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.

Australia and Japan have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the energy and critical minerals sectors as global trade faces disruptions from ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The agreement was signed in Canberra following a meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Albanese said the initiative aims to protect both economies from future shocks and uncertainties.

Prime Minister Takaichi told reporters that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has severely affected the Indo-Pacific region, and both nations will maintain close communication to address the situation. Australia is Japan’s largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG), while Japan provides about 7 percent of Australia’s diesel imports. Takaichi added that both countries will work to enhance self-reliance and capacity to ensure stable energy supplies.

According to the International Energy Agency, about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, with roughly 80 percent destined for Asian countries. Recent restrictions by Iran following U.S. and Israeli attacks have disrupted global oil supply routes.

Police arrested Gunaighar Uttar Union Parishad Chairman Mokbal Hossain Mukul from his office in Debidwar upazila of Cumilla on Monday morning. The arrest took place at the union council office following a police operation based on secret information.

According to police sources, Mukul was an accused in multiple murder cases linked to the July Movement and had been absconding for a long time. Acting on a tip-off, law enforcement officers conducted a raid and detained him from the office premises.

Debidwar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Moniruzzaman confirmed that two murder cases related to the July Movement are pending against the accused. Police said he will be produced before the Cumilla court.

The article discusses the rapid expansion of e-commerce in Bangladesh and globally, highlighting how technology has transformed daily life and business practices. Online shopping has become a key part of modern living, allowing consumers to purchase goods and services easily from home through websites, mobile apps, and social media platforms. This shift has saved time and effort while enabling businesses to reach customers beyond local boundaries.

Despite its benefits, e-commerce faces several challenges. Consumers often cannot verify product quality before purchase, leading to trust issues and occasional fraud. Delayed or incorrect deliveries and technical disruptions also affect reliability. The article notes that in Bangladesh, young entrepreneurs are driving growth through social media-based ventures, supported by mobile banking systems that simplify online payments.

To ensure sustainable growth, the piece emphasizes the need for strong data protection, secure transactions, and ethical business practices. Government policy and public awareness are seen as essential for building a safe and trustworthy e-commerce environment that can further strengthen the national economy.

A report published on May 4, 2026, highlights the rapid spread of online gambling across Bangladesh, affecting people from all social classes. Once confined to physical locations, gambling has now moved to smartphones and the internet, making it easily accessible. The report cites several recent violent crimes, including murders and suicides, linked to online gambling debts. It warns that this trend has evolved into a serious social crisis, drawing in youth and low-income groups through deceptive digital platforms.

The article explains that online gambling platforms use algorithms and psychological triggers to keep users engaged, creating addiction and financial ruin. Many platforms are fraudulent, preventing users from withdrawing money and exposing them to data theft. Despite gambling being illegal in Bangladesh, enforcement is difficult because most platforms operate from abroad using VPNs and encryption.

The report urges immediate, technology-driven action, including forming a specialized cyber unit equipped with artificial intelligence to detect and block gambling networks. It also calls for strict legal measures, awareness campaigns, and digital payment monitoring to curb the growing threat.

Member of Parliament Monjurul Islam Monju from Dinajpur-1 has issued a strict warning that any clinic in Birganj where a patient dies during surgery will be permanently sealed. He made the announcement while addressing local clinics, emphasizing that operations must be conducted under proper medical guidelines with qualified surgeons and anesthesiologists.

The MP instructed all clinics to employ at least one BMDC-registered MBBS medical officer, three diploma nurses, and other staff as required by regulations. He also directed that certified medical technologists be appointed for laboratory work on a contractual basis. Monju cautioned that no recommendation or leniency would be given if rules are violated, urging clinic owners to ensure patient safety and compliance.

He further instructed the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and the Health and Family Planning Officer to remain vigilant. Monju called on clinic owners to transform Birganj into a model healthcare town by following proper standards, warning that repeated patient deaths would no longer be tolerated.

A rare comet will be visible in the skies of the Southern Hemisphere for the next two weeks before disappearing from view for approximately 170,000 years. According to astronomer Josh Aoraki of Auckland’s Te Whatu Stardome in New Zealand, the comet had been traveling through the Northern Hemisphere but is now visible in the south after orbiting the Sun.

Aoraki explained that the comet is bright but not visible to the naked eye, requiring binoculars, a telescope, or a camera to observe. He added that while it is not bright enough for unaided viewing, it is relatively easy to photograph. The comet’s brightness is expected to gradually fade over the coming two weeks.

Residents of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and the Pacific region are advised to look toward the western horizon shortly after sunset, ensuring an unobstructed view. The best viewing time will be within the first hour after the Sun sets.

Diplomatic and government sources say former U.S. President Donald Trump faces mounting pressure before his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as the prolonged Iran crisis has weakened Washington’s bargaining position. The summit is scheduled for May 14–15 in Beijing, seen by China as a key opportunity to stabilize long-term relations between the two powers.

Chinese officials reportedly believe the Trump administration initially sought a swift victory in Iran to strengthen leverage over Beijing, but the conflict’s drawn-out and unpopular nature has shifted momentum in China’s favor. Wu Xinbo, a member of China’s Foreign Ministry advisory council, said the U.S. inability to control Iran has left Trump in a weaker position for talks. Analysts add that with U.S. midterm elections approaching, Trump is eager to show success to voters, while Beijing aims to extract concessions on Taiwan, technology exports, and sanctions relief.

Experts note that despite energy supply concerns through the Strait of Hormuz, China’s global standing has improved due to its calls for peace. The upcoming summit will test whether the two nations can ease tensions that have persisted since Trump’s 2017 Beijing visit.