Actor Iresh Zaker has been named in a case filed over the murder of Mahfuz Alam Shrabon during the recent mass uprising in Mirpur. The victim’s brother filed the case on April 20 at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Dhaka. Police headquarters confirmed that the case was formally registered only after the court accepted the complaint. The news sparked outrage among fans and members of the entertainment industry, many of whom hailed Zaker as a key figure in the anti-discrimination movement.

Actor Siddiqur Rahman was assaulted in Dhaka’s Kakrail area around 4 p.m. on Tuesday and forcibly taken to the police station. Videos show his clothes being torn as he was beaten and marched with slogans branding him as an associate of the ruling Awami League. He was later handed over to the police, who came outside the station to receive him.

A U.S. Navy fighter jet, worth approximately $67 million, accidentally plunged into the Red Sea while deployed against Houthi forces. The aircraft fell from the USS Harry S. Truman on Monday while being towed in a hangar bay. One sailor was injured in the mishap. Fortunately, the crew quickly distanced themselves from the falling aircraft, preventing any major casualties.

Amnesty International has accused Israeli forces of committing atrocities in Gaza while livestreaming the destruction on social media. The report states that Israel’s actions amount to deliberate ethnic cleansing, forcing residents to flee and creating a humanitarian catastrophe. Amnesty Secretary General Agnès Callamard condemned the international community’s inaction as entire Palestinian families are being wiped out along with their homes, livelihoods, hospitals, and schools.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that the country’s law and order situation has significantly improved due to the combined efforts of police and other forces. He paid tribute to police members who resisted Pakistani forces on March 25, 1971, and noted that the security apparatus was in disarray when the interim government assumed power last August. He blamed the past 15 years of politicization for weakening the police force and affirmed the government’s commitment to restoring public trust and effectiveness.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman has urged the nation to commemorate International Workers’ Day on May 1, highlighting the historical sacrifices made by laborers in Chicago in 1886. He noted that the struggle for workers’ rights is ongoing, with many still forced to protest for their fair wages. Rahman cited Islamic teachings advocating timely payment to workers and emphasized that human-made ideologies have failed to fully address workers’ issues.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam clarified that no decision has been made regarding aid delivery through a humanitarian corridor into Myanmar’s Rakhine State. He emphasized that any such move will involve consultations with relevant stakeholders. The government has not engaged in discussions with the UN or any agency regarding a so-called “humanitarian corridor.” However, if the UN leads a humanitarian effort, Bangladesh is willing to provide logistical support, especially given the worsening crisis and fears of further displacement into Bangladesh.

Former Press Secretary to Khaleda Zia, Maruf Kamal Khan, stated that providing iPhones to senior press officers under the Prime Minister’s Press Wing is not excessive. He noted that during his tenure, mobile phones were allocated for official use and had to be returned upon job completion. He added that the provision of iPhones began during Sheikh Hasina’s administration under the same conditions. Given the increased responsibilities, technological reliance, and the need to manage social media alongside mainstream media, he argued that smartphones, laptops, and tablets are necessary tools for today’s press officers.

A violent clash broke out between two factions of workers at Jamuna Apparels Ltd. in Tongi on Tuesday morning. The incident involved recently laid-off workers and current employees. At least 15 workers were injured in the altercation. On April 22, the factory management terminated 114 workers and settled their dues. Since then, remaining workers have been protesting, demanding the reinstatement of those laid off. On Tuesday, around 8 a.m., when current workers resumed duties on their own, they were confronted by the terminated workers, sparking a heated argument that escalated into a physical confrontation. Police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.

The International Court of Justice has begun a five-day hearing on the humanitarian blockade preventing aid deliveries to Gaza. Though Israel has submitted written objections, it is not participating in oral arguments. Swedish lawyer Elinor Hammarskjöld stressed that international law prohibits acquisition of territory by force. Experts say Israel’s 2024 UNRWA ban violates its UN obligations.

Chief Election Commissioner Nasir Uddin announced plans to introduce limited overseas voting for expatriates in upcoming elections. He acknowledged challenges faced by other countries, including neighboring India, but affirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to at least piloting the process. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed emphasized that excluding expatriates lowers voter turnout.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) launched coordinated raids on 36 offices of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), including its headquarters, to investigate allegations of graft and irregularities. This follows an earlier crackdown on 35 sub-registrar offices, where widespread bribery and misconduct were uncovered.

Dr. Ali Riaz stated that 16 years of authoritarian rule have destroyed Bangladesh’s institutions. Speaking at a forum, he emphasized the need for a national charter to guide democratic reform and build consensus. Revolutionary Workers Party Secretary Saiful Haque echoed the call for meaningful electoral reforms and a system that prevents future autocracy.

CBC reports that Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party has won the Canadian election, overcoming early predictions of a major loss. A surge in nationalist sentiment followed provocative statements by U.S. President Trump, who threatened Canadian sovereignty and suggested turning Canada into America’s 51st state. The resignation of Justin Trudeau helped the Liberals regain momentum.

At the opening of Police Week 2025, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that the police force had been politicized over the last 15 years. “Forced to follow unlawful orders, the police faced public backlash,” he said. He emphasized the need for police to uphold justice and civil rights. The event’s theme is “My Police, My Country, A Discrimination-Free Bangladesh.”