Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon addressed the National Parliament on Wednesday, speaking directly to students and urging them to focus on their studies. During the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, he said that cheating, question leaks, and any form of academic fraud would no longer be allowed. His remarks were delivered in a friendly tone, referring to students as 'dear children' and encouraging them to study sincerely.

The minister’s comments come amid growing public attention to his previous statements on exam malpractice, which have recently gone viral on social media. His earlier remarks have also become the subject of online humor and discussion, reflecting the public’s engagement with the issue of academic integrity.

The renewed emphasis on preventing cheating and question leaks signals the ministry’s continued focus on ensuring fairness and transparency in the education system.

A total of 370 campus journalists from various universities and colleges across Bangladesh have condemned the recent attack on members of the Dhaka University Journalists’ Association (DUJA) allegedly carried out by activists of the student wing of a political party. In a joint statement issued after the April 23 incident, they demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved.

The statement described the assault, which occurred in the Shahbagh area of Dhaka while journalists were on duty, as a direct attack on press freedom and democratic values. It expressed concern that police at Shahbagh Police Station had not yet registered a case and were reportedly reluctant to accept complaints. The journalists argued that such attacks reflect a growing pattern of intimidation against the press and undermine democracy.

The signatories urged Dhaka University authorities to take strict administrative action against the accused students and called on the government to investigate alleged negligence by law enforcement. They reaffirmed that intimidation or violence cannot silence journalists and pledged unity in defending press freedom.

FIFA has announced a major change to its yellow card regulations ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Under the new rule, players who receive a yellow card during the group stage will not carry that booking into the knockout rounds. The FIFA Council approved the proposal in a recent meeting, explaining that the change aims to ensure fair participation for players as the expanded 48-team format increases the number of matches.

According to the new system, all yellow card records will be wiped after the group stage, allowing players to start fresh in the knockout phase. The same reset will occur after the quarterfinals, ensuring that top players remain eligible for the semifinals and final. Previously, yellow cards were only cleared after the quarterfinals. FIFA stated that the adjustment was necessary due to the addition of an extra knockout round in the new format.

FIFA also announced a 15 percent increase in total financial allocations for participating teams, raising the fund to 871 million dollars. The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Bangladesh’s women’s hockey team concluded a remarkable campaign at the Asian Games qualifying tournament in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Competing in their first major international event, the team made history by becoming group champions and securing a spot in the final round. However, they fell short in the final, losing 3–1 to Chinese Taipei despite taking an early lead in the first quarter.

Throughout the tournament, Bangladesh displayed strong performances. They defeated Uzbekistan 3–2 and Hong Kong in the group stage, and held Chinese Taipei to a 5–5 draw in their earlier meeting. In the semifinals, they overcame experienced Singapore 3–1 to reach the final, marking a major milestone in their debut appearance.

Although the team could not claim the title, their spirited play and consistent results have opened new possibilities for women’s hockey in Bangladesh, signaling a promising future for the sport in the country.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced direct questioning from lawmakers for the first time since the Trump administration began its war with Iran. The heated hearing before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday focused on the costs, strategy, and record military budget associated with the conflict. Although the session was originally scheduled to review the proposed 2027 defense budget, discussion shifted to the ongoing war that began on February 28.

Democratic members accused President Donald Trump of launching the costly war without congressional authorization. Representative Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania criticized Hegseth for avoiding congressional scrutiny over the conflict. Republican members, however, supported expanding drone and missile defense systems in response to the war. Lawmakers pressed Hegseth to clarify the war’s ultimate objective and questioned him about civilian casualties, including a recent airstrike on a school that killed 175 people. The hearing also addressed rising global fuel prices after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz.

Hegseth appeared alongside Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Kane. Both are scheduled to testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday regarding the defense budget and war situation.

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has issued a new directive requiring all bank chairmen, managing directors, and directors to sign written pledges against corruption, bribery, money laundering, and fraud. The instruction, sent through an internal letter to banks, mandates that these signed declarations be displayed prominently in office spaces. The BFIU has also provided a fixed format for the pledge.

According to the directive, the move follows concerns over weak corporate governance, loan management, and risk control in recent years, with widespread loan frauds reported in the banking sector. The initiative aims to strengthen ethical standards, accountability, transparency, and anti–money laundering measures across financial institutions.

The BFIU further stated that the pledge and declaration will be required for every new or reappointed chairman, director, or managing director. Customers who face bribery, corruption, or harassment while seeking banking services will be able to report directly to the BFIU.

The Airport Security Manager Course–25 at the Civil Aviation Academy has been successfully completed to enhance the security standards of Bangladesh’s airports and improve the skills of relevant officials. The certificate distribution ceremony took place on Tuesday at the academy premises, marking the conclusion of the course that began on April 12. Senior officials from various government and private institutions participated in the training, which covered modern aspects of airport security management.

The course was conducted by the academy’s director and ICAO instructor Prashanta Kumar Chakraborty along with other aviation security experts. Participants received detailed instruction on threat detection, risk analysis, passenger and cargo screening, X-ray image interpretation, explosive detection techniques, and international aviation security regulations. Chief guest Air Commodore Md. Asif Iqbal, Member (Security) of the Civil Aviation Authority, distributed certificates and emphasized that the training would play a vital role in strengthening airport security.

Officials expressed hope that the trained participants would contribute effectively to implementing ICAO standards and advancing modern, efficient security management across the country’s airports.

Europe experienced one of its warmest years in history in 2025, according to a report released Wednesday by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and European Union scientists. The report highlighted widespread heatwaves, record wildfires, glacier melt, and drought across the continent. WMO data indicated that including Greenland and the Caucasus, 2025 was Europe’s hottest year on record, while Copernicus data ranked it second or third when those regions were excluded.

Nearly 99 percent of Europe recorded above-average temperatures, marking the first time almost the entire continent exceeded normal levels. The WMO warned that a powerful El Niño could form by the end of the current year, potentially raising global temperatures through 2027. The UK Met Office suggested this event might evolve into a “super El Niño,” possibly the strongest of the century.

The report also noted unprecedented wildfire damage, record sea surface temperatures for the fourth consecutive year, and alarming glacier loss. Experts said Europe is warming about twice as fast as other continents, urging immediate large-scale climate action.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that Israel is mistaken if it believes it can ensure security by carrying out destruction in border areas and violating international law. He emphasized that the only way to secure the borders is through the full presence and authority of the Lebanese state across southern Lebanon.

Aoun said the Lebanese government is making maximum efforts to resolve the ongoing situation and stressed that a lasting solution can only come through dialogue. However, he insisted that Israel must first implement a ceasefire before any talks can begin. The president added that Lebanon is waiting for Washington’s response, as the United States is expected to finalize the date for peace talks. Preliminary discussions between Israeli and Lebanese representatives took place in Washington last week, where Lebanon proposed extending the ceasefire by one month.

Since taking office in January 2025, Aoun has prioritized establishing state military control in southern Lebanon instead of Hezbollah’s influence, believing this will ensure long-term peace.

Iran’s football federation representatives were absent from a crucial Asian Football Confederation (AFC) meeting in Vancouver, Canada, held ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The congress, attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, was described as the most significant formal gathering of Asian football leaders before the tournament.

No discussion took place regarding Iran’s participation or the possible relocation of its matches from the United States due to the ongoing war. However, Iran’s absence sparked speculation among attendees. Reports suggest that visa complications may have prevented the Iranian delegation from reaching Vancouver, raising concerns about their participation in Thursday’s FIFA Congress and the World Cup starting on June 11.

At the end of the meeting, commemorative gifts were presented to the nine Asian teams that qualified for the World Cup. When Iran’s name was called, organizers stated that their gift would be handed over once the delegation arrived. Neither the AFC nor Iranian officials have issued an official explanation for the absence.

The High Court has acquitted Hosaf Group Chairman Moazzem Hossain from the Barapukuria coal mine corruption case in Dinajpur. The verdict was delivered by a bench comprising Justice Md Zakir Hossain and Justice K M Rasheduzzaman Raja after hearing Hossain’s petition seeking cancellation of the case proceedings. Senior lawyers A B M Altaf Hossain and Khandaker Maruf Hossain represented Moazzem Hossain, while Shahin Ahmed appeared for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Moazzem Hossain had filed the petition last year challenging the legality of the charges. The High Court had earlier issued a rule and stayed the proceedings against him. The case, filed in 2008 at Shahbagh Police Station, alleged irregularities in contractor appointments for coal extraction, management, and maintenance at the Barapukuria mine, causing a state loss of Tk 158.71 crore. In November 2024, a trial court framed charges against four individuals, including Moazzem Hossain and a former acting secretary of the Energy Ministry, while several others, including former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, were discharged.

The High Court’s decision effectively cancels the proceedings against Moazzem Hossain, aligning with earlier acquittals of the main accused.

Widespread criticism and dissatisfaction have emerged within Israel over the government's handling of current security challenges. Reports from Israeli media indicate that many citizens feel deceived by what they perceive as the government's failure to maintain control over the Iran situation and its indecision regarding renewed conflict in Lebanon. A growing portion of the population believes the government has failed to ensure their safety and has betrayed their trust.

Concerns have also been raised in Israeli media about the army's activities near the Lebanese border, where allegations of destruction, looting, and disorder have surfaced in areas of conflict with Hezbollah. While public trust in the military remains higher than in political leadership, analysts note that politicians lack clear answers for resolving the prolonged crisis in the north. The absence of a realistic plan to disarm Hezbollah and the government's perceived lack of direction are further intensifying public anger.

Analysts suggest that this political uncertainty and failure to achieve military objectives are deepening frustration among Israeli citizens.

Bangladesh Bank has eased the conditions for appointing senior officials from one bank to another. According to a circular issued on Wednesday, bankers can now join higher positions in other banks without passing the Banking Professional Examination. Previously, passing this exam was mandatory for such appointments.

The central bank stated that a banker holding a senior officer rank with at least 15 years of experience can now be appointed to a higher position in another bank even without the exam qualification. The decision aims to enhance the development of skilled human resources in the banking sector.

Earlier, in January of the previous year, Bangladesh Bank had made passing the Banking Professional Examination a requirement for inter-bank senior-level appointments. The new relaxation marks a reversal of that policy to facilitate greater mobility and talent utilization within the sector.

Dhaka District Civil Surgeon Dr. Md. Zillur Rahman has said that despite the rise in Bangladesh’s average life expectancy, awareness about elderly nutrition remains low among families and individuals. He made the remarks on January 29 during a discussion on ‘Elderly Nutrition and Nutrition During Disasters’ marking the final day of National Nutrition Week 2026 in Dhaka. The weeklong campaign, held from April 23 to 29, aimed to raise public awareness through various programs organized by the Civil Surgeon’s Office.

Dr. Rahman noted that the country’s average life expectancy has reached around 74 years, with elderly people now comprising about 10 percent of the population, projected to reach 20–21 percent by 2040–2050. He expressed concern that families often neglect the nutritional needs of older members, leading to health complications. He advised maintaining healthy eating habits, fostering social relationships, and ensuring intergenerational care to prevent isolation in old age.

The Civil Surgeon emphasized that improving nutrition requires joint efforts from families, educational and religious institutions, and the media. The office also conducted special programs for mothers, children, adolescents, orphans, and the elderly during the week.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh has issued a directive requiring prior approval from the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) before commercial banks can open letters of credit (LCs) for importing supplement products. The circular, also endorsed by the central bank, was announced following a government notification issued on Wednesday.

According to the official notice, under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 2023, registration or prior approval from the DGDA is mandatory for the production, import, export, sale, and distribution of dietary, herbal, nutritional, medical, or therapeutic supplements. Violating these provisions constitutes a punishable offense. The directive follows incidents where some importers brought in supplements without approval, leading customs authorities to halt clearance. Subsequent legal proceedings reached the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division, which allowed conditional clearance under the law.

To ensure public safety and proper enforcement, the DGDA has requested that no LC or telegraphic transfer be opened for supplement imports without valid registration or prior authorization.