Islami Bank had called a board meeting to facilitate the joining of its new chairman, but the meeting could not take place due to protests by customers. The bank’s acting managing director (MD) obtained permission from the central bank to hold the meeting online, yet that plan also failed under pressure from protesting customers. Allegations emerged that law enforcement officials pressured the MD to proceed with the online meeting.

On Monday afternoon, police officers were reportedly seen in the MD’s office urging him to conduct the meeting online, while customers gathered outside in protest. Leaders of the customer forum told journalists that police and Detective Branch officials were applying pressure similar to what they claimed happened during a 2017 takeover of the bank. They vowed to resist any such attempt.

Acting MD Altaf Hossain stated that despite receiving central bank approval, he refrained from holding the online board meeting out of respect for customer demands.

China has introduced new regulations imposing strict controls on overseas investment and technology transfer. Prime Minister Li Qiang signed the decree on May 5, and it will take effect on July 1, according to the state news agency Xinhua. The rules were finalized after approval at a State Council executive meeting on April 17. They apply to Chinese companies, institutions, and individual residents engaging in outbound investment.

Beijing stated that the move aims to strengthen oversight of capital flows amid rising geopolitical tensions. The regulations prohibit investors from transferring restricted or controlled products, technologies, services, or data abroad without government approval. They also ban unauthorized technology or information transfers through overseas employment, technical assistance, or training programs, closing potential loopholes for export control evasion.

The new framework includes national security reviews for foreign investments or asset transfers that could affect national security. China also warned that foreign individuals or entities attempting to harm its sovereignty, security, or development interests may face countermeasures.

Russia has announced a temporary ban on jet fuel exports starting Monday to stabilize its domestic energy supply. According to a government statement cited by Turkish media outlet Yeni Safak, the restriction will remain in effect until November 30. The ban also applies to jet fuel purchased through commodity exchanges, though exceptions include shipments already cleared through customs and supplies under intergovernmental agreements.

Officials stated that the primary goal of the measure is to ensure stability in the domestic fuel market. Earlier in April, Russia had taken a similar step by restricting petrol exports until July 31 to manage seasonal demand and price pressures driven by global market conditions.

The government emphasized that it continues to work toward maintaining a steady and reliable energy supply within the country.

Thousands of customers and shareholders of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC staged a protest in front of the bank’s head office in Motijheel, Dhaka, on Monday, demanding the cancellation of newly appointed chairman Md. Khurshid Alam. Police used batons, water cannons, tear gas, and sound grenades to disperse the demonstrators, but they regrouped and continued their sit-in outside the Islami Bank Tower. As of the latest report, protesters and police remained in a tense standoff at the site.

The demonstration was organized under the banner of the Islami Bank Affected Customers Coordination Council. Participants began gathering from various parts of the capital and beyond early in the morning to join the human chain program. Police later dispersed the crowd, but the protest resumed shortly afterward. According to Motijheel Zone Deputy Commissioner Harunur Rashid, the situation was under control.

The ongoing standoff highlights growing unrest among the bank’s stakeholders following the leadership change, though no further details on official responses or next steps were available.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit announced that the government has decided to adjust fuel prices due to rising pressure in the international energy market. Speaking to reporters at his office in the Secretariat on Monday, he said the government would act quickly to reduce prices if global oil rates decline significantly, aiming to ease consumer burdens.

The minister explained that fuel prices are reviewed monthly, though no adjustment was made in May. He noted that about 66 percent of the country’s fuel consumption is diesel, which receives the highest government subsidy, and its price has been kept unchanged to protect ordinary consumers. He cited the Middle East crisis as a key factor behind the recent adjustments and reaffirmed that unnecessary price hikes would be avoided.

Amit added that the government is pursuing long-term plans to reduce subsidies by expanding renewable energy use and advancing major projects such as offshore exploration, a second Eastern Refinery unit, and new LNG infrastructure to ensure stable energy supply and lower production costs.

Malaysia has begun enforcing a new regulation that bans children under 16 from opening social media accounts, effective Monday. The rule requires platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to implement age verification systems and block underage accounts. Companies failing to comply could face fines of up to 10 million ringgit. Parents will not be penalized if children bypass the restriction. Authorities said the move aims to protect minors from harmful content, cyberbullying, and addiction risks.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission stated that the policy seeks to make service providers more accountable and ensure age-appropriate safeguards, not to restrict children’s access to digital technology. Platforms must introduce “safety-by-design” features and curb manipulative designs that encourage excessive use. A grace period will be provided for implementing age verification systems.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions. Meta’s regional policy director warned the blanket ban could push teens toward unsafe online spaces, while academics raised privacy concerns over ID-based verification. Critics also questioned the law’s effectiveness, noting parents could still help children bypass the restrictions.

A protest organized by customers and shareholders of Islami Bank Bangladesh in front of Islami Bank Tower in Motijheel turned violent on Monday, according to a statement from the Victim Customers Coordination Council. Demonstrators claimed that police used batons, tear gas, water cannons, and sound grenades to disperse their human chain, leaving more than a hundred people injured and around fifty shot. The incident occurred during a demonstration opposing the appointment of Khurshid Alam as the bank’s new chairman.

The council stated that thousands joined the protest demanding the cancellation of Khurshid Alam’s appointment and the reinstatement of former managing director Omar Faruk Khan. Despite police intervention, protesters regrouped in front of the bank tower. Council president Professor Nur Nabi Manik alleged that the appointment, made through a Bangladesh Bank circular on May 24, reflected government interference and an attempt to reintroduce individuals linked to S Alam Group into the bank.

He further claimed that Islami Bank is facing a liquidity crisis, with customers struggling to withdraw funds. The protesters demanded the removal of S Alam Group affiliates and restoration of control to the bank’s original owners.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a warning for possible gusty or squally winds over Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar districts by Monday evening. The alert, released in a special weather forecast for inland river ports from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on June 1, 2026, also mentioned the likelihood of rain accompanied by thunder.

According to the notice signed by meteorologist A K M Nazmul Haque, temporary gusty winds from the west or northwest may blow at speeds of 45 to 60 kilometers per hour in the two southeastern districts. The department has instructed river ports in the affected areas to hoist local cautionary signal number 1 as a precautionary measure.

The advisory comes amid ongoing hot and humid conditions across much of the country, with the weather office noting that despite reduced rainfall, there is no immediate concern of severe heatwaves.

After the extended Eid-ul-Azha holidays, regular operations have resumed across government and private offices, courts, banks, insurance companies, and stock exchanges in Bangladesh. On Monday morning, employees were seen returning to their workplaces, including the Secretariat and Motijheel’s banking district, before 9 a.m. The official holiday had lasted from May 25 to May 31, marking a seven-day break for most institutions.

During the holiday period, essential services such as electricity, gas, water, fire service, sanitation, telecommunications, postal operations, and healthcare remained active. Hospitals and emergency medical services continued uninterrupted, along with the transport of medicines and medical supplies.

From today, banking transactions are operating from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with office hours extending until 5 p.m. Insurance companies are following the same schedule. The Dhaka and Chittagong stock exchanges have also reopened, with trading hours from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and office operations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The government of Bangladesh has announced another increase in fuel prices at the consumer level, marking the second adjustment in about six weeks. According to a statement from the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources on Sunday, the prices of petrol, octane, and kerosene have each been raised by 5 taka per liter for June. The new rates—diesel at 115 taka, octane at 145 taka, petrol at 140 taka, and kerosene at 135 taka per liter—will take effect from June 1.

The ministry explained that the revision aligns domestic prices with fluctuations in the global oil market. The previous adjustment was made on April 18, when the Energy and Mineral Resources Division raised the prices of diesel, octane, petrol, and kerosene. The latest decision continues the government’s policy of adjusting local fuel prices in response to international market trends.

The announcement signals continued monitoring of global energy prices and suggests that further adjustments may occur if international rates change significantly.

A widespread heatwave affected 37 districts across Bangladesh on Sunday as rainfall decreased nationwide, according to the Meteorological Department. The agency forecast that the hot and humid conditions could persist for the next four days, with daytime temperatures remaining steady and nighttime temperatures likely to rise further. The highest temperature recorded was 37.5 degrees Celsius in Syedpur, Nilphamari, while Dhaka reached 36.4 degrees Celsius.

The forecast indicated that only parts of Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, along with a few areas in Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Barishal, might experience light to moderate rain or thunderstorms. Elsewhere, the weather is expected to remain mostly dry with partly cloudy skies. The department noted that the southwest monsoon could advance to the Teknaf coast within five days, increasing rainfall and bringing relief from the heat.

Meteorologists said that once the monsoon becomes active around June 5, rainfall is expected to rise gradually, signaling the onset of the rainy season across the country.

The government is taking steps to increase internet speed and make Teletalk services more accessible to customers, according to ICT Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam Swapon. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the new Madhupur Press Club building in Tangail on Sunday afternoon. The minister said that delivering Teletalk services to customers’ doorsteps is only a matter of time, with some procedural issues still being addressed.

During the event, Swapon also highlighted the growing drug problem in Madhupur and Dhanbari, urging journalists and the administration to work together to eliminate it. He stated that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward drug abuse. The inauguration ceremony was chaired by senior journalist Zainal Abedin and attended by local officials, political leaders, and journalists.

Before the discussion, the minister unveiled the nameplate of the new press club building and participated in a special prayer.

The Forest Department of Bangladesh has announced a complete ban on entry into the Sundarbans from June 1 to August 31 to ensure safe breeding of fish, aquatic species, and wildlife, as well as to protect the forest’s biodiversity. During this period, fishing, crab collection, honey harvesting, and tourism in all rivers, canals, and water bodies within the forest will remain prohibited. The department has already stopped issuing new passes for fishermen, honey collectors, and tourists, instructing all to leave the forest before the ban takes effect.

According to the Forest Department, the June–August period marks the main breeding season for aquatic and wild species in the Sundarbans, and the restriction has been enforced annually since 2019. Local forest-dependent communities, including fishermen and honey collectors, expressed concern that the three-month closure severely limits their income, forcing many into debt. They have urged the government to provide food aid and special incentives during the restriction period.

Officials said a proposal for food and financial assistance to affected families has been sent to the relevant ministry for approval.

State Minister for Shipping Md. Rajib Ahsan said that Bangladesh’s waterways will regain their traditional vibrancy through modernization of pontoons and continuous dredging. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon while visiting the Chandpur river port, emphasizing that the government is working to accommodate high-speed vessels in line with modern demands.

The minister stated that after the Eid holidays, the government is ensuring passengers’ safe return to workplaces by monitoring major terminals and addressing existing problems. He also discussed the halted construction of the Chandpur Modern River Terminal, noting that some work had been completed but stopped after August 5. A new contractor will soon be appointed to finish the remaining work quickly, which he said will help restore the port’s heritage.

Officials from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), local government representatives, and political leaders were present during the visit.

The Forest Department has announced a complete three-month closure of the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, from June 1 to August 31, 2026. The move aims to ensure safe breeding for fish, crabs, shrimp, aquatic species, and wildlife. During this period, all entry and resource collection activities, including fishing, honey collection, crab harvesting, and tourism, are prohibited. New entry passes have been suspended, and those already inside the forest have been instructed to leave. Authorities warned that legal action will be taken against anyone violating the ban.

Officials said that uninterrupted calm in the forest during this breeding season helps restore fish populations, plant regeneration, and wildlife numbers, contributing to long-term ecological balance. However, thousands of forest-dependent families in coastal areas such as Shyamnagar, Ashashuni, Koyra, and Mongla are facing severe financial hardship due to the loss of income.

The Forest Department has proposed food aid and incentives for affected families to the relevant ministry. Joint monitoring by the Forest Department, Coast Guard, Naval Police, and Fisheries Department will continue to ensure full enforcement of the ban until the forest reopens on September 1.