Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naeem Qassem has urged the Lebanese government to continue internal dialogue regarding talks with Israel, asserting that Israel has reached a stalemate in its efforts to eliminate Hezbollah. Speaking on April 27, 2026, Qassem claimed that despite U.S.-backed Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon since September 23, 2024, the group has not been defeated.

Qassem rejected direct negotiations with Israel and outlined five preconditions for any future talks: ending aggression by land, sea, and air; Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories; release of prisoners; return of displaced residents to their towns and villages; and reconstruction. He emphasized that Lebanese authorities should resist foreign pressure and prioritize national unity and sovereignty.

Reaffirming Hezbollah’s stance, Qassem vowed not to disarm and pledged to continue defensive resistance for Lebanon and its people. He declared that the group would respond to Israeli aggression and would not retreat or surrender under any threat.

The government of Bangladesh has announced a new initiative called the 'LPG Card' aimed at easing the cooking-related hardships of women. Prime Minister Tareq Rahman revealed the plan on April 27, 2026, in Sharsha upazila of Jashore after inaugurating the re-excavation of the Ulshi canal. The LPG Card will allow registered female members of families to purchase LPG cylinders at subsidized or reduced prices.

According to the announcement, the program primarily targets women across both rural and urban areas. Rural women who rely on firewood or straw for cooking and face health risks from smoke, as well as low- and middle-income urban women who struggle with high LPG prices, are expected to benefit. The card system is designed to reduce both physical and financial burdens associated with cooking fuel.

Although the full policy is still under development, the Prime Minister indicated that cardholders may receive a fixed amount of gas each month at lower prices and will be able to collect or refill cylinders quickly from designated dealers or points.

Police in Narayanganj have revealed the chilling details behind the murder of 11-year-old Hossain, whose body was found on April 23, 2026, in an abandoned house near Fatullah. The case was disclosed at a press conference by District Police Superintendent Md. Mizanur Rahman Munsi, who confirmed that six teenagers had been arrested in connection with the killing. The suspects, aged between 13 and 18, allegedly planned the murder out of a morbid curiosity to experience crime and imprisonment.

According to police, the group of teenagers, who often gathered and used drugs near Fatullah railway station, lured Hossain to an abandoned house with the promise of marijuana. There, they stabbed him to death and left his body at the scene. Hossain, who sold flowers with his father, had gone missing on April 18. His decomposed body was discovered five days later, sparking public outrage.

Police said one suspect, Yasin, confessed under Section 164, and a sharp knife used in the murder was recovered. One more suspect remains at large, while authorities continue efforts to apprehend him.

The University of Chittagong has decided to enable online payment for all types of student fees and bills, including admission-related charges. The decision was made on Monday morning during a meeting at the registrar’s office attended by university administrators, leaders of the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (Chaksu), and officials from Sonali Bank PLC. The initiative aims to reduce long queues at banks, save time, and ease the payment process for students.

Acting Registrar Professor Dr. Mohammad Saiful Islam stated that students had long demanded an online payment option for admission and other fees, and the university had been working toward fulfilling that request. Chaksu office secretary Abdullah Al Noman said that introducing an online payment system was one of their election pledges, which has now been achieved. He added that the university is also working to automate other administrative processes.

The new system is expected to simplify financial transactions for students and enhance administrative efficiency at the university.

Barishal Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman has called on people from all walks of life to unite against drugs, terrorism, and extortion. He made the appeal on Monday while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Uzirpur Model Police Station complex in Barishal district, where he served as the chief guest.

The DIG emphasized that drug dealers and users must be socially boycotted and that coordinated efforts among law enforcement and relevant institutions are essential to eradicate these problems. He also stated that the police force has begun an internal purification drive, bringing all Barishal district police members under mandatory drug testing. Any officer found involved with drugs will face strict disciplinary action, including dismissal without compromise.

Senior officials, including Barishal Superintendent of Police A.Z.M. Mostafizur Rahman and Public Works Department Executive Engineer Faisal Alam, attended the event, underscoring institutional support for the initiative.

An Indian citizen was detained with foreign currency at the Banglabandha land port in Panchagarh on Monday. The detainee, identified as Palash Chandra Majhi from Khanakul police station area in Hooghly district, India, was reportedly involved in hundi trading. Acting on intelligence information, the National Security Intelligence (NSI) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) conducted a search at the Banglabandha ICP checkpoint around noon and recovered 24,600 US dollars, 5 Indian rupees, 130 Nepali rupees, and 3,570 Bangladeshi taka from him.

According to intelligence sources, the Indian national had entered Bangladesh on a tourist visa on March 27 and was attempting to return to India through the Banglabandha land port when he was detained. Tetulia Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Laisur Rahman confirmed the detention, adding that the suspect had not yet been brought to the station. He said a case would be filed under relevant laws if the customs authorities lodged a complaint.

Assistant Customs Commissioner (AC) Sayedur Rahman Munna, responsible for the port and immigration, was contacted but said he was busy and would speak later.

More than 130 prominent individuals, including scholars, writers, and artists, have publicly challenged the United Kingdom’s ban on the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action. They signed an open letter to the Court of Appeal ahead of a hearing in London next week, declaring their opposition to genocide and support for the group. The signatories include Irish author Sally Rooney, Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, British musician Brian Eno, and academics from Oxford and Cambridge universities.

The letter, containing only a few words, has become a symbol of the “Lift the Ban” campaign, launched after the UK government banned Palestine Action under terrorism laws in July 2025. Since then, thousands of the group’s supporters have reportedly been arrested. Professor Penny Green of Queen Mary University of London criticized the government for labeling peaceful protesters as terrorists and accused the Labour government of avoiding accountability.

Human rights organizations and UN experts have also condemned the UK’s increasing crackdown on peaceful demonstrations and urged the government to lift the ban on Palestine Action.

A fisherman was killed by lightning while fishing in the Dhanua River of Khaliajuri upazila in Netrakona on Monday morning. The incident occurred around 9:15 a.m. near the ferry ghat area of Jagannathpur, according to Khaliajuri Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nasir Uddin. The deceased was identified as Abdul Motaleb, 55, a resident of Bagber village in Maizpara union under Ishwarganj upazila of Mymensingh.

Local sources said Motaleb and two others had traveled by autorickshaw from their home area to the Dhanua River for fishing. They began fishing with rods at Godaraghata in Jagannathpur when rain and lightning suddenly started. Motaleb was struck by lightning and died on the spot. Police said necessary legal procedures are being carried out regarding the incident.

Authorities have not reported any further casualties or property damage from the lightning strike.

Israel has stated that its recent attacks in southern Lebanon are part of an ongoing ceasefire agreement. According to the Israeli government, the operations against Hezbollah and the retention of occupied Lebanese territories are being carried out with the support and cooperation of the United States. The report was published by Al Jazeera.

The Israeli military doctrine emphasizes the creation of a so-called buffer zone beyond its borders, which it considers crucial for national security. Israel reportedly has no intention of withdrawing from these areas, describing the so-called Yellow Line as flexible, a stance seen in both Gaza and Lebanon. Its control extends beyond ground presence, using shelling and airstrikes to exert influence over wider areas.

Israel maintains that all these actions fall within the framework of the ceasefire, while any counterattacks by Hezbollah are viewed as violations of that agreement. This interpretation underpins Israel’s accusation that Hezbollah is responsible for breaking the ceasefire.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem declared that there is no possibility of direct negotiations with Israel, reaffirming the group’s commitment to armed resistance against Israeli aggression. He stated that Hezbollah will not lay down its weapons and criticized the Lebanese government for rushing into unnecessary concessions. Qassem urged authorities to halt direct talks and instead pursue indirect channels.

Despite a declared ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, cross-border exchanges of fire have continued. Hezbollah has launched drone and rocket attacks against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and across the border, asserting that it will not rely on what it called failed diplomacy. The group pledged to resist Israeli airstrikes, bombardments, and other military actions during the truce.

Residents in southern Lebanon described the situation as a “nominal ceasefire,” as Israeli shelling persisted from the first day of the truce, which has now been extended for another three weeks.

In Boalmari upazila of Faridpur, 74 people received treatment and vaccines after being bitten by dogs over the past three months, according to Dr. Nazmul Hasan, family planning officer at the upazila health complex. Health officials reported that cat bites are also common, though not separately recorded, suggesting the actual number of bite victims could be higher. The monthly breakdown shows 17 cases in January, 31 in February, and 26 in March.

Residents said most incidents occurred on roads when stray dogs suddenly attacked pedestrians. Locals observed an increase in the number of stray dogs and noted their increasingly aggressive behavior, raising public safety concerns. Cat bites, often from domestic pets, were also reported but frequently neglected.

Locals complained that previous municipal vaccination programs for dogs are no longer visible, heightening infection risks. Dr. Hasan stated that careless movement contributes to the rise in bite cases but assured that vaccines are adequately stocked. Residents urged authorities to take prompt action to control stray animals and raise public awareness to reduce such risks.

Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed said that a four-month residential basic training program will play a vital role in enhancing the capacity of new university teachers and building a strong professional network among them. He made the remarks on Sunday night at the inauguration ceremony of the 3rd and 4th batches of the training held at the Central Training and Conference Center of Bangladesh Open University (BOU).

The event was presided over by BOU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Siddiqur Rahman Khan and attended by UGC members, World Bank consultant Mahmudul Haque, and officials from UGC, BOU, and the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project. Speakers emphasized that the training would help participants share experiences, develop classroom management skills, and improve higher education administration.

A total of 59 new teachers from 33 public and private universities are participating in the program, organized under the UGC-implemented HEAT project. The initiative aims to foster collaboration and professional growth among young academics across Bangladesh.

Relatives of the victims and local residents in Narayanganj have demanded the immediate execution of the verdict in the widely discussed seven-murder case. On Monday morning, they formed a human chain on the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway in Siddhirganj’s Mouchak area to press their demand. Selina Islam Beauty, wife of slain panel mayor Nazrul Islam, recalled the brutality of the killings and urged authorities to ensure justice within 2026 so that the families can witness it in their lifetime.

Other victims’ relatives, including Shamsun Nahar Nupur and Abul Khayer, expressed frustration over the prolonged delay, noting that the case has remained pending in the Appellate Division for over eight years. They appealed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the attorney general, and the law minister to take special steps for swift implementation of the verdict. The families said they continue to live in hardship while those responsible remain alive and unpunished.

The case stems from the abduction and murder of seven people, including Nazrul Islam and lawyer Chandan Kumar Sarkar, on April 27, 2014. Their bodies were later recovered from the Shitalakkhya River, and the judicial process remains ongoing in the Appellate Division.

North Korean President Kim Jong Un has reiterated his full support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, calling it a “just and sacred” struggle. According to the state news agency KCNA, Kim pledged continued assistance to ensure Russia’s victory. The statement came during a meeting in Pyongyang with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, where both sides discussed strengthening military cooperation.

Analysts cited in the report said North Korea has already sent missiles, ammunition, and thousands of troops to Russia in exchange for financial aid, military technology, food, and energy. Belousov announced that Moscow is ready to sign a joint cooperation plan with North Korea covering 2027 to 2031. Kim, Belousov, and Russian parliamentary speaker Vyacheslav Volodin also attended the inauguration of a memorial honoring North Korean soldiers killed in Ukraine.

The memorial event, held to mark the first anniversary of Russia’s recapture of parts of the Kursk region, featured concerts, fireworks, and an air force parade. South Korea estimates that around 2,000 North Korean soldiers have died in the conflict.

Government data show that more than 3,658 people died in lightning strikes across Bangladesh between 2015 and 2025, despite the phenomenon being declared a national disaster a decade ago. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department identified Sylhet’s Sunamganj district, particularly Jamalganj upazila, as the most lightning-prone area. The highest number of fatalities occurred in 2020, with 427 deaths, but the toll has since declined to 173 in 2025.

Meteorologist Dr. Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik attributed the high frequency of lightning in Sylhet to its geography and weather patterns. The region’s large haor wetlands generate abundant water vapor, which interacts with moist air from the Bay of Bengal and collides with the northeastern hills, creating conditions for thundercloud formation. The convergence of moist and dry air masses also heightens lightning risk in northeastern and some northwestern districts.

Officials credit early warning systems, public awareness campaigns, and preventive measures introduced since 2019 for the recent decline in lightning deaths, though data remain insufficient to compare current rates with pre-2015 levels.