A 55-year-old farmer named Ahad Mia from Rampur village in Goalanagar Union, Nasirnagar upazila of Brahmanbaria, died after witnessing his ripe paddy fields submerged under water. According to family and locals, Ahad had cultivated six bighas of paddy during the Boro season with borrowed money. Heavy rainfall and upstream flooding caused his crops to go underwater. When he went to harvest the paddy with laborers, he collapsed upon seeing the damage and died on the way home.

Local union parishad member Ahmed Ali said the farmer could not bear the shock of losing all his crops. His nephew, Mohammad Faruk Ahmed, confirmed that the funeral and burial took place on Saturday afternoon. Upazila Agriculture Officer Imran Ahmed stated that an assistant agriculture officer was sent to the deceased’s home after receiving news of the incident. Nasirnagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shahina Nasrin said officials were preparing a list of affected farmers to bring them under government incentive programs.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman successfully completed his visit to Sylhet on Saturday, May 2, 2026, despite continuous rain that had disrupted the city’s festive atmosphere. He arrived at Sylhet Osmani Airport in the morning with his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and inaugurated several development projects, including the Surma Riverbank Development Project worth about Tk 4,635 crore. The project aims to enhance riverbank beauty, prevent flooding, and improve urban mobility and recreation.

During a civic gathering at Sylhet City Corporation, the Prime Minister announced plans to double the Dhaka–Sylhet railway line and expand the highway to ease travel. He emphasized sustainable water management through canal excavation and pledged to address waterlogging in Sylhet permanently. Rahman also revealed plans to recruit 100,000 health workers—80 percent women—to promote health awareness nationwide.

He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to implementing election promises, including reopening closed factories, activating the Sylhet IT Park, and supporting flood-affected farmers. The Prime Minister said these initiatives would create jobs, attract investment, and improve public health and infrastructure resilience.

China has announced counter-sanctions in response to US measures imposed on five Chinese companies accused of involvement in Iran’s oil trade. Beijing formally issued an injunction to block the US sanctions, which Washington said were aimed at firms violating its Iran-related restrictions. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce denounced the US move as an example of “long-arm jurisdiction.”

According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, the sanctioned companies include Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery, Shandong Jincheng Petrochemical Group, Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical, and Shandong Shengxing Chemical. The details of how Beijing’s injunction will be implemented have not yet been clarified.

Analysts cited in the report noted that this latest dispute over Iran could further complicate the already tense trade and diplomatic relations between Washington and Beijing.

Several low-lying areas of Chattogram were submerged again on Saturday afternoon after just 25 millimeters of rainfall, causing severe suffering for residents. The waterlogging affected key neighborhoods including Probortok, Mehedibagh, Panchlaish, and Katalganj, where water levels ranged from knee to waist height. The rain, recorded between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., was classified as moderate by the Patenga Meteorological Office.

This incident occurred only three days after authorities claimed that embankments blocking city canals had been removed to ease drainage. The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) and City Corporation had earlier stated that the army’s construction of retaining walls had temporarily obstructed water flow, leading to previous flooding. Despite the removal of 30 embankments, city officials admitted that sediment inside the canals had not yet been fully cleared, slowing water drainage.

According to the City Corporation, the remaining sediment caused temporary water stagnation in low-lying areas, but the water receded within a short time. Officials argued that the situation did not amount to full-scale waterlogging as seen in the previous week.

Saudi Arabia is confronting a severe challenge following the United Arab Emirates’ sudden withdrawal from OPEC, as the ongoing Iran war disrupts crude exports across the Persian Gulf. The conflict has prevented Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members from using their spare production capacity, worsening the supply crisis. Crown Prince and Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman now faces pressure to stabilize the market while managing internal divisions within the oil alliance.

The UAE, previously OPEC’s fourth-largest producer and second in spare capacity after Saudi Arabia, had long expressed dissatisfaction with its production quota. Analysts note that the country’s departure exposes deeper rifts within OPEC, especially as Saudi Arabia’s decision-making has shifted from consensus-driven diplomacy to more unilateral actions. The geopolitical rivalry between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, intensified by conflicts in Yemen, has further strained cooperation.

Experts suggest that despite the current turmoil, the crisis could eventually strengthen OPEC’s unity and streamline its decision-making process once regional oil flows normalize.

Following an improvement in regional security conditions, the United Arab Emirates has restored normal airspace operations. At the same time, Qatar Airways announced that it will resume flights to Iraq’s capital Baghdad, as well as to Basra and Erbil international airports, starting May 10.

Qatar had temporarily closed its airspace on February 28 as a precaution due to regional tensions and security concerns, later reopening it partially on March 6. With the situation now stabilized, the airline has decided to fully restart its Iraq-bound flights. The UAE’s civil aviation authority stated that the decision to normalize airspace operations was made after reviewing security and operational conditions in coordination with relevant agencies.

According to the Emirates News Agency, the situation is currently under control, and real-time monitoring continues to ensure safe air travel. Observers believe Qatar Airways’ move will help strengthen regional connectivity and commercial activity with Iraq.

An emotional scene unfolded at the FIFA Congress held at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Canada, where Palestine Football Association President Jibril Rajoub rejected a symbolic peace gesture proposed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Infantino had planned to bring Israeli and Palestinian representatives together on stage for a handshake and photo session to promote peace, but Rajoub refused the idea.

Rajoub stated that Israeli representatives must first prove their adherence to FIFA’s principles and humanitarian values before any such gesture could take place. He remarked that while Infantino might wish to build a bridge of peace, he does not understand the suffering and wounds of the Palestinian people. When Infantino made another attempt to bring the two sides closer, Rajoub responded emotionally, saying, “We are in pain,” a statement that reportedly silenced the entire convention hall.

The incident highlighted the deep emotional and political divisions that persist even within global sporting platforms like FIFA’s congress.

Iran Football Association President Mehdi Taj and his delegation faced questioning at Toronto airport while traveling to attend FIFA’s 76th Congress in Canada. Canadian authorities reportedly detained them for nearly three hours, raising questions about Taj’s past and present links with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Although Taj was eventually allowed to attend the Congress, the situation became complicated, prompting the Iranian delegation to decide to return home.

After reaching Turkey, FIFA President Gianni Infantino offered to fly them back to Canada on a special aircraft, but the Iranian officials declined the offer. Taj later stated that despite holding valid visas, they withdrew from the event due to what he described as unnecessary harassment.

The incident highlights diplomatic sensitivities surrounding international sports participation and the scrutiny faced by officials with alleged political or military affiliations.

The Pakistan cricket team is arriving in Bangladesh in two phases to play a two-match Test series. The first group is scheduled to land in Dhaka early Sunday morning, followed by the second group on Monday morning. The split arrival is due to the Pakistan Super League final. After reaching Dhaka, the team will begin practice at Mirpur from Monday.

The first Test of the series will start on May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, while the second Test will be held at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium starting May 16. The Bangladesh team has already begun preparations for the series.

Following the conclusion of their T20 series against New Zealand, the remaining Bangladesh players will join red-ball practice sessions from the day after tomorrow.

The government is increasing its support fund for farmers severely affected in the Haor regions, Agriculture and Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid said on May 2, 2026, in Cumilla. He stated that the government is continuously collecting information from district administrations and the Department of Agriculture about those impacted. The initiative aims to expand financial assistance for the most affected farmers.

Speaking to journalists after inaugurating the district-level phase of the Nobo Kurri Sports-2026 at the Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium gymnasium, the minister added that the government will purchase paddy directly from farmers at fair prices through announcements at the union level. This measure is expected to increase farmers’ profits by up to thirty percent. Additionally, a three-month food assistance program will be implemented for the most affected Haor farmers, and other affected groups will also be included under new support projects.

Earlier, at a separate event at Cumilla Victoria Government College, the minister emphasized that agriculture is the main driving force of Bangladesh’s economy and that enhancing farmers’ dignity strengthens the nation’s overall standing.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has called on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to ensure justice for the killings that occurred on May 5, 2013, at Dhaka’s Motijheel Shapla Chattar. In a statement issued to the media on Saturday, the group’s Amir Allama Muhibbullah Babunagari and Secretary General Allama Sajedur Rahman described the incident as a planned massacre by the then government, claiming that countless religious people were killed and thousands of scholars and devotees were injured. They also urged supporters to organize prayers and discussions nationwide in memory of those killed.

The Hefazat leaders said a case filed by the organization against 54 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is currently pending before the International Crimes Tribunal. They demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible, asserting that justice is essential for upholding fairness in the country. The statement further criticized past political failures and alleged that silence from sections of society had enabled the rise of authoritarianism.

The leaders warned that if the current government fails to protect citizens’ dignity, security, and religious sentiments, it risks losing public support.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Porwar has accused the government of deliberately pushing the country toward a deep political and constitutional crisis by disregarding the people's direct verdict in a recent referendum. Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled 'Government Against Referendum Verdict: Nation Facing Crisis' held at Khulna Press Club, he said the government's stance under the 'July Charter' was not only a political tactic but also a denial of the people's mandate.

The seminar was organized by Jamaat’s Khulna Metropolitan branch, with participation from party leaders, lawyers, journalists, and student representatives. Porwar alleged that the government was intentionally creating public confusion by separating the July Charter from the referendum outcome, while ministers repeatedly promised to implement the charter but remained silent on the referendum verdict. He questioned why no objections were raised before the vote despite months of preparation and official orders.

Porwar warned that if the referendum verdict is not implemented in parliament, the party and its allies would be compelled to launch a movement, asserting that returning to the people would be their only option.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the future of Bangladesh depends on the new generation. He made the remark on Saturday, May 2, 2026, while inaugurating the nationwide ‘Notun Kuri Sports 2026’ event at Sylhet District Stadium. Addressing the youth, he urged them to represent Bangladesh globally through sports and emphasized that they are the country’s future leaders and achievers.

The Prime Minister encouraged young people to engage in sports alongside their studies, assuring them of state and government support. He said that the current generation of leaders would pass the baton to the youth, who would one day become athletes, influential figures, and even prime ministers. The event was joined virtually by young athletes from district stadiums across the country.

‘Notun Kuri’ began in 1976 as a talent search program for children and adolescents, originally popularized through Bangladesh Television in the 1980s. The revived version, ‘Notun Kuri Sports,’ marks a new chapter, shifting the focus from stage performance to athletic fields.

Saudi Arabia has announced strict health regulations for Hajj pilgrims ahead of the main rituals of the pilgrimage. The Ministry of Health stated that individuals suffering from serious physical or mental illnesses will not be granted Hajj permits this year. The directive, reported by Gulf News citing the Saudi Public Health Authority, aims to ensure the safety of pilgrims who might struggle with the physically demanding rituals. The ministry has also made several vaccinations mandatory for all participants.

According to the Saudi authorities, people with kidney complications requiring dialysis, heart failure, liver cirrhosis, severe mental disorders including dementia, extreme age-related weakness, and women in the last trimester of pregnancy are ineligible for Hajj permits. All pilgrims must receive a meningitis vaccine at least ten days before the pilgrimage. Those at higher risk, such as the elderly, patients with chronic diseases, and pregnant women, are advised to take COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccines.

The ministry emphasized that these measures are part of Saudi Arabia’s annual effort to prevent global health risks and ensure the safety of millions gathering in Mecca.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) will organize a national convention on Sunday at the Engineers Institution Hall in Dhaka, focusing on energy, economy, human rights, and referendum issues. The daylong event will include multiple sessions featuring NCP leaders, political scientists, sociologists, economists, educators, lawyers, and representatives from civil society. The announcement was made by NCP Joint Convener and Reform Implementation Committee Deputy Chief Sarowar Tushar at a press conference in the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor on Saturday.

The convention will open with a session chaired by NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, followed by thematic discussions on economic restructuring, energy security, freedom of expression, and democratic reform. Participants include academics, rights activists, and political figures from various parties. In the closing session, opposition leaders and civil society representatives will discuss constitutional reform and referendum outcomes.

At the press conference, Akhtar Hossain criticized the government for failing to implement referendum results and for not forming a constitutional reform council as expected after the last national election.