Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami organized a national rally of July martyrs’ families and July fighters at Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday, demanding full implementation of the referendum verdict. The event began at 10 a.m. with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Qari Enayet Ullah Saifi, followed by its translation by Sharif Bayjeed Mahmud and Islamic songs performed by artist Mashiur Rahman. July fighter Kamrul Hasan inaugurated the rally, calling for the July Charter to be implemented without any alteration and warning that Parliament would be besieged again if the demand was ignored.

The rally was attended by opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP, senior leaders of the 11-party alliance, Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer, Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, assistant secretaries general, central executive and working committee members, Dhaka city leaders, women’s wing officials, MPs from Jamaat and the 11-party alliance, as well as families of July martyrs and injured July fighters from across the country.

Participants emphasized respect for the people’s mandate and warned that political struggle would continue inside and outside Parliament if the referendum result was not honored.

US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are traveling to Pakistan for discussions involving Iran, according to the report. Vice President JD Vance has indicated he is prepared to join them in Islamabad if there is a prospect of reaching an agreement with Tehran. An Iranian delegation has already arrived in Pakistan but has stated it will not meet with the US side.

Al Jazeera’s Washington correspondent Allen Fisher reported that there are indications in Washington suggesting JD Vance has been temporarily sidelined to allow talks in Islamabad to proceed. However, Fisher noted that the situation may not be as it appears. He added that if significant progress is made toward a potential deal, both JD Vance and Senator Marco Rubio would be called to Islamabad to finalize it.

The discussions are expected to address key issues including Iran’s nuclear ambitions, its regional proxies, enriched uranium stockpiles, and unresolved matters concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to implementing all election pledges and every clause of the July Charter. He made the remarks on Saturday morning while inaugurating the third building of the BIAM Foundation in New Eskaton, Dhaka.

Rahman said the mass uprising of July–August 2024 had once again demonstrated that the people are the true owners of the state. He emphasized that citizens had long aspired to an accountable, just, and welfare-oriented governance system, and that the current government represents that aspiration. The prime minister also stressed the importance of building a confident, knowledge-based, and creative human resource to achieve national development goals.

He further noted that bureaucracy must become more people-oriented to build a modern and prosperous state. Rahman underscored the need for training to help public servants act as true servants of the people. Before his speech, he laid the foundation stone of the new BIAM Foundation building and visited its activities while exchanging views with officials.

A severe shortage of rabies vaccines has been reported in several hospitals across Bangladesh, leaving patients like Ruby Akter from Munshiganj struggling to buy doses privately after dog bites. Hospital officials confirmed that government supplies of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) have stopped, forcing facilities to ration limited stocks and ask patients who can afford it to purchase vaccines themselves. The shortage is particularly acute outside major cities, though Dhaka’s Infectious Disease Hospital reportedly has full supply.

The crisis extends beyond rabies vaccines. The country’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) is also facing depleted reserves of multiple vaccines, including those for measles and rubella. Officials at the EPI office in Dhaka acknowledged that the national “buffer stock” has run out, while the health minister publicly denied any shortage, claiming six months of supply remain. Public health experts warned that the absence of reserve stocks poses serious epidemic risks.

The report links the crisis to the government’s withdrawal from the health sector’s five-year Operational Plan in 2025 without a replacement funding mechanism, disrupting procurement and leaving vaccine transport workers unpaid for months.

At least ten people were injured in a violent clash between two factions of the Jubo Dal in Lalpur upazila of Natore on Friday afternoon. The confrontation, which took place at Godhra Bazar in Kadimchilan Union, stemmed from a dispute over local dominance. Police were deployed to the scene to bring the situation under control after reports of arson and a highway blockade.

According to police and local sources, the conflict involved supporters of Nadim Hossain Doha, a local Jubo Dal leader, and Majnu Patwari, the upazila Jubo Dal joint convener. Tensions escalated after a video about Majnu Patwari circulated on social media, leading to arguments earlier in the week. During the clash, rural physician Rashedul Islam was among those injured, and protesters blocked the Natore–Pabna highway by placing tree trunks and setting a motorcycle on fire.

Police later restored order and reopened the road. One injured person, Mokhles Patwari, was admitted to Lalpur Upazila Health Complex, while others received primary treatment. Authorities confirmed receiving a written complaint and said legal action would follow after investigation.

The United States has seized cryptocurrency assets worth $344 million connected to Iran, according to a statement released on Friday by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besent. He announced the action through a post on social media platform X, emphasizing that the Treasury Department will continue efforts to systematically weaken Tehran’s ability to generate, transfer, and repatriate funds.

Besent added that the seizure was carried out by imposing sanctions on multiple digital wallets associated with Iran. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, said that digital assets are now being targeted alongside traditional methods such as fake companies used to evade sanctions.

The announcement underscores Washington’s ongoing strategy to curb Iran’s access to international financial systems through both conventional and digital channels.

The European Union has incurred an additional $28 billion in energy import costs following the outbreak of the Iran-United States war, according to a report published on April 25, 2026. The surge in prices has forced the EU to announce a series of emergency measures to ease the mounting pressure on its energy expenditures. The European Commission stated that this marks the second major energy shock in less than five years, following the disruption caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The International Energy Agency and the airport industry association warned that Europe, which imports about 70 percent of its aviation fuel, could face shortages within weeks. They urged EU member states to suspend aviation-related taxes to mitigate the impact of rising costs. The crisis has already affected several sectors, including fisheries, where many European fishermen have halted operations due to soaring fuel and raw material expenses.

Germany’s chemical industry association said the conflict has severely undermined the country’s economic prospects, with sales continuing to decline. The International Monetary Fund has also downgraded growth forecasts for 21 eurozone countries and the United Kingdom.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the American blockade on Iran is expanding globally. Speaking on April 25, 2026, he said that no ship can currently pass through the Strait of Hormuz without authorization from the US Navy. Hegseth emphasized that the opportunity for a 'good deal' with Washington has not yet ended.

Standing beside top US General Dan Kane, Hegseth said the United States is not anxious about reaching an agreement with Iran and that it has sufficient time to do so. He added that Iran still has a chance to make a wise decision at the negotiation table by giving up nuclear weapons in a meaningful and verifiable way.

The remarks reflect Washington’s continued pressure on Tehran and its control over key maritime routes, highlighting the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz in global trade and security.

Residents of Meghna upazila in Cumilla have expressed growing concern as suspects in multiple serious cases, including murder and abduction, remain unarrested. The issue centers on the killing of Shahjalal, also known as Sabbir, in Mugarchar village under Radhanagar Union, where several accused individuals are still evading capture.

According to the report, one accused, Babul Mia, father of named suspect Naim, was arrested but released on bail within 72 hours. The main accused and others are still absconding. In response, locals organized a protest and human chain in front of Meghna Police Station on Wednesday morning, demanding immediate arrests. Speakers warned that if the suspects were not detained within 72 hours, they would initiate a stronger movement.

Officer-in-Charge Shahidul Islam of Meghna Police Station stated that operations to apprehend the suspects are ongoing but have been delayed because many have fled outside the Meghna area.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the foundation work of the third building of the BIAM Foundation on Saturday morning in New Eskaton, Dhaka. The ceremony took place around 10 a.m., marking a new phase in the foundation’s infrastructure development. Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister visited the foundation’s activities and exchanged views with its officials. Senior government officials, cabinet members, and distinguished guests attended the event.

The BIAM Foundation operates under the Ministry of Public Administration and is primarily responsible for training Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) officers and conducting other administrative programs. The new building is expected to enhance the foundation’s capacity to deliver training and administrative services more effectively.

The event underscores the government’s continued focus on strengthening administrative institutions and improving the professional development of civil servants through expanded facilities and modern infrastructure.

Dr. Mustafa Lutful Aziz, the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer (UHFPO) of Banaripara in Barishal, faces serious allegations of operating a private clinic business while holding a government post. Reports claim he owns a 30 percent share in Hamid Memorial Clinic and has been referring patients from the government hospital to his clinic for financial gain. Despite available surgical facilities at the public hospital, patients were allegedly persuaded to seek treatment at the private clinic, incurring higher costs.

Investigations reveal Dr. Mustafa joined the Banaripara Upazila Health Complex in 2008 and became a shareholder in the nearby Hamid Memorial Clinic from its inception. After being transferred once for similar reasons, he returned in January 2026 and resumed operations at his clinic. Local residents accuse him of exploiting his position to benefit his business, depriving poor patients of government healthcare services.

Dr. Mustafa denied owning any clinic, though an audio clip reportedly contradicts his claim. Barishal Civil Surgeon Dr. S.M. Manjur Elahi stated that government doctors cannot engage in private business and promised departmental action if the allegations are proven.

The Sugandha River in Nalchity upazila of Jhalakathi has turned into a massive garbage dump due to unplanned waste disposal by the municipality. Every day, household, market, and other wastes are dumped in open areas near the old steamer ghat, and rain or tidal water carries the waste directly into the river. This has caused severe water and air pollution, turning the once-clear river into a foul-smelling, waste-filled waterway.

Local residents report unbearable stench and say the river water is no longer usable. People living along the river are suffering from skin diseases, stomach problems, and respiratory issues due to contact with the polluted water. Environmental experts warn that unplanned dumping threatens aquatic life and vegetation, potentially destroying the region’s ecological balance and posing serious long-term health risks.

Residents and environmentalists are calling for the immediate construction of a modern dumping station, regular waste collection, and protective measures for the riverbank. Municipal officials acknowledge the urgent need for a dumping site but say no land has yet been allocated for the project.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to authorize alternative methods for carrying out federal executions, including firing squads, electric shock, and gas-induced suffocation. The announcement was made on Friday, outlining the new procedures for those convicted of the most serious federal crimes.

According to the administration, the move comes in response to difficulties in obtaining the drugs required for lethal injections. A report from the Department of Justice recommended these methods as part of efforts to fulfill Trump’s campaign pledge to reinstate federal executions during his second term. The Justice Department is leading the initiative.

Trump had previously reinstated federal executions in 2021, just days before the end of his first term, ending a 20-year hiatus. The new plan continues that policy direction, expanding the range of approved execution methods at the federal level.

Residents of Cumilla are enduring severe power outages that have disrupted daily life across the district. According to local reports on April 25, 2026, urban areas experience four to five hours of load-shedding daily, while rural communities face 10 to 12 hours without electricity. The prolonged outages have hit children, the elderly, and students particularly hard, with SSC examinees expressing frustration over their inability to study at night. Agricultural activities have also been affected as irrigation pumps remain idle, raising fears of crop losses.

The situation has strained essential services, including rural clinics and pharmacies, where power shortages threaten the preservation of temperature-sensitive medicines and vaccines. Small businesses and hotels report declining sales as customers avoid going out in the heat. Officials from the Cumilla Palli Bidyut Samiti and Power Development Board cited a supply shortfall, noting that while local demand is around 1,800 megawatts, only 1,000 to 1,100 megawatts are available. Nationwide, on April 23, electricity demand reached 15,650 megawatts against production of 13,945 megawatts, forcing authorities to impose load-shedding.

Officials said they are prioritizing power supply for irrigation between 11 p.m. and 11 a.m., but rural residents continue to face long hours without electricity.

A local BNP leader was reportedly injured in an attack by Awami League supporters in Boalmari upazila of Faridpur on Friday night. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. in Kadmi village under Rupapat Union. The injured were identified as Abdur Rahman, assistant agriculture affairs secretary of the upazila BNP, and Suman Sheikh, 27, joint convener of the Rupapat Union Swechchhasebak Dal. Locals rescued them and took them to the upazila health complex, from where they were referred to Faridpur Hospital.

According to local sources, supporters of Md. Firoz Molla, general secretary of the Union Krishak League, carried out the attack. Firoz Molla, however, stated that he was in Gopalganj at the time and only heard about the assault. Boalmari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Anwar Hossain said no written complaint had been filed yet and that legal action would be taken upon receiving one.

Police are awaiting a formal complaint to initiate legal proceedings regarding the incident.