A three-member UNESCO delegation led by Country Representative Susan Vize met with Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at the Parliament Secretariat on Wednesday. The meeting discussed cooperation on police training and reform, strengthening relations between police and media, safeguarding freedom of expression, and journalist training. Vize congratulated the minister on his new portfolio and outlined UNESCO’s ongoing projects related to police and journalist training.

During the meeting, Vize said UNESCO had already trained 700 police officers of SP and OC rank before the national election and planned to start new training by June, pending ministry approval. The minister welcomed the proposal and instructed relevant officials to expedite the process. He suggested including officers from police media units and holding sessions on Saturdays for convenience.

UNESCO is also preparing similar training programs for journalists. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to press freedom and accountability, emphasizing the importance of improving relations between police and journalists.

The OPEC Fund for International Development has announced a $1.5 billion aid package to support developing countries facing energy and trade disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran war. According to Reuters, the Vienna-based organization stated that the funds will be distributed in phases through 2028 to help nations manage rising economic pressures.

The OPEC Fund explained that the conflict has severely disrupted the supply of essential goods such as food, fuel, and fertilizer, driving prices sharply higher. The newly created demand-based fund aims to assist governments in covering increased costs and maintaining stable supply chains. The organization emphasized that the package will provide special protection to countries struggling with the negative global market impacts and trade stagnation resulting from the war.

The fund has previously extended financial assistance to developing nations during various global crises, continuing its role as an international development partner.

Government Whip and Lakshmipur-4 Member of Parliament ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizan expressed regret that he could not personally thank President Sahabuddin Chuppu. Speaking in the national parliament on Wednesday during the discussion on the motion of thanks for the President’s address, Nizan said he had promised the mothers of the July uprising martyrs to respect the President’s chair, but he could not extend personal thanks to the individual holding that position.

Recalling the July uprising in his home district, Nizan described how people’s anger led to the destruction of rooms in the parliament building and the removal of materials from Ganabhaban, emphasizing that it was not the work of political groups but of ordinary citizens expressing frustration. He also reflected on the ninth parliament, criticizing the language used in parliamentary debates and recalling how opposition leader Khaleda Zia was treated.

The remarks came as part of a broader parliamentary discussion on the President’s speech, highlighting both historical grievances and calls for respect toward state institutions.

Diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran have reached a deep stalemate, following failed mediation talks in Islamabad on April 13. Since then, the closure of the Hormuz Strait has disrupted global trade, causing severe shortages of fuel and fertilizer. The United States has imposed a strict naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, seizing or turning back Iran-linked vessels in the Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions, which Tehran has denounced as piracy. In retaliation, Iran has halted all maritime traffic through the Strait and seized several foreign commercial ships.

A new opportunity for diplomacy collapsed when US President Donald Trump announced that his delegation would not meet Iranian officials in Islamabad. At that time, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was in Oman before traveling to Russia, where he met President Vladimir Putin and praised Moscow’s steadfast support. Meanwhile, Washington said it is considering a new Iranian proposal to end the conflict and reopen the Strait, focusing on resolving the current crisis while suspending nuclear program talks.

Trump later claimed Iran was on the verge of collapse and urged Tehran to act wisely, asserting that Iran had requested the lifting of the US blockade on its ports.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced that Poland is ready to position itself as a key northern gateway for U.S. energy supplies to Central and Eastern Europe. Speaking at the Three Seas Initiative summit in Croatia on Tuesday, he said the country seeks to strengthen regional energy self-sufficiency while deepening ties with the United States, which he described as a strategic partner for Central Europe. Nawrocki also highlighted the participation of U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright at the summit as evidence of strong bilateral cooperation.

His remarks came amid domestic discussions following Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s recent comments questioning the U.S. stance on NATO’s collective defense commitments. Nawrocki indirectly addressed these concerns, emphasizing that the foundation of security in NATO’s eastern flank remains the United States and that its presence should be further reinforced.

He added that the Three Seas Initiative plays a vital role in regional economic stability and called for discussions on establishing a dedicated investment bank to support the initiative’s goals.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that Bangladesh will reduce lending interest rates to single digits to foster an investment-friendly environment. Speaking at the inauguration of the four-day Bangladesh International Textile, Knitting and Garment Industry Expo 2026 at ICCB in Dhaka, he said industries like textiles cannot sustain with current financing rates of 13–14 percent.

He highlighted that the textile and garment sector plays a vital role in economic growth through investment and employment but faces challenges from high interest rates and energy shortages. The minister detailed that the country’s gas demand is about 4,300 MMCFD, while domestic production ranges between 1,700 and 2,300 MMCFD, leaving a daily shortfall of 1,400–1,700 MMCFD even after LNG imports. To address this, new FSRU tenders will be issued soon. He also emphasized renewable energy expansion with a plan to generate 10,000 MW of solar power.

Muktadir added that business licensing and tax processes are being simplified to attract investors, reduce harassment, and expand the tax base through digital systems rather than raising tax rates.

Iran’s state media has claimed that 52 Iranian ships successfully reached their destinations within 72 hours despite a US-imposed naval blockade. Semi-official Fars News, citing satellite tracking data, reported that by 10 p.m. Monday local time, 31 oil tankers and 21 cargo vessels had crossed the blockade line. Additionally, 30 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz during this period, including six Iranian tankers and five cargo ships.

The United States, under President Donald Trump, had announced a strict naval blockade on Iranian ports starting April 13. Iran asserted that its vessels continued operations despite US surveillance and threats. Earlier, tanker-tracking firm Vortexa reported that at least 34 Iranian tankers had breached the blockade, delivering around 11 million barrels of oil.

According to Iranian sources, Tehran has tightened restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz in response to the blockade. The development follows months of conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel, with Pakistan mediating a temporary ceasefire extended on April 21.

More than half of Americans believe their financial situation is deteriorating, according to a Gallup survey released on Tuesday. The 2026 poll found that 55% of respondents said their finances had worsened, up from 53% in 2025 and 47% in 2024. Gallup described the current situation as historically poor, marking the fifth consecutive year that more Americans reported financial decline. A similar trend was last seen during the 2007–2009 global recession.

The survey also revealed that 62% of Americans are worried about having enough savings for retirement, while 60% fear they could not afford medical costs in case of serious illness or accident. Additionally, 54% expressed concern about investment returns and maintaining their standard of living. Nearly half are anxious about regular healthcare expenses, 41% about paying monthly bills, and 40% about higher education costs.

Gallup attributed these concerns mainly to inflation and rising costs of energy, housing, and healthcare. It added that college, transportation, and childcare expenses are also creating significant financial pressure for households.

Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie announced that the government plans to plant 2.5 billion trees over the next five years to protect coastal communities from natural disasters. The initiative aims to create a strong green belt along the coastline to mitigate the impacts of cyclones, tidal surges, and floods. The minister made the announcement while addressing a national seminar titled “If the Coast Survives, Bangladesh Survives,” organized by the Coastal Development Foundation at the National Press Club on Wednesday.

He said Bangladesh is among the six most disaster-prone regions in the world and recalled the devastating cyclone of April 29, 1991, which struck several coastal districts. The government also plans to construct sustainable embankments, establish sufficient cyclone shelters, and take coordinated measures for disaster management. Additionally, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government will revive the canal excavation program initiated by former President Ziaur Rahman, targeting 20,000 kilometers of rivers, canals, ponds, and reservoirs for excavation and re-excavation.

The seminar was chaired by Professor Dr. Mohammad Kamal Hossain, with several members of parliament from Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram attending as special guests.

Severe river erosion has struck Babuganj upazila in Barishal even before the monsoon season has fully begun, with the Sandhya, Sugandha, and Arial Khan rivers eroding rapidly. The erosion has placed homes, farmland, educational institutions, and key infrastructure at serious risk, with the century-old Babuganj market facing the greatest threat. Areas near the Barishal airport, Bakultala station, and parts of Dakshin Bhuterdiya are also in danger.

Local residents report that river erosion has been a persistent problem for decades, swallowing hundreds of acres of farmland and displacing families. Temporary measures by the Water Development Board, such as placing sand-filled geobags, have proven inadequate. Residents are demanding a permanent solution as more homes and institutions, including Char Sadhukathi Islamia Fazil Madrasa, face imminent danger.

Barishal-3 MP Zainul Abedin stated that preventing river erosion in Babuganj is his top priority, and a Tk 550-crore project proposal to protect Babuganj and Uzirpur is awaiting approval by the Planning Commission. Officials believe the project could safeguard Babuganj market and nearby critical areas from further destruction.

The United Arab Emirates has decided to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a move analysts describe as a major setback for Saudi Arabia and a political gain for U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision, set to take effect next month, marks a significant shift in Middle Eastern energy alliances.

According to the report, the UAE’s departure stems from long-standing policy differences with Saudi Arabia. While Riyadh favors production cuts to maintain high oil prices, Abu Dhabi prioritizes maximizing output and export volumes for greater profit. Energy analyst Arne Lohmann Rasmussen noted that the UAE focuses on production levels, whereas Saudi Arabia emphasizes price stability.

Analysts suggest the decision is driven more by political motives than economic ones. Ellen Wald of the Atlantic Council indicated that the UAE may be seeking to weaken OPEC, historically viewed as hostile by Trump, in exchange for U.S. security assurances against Iran. The exit of OPEC’s third-largest producer raises questions about the 65-year-old alliance’s future and signals intensifying regional competition between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced an increase in edible oil prices on Wednesday during a press conference at the ministry’s conference room. The price of bottled soybean oil has been raised by four taka per liter, from 195 to 199 taka, while loose soybean oil will now sell for 179 taka per liter, up from 175 taka.

The minister explained that the adjustment reflects global market conditions, as product prices at the source have risen worldwide. He expressed hope that consumers would understand the decision in light of the global situation and that the supply situation in the domestic market would become more stable as a result.

The announcement highlights the government’s effort to align domestic pricing with international cost pressures while maintaining supply stability in the edible oil market.

The ruling party has proposed forming a special parliamentary committee to amend the constitution, with Law Minister Asaduzzaman presenting the proposal in the National Parliament on Wednesday. The government side has prepared a list of 12 members, including representatives from BNP, other parties, and independents, and requested the opposition to nominate five members. The committee is intended to move forward with constitutional amendments in line with the July Charter once the opposition submits its names.

Opposition leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman expressed reluctance to immediately provide names, citing conceptual differences between reform and amendment. He said the opposition would discuss the matter internally before making a decision. The Deputy Speaker and the Law Minister both acknowledged the opposition’s stance, with the minister agreeing to wait until the next parliamentary session for the opposition’s response.

The Deputy Speaker concluded that the ruling party’s 12-member list is ready and that the committee formation will proceed after further discussion with the opposition.

British Ambassador to the United States Christian Turner stated that only Israel has a 'special relationship' with the U.S. He made the remark in February while speaking to a group of students about transatlantic relations. The comment was first reported by the Financial Times on Tuesday, just before King Charles III arrived at the White House for a state visit, at a time of heightened tensions over the Iran war. The UK Foreign Office clarified that Turner’s remarks were personal and informal, not reflective of the government’s official stance.

An audio recording of Turner’s meeting with sixth-form students in the U.S. revealed him saying that the phrase 'special relationship' feels nostalgic and outdated. He added that while the U.K. and U.S. share deep historical and security ties, the nature of their relationship is evolving. Turner noted that Europe cannot rely solely on the U.S. security umbrella and that the partnership must adapt to changing times.

Turner, a career diplomat, was appointed British ambassador to the U.S. in December of the previous year.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced that farmers affected by continuous rainfall and crop losses in the Haor region will receive three months of government assistance. He made the statement on Wednesday morning in response to a question from Sunamganj-5 Member of Parliament Kalim Uddin Ahmed during a parliamentary session.

Kalim Uddin drew the Prime Minister’s attention to the severe flooding in Sunamganj and surrounding Haor areas caused by heavy rain, noting that farmers were struggling to harvest their paddy. In reply, the Prime Minister thanked him and said that three days earlier he had instructed local administrations in three Haor districts to take precautionary measures based on weather forecasts.

Tarique Rahman described the farmers’ suffering as deeply painful and said he had already spoken with the Disaster Management Minister to identify affected farmers in the three Haor districts and parts of Mymensingh. He confirmed that these farmers would receive assistance for the next three months.