The Norwegian Nobel Committee has confirmed that 287 candidates are being considered for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. Committee secretary Kristian Berg Harpviken said on Thursday, April 30, that the list includes 208 individuals and 79 organizations, marking a significant increase from the previous year. This is Harpviken’s first major nomination list since assuming his role in January 2025.

Speculation surrounds the inclusion of U.S. President Donald Trump, as leaders from Cambodia, Israel, and Pakistan have reportedly nominated him before the January 31 deadline. However, Harpviken did not confirm Trump’s name, citing the committee’s rule to keep nominations secret for 50 years. Other names circulating in betting markets include Yulia Navalnaya, Pope Leo, and Sudan’s volunteer group Emergency Response Rooms.

The committee also expressed concern over the deteriorating health of 2023 Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, who is imprisoned in Iran. The 2026 Peace Prize winner will be announced on October 9, with the formal ceremony scheduled for December 10 in Oslo.

A 19-year-old worker named Md. Miraj died after being struck by a board while working at the City Plywood factory in Kamrangirchar, Dhaka. The accident occurred on Thursday night when Miraj was operating a machine and was hit by a board that came out of it. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition, where doctors declared him dead around 10:45 p.m.

Inspector Md. Faruk of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital police outpost confirmed the death and said the body was kept in the hospital morgue. Factory supervisor Md. Abdul Mannan stated that about 70 to 80 workers are employed at the City Plywood factory, located on the west side of Kamrangirchar police station.

Miraj was originally from Amua village in Kathalia upazila of Jhalokathi district and had been living in the factory dormitory. No further details about the investigation or safety measures were mentioned in the report.

Bangladesh, along with the rest of the world, is observing May Day today as a day to uphold workers’ rights. President Md. Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages marking the occasion, which carries the theme “Healthy workers, diligent hands, a new dawn will come.” The president extended greetings to workers worldwide and emphasized their vital role in national development across all sectors, including industry, agriculture, and construction.

President Shahabuddin called for ensuring fair rights, safe workplaces, and social protection for workers to build a prosperous and humane Bangladesh. He expressed confidence that the country would reach new heights through strong labor relations and occupational health protection. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving workers’ living standards, pledging regular wage reviews and equal pay for men and women. He also announced plans to introduce a “Migrant Card” to enhance economic security for expatriate workers.

In Dhaka, the Prime Minister is scheduled to address a workers’ rally organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Labour Party for the first time, as confirmed by party leader Nazrul Islam Khan.

Police in Fulbaria upazila of Mymensingh seized a tanker lorry carrying 2,200 liters of fuel allegedly being sold illegally. The operation took place early Wednesday, April 29, at Shibganj Hatkhali Bazar in Putijana Union following a tip-off. Three individuals, including the fuel buyer, the driver, and his assistant, were arrested. They were later presented before court on Thursday, where police sought seven-day remand for each, and the judge ordered them sent to jail pending a hearing.

According to police, the driver and assistant admitted during preliminary questioning that they were supposed to deliver the fuel from Sirajganj to a filling station in Muktagacha but instead sold it illegally to a local man named Sohel Mia. A supply slip mentioning “Seven Star Filling Station” was recovered, though it lacked a specific address. Authorities are investigating whether the station is linked to the incident.

Local sources said Sohel Mia legally holds an NOC for retail fuel sales but is accused of nighttime illegal trading. Police have filed a case and are continuing efforts to identify others involved.

U.S. President Donald Trump is reassessing his next steps and available options regarding the ongoing Iran war as he prepares for an upcoming visit to China. According to American media reports, the trip could significantly influence his decision-making process. A White House official told NBC that the China visit is one of the key factors Trump is considering while evaluating military and diplomatic alternatives. The visit, previously postponed due to the conflict, is now scheduled for May 14–15 and is being prioritized by the administration.

The New York Times reported that the dual blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian ports is complicating the situation ahead of the China trip. China has expressed interest in playing a constructive role in halting the war. However, the Trump administration has imposed sanctions on several Chinese refineries and shipping companies accused of continuing oil trade with Iran in violation of U.S. restrictions. Much of China’s imported oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been largely closed since early March.

Bruce Fein, a U.S. constitutional and international law expert and former Associate Deputy Attorney General, told Al Jazeera that loopholes in the 1973 War Powers Resolution could allow a U.S. president to continue military action without congressional authorization. He argued that the law contains constitutional inconsistencies and cannot override the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the sole authority to approve war unless the nation is under attack.

Fein cited Iran as an example, saying that since Tehran has not attacked the United States, any military action against it would constitute a criminal act of aggression. He warned that the law’s ambiguity enables a president to reset the 60‑day war clock at will, effectively extending hostilities indefinitely.

According to Fein, the War Powers Resolution fails to define precisely when a conflict begins or ends, leaving room for executive manipulation. This legal uncertainty, he cautioned, could let a president prolong war without congressional oversight.

Thousands of farmers in Bangladesh’s Haor region are facing a triple crisis caused by early rainfall, a shortage of laborers, and insufficient harvesting machinery. According to reports, there were about 10 percent fewer harvesters in the fields this year compared to last year, though the Department of Agricultural Extension disputes this claim. The department says additional officers have been deployed to assist farmers and that drying machines are being sent to affected areas such as Sunamganj.

Early floods have submerged 28,201 hectares of paddy fields, affecting around 4,000 farmers whose crops remain underwater. Farmers report that laborers from other districts, who usually arrive during the harvest season, could not come this year due to early rains, leading to higher wages and delayed harvesting. Experts warn that prolonged wet conditions are causing germination in standing crops, raising fears of further losses.

Agricultural economists estimate that 30–35 percent of crops in the Haor region may be damaged, potentially leading to a nationwide 10 percent shortfall in Boro rice production and possible food price increases.

Dhaka’s theatre scene is set for a vibrant celebration on May Day, with two major troupes organizing daylong events. Aranyak Natyadal will begin its program at 10 a.m. at the Central Shaheed Minar, featuring May Day songs, recitations, Baul music, and a discussion session. The discussion will include Bangladesh Mahila Parishad president Dr. Fauzia Moslem. The troupe will also stage Mannan Hira’s street play “Murkh Loker Murkh Kotha.” Later, at 6:30 p.m., the second session will be held at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s Experimental Theatre Hall, featuring music performances and Aranyak’s acclaimed play “Rarang,” written and directed by Mamunur Rashid. As in previous years, a special publication titled “May Dayer Kagoj” will be released.

Meanwhile, theatre group BotTola will present two shows of its children’s play “Bonyatherium” at the Nilima Ibrahim Auditorium of Bangladesh Mahila Samity on Bailey Road, at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Directed by Evan Riaz and adapted from Sukumar Ray’s “Hesoram Hushiyarer Diary,” the play explores human greed, commercialism, and environmental destruction through the story of a mysterious creature, offering both entertainment and moral reflection for audiences of all ages.

Cristiano Ronaldo has acknowledged that his football career is approaching its end. The 41-year-old Portuguese forward, currently playing for Al Nassr, made the admission after a recent victory over Al Ahli in which he scored his 970th career goal. Despite maintaining strong form, Ronaldo said he realizes the end of his playing days is not far away, though he continues to enjoy every match.

Since joining the Saudi Pro League in 2023, Ronaldo has yet to win a league title. This season, however, Al Nassr lead the table by eight points over Al Hilal, giving him a strong chance to secure that long-awaited trophy. He emphasized that team success now matters more to him than personal achievements, stating that winning titles is his top priority.

Fans are speculating whether the 2026 World Cup will mark Ronaldo’s final appearance on the global stage. While he has not confirmed his retirement timeline, he remains determined to finish his career on a winning note.

Israeli forces have reportedly attacked a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters near Greece, abducting 175 human rights activists. The incident occurred in the Mediterranean Sea as the flotilla was carrying humanitarian supplies to Palestinians in Gaza. The allegation was made by members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, one of whom, activist Yassine Benzeloun, described the assault in an interview with Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera.

Benzeloun said Israeli forces surrounded the aid ships and assaulted the civilians on board. Expressing outrage, he questioned the silence of European and global leaders over the attack. He added that the violence seen in Palestine over the past three years has been shocking, and that even those delivering humanitarian aid are now being targeted.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not specify the condition of the abducted activists or the official response from Israeli authorities.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, saying the group suddenly changed its stance while claiming their own image remained the same. He made the remarks on Thursday during a parliamentary discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

Fakhrul said Jamaat’s recent statements after August 5 suggested they were preparing for power, which he argued did not support democracy. He blamed the current political distance on Jamaat’s rejection of elections and allegations of vote engineering, which he said the public did not accept. Referring to the July student uprising, he noted that any mockery of that history causes pain to those who fought for democracy.

He also condemned ridicule over a historic London meeting between the BNP chairperson and the then chief adviser, saying that meeting led to the election schedule and BNP’s current parliamentary majority. Fakhrul rejected attempts to label BNP as anti-reform, asserting that his party initiated reforms.

A local leader of the Union Volunteer Party, Mohammad Yasin, was killed in a road accident in Chakaria upazila of Cox’s Bazar on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred near the Notun Road area adjacent to Ektabazar in Baraithali Union. Yasin, a resident of Harbang Union and the organizational secretary of the 6th ward of the North Harbang organizational unit, was traveling by motorcycle when the crash took place.

According to local sources, Yasin was heading from Harbang toward the Chakaria municipal area when his motorcycle collided forcefully with the rear of a stationary passenger bus on the highway at Baraithali. He sustained severe injuries and fell onto the road. Locals attempted to take him to a hospital, but he died on the way.

The accident has cast a shadow of grief over Yasin’s family and his political colleagues, as reported by local sources.

The World Bank Group has warned that global energy prices could increase by up to 24 percent in 2026 due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Its latest Commodity Markets Outlook report attributes the projected rise to attacks on energy infrastructure and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about 35 percent of the world’s crude oil shipments. The report notes that global oil supply has already fallen by around 10 million barrels per day, creating immediate pressure on international energy markets.

According to the baseline forecast, the average price of Brent crude oil could reach 86 dollars per barrel in 2026, up from 69 dollars this year. If the conflict continues or supply chains fail to recover quickly, prices could climb as high as 115 dollars per barrel. The report also predicts a 31 percent rise in fertilizer prices, with urea potentially increasing by 60 percent due to higher natural gas costs and supply uncertainty.

The World Bank projects that developing economies may face average inflation of 5.1 percent next year, rising to 5.8 percent in a worst-case scenario, while their economic growth could slow to 3.6 percent.

A major fire broke out at Sarkar Market in Mongla upazila of Bagerhat on Thursday afternoon, burning at least five shops. The blaze reportedly started around 4:12 p.m., with initial assessments suggesting an electrical short circuit as the cause. Witnesses said the fire spread rapidly from one shop to others, creating panic across the market area. Local residents tried to control the flames but were unsuccessful before fire service units arrived.

Two units from the Mongla Fire Service and Civil Defense reached the scene and brought the fire under control. Senior Station Officer Md. Emran Hossain said the initial investigation points to an electrical short circuit, and efforts are underway to assess the extent of the damage. No casualties were reported in the incident.

Affected shop owners reported significant financial losses, and local residents have called for stronger fire safety measures in the market to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Bangladesh’s Economic Relations Division (ERD) reported that in the first nine months of the current fiscal year (July–March), foreign loan commitments and disbursements declined, while repayment obligations increased significantly. The government repaid a total of 3.52 billion US dollars in principal and interest, up 9.74 percent from the same period last year. Meanwhile, foreign aid commitments fell by 6.69 percent to 2.80 billion dollars, and total disbursements dropped by 19 percent to 3.89 billion dollars.

ERD officials attributed the slowdown in foreign fund releases to election-related transitions, administrative restructuring, and project re-evaluations following the new government’s assumption of office. Delays in tender reviews, contract approvals, and design revisions also contributed to slower disbursements. The officials expect improvement later in the fiscal year, citing efforts to secure about 3.2 billion dollars in budget support.

The report noted that Russia, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank were the top lenders during the period. Rising repayment obligations, both foreign and domestic, indicate growing fiscal pressure on the government, with total repayments reaching about 430 billion taka in local currency terms.