Police in Brahmanbaria have arrested a doctor couple, Dr. Noman and his wife Dr. Kimia Sadat Tofa, on charges of torturing their 10-year-old domestic worker, Ayesha Akter. The arrest took place on Thursday afternoon in the Uttar Mourail area of Brahmanbaria town, and the couple was later sent to court. Ayesha, daughter of Rakib Mia and Nargis Begum from Pakshimul village in Sarail upazila, was admitted to Brahmanbaria General Hospital on Wednesday evening with multiple injury marks on her body.

According to Ayesha’s family, she had been working at the couple’s home for about nine months, but contact with her had been cut off for the past three months. The couple reportedly told the family that Ayesha had stolen valuables and fled. After failing to locate her, the family filed a general diary on April 26. Police later rescued Ayesha from a nearby house and handed her over to her family, who then took her to the hospital.

Dr. Noman denied the torture allegations, claiming Ayesha had stolen gold and cash before fleeing. Police confirmed that a case was filed by Ayesha’s father and that the couple was arrested based on that complaint.

The first session of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament concluded after 25 working days, during which 94 bills were passed and 133 ordinances were introduced. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed presented these figures in his closing speech on Thursday, also announcing the formation of seven committees and the participation of 280 members in over 40 hours of discussion. The session began on March 12 following the President’s address, and a motion of thanks for that speech was passed by voice vote.

The Speaker described the session as significant, marking the start of the 13th Parliament after what he termed a fair and participatory national election held after 18 years. He praised the cooperative atmosphere between government and opposition members, noting that 220 members were serving their first term. The session also saw 93 questions directed to the Prime Minister and 2,509 to various ministers, with many answered in the chamber.

In his remarks, the Speaker urged all members to strengthen parliamentary democracy, uphold the rule of law, and prioritize national interests under the principle of “Bangladesh First.”

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on both ruling and opposition parties to work together in the interest of Bangladesh, emphasizing that the current parliament must not fail. Speaking on Thursday during the closing session of the 13th Parliament and the motion of thanks on the President’s address, he said that this parliament should be unlike any in the country’s history, where both sides cooperate for the nation’s welfare. The motion of thanks was passed by voice vote, though the opposition voted against it.

Rahman stated that the parliament stands on the sacrifices of the 1971 martyrs and warned against repeating past political disruptions such as prolonged strikes. He stressed that the success of the parliament equates to the success of Bangladesh and urged dialogue on key issues including electricity, employment, education, and healthcare. He also highlighted the need for stability to strengthen the economy and advance national development.

The Prime Minister noted that a large share of GDP will be allocated to education and health, and reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting farmers, improving school conditions, and promoting women’s education up to the degree level.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that the government has decided to make education free for women up to the undergraduate (degree) level. He made the declaration during his concluding speech at the first session of the 13th National Parliament, adding that scholarships will also be provided based on academic performance.

Rahman emphasized his commitment to transforming the education sector, stating that he seeks fundamental change rather than maintaining the current state. Starting from July, the government will distribute school bags, uniforms, and shoes to primary school students to ensure a dignified learning environment. He also paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in various national movements and reaffirmed the government's dedication to fulfilling their aspirations for freedom and employment based on merit.

Addressing the ongoing energy crisis, Rahman said the government has accepted proposals from the opposition and formed a joint committee to resolve the issue, expressing hope for a quick solution. He reiterated that the government is elected by the people and accountable to them.

In a parliamentary session on Thursday, Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman called for national unity, urging all sides to move beyond historical divisions to build the country together. He also demanded justice for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, emphasizing his call for accountability for all injustices committed against them.

During the same session, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reflected on the burdens of leadership, saying that while the prime minister’s chair may appear comfortable, it feels like sitting on burning fire. He began his speech by paying tribute to the martyrs of 1971 and those who died on May 5, 2013, at Shapla Chattar.

The session highlighted contrasting yet complementary appeals from both leaders—one focusing on justice and unity, the other on sacrifice and responsibility—underscoring ongoing efforts to reconcile the nation’s political and historical divides.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher claimed in the National Parliament that he was a 'child freedom fighter'. He made the statement on Thursday, April 30, 2026, while participating in the discussion on the President’s address. During his speech, Taher elaborated on Jamaat’s position during the Liberation War and addressed current parliamentary issues.

Taher rejected allegations labeling Jamaat leaders as 'razakar' or 'al-Badr', asserting that none of the current party leadership were involved in such roles. He described how his family, living near the border, helped refugees heading to India during the war by providing shelter and guidance. He also reminded the assembly that figures accused of collaboration had served in both Awami League and Ziaur Rahman cabinets. Toward the end of his speech, Taher called for political harmony and mutual respect between the government and opposition.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the use of offensive language in parliament, Taher criticized a reported remark by the Health Minister and urged lawmakers to maintain decorum and mutual respect in parliamentary discourse.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring fair wages and gender equality in pay. In a message issued on Thursday ahead of International Workers’ Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2026, he said the government regularly reviews wages to guarantee just compensation for workers. He noted that all workers received timely salaries, bonuses, and benefits during the last Eid-ul-Fitr, and pledged to continue this practice.

Rahman emphasized that workers are the foundation of national development, contributing to industry, agriculture, and infrastructure. He said improving their living standards, ensuring fair rights, and creating safe workplaces are central to the government’s democratic commitments. He also recalled late President Ziaur Rahman’s initiatives to strengthen labor welfare and expand overseas employment opportunities, which remain vital to Bangladesh’s economy.

The Prime Minister added that the government maintains close cooperation with the International Labour Organization and remains dedicated to building a prosperous, self-reliant, and humane Bangladesh through collective effort and mutual support.

Bata Bangladesh has announced a 105 percent final cash dividend for the year 2025, raising its total annual dividend to 248 percent. The company reported a turnover of 9,164 million taka despite global economic pressures, political uncertainty, and challenging geopolitical conditions. The announcement reflects Bata’s continued focus on strengthening its long-term competitiveness in the footwear market.

Throughout the year, the company emphasized customer-centric strategies, prioritizing high-growth segments such as casual, sneaker, and premium product categories. These areas showed notable progress, aligning well with evolving market trends. The expansion of Bata’s omnichannel network further enhanced customer engagement across both digital and physical platforms.

Bata Bangladesh continues to improve institutional efficiency and maintain an organized structure to navigate current market conditions. With ongoing investments in product innovation and customer service, the company aims to capitalize on future opportunities and sustain its leadership in the country’s footwear industry.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament that he signed the July National Charter through compromise to prevent election delays under the pretext of reforms. Speaking during the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, he said the government prioritized holding elections and therefore agreed to the charter despite differences. He emphasized that all parties united and reached an understanding to safeguard the electoral process.

Referring to the July implementation order, the minister said his party and allies had publicly declared they would not accept anything outside the July National Charter. He also criticized the misuse of freedom of expression on social media, warning that unchecked behavior could harm national culture and religious harmony. Ahmed urged young people not to exploit the spirit of July for political gain and called for collective ownership of its democratic ideals.

He further noted that the interim government had support from both major political sides and thanked the President for his leadership during the governmentless period in August 2024.

A major fire broke out at a tin-shed ink manufacturing factory in Amulia Model Town, Demra, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, around 11:30 a.m. According to Fire Service Inspector Anwarul Islam, the Demra Fire Station dispatched two units immediately after receiving the alert at 11:38 a.m., reaching the site by 11:55 a.m. As the fire intensified, additional units from Siddikbazar and Khilgaon fire stations joined, bringing the total to eight units working to control the blaze.

Local sources reported that the fire spread rapidly due to the flammable materials inside the tin-shed structure, causing panic among nearby residents. Many people evacuated to safer areas as smoke and flames engulfed the factory. Firefighters continued their efforts to bring the situation under control, while law enforcement personnel were deployed to maintain order at the scene.

As of the latest update, no casualties or damage estimates were confirmed, and the cause of the fire remained unknown.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) recovered 732 pieces of Indian cosmetic products during an operation near the Dewanganj border area of Jamalpur. The raid took place on Wednesday night near border pillar 1076 in the Kumarer Char area. The 35 BGB Battalion headquarters confirmed the seizure through a press release on Thursday morning.

According to the report, the operation was conducted based on BGB’s own intelligence information. The seized cosmetics were later handed over to the Roumari Customs authorities on Thursday. The 35 BGB Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Hasanur Rahman, stated that anti-smuggling and anti-drug operations along the border are continuing.

The operation reflects ongoing efforts by BGB to curb illegal cross-border trade and smuggling activities in the region.

Iran has accumulated about 22,000 pounds, or 11 tons, of enriched uranium since the United States withdrew from the nuclear deal eight years ago. Despite a U.S. military campaign launched two months ago to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, the current status of this stockpile remains unclear. The uncertainty follows U.S. airstrikes in June 2025 on Iran’s enrichment facilities at Natanz and Fordow, and on uranium storage tunnels in Isfahan.

After the attacks, Iran suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, ending direct monitoring of its enrichment sites. Satellite imagery has not resolved where the uranium is stored, and some of it may be buried under war debris. Experts say that even if Iran retrieves the material, it would take many months to convert it into weapons-grade fuel. The Trump administration claims U.S. satellites are tracking the buried uranium, but analysts question this, suggesting Iran may have moved much of its stockpile to a new underground site near Isfahan.

The situation leaves open the possibility that Iran retains a hidden enrichment facility capable of restarting weapons-related activities if conditions allow.

Seven suspected drug dealers were arrested in Tongi, Gazipur, after attacking police officers during an anti-drug operation on Wednesday night. The Gazipur Metropolitan Police team conducted the raid at Himarydighi Amtali Keranirtek slum, where the suspects surrounded the officers and attempted to assault them. Several officers, including constables Ariful Islam, Rakibul Islam, Jahanara Islam, and SI (unarmed) Nure Alam, were injured in the attack. Police later detained Shahin Ahmed Rizvi, Sohel, Raihan, Rowshan Ara, Sumi Akter, Nurjahan, and Beauty Akter, while alleged top drug dealer Runa Akter escaped.

According to Gazipur Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Md. Belayet Hossain, a case has been filed with Tongi East Police Station over the incident. Officer-in-Charge Md. Mehedi Hasan stated that the arrested individuals are being processed for transfer to the Gazipur District and Sessions Judge Court.

The arrested Shahin Ahmed Rizvi is identified as a candidate for the Tongi East Thana Jubo Dal president post and a contestant for the Gazipur City Corporation’s Ward 46 councilor position.

The 39th National Snooker Championship began today in Dhaka, organized by the Bangladesh Billiard and Snooker Federation with support from Dhaka Boat Club. The tournament was inaugurated at the Dhaka Boat Club, where organizers shared details at a press conference attended by club and federation officials. A total of 183 players from 32 clubs across the country are competing, with attractive prizes for winners. The champion will receive 100,000 taka, the runner-up 50,000 taka, and semifinalists 20,000 taka each. Players achieving a break of 50 or more will also receive a special prize of 20,000 taka.

The event is sponsored by Amber Group, with co-sponsorship from Eminence Sourcing and Rashid Group. RC Cola and MUM are beverage partners, and Impact PR is the media partner. Dhaka Boat Club President Rubel Aziz said regular tournaments like this can help popularize cue sports in Bangladesh, though high import VAT on snooker tables remains a challenge. Federation President Brigadier General (Retd.) Sarker Md. Shamsuddin emphasized preparing talented players for international competition. The tournament will conclude with the final on May 14.

Organizers noted that the large participation reflects the growing popularity of snooker in Bangladesh and provides a platform for emerging talent.

A report from Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth claims that Hezbollah’s new fiber‑optic drones are undermining Israel’s multi‑billion‑dollar defense systems during clashes in the Taybeh area of southern Lebanon. One incident involved a drone approaching an Israeli medical evacuation helicopter, forcing ground troops to shoot it down after electronic defenses failed. The drone exploded only a few meters away.

Unlike conventional drones that rely on radio or satellite signals, these first‑person‑view models are controlled through fiber‑optic cables extending up to 30 kilometers. Experts cited in the report say the drones are resistant to jamming and nearly invisible to radar due to their lightweight fiberglass construction. Military analysts suggest they can bypass Israel’s “Trophy” active protection system designed to intercept incoming missiles and shells.

Some Israeli units have resorted to using nets to trap drones, though this is not considered an effective solution. Analysts link the technology’s development to lessons from recent conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. Despite vulnerabilities in bad weather, the low‑cost drones pose a significant new challenge to high‑tech defense systems.