The latest developments in the Middle East conflict show escalating violence and growing economic and diplomatic tensions. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that eight people, including civil defense workers, were killed in an Israeli strike on the country’s south, with two soldiers injured. The attack occurred despite a fragile ceasefire in place since April 17. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump may reject Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, pushing crude oil prices higher and causing stock market declines.

In Washington, Britain’s King Charles III urged the United States to stand firmly with Western allies during what he described as a time of deep uncertainty. Trump also criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over his comments on the Iran conflict. In Iraq, U.S. defenses intercepted drones over Baghdad’s Green Zone, marking the first such incident since the April 8 ceasefire. Israel claimed to have destroyed a major Hezbollah tunnel network in southern Lebanon.

Amid the turmoil, the United Arab Emirates announced its withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+ to prioritize national interests, a move that coincides with rising global energy prices and ongoing regional instability.

Continuous rainfall and upstream water flow caused a dam to collapse in the Bolai River area of Chamardani Union, Madhyanagar upazila, Sunamganj. The breach allowed floodwater to inundate vast boro paddy fields in Jinaria Haor, destroying the year-long efforts of more than fifty farmers who had temporarily settled there for cultivation. The incident occurred on Thursday morning following days of heavy rain and strong water pressure.

Local farmers said they had left their permanent homes and lived for six months in temporary settlements near the haor to grow crops. Many endured hardships, including halting their children's education, to sustain their livelihoods. After the dam broke, their crops and investments were lost under water. One farmer said he had cultivated the land with great effort but lost everything, while another reported that his 20 kathas of land were submerged before harvest.

According to the upazila agriculture sub-assistant officer, 26 hectares of land were under cultivation in Jinaria Haor, of which 8 hectares were already waterlogged before the breach, and an additional 3 hectares went underwater afterward.

Britain’s King Charles III addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, reminding the United States of its republican values—rule of law, democracy, and its example in international affairs. His speech, delivered with careful wording, was notably direct by royal standards. Without criticizing the Trump administration, the King subtly expressed concern over the current political direction of the United States and called for stronger support for Ukraine and protection of nature, signaling a call to address climate change.

Charles emphasized that allies can maintain enduring relationships despite differences, referring to the historic U.K.-U.S. “special relationship,” which had been strained by disagreements such as the Iraq war. He highlighted the continuing importance of America’s global influence and quoted Trump to affirm the spiritual bond between the two nations. The King presented President Trump with a Royal Navy submarine bell from World War II as a symbolic gift.

Charles also referenced the Magna Carta and the U.S. Bill of Rights, underscoring the shared commitment to the rule of law and independent judiciary that underpin both nations’ democratic traditions.

A South Korean appeals court has increased the prison sentence of former president Yoon Suk Yeol from five to seven years. The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, found Yoon guilty of obstructing judicial proceedings by using members of the presidential security service to prevent his arrest. The decision follows a January lower court verdict that had sentenced him to five years in prison.

Both Yoon and prosecutors had appealed the earlier ruling. Yoon argued that the arrest warrant issued against him was based on an unlawful investigation, while special prosecutors sought a ten-year sentence, citing the seriousness of his offenses. The Seoul High Court judge stated that Yoon’s actions and their consequences were “highly reprehensible,” noting that he had issued illegal orders to state security officials and attempted to use them as personal bodyguards.

Yoon is already serving a life sentence for leading an attempted coup related to a failed martial law declaration in late 2024, according to the report.

Former interim government adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul posted on Facebook on April 29, 2026, addressing allegations made against him by what he called 'land-grabber brothers' and their affiliated newspapers. In his post, he challenged the media to provide proof of claims that he had purchased property with illicit funds, dismissing the accusations as baseless and politically motivated.

Nazrul recounted earlier rumors, including claims that he had bought houses in Dhaka and the United States, and later accusations of embezzling large sums of money. He said these reports lacked evidence and were contradicted by official statements from the Ministry of Law, which found no irregularities in the transfer of sub-registrars. He argued that the allegations intensified after the fall of a previous government and his role in the interim administration.

Concluding his post, Nazrul stated that he would not pursue legal action or complaints to the Press Council, saying he lacked the resources to counter the media’s influence. He sarcastically saluted those spreading the allegations, asserting that the country now belonged to such powerful individuals.

At least five people were killed and seven others injured in Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip within the past 24 hours, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The ministry reported that since the start of the so-called ceasefire in October, 823 people have been killed and 2,308 injured.

The ongoing Israeli military operations, which began in October 2023, have brought the total number of deaths in Gaza to 72,599, with 172,411 people injured. The densely populated enclave remains under blockade, and the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate amid the prolonged conflict.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, indicates growing concern over worsening living conditions in Gaza as the violence persists and civilian casualties continue to rise.

Chattogram city experienced severe waterlogging again on Wednesday morning following heavy rain. By 1 p.m., knee-deep water was reported at Probortok Moor, where roads were empty of vehicles and pedestrians. Shops were partially flooded, and some owners stood helplessly by their half-closed shutters. Only a few rickshaws and motorcycles attempted to move through the water, often stalling mid-road.

The flooding extended beyond Probortok Moor to nearby areas including Muradpur, Soloshahar, Bahaddarhat, Chawk Bazar, and Katalganj. Residents reported water entering ground floors and kitchens, disrupting daily life. A business owner said his warehouse goods worth several lakh taka were damaged without insurance or compensation. Locals expressed frustration over recurring inundation and the lack of a permanent solution.

Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain stated that the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) is responsible for the waterlogging mitigation project, though he feels a moral duty to stand by citizens during such crises.

Opposition lawmaker Hafez Rabiul Bashar, representing Satkhira-3 constituency, suddenly fell ill during the ongoing session of the 13th National Parliament on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, around 1:40 p.m. Fellow members of parliament and staff from the Parliament Secretariat quickly assisted him out of the chamber and into the lobby, where doctors provided initial medical treatment.

During the break for the Zuhr prayer, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman personally visited the parliamentary lobby to inquire about the opposition MP’s condition. He also gave instructions to ensure that Bashar received the necessary medical support. The Chief Whip and other whips of the National Parliament were present at the time.

The incident briefly interrupted the session but was handled promptly, with medical attention provided on-site. No further details about the MP’s health condition were disclosed in the report.

India’s long-term strategic and economic plans centered on Iran’s Chabahar port have entered a period of uncertainty following the expiration of the United States’ sanctions waiver. The development has raised new questions about the future of the project, which was considered one of India’s most ambitious regional connectivity initiatives aimed at linking Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Located on Iran’s southeastern coast along the Gulf of Oman, the Chabahar port includes two terminals—Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti—where India has invested about 120 million dollars in infrastructure development. The port’s geographic position offers India a crucial alternative route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. Its strategic importance grew after Pakistan’s Gwadar port, built with Chinese assistance, became operational in 2016, intensifying regional competition.

Recent maritime tensions near Iranian ports and in the Strait of Hormuz have further complicated the situation. Without renewed US sanctions relief, India’s Chabahar project could face major setbacks, potentially affecting its regional trade links and geopolitical balance.

A liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier has crossed the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since early March, according to maritime tracking firm Kpler. The passage marks a significant development after the vital waterway was nearly closed due to the Middle East conflict. Kpler reported that the UAE state oil company ADNOC’s vessel, Mubarak, carrying 132,890 cubic meters of LNG, made the crossing after loading at Das Island on March 2.

The strait had been under effective Iranian control since February 28, when U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered heightened regional tensions. The U.S. later responded by intercepting Iranian vessels and announcing operations against several Asian tankers. Kpler noted that the Mubarak had turned off its tracking signal at the end of March and reactivated it near India about a month later, suggesting the crossing occurred between April 18 and 19, though this remains unconfirmed.

Experts cited in the report said restricted navigation through the strait has severely affected LNG markets, particularly major producers such as Qatar. Other tankers, including Japan-linked Idemitsu Maru, have also recently passed near Iranian checkpoints.

In Ganderbal district of Indian-administered Kashmir, the Mughal family has suffered two tragedies over 26 years. In January 2000, armed militants broke into their home and killed Ishfaq Ahmad Mughal, who allegedly worked with the Indian army. On March 31, 2026, his younger brother Rashid Ahmad Mughal, aged 32, was shot dead by Indian soldiers. The army claimed Rashid died in crossfire with militants, but local residents rejected this, calling it a staged encounter and demanding an investigation.

Rashid, a graduate who helped villagers with official documents, was buried in a cemetery designated for alleged militants in Kupwara. His brother Ejaz Ahmad Mughal disputed the army’s claim, saying Rashid was a civilian and had never been questioned by police. A police officer confirmed there were no prior cases against him. The promised investigation report remains unpublished.

The case highlights the enduring human toll of the Kashmir conflict, where both militants and security forces have been accused of abuses. Civil society data cited in the report show that between 2008 and 2018, 108 alleged rights violations by Indian forces were investigated, but none led to prosecution.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed regret to the residents of Chattogram for the ongoing waterlogging problem in the city. Speaking in the National Parliament on Wednesday, he responded to a point of order raised by Chattogram–10 MP Saeed Al Noman, who described the city’s severe flooding and urged immediate government action. The Prime Minister acknowledged the suffering of residents and said efforts were underway to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Rahman noted that waterlogging was not limited to Chattogram but affected other parts of the country, including Dhaka. He recalled that former President Ziaur Rahman had previously addressed such problems through canal excavation and reservoir creation, and said the current government had resumed similar initiatives. He emphasized that public awareness was crucial, as indiscriminate dumping of plastic and waste continued to block canals and drains despite cleaning efforts.

The Prime Minister also addressed concerns about heavy rainfall in haor regions, assuring that affected farmers in several districts would receive government assistance over the next three months.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmad Azam Khan announced in parliament that the government will prepare a complete list of martyred freedom fighters and genocide victims of the 1971 Liberation War. He said the initiative aims to create an accurate and accepted record that will ensure proper recognition and honor for those who sacrificed their lives. The statement came during a question-and-answer session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.

According to the minister, the ministry’s gazette currently lists 6,480 martyred freedom fighters, including 3,698 civilians, 1,541 members of the armed forces, 817 from the Border Guard Bangladesh, 423 police personnel, and one Ansar member. He also informed that 6,476 names have been canceled from the gazette, red freedom certificates, or Indian lists since 2010 based on recommendations from the Freedom Fighters Council, including 481 cancellations since August 2024.

The initiative is expected to formalize the recognition process for all martyrs and victims, ensuring historical accuracy and administrative transparency in the Liberation War records.

Iran’s economy faces prolonged pressure if disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue, prompting Tehran to look northward toward Russia for economic cooperation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, praising Moscow’s support and discussing the Hormuz situation and sanctions. Bilateral trade reached about 4.8 billion dollars in 2024, a 16 percent increase since 2018, mainly involving grain, metals, machinery, and fertilizers, though economists note the relationship remains limited.

The two countries are connected through the International North–South Transport Corridor, linking Russia to Asia via Iran and the Caspian Sea. Experts say this route offers partial relief but cannot replace the scale and speed of maritime trade through Hormuz. Nearly 90 percent of Iran’s trade depends on sea routes, making a full shift to land transport costly and inefficient.

Analysts believe Russia can provide short-term assistance but is unlikely to become a full economic lifeline for Iran due to its own sanctions and war-related pressures.

Jamaat-e-Islami central executive council member and Dhaka North city chief Mohammad Selim Uddin has accused the government of acting against public opinion regarding the July Charter. Speaking on Wednesday at a unit leaders’ gathering organized by Jamaat’s Badda South Thana unit in the Shadi Mahal auditorium on DIT Project Road, he said the government’s stance reflects a fascist and authoritarian mindset. He urged full implementation of the July Charter in line with public expectations and warned that the government would not escape accountability if it failed to do so.

Selim Uddin stated that people across the country are eagerly waiting for change and that Dhaka residents look to Jamaat to secure their rights. He added that Jamaat continues its uncompromising struggle to establish an Islamic welfare state based on justice. Criticizing the BNP-led alliance government, he said it has failed to solve basic public problems and deceived citizens about the energy crisis, as people still face fuel shortages despite official claims of sufficient reserves.