The big-budget biopic 'Michael', based on the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, has stormed the box office despite negative reviews and a complex production process. Released in North America, the film earned 97 million dollars in its first week and 217 million dollars worldwide, setting a new record for the highest-grossing biopic opening in history. Starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, the film grossed 120.4 million dollars internationally, surpassing the opening records of 'Oppenheimer' (2023) and 'Bohemian Rhapsody' (2018).

Critics have accused the film of downplaying controversial aspects of Jackson’s life, reflected in a 38% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences gave it a 97% rating. The production faced legal and creative hurdles, including reshooting scenes related to the Jordan Chandler case at a cost of about 50 million dollars, limiting the story to events before 1988. Despite family opposition and legal restrictions, the film’s success has prompted producers to consider sequels.

The film, produced by Lionsgate and distributed internationally by Universal, is yet to release in Japan, where Jackson has a large fan base. Its release there is scheduled for June.

Five suspects have been arrested by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in connection with the murder of customs officer Bullet Bairagi, whose body was recovered near the Kotbari Irish Hotel in Comilla. The detainees are also accused in a railway robbery case, and four of them are believed to be directly involved in the killing. The arrests were confirmed by RAB-11 officials on Monday.

According to the information provided, Bairagi boarded a CNG-run autorickshaw at Padua Bazar on Friday night after getting off a bus on his way home. The robbers had been waiting in the vehicle and targeted him in a planned attack. His body was found the next morning about two kilometers from Padua Bazar, near the Irish Hotel area of Kotbari.

Bairagi had recently attended the 44th basic training in Chattogram and was returning to Dhaka after completing it. His last phone contact with family occurred around 1:25 a.m. when he said he was near Tomchom Bridge in Comilla, after which communication was lost.

The Supreme Court’s Appellate Division chamber court has stayed the bail of Ehteshamul Haque, also known as Bhola, one of the accused in the murder case of former police superintendent Babul Akhter’s wife, Mahmuda Khanam Mitu. The order was issued on Monday. Bhola had been arrested on January 21 from in front of Media Tower in the Kalpolok residential area of Chattogram by Bakalia police.

Ehteshamul Haque, identified as a listed criminal, faces multiple cases including murder, arms, and extortion charges. He was also shown arrested in the case of nursing college teacher Anjali Rani Devi, who was hacked to death in 2015 in Chattogram’s Panchlaish area. Mahmuda Khanam Mitu was murdered on June 5, 2016, near GEC intersection while taking her son to school. Following the incident, Babul Akhter filed a case against three unidentified persons.

The investigation was later transferred from the Chattogram Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch to the Police Bureau of Investigation. In 2021, Mitu’s father filed another case naming Babul Akhter as the prime accused. Allegations of political influence and controversy surrounded the investigation process during the previous Awami League government.

Two dismissed officials of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro have been on a hunger strike for three consecutive days at the base of the Raju Memorial Sculpture on the Dhaka University campus. They allege that they were terminated for protesting financial irregularities and corruption within the organization. The protesters, former Assistant Director of the Mobile Library Project Toukir Ahmed and former officer Mohammad Erfanul Haque, began their strike on April 25 and are demanding reinstatement and an impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities.

According to the protesters, the government-funded Mobile Library Project has long suffered from mismanagement, including halted library vehicles, irregular book purchases, and inadequate reader services. They also claim that provident fund payments were mishandled, half salaries were paid for six months in 2023 despite full government funding, and readers’ refundable deposits were locked in fixed deposits. They further allege misuse of project funds and fake vouchers.

The dismissed employees have vowed to continue their hunger strike until their demands for reinstatement and financial transparency are met. Reports also suggest that 65 to 70 of about 180 project staff were recently dismissed, with new appointments made simultaneously.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of ministers and some members of parliament during a parliamentary session on Monday, emphasizing that no matter is more important than attending the session. He noted that MPs raise issues from their constituencies that ministers should hear. Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni responded that the absent ministers were accompanying the Prime Minister on an important state visit.

The Speaker also pointed out that several MPs scheduled to speak on the motion of thanks for the President’s address were either absent or unprepared. Chief Whip Moni explained that many MPs prefer to deliver their speeches in the presence of the Prime Minister, describing her as the “life of Parliament.” He assured that efforts would be made to convey MPs’ remarks to her.

During the discussion, opposition members supported the Speaker’s call for ministers to attend sessions regularly. The Speaker reiterated that attending parliamentary sessions is of utmost importance, as MPs often raise critical issues such as health and infrastructure conditions in their constituencies.

Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Ataur Rahman, representing Narail‑2, sharply criticized the President during a parliamentary discussion on the thank‑you motion for the President’s speech on Monday. He remarked that the President’s backbone was either too stiff or bent, implying a lack of independence. Rahman also condemned ruling party MPs for thanking the President, suggesting their praise was misplaced.

He argued that the President had previously legitimized fascist activities and the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, saying that offering thanks to such a figure would cause her spirit deep pain. Rahman urged his colleagues to speak with accountability. Referring to a past comment by late MP Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, he reiterated doubts about the President’s autonomy, citing an incident where the Home Minister claimed the President was forced to approve an order against his will.

Rahman concluded that the President’s actions and speeches lacked credibility, asserting that a leader who changes stance with shifting power cannot be genuinely thanked.

A Dhaka court on Monday, April 27, 2026, cancelled the bail of former Chhatra League leader Lavlu Mollah Shishir, who is accused in a case over an attack on Begum Khaleda Zia’s motorcade. The decision came a day after another Dhaka court had granted him bail on April 26. Shishir, a former president of Masterda Surya Sen Hall Chhatra League and deputy registrar of Dhaka University, had been arrested in connection with the case filed at Shahbagh Police Station.

According to the case, on April 22, 2015, during an election campaign at Banglamotor Signal in Shahbagh, the accused allegedly attacked Khaleda Zia’s motorcade with weapons intending to kill her. The attack resulted in damage to 12 to 14 vehicles and the burning of four motorcycles, while her security personnel were injured. The case was filed on November 23, 2024, at Shahbagh Police Station.

The court’s latest order reverses the earlier bail decision, keeping the accused in custody as the legal proceedings continue.

Retired Lieutenant General Masud Uddin Chowdhury denied allegations that he was involved in torturing Tarique Rahman during the 2007 'One-Eleven' period. The claim surfaced during a remand hearing in the Mirpur-based Delwar Hossain murder case at Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Monirul Islam’s court on Monday, April 27, 2026. The prosecution alleged that Masud was among those who physically assaulted Rahman, but the accused rejected the charge as completely false.

The hearing also addressed the prosecution’s request for a seven-day remand, arguing that Masud was a key figure during the 1/11 events and that further interrogation was necessary. Defense lawyer Touhidul Islam Sajib opposed the request, citing Masud’s health issues and previous remand periods totaling eight days without clear investigative progress. After hearing both sides, the court granted a three-day remand.

Masud was arrested on March 23 from Baridhara DOHS and has since been shown arrested in multiple cases, including those related to embezzlement and human trafficking, before being placed on successive remands.

Three farmers were killed and three others injured by lightning strikes in Sunamganj district on Monday afternoon, April 27, 2026. The incidents occurred in Sadar and Jamalganj upazilas during a nor'wester storm. The deceased were identified as Jamir Uddin, 46, of Abdullahpur village in Mollapara Union; Jamir Hossain, 40, of Baitakhali village in Gaurarang Union; and Abu Salek, 20, of Rupabali village in Jamalganj upazila.

According to local sources, Jamir Uddin was harvesting paddy in a haor when lightning struck, killing him instantly. Jamir Hossain was heading to open his shop near the Baitakhali river ghat when he was struck and later died at the hospital. Abu Salek was bringing cattle from a field when he was hit by lightning and declared dead after being taken to Sunamganj Sadar Hospital.

A doctor at Sunamganj Sadar Hospital confirmed three deaths from lightning between noon and afternoon. Police said they were verifying details of the incidents.

Authorities have tightened security at all airports across Bangladesh, including Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, following intelligence warnings of possible militant attacks on key installations. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) issued a high alert after receiving a directive from the Police Headquarters. Enhanced surveillance has been implemented at critical airport facilities, with additional uniformed and plainclothes security personnel deployed. Passenger and baggage checks have been intensified at both arrival and departure areas.

A senior CAAB official stated that no specific threat has been identified so far, but the measures were taken as a precaution. The official added that such security steps are routine but have been reinforced in the current situation. Airports without night flights have also been instructed to strengthen nighttime security, and strict orders were given to ensure thorough inspections at all entry points.

The alert follows a police intelligence notice issued on April 23 warning of potential attacks on important government and state facilities across the country.

Police in Dhaka arrested a total of 86 people in separate operations conducted across the capital. The Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (Motijheel Division) detained 58 drug addicts during a block raid near the TT Para railway area under Mugda Police Station. Additionally, Hazaribagh Police arrested 28 individuals accused of involvement in various crimes. The arrests took place on Sunday afternoon, April 26, 2026, and were confirmed by Deputy Police Commissioner N M Nasir Uddin, spokesperson for the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

After being presented before the Special Metropolitan Magistrate Court, the detainees received short-term sentences and were sent to prison. The Hazaribagh operation was carried out from Sunday night to Monday morning in crime-prone areas under the station’s jurisdiction. According to DMP sources, such operations will continue to maintain law and order in the capital.

The police emphasized that these drives are part of ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and curb criminal activities in Dhaka.

Iran is seeking military and diplomatic assistance from Russia, according to an interview with Tehran University associate professor Foad Izadi published by Al Jazeera. The report states that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Russia for meetings with President Vladimir Putin and other senior leaders.

Izadi told Al Jazeera that Iran’s air defense system is not at the desired level, and the country hopes Russia can help strengthen it. He also emphasized that Russia’s political backing as a permanent member of the UN Security Council is vital for Iran. Izadi noted that Russia recently vetoed a Bahrain–United States proposal, which reinforced Tehran’s interest in maintaining Moscow’s support in international forums.

The report highlights that Iran–Russia military cooperation is longstanding, dating back to the period following Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, when Tehran began viewing Moscow as a key partner in military technology.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the government will identify and correct existing errors in the Family Card project to ensure its effective implementation. Speaking to reporters after a committee meeting on the program at the Secretariat on Monday, he said the initiative aims to deliver benefits to the rightful recipients. The meeting was attended by Social Welfare Minister A Z M Zahid Hossain and Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir.

The minister explained that the project began on a pilot basis, during which some minor issues were detected. More than 37,000 cards have been distributed so far, and the authorities are reviewing whether any genuine beneficiaries were excluded or wrongly listed. He emphasized that the government will allocate sufficient funds in the upcoming budget to ensure the program continues without financial obstacles.

Chowdhury described the Family Card as not only a social protection initiative but also a humanitarian effort aimed at empowering women, supporting rural communities, and improving access to services for disadvantaged groups, with potential positive effects on the broader economy.

A Dhaka court has placed former Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) director Lieutenant Colonel (dismissed) Md Afzal Naser on a two-day remand in the Mahmudul Hasan murder case. The order was issued on Monday, April 27, 2026, by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Zakir Hossain. The prosecution confirmed the decision. Naser had earlier been remanded for four days on April 23 and was produced before the court after that period ended. The investigating officer from Uttara East Police Station sought a seven-day remand for further interrogation.

According to the remand petition, violent activities were allegedly carried out under Naser’s direction and funding during the anti-discrimination student movement. Investigators stated that further questioning was necessary to uncover the main motives and ensure a fair investigation. The case stems from the August 5, 2024, shooting of Mahmudul Hasan during a student rally in Uttara, where he was fatally hit by bullets allegedly fired by Naser and others.

Police previously arrested Naser on March 30, 2026, from his residence in Mirpur DOHS. He has since been remanded multiple times in separate murder cases filed with Mirpur and Paltan police stations, totaling 28 days of remand so far.

A man identified as Md. Alo, aged 33, fled after chanting political slogans through a loudspeaker in front of the locked district Awami League office in Maijdee, Noakhali, on Monday morning. Police arrived at the scene and seized two microphones and an amplifier used in the incident.

According to local sources, the man arrived in a CNG-run auto-rickshaw and began shouting slogans such as “Sheikh Hasina will come, Bangladesh will smile” and “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.” When police reached the spot, he quickly escaped in the same vehicle. The office had been closed and locked at the time of the incident.

Sudharam Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Touhidul Islam said the youth appeared to have mental health issues. Authorities are investigating the matter and will take legal action after reviewing the situation.