Three members of a family were killed when a large tree fell on their house during a storm in Melandah upazila of Jamalpur early Monday. The victims were identified as Khuki Begum, 65, and her daughters Farida Akter, 40, and Fate Akter, 37, all residents of Purbadagi area under Nayanagar Union. The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. when strong winds uprooted a mahogany tree that crashed onto their tin-roofed house while they were asleep.

According to local and fire service sources, the storm struck suddenly during the night, causing the tree to collapse on the house. Due to darkness and heavy winds, rescue operations could not begin immediately. In the morning, police and fire service personnel, assisted by locals, recovered the bodies from under the debris.

The tragedy cast a pall of grief over the Purbadagi area. Melandah Upazila Nirbahi Officer Jinnatul Ara said the administration took necessary measures at the site and would provide assistance to the bereaved family.

Recent research cited by Amar Desh Online on April 27, 2026, indicates that smoking poses greater health risks for women than for men. The report highlights that while smoking rates among men have slightly declined, the habit is increasing among women, leading to heightened concerns about its long-term effects on female health and fertility.

According to the findings, women who smoke face a higher likelihood of developing lung cancer compared to men and non-smokers. Smoking also negatively affects skin, teeth, and gums, accelerates aging, and contributes to anxiety, depression, and reduced bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. The most alarming impact is on reproductive health, as smoking can reduce fertility and raise the chances of miscarriage, premature birth, and stillbirth.

The article urges women to reconsider smoking habits, emphasizing that it is not a symbol of modernity or sophistication but a destructive addiction that undermines physical and mental well-being. It calls for awareness and lifestyle changes to protect health and motherhood.

US President Donald Trump has said that the war with Iran will end very soon. In an interview with Fox News, he stated that the United States will emerge as the victor in the conflict. Trump added that if Iran wishes to engage in discussions, it can contact the United States directly. He emphasized that any future talks will take place over the phone.

Iran has refused to enter into direct negotiations with Washington. Against this backdrop, Trump reiterated that the US remains open to communication if Tehran decides to reach out. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has traveled to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also expected to attend the meeting.

According to the report, Iran is seeking military and diplomatic support from Russia, while Putin has pledged to do everything possible to ensure peace in the Middle East.

A severe traffic jam stretching about eight kilometers formed on the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway in Cumilla Cantonment area on Monday morning. The congestion occurred on the Chattogram-bound lane after a covered van broke down near Kabirla Eastern Medical College and ongoing road repair work slowed vehicle movement. As the day progressed, the line of vehicles continued to grow longer.

Passengers stranded in the jam reported being stuck for over an hour, with buses unable to move forward between Nimsar and the Cantonment area. The situation caused significant delays for commuters traveling toward Chattogram.

According to Moynamoti Highway Police Station officer-in-charge Abdul Momin, efforts were underway to remove the broken-down van using a wrecker from Eliotganj to ease the traffic situation.

Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Mufti Amir Hamza, representing Kushtia-3 constituency, has filed a petition with the High Court seeking anticipatory bail in a defamation case. The hearing on his petition may take place on Monday before a bench led by Justice Zahid Sarwar Kajol. The case stems from allegations that Hamza made defamatory remarks about State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku.

On April 21, a Sirajganj court issued an arrest warrant against Amir Hamza after he failed to appear despite being summoned earlier. The case was filed on April 2 by Humayun Kabir, Additional Public Prosecutor of Sirajganj District and General Secretary of the District Bar Association. He accused Hamza of calling Iqbal Hasan Mahmud an atheist and making offensive comments about Islam.

The allegations arose from a March 26 speech by Iqbal Hasan Mahmud honoring the 1971 Liberation War and freedom fighters, which Hamza later criticized during a sermon at a mosque in Kushtia.

U.S. President Donald Trump praised the Secret Service after being swiftly evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., following a shooting near a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Trump and his administration officials were the likely targets. Police arrested 31-year-old suspect Cole Thomas Allen, who was found with firearms and knives. The FBI’s criminal and counterterrorism units are investigating the incident.

According to U.S. media, Allen had a history of anti-Trump posts and allegedly sent a manifesto to family members before the attack. The White House described the event as a “survived assassination attempt.” Trump later told reporters he was reluctant to leave the stage and called his security team “tremendous.” The White House Correspondents’ Association president called the event “horrific” and credited the Secret Service for saving thousands of guests.

Trump used the incident to renew his call for constructing a secure ballroom at the White House, claiming it could have prevented the attack. He also thanked journalists for responsible reporting and urged peaceful resolution of differences.

A confrontation erupted at Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) on April 27, 2026, when students affiliated with the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and general students faced off in front of Zia Hall. The clash followed a protest march triggered by tensions over wall writings opposing covert political activities on campus, which has officially banned politics since August 10, 2024.

The dispute began after wall writings appeared on April 23 criticizing secret political activities under the name of the nationalist student group. The next day, general students wrote slogans against both covert and open politics and hung a banner near the central library, which was later allegedly burned by Chhatra Dal supporters. The incident spread on social media, sparking anger among students.

University officials, including the deputy and assistant directors of the student welfare office, arrived at the scene to monitor the situation. Following the protest, students surrounded the administrative building, demanding strict enforcement of the campus ban on politics. The campus remains tense and anxious following the confrontation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in St. Petersburg on Monday to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to reporters upon arrival, Araghchi said his visit aims to continue close consultations between Tehran and Moscow on regional and international issues. He confirmed that the meeting with Putin will focus on the current war situation and provide an opportunity to review the latest developments.

Araghchi expressed confidence that the discussions and coordination between the two countries would be particularly significant. According to the report, key decisions may emerge regarding diplomatic progress, possible solutions, and future steps to end the ongoing war with the United States and Israel. Before traveling to Russia, Araghchi had visited Islamabad, where he presented a framework for a permanent end to the Iran war to Pakistan’s top leadership.

The talks in St. Petersburg are expected to reinforce Iran-Russia cooperation on regional stability and diplomatic efforts related to the conflict.

The United States has directed 38 ships to return or change course as part of a naval blockade on Iran. The announcement was made by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) through a post on social media platform X, stating that the move is part of ongoing operations restricting maritime access to Iranian ports.

CENTCOM explained that the blockade aims to limit Iran’s maritime movements, preventing vessels from entering or leaving Iranian waters. The command confirmed that US forces continue to enforce maritime restrictions around Iran’s ports as part of broader efforts to maintain control over regional sea routes.

The report, citing Middle East Eye, did not specify the duration of the blockade or the types of ships affected, leaving the broader implications for regional trade and security unclear.

Russia’s envoy to international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, stated that the United States should abandon its approach of issuing ultimatums and threats if it wants to advance peace talks with Iran. He made the remarks on social media platform X, emphasizing that Washington’s reliance on military pressure and sanctions to drive negotiations would not succeed with Tehran.

According to Ulyanov, the best way forward for the United States in the current situation is to stop using blackmail, ultimatums, and deadlines. His comments come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Iran, Russia, and Western powers to stabilize the Middle East and address tensions surrounding Iran’s international relations.

The statement reflects Moscow’s position that coercive tactics are counterproductive in dealing with Iran and that dialogue should be based on mutual respect rather than threats or pressure.

Chelsea secured a 1-0 victory over Leeds United in the FA Cup semifinal, ending a long spell of frustration for the London club. The decisive goal came from captain Enzo, who scored with a header in the 23rd minute. This win marked Chelsea’s first match under interim coach Callum MacFarlane, following the dismissal of head coach Liam Rosenior just four days earlier due to poor form.

Leeds began the match aggressively, with Anno Tanaka’s free kick narrowly missing and Brenden Aaronson’s shot being saved by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Chelsea also created chances, including a shot from Joao Pedro that hit the post before Enzo converted Pedro Neto’s cross. The Argentine midfielder’s goal was his 13th of the season across all competitions.

Despite further opportunities for both sides, no additional goals were scored. Chelsea held their lead to book a place in the FA Cup final, where they will face Manchester City in what is expected to be a challenging contest.

In Kurigram’s Rajarhat upazila, clashes broke out on Sunday, April 26, 2026, following an attack on two Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders allegedly by activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal. Later that evening, BNP and Chhatra Dal members reportedly attacked the local Jamaat office, injuring six people including one Shibir activist. The violence began after disputes over wall writings and social media posts led to assaults and counter-chases between the rival groups.

Witnesses said Shibir’s upazila president Sujon Mia and district school division treasurer Mahin Mia were attacked, leaving Sujon hospitalized. As tensions escalated, both sides engaged in repeated chases. Jamaat and Shibir members later held a protest march, while BNP and Chhatra Dal organized a counter rally that turned violent near the Jamaat office. Stones were thrown, injuring several, including Shibir activist Habibur Rahman.

Local leaders from both Jamaat and BNP blamed each other for the unrest. Police confirmed stone-throwing from both sides but said the situation was now under control.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Saint Petersburg, Russia, to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will also join the meeting, according to the report published on April 27, 2026. Araghchi’s flight carried the callsign ‘Minab 168,’ named in memory of children killed in a February 28 attack in Minab city.

Sources indicated that the discussions will focus on Iran’s ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, as well as diplomatic efforts to end the hostilities. The meeting is expected to include detailed exchanges on diplomatic progress, possible solutions, and future steps toward de-escalation.

The report also noted that Araghchi has visited several countries within the past 24 hours, signaling an active phase of diplomatic engagement by Iran amid heightened regional tensions.

An opinion piece published on April 27, 2026, argues that Bangladesh must significantly increase its education budget to strengthen the nation’s intellectual foundation. The article notes that while visible infrastructure projects such as bridges and metro rails are expanding, the country’s “invisible infrastructure” of knowledge and human capital remains underfunded. UNESCO and the International Labour Organization recommend allocating 4–6 percent of GDP or 15–20 percent of the national budget to education, but Bangladesh’s spending has stagnated around 2 percent of GDP for over a decade.

The author highlights structural weaknesses in spending, with most funds directed toward buildings, furniture, and salaries rather than research, teacher training, or laboratory development. This imbalance, the article warns, undermines educational quality and contributes to brain drain. The piece also stresses that inadequate funding widens inequality between rich and poor students and between urban and rural schools.

It concludes that prioritizing education in upcoming budgets and long-term plans is essential for building a smart, self-reliant Bangladesh capable of meeting global challenges through skilled and creative human resources.

Iran has offered a new proposal to the United States aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and halting ongoing conflict. According to a report by US outlet Axios published on Sunday, Iran expressed readiness to reopen the strategic waterway but attached a key condition: the suspension of the next phase of nuclear negotiations. The report cited one US official and two additional sources familiar with the matter.

The development comes as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently visited Pakistan and Oman and is now heading to Russia. The timing of the condition’s disclosure coincides with these diplomatic visits, suggesting Tehran’s active engagement in regional diplomacy. The Axios report was also referenced by Reuters.

The proposal underscores Iran’s attempt to link regional stability with progress in nuclear diplomacy, though it remains unclear how Washington will respond to the condition or whether talks will proceed under the new terms.