Iran’s armed forces have ordered all commercial ships and tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz to coordinate their movements with Iranian military units. A military statement carried by Iranian media warned that vessels failing to comply could come under attack. The statement emphasized that the security of the strait is under the control of Iran’s armed forces and that safe navigation must occur only through coordination with them.

The warning came just hours before U.S. President Donald Trump announced an ‘escort mission’ aimed at assisting stranded ships in the area. Iran’s statement declared that it would use its full strength to maintain security in the strait and cautioned that any foreign armed forces, particularly U.S. troops, attempting to enter or approach the area would be targeted.

The development highlights renewed tension in one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, with both Iran and the United States signaling readiness to assert control over navigation and security in the region.

A United Airlines Boeing 767 arriving from Venice struck a lamppost and a delivery truck while landing in New Jersey, United States. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft, operating as Flight 169, made contact with a light post on the New Jersey Turnpike near Newark Liberty International Airport around 2 p.m. local time on Sunday. Despite the collision, the plane landed safely, and an investigation has been initiated.

According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, none of the 221 passengers or 10 crew members on board were injured. The truck driver sustained minor injuries, received treatment at a hospital, and was later released. The incident caused minor damage to the aircraft and to a southbound tractor-trailer. United Airlines stated that the involved crew members have been temporarily removed from duty as part of the investigation process.

Authorities said the FAA and other agencies will continue examining the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine the cause and ensure safety compliance.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported that maritime security risks in the Strait of Hormuz remain at a critical level due to ongoing military operations in the area. The organization has advised sailors navigating through the strait to remain vigilant and maintain communication with Omani authorities via VHF Channel 16.

UKMTO further recommended that vessels consider using Omani waters south of the Traffic Separation Scheme, where the United States has established an expanded security zone. The advisory follows an earlier incident near the coast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, where an oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile.

According to UKMTO, all crew members aboard the affected vessel were safe, and there were no reports of environmental damage resulting from the incident.

A scheduled court testimony of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his ongoing corruption case was canceled on May 4, 2026. According to Israeli media, the decision followed a message sent by Netanyahu’s defense team to the court the previous night. A statement from the court administration confirmed that the hearing would not take place after receiving an update from attorney Amit Hadad.

The court did not disclose the reason for postponing the hearing. Netanyahu had been expected to appear in court that morning to respond to corruption-related charges. If found guilty, he could face up to ten years in prison. The trial has already been delayed several times due to Israel’s ongoing conflicts with Gaza and Iran.

The latest postponement adds to the prolonged nature of the proceedings, with no new date for the testimony announced yet.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that European countries have understood Donald Trump’s message and are now ensuring the implementation of agreements related to the use of military bases. He made the remarks following Trump’s criticism that some NATO members were not contributing enough to support the United States in its conflict with Iran.

Speaking to reporters at a European Political Community summit in Armenia, Rutte acknowledged that there had been some disappointment from the U.S. side but said European nations had listened and were acting accordingly. His comments suggest a shift in NATO members’ stance following Trump’s strong message regarding military cooperation.

The development indicates that European allies are taking steps to align more closely with U.S. expectations on defense commitments, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions involving Iran.

Widespread load-shedding in Daulatkhan upazila of Bhola has caused severe disruption to students, businesses, and residents. The outages have affected ongoing SSC, Dakhil, and equivalent examinations, with power cuts even during exam hours. Evening blackouts have made it difficult for students to study, and candles are reportedly unavailable in local markets.

Residents complain that electricity often disappears even before clouds appear in the sky. On Saturday, power was out for 17 consecutive hours, and on Sunday for seven hours. The outages have halted operations in offices, banks, and businesses, while household appliances such as refrigerators and computers are being damaged. Business owners report that their work has nearly stopped, yet they still struggle to pay electricity bills on time.

The general manager of Bhola Palli Bidyut Samiti (Banglabazar) attributed the disruptions to storms and issues in the national grid line. The situation has also affected internet and mobile networks, leaving the area in near paralysis.

Members of Jamalpur 35 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) recovered 71 bottles of Indian liquor during an anti-drug operation near the Roumari Banglabazar border outpost on Sunday afternoon. The operation took place close to border pillar 1065 in the Charfulbari area. No arrests were made during the raid, and the seizure was later confirmed through a press release issued by the BGB.

According to BGB sources, the operation was conducted based on their own intelligence information. It is believed that the smugglers fled the scene after sensing the presence of the patrol team. The seized liquor was found abandoned at the site.

Lieutenant Colonel Hasanur Rahman, commanding officer of Jamalpur 35 BGB, stated that regular patrols and anti-drug drives are ongoing along the border, emphasizing the force’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics.

The construction of the 20-kilometer regional highway between Nabinagar and Ashuganj in Brahmanbaria remains unfinished after eight years. Approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in 2017, the project began on July 1, 2018, but only partial work has been completed. Heavy rainfall has worsened the condition of the unfinished road, creating large potholes and causing severe public suffering. The project’s term, set to expire in June this year, has been proposed for a two-year extension.

According to the Brahmanbaria Roads Department, land acquisition has become the main obstacle. Construction has stalled in several areas, including Krishnanagar, Birgaon, and Lalpur, where houses still occupy the road alignment. Landowners have refused to vacate their properties due to unpaid compensation. The acquisition process, covering 53 acres and 17.45 decimals of land with an estimated cost of Tk 296.62 crore, began in the 2022–23 fiscal year but remains entangled in legal disputes.

Local MP Advocate Abdul Mannan stated that efforts are underway to resolve the land acquisition complexities to expedite completion of the highway.

Multiple media outlets have reported allegations of extortion, irregularities, and abuse of power against A.H.M. Lutful Kabir, officer-in-charge of the Mongla River Police outpost in Bagerhat. Despite these reports, there has been little visible progress in the investigation, prompting concerns about its slow pace. Local residents claim that the situation on the ground remains unchanged even after repeated media coverage.

Local businessman Md. Rafiqul Islam said irregular money collection continues at the port area, causing hardship for small traders. River transport worker Alomgir Hossain added that workers face constant pressure while working at the dock, making their jobs increasingly difficult.

Inspector A.H.M. Lutful Kabir denied all allegations, calling them baseless and motivated, and stated that he performs his duties according to the law. He added that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face action. Khulna regional police superintendent Manjur Morshed confirmed that the matter is under investigation and departmental action will follow if the allegations are proven true.

The final list of candidates for the Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association Election 2026–27 has been officially released. According to the announcement, three candidates will contest for president, four for vice president, seven for secretary, two for treasurer, five for joint secretary, and nineteen for member positions. The Election Commission has barred any candidates affiliated with the banned Awami League from participating, leaving primarily two panels in the race. The election is scheduled to take place on May 13 and 14.

The nationalist lawyers’ forum-backed Blue Panel has nominated senior lawyer Mahbubuddin Khokon for president, while the Jamaat-e-Islami-backed Lawyers Council has fielded senior lawyer Abdul Baten for the same post. Other key candidates include Mohammad Ali and Barrister Maksud Ullah for secretary, and Advocate Ziaur Rahman for treasurer from the Blue Panel. The Lawyers Council has also announced candidates for all major positions.

Senior lawyer Mohammad Hossain Lipu of the NCP-backed National Lawyers Alliance withdrew his nomination for secretary, citing objections to the election commission’s composition. The Supreme Court Bar election is regarded as one of the most prestigious and politically significant events in Bangladesh’s legal community.

Iran has warned that any U.S. intervention in the newly established maritime regime in the Strait of Hormuz will be treated as a violation of the ceasefire. Iranian lawmakers and military officials stated that if U.S. naval forces enter the Strait of Hormuz or the Persian Gulf, Iranian forces will engage them directly in battle.

According to Iranian political and military officials, the recent war has altered regional dynamics, leading to the creation of a new governance structure in the strategic waterway. Iran aims to maintain full control over the strait at any cost. Analysts noted that control of the Strait of Hormuz has become crucial for Iran, whose economy remains under pressure from decades of U.S. sanctions and recent wartime damage to its industrial infrastructure.

Tehran has also warned that if the United States attempts to escort stranded ships through the strait, Iran will respond militarily, effectively ending the current ceasefire.

Nurul Islam, the Member of Parliament for Bhola-4, has initiated steps to bring the 20-bed Saudi Hospital in Dakshin Aicha, Charfassion, under the government revenue sector. On April 30, he submitted an application to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare requesting the hospital’s inclusion in the revenue budget to ensure its full operation.

According to the application, the hospital was built in 1998 with funding from the Saudi government to provide healthcare to residents of the remote area. Despite having a modern building and equipment, the facility has remained largely non-functional for 26 years due to shortages of staff and medicine. As a result, local residents must travel about 30 kilometers to the upazila headquarters for treatment, which is both difficult and costly. Locals have long demanded that the hospital be brought under the revenue sector and staffed adequately.

Helal Uddin Tipu, a member of the district BNP convening committee, expressed optimism that the authorities would act promptly to implement this public-interest initiative.

Two factions of the Dinajpur district unit of Chhatra Dal held separate and opposing programs on May 4, 2026, following the announcement of a new convening committee. Supporters of the newly formed committee organized a celebratory procession in front of the district BNP office, while another faction protested, demanding the committee’s cancellation. The protest march started from the Academy School premises and ended at Lili Mor via Modern Mor.

Acting president of the new committee, Rubel Islam, criticized the formation process, alleging that dedicated grassroots leaders who had suffered under the Awami government were excluded. Former general secretary Md. Abuzar Setu expressed frustration at not being informed about the new committee and urged central leaders to coordinate with the previous district committee before finalizing appointments.

According to a circular signed by central Chhatra Dal president Rakibul Islam Rakib and general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir, Md. Abdur Razzak was named convener, Zakaria Habib Jony senior joint convener, and six others joint conveners. The committee was instructed to form a full panel within 30 days.

An opinion piece published on May 4, 2026, in Amader Desh highlights the growing problem of device addiction in modern society. The article warns that smartphones, tablets, and laptops, while making life easier, are silently fostering a new behavioral disorder known as digital dependency or internet gaming disorder. It notes that excessive screen time is reducing attention span, memory, and mental strength, particularly among youth. According to Statista data cited in the article, people spend an average of six to eight hours daily on screens, and about 70 percent of urban Bangladeshi students use mobile phones for more than four hours a day.

The report identifies health issues such as computer vision syndrome and text neck syndrome, along with psychological problems like depression, anxiety, and insomnia. It also discusses how social media comparisons and instant gratification are eroding patience and emotional stability. The article warns that children exposed to screens too early may face developmental challenges, including autism-like conditions.

To counter this, the author suggests digital detox, screen-time management, and parental guidance to promote balanced technology use and strengthen family relationships.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that ongoing discussions with Iran are 'very positive' and aimed at finding a solution to the conflict. He announced that the United States will soon begin assisting ships trapped in the blocked Strait of Hormuz to exit safely. The announcement came as tensions remain high following recent military actions between the two nations. According to AFP, the initiative will start Monday morning under the name 'Project Freedom'.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said Tehran has offered a 14-point proposal to end the war, and Washington has responded through Pakistani mediators. A ceasefire has been in place since April 8, but no permanent peace agreement has been reached. The conflict began after a February 28 US-Israel strike in Iran that killed the country’s supreme leader, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran.

The US Central Command confirmed its participation in Project Freedom, deploying guided-missile destroyers, over 100 air and sea-based aircraft, unmanned platforms, and 15,000 troops. Admiral Brad Cooper described the mission as vital for regional security and global economic stability.