The Pentagon has informed that removing sea mines from the Strait of Hormuz will take six months, according to a report by the Associated Press citing sources familiar with the matter. The information was shared during a closed-door briefing to the U.S. House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, where defense officials outlined the current situation in the strategic waterway.

The AP report noted that the briefing left lawmakers with more questions than answers, particularly regarding the cost, strategy, and objectives of the ongoing conflict with Iran. Lawmakers also raised concerns about an earlier attack on an Iranian school that reportedly killed around 165 people, most of them young schoolgirls. No responses were provided to these questions during the meeting.

The situation underscores ongoing uncertainty surrounding U.S. military operations and policy objectives in the region, as well as the humanitarian consequences of recent hostilities.

The United States military has reported that 31 ships were redirected or sent back to port during a naval blockade against Iran. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), most of the vessels involved were oil tankers, and the majority complied with US instructions to change course or return.

CENTCOM stated that the blockade operation involves around 10,000 US troops, 17 warships, and more than a hundred aircraft. The military shared the update through a message on social media, emphasizing that most ships followed the directives issued by US forces.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not specify the duration or geographic scope of the blockade but confirmed that it forms part of a broader US military operation targeting Iranian maritime activities.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and Member of Parliament Nahid Islam has alleged that a 'deep state' comprising bureaucrats, business elites, and mafia networks continues to control Bangladesh’s state apparatus even after the fall of the previous regime. In an interview with Amar Desh published on April 23, 2026, he said that the promises of reform made during the July uprising have been undermined by vested interests benefiting from the old power structure. He warned that maintaining this continuity would betray the spirit of the uprising.

Nahid Islam criticized both the ruling BNP and remnants of the former Awami League establishment for resisting institutional reforms, including judicial independence and administrative restructuring. He accused the government of protecting corrupt bankers, politicizing the July Memorial Museum project, and allowing pro-Awami League media influence to return. He also expressed concern over foreign policy transparency and the government’s handling of economic issues.

He cautioned that if the government fails to meet public expectations for reform, popular anger could reignite. The NCP and its allies, he said, are preparing to mobilize public opinion and may take to the streets if necessary.

Two workers were killed and two others injured when soil collapsed during excavation work for a sewerage project in Chattogram’s Agrabad area early Thursday. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. near the B-Four Access Road under Halishahar Police Station. All four workers were rescued and taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared two of them dead.

The deceased were identified as Rakib and Tushar, the latter from Dinajpur district. The injured workers, Sagar and Ershad, are receiving treatment at the same hospital. Fire Service officials said the collapse happened while workers were digging to install a water pipe in front of the Singapore Market area. The project is being implemented by Chinese contractor Sino Hydro under the Chattogram WASA sewerage project.

Chattogram WASA officials said the accident occurred during trial pit excavation and that a report has been requested from the contractor. Discussions are underway to ensure compensation for the victims’ families.

The first phase of voting in the West Bengal Assembly election began on April 23, 2026, under heavy security. Polling started at 7 a.m. across 152 constituencies in 16 districts of North and South Bengal. The second phase will be held on April 29 for the remaining 142 seats, with results scheduled for May 4. The contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has created a tense, war-like atmosphere across the state.

Thousands of central paramilitary personnel have been deployed, and the Election Commission has imposed multiple restrictions, including Section 144 in border districts. Allegations have surfaced that millions of names were removed from the voter list under a controversial process called SIR, sparking protests and accusations of disenfranchisement. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of using military-style intimidation, while Home Minister Amit Shah countered with corruption allegations and religious appeals.

Observers describe this election as one of the most contentious in the state’s history, with widespread polarization and protests over voter rights. The outcome, to be announced on May 4, is expected to shape the political future of West Bengal.

Serious allegations of irregularities and abuse of power have surfaced within the Bangladesh Archery Federation, despite the sport’s recent international success. Federation president Dr. Md. Mokhlesur Rahman has been accused of misusing authority, removing the treasurer without approval, and withdrawing large sums from the federation’s bank account. The general secretary, Tanvir Ahmed, lodged a formal complaint with the National Sports Council (NSC) on April 21, citing unauthorized meetings, irregular financial transactions, and unilateral decisions by the president.

According to the complaint, the president replaced the treasurer and changed the bank signatory without the general secretary’s consent, withdrawing about 1.4 million taka from Prime Bank’s Dilkusha branch. The NSC had formed the current ad hoc committee in March 2025, meaning any member’s removal requires its approval. NSC sports director Aminul Ehsan confirmed that the federation had no authority to dismiss the treasurer and termed the move illegal.

The NSC has received the complaint and pledged to investigate the matter seriously, while the president defended his actions as being based on a unanimous decision.

Hundreds of Bangladeshi youths are losing their lives in the Mediterranean Sea while attempting to reach Europe illegally through human trafficking networks. Each journey costs between 1.5 and 3 million taka, yet many never reach their destination. According to the UNHCR, 39 percent of those traveling from Libya to Italy by sea are Bangladeshi, with 1,358 Bangladeshis among 5,901 arrivals as of March 22 this year. A recent tragedy on March 27 claimed 13 lives from Sunamganj district during a Libya-to-Greece crossing.

Experts blame both the government’s limited enforcement and the migrants’ unrealistic ambitions for the persistence of this “Europe game.” Research by BRAC shows that men aged 26–40, mostly from districts such as Madaripur, Shariatpur, and Sylhet, are the most likely to attempt the journey. Families often fall into debt after paying traffickers, while legal cases against smugglers see little progress.

Officials say the government is taking steps to curb illegal migration, though challenges remain in awareness campaigns and cross-border cooperation. The Home Ministry reports over 4,700 pending human trafficking cases, with more than 42,000 accused individuals nationwide.

Bangladesh experienced its hottest day of the season on Wednesday, with Rajshahi recording a maximum temperature of 40°C, surpassing the previous high of 39.7°C in Chuadanga earlier this month. The capital Dhaka also saw its seasonal peak at 36.5°C. Except for light rain in Patuakhali’s Khepupara, no rainfall was reported elsewhere. The ongoing heatwave, coupled with frequent power outages, has severely disrupted daily life across the country.

According to the Meteorological Department, the heatwave expanded from 14 districts on Tuesday to 24 districts on Wednesday, covering all areas of Rajshahi and Khulna divisions as well as parts of Dhaka, Tangail, Madaripur, Dinajpur, Rangamati, and Bandarban. Meteorologists said the lack of rain and rising humidity have intensified the oppressive heat. They forecast that temperatures may continue to rise until Friday, with possible relief from Saturday as rainfall increases.

The department’s long-term outlook indicates that moderate to severe heatwaves could persist across major parts of Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, and Dhaka divisions through early May.

After being missing for 27 years, Amir Hossain Talukder, a 62-year-old from Naria in Shariatpur, has returned to Bangladesh from Malaysia. He arrived in Dhaka late Tuesday night on a Batik Air flight and was received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by his family, BRAC Migration Program representatives, and airport officials. His return brought both joy and sorrow, as he was found to be mentally unstable and unable to recognize his family members.

According to family sources, Amir Hossain went to Malaysia in 1996 to work as a painter and regularly sent money home for the first few years. Communication was lost after three years, and his family eventually assumed he had died. Recently, Bangladeshi expatriates discovered him living in a tin shed in a jungle in Penang, Malaysia, and shared his photos and videos online. His family identified him from those images and contacted BRAC, which coordinated with the Bangladesh Embassy in Malaysia to arrange his return.

BRAC stated that it will provide necessary medical and rehabilitation support considering Amir Hossain’s physical and mental condition.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen marked his first 100 days in Dhaka, claiming significant progress in advancing Bangladesh–US relations. In a video message released on Wednesday, he described a historic trade agreement between the two nations and highlighted new partnerships in trade, health, and cultural exchange. He said these initiatives have brought the people of both countries closer as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary.

Christensen noted that he and his wife received a warm welcome in Bangladesh and have engaged in local cultural experiences, including visiting historical sites, celebrating Pahela Baishakh, and attending a cricket match. He said he arrived at a crucial time before the national election and is working to implement President Trump’s roadmap for elevating bilateral relations.

The ambassador also mentioned cooperation on combating illegal immigration and visa fraud, strengthening security ties for a free Indo-Pacific, and launching a new health partnership to fight diseases such as tuberculosis and measles. He reaffirmed the US commitment as the largest donor supporting Rohingya refugees and expressed optimism about the future of Bangladesh–US relations.

The Bangladesh Army, deployed for over 20 months as a striking force to maintain law and order, is now awaiting formal government instructions to return to barracks. Around 15,000 soldiers remain stationed across the country, with 50 active camps in 64 districts, including 25 in the Dhaka division. The army took charge of national security after the July 2024 mass uprising that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government and the collapse of police operations. Since then, it has conducted anti-terror operations, ensured public safety, and supported civil administration in various capacities.

Following the uprising, the interim government led by Dr. Yunus granted army officers limited executive magistrate powers under 17 sections of the Criminal Procedure Code. During the 2025 national election, about 100,000 army personnel, along with naval and air force members, were deployed nationwide to ensure peaceful polling. The army seized over 10,000 weapons and detained more than 22,000 suspects. Although most troops have since returned to bases, 15,000 remain active pending government approval to withdraw.

ISPR Director Lt. Col. Sami-ud-Daula Chowdhury confirmed that the army will return to barracks once the government issues official orders.

The United States Senate has once again rejected a proposal aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military operations against Iran. In the fifth such attempt, 46 senators voted in favor of the measure while 51 opposed it, leaving the proposal short of the majority needed for passage.

Before the vote, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer sharply criticized Republican senators, accusing them of failing to act to end what he described as an unnecessary conflict. Schumer argued that President Trump had been offering only empty promises about ending wars in recent weeks and said this vote represented the fifth missed opportunity for the Senate to stop the war.

The vote leaves President Trump retaining his wartime powers regarding Iran, as efforts to restrict them have repeatedly failed in the Senate.

Police in Debiganj, Panchagarh, detained a 24-year-old man named Md. Shakil Ahmed for allegedly posting an AI-generated offensive image of Jaima Rahman, daughter of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, on Facebook. The arrest took place on Wednesday afternoon in the Bhaulaganj Bazar area of Chilahat Union. Shakil, a third-year student at Tejgaon College in Dhaka, is the son of Md. Bulbul Islam from Nagar Bhaulaganj.

According to local sources and eyewitnesses, Shakil posted the image and a caption from his personal Facebook account on Tuesday, which later spread widely through screenshots. The post sparked anger among local BNP leaders and activists, leading to tension in the area. Police were informed and a team led by Sub-Inspector Faruk conducted the operation to detain him.

Debiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Selim Malik confirmed that the authenticity of the post had been verified. Preparations are underway to file a case against the detainee under the Information and Communication Technology Act.

As the summer heat intensifies across Bangladesh, power outages are becoming more frequent and severe. While urban areas are experiencing relatively fewer disruptions, rural regions are facing widespread and prolonged load shedding, causing significant hardship for residents. In response to the worsening situation, National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan posted on social media late Wednesday night, asking whether electricity is occasionally going out or only occasionally coming on.

According to reports, one unit of Adani’s power plant in India has been shut down due to technical issues, cutting electricity imports from India by half. This reduction has further aggravated Bangladesh’s power supply crisis, leading to increased load shedding across the country.

The situation highlights the growing strain on Bangladesh’s electricity infrastructure during peak summer demand, with rural communities bearing the brunt of the shortages.

Union council member Rustam Ali of ward 9 under Eidgar Union in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar, was released on Wednesday night after his family paid Tk 800,000 to masked armed abductors. He had been kidnapped earlier that morning while traveling from Eidgaon to his home in Eidgar. The release took place around 8 p.m. in a hilly forest area about three kilometers inside the Swapnotori area of Joarianala Union.

According to the victim’s uncle, Karim Maulvi, the abductors initially demanded Tk 3 million as ransom but later freed Rustam Ali after receiving Tk 800,000. Police from Ramu station arrived at the scene after being informed of the release, though attempts to contact the station’s officer-in-charge, Monirul Islam Bhuiyan, were unsuccessful as his phone was found switched off.

The incident highlights ongoing security concerns in the hilly regions of Cox’s Bazar, where abductions for ransom have been reported in the past, though no further details were available from authorities at the time of reporting.