A low-magnitude aftershock hit Bangladesh on Saturday, following a powerful 5.5-magnitude earthquake near Dhaka that killed at least 10 people and left hundreds injured. The initial quake damaged homes and infrastructure across affected districts, causing widespread fear and displacement.
Saturday’s 3.3-magnitude aftershock centered in Ashulia, north of the capital, heightened public anxiety and revealed further cracks and destruction. Emergency operations are underway to assess damage and coordinate rescue efforts, as officials warn Bangladesh’s geography makes it highly vulnerable.
Meteorologists note aftershocks are common; no major quakes have hit the region in over 100 years. Residents near the epicenter report unprecedented fear and damage, urging continued government support and vigilance.
Tagged as:
aftershock Bangladesh damage death toll Dhaka Disaster Earthquake Emergency government Infrastructure injured relief operation rescue tremor
About the author
US reiterates recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Sahara
The United States has again reaffirmed its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and its support for Rabat’s autonomy plan for the disputed territory. Washington says genuine autonomy under Moroccan authority remains the only realistic basis for a lasting political solution. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio restated the position during talks in Washington with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. According to official readouts, Rubio said the US stance, first announced under President Donald Trump in 2020, has not changed. Trump had recognised Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara as part of a deal in which Rabat agreed to normalise relations with Israel. In a message to King Mohammed VI during his second term, he reiterated US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty and described the autonomy proposal as serious, credible and realistic. American officials have repeatedly stressed that they do not […]
Abdulmumini Auwal SA April 30, 2026
Fed Govt pushes tech driven risk management for stronger economy
The Federal Government says technology driven risk management is now central to building a more resilient Nigerian economy. Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume made this known at the 2026 National Risk Management Conference in Abuja. Represented by the Director of General Services in his office, Idris Ibrahim, Akume urged policymakers, industry leaders and development partners to embrace modern risk tools to manage emerging threats. He said rapid digital transformation, security challenges, climate uncertainties and global economic shocks demand smarter and more proactive responses. Akume noted that technologies such as artificial intelligence, fintech and digital governance platforms are reshaping economies worldwide. He warned, however, that these tools also introduce new vulnerabilities that must be managed through strong institutions, sound regulation and strategic planning. The SGF called for deliberate investment in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and research to support […]
Abdulmumini Auwal SA April 30, 2026
NMA rejects court ruling giving FCCPC power to probe medical negligence
The Nigerian Medical Association has rejected a Federal High Court ruling that affirmed the powers of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to investigate complaints of medical negligence. The court, in a judgment delivered in Abuja on April 15, upheld the FCCPC’s authority to probe healthcare providers over alleged failures in service. In a statement, the Lagos State branch chairman of the NMA, Dr Babajide Saheed, described the ruling as surprising and troubling. He argued that Nigerian law already gives the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria exclusive responsibility for regulating medical practice, ethics and disciplinary cases, including negligence. Saheed warned that allowing an external agency such as the FCCPC to investigate medical negligence could create overlapping mandates, institutional clashes and inconsistent standards in handling sensitive healthcare matters. He said negligence cases often involve complex clinical issues that require […]
Abdulmumini Auwal SA April 30, 2026
Court rejects FCCPC’s fresh bid to halt airtime lending
A Federal High Court has rejected a fresh attempt by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to stop airtime lending services run through major telecom networks. The ruling preserves an earlier interim injunction that protects airtime and data credit providers while a substantive suit on new lending rules is being heard. The case centres on the FCCPC’s 2025 Digital, Electronic, Online or Non Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, which the commission wants to fully enforce across digital lenders, including Airtime Credit Service providers. Industry group Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria argues that the rules place heavy and conflicting burdens on telecom based lending services already regulated by the Nigerian Communications Commission. In its latest application, the FCCPC asked the court to lift or vary the injunction so it could proceed with implementation of the new regime. Justice Lewis […]
Abdulmumini Auwal SA April 30, 2026
2027 polls: Supreme Court to decide PDP, ADC fate today
The Supreme Court will today deliver key judgments that will decide the fate of the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections. The apex court is set to rule on four appeals linked to leadership crises tearing through the two opposition parties. In the case of the PDP, the appeals centre on the validity of the party’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025. A faction led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is asking the court to uphold the convention and its decisions, while rival groups insist due process was not followed. Previous rulings from lower courts faulted the PDP for obtaining conflicting orders from courts of equal rank over its internal dispute. One Court of Appeal decision described the party’s actions as an abuse of […]
Abdulmumini Auwal SA April 30, 2026
Onscreen kissing is weird, unpleasant – Saga Adeoluwa
Nollywood actor and reality TV star Saga Adeoluwa says onscreen kissing is weird and unpleasant and that many viewers are wrong to think actors enjoy it. He says most performers only do such scenes because they are required to tell the story properly, not because they find them exciting. Saga explains that kissing on set is uncomfortable because there is no real intimacy and the exchange of saliva makes it awkward. He adds that the presence of cameras, crew and other actors watching also makes the experience far from romantic. Despite appearing in several romantic movies, Saga says he cannot remember a single onscreen kiss he truly enjoyed. For him, intimate scenes are some of the most challenging parts of acting in love stories. He notes that before shooting any kissing scene, he tries to have a clear discussion with […]
Abdulmumini Auwal SA April 29, 2026
Related
France urges citizens to leave Mali fast
France has called on its nationals to leave Mali without delay following a surge in coordinated attacks involving separatist fighters and Islamist militants. In an updated advisory, the French government warned that the security situation has become “extremely volatile” and urged citizens to avoid all travel to the country. Those still in Mali have been advised to depart using available commercial flights while limiting movement and following local authorities’ instructions. The warning comes after a wave of violence over the weekend, with explosions and gunfire reported in several areas, including the capital, Bamako. In the town of Kati, Defence Minister Sadio Camara was reportedly killed in a suicide attack, while in the north, separatist forces seized control of Kidal. Despite the escalation, Mali’s military leader Assimi Goïta stated that the situation remains under control. He said the army had inflicted […]
Abubakar April 29, 2026
US court limits race use in voting maps
The US Supreme Court has issued a major ruling that limits how lawmakers can use race when drawing electoral districts, a decision likely to influence political dynamics across the southern United States. In a 6–3 judgment, the court’s conservative majority backed a legal challenge against newly drawn voting maps in Louisiana. These maps had been created to comply with protections under the Voting Rights Act, which aims to prevent racial discrimination in elections. Writing for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito argued that past interpretations of the law had, in some cases, pushed states toward race-based decisions that conflict with constitutional principles. The plaintiffs—primarily white voters—contended that factoring race into district boundaries violated equal protection guarantees. While the court stopped short of declaring the Voting Rights Act provision unconstitutional, it introduced a stricter standard for future cases. Individuals challenging electoral maps […]
Abubakar April 29, 2026
King Charles visit tests UK-US ties
The official visit of King Charles III to the United States delivered polished speeches, warm gestures and carefully staged ceremonies. But beyond the symbolism, a key question remains: will this diplomatic moment lead to tangible political progress? Ahead of the visit, British officials were realistic about its limits. Deep disagreements between London and Washington—ranging from trade and NATO commitments to Ukraine and Iran—were not expected to disappear overnight. Tensions had also been fuelled by past remarks from Donald Trump directed at UK leadership. Rather than aiming for a reset, diplomats saw the visit as an opportunity to ease tensions and improve dialogue. Former UK ambassador David Manning described the King as a “stabilising force” capable of creating space for renewed engagement on complex issues. Through carefully crafted speeches, King Charles struck a tone of respect and unity. He praised American […]
Abubakar April 29, 2026
Russia scales back Victory Day parade in Moscow
Russia has decided to scale down its annual Victory Day parade scheduled for 9 May in Moscow, citing heightened security concerns linked to what officials describe as threats from Ukraine. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, authorities are implementing strict measures to reduce potential risks. Despite the changes, the ceremony will still take place at Red Square, a symbolic location for the commemoration. Russia’s defence ministry confirmed that this year’s parade will not include heavy military equipment or cadets from traditional military academies. Instead, the event will feature personnel from various branches of the armed forces along with an aerial display. The adjustments reflect what officials describe as the current operational environment. The decision comes as Ukraine has stepped up strikes deep inside Russian territory, more than four years into the ongoing conflict. Kyiv maintains that its actions target military […]
Abubakar April 29, 2026
Trump to feature his picture in new US passports
The United States will begin issuing a limited number of new passports that include a picture of President Donald Trump inside the booklet, officials have confirmed. The design is part of a special edition created to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in July. According to the State Department, the commemorative passports will show Trump’s official portrait on an inside page alongside imagery of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. His signature will also appear in gold under the image as part of the America250 branding. Officials say between 25,000 and 30,000 of the special passports will be printed. They will be available to eligible US citizens who apply through the passport office in Washington DC once distribution begins ahead of the July 4 celebrations. The move makes Trump the first sitting US president to […]
Abdulmumini Auwal SA April 29, 2026
Trump plans prolonged blockade of Iran, says report
President Donald Trump has told his aides to prepare for a prolonged United States naval blockade of Iran’s key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, according to US media reports. The move is part of efforts to intensify economic pressure on Tehran as the war enters its third month and peace efforts remain stalled. Trump has already ordered the US Navy to block ships heading to or from Iranian ports, a step aimed mainly at choking off Iran’s vital oil exports. He has repeatedly said Iran will never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and insists any settlement must be on US terms. In meetings with senior advisers, Trump decided that maintaining and even extending the blockade was a less risky option than resuming large scale bombing or withdrawing from the conflict entirely. Analysts say Washington wants to […]
Abdulmumini Auwal SA April 29, 2026