The state-owned Jiban Bima Corporation has announced a new recruitment drive for 20 positions under the title of Insurance Representative or Agent. According to the notice published on April 28, 2026, interested candidates can apply online until May 27, 2026. Applicants must have at least an SSC or graduate-level qualification, and prior experience is not required, making it an opportunity for newcomers. Both men and women are eligible to apply.

The positions are full-time and categorized as private-sector roles. Salary and other benefits will be determined through discussion, and no specific age limit has been mentioned. Selected candidates must be willing to work in the districts of Bogura, Gaibandha, Joypurhat, Naogaon, Natore, and Sirajganj.

Applications are being accepted through the BDJobs online platform until the stated deadline.

Bangladesh and Bhutan have stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in trade and energy sectors. The discussion took place on Tuesday at the Secretariat in Dhaka during a courtesy meeting between Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and Bhutan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dasho Karma Hamu Dorji. Both sides discussed expanding bilateral trade and investment as well as enhancing regional cooperation, with particular focus on renewable energy, including solar and hydropower projects.

The commerce minister highlighted that although South Asian countries collectively have a GDP of about 59 trillion US dollars, intra-regional trade remains around one percent, far below potential. He emphasized the need for stronger economic partnerships among neighboring countries and suggested that establishing small-scale hydropower plants near border areas could be mutually beneficial.

The Bhutanese ambassador congratulated the minister on his appointment and expressed Bhutan’s interest in deepening bilateral trade ties. He noted that the distance between Bhutan and Bangladesh’s Burimari border is about 100 kilometers, making trade and investment convenient. He also mentioned that Bhutanese students study in Bangladeshi medical colleges, contributing to cultural exchange between the two nations.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan stated that there is currently no militant activity in the country. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after attending the 31st founding anniversary and medal ceremony of the Bangladesh Coast Guard. The minister said that the term 'militant' is no longer relevant in the present context and was previously used as a political tool during fascist regimes.

Responding to a question about when the army would be withdrawn from the field, the minister said the withdrawal would take place gradually. The event was also attended by Home Ministry Secretary Manjur Morshed Chowdhury and Coast Guard Director General Md. Ziaul Haque.

The statement reflects the government’s position that militant threats have subsided and that security operations are transitioning toward normal administrative control.

Iraq’s President Nizar Amedi has appointed Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate and tasked him with forming a new government, according to Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Iraq. Al-Zaidi was selected by the Coordination Framework, a coalition of Shia parties holding a parliamentary majority, following a meeting in Baghdad. His nomination ends months of political stalemate that had drawn intervention from United States President Donald Trump, who opposed the initial candidate, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Both al-Maliki and outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani withdrew their candidacies to facilitate consensus.

Al-Zaidi, chairman of Al-Janoob Islamic Bank, emerged as a compromise figure supported for his economic expertise and business connections, despite lacking prior political experience. In his first statement, he pledged to make Iraq “a balanced country, regionally and internationally,” emphasizing unity during what he described as a sensitive period. Under Iraq’s constitution, he now has 30 days to present a cabinet to parliament and secure a vote of confidence.

The incoming government faces major challenges, including managing the fallout from the US-Israeli war against Iran, disruptions to oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, and persistent issues of corruption, armed groups, and governance reform.

A severe shortage of drinking water has hit Ramganj upazila in Lakshmipur, where deep tube wells are failing to draw water due to ongoing drought and a sharp drop in groundwater levels. Residents, including business owners, are struggling to obtain safe water, with many resorting to shallow tube wells or carrying water from distant sources. The municipal water plant is unable to meet demand, leaving households and institutions in distress.

Local residents reported that most deep wells have become nonfunctional, forcing them to buy bottled water or use pond water for daily chores. The head teacher of a local primary school said the school’s motor pump has stopped working, while others complained of irregular municipal supply. According to the assistant engineer of Ramganj Municipality, a 2023 earthquake originating in Sirundi village caused the groundwater level to drop significantly, worsening the crisis.

Officials said a new water plant in Kazirkhil area is expected to start operation within a few days, which may ease the shortage. The upazila administration has pledged to coordinate with the public health engineering department to take necessary measures.

The Bangladesh government is taking extensive preparations to send a large number of skilled workers to Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) category across 16 sectors. Japan has set a target to recruit 820,000 foreign workers in these sectors by March 2029, and experts believe Bangladesh could supply up to 40 percent of that demand if properly prepared. Previously, Bangladesh could send workers to only six sectors, but now it is expanding readiness for all 16.

According to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, the government is implementing short-, medium-, and long-term plans to train workers in Japanese language, culture, and technical skills. Initiatives include upgrading training centers, launching hybrid courses, and strengthening cooperation with Japanese institutions. The ministry has also established a “Japan Cell” and enhanced the labor wing at the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo to facilitate recruitment.

The government is also promoting student migration, aiming to send 10,000 students to Japan in 2026 with easy loan facilities. Officials say these measures will deepen bilateral cooperation and expand employment opportunities for Bangladeshi citizens in Japan.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz is having a comparatively greater impact on the Asia-Pacific region, which remains heavily dependent on energy imports. She made the remarks during a meeting in Tokyo with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, emphasizing that the close linkage between Australian and Japanese supply chains has helped maintain some stability in energy imports from Japan.

Wong noted that amid global instability, economic ties between the two nations have become increasingly vital. She stressed the need for coordinated responses following the effective closure of the key maritime route. The Strait of Hormuz typically handles about one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments, and its disruption has particularly affected Asian countries that rely on it for a major share of their energy needs.

The situation underscores the vulnerability of regional economies to disruptions in global energy transport routes and highlights the importance of cooperative strategies to mitigate supply risks.

A luxury superyacht linked to Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, has crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite heightened tensions and blockade conditions. The 142-meter vessel, named Nord, traveled from Dubai to Muscat, Oman, over the weekend, navigating one of the world’s most critical maritime routes for oil and LNG transport.

The passage occurred amid increased restrictions by Iran on regional navigation and growing U.S. military presence. U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced a blockade on Iranian ports, further complicating the situation. Despite these challenges, the Russian-flagged yacht safely reached Oman’s Al Mouj Marina, one of the few private vessels to do so recently.

Mordashov, chairman of steel company Severstal, remains under Western sanctions, though his assets, including the Nord, have not been fully seized. It remains unclear whether he was aboard during the voyage.

A distorted and obscene cartoon of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee circulated on social media amid the 2026 state assembly election has sparked intense controversy. The Election Commission of India is reviewing the matter after a complaint was filed, though no arrests have been made yet. The cartoon, shared from an account identified as belonging to a self-proclaimed nationalist from Uttar Pradesh, depicted a large female figure resembling Banerjee standing over India’s border in a vulgar manner.

The image suggested that Banerjee supports illegal immigration from Bangladesh, showing people crossing into India. The West Bengal Women’s Commission called the image offensive and degrading to women, alleging that it was intended to exploit gender bias for electoral gain. A case has been registered at the Siliguri Cyber Crime Police Station, which is investigating the accused individual.

The Trinamool Congress accused the BJP of resorting to obscenity for political advantage, while BJP leaders continued to criticize the state government over infiltration issues. The Election Commission has sought a detailed report on whether any political party was involved, as digital ethics and women’s safety emerge as key concerns during the election period.

Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday morning at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting took place at 10 a.m. and was described as a formal courtesy visit.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Science and Technology Minister and Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam Swapon, adviser to both ministries Rehan Asif Asad, and Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigorievich Kozhin were present during the meeting. The report did not specify the topics discussed or any outcomes from the meeting.

The visit reflects ongoing diplomatic and institutional engagement between Bangladesh and Russia, particularly in the field of nuclear energy cooperation, though no further details were provided in the source.

In Tangail’s Mirzapur upazila, allegations have surfaced that topsoil from triple-crop farmland is being sold to brick kilns and other sites. For nearly two months, soil has been excavated day and night from cultivable land in three villages of Fatepur Union—Bahonatali, Nishchintapur, and Mushuriaghona—using excavators. The soil is reportedly being transported by trucks to nearby brick kilns. Local residents claim that influential individuals are involved and that soil is being taken even from others’ land without consent.

Officials from the agriculture department have warned that removing the top 15 centimeters of soil will severely reduce fertility, requiring more fertilizer and lowering yields. The Fatepur Union administrator said he had discussed halting the excavation with the assistant commissioner (land). The assistant commissioner, Tarek Aziz, stated that no legal permission had been issued for soil cutting and that investigations and legal action would follow.

The ongoing removal of fertile soil threatens long-term agricultural productivity in the affected villages if not stopped promptly.

At least 21 people were killed and 56 injured in a powerful bombing on a highway in southwestern Colombia, the government confirmed on Monday, April 27, 2026. The explosion occurred on the main road connecting Cali and Popayán, leaving a large crater and causing severe casualties. Authorities described the attack as one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in recent decades, allegedly carried out by a cocaine-trafficking rebel group.

Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez called it one of the largest guerrilla attacks in recent times. President Gustavo Petro blamed the armed group led by Iván Mordisco, a dissident faction of the former FARC rebels who rejected the 2016 peace deal and continued violent activities. The bombing underscores the persistence of armed conflict despite past peace efforts.

The attack comes just weeks before Colombia’s presidential election scheduled for May 31. Analysts warned that the surge in guerrilla violence, including at least 31 attacks in the southwest last weekend, could significantly affect the country’s political climate and security outlook.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that helicopter service will be added to the Bangladesh Coast Guard fleet as part of a modernization initiative. The government also plans to recruit 10,000 new personnel to strengthen the force. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning during the 31st founding anniversary ceremony of the Bangladesh Coast Guard.

The minister stated that the current government is firmly committed to the overall development of the Coast Guard and has undertaken several initiatives for its modernization. He praised the force for earning public trust through its roles in combating drug smuggling, protecting fisheries, eliminating piracy, and safeguarding the environment.

He further highlighted the Coast Guard’s vital role in rescue operations during natural disasters in coastal areas and maintaining security and stability in regions such as the Sundarbans.

Bahrain has revoked the citizenship of 69 individuals accused of expressing support, praise, or sympathy for Iran. According to Anadolu Agency, the decision was made in response to recent regional tensions involving Iran. The Bahrain News Agency reported on Monday, April 27, that those who showed sympathy toward Iran’s 'hostile and criminal acts' lost their citizenship, including some of their family members.

Earlier in March, Bahrain’s High Criminal Court held a preliminary hearing in a case accusing several people of promoting and exaggerating Iran’s 'terrorist activities,' though the number of defendants was not disclosed at that time. The move comes amid heightened regional conflict following a joint U.S.-Israel military operation against Iran on February 28, which reportedly resulted in more than 3,300 deaths.

A two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was brokered by Pakistan on April 8 and later extended indefinitely on April 21 at Pakistan’s request, as announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.

A mobile court in Banshkhali upazila of Chattogram fined a brick kiln Tk 200,000 for violating the Brick Manufacturing and Brick Kiln Establishment (Control) Act. The operation took place on Monday at Messrs. Chowdhury Bricks, owned by Saiful Islam, located in Minjiritala under Saral Union Parishad. The court, led by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Omar Sani Akon, also ordered the destruction of raw bricks found at the site.

Senior Chemist Jannatul Ferdous from the Chattogram District Department of Environment office served as the prosecutor during the mobile court proceedings. The executive magistrate stated that such drives would continue to ensure environmental protection.

The enforcement action highlights ongoing efforts by local authorities to regulate illegal brick kilns and safeguard agricultural land and the environment in the region.