Indian officials have proposed a controversial plan to release crocodiles and venomous snakes along riverine stretches of the India-Bangladesh border. The initiative aims to use these animals as natural deterrents in areas where fencing is difficult, to curb illegal migration and smuggling. A March 26 internal notice instructed Border Security Force (BSF) units to assess the feasibility of deploying reptiles in risky river gaps across eastern and northeastern sectors.

The 4,096-kilometer border includes challenging terrain where fencing is incomplete. Human rights activists and wildlife conservationists have expressed alarm over the plan’s potential humanitarian and ecological consequences. Analysts such as Anshuman Choudhury described the idea as cruel and irrational, arguing that animals cannot distinguish between nationals and migrants and warning of a new form of biopolitical violence. Wildlife expert Rathin Barman cautioned that crocodiles are not native to most border regions and would likely die quickly, disrupting local ecosystems.

Observers linked the move to India’s broader immigration policies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, which critics say target undocumented migrants and religious minorities. The plan has raised ethical and environmental concerns on both sides of the border.

A farmer named Nurjamal, aged 54, died after being struck by lightning in Amtali upazila of Barguna district. The incident occurred on Wednesday around 4 p.m. when he went to catch fish in a canal near his house in Pujakhola village during rainfall. He died on the spot due to the lightning strike.

Following the incident, Amtali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Muhammad Zafar Arif Chowdhury visited the victim’s home and provided the family with a financial grant of twenty-five thousand taka. The report did not mention any further details about the family or additional official statements.

The event highlights the recurring risk of lightning strikes in rural areas during seasonal rains, prompting local authorities to extend immediate support to affected families.

The Hong Kong-flagged vessel 'Kwai Chi' has arrived in the waters of Chattogram Port carrying 26,500 tons of octane. The ship reached the outer anchorage late Wednesday night. Earlier, two other vessels—'MT Central Star' on April 8 with 26,000 tons and 'MT Navy Cielo' on April 17 with 27,000 tons of octane—had completed unloading and departed.

According to Chattogram Port Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim, a total of 14 fuel-carrying ships are currently within the port’s waters, five of which are loaded with diesel and octane. The unloading process is being coordinated with the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) on a priority basis. Port sources said that the Dolphin Jetty can accommodate three ships simultaneously for unloading, while larger vessels must offload through lightering at the outer anchorage.

However, rough sea conditions over the past few days have disrupted unloading operations at the outer anchorage, slowing down the process temporarily.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has blamed the United States and Israel for the ongoing tension and blockade situation in the Strait of Hormuz. In a message broadcast by state media on National Persian Gulf Day, he reiterated his stance on keeping what he called “hostile countries” away from this vital waterway, describing the strait as a “symbol of resistance” for the Iranian nation.

Pezeshkian asserted that any insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz would be the responsibility of the United States and Israel, which he referred to as the “Zionist regime.” The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil transport routes, and analysts believe such political statements could further heighten tensions in the Middle East.

The remarks come amid a period of regional volatility, with the strait’s stability remaining a key concern for global energy security, according to the report.

A new film based on the life of global pop icon Michael Jackson has cast his nephew Jafaar Jackson in the lead role, raising questions among fans about why the singer’s own sons were not chosen. The mystery was clarified in a recent interview, revealing that Michael’s sons, Prince and Bigi, prefer to remain behind the camera rather than in front of it.

Prince has stated that he does not consider himself skilled enough in singing or dancing to play his father, focusing instead on social work. Bigi, meanwhile, is more interested in directing and producing than acting. Jafaar, the son of Michael’s brother Jermaine Jackson, has trained in music and dance since childhood and reportedly shares a striking resemblance to Michael’s voice and movements.

According to the film’s director, Jafaar’s natural ability and years of preparation made him the best choice to capture Michael’s iconic dance and vocal style. He trained intensively for several years and even kept the casting decision secret from his family for nearly a year.

Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam told Parliament that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has turned the July Charter into a document of endless deception. Speaking during the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address on Thursday afternoon, he said BNP had corrupted the charter by turning it into a party manifesto and called for the immediate formation of a constitutional reform council. He added that the opposition would not act against the government’s prescribed course.

Nahid Islam also questioned in Parliament why no case had been filed over the assault on members of the Dhaka University Journalists’ Association, allegedly by activists of the BNP’s student wing. He demanded an explanation from the Home Minister, noting that two elected representatives of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union were attacked inside a police station. He emphasized the association’s role in democratic movements within the university and the country.

He further stated that the Liberation War remains the foundation of the nation and that disputes over it should end so the country can move forward beyond divisive politics.

In Sunamganj, flash floods and continuous rainfall have submerged vast areas of Boro paddy fields, leaving farmers struggling to harvest their crops. Water levels in the haor region have risen sharply, with the Surma River flowing 150 centimeters below the danger level. Farmers are cutting paddy in waist-deep water, but the harvested grains are rotting in the yards due to persistent rain. Many fields remain underwater, and the lack of workers and transport routes has worsened the crisis.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, 223,511 hectares of Boro paddy were cultivated this season, targeting 1.4 million metric tons valued at about Tk 5,000 crore. So far, 50 percent of the crops have been harvested, and 2,047 hectares have been damaged by waterlogging. Officials have advised farmers to harvest ripe paddy quickly. The Water Development Board warned that embankments could be at risk due to continuous rainfall and hill runoff.

The district administration extended the closure of all sand quarries until May 5 to address the labor shortage in the haor areas, aiming to facilitate timely harvesting.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has formally framed charges against former food minister Kamrul Islam and Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon in connection with killings during the July uprising. The three-member panel, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder, issued the order on Thursday and set June 9 for opening statements and the first witness testimony.

Earlier, on March 11, defense counsel Monsurul Haque Chowdhury sought acquittal, arguing that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence linking the accused to any killings. Chief Prosecutor Aminul opposed the plea, asserting that the charges were based on credible evidence and that the prosecution would prove the crimes during trial. The tribunal had reserved its order for April 30 after hearing both sides.

According to the prosecution, Kamrul and Menon allegedly incited violence and authorized the use of lethal force against unarmed protesters to sustain Sheikh Hasina’s government. Both men were arrested in 2024 and have remained in custody since then.

Argentine goalkeeper Esteban Andrada has been handed a 13-match suspension following a violent incident during the Aragonese derby between Real Zaragoza and Huesca in Spain’s second division. The altercation occurred late in Sunday’s match when Andrada pushed Huesca defender Jorge Pulido near the touchline, earning a second yellow card and a dismissal. As he left the field, Andrada ran back and punched Pulido, sparking a brawl involving players and staff from both teams.

Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jiménez retaliated by striking Andrada on the back of the head, and both he and Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende were also shown red cards. Huesca went on to win the match 1–0, a crucial result in the relegation battle between the two struggling sides.

The Spanish Football Federation described Andrada’s actions as serious misconduct, imposing a one-match ban for the red card and an additional 12 matches for the punch, along with financial penalties for both the player and his club. Andrada later apologized, expressing regret for his behavior and vowing not to repeat such actions.

Three police officers from Gazipur Metropolitan’s Konabari area have been withdrawn following allegations of abducting, assaulting, and extorting money from a businessman. The officers—ASI Azizul Haque, constables Nazmul Hossain, and Mamun Hossain—were attached to the police lines after the complaint. The alleged incident occurred on Monday night when businessman Delwar Hossain was forcibly taken from the Baimaile area, beaten, and threatened with a false drug case before being robbed of 28,400 taka.

According to the written complaint, another youth named Sifat was also detained and intimidated for having an online gambling app on his phone. Police allegedly took additional money from Delwar’s mobile account and later returned only a small portion. Delwar filed a formal complaint the next day seeking investigation and recovery of the extorted funds. ASI Azizul Haque denied all allegations, while Sifat confirmed the incident but declined to elaborate.

Assistant Police Commissioner Abu Naser Al-Amin stated that the accused officers were withdrawn pending investigation and that further legal action would follow based on the findings.

Former minister Kamrul Islam appeared at the tribunal two hours late on Thursday after initially refusing to attend a hearing in a war crimes case linked to the July uprising. He was brought from PG Hospital under prosecution orders after declining to leave due to illness. The incident occurred on the day the tribunal was scheduled to announce its decision on framing charges against Kamrul Islam and Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon.

According to the source, Kamrul, an Awami League presidium member, had been receiving treatment at the hospital. When prison authorities informed the tribunal registrar and chief prosecutor about his refusal, the explanation was deemed unacceptable, prompting an oral directive to ensure his presence. The three-member bench of Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, was set to deliver the order on charge framing.

Earlier, on March 11, the defense sought acquittal, arguing that the prosecution had failed to present strong evidence or prove involvement in killings. The prosecution, however, claimed the two accused incited actions that led to violence and deaths of 23 people in Badda and nearby areas.

Iran celebrated its annual National Persian Gulf Day at the end of April, commemorating the 1622 expulsion of Portuguese forces from the Strait of Hormuz. This year’s observance carried special significance due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, including an unstable truce with the United States and continued blockades in the Strait of Hormuz.

The celebration began at Tehran’s Tabiat Bridge, where around 10,000 people joined a “sports gathering,” according to state media. Iran’s deputy minister for sports development told the Mehr News Agency that the current situation required strengthening social stability and resilience by harnessing the people’s high morale.

Amid political and military strain, this year’s Persian Gulf Day was viewed not only as a historical commemoration but also as a demonstration of national unity and resistance within Iran.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the current government neither uses nor intends to use religion for political purposes. He emphasized that while religion belongs to individuals, security and equal rights belong to all citizens. Speaking on Thursday morning at a reception marking Buddha Purnima at the Cabinet Division’s conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat, he reiterated the government’s policy of ensuring equality for all, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or belief.

The event was attended by several ministers and officials, including the home minister, the religious affairs minister, and the state minister for the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Representatives of the Buddhist community presented the prime minister with a crest and a symbolic Buddha image. Rahman highlighted that all religions promote welfare and that the moral principles of Buddhism—non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion—are universal values essential for building a humane society.

He added that the government is committed to creating a state where every citizen can freely practice their faith and live in peace and security. Rahman reaffirmed that Bangladesh’s political philosophy of “Bangladeshi nationalism” ensures coexistence among all communities.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Textiles Khandaker Abdul Muktadir met with Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Møller on Thursday morning at the Secretariat in Dhaka. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Denmark. The minister urged greater Danish investment, highlighting Bangladesh’s investor-friendly environment, skilled workforce, large market, and strategic location. He emphasized ongoing government efforts to improve infrastructure, logistics, and business facilitation to attract foreign investors.

Muktadir invited Danish investors to explore opportunities in renewable energy, infrastructure, and industrial sectors, expressing optimism for deeper future economic collaboration. Ambassador Møller congratulated Bangladesh’s new government and described the bilateral relationship as a successful transition from development cooperation to business partnership. He noted that Danish companies, including Marks-Bangladesh, are operating successfully and investing in renewable energy and other sectors. The ambassador reaffirmed Denmark’s support for Bangladesh’s economic and democratic reforms and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the livestock sector and developing a dairy value chain.

Commerce Ministry Secretary (routine duty) Md. Abdur Rahim Khan also attended the meeting.

A powerful storm struck Dhanbari upazila in Tangail, causing extensive damage to trees, houses, and standing crops. The storm, which hit on Sunday during the Kalbaishakhi season, left large areas waterlogged, submerging low-lying paddy fields and disrupting daily life. Several unions and municipal areas, including Bajitpur Shyamlarchar, Kathaliabari, and Balasuti, reported fallen trees and damaged homes.

Residents said the storm snapped power lines after trees fell on electric poles, leaving areas like Shyamlarchar without electricity for three days. Farmers reported that boro paddy fields were submerged, and many plants had fallen due to heavy rain and wind. They expressed concern that continued bad weather could destroy their crops before harvest and urged government assistance. One farmer noted that high cultivation costs and earlier droughts had already strained them.

According to the Dhanbari agriculture officer, boro paddy was cultivated on 10,300 hectares this season, and harvesting had begun. He said that if weather conditions improve, farmers will be able to resume harvesting soon. Power department officials confirmed that repair work is ongoing to restore electricity.