The International Criminal Court (ICC) has approved the start of a trial against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte on charges of crimes against humanity. The ICC’s pre-trial judges unanimously confirmed the allegations, stating there was sufficient reason to believe Duterte committed the crimes. The charges relate to thousands of alleged extrajudicial killings during his controversial anti-drug campaign between 2011 and 2019.

Duterte, aged 81, has been detained for over a year and repeatedly sought release, but the court rejected his appeals. He has refused to recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction, arguing that the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019. However, ICC judges ruled that the alleged crimes occurred while the country was still a member, giving the court authority to proceed. More than 500 victims have been allowed to participate in the proceedings.

Human rights groups claim Duterte’s campaign targeted small drug dealers while sparing major criminals. Duterte has denied the accusations as false, and police have maintained that their actions were in self-defense.

Leaders and activists of the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (Raksu) and various hall unions held a protest march on Thursday condemning the recent attack on Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) leaders and members of the Dhaka University Journalists’ Association. The procession began in front of the Raksu office, paraded through key campus roads, and ended at the starting point, with participants chanting slogans demanding justice and accountability.

Raksu’s assistant general secretary Salman Sabbir denounced the attack as premeditated and urged authorities to identify and punish those responsible. Senate member Fahim Reza warned against growing unrest on campuses and called for maintaining peace and respect for elected representatives. Raksu vice president Mostakur Rahman Zahid said the assault targeted not only one organization but also students, journalists, employees, and traders, warning of larger movements if justice is not ensured.

Around three hundred students joined the demonstration, which emphasized unity among students and a demand for campus safety and accountability.

Md. Selim Uddin has called on party leaders and activists to prepare for a street movement, asserting that political struggle will continue both in parliament and on the streets. He claimed that the current government has lost its moral right to remain in power. Selim Uddin made these remarks on Thursday while addressing a unit representative conference at the Women’s Voluntary Association in Lalmatia, Dhaka, organized by the Mohammadpur East branch of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

During his speech, Selim Uddin alleged that the government raised fuel prices only hours after promising not to do so, describing it as evidence of inconsistency in its stance. He also accused the authorities of manipulating the national election results, claiming that the parliamentary seats won by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) were actually due to Jamaat and were altered through electoral engineering.

The conference was presided over by Mohammadpur East Jamaat Amir Mashiur Rahman and conducted by Secretary Anisur Rahman, with central Majlis-e-Shura member Ziaul Hasan and Banani Central Mosque Khatib Maulana Abul Kalam Azad also addressing the event.

Commerce, Industry, Jute and Textile Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said that power generation in Bangladesh has been disrupted and load-shedding has increased due to the inability to import sufficient gas to meet national demand. He made the remarks on Friday while visiting the Bashia River in Masukganj area of Sylhet Sadar upazila.

The minister explained that the country’s electricity production remains largely dependent on gas. Technical complications have limited gas imports, creating a shortfall in power generation. He added that the government is actively working to address the crisis. Regarding fuel prices, he said the recent 15 percent increase in diesel prices is not expected to significantly affect overall inflation, as the adjustment was made after careful calculation. He estimated that transporting goods 200 kilometers by truck could raise costs by about 30 paisa per kilogram.

Muktadir also announced plans to expand LNG import capacity by establishing a new terminal, with tenders to be invited soon. He noted that the Bashia River dredging project will benefit around 90,000 farmers and enable additional crop production on 20,000 hectares of land.

Several notable political and social figures formally joined the National Citizen Party (NCP) on Friday afternoon at an event held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers auditorium in Kakrail, Dhaka. The new members include former Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal organizing secretary and expelled BNP leader Ishaq Sarkar, Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq’s granddaughter Fersamin Huq Iqbal Flora, content creator Nuruzzaman Kafi, July uprising leader Mohiuddin Roni, and Bangladesh Janata Party senior vice chairman Maksudur Rahman Sohel. NCP convenor Nahid Islam and other senior leaders welcomed them with flowers.

Fersamin Huq Iqbal joined virtually from California, while the others were present on stage. Ishaq Sarkar, who faced numerous political cases during the previous government, joined the NCP along with his supporters. He is set to become the convener of NCP’s Dhaka South Metropolitan unit, replacing joint member secretary Alauddin Mohammad, who is stepping down.

The event marks an expansion of NCP’s leadership base with figures from diverse political and civic backgrounds, signaling potential organizational strengthening ahead of future political activities.

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh has announced recruitment for 75 positions across grades 13 to 20, including posts under the Toshakhana Unit and Toshakhana Museum. The online application process will begin on April 29, 2026, at 10 a.m., and no offline applications will be accepted. The deadline for submission is May 28, 2026, at 5 p.m.

The available positions include stenographer-cum-computer operator, computer operator, cataloger, cashier, office assistant-cum-computer typist, data entry/control operator, office assistant, modeler, storekeeper, gallery attendant, electrician, receptionist, publication assistant, security guard, and cleaner. Salaries range from BDT 8,250 to BDT 26,590 depending on grade. Applicants must be between 18 and 32 years old as of April 1, 2026, with an age relaxation up to 40 years for departmental candidates applying for specific posts.

Application fees are set at BDT 112 for grades 13–16 and BDT 56 for grades 20 positions, inclusive of Teletalk service charges. All applications must be submitted online within the specified timeframe.

Japan has decided to release part of its national oil reserves starting May 1 to address supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis that has affected crude oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced the decision on Friday, stating that efforts are underway to secure oil through alternative routes.

According to the ministry, the release will amount to roughly 5.8 million kiloliters of oil, equivalent to about 20 days of national demand, valued at approximately 540 billion yen (around 3.38 billion US dollars). Japan expects to source more than half of its crude oil from alternative suppliers by May compared to last year, which would help maintain stable supply through the end of the year while limiting the need for further reserve releases.

The ministry said the move is being carried out under Article 31 of the Petroleum Stockpiling Act to ensure stable energy supply. As one of the world’s largest oil importers, Japan remains vulnerable to instability in the Hormuz Strait region, which poses a significant risk to its energy security.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has arrested a man described as a notorious human trafficker with a foreign-made pistol in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The arrest took place late Thursday night near Maheshkhaliapara area following a special operation based on secret intelligence. Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon confirmed the information on Friday afternoon.

The detainee, identified as Yasin, 28, is a resident of Maheshkhaliapara in Teknaf and the son of Anjal Hossain. Preliminary interrogation revealed that he had been involved in human trafficking for a long time and faced multiple cases, including murder and trafficking charges. The seized 7.65 mm pistol and the suspect are now under legal processing for further action.

According to the Coast Guard, operations like this will continue to maintain law and order and curb human trafficking along the coastal and border regions.

A heatwave that has persisted for five consecutive days across 16 districts of Bangladesh showed signs of weakening on Friday, April 24, 2026. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that the intensity and coverage of the heatwave have gradually decreased compared to earlier in the week, when it affected up to 27 districts. The highest temperature recorded on Friday was 37.8°C in Rajshahi, down from 40°C earlier in the week.

Meteorologist Khondaker Hafizur Rahman said the heatwave’s intensity and spread are expected to decline further by Saturday. He added that from Sunday, rain is likely to increase across the country, which could help ease the ongoing heatwave. The forecast indicates possible moderate to heavy rainfall in parts of Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions, with scattered showers in Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions.

Despite the slight drop in temperature, high humidity levels have made conditions feel extremely hot, causing widespread discomfort. The weather office expects the rainfall trend to continue for several days, bringing relief from the oppressive heat.

NRBC Bank clinched the title in the Don Ready Mix Concrete Bankers Club Cricket Tournament 2026 final with a commanding 53-run win over City Bank PLC. The match, held under the organization of Bankers Club Rajshahi, saw NRBC Bank secure their third consecutive championship title. Batting first after winning the toss, NRBC Bank were bowled out for 134 runs in 19.1 overs, with Helal scoring 27 off 14 balls and Sayed adding 23 off 27. City Bank’s Raju took 4 wickets for 29 runs, while Nayeem claimed 2 for 13.

Chasing 135, City Bank struggled against NRBC’s disciplined bowling attack and were dismissed for 81 runs in 16.1 overs. Abir starred with the ball, taking 5 wickets for 15 runs in 3.1 overs, while Helal contributed with 2 wickets for 12 runs. Abir was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance, and Helal hit the most sixes in the final. The trophy was presented to NRBC Bank’s Managing Director and CEO Dr. Md. Touhidul Alam Khan by Bankers Club Rajshahi President Amjad Hossain Khan.

The award ceremony was attended by senior officials from various banks, including former national cricket captain Khaled Mashud Pilot, whose Clemon Cricket Academy managed the event.

Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament Barrister Kaiser Kamal visited his former school, Kalmakanda Government Pilot High School in Netrokona, on Friday morning without a formal invitation. Upon arrival, teachers approached him with flowers, but he refused the greeting and expressed anger toward them for not inviting him. He stated that he had expected an invitation from the school and had arranged the visit himself.

During a subsequent meeting with teachers, the Deputy Speaker inquired about the school’s institutional and academic affairs. He expressed surprise that only 15 teachers were serving against 28 sanctioned posts and questioned why the school had been run by an acting headteacher for eight years. He criticized the teachers for sending a demand notice without consulting the elected representative and advised them to maintain professional integrity and avoid political dependence.

The meeting ended in silence among teachers and attendees, with administrative officials, including the Upazila Nirbahi Officer S.M. Mikail Islam, present at the event.

Tensions between Beijing and Washington have escalated after Donald Trump claimed that a Chinese ‘gift’ was found on an Iranian cargo ship seized by the United States. On Friday, China’s Foreign Ministry rejected the allegation, stating it had no factual basis. The ministry emphasized that China is a responsible state and that normal trade flows between countries should not be disrupted. Earlier in the week, Beijing had described similar claims as ‘malicious lies.’

China has consistently called for a ceasefire and dialogue since the start of the war, portraying itself as a neutral party despite being Iran’s largest trading partner and top buyer of Iranian oil. Beijing maintains that it does not supply weapons to Iran.

Trump’s new accusation has cast uncertainty over his planned mid-May visit to China, which was intended to stabilize bilateral relations after being postponed once due to the war. On the same day, China’s Commerce Ministry imposed export controls on seven European firms accused of supplying arms to Taiwan, adding another layer of strain to its international relations.

Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury inaugurated a canal re-excavation project in Boalmari upazila of Faridpur on Friday afternoon. The project covers the section from the Madhumati River to the Kamargram sluice gate under Gunbaha Union. It is being implemented as part of a nationwide program for excavation and re-excavation of rivers, canals, and water bodies.

According to officials, the initiative aims to improve water flow in rural areas, enhance irrigation facilities for farmers, and contribute to sustainable development. They expect the project to increase local agricultural production, reduce waterlogging, and help maintain environmental balance in the region.

Local political leaders, administrative officials, and community representatives attended the inauguration ceremony, reflecting broad local participation in the government’s water management initiative.

A large ice block above Mount Everest Base Camp has forced hundreds of climbers and local guides to suspend their ascent toward the summit. Nepal’s Department of Mountaineering official Himlal Gautam said on Friday that the ice barrier, or serac, between Base Camp and Camp One was unstable and unsafe for passage. Climbers are currently waiting at the base camp while authorities monitor the situation.

According to government data, 410 foreign climbers have been granted permits to attempt Everest this spring season, which typically ends in late May. Experienced Sherpas, known as “Icefall Doctors,” usually complete rope and ladder installations across the Khumbu Icefall by mid-April, but this year the work has been delayed due to the unstable serac. The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee plans to conduct an aerial survey to assess the risk, with its chairman Lama Kaji Sherpa warning that avalanche danger remains until the ice melts to a safer level.

The Khumbu Icefall is one of the most perilous sections of the Everest route, and a similar ice collapse in 2014 killed 16 Sherpa guides, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the mountain’s history.

A special operation by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) recovered Indian Tapentadol tablets and a bicycle near the Biral border area of Dinajpur. The raid took place around 11:30 a.m. on Friday, led by a patrol team from Kishoreganj Border Outpost under the Dinajpur Battalion (42 BGB). The items were found abandoned near the cluster village area adjacent to the main border pillar.

According to BGB, ten pieces of Indian Tapentadol tablets and one bicycle were seized during the operation. Legal procedures are underway to process the confiscated items, and intelligence efforts continue to identify the smugglers who fled the scene. The commanding officer of the Dinajpur Battalion stated that BGB will continue regular and strict operations to protect the border and prevent drug and smuggling activities.

The operation reflects BGB’s ongoing commitment to curbing cross-border smuggling and maintaining security along the Dinajpur frontier.