A joint anti-drug operation by the Pirgacha upazila administration and police in Rangpur led to the arrest of a drug dealer with cannabis at Pirgacha railway station on Saturday afternoon. The arrested man, Mohammad Roni, 32, from Guabari village, was caught red-handed while selling cannabis during a mobile court operation led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Debashish Basak.

During the search, authorities seized 14 packets of cannabis and 600 taka in cash from Roni. Locals alleged that he had been openly selling cannabis in the station area for a long time. After admitting his crime, the mobile court sentenced him to one month of imprisonment and fined him 500 taka under the Narcotics Control Act. He was later sent to Rangpur Central Jail.

Officials stated that such anti-drug operations will continue in the public interest and reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics in Pirgacha.

Bangladesh Army clinched the title in the Radiant Pharmaceuticals Limited Independence and National Day Volleyball Championship held on Saturday at the Shaheed Noor Hossain National Volleyball Stadium. In the final match, the Army team defeated the Air Force by 3-1 sets to secure the championship. The Water Development Board (PDB) finished third after beating Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) by the same margin.

Sifat Hossain of the Army was named the tournament’s best player and best opposite attacker. PDB’s Mazharul Islam was recognized as the best outside attacker, while Ashikuzzaman of the Army won the best setter award. Parvez Mosharraf from the Air Force was chosen as the best middle blocker, and Abdul Hakim of the Army received the best libero award.

After the final, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain handed over the prizes to the winners. Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Mahfuzul Alam Khan, Federation Vice-President Mashudul Alam, and Organizing Committee Secretary Sohel Rana Lincoln were also present at the ceremony.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need to ensure freedom of navigation without tolls or fees. Speaking at a joint press conference in Athens with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Macron said the goal is to fully reopen the strait within the coming days or weeks under international law to help stabilize the situation.

His remarks came a day after Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of French energy giant TotalEnergies, warned that a prolonged conflict with Iran could trigger a global energy shortage. Pouyanné cautioned that if the situation continues for another two or three months, the world could face a severe energy crisis already affecting Asian countries.

He further noted that halting 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas supply would have catastrophic consequences, underscoring the urgency of restoring stability in the region.

A case has been filed following an attack on police officers in Sarikaith Union of Sandwip, Chattogram, late Saturday night. The case names 11 individuals and includes 35 unidentified suspects, bringing the total number of accused to 46. Police have so far arrested six people in connection with the incident. The case was filed at Sandwip Police Station on Saturday afternoon, with the police as the complainant, confirmed Officer-in-Charge Sujan Halder.

According to the case statement, around 12:30 a.m. police conducted an anti-drug operation at the home of a man named Didar in Ward No. 7 of Sarikaith Union. Upon arrival, they encountered several armed local groups allegedly linked to drug networks. During a clash between these groups, the police came under sudden attack. The attackers reportedly confined and assaulted the officers, obstructing official duties and attempting to cause serious harm. Additional police forces later rescued the injured officers and detained six suspects.

Police reported that the situation in the area is now under control and operations to arrest the remaining fugitives are ongoing.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the government will move away from borrowing through money printing and local bank loans, citing the economic damage caused by such practices. Speaking at a pre-budget discussion organized by the Ministry of Finance on Saturday, he said this policy had raised interest rates and crowded out the private sector, undermining sustainable growth.

He emphasized a policy framework that avoids inflationary pressure from excess money supply and supports entrepreneurs. The minister said the government aims to democratize the economy to ensure inclusive growth, highlighting initiatives such as the ‘Family Card’ program to empower women financially. He also stressed strengthening primary healthcare to reduce personal medical costs and identified small and medium enterprises as the main drivers of employment and growth.

Chowdhury pointed to challenges in the banking sector, currency depreciation, and high inflation, while reaffirming efforts to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio. He also underscored investment in education, skills, and renewable energy to harness demographic advantages and ensure energy security.

Advocate Sabikun Nahar Munni, nominated by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for a reserved women's seat in the 13th National Parliament, has declared an annual income of Tk 1.6 million in her affidavit submitted to the Election Commission. Her total assets amount to Tk 13.8 million, while her husband, Mymensingh-5 candidate Matiur Rahman, declared assets worth Tk 29.8 million. Together, the couple reported total assets of Tk 43.6 million for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

According to the affidavit, Sabikun Nahar, a lawyer by profession and secretary of Jamaat’s central women’s division for human resources, law, and human rights, owns 13 bhori of gold jewelry and a private car valued at Tk 370,000. Her movable assets were shown at an acquisition value of Tk 4.47 million, now estimated at Tk 8.96 million. She also declared immovable property worth over Tk 10 million, including land in Uttara valued at Tk 808,500 and a building on her own plot worth Tk 12.5 million.

The affidavit notes that the acquisition value of her immovable assets was Tk 13.3 million, which she now estimates to be worth Tk 85 million.

Tensions between Turkey and Israel have intensified following a series of mutual accusations and legal actions. Turkey previously filed charges against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 35 others over an attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters. In response, Netanyahu accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of atrocities against Kurdish citizens. The dispute has since expanded, with former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also making provocative remarks, calling Turkey the new Iran.

The ongoing verbal conflict reflects deeper divisions over Israel’s actions in Gaza, Syria’s political changes, and Israel’s growing ties with Greece and Cyprus. Analysts suggest that if relations deteriorate further, Turkey could take punitive measures such as halting oil supplies through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline or closing its airspace to Israeli flights. These steps could temporarily disrupt Israel’s energy and aviation sectors but may have limited long-term impact due to alternative routes and markets.

Despite reduced bilateral trade since 2024, some Turkish goods still reach Israel through third countries. Turkey’s growing defense capabilities and regional alliances are seen as part of its broader strategy to counter Israeli influence while maintaining strategic ties with NATO and other regional powers.

The government led by Prime Minister’s ICT adviser Rehan Asif Asad announced that it is focusing on four major areas to reform Bangladesh’s telecom sector. These include developing a new telecom policy through stakeholder consultation, implementing digital ID and digital wallet systems for all citizens, formulating an AI policy, and ensuring efficient revenue management. Asad made the remarks at a roundtable titled “New Telecom Policy and Entrepreneurs’ Expectations” held in Dhaka’s Moghbazar on Saturday.

He said the government aims to bring 90 percent of the population under 100 Mbps broadband and 5G mobile networks. The digital ID initiative is expected to integrate identity and financial transactions into one platform, improving access to public and private services. The rollout is planned within 12 to 18 months. Asad also highlighted the need for fair taxation and better interconnectivity among ISPs.

BTRC Chairman Emdadul Bari emphasized the importance of foreign investment and innovation in infrastructure development. Industry leaders and journalists attending the event urged collaboration to adapt to rapid technological changes and promote a win-win approach for all stakeholders.

Two rounds of meetings have been held in the United States involving the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon and American politicians, aiming to open a direct negotiation channel between Israel and Lebanon. However, this process has exposed deep divisions between the Lebanese government and the armed group Hezbollah. Lebanon’s president and prime minister, along with much of the political leadership, support continuing the talks, viewing them as the only path to ensure Israeli troop withdrawal, lasting peace, and national sovereignty.

President Saf stated that Lebanon should not be used as a pawn in regional interests, a remark seen as directed at Hezbollah and Iran, who are trying to link Lebanon’s ceasefire and negotiations to the broader Iran-Israel conflict. Hezbollah argues that the Lebanese government lacks the capacity to pressure Israel, as the national army is not directly involved in the fighting. The group insists that Iranian support and the threat of Iranian attacks on Israel are essential to achieve any concessions.

Hezbollah parliamentary leader Mohammad Raad warned that negotiating while Israeli attacks continue could lead to consequences worse than the 1983 agreement, which failed to bring peace and deepened internal divisions.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj visited Basail Government Primary School in Narsingdi on Saturday to inspect the quality of mid-day meals and observe classroom activities. During the visit, he expressed dissatisfaction with the contractor over the meal quality and warned that the work order could be canceled if improvements were not made. Two samples of bread distributed to students were sent to a Dhaka laboratory for testing after an odor was detected.

Hajjaj told reporters that the government has begun nationwide monitoring of mid-day meals to ensure children receive safe and appealing food that encourages regular school attendance. He said the ministry is closely reviewing all complaints about meal quality and may restructure the program if necessary. Efforts are underway to redesign the meal system in consultation with experts to prevent food spoilage.

He also stated that the government is working on a parallel curriculum aligned with English and Ivy mediums to modernize primary education, with implementation expected within two to three years.

Solaiman Badsha, a Jubo League activist previously arrested for allegedly firing an AK-47 rifle during the July Movement in Chattogram’s Kotwali area, has reappeared publicly after being released on bail. On Friday, he led a rally of 10–15 people in the city’s Sholoshahar area. Eyewitnesses confirmed his leadership role, while attempts to reach the local police officer for comment were unsuccessful. Former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel shared a video of the rally, which participants confirmed took place that day.

Solaiman was arrested by the Rapid Action Battalion on September 19 from Noakhali’s Sonaimuri upazila. Authorities had accused him of opening fire on students and protesters on August 4, injuring a college student named Imran Hossain. He also faces multiple allegations of extortion, drug trafficking, and violent crimes in Chattogram, including being a charge-sheeted accused in a university student murder case.

Human rights groups have expressed concern over how Solaiman obtained bail despite serious charges, calling the situation alarming and demanding accountability from law enforcement.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has strongly condemned the recent reciprocal seizures of commercial vessels by the United States and Iran, calling the actions violations of international law. The organization urged both countries to immediately release detained seafarers and ensure their safety. The statement was made in an interview with Al Jazeera on April 25, 2026.

ICS Marine Director John Stawpert emphasized that seafarers must be allowed to travel and work freely at sea without harassment. Representing nearly 80 percent of the world’s commercial fleet, the ICS stressed that crew members are simply performing their duties and should not be caught in political disputes. Stawpert added that detaining ships for political gain is unacceptable and that innocent seafarers should not face imprisonment for doing their jobs.

The ICS’s remarks highlight growing concern within the global shipping community over the safety of maritime workers amid escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran.

The Israeli army has again warned residents of southern Lebanon not to return to their villages, saying large areas remain under its control. The military has reportedly extended its control up to the Litani River, establishing what it calls a 'yellow line.' Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that access to the Litani River, Wadi Salhaniya, and Saluki areas is prohibited. He also listed numerous villages where residents are barred from returning.

In a separate development, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) condemned the recent seizure of commercial vessels by the United States and Iran. The organization described the actions as violations of international law and called for the immediate release of detained sailors. ICS Marine Director John Stawpert told Al Jazeera that seafarers must be allowed to work and travel freely without harassment.

Representing nearly 80 percent of the world’s commercial fleet, ICS emphasized that seafarers are innocent workers and should not be caught in political disputes or used for political leverage.

The United States and Iran are reportedly engaged in ongoing discussions, though both sides are maintaining strict secrecy over the details and technical aspects. There has been no official announcement of direct talks between the two nations, and historically, they have rarely acknowledged such communication publicly. According to sources in Tehran, contact with Washington continues through intermediaries, with several rounds of indirect discussions held in Islamabad, Moscow, and other locations.

The main focus now is whether the two countries can resolve their disputes through diplomacy. Outstanding issues include Iran’s nuclear program, the lifting of sanctions, security guarantees, and war-related compensation. The situation intensified after the U.S. Treasury Department imposed new sanctions on Iran yesterday.

It remains uncertain whether these issues will be settled diplomatically. Both sides have issued warnings, signaling readiness for renewed confrontation if the talks fail.

Iran has warned that its armed forces will take retaliatory action if the United States maintains its blockade on Iranian ports. The warning came from the Central Headquarters of Hazrat Khatam al-Anbia, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency. The statement emphasized that Iran’s military is stronger and more prepared than before to defend the country’s sovereignty, territory, and national interests.

The Iranian command noted that its forces had already demonstrated part of their strength and offensive capability during what it called the “third imposed war.” It further stated that Iran remains vigilant and determined, closely monitoring enemy movements in the region. The statement also asserted that control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains in Iran’s hands.

According to the statement, any renewed aggression would result in greater losses for what it described as American-Zionist enemies, signaling Tehran’s readiness for escalation if the blockade persists.