A newly built bridge and connecting road in Haripur area of Kachua upazila, Chandpur, have partially collapsed before their official inauguration. The project, costing over Tk 20 million under the ‘Program for Supporting Rural Bridges’ funded by the Government of Bangladesh and the World Bank, included a 12-meter RCC girder bridge and approach roads. The construction was carried out by contractor firm Messrs Harun & Sons.

On-site inspection revealed that soil under the guard walls had shifted, and large cracks and holes appeared on the connecting road. Locals alleged that substandard materials were used from the beginning of construction and that repeated complaints to the upazila engineer brought no action. They claimed poor-quality stones and bricks were used in the approach and that improper slope alignment caused structural weakness.

Kachua Upazila Engineer Abdul Alim Liton said parts of the structure were damaged by rain and that the issue was being investigated. He added that the contractor’s final payment would depend on quality verification.

After a two-month government ban to protect juvenile hilsa, coastal fishermen in Charfassion upazila of Bhola are preparing to resume fishing. The restriction, which covered the Meghna and Tentulia river sanctuaries during March and April, ended at midnight on Thursday. Around fifty thousand fishermen are expected to return to the rivers, with fishing villages now bustling as nets are repaired and boats readied.

Many fishermen reported difficulties obtaining ice and diesel, while some said they struggled to survive during the ban due to delays in receiving government rice allocations. Rising fuel prices have also increased the cost of preparing for the new fishing season. Senior Fisheries Officer Jayanta Kumar Apu stated that regular monitoring was conducted across about 190 kilometers of river areas during the restriction.

He added that the conservation effort is expected to boost hilsa production, and the government has expanded food assistance programs providing 160 kilograms of rice per family over four months. With the ban lifted, fishing families are hopeful for a better catch and improved livelihoods.

Ten Bangladeshi hockey players have departed for Europe to participate in professional leagues, with several joining Germany’s Bundesliga. Among them, young striker Amirul Islam, who scored 15 goals in the last Junior Hockey World Cup, has earned a call-up to play in Germany as recognition for his standout performance. This marks his first experience in a foreign league.

Alongside Amirul, national team players Din Islam Imon, Roman Sarkar, Rakibul Hasan, Mahbub Hossain Joy, Imran Pintu, and Ashraful Islam are also set to compete in the German league. Amirul expressed hope that the upcoming season will help him learn new techniques, while forward Din Islam described the opportunity to play in Europe as a major step for Bangladeshi players. The athletes believe that competing in Germany, known for its high standard of hockey, will sharpen their skills and enhance their international experience.

The move is seen as a milestone for Bangladesh hockey, reflecting growing recognition of the country’s emerging talent on the European stage.

A case has been filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act against around 100 leaders and activists of the Awami League in Jessore for allegedly holding a nighttime procession under the banner of the banned organization Jubo League. The case was lodged by Sub-Inspector Ashraf Uddin of Kotwali Police Station on Thursday. It names 40 individuals, including a former state minister and five former members of parliament.

According to the case statement, on the evening of April 28, leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations gathered on Aziz City Road near the Muktijoddha Complex in Jessore and chanted anti-government slogans while holding candles and lanterns. Police claimed that the first 13 accused were financiers and godfathers of the banned group, while the remaining 27 were members involved in alleged subversive activities.

Police conducted raids in various parts of the city on the night of April 29 and arrested nine individuals, who were later sent to jail through the court on Thursday.

The Ministry of Public Administration of Bangladesh issued a notification on Wednesday night announcing new appointments in several key government agencies. Mohammad Habibur Rahman, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). He had previously been under transfer order to the National Housing Authority. Mosammat Ferdousi Begum, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the National Housing Authority.

In the same announcement, Md. Shawgatul Alam, Director General of the Novo Theatre, was appointed as the Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL). Additionally, Abu Nasar Mohammad Abdullah, Additional Secretary of the Local Government Division, was transferred to serve as the Director General of the National Museum of Science and Technology.

The appointments reflect administrative reshuffles across multiple ministries and agencies, as formalized through the latest government notification.

The European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to keep its key deposit interest rate unchanged at 2 percent for the 21 countries using the euro. The decision, announced on April 30, 2026, comes amid concerns that ongoing war-related disruptions could further intensify risks to economic growth and inflation. The rate has remained at this level since June 2025.

According to the ECB, the continuing conflict has heightened the likelihood of slower growth and rising inflation across the eurozone. The bank stated that maintaining the current rate is a prudent measure to preserve economic stability under these uncertain conditions. The decision reflects the institution’s cautious stance in balancing inflationary pressures with the need to support growth.

The ECB emphasized that keeping the rate steady is aimed at mitigating volatility and ensuring stability in the region’s financial environment as geopolitical tensions persist.

The Ministry of Local Government has formed a 19-member committee to keep all canals and drainage systems in Chattogram city operational throughout the year and to strengthen coordination of development and service activities. Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain has been appointed as the convener of the committee. The official order, signed by Deputy Secretary Ashfikun Nahar of the City Corporation-2 branch, was handed over to the mayor by State Minister Mir Shahe Alam at the CCC office on Thursday.

The committee includes representatives from the army’s 34 Engineer Brigade, Chattogram WASA, the district administration, Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), Chattogram Port Authority, Power Development Board, and other relevant agencies. The CCC’s Chief Executive Officer will serve as the member secretary. According to the order, the committee will ensure year-round maintenance of canals and drainage channels, coordinate major development and service projects, and make recommendations to the government on public interest issues.

The formation follows recent heavy rainfall that caused waterlogging in several parts of the city, prompting the state minister’s visit to assess the situation.

Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the newspaper Amar Desh, was hospitalized on Thursday morning in Dhaka’s Moghbazar area for gallbladder stone removal surgery at Insaf-Barakah Hospital. The operation was performed by Professor Dr. Matiar Rahman, with anesthesiologists Professor Dr. Idris and Dr. Rafiqul Islam, and Associate Professor Dr. Monir Hossain overseeing overall management. Following the surgery at 10 a.m., Rahman regained consciousness and was reported to be in stable condition by noon.

His wife Firoza Mahmud, who is also the managing director of Amar Desh, along with senior editorial staff and family members, were present at the hospital during the procedure. Doctors indicated that Rahman was admitted in the morning and, if recovery continues smoothly, he may be discharged on Friday. His family and colleagues have requested prayers for his quick recovery.

Later in the afternoon, a prayer gathering was held at the Amar Desh office after the Asr prayer, led by Sheikh Maulana Ali Hasan Tayeb, with participation from editorial and departmental heads wishing for Rahman’s full recovery.

A major controversy has erupted after Axel Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner reportedly told journalists at The Telegraph and Politico that they must support Israel or resign. According to Middle East Eye, the remarks were made during an internal meeting on Monday, where Döpfner described support for Israel as a core principle of the company. The issue became public this week as tensions rose within Politico over the directive.

Politico journalists had earlier written to new editor-in-chief Jonathan Greenberger, accusing Döpfner of using the outlet to advance his political agenda. They warned that his recent opinion pieces could damage the publication’s reputation for neutrality. The Jewish Insider also reported that staff expressed concern that his views were undermining Politico’s credibility as an impartial news source.

The controversy follows Axel Springer’s recent approval to acquire The Daily Telegraph, prompting renewed scrutiny of the company’s expansion and editorial influence. Journalists fear that top-down ideological positions could shape coverage, particularly on Israel-related issues.

Authorities in Debidwar upazila of Cumilla demolished two illegally operated brick kilns named MBS Bricks and Five Star Bricks during a joint drive on Thursday afternoon in the Chandannagar area of Jafarganj Union. The district and upazila administrations led the operation after receiving complaints from locals and monitoring reports indicating the kilns lacked environmental clearance and required permits.

Under the Brick Manufacturing and Kiln Establishment (Control) (Amendment) Act, 2019, MBS Bricks was fined Tk 75,000, and its chimney, kiln, and about 10,000 raw bricks were destroyed. Five Star Bricks was also fined Tk 75,000, and its chimney was demolished. Both kilns were ordered to cease operations immediately.

The drive was led by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Faisal Uddin and District Executive Magistrate Sultan Hasan Mahmud, with a team from the Department of Environment present. Officials stated that similar actions would continue to protect public interest and prevent environmental damage.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami organized a reception in Kishoreganj on April 30, 2026, to honor newly certified lawyers. The event was held at a hall room of an upscale restaurant in the city and arranged by the Kishoreganj Lawyers Thana Branch of the organization. Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand, the party’s central publicity and media secretary and secretary general of the Bangladesh Lawyers Council, attended as the chief guest.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Barrister A.S.M. Shahriar Kabir, district Jamaat Amir Professor Md. Ramzan Ali, cardiologist Professor Colonel (Retd.) Dr. Jehad Khan, and several other local and national leaders were present as special guests. In his speech, Akand emphasized strengthening the legal profession through moral integrity and justice, while Kabir advised young lawyers to pursue continuous study and professional ethics. Around fifty new lawyers participated in the event.

The program was presided over by Advocate Md. Musleh Uddin Suman, president of the Kishoreganj Lawyers Thana Branch, and conducted by its secretary, Advocate Hafiz Uddin.

Bangladeshi International Master Mohammad Fahad Rahman narrowly missed earning a norm at the Fubi Academy Grandmasters Chess Tournament held in Istanbul, Turkey. The event concluded with Fahad losing to Hungarian Grandmaster Aszel Gargely in the final round, which cost him the required points for the norm. He finished as runner-up with six points from nine games, adding eleven rating points to his record.

Fahad had previously achieved his first norm in 2024 and was aiming for his second in this tournament. He started strongly with three consecutive wins but drew against Iranian Grandmaster Arian Gholami in the fourth round and lost to Turkish FIDE Master Denis Dirikolur in the fifth. Despite recovering with 2.5 points in the next three rounds, he needed a win in the ninth round to secure the norm, which he could not achieve.

The result leaves Fahad disappointed but with improved performance metrics and a higher international rating, strengthening his prospects for future tournaments.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources has announced that fuel prices will remain unchanged for May 2026. A government notification issued on Thursday confirmed that the existing retail prices of diesel, kerosene, octane, and petrol will continue. The decision, approved by the competent authority, will take effect from May 1.

According to the notification, diesel will sell at 115 taka per liter, kerosene at 130 taka, octane at 140 taka, and petrol at 135 taka throughout May. The ministry stated that the decision follows the country’s existing policy of adjusting fuel prices monthly in line with international market trends.

The last price adjustment occurred on April 18, when the government raised fuel prices, including a 15 percent increase in diesel. The unchanged rates for May indicate a pause in further adjustments after the recent hike.

Al Nassr strengthened their position in the Saudi Pro League title race with a 2-0 home victory over Al Ahli on April 30, 2026. The Riyadh-based club maintained their winning streak, marking their 20th consecutive win in all competitions. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 75th minute with a header from a corner, breaking a long deadlock. Kingsley Coman sealed the result in the 90th minute after capitalizing on a defensive error.

Ronaldo’s goal was his 25th of the current league season, making him the first player to score 25 or more goals in three consecutive league campaigns for the second time in his career. The Portuguese forward now has 970 career goals across all competitions, including 126 for Al Nassr. Despite his milestone, he remains two goals behind Ivan Toney in the league’s top scorer chart.

With 79 points from 30 matches, Al Nassr lead the table ahead of Al Hilal on 71 points and Al Ahli on 66. The win further solidifies Al Nassr’s title ambitions as Ronaldo’s consistent form continues to drive their campaign.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei stated in a speech on the future of the Persian Gulf region that the area’s bright future will be 'America-free.' He asserted that the region will eventually operate free from foreign influence, focusing instead on the progress, comfort, and prosperity of its own people.

Khamenei emphasized that the presence of external powers remains the main obstacle to peace and development in the region. He argued that if regional countries remain united, they can use their own resources and strategic positions to ensure prosperity independently. He also said that increased cooperation among Persian Gulf nations would reduce dependence on foreign powers, ultimately benefiting the region’s population.

His remarks centered on regional security and economic self-reliance, highlighting a vision of collective strength and independence from outside interference.