Opposition Chief Whip and National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Md. Nahid Islam extended greetings to workers at home and abroad on the occasion of International Workers’ Day on May 1, 2026. In a Facebook post, he recalled the 1886 Haymarket Square movement in Chicago and paid tribute to the workers who sacrificed their lives for the eight-hour workday demand.

Nahid Islam expressed regret that in Bangladesh, May Day has remained largely ceremonial since independence, limited to banners, speeches, and discussions, without meaningful improvement in workers’ conditions. He criticized previous governments, alleging severe repression of workers during the Awami League’s rule and the absence of justice even 13 years after the Rana Plaza tragedy. He also recalled workers’ contributions to the July uprising and lamented that inequality and low wages persist.

Reaffirming his commitment, Nahid Islam said the NCP aims to build a worker-friendly Bangladesh ensuring dignity, rights, and fair wages for all laborers.

Police Week 2026 will begin on May 10 with a four-day program at the Rajarbagh Police Lines field in Dhaka. On the opening day, 107 members of the Bangladesh Police will receive the Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM) and the President’s Police Medal (PPM). Alongside police personnel, several officers from the army and air force serving in the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) will also be honored for their contributions to maintaining law and order. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to present the medals to the awardees.

According to the Police Headquarters, the selected recipients have been instructed to report to the Rajarbagh Police Lines parade ground on May 2. The official letter, signed by DIG (Confidential) Md Kamrul Ahsan, includes the names, ranks, and addresses of all 107 honorees. In previous years, 400 officers received medals in 2024, 117 in 2023, and 230 in 2022.

Following disruptions after the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, last year’s Police Week was shortened to three days. The organizing committee has now decided to restore the full-scale celebration this year.

In Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area, a student of New Model Degree College faced the prospect of halting his studies due to financial hardship. On Wednesday, Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader Md. Tariqul Islam Tarik, the organization’s central joint general secretary and former general secretary of Salimullah Muslim Hall unit at Dhaka University, personally provided financial assistance to the student. The support allowed the marketing department final-year student to pay overdue fees and complete exam registration before the Thursday deadline.

Observers described Tarik’s gesture as an example of humane politics, noting that his action not only saved a student’s academic future but also conveyed a message of compassion in public life. The student expressed deep gratitude, saying the help gave him renewed hope and courage to pursue his dreams.

Tarik stated that his involvement stemmed from a sense of duty beyond politics, emphasizing that the true purpose of politics should be to serve people and ensure that no talented student’s education stops for lack of money.

Myanmar’s military-backed government has transferred former leader Aung San Suu Kyi from prison to house arrest, according to a state television announcement on Thursday night. The move came as part of a general amnesty marking a Buddhist religious festival, during which the 80-year-old’s prison term was further reduced. A government information office released a photo showing Suu Kyi seated on a wooden bench in traditional attire, accompanied by two uniformed officials.

Suu Kyi had been detained since the February 1, 2021 military coup that ousted the elected government. She was last seen publicly during a court hearing in May 2021 and was sentenced by late 2022 to a total of 33 years in prison on multiple charges. Her supporters and human rights groups have long described the convictions as politically motivated efforts to sideline her from politics.

Officials said her sentence was reduced by another one-sixth, though the exact remaining term was not disclosed. State media reported that 1,519 prisoners, including 11 foreigners, were granted amnesty following General Min Aung Hlaing’s assumption of the presidency on April 10.

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.