United News of Bangladesh

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been kept on maximum alert to prevent any illegal infiltration or push-ins through the borders, ruling out the possibility of any tension in Bangladesh stemming from assembly elections or internal developments in any Indian state. “Bangladesh maintains relations with friendly countries on the basis of sovereign equality. BGB remains on high alert to prevent any kind of illegal intrusion or push-in through the border,” he said. Action to be taken if evidence of extortion is provided: Salahuddin The minister came up with the statement while speaking at a press briefing after a high-level meeting at the Secretariat on law and order, security at sacrificial cattle markets and overall preparations ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. He said strict security measures will be taken across the country ahead of Eid to maintain public safety and smooth movement of people and sacrificial animals. A special monitoring cell has been formed at the Police Headquarters to ensure public security before and after Eid, Salahuddin said. “The cell will remain active round the clock for seven days before and seven days after Eid,” he said. Police, Rapid Action Battalion, Ansar, BGB, Bangladesh Coast Guard and intelligence agencies have been instructed to work in coordination, he said, adding that hotline services of police, Fire Service and Civil Defence, and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority will remain active for emergency support during the Eid period. A total of 4,259 cattle markets have been leased out across the country this year, including 15 under the Dhaka North City Corporation and 11 under the Dhaka South City Corporation. Authorities have been instructed to ensure adequate lighting and install CCTV cameras at the markets, while bank booths and counterfeit currency detection machines will also be set up there, the minister said. Besides, Ansar members will be deployed at the cattle markets based on demand from leaseholders to strengthen security, he said. Issuing a warning against extortion on roads and waterways involving cattle-carrying vehicles, Salahuddin said law enforcement agencies will use body-worn cameras and maintain intelligence surveillance in plain clothes to prevent such activities. The BGB has been instructed to remain on highest alert to prevent rawhide smuggling after Eid, he said. To preserve the quality of sacrificial raw hides, a nationwide campaign will be launched, encouraging people to apply salt within two hours of slaughter of animals, the minister said, adding that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has approved Tk 20 crore for the free distribution of salt for this purpose. He said instructions have also been given to ensure the payment of wages and bonuses for garment workers before the Eid holidays. Meanwhile, measures have been taken to prevent accidents on roads and waterways by stopping unfit vehicles from operating and repairing potholes on highways quickly, Salahuddin said. “Special arrangements will also be made to prevent harassment of passengers and cattle transporters on ferries and launches during the Eid rush.” Expressing hope for a peaceful celebration of Eid, he said the government’s coordinated measures will help ensure a safe and festive environment across the country.

The Gender Champions Network (GCN), an initiative of SAJIDA Foundation supported by the Gates Foundation, was launched in Dhaka with a call for stronger private-sector commitment to gender equity and inclusive workplaces in Bangladesh. The launch event, titled ‘Transforming Workplaces: Driving Equity and Empowering Action,’ was held at a hotel in Dhaka on Sunday, bringing together business leaders, development practitioners, academics, researchers and corporate professionals, said a press release issued on Tuesday. Gender Champions Network launched to promote workplace equity in Bangladesh At the event, organisers unveiled findings from a study titled ‘Gender at Work: A Study of Selected Private Sector Firms in Bangladesh,’ highlighting persistent gender disparities across sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, finance, pharmaceuticals, real estate and leather. The study found significant gender disparities in the workplace. Women account for 22 percent of entry-level positions but only 6 percent of mid-management roles, indicating a sharp drop in female representation during career progression. It also revealed that women earn 85 taka for every 100 taka earned by men, while the pay gap at leadership level exceeds 40 percent. Women were also found to have less access to technical and leadership training opportunities and shoulder a heavier overall workload when unpaid care responsibilities are considered. The research focused on six key areas: gender representation, pay equity, fair recruitment and promotion, career advancement and mentorship, workplace culture and protections, and access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services. A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Sajeda Amin, Senior Research Advisor at SAJIDA Foundation, featured Anupama Anand of the Gates Foundation, Professor Dr. Melita Mehjabeen of University of Dhaka and Chairman of National Bank PLC, Ruhul Quddus Khan, CEO and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh, Nihad Kabir of Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed & Associates and Zahida Fizza Kabir, CEO of SAJIDA Foundation and Chairperson of the Gender Champions Network. Speaking at the discussion, Ruhul Quddus Khan said gender equality must be treated as a business priority across organisations rather than remaining limited to human resources departments. Zahida Fizza Kabir said gender justice is a human right and stressed the need for organisations at all levels to commit to inclusivity and institutional reform. Anupama Anand noted that although women constitute half of Bangladesh’s working-age population, female labour force participation remains at 35 percent, attributing the gap to structural barriers rather than lack of aspiration. According to organisers, the Gender Champions Network aims to bring together companies committed to inclusive practices and support measurable improvements through partnerships, expert guidance, workshops and policy advocacy. Ten organisations have already joined the network as founding champions, organisers said.

A Dhaka court on Tuesday sentenced three persons to death and six others including a former Union Parishad chairman, to life imprisonment for killing a village doctor in 2019. Judge of the Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunl-1 Rahibul Islam handed down the punishment. The condemned convicts are—Babul Sardar, Tekon Sardar and Gaziar Sardar of Goalanda upazila in Rajbari district. Over 40 lakh pending cases: Govt moves to fast-track lower court cases Those who get life imprisonment are-former chairman of Debgram Union Parishad Ator Ali, Raihan Sardar, Habibur Rahman alias Hobi Sardar, Helal Khan, Zillur Rahman and Zia Mandal. Except Zillur and Zia Mandal, seven convicts were tried in absentia and the court issued arrest warrant for them. According to the prosecution, Babul Sardar, a Jubo League leader and son of former chairman Ator Ali had an altercation with former chairman of Debgram Union Parishad Hafizul Islam Babul Sardar during Awami League council in Goalanda upazila on October 14, 2019. In a row, the supporters of Bubul sardar led by Ator Ali took position at Ali Bazar intersection point and beat the supporters of Hafizul Chairman while passing through the road. Rezaul Karim alias Abu doctor also beat up mercilessly by the supporters of Babul Sardar while passing through the road, leaving him injured. Later, he was taken to a local hospital from where he was referred to Faridpur Medical College and Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. A case was filed in this connection. Police submitted chargesheet against 22 people on October 5, 2022. After examining records and witnesses, the court acquitted 12 others as allegations brought against them could not be proved.

The government’s procurement-related committee on Tuesday recommended approving two separate development and infrastructure-related proposals involving more than Tk 161 crore. The proposals were placed by the Internal Resources Division and the Ministry of Industries at the Cabinet Committee on Public Procurement meeting held at the Secretariat with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in the chair. Govt to procure 2 crore litres of refined palm olein  Under the first proposal, the committee recommended approving the procurement proposal for the construction of residential buildings for Customs House, Chattogram under the project titled “Customs Modernisation and Infrastructure Development.” The work under Package No: WD-01 will be implemented at a cost of Tk 102.41 crore. The committee recommended awarding the contract to M Jamal & Company Limited of Dhanmondi, Dhaka. Officials said the project is aimed at improving residential and institutional facilities under Customs House, Chattogram as part of broader customs modernisation efforts. In another decision, the committee recommended approving a proposal for construction of a fertiliser buffer warehouse in Rangpur under the project titled “Construction of 34 Buffer Warehouses in Different Parts of the Country for Fertiliser Preservation and Distribution Facilities (1st Revised).” The construction work under Package-5, Lot-5 involving a 20,000-tonne capacity warehouse in Rangpur will be implemented at a cost of Tk 59.20 crore. The contract was recommended in favour of SS Rahman International Ltd, located at TCB Bhaban, Kawran Bazar, Dhaka. According to meeting sources, the warehouse project is intended to strengthen fertiliser storage and distribution facilities across the country to ensure smooth agricultural supply management.

India will host the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on May 14–15, says Spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal on Tuesday. BRICS brings together 11 major emerging markets and developing countries of the world – Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It serves as a “useful platform” for consultation and cooperation on contemporary issues having global as well as regional significance, and issues of global political and economic governance. Indian High Commission hosts interaction with media delegation after India visit The meeting will be chaired by External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar, Jaiswal said in a regular media briefing in New Delhi. He said BRICS Foreign Ministers and Heads of Delegation from member and partner countries will participate in the meeting. They will also call on Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. During the meeting, they will exchange views on global and regional issues of mutual interest. On the second day, BRICS member and partner countries will participate in a session themed "BRICS@20: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” This will be followed by a session on the "Reforms of Global Governance and Multilateral System.” The BRICS Foreign Ministers held their last meeting on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) on 26 September 2025. The meeting was chaired by India in its capacity as the incoming BRICS Chair for 2026. BRIC was formalised at the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in 2006. The inaugural BRIC Summit was convened in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009. It was agreed to expand BRIC into BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa at the BRIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York in 2010. Accordingly, South Africa attended the 3rd BRICS Summit in Sanya in 2011. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE became full member of BRICS in January 2024 and Indonesia in January 2025. Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam joined BRICS as partner countries in 2025.

The Gender Champions Network (GCN), an initiative of SAJIDA Foundation supported by the Gates Foundation, was launched in Dhaka with a call for stronger private-sector commitment to gender equity and inclusive workplaces in Bangladesh. The launch event, titled ‘Transforming Workplaces: Driving Equity and Empowering Action,’ was held at a hotel in Dhaka on Sunday, bringing together business leaders, development practitioners, academics, researchers and corporate professionals, said a press release issued on Tuesday. At the event, organisers unveiled findings from a study titled ‘Gender at Work: A Study of Selected Private Sector Firms in Bangladesh,’ highlighting persistent gender disparities across sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, finance, pharmaceuticals, real estate and leather. The study found significant gender disparities in the workplace. Women account for 22 percent of entry-level positions but only 6 percent of mid-management roles, indicating a sharp drop in female representation during career progression. It also revealed that women earn 85 taka for every 100 taka earned by men, while the pay gap at leadership level exceeds 40 percent. Women were also found to have less access to technical and leadership training opportunities and shoulder a heavier overall workload when unpaid care responsibilities are considered. The research focused on six key areas: gender representation, pay equity, fair recruitment and promotion, career advancement and mentorship, workplace culture and protections, and access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services. A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Sajeda Amin, Senior Research Advisor at SAJIDA Foundation, featured Anupama Anand of the Gates Foundation, Professor Dr. Melita Mehjabeen of University of Dhaka and Chairman of National Bank PLC, Ruhul Quddus Khan, CEO and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh, Nihad Kabir of Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed & Associates and Zahida Fizza Kabir, CEO of SAJIDA Foundation and Chairperson of the Gender Champions Network. Speaking at the discussion, Ruhul Quddus Khan said gender equality must be treated as a business priority across organisations rather than remaining limited to human resources departments. Zahida Fizza Kabir said gender justice is a human right and stressed the need for organisations at all levels to commit to inclusivity and institutional reform. Anupama Anand noted that although women constitute half of Bangladesh’s working-age population, female labour force participation remains at 35 percent, attributing the gap to structural barriers rather than lack of aspiration. According to organisers, the Gender Champions Network aims to bring together companies committed to inclusive practices and support measurable improvements through partnerships, expert guidance, workshops and policy advocacy. Ten organisations have already joined the network as founding champions, organisers said.  

Bangladesh’s clinical 104-run triumph over Pakistan in Mirpur on Tuesday did more than just secure a series lead; it completely rewrote the nation’s Test record books. Led by a record-equalling performance from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and a historic five-wicket haul from express pacer Nahid Rana, the hosts signalled a profound power shift in Asian cricket. Nahid Rana’s five-wicket haul powers Bangladesh to comfortable win over Pakistan Rana became the first pace bowler in Bangladesh’s 26-year Test history to claim five wickets in the fourth innings of a match. His devastating spell of 5-40 not only dismantled the Pakistani chase but also ended a 16-year drought for Bangladeshi seamers on home soil. The last pacer to achieve a five-wicket haul in Bangladesh was Shahadat Hossain, who took 5-71 against India in 2010. The young speedster remained relatively quiet during the opening hour of the final session before unleashing a ferocious spell of 4.5-2-10-4 to gut the visitors' middle and lower order. Rana’s performance eclipsed the previous fourth-innings record for a Bangladeshi pacer, held by Taskin Ahmed, who took 4-37 against Afghanistan in 2023. Upon dismissing Shaheen Shah Afridi with a sharp bouncer to seal the match, Rana performed a sajdah of gratitude, having etched his name into the record books. Complementing Rana’s breakthrough was the tactical leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto, who equalled Mushfiqur Rahim’s record for the most Test wins as a Bangladesh captain. Remarkably, Shanto reached the milestone of seven victories in just 17 matches – exactly half the number of games required by Mushfiqur to set the original mark. Since taking the helm, Shanto has led the side to landmark victories against New Zealand, Ireland, and Zimbabwe, alongside a historic away sweep in Pakistan. Shanto nearly paired his leadership record with a rare batting feat. Having scored 101 in the first innings, the left-hander fell for 87 in the second, narrowly missing the chance to become only the fourth player in cricket history to score twin centuries in a single Test on three separate occasions. Despite the missed personal milestone, the victory consolidates Shanto’s position as the face of a revitalised Bangladesh squad. With a top order finding its rhythm and a historic resurgence from the pace battery, led by Rana, Bangladesh head into the next match with unprecedented momentum.

Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) and the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) have pledged to work in a coordinated manner to prevent money laundering in the country's housing sector. The commitment came during a view-exchange meeting held on Tuesday at the Bangladesh Bank's headquarters, where both sides outlined a joint compliance framework for the real estate industry. The meeting focused on the obligations and responsibilities of reporting entities in the real estate sector under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012 and the Money Laundering Prevention Rules, 2019, along with detailed discussions on compliance mechanisms. REHAB leaders meet Housing Minister, seek policy support for affordable housing REHAB President Ali Afzal reaffirmed his organisation's commitment to upholding government laws and policies aimed at transforming the housing sector into a modern, transparent and internationally competitive industry. "REHAB will play an effective role in making member organisations more aware and accountable by coordinating with BFIU to prevent money laundering." He also called for reducing real estate registration costs to close loopholes that allow undisclosed income to flow into the sector. REHAB Senior Vice President Abdur Razzaque stressed that ensuring compliance is critical to establishing good governance and maintaining investor confidence in the real estate sector. "REHAB will work consistently to make member firms more capable in legal reporting and risk management." Other members of the REHAB Board of Directors present at the meeting welcomed the government's anti-money laundering drive and emphasised the need to strengthen training, awareness campaigns and coordinated action in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and other relevant agencies. BFIU officials, for their part, provided detailed guidance to real estate developers on applicable compliance requirements, reporting procedures, Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols and risk management practices.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday directed the authorities concerned to set a target to bring at least one member from each of the country’s nearly 20 crore families under the Universal Pension Scheme by 2030, stressing the need for a stronger and more inclusive pension system to address Bangladesh’s future demographic challenges. The directive came at a high-level meeting on the progress, challenges and future action plan of the Universal Pension Scheme held at the Finance Ministry conference room. Inclusive economy key to taking ‘Bangladesh story’ global: Khosru The meeting was chaired by the Finance Minister and attended by Executive Chairman of the National Pension Authority Dr Md Surujjaman, Finance Secretary Dr Khairuzzaman Mozumder and senior officials of the authority and the Finance Division. During the meeting, the Executive Chairman of the National Pension Authority presented a detailed overview of the current status of the Universal Pension Scheme. According to the presentation, a total of 377,545 citizens have been registered under the four pension schemes – Probash, Progoti, Surokkha and Samata – as of April 30, 2026. The total amount deposits in the pension fund have reached around Tk 255.70 crore, while the cumulative investment, including profit, has stood at Tk 279.74 crore. Officials told the meeting that nearly 85 percent of Bangladesh’s labour force is employed in the informal sector, highlighting the importance of expanding pension coverage beyond formal employment. The meeting was also informed that the country’s old-age dependency ratio is projected to rise significantly from 9.4 percent in 2023 to 24 percent by 2050 and 48 percent by 2075, making long-term social protection and retirement security increasingly critical. Against this backdrop, participants stressed the need to make the Universal Pension Scheme more sustainable, effective and inclusive. The Finance Minister placed special emphasis on expanding the pension programme nationwide and making it more attractive to citizens. He expressed a positive attitude towards introducing a Shariah-based pension scheme, considering lifetime pension benefits for nominees and bringing outsourcing workers under the Progoti scheme. The meeting was informed that the Asian Development Bank has pledged to provide concessional financing of US$100 million for a project aimed at strengthening the universal pension system, while feasibility assessment activities are currently underway. Officials also said pension contributions are now being collected through 45 banks and financial institutions, as well as through digital financial platforms, including bKash, Nagad and Teletalk Bangladesh Limited. Registration activities are also being conducted through Union Digital Centres across the country to widen access to the scheme. Khosru said establishing a pension fund for private sector employees is one of the key commitments outlined in the government’s election manifesto to ensure financial security for citizens during old age. He also stressed the importance of increasing public confidence in the pension system through stronger awareness campaigns, enhanced cyber security measures and the recruitment of skilled and professional manpower. Following detailed discussions, the meeting decided to take necessary measures to make the Universal Pension Scheme more effective and inclusive. The Finance Minister thanked officials of the National Pension Authority for actively carrying forward the programme and urged all stakeholders to continue coordinated efforts to bring the scheme closer to every citizen in the country.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said the government will take action if specific information or evidence of extortion is provided, in response to allegations made by the Leader of the Opposition that extortion is driving up commodity prices. “If the Leader of the Opposition has any records showing that extortion has increased, he can provide them to me, or you (journalists) can provide them. Then we will be able to address the matter,” he told reporters after a meeting at the Secretariat on law and order, security at sacrificial cattle markets and overall preparations ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Old shirt to return as govt finalises new police uniform: Salahuddin “Once we receive a list of places where extortion has increased, we will take action,” the minister added. Leader of the Opposition and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman recently claimed that commodity prices had increased due to extortion. He made the claim after visiting Shah Ali wholesale market in Mirpur-1 in the capital, where traders allegedly complained about silent extortion and excessive shop rents. According to the traders, shops officially rented out for Tk 5,000 at the government market are being sublet for as much as Tk 1,50,000, creating extra pressure on businesses. Many traders also said they were afraid of identifying those allegedly involved in extortion. In response, Shafiqur Rahman said such practices must be resisted collectively and assured traders of support if they choose to stand against extortion. Referring to the allegations, Salahuddin said immediate action will be taken if authorities receive concrete information on the matter. Noting that a nationwide special drive has been underway since April 30 against extortionists, terrorists, armed criminals, drug traders and gamblers, he said, “Special emphasis has been given to arresting drug dealers and illegal arms holders.” Police Headquarters, Dhaka Metropolitan Police and district police superintendents have been instructed to regularly submit progress reports on the drives, the minister said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday walked on foot from Dhaka University’s Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban to the Prof Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium in the Faculty of Social Sciences, in an unprecedented moment in campus history. The Prime Minister began walking shortly before 12:00pm after attending the inaugural session of a national workshop titled “Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence,” organised by the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh at the Senate Bhaban. Despite an official motorcade being prepared outside the Senate Bhaban, Tarique Rahman chose to walk to the Social Sciences Faculty building near the Arts building (Kala Bhaban) to join an interactive session with students. As students saw the Prime Minister walking through the campus, many clapped their hands while others chanted slogans. Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly, who accompanied him during the walk, described the moment as historic. “This is not only a first in Bangladesh’s history, but also in the history of Dhaka University – a head of government walking through the campus so freely to attend an event. It is a rare incident,” he said. He noted that previous visits by heads of government to the campus were often marked by protests, counter-slogans, or clashes. “However, there was no such scene today.” Saleh Shibly said students in the hundreds gathered along the path, many applauding, chanting slogans, and waving at the Prime Minister as he made his way through the campus. At the Prof Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium, the Prime Minister took part in an open question-and-answer session with around 150 students, where he responded candidly to a range of academic and campus-related issues. The event drew such an overwhelming response that many students, unable to find seats inside the auditorium, watched the Prime Minister’s live interaction on their mobile phones from different spots across the campus. PM seeks students’ cooperation to maintain stability for nation-building Prof Morshed Hasan Khan, convener of the event organising committee, described the Prime Minister’s walk as “remarkable history.” “There has never been an example of any head of government walking through the university campus like this without a heavy security cordon. There were students of diverse views and ideological backgrounds. But their reaction was truly memorable.”    

A clinical trial led by Bangladeshi researcher Forhad Chowdhury at the University of Oxford has found that procalcitonin-based testing could help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use in Bangladesh, offering a potential tool in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR has become a growing global concern due to the widespread misuse and overuse of antibiotics, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to advanced microbiology labs remains limited. Global leaders converge at Oxford to champion sustainable economic futures Drawing on his experience as a clinician in Bangladesh, Chowdhury observed that antibiotics are often over-prescribed and widely available over the counter, contributing to rising resistance. Microbiological tests are crucial to help clinicians determine the most appropriate course and length of antibiotic treatment, according to the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research (IOI). They allow clinicians to rapidly detect the presence of bacteria in blood and urine samples from patients. However, high-quality microbiology labs are not always accessible in low-and-middle income countries like Bangladesh. Instead, clinicians rely on standardised national guidelines. These recommend predefined durations for using specific antibiotics, which don't vary patient-to-patient and can lead to patients taking the drug for longer than strictly necessary. Two clinicians are working to take a blood sample from a patient at the Chittagong Medical College in Bangladesh, as part of a trial run by Oxford DPhil student Forhad Chowdhury. “By prolonging the use of antibiotics in patients without biological indication or validation, patients and clinicians were overusing antibiotics, which increases the spread of AMR. The necessary microbiological tests to guide these treatments can often be unavailable to clinicians in resource-limited settings, so in my research I wanted to show that there are viable alternatives,” said Chowdhury. For his DPhil, he studied other, non-microbiological forms of testing, which can inform the de-escalation of antibiotic treatments without involving the lab. He chose to use a compound called procalcitonin, which becomes more prevalent in the body when there is a bacterial infection, and decreases after treatment with antibiotics.  “High levels of the biomarker procalcitonin in blood samples indicate an infection, and when antibiotic treatments cause levels to drop below a pre-determined safe target amount, a patient no longer needs antibiotics. Procalcitonin-based diagnostics can provide a more affordable, accessible way of testing for infections than sending samples to labs, ultimately reducing the burden of prolonged antibiotic use in hospitals in Bangladesh,” said Chowdhury. Starting in 2023, Forhad and a team of researchers ran the PROCALBAN clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of procalcitonin as a biomarker to guide antibiotic use. They recruited over 500 patients with either confirmed or suspected sepsis in the Chittagong Medical College in Bangladesh. Patients were split into two groups: one group where antibiotic treatment duration was guided by daily procalcitonin tests through, and another where treatment was guided solely by national guidelines.   Forhad and the team found that, on average, treatment duration could be shortened by around 3 days - enough of a reduction to significantly reduce antibiotic overuse in the region. The team also sent 120 bacterial isolates to the UK for whole genome sequencing, which will fuel further research into sepsis in low-and-middle income countries, and provide site-specific genetic data on the burden of AMR in Bangladesh.  After seeing the huge potential improvements their tests can create, Forhad’s goal now is to encourage even more widespread acceptance among clinicians in Bangladesh. To achieve this, Forhad was granted the IOI Knowledge Exchange Fund to travel back to Bangladesh, where he shared his findings with researchers, clincians, educators and trainees through an in-person dissemination meeting. This meeting gave Forhad a chance to communicate the impacts and benefits of procalcitonin tests on everyday hospital decision making, and gave staff the opportunity to ask practical questions about cost-effectiveness, availability and how the tests would fit into hospital workflow. After completing his DPhil, Forhad intends to continue researching ways to reduce the AMR burden in Bangladesh, creating a research team to investigate other novel techniques like the procalcitonin tests, and inspiring other researchers to do the same.

An NGO–Microfinance Institution (MFI) Resourced Pooled Fund has been launched to make locally-run humanitarian financing and disaster response activities more effective and sustainable in the country. Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the national launching ceremony of the “NGO-MFI Resourced Pooled Fund” as the chief guest at a hotel in the capital on Monday night, said a PID handout on Tuesday. Speaking at the event, the minister said there is no alternative to public-private partnership in ensuring quick and effective humanitarian assistance at the local level in disaster-prone Bangladesh. He expressed optimism that this new fund would play an important role in enhancing the disaster response capacity of the country’s marginalised people and also accelerate emergency assistance programmes. Mirza Fakhrul said this joint fund, formed by utilising the experience, capacity and public involvement of local NGOs and microfinance institutions, will open new horizons in humanitarian aid management. He called on all the relevant institutions to work in a coordinated manner. Representatives from various international organisations, development partners, NGOs and microfinance institutions were present.

The government on Tuesday decided to procure two crore litres of refined palm olein under the local open tender method. The Cabinet Committee on Public Procurement approved the procurement proposal in a meeting held at the Secretariat with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhur in the chair. According to the proposal placed before the committee by the Ministry of Commerce, the edible oil will be supplied in two-litre PET bottles. Cabinet body okays procurement of 10.69 cr units of Anti-TB drug  The total procurement cost has been estimated at Tk 368.90 crore. Under the proposal, Sonargaon Seeds Crushing Mills Ltd will supply 10 million litres of refined palm olein, while Shabnam Vegetable Oil Industries Limited will supply the remaining 10 million litres. Palm olein is the liquid fraction derived from separating (fractionating) palm oil, designed to remain liquid at room temperature.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Tuesday announced plans to transform the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI) into a modern, effective and financially self-sustaining institution capable of strengthening the country's international trade capacity. "The institution will be developed to achieve its own financial strength and become a self-reliant knowledge centre," he said while presiding over the 62nd Board Meeting of BFTI held at the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce. Industries will be expanded further to reduce unemployment: Minister Muktadir Emphasising the need for Bangladesh to better navigate the growing complexities of international trade, the minister announced that BFTI will form a permanent expert panel to assist with World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement, trade policy analysis, and negotiations on bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.   "This panel will comprise experienced trade experts, legal professionals and researchers from both the public and private sectors," he said. The board meeting approved a recommendation to appoint a qualified Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to bring dynamism and efficiency to the institution. It also resolved to introduce a Post Graduate Diploma programme under BFTI, subject to approval from the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, covering international trade, trade law and trade policy research to develop skilled human resources in these fields. The meeting further stressed the need to expand BFTI's research activities, strengthen training capacity and build research networks at both the national and international levels. Senior officials, including Commerce Secretary (Routine Duty) Md Abdur Rahim Khan, Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Mohammad Shahriar Kader Siddiky, and Industries Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday sought stronger support from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states in resolving the Rohingya crisis, stressing the need for greater cooperation from the Muslim world on the issue. He made the call when ambassadors and high commissioners of OIC member countries stationed in Dhaka met him at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat. “The Prime Minister sought the support of OIC member countries in resolving the Rohingya crisis,” said a release issued by the PM’s Press Wing. During the meeting, the diplomats congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming office as the Prime Minister and reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh in areas, including investment, trade, education, healthcare, textiles and the pharmaceutical sector. They also reaffirmed their unwavering support for Bangladesh on various bilateral and international issues. PM seeks students’ cooperation to maintain stability for nation-building Welcoming their remarks, the Prime Minister thanked the OIC countries on behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh for their cooperation and support. Recalling the brotherly relations established with OIC member states during the tenure of late President Ziaur Rahman, he expressed hope that the ties will grow even stronger in the days ahead. Tarique Rahman, also the Chairman of the ruling BNP, underscored the importance of enhancing people-to-people contact among the member nations. The meeting was attended by envoys from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Palestine, Algeria, Brunei, Egypt, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, the Maldives, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, along with heads of mission from Iran, Iraq and Libya. Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Intergovernmental Organisations) M Forhadul Islam and PM’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon were also present at the meeting.  

The Cabinet Committee on Public Procurement on Tuesday approved a proposal to procure 10.69 crore units of Anti-TB Drug (2FDC) under an open tender method. The proposal was placed by the Health Services Division at a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Public Procurement held at Secretariat with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in the chair. Under the proposal, a total of 10,69,80,000 units of Anti-TB Drug (2FDC) will be procured at a cost of Tk 74.35 crore. ECNEC okays 14 projects worth Tk 13,445 crore According to the decision taken at the meeting, the committee recommended awarding the contract to Renata PLC. Officials said the procurement is aimed at ensuring an uninterrupted supply of anti-tuberculosis medicines under the government’s TB control programme.

Bangladesh has witnessed a significant spike in remittance inflows during the first 11 days of May, recording a staggering 56.4 percent growth to US$ 1.44 billion compared to the same period of last year.  The surge bolsters the country's foreign exchange reserves and signals a robust upward trend in the fiscal year 2025-26. According to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank, expatriates sent home US$1.44 billion in 11 days of May. In contrast, the remittance collection during the corresponding period in 2025 was $922 million. Bangladesh Bank permits remittance of ‘Visa Bonds’ and Security Deposits abroad On a single day on May 11, the country received $251 million in remittances, reflecting the increase of remittance in banking channels by the Bangladeshi migrant workers. The year-to-date figures are equally impressive. Cumulative remittance inflows from July 2025 to May 11, 2026 reached $30.77 billion. This represents a 20.9 percent growth compared to the $25.45 billion received during the same period in the previous fiscal year FY2024-25 (July 2024 to May 11, 2025). Senior central bank officials and economic analysts attribute this sustained growth to several strategic factors, including crackdown on hundi, incentives and digital integration. Increased vigilance by law enforcement and the central bank against illegal hundi channels has redirected funds into the formal banking system. The government’s 2.5 percent cash incentive, coupled with additional bonuses offered by several private commercial banks, has encouraged expatriates to send money via official routes. The rapid adoption of mobile financial services (MFS) and real-time bank transfers has made the remittance process more accessible for workers abroad. This influx of foreign currency comes at a critical time for the national economy. The steady rise in remittances is expected to provide a much-needed foreign exchange for the country’s Balance of Payments (BoP) and stabilise the exchange rate of the Taka against the US Dollar. "The 20% year-on-year growth is a clear indicator of the resilience of our migrant workers and the effectiveness of current policy interventions," noted a senior official at the Bangladesh Bank’s statistics department. If this momentum continues through June, FY26 is projected to set a new historic milestone for remittance earnings, further strengthening the nation's economic backbone and its capacity to meet import obligations.

A delegation of legal professionals under the banner of "Voice of Lawyers Bangladesh" submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Bangladesh Bank on Tuesday, demanding exemplary punishment for those involved in bank looting, corruption, and money laundering. The lawyers highlighted the dire state of the banking sector, particularly the liquidity crisis in Islamic banks, which has left thousands of depositors unable to withdraw their own savings. Speaking at a gathering in front of the Bangladesh Bank headquarters, Advocate Mohammad Delwar Hossain, a Supreme Court lawyer and coordinator of the organization, painted a grim picture of the current crisis. "The banking sector is in an extreme state of emergency. Customers are being turned away from branches; some are allowed to withdraw only Tk 2,000 to Tk 5,000, while many banks are unable to provide any cash at all," Hossain said. He cited a harrowing example of a cancer patient who was reportedly unable to withdraw Tk 1.5 crore for treatment, despite having the funds in his account. "The bank asked him to take only Tk 5,000. This is a tragic failure of our financial system," he added. The organization’s Chief Coordinator, Advocate Ashrafuzzaman, alleged that a specific group—leveraging political influence and intelligence agencies—forcefully took over the Board of Directors of Islami Bank on January 5, 2017. He claimed that approximately Tk 2.40 lakh crore has been laundered to nine different countries by this organized syndicate. "This stolen wealth must be repatriated immediately and returned to the legitimate depositors," he demanded. The lawyers also urged the central bank to cancel the "illegal appointments" of thousands of officers and employees who were allegedly recruited through political channels to facilitate these financial irregularities. The legal professionals expressed strong reservations about the recently enacted "Bank Resolution Act." They echoed growing industry concerns that certain clauses in the law could serve as a "rehabilitation mechanism" for former directors and looters involved in past scams. "We demand the immediate repeal of controversial sections of this act that allow corrupt individuals to regain a foothold in the banking sector," the memorandum stated. The speakers noted that Islami Bank was once a pillar of the country's economy, but a vested local and international quarter has worked to make the Islamic banking system dysfunctional. They called for a restoration of the sector’s integrity to ensure investment and deposit activities can return to normalcy. While the lawyers were unable to secure a direct audience with the Governor despite a prior application, the memorandum was officially received by the Governor's office. The "Voice of Lawyers" warned that if visible action is not taken against the identified "looters and launderers," they would continue to advocate for the rights of depositors through legal channels.    

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday greeted the Bangladesh national cricket team for defeating Pakistan in a Test match for the first time on home soil. “The Prime Minister congratulated the Bangladesh national cricket team on their historic Test victory over Pakistan national cricket team at home,” said a congratulatory message issued by the PM’s Press Wing. The Tigers secured a 104-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test of the two-match series at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Tuesday. Bangladesh had earlier won their previous two Tests against Pakistan in Pakistan. The latest victory marked their first Test win over Pakistan on home soil. It was also the Tigers’ third consecutive Test victory against Pakistan. Bangladesh set a target of 268 runs in the Mirpur Test and, on the fifth day, bowled Pakistan out for 163.  

The first meeting of the parliamentary committee on “Private Members’ Bills and Private Members’ Resolutions” was held at the Parliament House on Tuesday with committee chairman Md Shahjahan in the chair. Following an introductory session, the meeting was briefed on the activities of the committee relating to private members’ bills and resolutions. The members also held detailed discussions on the committee’s scope of work, private bills and various constitutional and procedural issues related to resolutions and proposals. During the meeting, emphasis was placed on making the committee’s activities more dynamic and effective. Committee members were advised to play an active role in encouraging lawmakers to raise private members’ bills on issues of public importance. The meeting also recommended that the Legislative Drafting Unit of the Parliament Secretariat extend necessary support to MPs in preparing drafts of private members’ bills. At the beginning of the meeting, prayers were offered seeking eternal peace for the souls of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and those who sacrificed their lives during the long anti-fascist movement. Officials concerned from the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat were present at the meeting. Committee members including Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman, Md Amanullah Aman, Md Abul Khayer Bhuiyan, Tahsina Rushdir, Muhammad Nowshad Zamir, Shahjahan Chowdhury and Md Nurul Islam attended the meeting.

Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Tuesday said the July Museum will remain a lasting inspiration for future generations in the struggle against autocracy. “As long as this museum exists, the history of the people’s resistance against authoritarianism in this country will be preserved,” he said while briefing reporters after visiting the July Mass Uprising Museum. The Speaker said the museum has vividly portrayed the repression, violence and killings carried out during the ‘16 years of sham and staged elections’ under the rule of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. He said the sacrifices of Abu Sayed, Mugdha, Wasim and others during the July-August uprising would continue to inspire the nation. He added that during the authoritarian regime, Sheikh Hasina’s expression of sympathy toward the families of the disappeared was insincere, leaving her disgraced in history Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said the sacrifices made by ordinary people in every democratic and anti-autocracy movement in the country from 1971 to 2024 were unique contributions to the establishment of democracy. “The sacrifices of the masses during the July mass uprising will remain an example for the world,” he said adding that the July fighters dedicated their present for the future of the nation.  

Bangladesh Shop Owners Association has extended operating hours for all markets, shopping malls and commercial establishments across the country until 10pm effective immediately until  Eid-ul-Azha. In a press release issued Tuesday, the association said the government earlier directed shops to close by 7pm amid an ongoing energy crisis. The new schedule has been set specifically in view of the Eid shopping season, it said. The association noted that the decision was taken with government approval. Following a formal request from the association, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources agreed to extend operating hours until 10pm from May 12 until Eid-ul-Azha. However, establishments have been instructed to refrain from decorative lighting and any unnecessary use of electricity to help manage power consumption during the period. Association President Helal Uddin said the body had initially sought permission to keep shops open until 11pm, four hours beyond the previous 7pm deadline, but the government approved the extension up to 10pm. It may be recalled that the government on April 3 directed all commercial establishments to shut by 6pm owing to the fuel crisis. Following discussions with business organisations, the closing time was revised to 7pm from April 5.

Express pacer Nahid Rana produced a devastating spell of fast bowling to claim 5-40, dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup and securing a comprehensive 104-run victory for Bangladesh on the final day in Mirpur. He took five wickets in just 9.5 overs. His five wickets for just 40 runs are now the best of his career. The win marks Bangladesh’s third consecutive Test triumph against Pakistan, sealing a dominant performance at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Chasing a target of 268 on a rapidly deteriorating surface, Pakistan’s resolve crumbled under Rana’s raw pace and accuracy. The young quick utilized the afternoon heat to extract steep bounce and movement, leaving the visitors with no answers as they were bundled out for 163 in 52.5 overs. Rana’s masterclass began in the morning session when he squared up Pakistan captain Shan Masood (2) with a delivery that straightened off the seam, forcing a thick outside edge to Litton Das. While Abdullah Fazal offered lone resistance with a gritty 66, Rana returned in the post-lunch session to clinical effect. He broke a burgeoning partnership by inducing an edge from Saud Shakeel (15) before producing the delivery of the match to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan. The ball pitched outside off and jagged back prodigiously at 147 kph to rattle the stumps, leaving Rizwan stunned. The victory was built on the foundation of a bold declaration by Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto earlier in the day. Shanto, who missed a historic second century of the match by just 13 runs, declared the second innings at 240-9 shortly before lunch. His 87, combined with Mominul Haque’s 56, set a target that proved unreachable for a Pakistan side still reeling from their first-innings collapse. The match reached its climax when Rana charged in for the final blow against Shaheen Shah Afridi. Digging in a fierce, rising short ball, Rana forced the tailender into a defensive tangle. The ball clipped the glove and looped gently to the waiting hands of the short-leg fielder, sparking wild celebrations across the venue. As the catch was taken, Rana sprinted toward his teammates to celebrate his five-wicket haul, cementing a 104-run win that underscored a notable power shift in the rivalry. The second and final Test of the series will take place in Sylhet from May 16th.  

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir on Tuesday warned that no police member will be spared if allegations of involvement in drug trafficking are proven true. Drug abuse poses a major challenge to the country’s youth and future generation and police are working with utmost sincerity and professionalism to combat the menace, he said while addressing an award distribution ceremony at Rajarbagh Police Lines in the capital. Action has already been taken against police personnel found involved in narcotics-related activities, he said. The IGP said late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia had contributed significantly to the development of Bangladesh Police. “Due to the use of the police as a partisan force over the last 17 years, we became isolated from people. But now we have been able to regain our image and discipline is gradually returning,” he said. Describing Bangladesh Police as a traditional and large force, the IGP said its members continue to work relentlessly to maintain law and order, ensure public safety and prevent crime. He also congratulated all award winners and wished them success in their future endeavors while calling upon all members of Bangladesh Police to work more devotedly for the welfare of the country. The award-winning members have further enriched this tradition through their bravery, dedication and professionalism, he added. Receiving such awards is not only recognition but also a symbol of responsibility, professional excellence and leadership, said the IGP. Expressing hope that the achievements would inspire greater responsibility among police personnel, the IGP urged the award recipients to continue performing their duties with honesty, sincerity and dedication.

A listing agreement was signed on Tuesday between Dhaka Stock Exchange PLC (DSE) and BRAC Bank PLC to list the ‘BBL Second Subordinated Bond’ on DSE's Alternative Trading Board (ATB) platform, marking another step in the gradual expansion of Bangladesh's corporate bond market. The signing ceremony, held at DSE's office, was attended by DSE Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar and BRAC Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Tareq Refat Ullah Khan, along with senior officials from both organisations. Representatives from Lead Arranger BRAC EPL Investments Ltd and Trustee UCB Investment Ltd were also present. With the inclusion of the BBL Second Subordinated Bond, the DSE ATB platform now lists a total of eight bonds and one equity instrument. DSE's Alternative Trading Board was established to provide a regulated and transparent secondary market for fixed-income instruments, including bonds and other debt securities, which are otherwise thinly traded in Bangladesh's capital market ecosystem. The platform is seen as a critical infrastructure for deepening the country's corporate bond market, which has long remained underdeveloped compared to the equity segment.

Four Bangladeshi filmmakers are participating in Cannes Docs 2026 with their documentary film projects under a French-supported initiative. Held alongside the Cannes Film Festival, Cannes Docs is one of the world’s leading platforms for documentary filmmakers, producers, broadcasters, and distributors. The festival began on Tuesday. The initiative was organised by Alliance Française de Chittagong in collaboration with Bisubo Art Organization and supported through the French PICC grant, said the French Embassy in Dhaka. The selected filmmakers are Kazi Arefin Ahmed with Opekkha, Citto Aanondi (Sumaiya Binte Selim) with Blue-Collars from the Frontline, S M Kamrul Ahsan with In Search of Her, and Sumon Delwar with My Cousin. The projects were selected through a national open call launched in September 2025, followed by a transparent and comprehensive jury evaluation process.  

In a move for international sports diplomacy, Bangladesh and Türkiye have officially signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of sports. State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Hoque and Osman Askin Bak, Minister for Youth and Sports of Türkiye signed the MoU on behalf of their respective filed, marking a new era of friendship, focusing on youth development, professional athletic exchange, and the modernisation of sports governance between the two brotherly nations. The MoU outlined a multifaceted framework for collaboration, prioritising the exchange of knowledge and expertise. Both nations committed to reciprocal visits of senior officials and experts to share best practices in the organisation and financing of major sports competitions. Meanwhile, the MoU emphasised the management and financing of world-class sports infrastructure, ensuring that both countries can benefit from shared technical data and teaching materials. In a significant commitment to social inclusion, the MoU highlighted the exchange of best practices for support programs and sports accessibility for persons with impairments and ensuring the highest standards of integrity and ethics in their respective sporting environment. This milestone MoU is expected to significantly boost the performance of athletes on the global stage while fostering a deeper cultural understanding through the universal language of sports.

The High Court has granted ad-interim bail to former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque in two murder cases filed with Jatrabari and Adabor police stations in connection with July movement. A High Court bench comprising Justice KM Zahid Sarwar Kajol and Justice Sheikh Abu Taher passed the order on Tuesday. Senior lawyers Monsurul Haque Chowdhury, Advocate Motahar Hossain Saju and Advocate Md Jahangir Hossain appeared for Khairul Haque. “With these he has secured bail in all seven cases. Since there are no other cases against him, there is no more legal barrier to his release,” said his lawyer advocate Monsurul Haque Chowdhury. Earlier on April 28, the Appellate Division upheld High Court bail granted to Khairul Haque in five cases including a murder case involving a Jubo Dal activist during the July movement, allegations of verdict manipulation in the caretaker government case, and cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). A bench headed by Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury rejected a state appeal against the High Court order at that time. On March 8, a High Court bench comprising Justice Md Khairul Alam and Justice Md Sagir Hossain granted bail in four cases after issuing a rule. He also secured bail in an ACC case on March 11. The state later filed an appeal seeking a stay on those bail orders. Subsequently, he was shown arrested in two more cases at the lower court level. Khairul Haque was arrested from his Dhanmondi residence in Dhaka on July 24, 2024. Later, he was shown arrested in a murder case filed over the killing of Jubo Dal activist Abdul Qayyum Ahamed in Jatrabari during the July movement. Apart from that case, four others were filed against him, including one in Shahbagh Police Station on August 27 last year over allegations of tampering with the caretaker government verdict, and two more cases filed in Narayanganj’s Fatullah and Bandar police stations on August 25 over similar allegations. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) also filed a case against him on August 4 last year over alleged irregularities in plot allocation. After lower courts rejected his bail pleas, he moved the High Court and obtained bail in five cases following issuance of a rule. Khairul Haque was appointed the 19th Chief Justice of Bangladesh on September 27, 2010, and his appointment took effect on September 30 the same year. He retired on May 17, 2011, and later served as Chairman of the Law Commission on three occasions.

The global shipping industry is facing growing concerns over fuel shortages after the war involving Iran disrupted supplies of bunker fuel, the heavy oil used to power most cargo ships. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for Middle Eastern oil exports, has sharply reduced supplies of bunker fuel to Asia, particularly to Singapore, the world’s largest refuelling hub for ships. Bunker fuel is a thick, low-grade oil left over after crude oil is refined. Although dirtier than fuels used in cars and aircraft, it remains essential to global trade, helping transport around 80 percent of goods traded worldwide by sea. Industry experts warn that a prolonged shortage could significantly increase shipping costs, push up consumer prices and hurt businesses around the world. The impact is being felt most strongly in Asia, which depends heavily on Middle Eastern oil. Fuel reserves in Singapore are shrinking while prices continue to rise. According to commodity analysts, bunker fuel prices in Singapore have surged from around $500 per metric ton before the conflict to more than $800 in early May. Shipping companies are trying to cope by slowing vessel speeds, adjusting schedules and exploring ships that can use alternative fuels. However, analysts say some smaller companies may struggle to survive if the crisis continues. Henning Gloystein of consultancy Eurasia Group said the disruption will eventually spread beyond Asia and affect supply chains worldwide. Asia adopts emergency energy measures Countries across Asia have responded by increasing coal use, buying more oil from Russia and reconsidering nuclear power projects. The region is bracing for further challenges as fuel stocks decline and government subsidies become harder to maintain. More than half of global seaborne trade passed through Asian ports in 2024, according to the United Nations, meaning disruptions in the region could have worldwide consequences. Higher costs likely to reach consumers Shipping firms are absorbing most of the extra costs for now, but analysts say these increases are likely to be passed on to customers. The European Federation for Transport and Environment estimates that the war is costing the global shipping industry about 340 million euros, or nearly $400 million, each day. Risk consultancy Aon said bunker fuel shortages typically affect shipping costs faster than many other market pressures. As transport costs rise, prices of goods ranging from food and electronics to clothing could also increase. Consumers in Singapore are already feeling the impact, with ferry operators raising fares and cruise companies adding fuel surcharges. Alternative fuels gain momentum The crisis is also increasing interest in greener fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG). Wärtsilä CEO Håkan Agnevall said rising fossil fuel prices are making cleaner alternatives more financially attractive. The Caravel Group CEO Angad Banga said about one-third of the ships currently under construction under its management will be capable of using both conventional bunker fuel and alternatives such as LNG. Although infrastructure for LNG-powered ships is still limited, industry leaders say investment is growing and progress is being made. Banga said ship owners are increasingly willing to invest in fuel-flexible vessels, as the ability to switch fuels has become more valuable amid ongoing market uncertainty.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday sought cooperation from university students to help maintain a stable political situation for nation-building and taking the country forward. “If we cannot keep the country’s political situation stable, we will not be able to build anything. Even if we build something, it will collapse,” he said while exchanging views with a group of students at Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium in Faculty of Social Sciences building at the University of Dhaka. The Prime Minister also encouraged students to learn a third language alongside Bengali and English to expand their employment opportunities worldwide. The interaction programme was held after the inauguration of a daylong workshop titled ‘Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence’ organised by the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban. More than 150 students participated in the event and asked the Prime Minister questions on education, employment, corruption, political culture, museums, language and governance and the Prime Minister responded to their queries At the beginning of the programme, Tarique warmly greeted the students and recalled visiting the Dhaka University campus after nearly 35 years. Addressing the students, the Prime Minister said there is a significant age gap between him and the younger generation but stressed the importance of understanding their vision for Bangladesh. He said he wanted to know what kind of Bangladesh the students dream of, what the government can do for the country, and how the students themselves can contribute to nation-building. The Prime Minister then invited the students to begin an open discussion on the future of Bangladesh. Replying to a question from Kaberi Azad, a Master’s student of the Drawing and Painting Department of Dhaka University, Tarique said political stability is essential for building institutions and ensuring sustainable national development. He said people expect rapid changes and improvements in the country but everything has to be built gradually in a stable environment. “For this, a stable environment is necessary and I think every student can play a big role in this regard. Through social media or any other platform, you have to gradually build public opinion to this end,” the Prime Minister said. He said it is quite natural that political parties will engage in politics but parliament should be the main centre of politics. “We have done many things on the street politics. But now stability must come. Politics has to move to parliament. Just creating noise on the streets will not build anything,” Tarique said. The Prime Minister said discussion, dialogue and thoughtful decision-making are necessary for building the country. “To build anything, stability is needed. Discussion is needed. We have to work thoughtfully,” he said. “We need your cooperation in this regard because the future is yours. You have to be strong on these issues and raise your voice in protest when necessary,” Tarique added.  During the interaction, the Prime Minister also spoke about teacher recruitment, corruption, money laundering and social attitudes. Replying to another question, the Prime Minister said teacher recruitment at Dhaka University had not always been carried out in the proper manner and alleged that political considerations were often given priority over merit. “Unfortunately, Dhaka University is still not in a strong international ranking position. One of the main reasons is that teacher recruitment was perhaps not carried out properly in the past,” he said. Tarique said the situation could improve if teachers are appointed based on merit and academic results. “If we recruit teachers based on merit and academic performance, I believe it is possible to change the situation. He also referred to the lack of research publications among some academics seeking higher administrative positions at universities and urged university authorities to address the issue. Replying to a question from Islamic History and Culture department student Mobasheruzzaman Hasan regarding seat shortages in halls and libraries, unemployment and irregularities in public recruitment, the Prime Minister said development projects are necessary for a country, but alleged corruption and inflated costs have become a major concern. Referring to mega infrastructure projects undertaken after 2008, he questioned the high expenditure in some of them including the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. The Prime Minister also referred to allegations of excessive spending in public projects, mentioning the much-discussed “pillow scam”, where a pillow was reportedly purchased at an abnormally high price.“The burden of this extra expenditure ultimately falls on people,” he said. Citing a white paper published during the interim government period, Tarique said nearly $16 billion had been siphoned out of the country every year.“Had this money remained in the country, many student problems, including seat shortages, could have been solved,” he said. The Prime Minister also commented on the concept of “zero tolerance” against corruption, saying the term appears somewhat unrealistic to him.“No matter how much we say ‘zero tolerance’, it is very difficult to achieve completely in reality. But we are trying to bring it under control as much as possible.” The Prime Minister also said changing long-standing practices and attitudes would take time and could not be achieved within a few months or years. Narrating a personal observation from earlier in the day, the Prime Minister said he noticed water overflowing from an apartment building in Mohakhali because a pump had not been switched off. “In my view, this may be called negligence, but it can also be considered a form of corruption,” he said. Referring to the use of artificial intelligence in identifying traffic rule violations, he said many people react negatively even when fined for minor offences because social attitudes have not changed. “That is why changing people’s mindset is also important.” During the discussion, Tarique stressed the need for trained museum curators and cultural experts in Bangladesh. Referring to the country’s museums, he said many of them appear neglected and poorly maintained. The Prime Minister said the government has already taken initiatives through the Education Ministry and Cultural Affairs Ministry to improve museum management and develop skilled professionals in the field. Tarique also spoke about a government initiative to take schoolchildren to parliament and museums as part of civic and historical education. Replying to a question from student Al Amin regarding the declining use of Bangla among English-medium students, the Prime Minister said language and cultural identity depend largely on family values and mindset. He shared his personal experience of living in Britain after his family left Bangladesh and said his daughter still speaks Bangla fluently despite spending 17 years abroad. “If you speak with my daughter, you would never feel she lived in England for 17 years,” Tarique said. He said many families in Bangladesh constantly speak English with children studying in English-medium schools, which may improve language skills but can weaken attachment to Bangla and local culture.“This is a matter of mindset. It cannot be solved through force or regulations alone. Change has to come from within,” he said. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam and Marketing Department Professor Morshed Hasan Khan were present on the stage during the programme. Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam presented a commemorative crest to the Prime Minister after the event.  

Ukraine’s two main anti-corruption agencies have named President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s former chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, as an official suspect in a major money laundering investigation. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office said late Monday that Yermak is suspected of involvement in laundering 460 million hryvnias, or about $10.5 million. The agencies said the investigation is still underway. Yermak, who stepped down in November, was a close ally of Zelenskyy and served as Ukraine’s chief negotiator in talks with the United States. His resignation came during a scandal that posed one of the biggest political challenges to Zelenskyy since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. The investigation is a major embarrassment for Zelenskyy as Ukraine seeks membership in the European Union. Widespread corruption remains one of the key obstacles to the country’s accession. Zelenskyy did not comment publicly on the announcement. However, his press secretary, Dmytro Lytvyn, said it was too early to draw conclusions as the investigation was ongoing. Investigators suspect Yermak was involved in laundering money through a housing development project near Kyiv. His home was searched in November, but no other suspects have been identified. Yermak’s lawyer, Ihor Fomin, rejected the allegations, calling the notice of suspicion baseless and denying his client had any role in the alleged scheme. “In my view, this situation has been driven by public pressure,” Fomin told Ukrainian state broadcaster Suspilne. A decision on whether to file formal charges against Yermak could take several months. Meanwhile, fighting between Ukraine and Russia continued despite the end of a three-day ceasefire brokered by the United States. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russia launched more than 200 drones overnight, damaging civilian infrastructure and killing at least one person. “It is time to strengthen our positions and force Moscow to end the war,” Sybiha said on social media. The Russian Defense Ministry said its air defenses shot down 30 Ukrainian drones over regions bordering Ukraine. Separately, Zelenskyy said he met in Kyiv with Alex Karp, chief executive of Palantir Technologies, to discuss expanding cooperation in defense technology and artificial intelligence. Palantir develops AI software used by defense agencies to process and analyze large amounts of data, helping improve battlefield decision-making and military operations.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday said the country’s financial sector would operate independently, assuring that there would be no political interference in investment and loan allocations.  “The government will not interfere in the financial sector. There will be no political meddling in the investments. This is a clear and firm decision from the government and the Prime Minister,” the Minister said while speaking as the chief guest at the launch of the inaugural fund of the Bangladesh Startup Investment Company (BSIC) at a city hotel. Marking a historic shift in the country's entrepreneurial landscape, 39 commercial banks have jointly launched BSIC, Bangladesh’s first institutionally managed venture capital platform. With an initial capital of Tk 425 crore, the platform aims to reduce the startup ecosystem's heavy reliance on foreign funding. Minister Amir Khosru said Bangladesh is entering a new stage of economic transformation where productivity, technology, and private-sector innovation will be the primary growth drivers. “BSIC reflects our confidence in the potential of young entrepreneurs to build globally competitive institutions,” he added. Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostaqur Rahman emphasised that the next phase of development requires institutions that uphold discipline, transparency, and accountability. From July, all business establishments must implement Bangla QR code for transactions to boost digital inclusion. In addition to the banks' initial Tk 425 crore investment, Bangladesh Bank will provide an additional Tk 500 crore as a refinancing fund for venture capital. The fund was formed by banks contributing 1 percent of their net profits from the last five years. This will be a continuous investment cycle covering Seed, Late Seed, and Series-A rounds. BSIC Chairman and Managing Director of City Bank PLC, Mashrur Arefin, said while Bangladesh’s startup sector has raised over $1 billion since 2010 through 450+ deals, less than 7 percent of that capital came from domestic sources. “BSIC is not just a fund; it is an institutional platform bridging local trust with global venture standards,” Arefin said, adding that the facility will extend beyond tech startups to include small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The event saw participation from high-profile international venture capital firms, including Wavemaker Partners (Singapore), 500 Global, ADB Ventures, and Sturgeon Capital, among others.  To ensure global standards, Sami Ahmed, former General Partner at B Capital, has been appointed as an advisor to the BSIC board. BSIC announced that it aims to complete its first three investments before the end of 2026. The company plans to appoint a Managing Director and a Chief Investment Officer by the third quarter of this year to streamline its investment committee. Experts believe this organised entry of domestic banks into the venture capital space will strengthen corporate governance and make local startups more attractive to foreign partners.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh in Geneva Nahida Sobhan has called upon development partners to intensify efforts to mobilise investment to close the digital infrastructure gap, strengthen cybersecurity, counter misinformation and disinformation. She also called upon the development partners to address digital literacy, challenges including the gender digital divide, and support AI upskilling for the youth workforce in preparation for the future of work. The envoy highlighted Bangladesh Government’s initiatives to bridge the digital divide, strengthen public digital infrastructure, and expand financial inclusion during a roundtable discussion held at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Headquarters, said the Bangladesh Mission in Geneva on Tuesday. The roundtable was organised by ITU in participation with Ambassadors from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, European Union, Gambia, Italy and Mexico to observe the 3rd UN Virtual Worlds Day. During the discussion, Ambassador Nahida  stated that the Government remains committed to advancing inclusive digital transformation and expanding access to technology-driven services for all, as reflected in its manifesto. Emphasising the growing impact of AI and emerging technologies on societies, the Ambassador highlighted the need to develop legal and governance frameworks for AI platforms, with focus on human rights, AI safety and security, prevention of the weaponization of AI, democratisation of AI, and enhanced international development cooperation.

The government will review the trade agreement signed with the United States instead of moving immediately towards cancellation said Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday. The matter will be examined and investigated, he said at a press conference on the progress of various government activities at Press Information Department (PID) conference room at Secretariat. “If we look at the agreement, we will see there is an option to cancel it. It can be cancelled with a 60-day notice. That is one aspect. Another condition in the agreement is that the two countries can modify different provisions through discussions.” “From my position, I think we can at least first review the agreement at the government level,” he added Referring to public discussions on the agreement, he said newspapers columnsanad video commentaries highlighting possible problematic aspects should continue. Zahed said he has discussed the issue with the Prime Minister. “We are reviewing the agreement within the government. It is a very strong agreement and we understand the impact if it is cancelled, as well as the context in which it was signed,” he said. “However, we can consider revisiting certain problematic areas that we think may be harmful to the state. We would like to enter negotiations with them. Cancelling it may again create complications in bilateral relations or reciprocal tariffs,” he added. Responding to another question, he said there are different types of agreements including contracts and memorandums of understanding (MoUs). “Some agreements are legally binding. In many cases, the legal bindings are so strict that leaving them can be more harmful than staying,” he said. He also said that a democratically elected government considers multiple factors in such decisions.

The Election Commission (EC) is planning to introduce a uniform code of conduct for elections to all five types of local government bodies to make the rules easier for people to understand and ensure effective enforcement ahead of a massive electoral cycle likely to begin later this year. As part of preparation to conduct elections to local government bodies throughout the country, the commission has already taken initiative to revise separate election codes for city corporations, municipalities, zila parishads, upazila parishads and union parishads. The EC has, in principle, taken a decision to make the election codes for the local bodies largely similar to the code of conduct applied in the recent 13th parliamentary election. Following the successful implementation of the latest code for parliamentary polls during the February-12 general election, the Commission now plans to incorporate several provisions, including restriction on using posters as well, in the polls codes for the local body elections. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said a proposal for a single code of conduct for all local government bodies would be placed before the Commission. “I think a single code of conduct rule should be there for all local government bodies. I will place a proposal for it,” he told UNB. Asked about possible changes to the codes, Masud said the local election code would be almost similar to the one used in the 13th parliamentary election. “There will be a ban on the use of posters and restrictions related to misuse of AI and social media,” he said. Senior officials of the EC Secretariat have already been instructed to prepare draft amendments to the polls codes and election conduct rules for city corporations, municipalities, district, upazila and union parishads. EC officials said the ban on posters in parliamentary elections gained positive results and the same approach would now be applied to local government polls to reduce environmental pollution and bring changes to traditional campaigning methods. Ahead of the last general election, the EC issued the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections Rules, 2025, prohibiting the use of posters,helicopters and drones, along with prohibition on misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media in election campaigns. Under the 2025 code, posters are completely banned, while pamphlets, leaflets, handbills, festoons or banners made from non-biodegradable materials such as rexine, polythene or plastic are also prohibited. However, candidates are allowed to install a maximum of 20 billboards in a constituency, each measuring no more than 16 feet by 9 feet. The parliamentary election code also prohibits malicious use of AI in campaign activities. Harmful content, including hate speech, misinformation, manipulated images, fabricated election-related information and inflammatory language targeting opponents, women, minorities or any other groups, is barred on social media platforms. Punishment for violating the parliamentary election code was also strengthened, with the maximum penalty increased to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of Tk 150,000, up from six month jail and Tk 50,000 fine previously. EC officials said the Commission is also considering measures to prevent undue influence by members of parliament in local government elections as the upcoming elections to the local bodies without the use of political party symbols.  Abdur Rahmanel Masud said laws have already been passed in parliament to conduct the elections to local government bodies using non-party electoral symbols.  “We have received copies of the laws… But the commission has not yet decided when the elections will begin. For now, we are keeping preparations in place,” he said. With the government establishing a designated room named ‘visiting room’ for MPs at the upazila Parishad complex, the EC is thinking of introducing new provisions to prevent lawmakers from influencing in local polls from those offices. The commission is also planning changes to nomination forms, including mandatory disclosure of overseas assets in affidavits. Officials said the commission is taking preparations assuming that local government elections may start at the end of this year.  During the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference on May 5, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and the four election commissioners instructed field administrators to prepare for local polls and maintain standards similar to parliamentary elections. According to EC estimates, elections to 12 city corporations, over 450 upazila parishads, more than 300 municipalities and 61 zila parishads are already overdue and can be held immediately without legal complications.  Besides, the legal timeframe for holding elections to around 600 union parishads began in April, making polls mandatory by October next. The 180-day countdown for elections in more than 2,800 additional union parishads will begin by July. In this situation, the EC would be able to announce election schedules once it receives a green signal from the local government division, although the government has indicated that local government elections may begin at the end of the current year.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure over his leadership after his Labour Party suffered heavy losses in last week’s local elections, raising questions about his political future just months after a landslide national win in 2024. Although Labour secured a decisive victory in July 2024, the party’s popularity has since declined sharply. Many within Labour are now blaming Starmer for the setback, pointing to a mix of policy misjudgments, a lack of clear direction, concerns over the struggling UK economy, and controversy surrounding some of his key decisions. One of the most criticised moves was his appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to Washington, despite concerns over Mandelson’s past links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The next general election is not due until 2029, but under UK political rules, a prime minister can be replaced in the middle of a parliamentary term without calling a national vote. Inside Labour, some believe that changing the party leadership may be necessary to restore public confidence and counter challenges from both the political right and left. “We have to change and we have to do it quickly,” Labour lawmaker Catherine West said, calling for a clear timeline to “turn this ship around.” However, replacing a leader is not straightforward. Unlike the Conservative Party, which has a history of removing prime ministers mid-term, Labour has rarely changed its leader through internal pressure, and no Labour prime minister has ever been formally ousted in this way. One possible route for change would be Starmer voluntarily stepping down, which would trigger a leadership contest. If he resigned immediately, an interim prime minister could be chosen from within the Cabinet or party leadership, with Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy seen as a possible caretaker. To trigger a leadership contest, any challenger must secure support from at least 20 percent of Labour MPs, currently 81 members. More than 70 MPs have already called for Starmer to set a timetable for his resignation, reflecting growing dissatisfaction, though no formal challenge has yet emerged. If a contest is triggered, candidates would also need backing from local party organisations or affiliated groups such as trade unions. Party members would then vote using a ranked system, and the winner would need more than 50 percent support to become leader. The final decision would be formally confirmed by King Charles III, who would invite the winner to form a government. Starmer, however, has ruled out resigning, saying it would “plunge the country into chaos.” If he refuses to step down, potential challengers could still emerge. Health Secretary Wes Streeting is seen as a possible contender, as is former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, who left her post last year amid a tax-related investigation. Andy Burnham, the popular mayor of Greater Manchester, is also widely discussed as a strong leadership figure. However, he is currently ineligible to run as he is not a member of parliament. Some party insiders suggest that arrangements could be made for him to return to Westminster if Starmer signals a planned resignation. For now, however, Labour remains divided, and Starmer’s position appears increasingly uncertain following the party’s disappointing election performance.

Israel is setting up a military production facility to manufacture a large number of suicide drones in response to the growing threat posed by Hezbollah’s explosive unmanned aircraft, according to Israel Army Radio. The report said Hezbollah’s attack drones have created a major challenge for Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon and along the country’s northern border. Army Radio said the drones have killed a number of Israeli soldiers and civilians in the area since the start of the ceasefire. Hezbollah has increasingly used fibre-optic drones that are difficult to detect and cannot be disrupted by electronic jamming. According to the report, these relatively low-cost drones have recently penetrated Israel’s advanced air defence systems and tested the effectiveness of its sophisticated radar network. The move to establish a dedicated production facility reflects Israel’s efforts to strengthen its drone capabilities amid ongoing tensions with Hezbollah along the Lebanon border.  #From Al Jazeera

A high-profile legal battle between Elon Musk and Sam Altman has intensified scrutiny on OpenAI’s leadership, with Altman seen as having the most at stake as he prepares to testify in court. The civil trial, underway in Oakland, California, stems from a lawsuit filed by Musk accusing Altman of abandoning the founding mission of OpenAI— originally established as a nonprofit—to pursue a profit-driven model. Musk is seeking Altman’s removal from leadership and financial support for the company’s charitable arm. Testimonies over the past two weeks have highlighted internal tensions at OpenAI, including Altman’s brief removal as CEO in 2023. A text exchange between Altman and company executive Mira Murati during that period—where she described the situation as “very bad”—has drawn widespread attention online. Witnesses, including former board members Helen Toner and Tasha McCauley, raised concerns about Altman’s leadership, citing what they described as a “pattern of behavior” involving lack of transparency and resistance to board oversight. OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever also testified, saying Altman’s conduct had affected trust and productivity within the company. However, he later supported Altman’s reinstatement, citing fears that the company could collapse without him. Despite the criticism, OpenAI’s current board chair Bret Taylor defended Altman, describing his performance as CEO as effective and transparent. Experts say the trial could have wider implications for the artificial intelligence sector, particularly as OpenAI, Musk’s ventures, and rival firms move toward potential initial public offerings. While Musk also faces risks, including scrutiny tied to his business interests, analysts suggest Altman’s leadership future could hinge on his courtroom testimony. “This is not looking good for any of them,” said Sarah Kreps of Cornell University, noting that the case comes at a time when public perception of AI is already under strain. The jury is expected to weigh conflicting accounts of leadership and governance before delivering a verdict that could significantly impact one of the world’s most influential AI companies.  

A man and his son were killed and another one was injured after a bus hit a motorcycle on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway at Hafezia in Sadar upazila of Feni district on Tuesday. The deceased were identified as Nur Alam, son of Nurul Huda and an ambulance driver at Feni Diabetic Hospital and his son Nirob, of Rajapur village in Sonagazi upazila. The accident occurred around 9 am when a speedy bus hit the motorcycle carrying them, leaving Nur Alam dead on the spot and two others injured, said Asadul Islam, officer-in-charge of Mohipal Highway Police Station. Among the injured, Nirob died on the way to Feni Sadar Hospital while his cousin, Afzal Mithu, was taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital. On information, police seized the bus and the motorcycle, but could not arrest anyone as the driver managed to flee the scene.    

Bangladesh has condemned in the strongest possible terms the heinous attack by Israeli forces in Southern Lebanon on May 11, which resulted in the tragic killing of two Bangladeshi nationals. They are late Shafiqul Islam of Satkhira Sadar, Satkhira, and late Md. Nahidul Islam Nahid of Ashashuni, Satkhira. The government of Bangladesh expressed its profound grief and deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the victims. The Bangladesh Embassy in Lebanon is working with the relevant local authorities to complete the necessary formalities for the repatriation of their mortal remains, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. It is also in touch with the family members of the deceased persons. Bangladesh reiterated its deep concern over the continuing violence and loss of civilian lives in the region and called for maximum restraint and adherence to international humanitarian law.  

Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Mahdi Amin on Tuesday said Bangladesh must develop a more skilled, capable and responsible young generation to build the prosperous and democratic nation people aspire to, stressing the need for a modern and inclusive education system. “To build the Bangladesh people aspire to, we must make our young generation more skilled, capable and responsible citizens,” he said at a national workshop titled “Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence” at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of University of Dhaka. He described education as the backbone of the nation and said Bangladesh’s large youth population represents a major demographic opportunity. Addressing academics, policymakers and dignitaries, Mahdi Amin said, “If we want to move the country forward, we must utilise your wisdom, intellect, creativity and guidance to strengthen democratic Bangladesh and ensure people’s empowerment,” he said. Referring to the historical role of Dhaka University, he said the institution had played a vital role in every major political transformation in Bangladesh including the July uprising. Mahdi Amin said the government formed through a ‘free, fair and acceptable election’ three months ago, is working relentlessly to fulfil its electoral pledges under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He emphasised the need to modernise the education system and integrate civic values, technological skills and professional competence into schools, colleges and universities. The adviser also highlighted the role of researchers, teachers and education experts in implementing the government’s development plans through research, policy advice and methodological innovation. Outlining the government’s future vision, Mahdi Amin spoke of a technology-driven welfare system aimed at improving the lives of ordinary citizens. He said farmers would receive subsidies and agricultural support directly through digital farmer cards while modern technology and weather forecasting tools would help improve agricultural productivity. He also said the government plans to introduce E-health cards to ensure access to treatment through public-private partnerships, allowing patients in remote areas to receive healthcare services free of cost under government schemes. Mahdi said the government aims to improve the status and skills of teachers through initiatives such as the “One Teacher, One Tab” programme which would provide digital devices and international-standard training to educators. He said the government wants to ensure that the country’s future generations are equipped to compete globally through a modernised and digitised curriculum. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman opened the workshp around 11am and deliverd a speech. Arranged by the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, the inaugural session was presided over by its Chairman Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed. Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed presented a crest to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on behalf of the UGC.      

A man and his son were stabbed to death allegedly by two of his sons from his second marriage over a dispute over property in Mondolpara area of Chirirbandar upazila of Dinajpur on Tuesday morning. The deceased were identified as Dulu Mia, 70, and his son Kabil, 30. Another son, Habil, was injured in the attack. Chirirbandar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mahmudul Nabi said Dulu Mia had four sons from two marriages. A dispute had been going on over the distribution of around 16 bighas of land owned by Dulu Mia. As the conflict escalated, two sons from his second marriage- Sadequl and Sakib- allegedly stabbed their father and step-brother Kabil with sharp weapons, killing them on the spot, he added. The two suspects went into hiding after the incident. The OC said police are sending the bodies to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy and efforts are underway to arrest the suspects.

Detectives have arrested five members of an inter-district robbery gang along with illegal firearms, ammunition, gunpowder, crude bombs and motorcycles in a special drive in Jatrabari area of the capital. The arrestees are Md Liton Jabbar ,52, Ismail Hossain Mamun,55, Md Babul Babu 45, Ayub Bhuiyan,30 and Md Roman,35. They were arrested on Monday from Dayaganj to Jatrabari Shahid Faruk Road area under Jatrabari Police Station. According to DB police, tipped off, a team conducted a drive after learning that members of the inter-district robbery gang were gathering in front of Modern Bikalpo Wooden Furniture shop in the area for committing a robbery. During the operation, police arrested them and recovered two pistols, two magazines, seven rounds of bullet, 2.2 kg of explosives, one machete and two motorcycles from their possession, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) NM Nasiruddin. During preliminary interrogation, the arrestees reportedly confessed that they had long been collecting firearms, gunpowder and bomb-making materials from the border area of Jashore and preparing crude bombs. They later supplied these to different criminal groups in Dhaka and used them to create panic and carry out robberies. Nasiruddin said two separate cases have been filed with Jatrabari Police Station in this connection. Legal proceedings against the arrestees are under way.    

Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism, UN peacekeeping and international cooperation during a visit of a delegation from the United States Army War College to the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations. Welcoming the delegation on Monday, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury underscored the country’s longstanding engagement with the UN, rooted in its constitutional commitment to international peace and security. He said Bangladesh remains one of the largest contributors to UN Peacekeeping Operations, with Bangladeshi peacekeepers serving with distinction in some of the world’s most challenging conflict zones. The Ambassador briefed the delegation on the activities of Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission including its engagement to build on its legacies in peacekeeping, sustainable development, women empowerment and climate justice. Reaffirming Bangladesh’s strong support for the United Nations, Ambassador Chowdhury stressed that dialogue, compromise and consensus-building remain essential to addressing contemporary global challenges and strengthening international cooperation.  

Israel’s parliament on Monday approved a bill to establish a special tribunal to try Palestinians accused of taking part in the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, with the court empowered to impose the death penalty. The bill passed by a vote of 93-0 in the 120-member Knesset, reflecting broad support among lawmakers for punishing those found responsible for the deadliest attack in Israel’s history. Twenty-seven lawmakers were absent or did not vote. The proposed tribunal would allow a panel of judges to hand down death sentences by a majority decision. Convicted defendants would be able to appeal, but only through a separate special appeals court rather than Israel’s regular judicial system. The bill also requires the trials to be broadcast live from a courtroom in Jerusalem, drawing comparisons to the 1962 trial of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann, which was televised nationwide. Eichmann was hanged after his conviction, the last time Israel carried out an execution. Capital punishment remains legal in Israel for genocide, wartime espionage and some terrorism-related crimes, but is rarely used. Human rights groups criticised the bill, saying it weakens protections for fair trials and makes it easier to impose the death penalty. Several Israeli rights organisations, including Adalah and the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel, said justice for the victims of October 7 is necessary, but warned that accountability must follow accepted legal standards. Critics also said broadcasting the trials before guilt is established could turn them into a public spectacle. They raised concerns that some evidence may have been obtained through harsh interrogation methods. The legislation is separate from another law passed in March allowing the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis. That law applies only to future cases and cannot be used for suspects linked to the October 2023 attack. The war began when Hamas-led fighters entered southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters, but says many of the dead are women and children. Israeli authorities have detained thousands of Palestinians from Gaza since the war began. The Public Committee Against Torture in Israel says around 1,300 Gazans are still being held without charge, excluding those accused of involvement in the October 7 attack or hostage-taking.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged universities to move beyond traditional academic teaching and place greater emphasis on research and innovation to remain competitive in the modern world. “If universities do not focus on research and innovation alongside textbook education, it will be difficult for us to survive in a competitive world,” he said while  speaking at the inaugural session of a workshop at Dhaka University. The Prime Minister said Bangladesh’s universities have yet to achieve the expected position in global rankings in education, research and knowledge excellence. “Global university rankings usually place greater importance on research publications, citations and innovation. Our academics should think more deeply about where we stand in these areas,” he said The University Grants Commission  (UGC) organised the daylong workshop, titled ‘Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence’ at at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban. The workshop included five technical sessions on higher education reform and future challenges. Referring to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Prime Minister said technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, biotechnology, cybersecurity, quantum computing and big data are transforming both employment and society. He warned that while technology is reducing traditional job opportunities and it is also creating new forms of employment. “To face the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and enter new employment markets, we must move away from a memorisation- and certificate-based education system,” Tarique said. He stressed the need to redesign the country’s conventional education system in line with modern technological demands. The Prime Minister also called for stronger collaboration between universities and industries and said industrial demands should be incorporated into curriculum development. He said the government has already started work to modernise the national curriculum from the primary level to higher education, focusing on practical and employment-oriented learning. Highlighting unemployment among graduates, Tarique said many educated youths remain jobless because they fail to acquire practical skills alongside academic qualifications. He said the government has taken steps to expand apprenticeship, internship and industry-academia collaboration to help students gain practical experience while studying. Initially, universities in divisional cities are being linked with local educational and business institutions under the initiative, the Prime Minister added. He also said the government has introduced plans for seed funding and innovation grants to commercialise innovative business ideas at colleges and universities. “The aim is to create entrepreneurs from campuses,” Tarique said, adding that skilled students may become job creators instead of job seekers. He said the government is also planning to establish innovation and entrepreneurship development institutes and science parks at higher educational institutions. Referring to global technology-based companies such as Uber, Facebook, Alibaba and Airbnb, the Prime Minister said innovative ideas and smart interfaces are reshaping the global economy. He also encouraged universities to involve alumni in supporting education, research and innovation activities. “Students are the life of a university, while alumni are its backbone,” Tariaue said. The Prime Minister said the government wants to build a knowledge- and merit-based society where education, research, creativity and competence receive the highest priority. “We want to build an education system where every student gets the opportunity to develop their potential,” he said. Tarique also urged all sections of society to remain vigilant so that technological advancement does not weaken the country’s long-standing religious, social and moral values. Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon, the Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Dr Mahdi Amin, Education Secretary Abdul Khaleq and UGC Secretary Fakhrul Islam also spoke at the event, chaired by UGC Chairman Prof Mamun Ahmed. Prof Mamun Ahmed later presented a crest to the Prime Minister on behalf of the UGC.

Two madrasa students on Monday drowned after going to a lake for a swim at Siddhirganj in Narayanganj. The deceased were identified as Monirul (15) and Shuvo (15), students of class VII at Godnail Bagpara Alim Madrasa. Their bodies were recovered from the DND lake near the No. 1 bridge in the Barma Stand Nayapara area at around 6 am on Tuesday (May 12). Police said the incident occurred on Monday afternoon after the students finished their examinations, played football with friends and later went to the DND lake for swimming, after which they went missing. Monirul’s father is Mohammad Zakir, and his family hails from Palla village under Mohammadpur police station in Magura district. The family currently lives in a rented house at Choudhury Bari in Bhuiyapara area under Ward No. 8 of Narayanganj City Corporation. Shuvo son of Mizan Shikder is originally from Morich Buniya area in Patuakhali district, and they lived in the Moonlight area under Ward No. 6 of Narayanganj City Corporation. Sub-Inspector Mosharraf Hossain of Siddhirganj Police Station said five friends went to the DND lake for swimming after playing football at Navana field. While three returned home safely, Monirul and Shuvo went missing. He said family members searched different areas throughout the night. In the early hours of Tuesday, locals spotted the bodies floating in the lake and informed police. Police later recovered the bodies and prepared inquest reports. As no complaint was filed by the families, the bodies were handed over to the relatives.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds and lightning in several parts of the country in 24 hours commencing 9 am on Tuesday. According to the Met Office bulletin, a few places in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions are likely to experience rain or thunderstorms, while one or two places in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions may also witness showers. Moderately heavy to heavy rainfall is expected at some places in Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions, the bulletin added. The Met Office said daytime temperatures may rise slightly across the country, while night temperatures are likely to remain nearly unchanged.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto spearheaded a calculated batting display before a bold declaration left Pakistan chasing 268 for victory on the final day in Mirpur. The hosts declared their second innings at 240-9 shortly before lunch, giving their bowlers approximately 75 overs to secure a 1-0 series lead. Shanto, who hit a masterful century in the first innings, fell just 13 runs short of a rare twin-ton. His 87 off 150 balls anchored the innings through a fluctuating morning session. When Shanto was eventually trapped leg-before by Noman Ali, it signaled a shift in strategy. Rather than batting a bit more with one wicket remaining, the Bangladesh management opted for a proactive declaration at 240-9, capitalizing on a 27-run first-innings cushion to set a target of 268. The penultimate day’s play had been heavily truncated by monsoon rain and poor light, which threatened to force a stalemate. However, the aggression shown by the middle order on the final morning revived hopes of a result. Mominul Haque’s disciplined 56 and Shanto’s resilience ensured the lead crossed the critical 250-mark, a threshold historically difficult to chase at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Pakistan’s attack found late success as the ball began to reverse. Hasan Ali led the visitors with 3-52, including the wickets of Shadman Islam (10), Mushfiqur Rahim (22), and Taskin Ahmed (11). Left-arm spinner Noman Ali was equally effective in the morning heat, finishing with 3-76 after removing both Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (24). Shaheen Shah Afridi chipped in with 2-54, accounting for Mominul and Litton Das. This Test has been a showcase of individual milestones and tactical shifts. On day three, Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 14th five-wicket haul triggered a Pakistan collapse that handed Bangladesh the initial advantage. Earlier, Taskin Ahmed entered the record books as only the third Bangladeshi pacer to reach 50 Test wickets, underscoring a disciplined performance by the home side’s seamers. The target of 268 on a fifth-day Mirpur track presents a stern test for Pakistan's batters, who struggled against the turn and uneven bounce in their first effort. Bangladesh’s spin duo of Miraz and Taijul Islam will spearhead the defense, looking to replicate the pressure that saw Pakistan lose their final five first-innings wickets for just 37 runs. With over two sessions remaining, the match is poised for a dramatic finish. Pakistan must decide whether to pursue the 3.5 runs-per-over required for victory or bat for a draw on a surface that is increasingly favoring the slow bowlers.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has seized four Indian cattle in an anti-smuggling operation at Chapainawabganj border after recovering them from the Matpara area of Narayanpur Union under Sadar upazila during a late-night drive on Monday. Lt Col Kazi Mostafizur Rahman, commanding officer of the 53 BGB Battalion, confirmed the matter on Tuesday morning and said, acting on a tip-off, a patrol team from Jahurpurtek BOP conducted a raid in the border area around 12:45 am on Monday. During the operation, the four Indian cattle were found abandoned. The estimated market value of the seized cattle is around Tk 3 lakh, according to BGB. Later, the cattle were handed over to the Chapainawabganj customs office. However, no one was arrested in connection with the incident. BGB said its operations against smuggling in the border area will continue.

Indian actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, along with Jaideep Ahlawat and Jim Sarbh, has joined the cast of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair’s upcoming film ‘Amri’, based on the life of celebrated artist Amrita Sher-Gil. Priyanka will also serve as an executive producer of the film. Mira Nair said Amrita Sher-Gil’s art has inspired her work for decades. “Every film I’ve made over the last several decades has been inspired by the art of Amrita Sher-Gil. She taught me how to see,” Nair said in a statement. The film stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Jaideep Ahlawat and Jim Sarbh, with Anjali Sivaraman playing the lead role of Amrita Sher-Gil. The cast also includes Emily Watson as Amrita’s mother Marie-Antoinette Gottesman, Jaideep Ahlawat as her father Umrao Singh Sher-Gil, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Madame Azurie. Inspired by the life and art of Amrita Sher-Gil, the film tells the story of one of India’s pioneering modern artists, whose bold and unconventional work transformed the country’s art scene. Set in Hungary, France and India in the early 20th century, ‘Amri’ follows Sher-Gil’s journey as an artist and a woman as she searched for her identity and developed a unique artistic style. Sher-Gil was the youngest student ever admitted to the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Her work focused on the lives of ordinary people in India, especially women, and challenged established artistic traditions. The film is currently in the final stages of production in India and Hungary. ‘Amri’ is directed by Mira Nair, who co-wrote the screenplay with Clara Royer. The film is produced by Samudrika Arora, Michael Nozik and Mira Nair, in association with Kiran Nadar Museum of Art and Miramax. Source: NDTV

Scientists say they have identified a hidden chemical pattern that could help detect life beyond Earth. The new study, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, suggests that scientists may not need to focus only on finding specific molecules on distant planets and moons. Instead, they can look at how those molecules are organized. “We’re showing that life does not only produce molecules,” said Fabian Klenner, an assistant professor of planetary sciences at University of California, Riverside and co-author of the study. “Life also produces an organizational principle that we can see by applying statistics.” Looking beyond individual molecules For years, scientists have searched for signs of life by looking for compounds such as amino acids and fatty acids. But these molecules can also form naturally without any biological activity. They have been found in meteorites and created in laboratories that mimic conditions in space. As a result, simply detecting these chemicals is not enough to confirm the presence of life. The researchers found that amino acids in living organisms are usually more diverse and more evenly distributed than those produced through non-biological processes. Fatty acids showed the opposite pattern. In this case, non-living chemical reactions tended to produce more evenly distributed mixtures than living systems. Statistical clues to life The team said this is the first study to show that signs of life can be identified using statistical analysis alone, without relying on a specific instrument. That means the method could potentially be applied to data already being collected by missions exploring Mars, Europa and Enceladus. “Astrobiology is fundamentally a forensic science,” said Gideon Yoffe, a postdoctoral researcher at the Weizmann Institute of Science and lead author of the study. “We’re trying to infer processes from incomplete clues, often with very limited data collected by missions that are extraordinarily expensive and infrequent,” he said. Borrowing from ecology To develop the method, the researchers adapted a statistical approach commonly used in ecology to measure biodiversity. Ecologists use two key concepts: richness, which counts how many different species are present, and evenness, which measures how evenly they are distributed. The scientists applied the same ideas to chemical data from around 100 existing datasets, including samples from microbes, soils, fossils, meteorites, asteroids and laboratory-made materials. In study after study, biological samples showed clear organizational patterns that distinguished them from non-living chemistry. Ancient fossils still carried the signal The method was also able to detect different levels of preservation in biological materials. “That was genuinely surprising,” Klenner said. “The method captured not only the distinction between life and nonlife, but also degrees of preservation and alteration.” Even heavily degraded samples retained signs of their biological origin. Fossilized dinosaur eggshells included in the study still showed detectable statistical patterns linked to ancient life. A useful tool for future missions The researchers stressed that no single method will be enough to prove the existence of extraterrestrial life. Klenner said any future claim would need multiple independent lines of evidence, interpreted within the geological and chemical context of the environment being studied. Still, the team believes the new statistical approach could become an important tool for future space missions. “Our approach is one more way to assess whether life may have been there,” Klenner said. “And if different techniques all point in the same direction, then that becomes very powerful.” Source: Science Daily

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday inaugurated a national workshop aimed at transforming Bangladesh’s higher education system into a more modern, inclusive and sustainable one. The workshop, titled “Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence,” began at 10 am at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University. The Prime Minister formally opened the workshp around 11am and deliverd a speech. The programme began with recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by readings from other religious scriptures. A one-minute silence was also observed in honour of the martyrs of the July-August mass uprising. Arranged by the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, the inaugural session was presided over by its Chairman Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed. Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed presented a crest to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on behalf of the UGC. Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon and the Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Dr Mahdi Amin attended the event as special guests. Policymakers, UGC members, vice-chancellors of public and private universities, teachers, researchers, MPs, diplomats, industry representatives and other stakeholders have taken part in the workshop. Five technical sessions will be held following the inaugural ceremony.

Asian stock markets traded mixed on Tuesday as record gains on Wall Street lifted investor sentiment, but concerns over rising oil prices and the ongoing Iran conflict kept markets cautious. Japan’s Nikkei 225 advanced 0.7 percent to 62,881.03. South Korea’s Kospi fell 1.2 percent to 7,726.30, with analysts saying the decline reflected concerns over heavy dependence on artificial intelligence-related stocks. “Global markets are relying too much on a small group of AI companies, making the current rally appear strong but potentially vulnerable,” said Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.3 percent to 8,676.60. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng edged up 0.2 percent to 26,467.50, while China’s Shanghai Composite lost 0.4 percent to 4,208.00. Oil prices continued to rise as fears grew that the conflict with Iran could drag on. US benchmark crude gained 91 cents to $98.98 a barrel, while Brent crude, the global benchmark, rose 90 cents to $105.11 a barrel. Investor concerns increased after President Donald Trump said the US-Iran ceasefire was on “life support” following Washington’s rejection of Iran’s latest proposal to end the conflict. The war has pushed Brent crude prices sharply higher from around $70 a barrel before the conflict began, increasing inflation concerns worldwide. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have also delayed oil shipments from the Persian Gulf to global markets. Despite these worries, stronger-than-expected corporate earnings have supported confidence that the US economy remains resilient, even as consumers face higher fuel costs and tariffs. On Monday, the S&P 500 rose 0.2 percent to close at a new record high of 7,412.84. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 95.31 points, or 0.2 percent, to 49,704.47, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 27.05 points, or 0.1 percent, to a record 26,274.13. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year US Treasury note increased to 4.40 percent from 4.38 percent late Friday. In currency trading, the US dollar rose to 157.57 Japanese yen from 157.12 yen, while the euro slipped to $1.1761 from $1.1787.

India batting great Rahul Dravid has been announced as the owner of the Dublin Guardians franchise ahead of the launch of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), the organisers confirmed on Monday. The ETPL finalised its six-team structure at a launch event attended by franchise owners and senior cricket officials from across Europe. The league will feature teams from Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Dravid said he was attracted to the league due to its long-term vision of developing cricket in Europe through grassroots growth and creating opportunities for emerging players. “What attracted me to ETPL was the larger vision behind it, the opportunity to help grow cricket in Europe by strengthening grassroots development and creating pathways for emerging talent across Ireland and Europe,” Dravid said in a statement. Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has been appointed captain of the Dublin Guardians. The team will compete against franchises representing major European cities including Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. “Dublin already has a passionate cricketing community and enormous potential for growth. Nurturing the next generation has always been important to me, and I believe ETPL can play a meaningful role in that journey,” Dravid added. The event was attended by several prominent figures, including ETPL co-founders Abhishek Bachchan, Saurav Banerjee, Priyanka Kaul and Dhiraj Malhotra, as well as international cricket personalities and officials from Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association. The inaugural ETPL season is scheduled to run from August 26 to September 20 and will feature several international stars, including Mitchell Marsh, Tim David, Mitchell Santner, Liam Livingstone, Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis and Heinrich Klaasen. Franchise ownership across the league includes notable names such as Glenn Maxwell in Belfast, Chris Gayle in Glasgow, Steve Waugh in Amsterdam, and Jonty Rhodes and Faf du Plessis in Rotterdam. #Via NDTV  

Telugu star Ram Charan has drawn fresh attention for his physical transformation and disciplined fitness regimen ahead of his upcoming film Peddi. His fitness trainer, Rakkesh R Uddiyar, praised the actor’s strength, endurance and commitment, even comparing him to Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. Speaking in an interview with Zoom, the trainer said Ram Charan displays similar physical resilience and discipline to Salman Khan, noting his ability to quickly recover from injuries and return to work. He also credited the actor’s mental strength and spiritual discipline for his fitness journey. “Like Salman Khan, Ram Charan is also very strong… I believe a lot of strength comes from his spirituality,” the trainer said. Intense training and strict diet plan The trainer revealed that Ram Charan followed a structured and demanding fitness programme during preparation for Peddi, including cardio-focused routines, strength training and a controlled diet plan ranging between 1,800 to 2,500 calories with carb cycling. He added that both Ram Charan and Salman Khan share similar fitness habits, including early-morning cardio sessions and maintaining a consistently lean physique. The preparation phase also coincided with Ram Charan’s 41-day Ayyappa Deeksha, a spiritual observance involving strict dietary and lifestyle restrictions, which made training more challenging. Describing the process, the trainer said maintaining a full vegetarian diet during intensive training required careful planning and discipline. “It’s not a one-day programme. I have almost given one year and four months for his body,” he added. Ram Charan is next set to appear in Peddi, directed by Buchi Babu Sana. Source: NDTV

Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt has arrived at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, turning heads with a sleek monochrome outfit. For her arrival, Bhatt opted for a tailored blazer featuring puffed shoulders and a cinched waist, paired with matching slim-fit trousers. She completed the look with accessories from Gucci. The actress, who made a notable debut at the festival in 2025, is expected to walk the red carpet again this year. She will also attend the opening ceremony on May 12 as India’s global ambassador for L'Oréal Paris. Bhatt was earlier seen departing from Mumbai in the early hours of Monday, heading to the French Riviera for the prestigious event. Source: NDTV

Cattle farmers in Sirajganj are now busy fattening cattle ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with more than 617,000 sacrificial animals prepared to meet the growing seasonal demand. Farmers and traders said preparations have intensified across the district as the annual religious festival approaches, with hopes of better earnings during the peak cattle trading season. According to the district livestock department, farms in all nine upazilas have been rearing and fattening cows, buffaloes, goats and sheep for several months. Fattening activities are particularly visible in Shahjadpur, Ullapara, Enayetpur and Belkuchi upazilas, while farmers in Kamarkhanda, Raiganj, Chauhali, Kazipur and Sirajganj Sadar are also actively raising sacrificial animals. Apart from commercial farms, many rural households are rearing cattle on a small scale as an additional source of income ahead of Eid. Trading of sacrificial animals has already begun at some local cattle markets, although traders expect the main rush to start closer to Eid. District livestock officials said campaigns are underway to discourage the use of harmful chemicals and steroids in cattle fattening. “We are regularly visiting farms and encouraging farmers to follow natural fattening methods,” said Dr Anarul Haque, an official of the district livestock department. He said farmers are also receiving medicines, technical assistance and training to ensure healthy livestock production. Farmers, however, expressed concern over the rising prices of cattle feed, saying higher feed costs are increasing overall production expenses. “As feed prices continue to rise, the cost of raising cattle is also going up. That may push up cattle prices this Eid season,” said Abdur Rahim, a cattle farmer from Shahjadpur upazila. According to the livestock department, a total of 617,723 sacrificial animals have been prepared in the district this year against a local demand of around 293,000 animals. Officials said the surplus livestock will be supplied to Dhaka and other parts of the country ahead of Eid, creating income opportunities for both commercial farmers and marginal rural households. There are currently 27 permanent and 20 temporary cattle markets in the district where sacrificial animals will be traded, officials said. Veterinary teams will remain active at cattle markets to inspect animals and provide necessary medical support to ensure safe trading and animal health. Authorities are also taking online promotional initiatives to help farmers market their cattle and connect with buyers more easily ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

An experimental café in Sweden’s capital is drawing attention for putting an artificial intelligence system in charge of daily operations, while human baristas continue to serve customers. The café, launched by San Francisco-based startup Andon Labs, is being managed by an AI agent named “Mona,” powered by Google Gemini. The system handles key business functions such as hiring, inventory management and operational decisions, leaving staff to prepare and serve food and drinks. Since opening in mid-April in Stockholm, the café has generated over $5,700 in sales, though expenses have significantly reduced its initial budget of more than $21,000. Much of the spending went toward setup costs, and operators hope the business will eventually become profitable. Customers have shown curiosity about the AI-run concept, with some interacting directly with the system via a phone inside the café. “It’s nice to see what happens if you push the boundary,” said one visitor, adding that the quality of the drinks remained good. Experts worry about AI's role going forward Researchers and analysts say the experiment raises important ethical and practical questions, particularly around accountability and decision-making. Emrah Karakaya, an academic at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, warned that handing control to AI could create risks if proper oversight mechanisms are not in place. “If something goes wrong, such as a food safety issue, it raises questions about responsibility,” he said, cautioning that poorly managed systems could harm businesses and society. Founded in 2023, Andon Labs focuses on testing AI systems in real-world scenarios using actual financial resources and operational tools. The company has collaborated with major AI developers, including OpenAI, Anthropic and Google DeepMind. Company officials say the Stockholm café is part of a broader effort to understand how AI might run organizations autonomously in the future. AI agent struggles with inventory orders While the AI system has successfully handled tasks such as securing permits, setting up services and recruiting staff through platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed, it has faced challenges in day-to-day management. The system has reportedly over-ordered supplies — including thousands of napkins and gloves — and purchased items not used in the café. It has also struggled with managing bakery deliveries, occasionally ordering too much or missing deadlines, forcing menu changes. Developers attribute these issues to limitations in the AI’s memory and context processing. Despite the experiment, café staff say their roles remain secure for now, suggesting that AI may pose a greater challenge to managerial positions than to frontline workers.  

The densely populated capital of Bangladesh has once again topped the list of cities with the worst air quality in the world. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Dhaka was recorded at 193 at 9: 01 am on Tuesday India’s Delhi, China’s Wuhan and Beijing  ranked second, third and fourth respectively, with AQI scores of  165, 158 and 158, according to IQAir, a real-time air quality information platform. An AQI reading between 101 and 200 is considered ‘unhealthy’, particularly for sensitive groups. A reading between 201 and 300 is considered ‘very unhealthy’, while 301 to 400 is classified as ‘hazardous’, posing serious health risks. The AQI is used by government agencies to report daily air quality and inform the public about pollution levels and possible health impacts. In Bangladesh, the index is calculated based on five major pollutants — particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and ozone. Dhaka has long struggled with severe air pollution, with conditions typically worsening in winter and improving during the monsoon season. Air pollution remains one of the leading global health risks. Exposure to polluted air increases the risk of heart disease, chronic respiratory illness, lung infections and cancer, according to multiple studies. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes around seven million premature deaths worldwide each year, mainly due to stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said the ceasefire with Iran is “on life support,” rejecting Tehran’s latest proposal to end the conflict and describing it as “totally unacceptable.” Speaking at an unrelated White House event, Trump also termed Iran’s response to a US-backed peace plan as “stupid” and “unbelievably weak,” though he noted that a diplomatic resolution remains “very possible.” Iranian officials, however, pushed back against Washington’s position. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the US had made “unreasonable demands,” while Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran is prepared to respond to “any aggression.” Ghalibaf said the US should accept Iran’s proposal, cautioning that any alternative approach would be “inconclusive” and could impose greater costs on American taxpayers if delays continue. Amid the diplomatic tensions, the US and the UK have imposed new sanctions targeting Iranian individuals and entities. Meanwhile, violence continues elsewhere in the region. Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed four people in Nabatieh, including a 78-year-old woman and her 11-year-old grandson. The Israeli military says it is targeting positions linked to Hezbollah, which in turn claimed to have carried out 20 attacks against Israel. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher expressed concern over the escalating impact on civilians, citing more than 100 Israeli strikes within 24 hours. With tensions persisting on multiple fronts, the already fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran appears increasingly uncertain. Source: Al Jazeera  

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump are set to hold a closely watched summit, with both sides describing their recent ties as relatively stable while acknowledging that major challenges remain. Despite expectations of continued dialogue, analysts say the meeting is unlikely to produce major breakthroughs, as longstanding tensions — from trade disputes to Taiwan and global security issues — remain unresolved. “There is a shared understanding that stability in US-China relations is important, but what comes next is far more complicated,” said Henrietta Levin of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, adding that the meeting may yield limited concrete outcomes. There may be a trade deal, but not a resolution Trade tensions that began during Trump’s first term intensified last year when Washington imposed steep tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing, including restrictions on rare earth exports. Tariffs escalated sharply before both sides agreed to a truce, suspending several punitive steps. During a previous meeting in South Korea, the two leaders extended the truce, with China pledging increased soybean purchases and the US reducing tariffs. Experts say a new agreement could emerge from the summit, but it would likely come with conditions and fall short of ending the broader trade conflict. “Both sides may reach a comprehensive deal, but that does not mean the trade war is over,” said Zhao Minghao, a professor at Fudan University. Analysts also note that China has introduced new regulatory tools to counter foreign economic pressure, while the US continues targeted actions. The White House has indicated plans to discuss forming a “Board of Trade” to maintain economic dialogue. China's ability to buy high-tech chips is still a thorny issue Restrictions imposed by the US on exports of advanced semiconductors and related technologies remain a key sticking point. American chipmaker Nvidia has urged Washington to ease limits, arguing that continued exports would maintain US technological influence over China’s growing artificial intelligence sector. However, observers say Beijing is increasingly focused on strengthening its domestic chip industry, reducing reliance on US technology amid tightening controls. China sees Taiwan as the ‘biggest risk’ in ties with the US The issue of Taiwan continues to be the most sensitive point in bilateral relations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently described Taiwan as the “biggest risk” in ties with Washington, a position reiterated ahead of the summit. While China claims the island as its territory, Taiwan operates as a self-governed democracy. Tensions have escalated in recent years, with Beijing increasing military activities near the island. The US, while maintaining strategic ambiguity, is legally bound to support Taiwan’s self-defense, further complicating the issue. Analysts suggest that a possible outcome could involve mutual restraint, such as reduced US arms sales in exchange for fewer Chinese military drills. The US wants China to put pressure on Iran The ongoing conflict involving Iran is also expected to feature in the discussions. Washington is urging Beijing to use its influence over Tehran, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently called on China to step up diplomatic efforts, while also criticizing Beijing for its continued purchase of Iranian oil. China, however, has taken a cautious stance, criticizing US actions in the Middle East but showing little willingness to play a direct mediating role. “I don’t think China has any interest in solving the problems the U.S. has created for itself in the Middle East,” Levin, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said. A few days before the trip, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on China to pressure Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, and said that by buying Iranian oil, Beijing is funding terrorism. With multiple complex issues on the table, the summit is expected to focus more on managing tensions than resolving them, as both powers seek to maintain a fragile stability in their relationship.

A madrasah student died after being electrocuted in Kamrangirchar area of the capital on Monday afternoon. The deceased was identified as Yasin,10, a first-grade student of a local madrasah. The incident occurred around 3:30 pm in the Jowlahat Chowrasta Hajirghat area of Kamrangirchar. He was later taken in critical condition to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead around 5 pm. The victim’s father, Sabbir Hossain, said Yasin had gone to play in a nearby field when he accidentally came into contact with a tin-shed rickshaw garage beside the field. He said the child likely became electrocuted after touching the structure, which may have been live due to rainwater. Locals rushed him to safety and attempted first aid before taking him to the hospital. Hospital police camp in-charge Inspector Md Faruk said the body has been kept in the morgue. He added that Kamrangirchar Police Station has been informed for further investigation.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized Indian smuggled goods worth over Tk 1.22 crore in separate raids conducted along the border areas of Brahmanpara and Burichang upazilas. The operations were carried out on Sunday based on intelligence information by patrol teams of Sultanpur Battalion (60 BGB) under its Shashidal and Kharera border outposts. During the drives, BGB personnel seized 648 Indian sarees and 337,400 fireworks, according to officials. The estimated value of the seized items is Tk 1,22,56,000. Officials said the confiscated goods will be handed over to the relevant customs authorities following legal procedures. Commander of the battalion Lt Col SM Shariful Islam said the force remains alert to ensure border security while continuing efforts to prevent smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and push-in attempts. He added that intelligence surveillance and operational activities along the border have been strengthened and such operations will continue in the future.

Police recovered the body of a man from a pond in Atpara upazila of Netrokona on Monday, a day after he went missing. The deceased was identified as Ontor Mia, 25, son of Kuddus Mia of Haripur village under Duoj union in the upazila. According to police and local sources, Ontor had been missing since Sunday night. His family searched in different places but could not find him. Around noon on Monday, locals spotted a body floating in a pond behind the house of Niyat Biswas in Tenga village under Teligati union and informed police. Relatives later went to the spot and identified the body as Ontor's. Police recovered the body and sent it to the morgue of Netrakona Sadar Hospital for an autopsy. The victim’s brother, Ferdous Mia, said Ontor often left home and returned after a few days. He had been missing since midnight on Sunday. Officer-in-Charge of Atpara Police Station Mohammad Zubaidul Alam said legal procedures are underway following the recovery of the body.

A boy drowned after falling into a water-filled excavation for an unfinished drainage project in Kumarkhali on Monday afternoon. The deceased was identified as Md Ifat, 6, son of Kamrul Hasan of Elangi area 3 of Kumarkhali Municipality. He was a class one student of Baitul Ulum Islamia Cadet Madrasa. According to police and family members, Ifat went out around 3 pm with his cousin Samad, 11, to graze goats. When he did not return home, relatives began searching for him. Around 4 pm, they found his sandals beside the under-construction drain in front of Manik Sheikh’s house and recovered him from the water. He was taken to Kumarkhali Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead. Locals said the municipality had undertaken a 500-metre drainage project from Manik Sheikh’s house to the Gorai River about a year ago. Although the excavation was completed before the last monsoon, the construction work had not started, leaving a deep waterlogged ditch. They alleged that negligence by the contractor and the authorities led to the child’s death and demanded punishment for those responsible. The tragedy left the area in mourning. Ifat’s mother, Sharmin Akter, was inconsolable, while his father fell ill and was admitted to the health complex. Contractor Liton Ali said he was overseeing the drainage work but claimed he was unaware of the incident. Upazila Nirbahi Officer and municipal administrator Farzana Akhter said action would be taken if negligence by the contractor is found. Officer-in-Charge of Kumarkhali Police Station Jamal Uddin said legal action would be taken if a written complaint is filed.

Bangladesh Bank has signaled its intent to support the revival of closed industrial units through a strategic refinancing package, but has firmly ruled out blanket bailouts for non-viable or willfully defaulted businesses. The decision came following a high-level meeting between central bank officials and a delegation of industrial stakeholders at the Bangladesh Bank headquarters on Monday. Bangladesh Bank Governor  Md. Mostaqur Rahman chaired the meeting. During the meeting, stakeholders raised concerns about the growing number of shuttered factories. In response, the central bank clarified that while a refinancing package reportedly around Tk 40,000 crore is being considered, the support will be strictly merit-based.   "We need to investigate why these industries closed down—whether it was due to power shortages, lack of buyers, or market fluctuations," said Abdul Hai Sarker after the meeting. He is the Chairman of Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB) and also Chairman of Purbani Group, who joined the meeting as a representative of the industrial delegation. "The Governor has assured us that only 'genuine' businesses facing temporary working capital shortages will be supported to ensure production resumes and defaults are avoided,” said BAB Chairman. The discussion also touched upon the controversial Section 18 (Ka) of the Bank Resolution Act. Business leaders expressed "deep apprehension" regarding the potential implementation of this law, fearing it might be misused to allow former directors—who were allegedly involved in past bank looting—to regain control of financial institutions. However, central bank sources indicated that the stringent conditions attached to the act would make it practically impossible for such controversial figures to meet the criteria for return. Stakeholders urged the government to handle this legislative matter with extreme caution to protect the sector from further "looting cultures." The central bank also reiterated that the planned merger of five specific banks will proceed without change. Despite initial skepticism from some quarters, the Governor emphasized that the merger is essential to put the banking sector back on "the right footing." Industrialists urged the government and the central bank to consult with general stakeholders before finalizing major policy interventions. "We are elected representatives and industrialists; we are here to share our fears and ground realities. Policy-making is more effective when it includes those who are actually operating in the sector," in response to a query of journalists, a representative of businessmen said.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Monday said the government will establish an effective and independent media commission to ensure freedom of the press. He said the commission will be formed through consensus based on opinions from all stakeholders so that it is not seen as an imposed structure. The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of Asia Post at Bengal Shilpalay. Swapon said the world is going through a period of transformation, where the rapid expansion of digital technology, online media and internet use has accelerated the flow of information, but has also increased the spread of misinformation, disinformation and distorted content. Protecting people from false information is now one of the major challenges of the time, he said. He also warned that the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) is creating new challenges and said the government has taken initiatives to develop new strategies to address the issue. Swapon sought cooperation from media professionals in tackling these emerging challenges and reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting the freedom, dignity and professional integrity of the media. Journalists, media workers and distinguished guests from different sectors were present at the event.  

The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a three-member committee to investigate allegations that one of its office assistants was taken to a police station, physically assaulted and threatened with being shot. The committee was formed to investigate a complaint filed by Md Sarowar Jahan, an office assistant in the office of the senior secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to a notification issued on Sunday and signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Abdullah Al Jabed, Sarowar submitted a written complaint on May 5. In the complaint, he alleged that on May 4, Police Sergeant Md Rezaul Haque seized his official identity card, important documents and personal mobile phone without any reason. He also alleged that he was taken first to the Shahbagh Police Box and later to Shahbagh Police Station, where he was physically tortured and threatened with a pistol. The investigation committee has been asked to examine the incident and recommend legal action against those found responsible. Md Jasim Uddin has been made convener of the committee. The other members are Tawsif Ahmed, who will serve as member secretary, and Farhana Mridha. The committee has been asked to submit its report within 10 working days.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will definitely visit China “at some point,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir said on Monday, stressing that the timing and itinerary of the Prime Minister’s first bilateral visit abroad have not yet been finalised. “Once finalised, we will let you know. At some point, the Prime Minister will visit China, which remains an important development partner for Bangladesh,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Adviser made the remarks amid speculation that the Prime Minister may visit China first, potentially with developments related to the Teesta project. He said Bangladesh had a “very good and positive” discussion with China regarding the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), adding that China’s Exim Bank will finance the project. Asked when work on the Teesta project would begin, the Adviser said the study report is currently being reviewed and recommendations are being looked into. He said the project requires detailed discussions and further consultations before implementation can proceed. “More discussions are pending. More time will be needed for detailed discussions,” he added. At the invitation of Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister of China, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman visited China from May 5 to 7, during which the two sides held talks in Beijing. Adviser Humaiun Kobir accompanied the Foreign Minister. Both sides agreed to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and strengthen exchanges and collaboration in areas including trade, investment, industry, digital economy, water resources, health and people-to-people connectivity. Bangladesh also expressed appreciation for China’s long-standing support for the country’s development, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Kobir said Bangladesh’s relations with China are historic and the relationship was initiated by former President Ziaur Rahman.

Local elected representatives and NGOs on Sunday demanded stronger border security in Cox’s Bazar and the formation of a Rohingya Repatriation Commission to accelerate repatriation. The demand came at a press conference held at Cox's Bazar Press Club on Monday titled “Sovereignty must be upheld in Cox’s Bazar; participation of local government and people in Rohingya relief activities is essential,” organised by the Cox’s Bazar CSO–NGO Forum (CCNF). Moderating the programme, CCNF Co-Chair Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said further Rohingya entry into Bangladesh must be stopped in the interest of national security. He called for strengthening Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) operations, ensuring Army presence at the border and continuing diplomatic efforts on Rohingya repatriation through ASEAN and dialogue with the Arakan Army. Rezaul alleged there has been no visible progress in repatriation and claimed border security in Ukhia and Teknaf remains weak. Speakers at the press conference also alleged that UNHCR and several UN agencies are excluding local NGOs from partnerships and instead working with international organisations. CCNF Member Secretary Zahangir Alam alleged that UNHCR, through BRAC and Infinix, has started constructing permanent shelters in Rohingya camps without consulting local government representatives, creating concern among local residents. He claimed such infrastructure could encourage further Rohingya influx and raised environmental concerns over the construction materials used. CCNF member Md Helal Uddin said UNOCHA recently allocated USD 150 million in humanitarian assistance for Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar, but local NGOs are not receiving funds in line with localization commitments. He demanded legislation requiring UN agencies to implement projects through local NGO partnerships and called for broader local NGO participation in the Joint Response Plan (JRP). Md Shahinur Islam of COAST Foundation said only 22 percent of recipients of a BRAC-managed pooled fund are local NGOs, while 78 percent are national NGOs. He also raised concern over the appointment of foreign nationals in senior positions of INGOs and UN agencies in Cox’s Bazar, claiming it may affect repatriation efforts. Environmental activist Md Ilias Mia said around 8,000 acres of forest land were destroyed for Rohingya camps, causing environmental damage and depletion of groundwater levels. Tanjir Uddin Roni of COAST Foundation called for representation of local government and communities in Rohingya crisis management structures and demanded a transparent repatriation commission. Engineer Helal Uddin, a UP member from Rajapalong Ward 9, alleged that camp waste has damaged around 300 acres of farmland and worsened groundwater depletion in the area.

A court in Lakshmipur on Monday sent a woman to jail in connection with a case, forcing her to take her infant child with her. Senior Judicial Magistrate Court Shah Jamal passed the order when the woman, Farhana Akter Shilpi, along with another accused, Jahir Uddin, appeared before it, said court official Delwar Hossain. Shilpi’s infant son Siam also accompanied his mother to Lakshmipur District Jail. Jailer Nur Mohammad Sohel confirmed that Shilpi and her young child were taken to the jail in the afternoon. Meanwhile, Shilpi’s two other children — Class-V student Shipon Hossain, 10, and second-grader Tamanna Akter, 8 — were seen standing outside the jail gate in their school uniforms, waiting for their mother. Both are students of Shaheed Smriti Adarsha Academy and are currently sitting for their examinations. The incident drew attention after defence lawyer Mohsin Kabir Swapan shared photos of the children and a video of the incident on Facebook. According to the case statement, Mahtab Uddin Bhuiyan filed the case on April 15, accusing Shilpi and nine others of attacking him in the Shahapur area of Lakshmipur municipality. The complaint alleged that Shilpi struck him on the back of the head with an iron rod, causing a severe injury. However, the medical certificate issued by Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital described the injury as minor.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said the Iran ceasefire is on “life support” after he rejected Tehran’s latest proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Officials said Iran’s proposal included limited concessions on its disputed nuclear programme, but Trump dismissed it as “garbage” and said he did not even finish reading it. Speaking at an unrelated White House event, Trump said the ceasefire was “unbelievably weak” and described its current condition as being on “life support.” “I would call it the weakest right now after reading that piece of garbage they sent us,” he said, adding, “I didn’t even finish reading it.” The stalled negotiations and recent exchanges of fire have raised concerns of renewed conflict in the Middle East, potentially deepening a global energy crisis linked to the war. The situation has also kept tensions high over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. Trump said he would consider suspending the federal tax on gasoline to help Americans cope with rising fuel prices, though such a move would require approval from Congress. He is expected to raise the issue during a planned visit to China this week, where he is likely to urge President Xi Jinping to put pressure on Iran, China being the largest buyer of Iranian crude oil. Meanwhile, diplomatic gaps remain wide between the two sides. Trump has demanded a major rollback of Iran’s nuclear activities, while Tehran is seeking a more limited agreement that would ease restrictions and reopen key trade routes ahead of further talks. According to regional officials quoted by The Associated Press, Iran has proposed diluting part of its highly enriched uranium and transferring the rest to a third country, with Russia previously offering to host it. However, Trump has insisted that all nuclear material be removed completely and is reportedly unlikely to accept Iran’s broader conditions, including formal arrangements over maritime control and compensation demands.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir on Monday said Bangladesh is not intimidated by barbed wire and will not remain silent if killings along the border continue. “See, if you want to have relations with people, the people of Bangladesh are not afraid of barbed wire. Do you understand? The government of Bangladesh is also not afraid of barbed wire; where we need to talk, we will talk," he said. Responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kobir said the Indian government needs to demonstrate a more "humane approach" in resolving border security issues if it wants to strengthen people-to-people relations. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced that the state government has begun the process of transferring land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for fencing the India-Bangladesh border. The newly elected chief minister said that the land would be handed over to the Ministry of Home Affairs within 45 days to address the issue of illegal infiltration. Adviser Kobir said that election rhetoric and actual governance are two different issues and Bangladesh wants to see whether West Bengal Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari's government is following the election rhetoric in governance. “But the actual running of the government is a different matter. Let’s wait and give it some time to see whether the BJP government in West Bengal intends to carry the same rhetoric into governance," he said, adding that their relationship is primarily with the central government. "We do not want to become involved in their internal politics.” He said Bangladesh would not remain silent if people continued to be killed along the border. "The border we saw during Sheikh Hasina's time will never be the same again. If someone wants to do something on the border in that way, this Bangladesh will not be the same Bangladesh that will sit and watch. Bangladesh also has its own plans on what to do. I hope things will not go that way," Kobir said. Highlighting the importance of regional stability and peace, the Adviser said Bangladesh seeks regional stability and peace, wants dialogue with neighboring and regional countries, and expects all sides to engage sincerely despite challenges. Emphasising the commitment between the leadership of the two countries to advance bilateral relations, he said, "If we want to move bilateral relations forward, then the mindset and commitment of both countries’ leadership must remain firm, and there is indeed a commitment to continue despite the challenges. Of course there will be challenges, and in some cases serious challenges, he said. However, he said, as long as the door to dialogue remains open, initiatives can be taken to resolve them. "Some issues may be resolved quickly, while others will require more time." The Adviser said they do not want to get into their (West Bengal) internal politics and stressed that they want to live in a cordial space. "We must maintain regional peace and stability," he said.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been placed on high alert amid developments following the assembly elections in West Bengal, assuring that the force remains fully prepared to prevent border infiltration and maintain law and order. Briefing reporters at the Secretariat after a meeting on improving the living standards of salt farmers chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he said political changes or internal administrative decisions in any Indian state, including erecting barbed-wire fences along the border, are India’s internal matters. “Bangladesh maintains diplomatic relations with the central government of India based on sovereign equality. The change of political power in any specific state does not affect Bangladesh’s foreign policy or bilateral relations,” the Home Minister said. He said BGB remains on constant vigilance to prevent any unauthorised border crossings and ensure that the security situation remains stable. Responding to a question about information spreading on social media claiming atrocities against minorities following the West Bengal polls and their possible impact on Bangladesh, Salahuddin said many misleading posts were being circulated using old videos. “So far, neither the Home Ministry nor the Foreign Ministry has any information regarding the authenticity of such incidents or any negative impact on Bangladesh,” he said, urging people not to be misled by online propaganda. Turning to salt farmers, the Home Minister the government has taken initiatives to ensure a fair price for salt in line with production costs to achieve self-sufficiency in the salt industry and protect the interests of local salt farmers. He said the Ministry of Agriculture is currently reviewing the production costs of salt farmers so that they receive a proper price for their hard work. “The justification for imports is being verified by assessing the domestic demand for both industrial and edible salt.” Salahuddin stated that, upon the collection of accurate data and in accordance with the directives of the Prime Minister, decisions will be taken in such a manner that the country may achieve complete self-sufficiency in salt production, while ensuring that the farmers do not incur any losses.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun on Monday warned that the country's unresolved energy crisis remains the single biggest obstacle to attracting both local and foreign investment, and that no amount of policy reform will convince investors without a reliable power and gas supply. “Until we solve the energy problem, we can talk about investment but it's going to be very difficult for local and foreign investors to believe in the Bangladesh story,” Ashij was speaking at a roundtable on ‘Trade Policy, Industrial Protection, Investment Impacts, and Consumer Welfare,’ organised by the Policy Research Institute's (PRI) Center for Trade Policy and Protection Research (CTPPR) with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), held at PRI's Banani office. Ashik said Bangladesh's fundamental investment challenge is not the absence of good policy but the failure to implement it. He cited the difficulties businesses routinely face in clearing raw materials at Chattogram Port as a case in point, a problem where policies exist on paper but enforcement and execution remain dysfunctional. “At the principal level, there are policies regarding these problems but no execution.” Ashik added that the government's current priority has shifted from chasing headline growth figures to generating sustained, employment-driven growth, and that BIDA is working to merge and streamline investment promotion institutions to reduce friction for investors. The BIDA chief disclosed that investment promotion agencies have submitted 46 specific recommendations to the National Board of Revenue (NBR), including 19 proposals on deregulation. Among the key proposals is the introduction of a structured VAT slab system to provide clearer incentives for local value addition and reduce policy uncertainty. Ashik also pushed back against criticism that BIDA favours foreign investors over domestic businesses, saying the agency advocates for all investors from within the government. While foreign direct investment brings technology transfer and efficiency gains, he noted that domestic investment remains the backbone of Bangladesh's economy. “Bida's responsibility is to advocate from within the government on behalf of all local and foreign investors.” In his keynote address, PRI Chairman Dr. Zaidi Sattar painted a stark picture of a trade policy framework that has for decades prioritised protecting domestic producers at an enormous and largely invisible cost to ordinary Bangladeshis. He said Bangladesh's average tariff burden of 28 percent, against a global average of 6 percent and a lower-middle income country average of 7.2 percent, combined with a web of para-tariffs, has pushed the nominal protection rate to 27.9 percent in FY26, making domestic sales far more profitable than exporting and creating a structural anti-export bias across the economy. The roundtable was chaired by Dr. Sattar. Panelists included Consumer Association of Bangladesh President AHM Shafiquzzaman, former NBR member Md Farid Uddin, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Taskeen Ahmed and Policy Exchange Bangladesh Chairman and CEO M Masrur Reaz.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md Abdus Salam on Monday warned that the licences of Primary Collection Service Providers (PCSPs) would be cancelled if they charge households more than the fixed Tk 100 monthly waste collection fee or fail to remove garbage regularly. The warning came at a views-exchange meeting with waste collection agencies held at Nagar Bhaban auditorium in the capital. The meeting focused on ensuring regular waste management services and quick removal of sacrificial waste during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. Expressing dissatisfaction over alleged irregularities and public suffering caused by some service providers, the DSCC administrator said complaints had been received from different areas that some organisations were charging extra money and failing to collect waste daily. “This will not be tolerated under any circumstances. A maximum of Tk 100 per month can be collected from each flat or household, and the payment must be taken through authorised receipts,” he said. Among the key decisions and directives adopted at the meeting were immediate administrative action, including licence cancellation, if any organisation is found charging more than the fixed Tk 100 fee; ensuring “same-day removal of same-day waste” so that no garbage remains piled up in any area; special Eid-ul-Azha preparedness, including cancellation of leave for cleanliness workers and relevant officials during the three Eid days until all wards are cleared of waste; mandatory field supervision by PCSP contractors along with adequate deployment of vans and manpower; maintaining courteous behaviour with residents and encouraging cleaners to perform duties in clean attire as much as possible; and launching mobile court drives against households that dump waste on roads or in canals instead of designated collection points. The DSCC administrator also said waste management is not merely a civic service but a humanitarian and social responsibility. He warned that strict action would be taken in accordance with DSCC laws if any contractor violates the terms of agreement. Senior DSCC officials and representatives of primary waste collection agencies attended the meeting.

Intex Bangladesh 2026, the Bangladesh edition of the Intex South Asia textile sourcing series, is set to return to Dhaka with wider international participation and a stronger focus on sustainable and innovative sourcing solutions. The exhibition will be held from June 18 to 20 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB). “Bangladesh continues to stand at the forefront of global apparel manufacturing, and Intex has been proud to contribute to this growth journey by enabling meaningful sourcing connections and industry collaboration,” said Arti Bhagat, executive director of Worldex India. The Intex South Asia series has completed 17 editions across Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India over the past 11 years, said the organisers. The event aims to connect global textile suppliers with Bangladesh’s apparel and textile manufacturers, supporting the country’s growing role in global apparel production. This year’s edition is expected to attract exhibitors and industry stakeholders from countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, Indonesia and Pakistan. A major highlight of the exhibition will be the participation of more than 100 Indian companies, supported by leading textile export promotion councils such as The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL), Powerloom Development & Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL), Manmade & Technical Textiles Export Promotion Council (MATEXIL), and Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). The exhibitors will showcase fibres, yarns, fabrics, and value-added textile products. The event will also introduce ‘InDyChem,’ a dedicated pavilion for dyes, chemicals, and finishing solutions, organised in collaboration with the Basic Chemicals, Cosmetics & Dyes Export Promotion Council (CHEMEXCIL). The pavilion will focus on sustainable and high-performance chemical innovations to improve efficiency and support responsible manufacturing practices. Besides the exhibition, the three-day event will feature business-to-business matchmaking sessions, interactive business forums, and participation from overseas delegations to encourage networking and commercial partnerships. The venue will be divided into four halls featuring international textile pavilions, India’s textile council pavilions, the China pavilion, and premium fibres and yarns. Intex Bangladesh 2026 is being supported by several industry associations and business chambers, including the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Bangladesh-German Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BGCCI), US-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (USBCCI), Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), and Tirupur Exporters' Association (TEA), among others.

In a major push to decentralise sustainable industrialisation, Bangladesh Bank has established a special Tk 1,000 crore refinancing fund dedicated to making rural and local industries environment-friendly. Under this scheme, entrepreneurs will be able to access credit at an interest rate of maximum 5 percent. The Sustainable Finance Department of the central bank issued a circular in this regard on Monday. According to the directive, this amount has been carved out of the central bank's existing Tk 5,000 crore Green Transformation Fund (GTF) specifically to support grassroots and localised industrial growth. The fund is designed to finance the import of environment-friendly machinery or the purchase of locally manufactured green equipment. Eligible sectors for financing include renewable energy (installation of solar and wind power systems), resource management (energy efficiency, water conservation, and wastewater management), waste management (recycling activities and waste-to-energy projects) and work environment (-improving factory safety and occupational health standards). The central bank has structured the fund to be highly attractive for both lenders and borrowers. The borrower interest rate has been capped at a maximum of 5 percent. Participating banks will receive funds from the central bank at a mere 1 percent interest. An individual entrepreneur can borrow up to Tk 5 crore and banks can provide up to 80 percent of the total import or purchase cost. The loan term ranges from two to five years, including a maximum six-month grace period. Eligibility and Mandatory Green Criteria To ensure the funds achieve their environmental goals, the central bank has set a mandatory condition: at least 10 percent of the total electricity used in the financed project must be sourced from renewable energy, such as solar power. Eligible Banks All state-owned commercial banks are eligible to distribute these loans. Private and foreign commercial banks must maintain a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio below 20 percent to participate. Loan defaulters (individuals or institutions) are strictly prohibited from accessing this facility. Impact on Local Industries Bangladesh Bank believes this initiative will significantly bolster the capacity and competitiveness of local industries. By lowering the cost of green technology, the fund is expected to accelerate the transition of small and medium-scale rural enterprises into sustainable, resource-efficient entities, aligning with the national goal of achieving a green economy.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu on Monday said industrialisation is needed alongside the creation of jobs for the employment of the large number of youths in the country. “Youths constitute a large portion of the country's total population. It is not possible to ensure employment for this vast number of young people only through jobs. Industrialisation is needed,” he said. The minister made the remarks while inaugurating the PRAN-RFL Job Fair at the Lalmonirhat Stadium as the chief guest, according to a PID handout. Dulu said industrialisation will not only create earning opportunities for young people but also accelerate the country’s overall progress. Referring to Lalmonirhat’s agricultural potential, he said the district has highly fertile land where rice, maize and potatoes are produced in abundance. The minister called upon industrial entrepreneurs to establish agriculture-based industries in Lalmonirhat district. PRAN-RFL Group organised the job fair on the request from the minister, aiming to provide employment opportunities to 1,000 skilled and unskilled youths from the district.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday held a meeting on improving the living standards of salt farmers in the country. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat, said a release issued by the PM’s Press Wing. It said the meeting stressed ensuring fair prices for salt farmers and discussed various measures to improve their livelihoods. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Finance and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Industries Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman, Additional Commerce Secretary Abdur Rahim Khan and Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Chairman Md Saiful Islam, among others, attended the meeting.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump will hold extensive talks on key issues related to China-US relations, as well as world peace and development, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday. Speaking at a regular press briefing, Guo Jiakun said the two leaders are expected to exchange views on a wide range of bilateral and global issues during Trump's state visit to China from May 13 to 15. The visit will be the first by a sitting US president to China in nine years. Guo said Xi and Trump last met in October 2025 in Busan, where they discussed ways to strengthen communication and cooperation. He said direct engagement between the two presidents plays a vital strategic role in guiding relations between the world’s two largest economies. China is ready to work with the United States on the basis of equality, mutual respect and shared benefit to expand cooperation, properly manage differences and bring greater stability and certainty to an increasingly uncertain world, the spokesperson added.

The High Commission of India in Dhaka on Sunday hosted an interaction with a Bangladeshi media delegation, following their visit to India on May 3-9 as part of a special training programme arranged by the government of India. During the session, Deputy High Commissioner Pawankumar Badhe reviewed the visit of the media delegation, which comprised of members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) and journalists who cover economic and diplomatic affairs. DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Emrul Kayesh were also present.  During the visit to New Delhi and Mumbai, the delegation interacted with senior government leaders, including Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, think tank, media persons, business chamber and technology experts. The visit of the media delegation is part of the long-standing tradition of capacity-building and exchange initiatives between India and Bangladesh, aimed at fostering people-to-people contacts between the two countries, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to China from May 13 to 15 is being viewed as a strategically significant move aimed at improving relations between the world’s two largest economies amid rising geopolitical and technological tensions. According to Zhu Chenge, a researcher at the Institute of American Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, direct engagement between national leaders remains the most effective way to stabilise China-US relations during periods of uncertainty and competition. In an article published by a Chinese state-owned media outlet, Zhu said head-of-state diplomacy has historically played a vital role in managing differences between Beijing and Washington and preventing strategic miscalculations. He noted that relations between the two countries over the past nine years have experienced trade disputes, technological rivalry and geopolitical tensions, making the upcoming summit particularly important. The article recalled that previous meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump helped reopen communication channels, expand cooperation and reduce areas of confrontation. Zhu argued that routine diplomatic exchanges alone are insufficient to manage the complexity of China-US relations, stressing that direct leader-to-leader communication is necessary to clarify strategic intentions, define core interests and maintain stability. The commentary also highlighted growing global uncertainty, including instability in the Middle East, risks to global energy supplies and trade routes, and intensifying strategic competition in the Asia-Pacific region. It further pointed to expanding technological competition between China and the US, particularly in sectors such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. According to the article, Trump’s visit is expected to focus on strategic dialogue, including discussions on differences, red lines and future cooperation between the two powers. Zhu said both countries have already made progress in areas such as tariffs and trade negotiations and gained a clearer understanding of each other’s strategic goals, creating favourable conditions for the upcoming meeting. However, he cautioned that deeper challenges remain, including the need for clearer communication regarding cooperation, better understanding of China’s core interests by the US, and joint management of risks arising from major-power competition in the age of AI. The article said any new strategic understandings reached during the visit could provide long-term guidance for China-US relations and contribute to greater global stability. Zhu added that while differences between the two countries will continue, mature major-power relations depend on coexistence despite disagreements, maintaining strategic guardrails and expanding cooperation where possible. He also stressed the importance of policy continuity in the US, arguing that China’s development should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a threat and that cooperation between the two nations serves the interests of both peoples.

In a significant move to ease international travel for Bangladeshis, Bangladesh Bank (BB) has allowed the remittance of mandatory visa bonds and refundable security deposits required by foreign embassies, high commissions, and other visa authorities. The central bank issued a circular on Sunday, instructing Authorized Dealer (AD) banks to facilitate such payments on behalf of visa applicants. According to the new directive, banks are now permitted to issue international or virtual cards in the name of the applicant, specifically for this purpose. These cards can be pre-loaded with the necessary bond or security deposit amount. Furthermore, existing international cardholders can reload their cards under their travel quota to cover these specific costs. However, the central bank emphasized that these funds must exclusively be used for visa-related financial requirements. A key clause in the circular mandates the swift repatriation of these funds once the relevant embassy or authority refunds the bond or security deposit. “Banks are required to maintain separate registries to track these transactions. They must regularly monitor and report the progress of fund returns to the central bank,” stated in the circular. Before remitting any funds, banks must verify several essential documents, including-a valid passport of the applicant, a formal requirement letter or invoice from the embassy or relevant authority, and references or acknowledgment letters related to the visa application. The central bank clarified that these transactions can be processed through Exporter’s Retention Quota (ERQ) accounts, Resident Foreign Currency Deposit (RFCD) accounts, or international cards issued against such accounts. Industry insiders believe this decision will remove a major bottleneck for Bangladeshi travelers, students, and professionals applying to countries that require financial guarantees as a prerequisite for visa approval, making the overall process more transparent and accessible.

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Monday said Bangladesh-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor will open new avenues for educational and research cooperation between the two countries and further strengthen bilateral academic relations. “The relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan in the education sector are getting stronger day by day. This programme will play an important role in the progress of the relations between the two countries in the future,” he said. The minister made the remarks while inaugurating the second phase of the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships under the corridor as well as the Pakistan Education Expo 2026 at a city hotel. Organised by the Pakistani High Commission in Dhaka in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, the expo brought together representatives of 20 leading Pakistani universities and institutions to showcase scholarship opportunities and higher education opportunities for students from Bangladesh. Pakistani High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider and Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khaleque were present at the event, said a PID handout. The Education Minister hoped that cooperation between the two countries in teacher training and research, alongside scholarships for students, will further expand in the future. Praising the quality of Pakistani universities, he said Bangladeshi students are getting the opportunity to pursue higher education without bearing educational expenses, which is very commendable. Milon said the monthly scholarships, being given to students for housing and living, will help them focus fully on their studies. He visited stalls set up by various Pakistani universities and wished success for the second phase of the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships. Pakistani envoy Imran described the initiative as a landmark step towards building enduring academic and institutional linkages between Bangladesh and Pakistan. He noted that Bangladeshi students have already commenced studies at prominent Pakistani universities under the first phase and expressed confidence that enhanced educational exchanges will further strengthen bilateral relations and people-to-people ties. Following Dhaka, similar Education Expos will also be organised in Barishal (12 May 2026), Rajshahi (14 May 2026), Sylhet (17 May 2026), Chattogram (18 May 2026) and Rangpur (20 May 2026) to facilitate greater outreach to students across Bangladesh, according to the Pakistani High Commission. Under the scholarship initiative, a plan has been taken to provide opportunities for 500 Bangladeshi students to study in Pakistan over the next five years in phases. In the first phase, 74 Bangladeshi students were already selected through examinations and awarded scholarships for higher education in Pakistan.

BRAC has said that nearly 26 million people across Bangladesh received services and support through its programmes in 2025, with women accounting for two-thirds of the direct beneficiaries. The development organisation shared the information while publishing its 2025 Annual Report at a press meet held at BRAC Centre in Mohakhali on Monday, said a press release of BRAC. According to the report, more than 19 million women and over 2,23,000 persons with disabilities received support through BRAC initiatives covering health, education, financial inclusion, disaster response, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), climate adaptation, migration and skills development. Of the people reached directly by BRAC, two out of every three were women. Support was provided across a wide range of sectors, including health, education, financial inclusion, disaster and crisis response, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), climate change adaptation, migration, and skills development. Over the next five years, BRAC aims to create employment opportunities for 1 million people, support nearly 1.9 million students in overcoming learning loss, and further expand its ultra-poor graduation programme. Asif Saleh, Executive Director at BRAC, presented key highlights from the report and responded to questions from journalists. In his remarks, Asif Saleh outlined BRAC’s future strategic direction, stating that over the next five years, the organisation will operate based on five core principles. These include placing women and young people at the centre of its work, working as part of the community, reaching those at the very margins first, building national capacity in partnership with the government, and harnessing the full strength of the BRAC family across all of its initiatives. Asif Saleh said that BRAC’s goal is to develop innovative solutions to address evolving social challenges and emerging needs. He noted that through new initiatives in mental health, day-care services, skills development, and technology-enabled healthcare, BRAC will continue contributing to more integrated and sustainable development in the years ahead. He also said that BRAC is becoming increasingly self-reliant through a combination of its microfinance programme, social enterprises, and limited donor support. He also said that BRAC has reaffirmed its commitment to working as a self-sustaining, accountable, and forward-looking development organisation under its next five-year strategic plan. The new plan will prioritise women, young people, and the most marginalised communities, while expanding work on employment, education, healthcare, financial inclusion, agriculture, and climate resilience. In his welcome remarks, KAM Morshed, Senior Director (Advocacy, Communications and Engagement) at BRAC, said that accountability to the people of the country is not merely a slogan for BRAC, but a practice deeply embedded in its work. He noted that during COVID-19, floods, and other natural and human-induced disasters, as well as in moments of national opportunity, BRAC has consistently stood beside communities with commitment and responsiveness. Although BRAC’s presence extends across the globe, he added, people and their participation remain at the heart of its work. AFM Shahidur Rahman, Director (MEAL, Risk Management, Safeguarding and Social Compliance), presented a summary of the annual report. Senior journalists and senior leadership from BRAC were also present at the event. Among those who shared their views at the event were Sajjad Sharif, Executive Editor of Prothom Alo; Ayesha Kabir, Head of Prothom Alo English Web; Zahid Newaz Khan, Chief Executive Editor of Channel i; Shahed Mohammad Ali, Editor of Samakal; Reaz Ahmad, Editor of Dhaka Tribune; and Julhas Alam, Bureau Chief of Associated Press (AP).    

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Monday said the government has taken a plan to construct the 2nd Padma Bridge likely to be at the Daulatdia-Paturia point. “We are going to construct the 2nd Padma Bridge. The feasibility study has already been completed. We are now discussing the financing issue and carrying out other preliminary preparations,” he said. The minister came up with the remarks after a preparatory meeting at the Secretariat on ensuring safe travel during upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. He said there are three proposals regarding the bridge, with the Daulatdia-Paturia route topping the list.

Local government, rural development and co-operatives minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said the recruitment of women to the village police would make the local government system more people-friendly and effective. “To ensure justice at the village level, make the local government system more effective, increase women's participation, and strengthen the institutional capacity of village courts, female members will be recruited to the village police,” he said. The minister said this at a meeting with a delegation of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the Secretariat. The four-member UNDP delegation was led by Deputy Resident Representative in Bangladesh Sonali Dayaratne. During the meeting, they discussed the ongoing activities, progress and institutional capacity-building of the village court project. They put emphasis on strengthening the role of village courts to ensure accessible, speedy and low-cost justice for rural people. The LGRD Minister said village courts have been playing a significant role in resolving rural disputes in the region for more than a century. He said the quick settlement of minor disputes at the local level would reduce pressure on formal courts and ensure easier access to justice for the general people. Fakhrul stressed increasing women’s participation in the local government system, saying female member of the village police could play an important role in addressing social issues involving women and children. He said enhancing the capacity of local government bodies is essential for implementation of various government development and social protection programmes effectively. In this regard, the minister cited, technical and institutional support from development partners could play an important role in enhancing the capacity of the local government bodies. Both sides expressed optimism about strengthening cooperation between the Bangladesh government and the UNDP to improve the effectiveness of village courts, ensure justice at the grassroots level and promote women’s empowerment. High officials of Local government division, including Secretary Md Shahidul Hassan were present, said a PID handout.        

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has formed a three-member inquiry committee to look into Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Dr AKM Wali Ullah, Additional Secretary (Administration) of the ministry, will head the committee. The other members include former national captain Habibul Bashar and Supreme Court lawyer and sports organiser Barrister Faisal Dastagir. According to a notice signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Aonggyajai Marma, the panel must submit its findings within 15 working days. The 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, proceeded without Bangladesh after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) withdrew from the tournament.  Citing safety concerns, the then interim government directed the BCB to pull out after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected a request to move Bangladesh’s matches from India to Sri Lanka. The security friction originated prior to the tournament when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) dropped pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL following threats from extremist groups. While the BCB, then led by Aminul Islam, expressed grave concerns regarding the safety of players, coaching staff, and traveling journalists, the ICC maintained that security arrangements were sufficient.

Pakistan on Monday summoned a senior Afghan diplomat and lodged a formal protest over a suicide attack in the northwestern district of Bannu that killed 15 police officers. The attack took place late Saturday in Bannu, near the border with Afghanistan. Pakistani authorities blamed the attack on Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, also known as the Pakistani Taliban or TTP. In a statement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan said the protest was conveyed to Afghanistan’s charge d'affaires in Islamabad. It said a detailed investigation, along with evidence and technical intelligence, suggested that the attack was planned by militants based in Afghanistan. Pakistan also told Kabul that it reserved the right to take decisive action against those responsible for the attack. There was no immediate response from the Afghan authorities. According to police, a suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden vehicle into a security post in Bannu. Several gunmen then launched an assault, triggering a gunfight. Some officers were killed in the exchange of fire, while others died when part of the building collapsed. Four officers were also injured. A newly formed militant group, Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack. Pakistani officials say the group is a front for the TTP. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban administration in Afghanistan of allowing TTP militants to use Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has denied the allegations. Militant violence has increased in Pakistan in recent years, with many of the attacks linked to the TTP. Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have remained tense, with border clashes since late February leaving hundreds dead. Although peace talks were held in April with mediation by China, occasional cross-border skirmishes have continued.

A businessman was rescued from a hostage situation in Bijoynagar Upazila after police and local residents acted on information received through the national emergency number 999. Police arrested two brothers, Anwar Hossain, 40, and Shahnur Rahman, from the spot, said Rajib Sarker, Officer-in-Charge of Bijoynagar Police Station on Monday. Both are sons of Lavlur Rahman of Alabhidpur village and are currently in police custody. Lavlur Rahman was also named as an accused in the case, though he was later released, the OC added. A written complaint was filed by Gopal Roy, father of the victim Rupak Roy, which was recorded by police on Monday morning. According to police and local sources, the incident occurred on Sunday morning when Rupak Roy, a resident of Saha Para in Alabhidpur village, was going to his business at Amtali Bazar. He was allegedly lured to Anwar Hossain’s house on the pretext of sending money via bKash. Once there, he was tied up, beaten, and forced to sign blank stamp papers. The attackers also attempted to abduct him and demanded Tk 20 lakh from his family. He was allegedly attacked with sharp weapons, leaving him seriously injured. Meanwhile, Rupak’s family received a misleading message from his phone claiming he was in Brahmanbaria and had lost his phone. Later, upon discovering that he was being held hostage, they contacted 999 and informed police. Police, along with locals, rushed to the scene and rescued him. Rupak Roy was later treated at the upazila health complex. His family alleged that the accused continued to issue threats even after being detained. OC Rajib Sarker said legal procedures are underway to send them to court.

Public health experts and physicians on Monday urged the government to increase tobacco product prices effectively in the upcoming FY2026–27 national budget to reduce the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Bangladesh. They said around 71 percent of annual deaths in Bangladesh are caused by non-communicable diseases, while tobacco use is responsible for nearly 14 percent of NCD-related deaths in the country. The demand was raised at a press conference titled “Effective Tobacco Price Increase to Reduce the Risk of Non-Communicable Diseases: Physicians’ Budget Proposals for FY2026–27”, organized by United Forum Against Tobacco and National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh at National Press Club. The program was chaired by Brig Gen (Retd.) Prof. Md. Yunusur Rahman, Director of National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute. Among others, public health expert Dr Mushtaq Hossain, Prof Safiun Nahin Shimul of the Institute of Health Economics at the University of Dhaka, and Dr Muhammad Sakhawat Hossain, Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital, spoke at the event. Presenting the keynote paper, Dr Aruna Sarkar, Coordinator of the Tobacco Control Program, said tobacco use remains one of the leading risk factors for cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic respiratory diseases in Bangladesh. She noted that nearly 37.8 million adults in Bangladesh currently use tobacco products and around 200,000 people die every year from tobacco-related diseases. The annual economic loss caused by tobacco-related health and environmental damage is estimated at nearly Tk 87,000 crore, which is more than double the revenue earned from the tobacco sector. At the press conference, physicians proposed merging the low- and medium-tier cigarette categories and fixing the retail price of a 10-stick cigarette pack at Tk 100. They also proposed imposing a specific supplementary duty of Tk 4 per pack. In addition, they recommended increasing the retail prices of high-tier and premium-tier cigarette packs to Tk 150 and Tk 200 respectively. Prof Safiun Nahin Shimul said the existing tobacco tax structure in Bangladesh is complex and ineffective from a public health perspective. He explained that the four-tier cigarette pricing system allows smokers to switch to cheaper brands instead of quitting, limiting the effectiveness of tax measures. He also said the small price difference between low- and medium-tier cigarettes makes tobacco products more affordable for young people and low-income groups. Dr Mushtaq Hossain said implementing the proposed tax and price measures could both reduce tobacco consumption and generate over Tk 85,000 crore in revenue, which would be around Tk 44,000 crore higher than the previous fiscal year. He added that the additional revenue could be used to strengthen the healthcare system, improve primary healthcare services, and address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. Brig Gen (Retd.) Prof Md Yunusur Rahman said increasing tobacco prices through effective taxation is globally recognized as one of the most effective tobacco control measures. He said the proposed measures could encourage nearly 500,000 adults to quit smoking and help prevent premature deaths helped prevent the premature deaths of approximately 185,408 adults and 185,335 youths. Journalists from different media outlets and representatives of anti-tobacco organizations attended the press conference.

The High Court on Monday deferred until May 14 the delivery of its order on bail petitions filed by Chinmoy Krishna Das, suspended ISKCON leader and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagran Jote, in four cases. The HC bench of Justice KM Zahid Sarwar and Justice Sheikh Abu Taher postponed the ruling after Additional Attorney General Aneek R Haque sought time to submit additional documents related to the cases. Earlier on Sunday, the same bench rejected Chinmoy’s bail petition in a case filed with Chattogram Kotwali Police Station over the killing of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif. Alif was beaten and hacked to death during clashes that erupted near the court building in Chattogram on November 26, 2024 following the denial of bail to Chinmoy, who arrested from Dhaka the previous day, in a sedition case. Following the murder, Alif’s father Jamal Uddin filed a murder case naming 31 people. In May last year, Chinmoy was shown arrested in four additional cases. On October 25, 2024, a large gathering of the Sanatani community was held in Chattogram under the leadership of Chinmoy. On October 31, a sedition case was filed against 19 people, including Chinmoy, on charge of belittling the national flag. On November 22 of the year, another large rally was held in Rangpur under the leadership of Chinmoy.

Leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) on Monday separately met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The meetings were held at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat in the afternoon, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the delegations from the central committees of BGMEA and BKMEA met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman separately. “They raised various issues related to their sectors. The Prime Minister listened to their statements with keen interest and also exchanged views with them,” Rumon added.  

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has released the full text of its verdict overturning a High Court ruling that had declared the registration of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami as a political party illegal. The four-member Appellate Division bench, led by the then Chief Justice, delivered the judgment on June 1 last year. The full copy of the verdict was published on Monday. The Election Commission granted Jamaat registration as a political party in November 2008. In 2009, Syed Rezaul Haque Chandpuri and 25 others filed a writ petition challenging the legality of the registration. After a final hearing, a three-member bench of the High Court declared Jamaat’s registration illegal by majority opinion on August 1, 2013. The court also granted a certificate for appeal against the verdict, which was later converted into an appeal. Jamaat also filed a regular leave-to-appeal petition that year. Following the High Court verdict, Jamaat sought a stay order, but the then Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division, Justice AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury, rejected the plea on August 5, 2013. Subsequently, on December 7, 2018, the Election Commission officially cancelled Jamaat’s registration through a gazette notification. On November 19, 2023, the Appellate Division dismissed Jamaat’s appeal and leave-to-appeal petitions against the High Court verdict after no lawyer appeared on behalf of the party. Jamaat filed separate petitions following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, seeking restoration of the appeal and leave-to-appeal by condoning delays. After hearing the matter, the Appellate Division restored the petitions. The appeal and leave-to-appeal were later included in the Appellate Division’s hearing schedule, and hearings began on December 3, 2024. Jamaat also filed an application regarding the allocation of its electoral symbol. The court subsequently tagged the application with the appeal and leave-to-appeal for hearing. After concluding hearings, the Appellate Division delivered its verdict on June 1 last year. During the previous Awami League government, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification on August 1, 2024, banning Jamaat and its student wing – Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir. Following the formation of an interim government on August 8, 2024 after the fall of the AL government, the ban on Jamaat and Shibir was withdrawn.

Heavy rain and deteriorating light frustrated both sides on the penultimate day in Mirpur, as Bangladesh reached 152-3 at early stumps in the first Test against Pakistan.  Despite a significant loss of play, the hosts extended their overall lead to 179 runs, leaving the first Test poised for a high-stakes final day. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque spearheaded the effort before the weather intervened. Shanto, following his clinical first-innings century, remains unbeaten on 58. He found a reliable partner in Mominul, who struck 56 before falling late in the day. Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim (16) navigated a tricky final period to keep the visitors at bay before the umpires called off play early due to visibility concerns. A major portion of the day was lost to a monsoon downpour that drenched the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The delay hampered Bangladesh’s efforts to set a rapid target and denied Pakistan’s seamers the chance to exploit the overcast conditions. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Abbas each claimed a wicket, but the lack of consistent play prevented the visitors from building sustained pressure. Bangladesh’s 413 in the first innings, anchored by Shanto’s 101, remains the benchmark of the contest of the Dhaka Test. Pakistan’s response of 386 was highlighted by debutant Azan Awais’s patient 103, but a dramatic collapse – triggered by Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 14th five-wicket haul – handed the hosts a 27-run cushion. Milestones have defined this encounter. Earlier in the match, Taskin Ahmed became only the third Bangladeshi pacer to reach 50 Test wickets, a feat last achieved by a local seamer in 2009. With a lead of 179 and only one day remaining, Bangladesh face a tactical dilemma. The deteriorating Mirpur track traditionally favours the hosts' spin duo of Miraz and Taijul Islam in the fourth innings. However, the time lost to rain may force Shanto into an aggressive declaration early on Day 5 to give his bowlers enough overs to secure a victory.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday pointed to alleged inflated spending and corruption in several mega projects, including Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Karnaphuli Tunnel and Padma Bridge, based on audit findings that exposed widespread misuse of public funds. Speaking at a meeting with senior police officials at the Prime Minister’s Office at Tejgaon, he citied findings from some audit reports presented to him by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The Prime Minister said the current government inherited a “fragile” state structure and economy after assuming office. “When the current government took responsibility, we found almost every sector in a very vulnerable condition. We received the country in a situation similar to that of a war-ravaged nation,” he said. Tarique Rahman said he was not presenting the issues politically but was sharing realities revealed in official audit findings. “A few days ago, the Auditor General came to me. I am not presenting this politically; I am presenting the reality. I am not blaming anyone politically. We are citizens of this country, and your children are growing up here, which is why I am raising these issues,” he said. The Prime Minister said the CAG shared several audit observations with him, some of which had also appeared in newspapers. Referring to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, he mentioned alleged excessive costs for furnishing residential facilities built for foreign personnel. “He (CAG) told me that fully furnished quarters were constructed for foreigners there. A pillow was purchased at a cost of Tk 80,000. As an ordinary person, can you imagine a pillow costing Tk 80,000 anywhere in the world?” Tarique Rahman said. He also alleged that dressing tables worth an estimated Tk 30,000 to Tk 35,000 were shown in audit records as costing Tk 4 lakh to Tk 5 lakh each. On May 5, Comptroller and Auditor General Md Nurul Islam submitted 38 audit reports for the 2021-22 fiscal year to the Prime Minister. Comparing the Rooppur project with a similar project in a neighbouring country, Tarique Rahman said, “A similar project in our neighbouring country reportedly cost around Tk 14,000 crore, whereas the cost of Bangladesh’s Rooppur project ultimately stood at nearly Tk 96,000 crore.” Referring to the Karnaphuli Tunnel project, he alleged that several luxurious buildings or apartments were constructed on the other side of the tunnel despite no apparent necessity. The Prime Minister also claimed the audit investigation found irregularities in landscaping expenses linked to the project. “The audit investigation found that trees were supposed to be planted on both sides – before entering and exiting the Karnaphuli Tunnel. But no trees were found there, although Tk 50 crore had been withdrawn in the name of planting them,” he said. Tarique Rahman also referred to alleged corruption linked to development projects in Pirojpur and Patuakhali districts. He said lawmakers from the region met him regarding stalled Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) works, particularly road construction projects. “After making inquiries, I learned that Tk 35,000 crore disappeared from just one ministry — the LGED Ministry — through paperwork alone without any work being completed,” the Prime Minister said. He also came to know that Tk 6,000 was missing in a single district alone covering several departments. “There are many more such incidents. These incidents happened. Reality is reality, and we cannot avoid it even if we want to,” he added. Tarique Rahman said he mentioned the audit findings while responding to various demands and proposals raised by police officials regarding accommodation, transport and IT facilities. “You spoke about housing problems, transportation and proposals for new IT units. All these require funding. We want to address these problems because better facilities will help you provide better public service,” he said. PM urges police to remain united beyond ideological differences The Prime Minister said inflated project costs and loans taken for those projects created financial burdens on citizens. “The debt taken for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project at four times the cost has now become a burden on every citizen, including those of you present here,” he said. Comparing infrastructure costs, he referred to India’s Bhupen Hazarika Bridge, saying it was completed at around Tk 14,000-15,000 crore, while the Padma Bridge cost approximately Tk 54,000-56,000 crore. “Ultimately, the burden of these loans falls on 20 crore people. Had these unnecessary expenditures not occurred, we could have done much more in sectors like police, Army, Air Force, Navy, education and health,” Tarique Rahman said, adding: “But this is the reality we now have to deal with.” The Prime Minister delivered a directive speech to police officials at the Shapla Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office as part of Police Week-2026. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Manzur Morshed Chowdhury and Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir also addressed the programme.    

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has highlighted the current government's commitment to creating a comprehensive national security architecture, which is pivotal to pursuing a robust foreign policy. He made the remarks while delivering keynote address at a policy roundtable titled “Bangladesh First: A Foreign Policy Outlook for A New Bangladesh” organised by the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) recently. Adviser Humaiun outlined the government’s “Bangladesh First” foreign policy doctrine, emphasising strategic autonomy, economic diplomacy, balanced global engagement, regional connectivity, and climate diplomacy. BIPSS President Maj Gen ANM Muniruzzaman (Retd) moderated the roundtable and stressed the need for a pragmatic, balanced, and nationally driven foreign policy amid growing geopolitical, economic, and technological challenges. An engaging discussion followed with the audience, which included, among others, Members of Parliament, diplomats, academics, policymakers, and media representatives. Senior Research Fellow at BIPSS Shafqat Munir described the “Bangladesh First” doctrine as a return to strategic pragmatism centred on Bangladesh’s national interests and sovereignty. He emphasised that given the growing geopolitical uncertainty and shifting global dynamics, Bangladesh requires a confident, strategically agile, and professionally driven foreign policy outlook anchored in long-term national interests.