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.

Fourteen people were injured in separate rabid dog attacks in Gournadi upazila of Barishal on Thursday. The incidents occurred between morning and afternoon across several areas, including Torki, Bilbgram, Shaora, Sundari, Barthi, Kotoksthol, Baurgati, and Magura. Additionally, one person was injured by a cat bite in the Gournadi bus stand area. All the injured received treatment at the Gournadi Upazila Health Complex.

According to the emergency department register of the health complex, the victims include several children and adults from different villages. The on-duty physician, Dr. Samiron Haldar, confirmed that all patients received primary treatment and vaccination before returning home. He also noted a recent increase in the number of patients attacked by rabid dogs in the area.

The incidents have raised concern among local residents about the growing number of stray and rabid animals in Gournadi, though no further official measures were reported in the source.

Israel’s Ministry of Defense announced that the country received a total of 6,500 tons of military equipment within the past 24 hours. The shipment included ammunition and materials suitable for both air and ground operations. According to a statement posted on the ministry’s Telegram channel on Thursday, the equipment arrived in Israel via two ships and several cargo planes before being transported by road to various military bases across the country.

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the delivery was part of efforts to ensure that Israeli forces have all necessary means at their disposal. He added that the move aims to maintain the military’s readiness to launch full-scale operations against enemies at any time and in any location.

The announcement underscores Israel’s ongoing focus on strengthening its defense capabilities amid regional tensions, as reported by Al Jazeera.

A report cited by Al Jazeera states that several billion dollars’ worth of US military equipment has been destroyed in the ongoing Iran war. According to the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), losses are estimated between 2.3 and 2.8 billion dollars. The report highlights that on March 26, a day after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed Iran had been swiftly neutralized, an Iranian missile and drone strike destroyed a $700 million E-3 AWACS radar aircraft at Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base.

CSIS senior adviser Mark Cancian compiled the damage assessment, which includes the loss of a THAAD missile defense radar valued between $480 million and $970 million, and three F-15 fighter jets downed in a friendly fire incident in Kuwait. Security expert Omar Ashour told Al Jazeera that the Trump administration may be concealing the full extent of losses for political reasons ahead of the November election.

The report adds that satellite imagery of US bases in the Middle East has been restricted at the Pentagon’s request, though Iranian satellite images indicate significant damage. Despite damage to Iran’s conventional forces, its missile and drone capabilities remain operational.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has reported that nearly two-thirds of the candidates for reserved women’s seats in the 2026 Thirteenth National Parliament are both highly educated and millionaires. The findings, based on candidates’ affidavits, show that 65 percent are millionaires and over 63 percent hold postgraduate or higher degrees. TIB released the data in a press statement on Thursday.

According to the analysis, candidates for reserved seats surpass directly elected MPs in educational qualifications, with 63.3 percent holding postgraduate degrees compared to 50.7 percent among general seat MPs. Among the 49 candidates, 32 are millionaires, with 26 from the BNP and 5 from Jamaat-e-Islami. Lawyers make up the largest professional group at 26.5 percent, followed by businesspersons at 22.5 percent. The average age of candidates is 52.17 years, and most are between 45 and 54 years old.

TIB noted that while the participation of educated and professional women is positive, the dominance of wealth and certain professions in reserved seats mirrors trends seen in general constituencies and may have long-term implications.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has signed a contract with US manufacturer Boeing to purchase 14 new aircraft worth about 3.7 billion US dollars, equivalent to roughly 40,000 crore Bangladeshi taka. The signing ceremony took place on Thursday evening at a hotel in Dhaka, where Biman’s Managing Director and CEO Kaiser Sohail Ahmed and Boeing Vice President Paul Righi signed the agreement. The event was attended by the State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, US Ambassador Brent T Christensen, and other officials.

Under the deal, Biman will acquire eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two 787-9 Dreamliners, and four 737-8 MAX jets. Officials said the purchase aims to modernize the fleet and expand long-haul operations to meet growing passenger demand. The new aircraft will serve routes across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The agreement follows years of competition between Boeing and Airbus, with the interim government ultimately choosing Boeing after the 2024 political transition.

Payments will be made over 10 to 20 years, with annual installments estimated at 1,500 to 2,000 crore taka. The first delivery is expected by November 2031, meaning short-term fleet shortages will persist.

International Energy Agency (IEA) chief Fatih Birol has warned that the world is facing the largest energy crisis in history due to the ongoing war. Speaking at a conference in Paris, he said the current situation has created major economic and energy challenges globally. Birol noted that oil and gas markets are under severe strain, with oil prices exceeding 120 dollars per barrel, putting immense pressure on many countries.

He emphasized that the war has caused unprecedented instability in global energy security. According to Birol, high prices and disruptions in supply chains have pushed the world economy into a difficult period. His remarks highlight the scale of the crisis and the vulnerability of global energy systems under current geopolitical tensions.

The IEA chief’s warning underscores the urgent need for stability in energy markets as nations struggle with rising costs and supply uncertainties.

Bangladesh Bank has withdrawn the requirement for maintaining provisions against funds stuck in five merged Shariah-based banks. The decision, announced on Thursday by the central bank’s relevant department, aims to ease financial pressure on the affected banks and institutions that have been unable to recover large sums for an extended period.

The merged banks are First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Union Bank, Social Islami Bank, and EXIM Bank. These institutions were consolidated into a unified Islamic banking structure due to severe liquidity crises. According to Bangladesh Bank sources, over Tk 15,000 crore from other banks and financial institutions remain stuck with these five banks, including more than Tk 8,000 crore belonging to one Islamic bank.

Officials explained that the funds are covered under a specific scheme, ensuring eventual recovery either through direct repayment, long-term fixed deposits, or share allocations. Industry observers noted that while the decision offers short-term relief, recovering the trapped funds remains a major long-term challenge.

Lebanon is facing an acute food crisis as Israeli attacks continue, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). A WFP spokesperson told Al Jazeera that the country is experiencing the most severe level of food insecurity, with the agency focusing its efforts on the poorest and most vulnerable populations. The spokesperson emphasized that a lasting ceasefire is the only way to resolve the crisis.

The WFP reported that deteriorating security conditions are hindering relief operations across Lebanon. The conflict has caused extensive damage to the agricultural sector, further worsening the food shortage. The organization warned that the collapse of supply chains and disruptions in agricultural production have placed Lebanon’s food security under serious threat.

The WFP’s assessment highlights the growing humanitarian strain in Lebanon, where ongoing conflict and logistical challenges are compounding the risk of widespread hunger.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has announced full exemption from all existing duties and taxes on the import of electric buses used for transporting students of schools, colleges, universities, and similar educational institutions. The decision was formalized through a statutory regulatory order (SRO) issued on Thursday, according to an official press release. The exemption covers customs duty, regulatory duty, value-added tax, supplementary duty, advance tax, and advance income tax.

The NBR stated that both educational institutions and their authorized representatives importing electric buses for student transport will be eligible for the exemption. The buses must be painted yellow and clearly marked with words such as “school,” “college,” “student bus,” or “transport.” The NBR will process import applications within ten working days. The board also mentioned that the government is considering reducing duties on electric buses for general passengers to encourage energy savings and reduce travel costs.

According to the NBR, the exemption will help institutions provide modern, eco-friendly transport for students, reduce traffic congestion, save fuel, and lower parents’ transportation expenses.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that restrictions on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz are severely constraining the global economy. Speaking on April 30, 2026, he said the instability caused by ongoing conflict in the region is generating a long-term economic crisis worldwide.

Guterres cautioned that even under the best circumstances, recovery from the current economic shock will not be easy. He noted that lifting all restrictions immediately would still require several months for global supply chains to return to normal. During that period, economic growth would remain weak and high commodity prices would persist.

He further emphasized that the disruption in global supply systems caused by the Hormuz crisis is directly harming the world economy. If the situation continues, he warned, the cost of living for ordinary people will rise further.

Several days of nor'wester storms, hail, and strong winds have caused extensive damage to the renowned Haribhanga mango orchards in Taraganj upazila of Rangpur. The early-season storms led to premature fruit drop and cracking of mangoes due to hail impact, leaving local farmers uncertain about their expected yield and income this year.

A field visit revealed fallen unripe mangoes scattered under trees, broken branches, and widespread fruit damage. Farmers expressed deep frustration as the Haribhanga mango plays a vital role in the local economy. Growers from Kursha and Soyer unions reported losing large portions of their crops, including mango and lychee, and feared further losses in future harvests due to damaged trees.

According to the upazila agriculture office, Haribhanga mango is a key cash crop for Taraganj, supplying markets across the country. Upazila Agriculture Officer Dhiba Rani Roy said the extent of the damage is being assessed, and a list of affected farmers is being prepared to inform higher authorities for possible assistance.