Iran has executed Erfan Kiani, a protester accused of working for Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad, amid ongoing unrest across the country. The execution took place on Saturday morning after Iran’s Supreme Court upheld his death sentence. The news was confirmed by Fars and Tasnim, media outlets close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to official information, Kiani was charged in January 2026 with multiple serious offenses, including arson and acts of sabotage during protests. Israel has not yet issued any official comment on the matter. Meanwhile, the IRGC conducted operations in Kermanshah province, detaining 155 individuals alleged to be members of anti-revolutionary groups.

Among those detained, four are suspected of being spies linked to Israel’s Mossad. The developments come as Iran continues to face internal instability and heightened tensions with Israel.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the nation must work to politically eliminate Jamaat-e-Islami, citing the party’s past record and public rejection. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon at the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, following a joint meeting. His comments came in response to Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman’s statement that BNP came to power through engineering.

Fakhrul strongly condemned and rejected the Jamaat leader’s claim, calling it proof that Jamaat cannot think rationally. He asserted that international observers, election monitoring bodies, and the media unanimously recognized the recent election as the most free and fair since Bangladesh’s independence, through which BNP won 213 seats and formed the government. He accused Jamaat of attempting to undermine democratic progress and warned citizens to remain alert.

Senior BNP leaders including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Aminul Haque, and others were present at the briefing, which focused on defending the legitimacy of BNP’s government and denouncing Jamaat’s political stance.

Police in Chattogram released two leaders of the BNP’s Volunteer Wing and two party activists 12 hours after detaining them on extortion allegations. The arrests took place Friday afternoon in the Kotwali area near Laldighi Maidan, where the group was accused of forcibly collecting money from traders during the traditional Jabbar’s Boli Khela fair. They were released around 3 a.m. on Saturday.

According to police, the operation was led by Sub-Inspector Abul Hossain, who said the suspects were caught red-handed and handed over to the officer-in-charge. Witnesses reported that the men demanded between 1,000 and 3,000 taka from shopkeepers under the pretext of local fair management, leading to scuffles when some traders protested. Police intervened to restore order.

Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Aftab Uddin stated that the trader who initially complained later withdrew his allegation, and his earlier statement was recorded on video. The reasons for the withdrawal were not explained in the report.

Black cumin cultivation is rapidly gaining popularity among farmers in Sadar upazila of Faridpur due to its low production cost and high profitability. Known scientifically as Nigella sativa, the spice crop also has significant medicinal value, driving demand both domestically and internationally. Farmers typically sow the crop in November after harvesting transplanted Aman rice and harvest it by late March.

Local farmers report that the region’s soil is well-suited for black cumin, yielding about 4 to 5 maunds per bigha, with current market prices ranging from Tk 12,000 to Tk 13,000 per maund. However, some farmers allege that syndicates of traders often deprive them of fair prices. Others note that favorable weather and loamy soil ensure better yields, while adverse conditions such as rain or fog during fruiting can reduce output.

According to the upazila agriculture officer, 495 hectares of land are under black cumin cultivation this year, up by 5 hectares from last year. The agriculture department continues to provide guidance and support, while stakeholders call for stronger government measures to stabilize markets and mitigate weather-related risks.

Advocate Md. Jalal Uddin, Member of Parliament for Kishoreganj-2 (Katiadi-Pakundia), announced that all development works under a new initiative will become visible within a year. He stated that six MPs from Kishoreganj have jointly launched the 'Kishoreganj Development Project' with a target investment of Tk 1,500 crore. A Project Director (PDO) has already been appointed, and the initiative aims to extend development to remote areas of Pakundia and Katiadi. He made these remarks on Saturday morning while inaugurating a rural road sustainability project under the Upazila Disaster Management Department.

Jalal Uddin added that he has twice spoken in the National Parliament about the development needs of Pakundia and Katiadi. He has requested the government to construct a four-lane road connecting the area to Dhaka, build a Pakundia-Gafargaon bridge, and upgrade the 50-bed Pakundia Upazila Health Complex to 100 beds. The event was conducted by BNP leader VP Md. Kamal Uddin and attended by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rupom Das and Project Implementation Officer Md. Abdul Mannan.

The MP expressed optimism that residents will gradually witness the progress of all development activities in the region.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey could take part in mine clearance operations in the Hormuz Strait if a peace agreement is reached between the United States and Iran. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists in London, noting that the clearance work would be carried out by a technical team formed through coordination among several countries.

Fidan stated that Turkey has no objection to joining the technical mission but cautioned that Ankara would reconsider its position if the coalition later takes sides in renewed conflict. He also expressed hope that the next round of talks in Pakistan could resolve issues related to Iran’s nuclear program.

The statement highlights Turkey’s conditional willingness to contribute to regional stability efforts while maintaining a cautious stance on potential geopolitical shifts.

The Parbatya Chattagram Chhatra Parishad (PCCP) and Parbatya Chattagram Nagorik Parishad (PCNP) organized protests in Dhaka and Rangamati on Saturday, condemning what they described as false and misleading information about the Chittagong Hill Tracts presented at the 25th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The demonstrations, including a human chain and rallies at the National Press Club, accused certain groups of attempting to tarnish Bangladesh’s image internationally.

Speakers at the Dhaka rally, including PCNP’s central organizing secretary Sheikh Ahmed Raju and PCCP Dhaka president Russell Mahmud, rejected the UN statements as one-sided and contrary to reality. They asserted that the Bangladesh Army ensures public safety in the hills and accused some expatriate representatives of ignoring local armed group violence while criticizing state development efforts.

The protesters issued several demands, including recovery of illegal arms from regional armed groups, reconstitution of the Land Commission with equal representation, completion of impartial land surveys, legal action against those defaming the state abroad, and strengthening of security operations in the hill region.

Israel is currently engaged in a tense standoff along its borders with Lebanon and Iran, but analysts told Al Jazeera that the course of these conflicts depends less on Israel’s political leadership and more on decisions made by the United States and President Donald Trump. The observation comes as Washington extends its influence over regional developments.

U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently traveled to Pakistan for a new round of talks with Iran, but Israel was not included in those discussions. Meanwhile, President Trump announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire in Lebanon, even as Israel has repeatedly violated it. Analysts believe Trump’s influence is proving more decisive than that of Israeli leaders.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials continue to describe Iran and Hezbollah as existential threats, yet observers note that control over the region’s situation now largely rests in Washington’s hands.

The Bangladesh International Textile, Knitting and Garment Industry Exhibition (BTKG Expo 2026) will begin on April 29 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka and continue until May 2. The four-day event is jointly organized by the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and Inforchain Digital Technology Company Limited. Over 1,000 exhibitors from around 30 countries are expected to participate, showcasing textile machinery, dyes, chemicals, knitting and weaving technologies, embroidery, cutting and sewing equipment, and washing and dry-cleaning innovations.

At a press conference held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem highlighted the garment sector’s importance to Bangladesh’s economy, noting its contribution of over 80 percent of export earnings and 12–13 percent of GDP, employing more than four million people. He emphasized the need for greater technological advancement and sustainable production to remain competitive globally.

The exhibition will feature seminars organized by BKMEA, BUTEX, and Textile Today, focusing on industry trends, technological progress, and future strategies. The event will be open to the public daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mali’s army reported that coordinated armed attacks occurred on Saturday morning in the capital Bamako and several other regions. According to the military, terrorist groups launched assaults on multiple army barracks, prompting ongoing counter-operations. Explosions and sustained gunfire were heard near the main military base in Kati, known as the residence of military ruler General Assimi Goïta. Fighting was also reported in the central town of Sévaré and the northern cities of Kidal and Gao. Heavy weapons fire was heard near Bamako’s Modibo Keita International Airport, where a helicopter was seen patrolling.

Mali, rich in gold and other minerals, has faced more than a decade of armed unrest. Following two military coups in 2020 and 2021, the country severed ties with France and expelled French troops and the UN peacekeeping mission. In July last year, the military government confirmed Goïta as president for five years, with the term renewable without elections.

The attacks come as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—three military-led states—continue joint security efforts under the Alliance of Sahel States to combat armed groups in the region.

Selima Rahman, a standing committee member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been nominated for the third time for a reserved women's seat, representing the Barishal region. According to her affidavit submitted to the Election Commission, her total assets amount to Tk 6.88 crore based on her latest income tax return.

The affidavit lists a 10,612-square-foot house valued at Tk 2.62 crore, though no details about its location or nature were provided. She declared Tk 70.99 lakh in cash, Tk 3.17 crore in bank deposits, and a personal vehicle valued at Tk 35.8 lakh. Her annual income from property is Tk 7.92 lakh, and she has investments worth Tk 28.11 lakh. The affidavit also mentions 30 bhori of gold valued at Tk 50,000 and furniture worth Tk 1.5 lakh.

Her liabilities include Tk 2.2 crore received as advance for a flat sale, Tk 1.2 crore borrowed from her daughter, and Tk 9.3 lakh in house rent dues. The report notes that eight cases filed against her in 2015 were withdrawn after a July uprising, and she currently faces no legal cases.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi warned on Saturday that deliberate efforts are underway to redraw the map of the Middle East. He made the remarks during a televised address marking the 44th anniversary of the liberation of the Sinai Peninsula from Israeli occupation. Sisi said the region is passing through a critical phase due to these planned attempts to reshape its boundaries.

In his speech, the president called for the full implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement signed last October. This phase includes ensuring unrestricted humanitarian aid access and the immediate start of reconstruction in the Gaza Strip. Sisi also reaffirmed Egypt’s firm rejection of any attempt to displace Palestinians from their land.

The source noted that Gaza was devastated by Israel’s two-year-long assault, and despite the ceasefire, Israeli attacks have continued. The first phase of the truce had involved the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages.

A man named Nazrul Islam, aged 50, died after setting himself on fire in Shahjahanpur upazila of Bogura on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred in front of the Machhir Bazar mosque in Baraanjul village after his wife divorced him. Locals rescued him and took him to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura, but as his condition worsened, he was transferred to Dhaka, where he died around 11:15 p.m. on the way.

Local union parishad member Jharna Begum said Nazrul Islam had married the daughter of Bacchu Mia from the same village, and the couple had two sons. Their marital relationship had been troubled due to financial hardship, leading to previous separations before the final divorce. In distress, Nazrul poured petrol on himself and set himself ablaze.

According to Shahjahanpur Police Sub-Inspector Golam Mostafa, locals reported that Nazrul had been under mental pressure from debt and frequent quarrels with his wife.

Iran has executed a man accused of working for Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. The man, identified as Irfan Kayani, was charged with carrying out sabotage activities as an Israeli agent during nationwide protests in January. The execution followed a ruling by Iran’s Supreme Court.

Tasnim reported that Kayani faced accusations of destruction, arson, and creating terror during the unrest. The protests had erupted in late December over the falling value of Iran’s currency and rising living costs, intensifying in January. Israel has not issued any immediate comment on the execution.

The report did not specify where or how the execution was carried out, and no further details were provided about the judicial process or evidence presented against the accused.

Member of Parliament for Gopalganj-2, Dr. K.M. Babor, announced that the education system is undergoing changes after 17 years. He emphasized that improving education quality requires development beyond academics, including sports, mental growth, and knowledge acquisition. He stated that comprehensive development of students’ knowledge will enhance education standards, and all necessary steps will be taken to achieve this goal.

Dr. Babor made these remarks on Saturday morning at the inauguration of a new building for Binapani Government Primary School in Gopalganj town, implemented by the Local Government Engineering Department. He added that all necessary initiatives will be taken for Gopalganj’s development, following the Prime Minister’s directive that the district will receive equal attention as others.

Local officials, including the executive engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, and several political and educational representatives, attended the event.