Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has strongly condemned and protested remarks made by BNP leader and reserved seat MP Nilofar Chowdhury Moni regarding zakat, describing them as disrespectful. In a statement released to the media on Sunday, Hefazat’s Secretary General Allama Sajedur Rahman said zakat is a fundamental act of worship in Islam that promotes equality, compassion, and poverty alleviation. He stated that mocking or ridiculing such a sacred command is unacceptable and has hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims.

The Hefazat leader emphasized that freedom of expression does not grant anyone the right to insult religious beliefs or practices. He warned that such comments could create confusion, hostility, and unrest in society. Rahman urged the BNP leader to act responsibly by retracting her statement and publicly apologizing to Muslims.

He further called on all individuals to maintain restraint, respect, and responsibility when discussing religious matters to preserve social harmony and peace. Earlier, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir and Khatme Nabuwat had also issued condemnations.

The United States is reportedly making key decisions regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran without direct coordination with Tel Aviv, leaving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu increasingly sidelined. Initially, Netanyahu believed Israel was conducting a major military campaign against a regional power with U.S. backing, but analysts now say Washington’s influence dominates Israel’s military and diplomatic choices.

Experts cited the Lebanon ceasefire as a major example of this shift, claiming the decision was driven by U.S. President Donald Trump rather than Netanyahu’s preference. The prolonged conflict is raising concerns about escalating military costs, economic strain, and humanitarian damage, all of which are affecting Israel’s domestic politics.

As uncertainty and losses mount, Netanyahu’s political standing appears to be weakening, with opinion polls indicating a decline in his public support.

Environmental and haor-based organizations have warned that the recent crop losses in Bangladesh’s haor region pose a grave threat to national food security. At a press conference held on Sunday at the National Press Club, they stated that around 75,000 hectares of Boro paddy fields were submerged after crop protection embankments collapsed, while hailstorms damaged another 800 hectares. The groups jointly organized the event under the banners of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), the Environment and Haor Development Organization, and Nagorik Udyog.

Speakers including BAPA President Professor Nur Mohammad Talukdar and Environment and Haor Development Organization President Kashmir Reza said farmers in the haor areas are facing severe humanitarian distress. Continuous rainfall from mid-March to late April has prevented harvested paddy from drying, causing rot and loss. ALRD Executive Director Shamsul Huda warned that the crisis will affect farmers’ livelihoods, debt repayment, education, and health, while livestock feed shortages are forcing distress sales.

The organizations presented a 15-point demand, including year-round food and cash aid for affected families, strict action against corruption in embankment projects, scientific research and long-term planning, and direct government purchase of at least one million tons of paddy from haor farmers.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid announced that Bangladesh has sufficient livestock for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, eliminating the need for imports. Speaking at a press conference at the ministry in Dhaka on Sunday, he said more than 12.4 million cattle, buffaloes, goats, and sheep are ready across the country. The minister assured that animal prices will remain at a reasonable level.

He stated that, as in previous years, no cattle imports will be allowed, and leases for border markets have been suspended in advance. Across the country, over 3,600 cattle markets will operate, including 27 in Dhaka—16 under the North City Corporation and 11 under the South. Markets will be set up only in designated areas to avoid traffic disruption. No import permits will be issued for fattening injections, and online cattle sales will remain free of fees.

Veterinary teams will be deployed at every market under the Department of Livestock Services, and law enforcement agencies have been instructed to prevent extortion during cattle transport by road and river.

The Bangladesh government has ordered the compulsory retirement of 17 senior police officials, including 16 Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) and one Additional DIG. The decision was announced on Sunday, May 3, 2026, through a circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The circular was signed by Senior Secretary Manjur Morshed Chowdhury and stated that the officers would receive retirement benefits as per existing regulations. The order takes immediate effect in the public interest.

According to the ministry’s announcement, the retirement decision applies to officers at the DIG level, a senior rank within the Bangladesh Police. The circular did not specify the reasons behind the move beyond citing public interest. The decision marks a significant administrative action within the country’s law enforcement structure.

The order’s immediate enforcement indicates the government’s intent to implement the change without delay, though no further details were provided regarding replacements or future postings.

Bangladesh Khelafat Chhatra Majlis has announced that it will organize the first-ever exhibition based on the events of May 5, 2013, at Shapla Chattar. The exhibition, titled 'Shapla Massacre', will take place on May 5 and 6 at the Nalinikanta Bhattasali Exhibition Gallery of the Bangladesh National Museum in Dhaka. It will feature photographs, eyewitness accounts, official documents, news reports, and tributes to those who lost their lives.

The event will also include a documentary screening and a brief discussion session. The exhibition will be inaugurated at 3 p.m. on May 5 by Maulana Muhammad Mamunul Haque, Amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis. Family members of the deceased and injured individuals are expected to attend the opening ceremony.

According to the organizers, the exhibition aims to document and present the historical events surrounding the 2013 Shapla Chattar incident through verified materials and testimonies.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain announced that 81 percent of measles vaccinations have been completed across Bangladesh, leading to significant control over the disease. He stated that antibody formation is progressing well and that full vaccination coverage is expected within a few days. The minister made these remarks on Sunday during a session with deputy commissioners at the District Commissioners’ Conference.

During the session, district commissioners highlighted various problems in health complexes nationwide. The minister directed that ambulance services in all upazila health complexes must remain operational and that efforts should be made to curb the influence of brokers in hospitals. He also mentioned ongoing drives against counterfeit medicines.

Additionally, the minister emphasized cleanliness to prevent dengue outbreaks and instructed that sufficient stocks of anti-venom and rabies vaccines be maintained across the country. Plans were also discussed to ensure healthcare services reach citizens more effectively, including the recruitment of ten Ansar members for each upazila health complex.

BNP National Executive Committee member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan has said that the opposition must be allowed freedom of expression in parliament. He emphasized that members of parliament should be able to speak freely and engage in debates, noting that not everyone in the world will speak the same language or share the same opinions. He contrasted democratic practices with one-party systems, saying emotional speech may not always be properly reflected in parliamentary language.

He made these remarks on Sunday afternoon while addressing the 27th batch orientation ceremony at Gushulia International Medical College in Tongi, Gazipur, where he was the chief guest. The event was inaugurated by M A Mubin Khan, managing director of International Medicare Limited and chairman of the college’s governing body. The college principal, Professor A. M. Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury, presided over the ceremony, which was also attended by BNP central executive member Shamim Ahmed and others.

During the event, 130 new students were welcomed with flowers and aprons, and Dr. Abdul Moin Khan planted a neem sapling on the campus.

Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam announced that the investigation into the May 5, 2013 Shapla Chattar killings in Dhaka is nearing completion. Speaking to journalists at his office on Sunday, he said that about 90 percent of the investigation has been completed and the report is expected to be submitted within the current month. He added that around 20 to 25 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, may be named as accused, though full details will remain undisclosed for now to protect the investigation.

The case, filed at the International Crimes Tribunal as a miscellaneous case, accuses several individuals of crimes against humanity related to the Shapla Chattar massacre. Nine people, including Sheikh Hasina, were initially listed as accused, with four currently in custody: former state minister for home Shamsul Haque Tuku, former IGP A.K.M. Shahidul Haque, retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan, and former DIG Molla Nazrul Islam. The remaining accused, including former home minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, activist Imran H. Sarker, and former police chiefs Hasan Mahmud Khandker and Benazir Ahmed, are reportedly absconding.

Israel has announced plans to purchase advanced fighter jets from the United States amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the acquisition as a major step to strengthen the country's air defense and reinforce its unmatched aerial superiority. The Israeli Defense Ministry said on Sunday morning that the country intends to buy two new squadrons of F-35I stealth fighters and F-15IA jets as part of a broader defense budget expansion.

In a video message, Netanyahu stated that Israel will add an extra 350 billion shekels, about 118 billion US dollars, to its defense budget over the next decade. He also said the country aims to reduce dependence on foreign arms manufacturers by developing domestic technology for future aircraft production.

Netanyahu added that the government has launched a special project to counter drone threats in southern Lebanon and northern Israel, though he cautioned that resolving this challenge will take time. He emphasized that the issue is being treated with the highest priority.

Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) stated that investigators have found evidence of 32 killings during the 2013 Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel, Dhaka. He told reporters on Sunday that about 90 percent of the investigation has been completed and the report is expected to be submitted within the month. The case involves allegations of crimes against humanity.

According to the prosecutor, the investigation may name around 20 to 25 accused, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, he said it would not be appropriate to disclose all names at this stage for the sake of the investigation. In the related case, nine individuals, including Sheikh Hasina, have been initially accused, with four currently in custody.

Those detained include former state minister for home Shamsul Haque Tuku, former inspector general of police A.K.M. Shahidul Haque, retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan, and former deputy inspector general Mollah Nazrul Islam. The remaining accused, including former ministers and police chiefs, are reported to be absconding.

The National University has published the results of the 2025–2026 academic year honors first-year admission test. The results were announced on Sunday afternoon by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A.S.M. Amanullah. According to the university, the overall pass rate stands at 80.36 percent. A total of 453,148 students took part in the examination, of whom 364,135 passed. Among the successful candidates, 229,765 have been placed on the first merit list.

The merit list includes 113,394 students from the humanities group, 65,337 from science, and 51,034 from business studies. The admission test was held on April 25, and the results were released within a week as planned, according to the Vice-Chancellor. Results can be accessed via SMS by sending the application ID to 16222 or through the university’s admission website under the Honours tab.

The result announcement event was attended by the Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Md. Lutfar Rahman, Treasurer Professor Dr. A.T.M. Zafarul Azam, and other senior officials of the university.

Residents of Jamalpur city staged a blockade of both rail and road routes on Sunday afternoon at the Shekher Vita rail crossing to protest prolonged waterlogging in their area. The demonstration temporarily disrupted public movement, halting a commuter train from Dewanganj to Dhaka for about 40 minutes and suspending all traffic on the Jamalpur-Madariganj road, causing long traffic jams on both sides.

Police from Jamalpur Sadar Station, led by Officer-in-Charge Mizanur Rahman, arrived at the scene and worked with municipal authorities to restore order. The protesters lifted the blockade after receiving assurances that the waterlogging problem would be addressed quickly. Local residents said they had been trapped in water for 10 to 12 days, facing severe difficulties in cooking, moving, and sending children to school.

Jamalpur Municipality Executive Officer Zahurul Haque stated that the municipal authority began drainage work immediately after learning about the blockade to relieve the affected areas.

On the sixth day of this year’s Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations, 26 students were expelled and 34,946 were absent across 11 education boards in Bangladesh. The Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee released the data in a report signed by its president and Dhaka Education Board chairman, Professor Dr. Khondoker Ehsanul Kabir, on Sunday.

According to the report, under nine general education boards, the compulsory mathematics exam was held with 1,317,173 registered candidates, of whom 1,298,521 were present, leaving 18,652 absent. Fourteen students were expelled under six of these boards. In the Madrasa Education Board’s Bangla second paper exam, 12,576 students were absent out of 249,030, and six were expelled. The Technical Education Board’s Physics-2 exam recorded 3,718 absentees out of 119,993 candidates, with six expulsions.

The report noted that absenteeism and expulsions were highest in the Madrasa Education Board’s Dakhil examinations, reflecting a continuing trend of irregular attendance in that stream.

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has suspended its virtual court proceedings that were being held on Wednesdays and Thursdays each week. The administrative announcement was issued on Sunday, May 3, 2026, halting the system that had been in place for two weeks. The virtual sessions had been introduced on April 20, 2026, in response to the global energy situation, allowing both divisions of the Supreme Court to conduct hearings online.

According to earlier notices, the initiative was implemented under the Information Technology Use Act 2020 and the Supreme Court’s practice directives. The arrangement allowed virtual hearings twice a week while maintaining in-person sessions on other working days. Daily cause lists and virtual meeting IDs were published on the Supreme Court’s website for relevant cases.

The suspension marks a pause in the court’s recent experiment with remote judicial operations, which had been intended to balance energy considerations with judicial efficiency. No further details were provided on when or whether the virtual sessions might resume.