The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo may be spreading faster than initially anticipated. At least 131 people have died so far, and more than 513 suspected cases have been reported as of last Tuesday. A WHO representative, Dr. Ann Ancia, said investigations show the virus has reached new areas, while a death has also been confirmed in neighboring Uganda.

A mathematical model from the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis in London suggests that many infections remain undetected, possibly pushing the real number of cases beyond one thousand. The Red Cross cautioned that without rapid identification of patients and improved public awareness, the situation could quickly spiral out of control. Following an emergency meeting, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi urged citizens to remain calm and vigilant.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern over the outbreak’s scale and speed. The strain currently spreading has no effective vaccine, though WHO is assessing whether other treatments might offer protection.

Bangladeshi DJ and singer Sonika has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A and is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Banani, Dhaka. The news comes shortly after the death of content creator and actress Karina Kaisar, who also suffered from the same illness. On the night of May 18, Sonika shared her condition with fans through social media, posting a photo from her hospital bed and writing that it would be her home for the next few days.

Following her announcement, fans, followers, and colleagues expressed their wishes for her speedy recovery on social media. Sonika began her career as a professional DJ in 2007 and quickly gained prominence in Bangladesh’s music scene. She performed at the opening ceremony of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and was honored in 2013 as the best Bangladeshi female DJ. She also showcased her acting talent in television dramas such as “Last Sequence” and “Triple F” in 2015.

The entertainment community remains concerned as two prominent figures have recently been affected by Hepatitis A, prompting widespread attention to health issues within the industry.

Unplanned and unauthorized housing projects are rapidly expanding across Khulna city, making it increasingly unfit for habitation. These developments, often built on agricultural land without proper roads, drainage, water, or electricity connections, are being viewed as a looming crisis for the city’s future. Experts have urged immediate coordination among relevant agencies to ensure planned and environmentally sustainable urban development.

The concerns were raised at a seminar titled “Housing Projects and Urban Management in Khulna: Actions for Environmental Protection,” organized by the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) at a city hotel on Tuesday morning. The keynote paper was presented by Dr. Ahsanul Kabir of Khulna University, with Professor Anwarul Kadir moderating. Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju attended as chief guest, alongside senior officials from KCC, KDA, KUET, and BELA.

Representatives from KCC, WASA, KDA, and the Department of Environment participated in the seminar, emphasizing the need for integrated planning to prevent further environmental degradation in Khulna.

An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease among cattle has been reported in several upazilas of Kurigram district, causing severe concern among farmers and cattle rearers. Over the past two weeks, twelve cows have died from foot-and-mouth disease and two from lumpy skin disease in Kurigram Sadar, Ulipur, and Rajarhat. Hundreds more cattle have been infected, prompting the Department of Livestock to begin field operations and awareness campaigns in affected areas.

Officials have advised farmers on treatment and hygiene measures, including cleaning infected areas with antiseptic solutions and preventing mosquito bites that spread lumpy skin disease. The outbreak comes just before Eid al-Adha, when local farmers traditionally raise cattle for sale. Due to restrictions, infected cattle cannot be taken to markets, and even recovered animals are fetching lower prices because of weakened health.

The district livestock office reported that 116,000 cows and 180,000 goats and sheep have been prepared for Eid markets. Despite the outbreak, officials believe the overall cattle market will remain stable and are monitoring markets to prevent the sale of infected animals.

Qatar has stated that more time is needed for the ongoing diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran to achieve success. The statement was made on Tuesday, May 19, during a press conference in Doha, according to a report by Al Jazeera. Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Qatar supports the diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan to bring both sides closer and reach a resolution.

Al-Ansari emphasized that Qatar continues to support initiatives aimed at uniting the parties and finding a solution to the crisis. He reiterated that the process requires additional time to yield results. Qatar also confirmed that it maintains regular communication with both Washington and Tehran and intends to continue these contacts in the future.

The statement reflects Qatar’s ongoing role as a facilitator in regional diplomacy, underscoring its commitment to dialogue and mediation between conflicting parties.

Russian President Vladimir Putin released a special video message before departing for a two-day state visit to China. The Kremlin published the message on Tuesday, according to BBC Farsi. In the video, Putin praised Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling him a 'good and old friend,' and stated that relations between Russia and China have reached an 'unprecedented high.' He emphasized that the close strategic partnership between the two nations plays a vital and stabilizing role on the global stage.

Putin said the cooperation between Moscow and Beijing is not directed against any other country but aims to promote peace and prosperity worldwide. The visit comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump’s trip to Beijing. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is highly optimistic about the visit, which is expected to further advance the countries’ 'special partnership.'

This marks Putin’s 25th visit to China as president. Despite Western calls for Beijing to pressure Moscow over the war in Ukraine, the trip underscores the depth and strength of the Russia-China partnership.

Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that several individuals facing legal cases under the guise of journalists were actually Awami League leaders involved in acts of abuse. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a press briefing marking three months of the current government, held at the Department of Information’s conference room. The minister said these individuals used fake media identities to evade accountability following the July uprising.

Swapan explained that a review committee, formed during the previous interim government under adviser Nahid Islam, had sought information from journalists about harassment cases. Ninety-two journalists responded, but analysis showed that not all cases were filed by the government; some stemmed from personal disputes, and many accused were not genuine journalists. He added that some held positions in the Awami League or its affiliates and had misused media credentials for personal gain.

The minister said a media commission would be formed soon to address irregularities in the sector, with a draft proposal expected by July. The commission will also explore ways to make the Press Council more active.

Chief Whip of the National Parliament Md. Nurul Islam emphasized that the country's desired development depends on the sincere performance of administrative officials. Speaking to journalists after the monthly meeting of the Barguna District Law and Order Committee on Thursday, he said that the government formulates development plans while officials are responsible for implementing them. He stressed that effective and accountable roles of officials are crucial for executing government policies and projects.

He cited examples from the United States and Singapore to illustrate the importance of coordinated governance and political consensus in achieving rapid development. The Chief Whip also called for the formation of a separate ministry or special development authority for coastal districts, noting their potential in sectors such as economic zones, wind power, tourism, deep-sea ports, fisheries, and shipbuilding. He assured support for anyone working toward coastal development.

During the meeting, he instructed strict measures against drugs, acid violence, and smuggling, and highlighted the government’s welfare initiatives including farmer and family cards, loan waivers, and allowances for religious leaders. Later, he inaugurated the Agriculture and Technology Fair 2026 in Barguna.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced visible discomfort during a joint press briefing in Oslo, Norway, after a Norwegian journalist directly questioned him about the state of media freedom and democracy in India. The incident occurred following a bilateral meeting, and Modi left the venue without responding to the question. The exchange quickly drew global attention and sparked renewed debate over political accountability in India.

Following the event, the journalist expressed frustration on social media, noting that Norway ranks first in the global press freedom index while India stands at 157. She emphasized that journalists have the right to question governments with which their countries maintain relations. The report also highlighted that since taking office in 2014, Modi has avoided full, unscripted press conferences, preferring selective interviews and controlled events. Opposition parties argue that the Modi government has weakened media accountability in India’s democracy.

Later that night, Indian Foreign Ministry Secretary C.B. George addressed journalists in Norway, defending India’s record on minority and media rights. He stated that allegations against India stem from reports by voluntary organizations and insisted that the Indian constitution guarantees equal rights and legal protection for all citizens.

State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan conducted an unannounced inspection of several government offices in Barishal on Tuesday morning. Arriving around 9:30 a.m., he found that most officers and employees were absent, and many did not recognize him. The minister expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of attendance and questioned the regularity of office operations.

During the visit, Ahsan toured various rooms of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) offices but did not find any senior officials present. He gathered information on attendance and noted the situation. Although some staff members were present, he inquired about how services were being managed without officers on duty.

Speaking briefly to journalists afterward, the minister remarked that he had observed the same situation they witnessed. He indicated that such surprise inspections would continue in the future to ensure discipline and accountability in government offices. After completing his inspection at the launch terminal, he departed for Mehendiganj by speedboat.

The central government of India has taken control of several highways in the strategically vital Siliguri Corridor, also known as the ‘Chicken’s Neck’, in West Bengal. According to a notification issued by the state’s chief secretary, the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government transferred seven roads to the National Highways Authority of India and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. These roads were previously managed by the state’s Public Works Department, and five of them pass directly through the corridor.

Experts believe this transfer will accelerate road expansion and repair work in the area. Military observers note that improved road infrastructure will enhance the speed and ease of troop movement in the region. The corridor, only 22 kilometers long, connects mainland India with its northeastern states and lies close to the borders of Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.

Analysts view the move as a significant step for national security, following years of central-level discussions on infrastructure expansion in the area since the 2017 Doklam standoff involving India, Bhutan, and China.

Hollywood actress Hannah Einbinder, known for her role in the comedy-drama series 'Hacks', reaffirmed her support for Palestinian rights during the 'Kering Women in Motion Talks' at the Cannes Film Festival. She said she would continue to speak out for Palestinians despite potential professional risks, emphasizing that fear of being blacklisted would not silence her. Einbinder described speaking up as a responsibility, stating that her career could never outweigh a human life.

She expressed pride in being part of the ongoing voices of Palestinians and their allies, adding that artists have a duty not only to entertain but also to stand against injustice. At Cannes, her new film 'Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma' premiered in the 'Un Certain Regard' section and received a six-minute standing ovation. In the film, she plays 'Chris', an independent filmmaker exploring themes of sexuality, body discomfort, identity, and desire.

Einbinder also reflected on the emotional end of 'Hacks', noting her sadness at saying goodbye to her character Ava. Her outspoken stance on social and political issues continues to distinguish her in Hollywood.

Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) in Dinajpur has temporarily expelled four students for alleged involvement in unethical and antisocial activities that violated institutional discipline. The decision was confirmed on Tuesday through an office order signed by Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Abu Hasan. The expelled students are from the Faculty of Fisheries and the Department of Finance and Banking.

According to the order, three of the students were found engaging in antisocial behavior on May 16 at the nearby Haven City student hostel, an act deemed damaging to the university’s reputation. The administration cited Section 15 of the University Ordinance of Students Discipline as the basis for the temporary expulsion.

Professor Dr. S. M. Emdadul Hasan, Director of the Student Counseling and Guidance Department, stated that the action followed demands from general students. He added that if the allegations are proven in the investigation, the students may face permanent expulsion.

A murder case has been filed in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, 48 hours after a woman was killed while trying to save her son from an attack. The case names ten accused, including local leaders of the BNP and Chhatra Dal, as well as seven to eight unidentified individuals. The complaint was lodged on Monday night by the victim’s son, Abdur Rahman, at Ukhiya Police Station. The deceased, 55-year-old Chhoyeda Khatun, was a resident of the Rajapalong Union’s Taipalong village and wife of Sabbir Ahmed.

According to the case statement, the incident occurred on Saturday night when a group of men attacked Abdur Rahman over a previous dispute. When his mother intervened to protect him, the attackers allegedly beat her to death. The named accused include several BNP and Chhatra Dal leaders, a government ambulance driver, and other local figures.

Ukhiya Police Station’s officer-in-charge Mujibur Rahman confirmed that the case was accepted based on the written complaint and that operations are underway to arrest the suspects.

Singapore has expressed its intention to expand trade and investment in Bangladesh. The announcement came during a courtesy meeting between Singapore’s non-resident High Commissioner Derek Loh and Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at the Secretariat on Tuesday. Discussions covered reducing the bilateral trade deficit, increasing Singaporean investment, cooperation in renewable energy, agricultural exports, food security, and environmentally friendly industries.

Minister Muktadir said Bangladesh is eager to strengthen trade and investment relations with Singapore, highlighting the country’s investment-friendly environment, improved infrastructure, skilled workforce, and export-oriented industries. He noted that there are significant opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, logistics, port infrastructure, and green industries.

High Commissioner Loh emphasized Singapore’s interest in major projects such as the Bay Terminal, describing it as a key initiative involving an investment of around USD 800 million to 1 billion. He said the project would enhance port efficiency, reduce demurrage costs, and create new opportunities for exporters, while also helping to attract further foreign investment.