that three rounds of rainfall between mid-March and late April caused embankment breaches, submerging about 45,000 hectares of farmland.

Speakers added that hailstorms damaged another 800 hectares of crops and that ongoing rainfall in the haor areas and Meghalaya hills could worsen the situation. They noted that Boro rice is the only source of income for local farmers, many of whom cannot dry their harvested paddy due to continuous rain, leading to spoilage.

The nine demands include effective waterlogging solutions, year-round food support for affected farmers, dredging of rivers and canals, halting unplanned road and embankment construction, ensuring accountability for corruption in embankment projects, loan installment waivers, and combining local experience with scientific expertise for sustainable solutions.

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.