Independent Member of Parliament Rumin Farhana from Brahmanbaria-2 has demanded that the recently signed trade agreement between Bangladesh and the United States be brought before Parliament. Speaking on a point of order during Wednesday’s session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, she argued that the deal, signed on February 9—three days before the national election—contains clauses contrary to Bangladesh’s interests. She noted that the government retains the option to cancel the agreement within 60 days if it chooses.

Farhana referred to a meeting held the previous day between the US ambassador and Bangladesh’s commerce minister, where issues such as trade imbalance, agricultural and energy imports, business environment reforms, and investment policies were discussed. She emphasized that the agreement was signed by an interim government despite objections from civil society and think tanks, who argued that such a government lacked the mandate to finalize international deals.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed ruled that her remarks did not constitute a valid point of order and advised her to submit a formal notice instead. Her request to table the agreement in Parliament was not accepted.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) announced its Lakshmipur district committee late Tuesday night, according to a statement signed by central member secretary Akhtar Hossain and chief organizer (southern region) Hasnat Abdullah. The committee named Md Masum Billah as convener and Muhammad Alamgir Hossain as member secretary, along with several joint conveners and secretaries. Twelve additional members were also included in the committee.

A few hours after the announcement, the committee list was removed from the NCP’s official page without any explanation. When asked about the removal, newly appointed member secretary Muhammad Alamgir Hossain said the reason was unknown to them but confirmed that the committee had been officially announced and would continue to operate as the legitimate body for NCP activities in Lakshmipur.

The incident has created uncertainty about the party’s internal decision-making process in the district, though no official clarification from the central leadership was reported in the source.

As lightning incidents increase across Bangladesh, the risk of damage to household electronic devices such as televisions, computers, routers, and refrigerators has also risen. Sudden voltage surges during lightning can severely harm sensitive circuits, even without a direct strike. The report advises that during lightning, all electrical connections should be completely disconnected, not just switched off, to prevent high-voltage currents from reaching devices.

The article highlights that internet and cable connections can also transmit electrical surges, so unplugging routers, LAN, and fiber cables is recommended. Devices being charged, such as mobile phones and laptops, are particularly vulnerable and should not be used or left plugged in during storms. For long-term protection, the use of surge protectors and proper electrical grounding is encouraged to safely divert excess electricity.

Additional safety measures include installing lightning rods and voltage stabilizers in large buildings. After a storm, devices should be powered on gradually, and any irregularities should be checked by a professional before further use.

Former Dhaka University vice-chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmad Khan has taken on a new role as senior strategic adviser at Grameen University. The appointment was announced on Tuesday through a press release from the Grameen University Trust, which stated that he assumed the position after receiving formal approval from Dhaka University authorities.

Professor Khan had served as vice-chancellor of Dhaka University from August 27, 2024, during a period of unrest following student and public movements in July and August of that year. He managed the university’s administrative affairs for about one and a half years before resigning voluntarily on February 10, 2026.

According to the Grameen University authorities, the institution will operate based on Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s “three zeros” concept—zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions. It has identified 14 priority academic programs under five schools and is continuing recruitment for key leadership positions. The university received approval from the Ministry of Education in March 2025 and from the University Grants Commission in April 2025, paving the way for academic operations under a trustee board whose members have pledged to serve without financial benefits.

The United States Senate has blocked a proposal that sought to require congressional approval before President Donald Trump could take military action against Cuba. On Tuesday, the Republican-led chamber voted 51–47 in a procedural move that prevented the Democratic-sponsored war powers measure from advancing. The vote was largely along party lines.

Democrats argued that Congress must play a decisive role in preventing unilateral military action by the president. Senator Tim Kaine, a key supporter of the proposal, said that actions such as restricting Cuba’s fuel supply could already be considered hostile acts. Republicans countered that there is currently no direct military conflict with Cuba, making the proposal unnecessary. Senator Rick Scott stated that since no troops have been deployed, a war powers vote is not required.

The debate emerged amid growing criticism that the Trump administration is intensifying economic pressure and energy blockades against Cuba.

A group of young Bangladeshis has created a digital archive called July Memories to preserve the visual and cultural traces of the July uprising. The initiative began as a graffiti archive to document protest writings before they disappeared from public walls. Over time, it expanded into a broader online repository capturing slogans, songs, raps, poems, and personal memories linked to the movement. Co-founders Yasir Arafat and Silmee Sadia, both with backgrounds in journalism, led the effort across 11 districts, photographing around 10,000 graffiti pieces.

The project emerged from a sense of duty to protect the language of protest that was rapidly being erased after the fall of authoritarian rule. Many significant writings, including those demanding justice and political accountability, were removed within months. July Memories now serves as a digital resistance against forgetting, ensuring that the voices of protest remain accessible online.

Beyond archiving, the founders also authored a book on six journalists killed during the July events, published by the Press Institute Bangladesh, extending their mission of preserving collective memory.

A man named Suman Mondal died after being struck by lightning in Rajbari district on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 6:45 a.m. in Marjotkol village under Mijanpur Union of Rajbari Sadar upazila. Suman, aged 35 and son of Siddik Mondal, was carrying his three-and-a-half-year-old daughter Safia to a nearby shop when lightning struck. Safia fell from his arms but survived with minor bleeding from her nose and ears. Suman was taken to Rajbari Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

According to local sources, Suman had recently left his NGO job and was staying at home. Mijanpur Union Parishad administrator and Sadar Upazila agriculture officer Md. Jony Khan said the sudden death cast a shadow of grief over the area. Rajbari Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Uttam Kumar Ghosh confirmed that one person was killed by lightning in the union and that police visited the scene.

The incident has deeply saddened local residents, highlighting the recurring danger of lightning strikes during the season.

At least eight people were killed in Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Tuesday, despite an ongoing ceasefire, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The attacks struck several towns, including Majdal Zoun, Zebqit, and Jouaiya, killing civilians and rescue workers. Among the dead were three Civil Defense rescuers who were trapped under debris while conducting operations. The ministry also reported multiple injuries, including two Lebanese soldiers.

The Israeli military said it targeted and destroyed a large Hezbollah tunnel network in southern Lebanon, claiming it was used by specially trained fighters. Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have continued since early March, with both sides accusing each other of violating the April 17 ceasefire. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strikes, accusing Israel of breaching international laws protecting civilians.

Israel’s foreign minister stated that the country has no plans to occupy Lebanese territory and would withdraw once Hezbollah and other armed groups are neutralized. The Israeli army also issued evacuation warnings to residents in several southern towns before launching the strikes.

Sri Lankan authorities arrested 22 Buddhist monks at Colombo International Airport for allegedly carrying more than 110 kilograms of cannabis. Officials said the group had returned from Thailand, and each suitcase contained over five kilograms of the illegal substance. The operation was conducted based on intelligence from a confidential source, marking the largest drug seizure ever recorded at the airport.

Police reported that the drugs were hidden inside the monks’ luggage. The seized cannabis is valued at more than 3.45 million US dollars. Sri Lanka enforces strict penalties for drug-related crimes, including indefinite detention without charge and lengthy prison sentences upon conviction.

According to the Daily News, this is the first time Buddhist monks have been arrested at the airport for possessing illegal drugs, highlighting an unprecedented incident in the country’s ongoing efforts to combat narcotics trafficking.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced that both city corporations are implementing various measures to transform the capital into a clean and green city. He made the statement on Wednesday morning while responding to a question from a member of parliament. According to him, Dhaka North City Corporation plans to plant 500,000 trees over the next five years, and initiatives are underway to achieve zero waste management across the city.

The Prime Minister added that efforts are being made to gradually develop basic facilities across the country to reduce pressure on the capital. He also mentioned that 37,814 women heads of families have received financial support through the Family Card program. The government will not print new money for the Family Card or Farmer Card schemes.

Rahman further stated that the government plans to expand the existing Mother and Child Support Program by increasing financial benefits and the number of beneficiaries, and by including prenatal, postnatal, vaccination, and institutional delivery services.

U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed allies to prepare for a long-term sanctions strategy against Iran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The plan aims to maintain economic pressure on Iran by restricting ship movements at its ports instead of resuming military attacks.

The report states that Trump is demanding Iran suspend uranium enrichment for at least 20 years and remains firm on this position. He reportedly believes that maintaining sanctions is less risky than pursuing alternative measures. Iranian officials have informed mediators that they need more time for consultations before submitting a revised proposal.

The report, citing Middle East Eye, indicates that the sanctions approach is intended to sustain pressure on Iran’s economy and oil exports while avoiding direct military confrontation.

International oil prices continued to climb following reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump instructed his aides to extend sanctions on Iranian ports. According to The Wall Street Journal, U.S. officials said the move aims to increase pressure on Iran’s economy and restrict its oil exports by limiting ship movements at the country’s ports.

In global trading, Brent crude for June delivery rose by 52 cents, or 0.47 percent, reaching $111.78 per barrel as of 01:54 GMT. The July contract, which saw higher trading volumes, increased to $104.84 per barrel, up 0.4 percent. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for June delivery gained 57 cents, or 0.57 percent, to $100.50 per barrel after a 3.7 percent rise in the previous session. Prices have now risen in seven of the past eight trading days.

Analysts cited continued Middle East tensions and supply uncertainties as factors likely to sustain the upward trend in global energy markets.

Israeli forces have continued their attacks in southern Lebanon, according to the country’s National News Agency (NNA). The report said that early morning airstrikes targeted the town of Hanine, destroying several houses. Overnight explosions were also heard in Naqoura, while air and ground assaults were reported in Khiam.

NNA stated that the ongoing strikes across several southern areas have spread fear among residents. The situation remains tense, and there are concerns that conditions could deteriorate further if the attacks persist.

The report, citing Al Jazeera as a source, did not provide details on casualties or official responses from either side.

Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC carried out a series of raids on April 27, 2026, targeting illegal gas connections across several areas including Tongi, Gazipur, Keraniganj, Narayanganj, and Munshiganj. The operations were led by officials from the company along with executive magistrates and local administrations. In Tongi, 37 illegal connections were disconnected and about 200 feet of unauthorized pipeline were removed. In Keraniganj, an illegal factory connection was cut off, resulting in a fine of 100,000 taka and prevention of gas theft worth over 1.2 million taka per month.

Further operations in Gazipur, Narayanganj, and Munshiganj led to the removal of hundreds of illegal domestic and industrial connections, confiscation of pipes, burners, and regulators, and additional fines. In Narayanganj, illegal connections at lime and casting factories were dismantled, preventing daily gas theft worth approximately 277,000 taka. In Munshiganj, illegal gas use at a madrasa and nearby residences was stopped, with multiple appliances and fittings seized.

According to the press release, these coordinated drives are part of Titas Gas’s ongoing campaign to curb unauthorized gas use and recover government revenue losses.

The Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) has been accused of erasing July-themed graffiti from the walls of the Government Alia Madrasa area in Chowhatta as part of a city beautification drive ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit on May 2. The removal has triggered political and social debate in the city, with student activists expressing anger over what they call an attempt to erase history.

According to local sources, SCC has been repainting and cleaning key city areas, including Chowhatta and Alia Madrasa, where the graffiti was replaced with white paint. In response, members of the National Chhatra Shakti gathered at the site on Tuesday night, protesting and writing new slogans reading “We will give our lives, not July.”

In a joint statement, the organization’s Sylhet leaders accused SCC of deliberately removing murals commemorating historic July events and demanded their restoration within 24 hours, warning of a mass movement if ignored. The city corporation has not issued any official comment on the matter.