A 62-year-old Hajj pilgrim named Bacchu Mia has died, and Prime Minister Tarek Rahman has taken responsibility for transporting his body to his village and arranging the burial. The incident occurred when Bacchu Mia, accompanied by his wife, arrived at the Hajj camp early Tuesday morning. After feeling unwell, he was assisted by volunteers and taken to the medical camp, where a doctor referred him to Kurmitola General Hospital. Upon arrival, the attending physician declared him dead.

According to the Hajj Office director, Bacchu Mia’s body was sent to his home village, Lundia in Bhairab upazila of Kishoreganj, in a refrigerated vehicle. His wife, a Ministry of Religious Affairs official, a representative from the Hajj agency, and several volunteers accompanied the body. Fellow pilgrims said Bacchu Mia had felt discomfort on the way to the camp, and attempts to give him sugar at a roadside tea stall were unsuccessful.

The Prime Minister’s decision to oversee the burial arrangements reflects direct state involvement in supporting the deceased pilgrim’s family.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Housing and Public Works, Zakaria Taher, held a courtesy meeting with Turkish Ambassador Ramis Sen at the ministry office in Dhaka on Tuesday. The meeting focused on issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and Turkey, including potential areas for collaboration and investment.

During the discussion, Minister Taher highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two nations and invited Turkish investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh’s construction, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy sectors. He stated that Bangladesh aims to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2035 and that the government’s business-friendly policies have created a favorable environment for foreign investment.

Ambassador Sen reaffirmed the strong partnership between the two countries and noted the potential to further expand cooperation in trade and development. He also invited Minister Taher to attend the upcoming “Turkey Construction Summit 2026” scheduled for June.

The long-awaited fuel loading process officially began today at the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, marking a major milestone in Bangladesh’s nuclear energy development. The process involves placing uranium-based nuclear fuel into the reactor, initiating the gradual preparation for electricity generation. Experts describe fuel loading as one of the most sensitive phases in nuclear power operations, typically taking 40 to 45 days to complete.

According to Professor Md. Shafiqul Islam of Dhaka University’s Nuclear Engineering Department, the plant operates through nuclear fission, where uranium nuclei split to produce heat. This heat converts water into high-pressure steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. Following fuel loading, multiple tests and a Final Safety Analysis Report will be conducted and reviewed by the regulatory authority. The pilot operation phase may last six months to a year, during which synchronization and emergency systems will be tested.

Before commercial operation begins, another round of approval will be required. Once fully operational, the reactor is expected to run at 90 percent capacity for 18 months before undergoing maintenance and fuel replacement.

A joint force has arrested a fugitive suspect named Akash, aged 28, within ten hours of a triple murder in Faridpur. The arrest took place at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, and police recovered a spade believed to have been used in the killings. The district police superintendent confirmed the arrest in a press release at 2 p.m. the same day, noting that the suspect provided misleading information during initial questioning.

The murders occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Monday in Godadhardangi village under Aliabad Union of Sadar upazila. Three people were killed, including two from the same family—Rahela Begum, 50, Amena Begum, 75, and their neighbor, Kabul Hossain, 45. Two others, Riaz Molla, 45, and Arjina Begum, 45, were injured in the attack. Following the incident, Kabul Hossain’s wife, Kohinur Begum, filed a murder case with Kotwali Police Station.

Police said all relevant units are working to uncover the true motive behind the killings, as the suspect’s statements have been inconsistent.

US President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Iran’s latest ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the two-month-long conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. According to a US official, Trump’s disapproval has dimmed hopes for resolving the crisis, which has already disrupted global energy supplies, fueled inflation, and caused thousands of deaths. Iran’s proposal calls for a complete halt to the war and resolution of maritime disputes in the Persian Gulf before any discussion on its nuclear program.

A US official said Trump wants the nuclear issue included at the start of talks. White House spokesperson Olivia Wells stated that the United States remains firm on its “red line” regarding ending the war launched with Israel in February. Planned peace talks mediated by Pakistan stalled after the cancellation of visits by US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s adviser Jared Kushner.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has sought support from allies in Islamabad, Oman, and Moscow, securing backing from Russian President Vladimir Putin. With no sign of compromise, global oil prices rose another 3 percent on Tuesday as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped sharply.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has said that Bangladesh has urged India to normalize visa issuance for Bangladeshi citizens and expressed hope that positive changes will be seen soon. He made the statement on Tuesday in response to a question from ruling party lawmaker Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Kishoreganj-5) during a parliamentary question-and-answer session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

The minister referred to his recent visit to India, during which he held productive discussions with India’s foreign minister, the minister of petroleum and natural gas, and the national security adviser. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s bilateral relations with India and other South Asian neighbors are based on shared values, historical ties, and strong people-to-people connections.

Dr. Rahman added that since the current government took office, it has been working to advance relations with India on the basis of sovereign equality, fairness, mutual respect and trust, and national interest.

Residents of Bakshiganj upazila in Jamalpur have reported receiving only two to three hours of electricity within a 24-hour period. The limited supply often comes in short bursts of five to thirty minutes. According to the Bakshiganj Palli Bidyut zonal office, the substation serves about 98,000 customers, with a demand of around 24 megawatts but a current supply of only 7 to 8 megawatts. This shortfall has forced frequent load-shedding across the area.

The power crisis has disrupted daily life, particularly for SSC examinees who are struggling to study at night without electricity. Many are relying on candles, while fuel shortages have made it difficult to use kerosene lamps. Small businesses, workshops, and battery-run auto-rickshaw drivers have also been severely affected, with many unable to operate due to lack of power. Auto-rickshaw fares have doubled as fewer vehicles are available.

Local residents and business owners have urged authorities to take immediate action, warning that continued outages could further harm agriculture, education, and the local economy.

At a gathering in New York on Sunday afternoon, expatriate leaders from organizations Patriots of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Forum called on the Bangladesh government to implement the July Charter in accordance with the referendum verdict. The event was held to demand enforcement of the verdict and an end to mob violence.

Speakers including SM Rahmat Ullah Bhuiyan of JAGPA USA, Abdul Kader of Patriots of Bangladesh, and Haji Anwar Hossain of JSF criticized the government for alleged subservience to India and for curbing freedom of speech. They described the July movement as a historic struggle for democracy and dignity, urging unity among expatriates to restore democratic rights and respect the people’s mandate. Participants also emphasized building international awareness against what they termed ongoing state repression and human rights violations.

The meeting, chaired by journalist Dipu Chowdhury of Bangladesh Forum, was attended by leaders from various political, social, and cultural organizations, human rights activists, and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora.

A severe nor'wester storm struck Brahmanbaria on Tuesday morning, causing extensive damage across several villages in the border upazila of Kasba. The storm partially damaged at least 30 houses and uprooted more than 300 trees. In the Tinlakhpir area, a mobile phone tower collapsed, disrupting mobile and internet services. Strong winds and heavy rainfall accompanied the storm, which also toppled electric poles and left parts of the area without power. No casualties were reported, but residents experienced panic during the storm.

Kasba Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shamimul Islam said that damage assessment is ongoing, with initial reports confirming the destruction of homes, trees, and electric poles. Authorities have cleared fallen trees from roads to restore traffic movement and pledged government assistance for affected residents. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall caused waterlogging in several parts of Brahmanbaria town, severely affecting commuters, including SSC examinees. Locals blamed poor drainage systems for recurring flooding and urged municipal authorities to address the issue.

The storm’s aftermath has disrupted daily life, with restoration of power and communication services underway in affected areas.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanom Rita emphasized the importance of unity and harmony, stating that division, conflict, or discord bring no benefit. She made these remarks on Tuesday morning at a discussion meeting held in the Manikganj District Judge Court premises to mark National Legal Aid Day. The minister said that working together creates joy and makes tasks easier, while negative thoughts lead to mental unrest and an unhealthy environment.

During her speech, the minister noted that the Legal Aid Committee was formed in 2000 under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, marking the beginning of its journey. She added that the current Prime Minister, Tareq Rahman, later upgraded it to a directorate to ensure greater public access to legal assistance and services. The event included a rally organized by the District Legal Aid Committee, which paraded through key roads before concluding at the court premises.

Senior judges, district officials, police representatives, and members of the legal community were present at the event, which focused on expanding legal support for citizens.

Comilla City Corporation was submerged after one and a half hours of rain on Tuesday morning, recording 102 millimeters of rainfall between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Major roads including Kandirpar, Stadium Road, and Nazrul Avenue went underwater, disrupting daily life and school commutes. Despite being upgraded to a city corporation in 2011, Comilla continues to suffer from severe waterlogging after short spells of rain.

The report notes that successive mayors and administrators have failed to resolve the drainage crisis. Over the past five years, about 1,000 crore taka was spent on road and drain projects, yet many box drains remain incomplete or ineffective. Current administrator Yusuf Molla Tipu, in office for a month, blamed years of corruption and poor oversight, saying he has begun dredging key canals to improve water flow.

Residents and local experts attribute the flooding to unplanned urbanization, blocked drains, and reduced water bodies. They warn that without a comprehensive drainage plan, Comilla’s waterlogging will worsen during future monsoons.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has instructed completion of the revised Development Project Proposal (DPP) for the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project by June this year. UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed issued the directive during the World Bank’s fourth support mission meeting held at the UGC building. The revision aims to incorporate the real needs of the higher education sector and align with the government’s priorities. Representatives from the World Bank, Bangladesh Accreditation Council, BdREN, and related institutions attended the meeting.

Professor Ahmed emphasized that the HEAT project is the largest development initiative in the country’s higher education sector and a major opportunity for improving education and research quality. He advised forming a committee with members from the Planning Commission, Ministry of Education, UGC, and universities to complete the revision on time. He also urged all stakeholders to finish project activities by December 2028 without extending the project period.

The meeting discussed campus network installation, women’s empowerment networks, strengthening IQAC cells, and e-book procurement. A midterm review workshop is scheduled for June, following the World Bank’s earlier assessment rating the project’s progress as moderately satisfactory.

A salt farmer was killed by lightning on Tuesday morning while heading to work in the Chowfaldandi Bridge area of Cox’s Bazar Sadar upazila. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. The deceased was identified as Ramiz Uddin, 46, son of Achiur Rahman from Uttar Palakata (Bottoli Para) village under Ward 9 of Jalalabad Union.

According to local union parishad member Mobarak Hossain Farazi, Ramiz Uddin worked as a salt farmer and was on his way to the salt fields in the neighboring Chowfaldandi area when the lightning struck him near the bridge. He died on the spot. Passersby later took him to a hospital.

The report highlights another fatal lightning incident in the region, underscoring the risks faced by agricultural workers during stormy weather in coastal Cox’s Bazar.

Two amendment bills were placed in the Bangladesh Parliament to remove existing age limits for appointments to the top positions of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA). Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury introduced the bills during a session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. The proposals were later sent to a parliamentary special committee for further review.

The amendment to the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission Act, 1993, seeks to abolish the 65-year age limit for the appointment or continuation of the BSEC chairman and commissioners. Similarly, the amendment to the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority Act, 2010, proposes to remove the 67-year age restriction for the chairman and members of the authority. According to the explanatory notes, the changes aim to make the laws more contemporary and allow the appointment of experienced and skilled individuals to lead these key financial regulatory bodies.

If passed, the amendments would enable the government to appoint or retain qualified individuals in these leadership roles regardless of age, enhancing flexibility in leadership selection.

Iran has imposed a ban on the export of steel and related products following damage to its industrial sector caused by recent US-Israeli airstrikes. According to local media citing the country's customs authority, the directive prohibits the export of various steel products, including slabs, sheets, and strips. The new restriction took effect on April 26, 2026.

Earlier, Israel claimed that its airstrikes had destroyed about 70 percent of Iran’s steel production capacity, along with causing major damage to petrochemical facilities and transport infrastructure. The strikes occurred just days before a ceasefire that came into effect on April 8.

Analysts cited in the report warned that the loss of capacity in this strategically vital sector could have long-term negative effects on Iran’s economy, which relies heavily on industrial exports for revenue.