Iran has rejected reports of an oil spill near Kharg Island, describing them as false and unfounded. Abbas Asadoroz, CEO of Iran’s Oil Terminals Company, said that after the reports surfaced, teams from the health, safety, chemical, and laboratory departments inspected the area but found no trace of pollution. He added that neither the International Maritime Organization’s MEMAC center nor Iranian authorities had received any pollution reports from the area.

Asadoroz criticized a post by the NGO Conflict and Environment Observatory on social media platform X, which claimed that an oil slick from an unknown source was spreading southward and was not being properly contained. Meanwhile, Jafar Pourkabgani, a representative from Bushehr in Iran’s parliament, also denied any oil discharge into the sea but suggested that the visible stains were likely waste and oil mixtures dumped from a European tanker, causing environmental harm.

The MEMAC center, a key regional body in the Persian Gulf, coordinates member states in responding to pollution incidents and strengthening preparedness for environmental emergencies.

The flood situation in northeastern Bangladesh has shown further improvement as water levels in major rivers continue to fall. According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre of the Water Development Board, the region experienced no significant rainfall in the past 24 hours, leading to expectations of continued improvement. On Sunday, the Nalojur River in Sunamganj remained stable at 50 centimeters above the pre-monsoon danger level, while the Someshwari, Bhugai-Kangsha, and Mogra rivers in Netrokona saw slight decreases in water levels. However, the Sutang River in Habiganj rose by 7 centimeters at the Sutang rail bridge point.

The agency reported that river levels across the haor region of Sunamganj are slowly decreasing at a rate of 0 to 1 centimeter per hour. No notable rainfall was recorded in the upstream or internal haor basin areas of the northeast during the last 24 hours. Additionally, India’s special bulletin indicated that Cherrapunji in Meghalaya did not record significant rainfall.

As a result, water levels in rivers across three northeastern districts are expected to continue falling, further improving the flood situation in the haor basin.

After three days of rising temperatures and oppressive humidity, rain across Bangladesh, including Dhaka, brought relief to residents. According to the Meteorological Department’s 24-hour data until 6 p.m. Sunday, 26 of 51 observation centers recorded rainfall, with the highest at 64 millimeters in Nikli, Kishoreganj. Dhaka saw 32 millimeters, while Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Mongla, and other areas also experienced significant showers. The rain lowered the day’s maximum temperature to 36 degrees Celsius from 37.2 the previous day.

Meteorologist Kazi Zebun Nesa said a low-pressure system may form over the southwest Bay of Bengal within 48 hours but will not affect Bangladesh, as it is positioned farther southwest and may influence Sri Lanka and parts of India. Scattered rain may continue for two days, though heavy rainfall is not expected. Despite moderate temperatures, high humidity could cause discomfort.

From May 13, moderate to heavy rainfall is likely in the country’s northeastern regions, including Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, due to expected heavy rain in India’s Meghalaya and Cherrapunji. The department noted that early monsoon activity has slightly increased internal rainfall this year.

Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie has announced that Bangladesh will build durable and climate-resilient coastal infrastructure to ensure long-term national security and economic growth. Speaking on Sunday at a seminar at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Dhaka, he emphasized the need for advanced construction materials, eco-friendly engineering, and climate-tolerant designs to safeguard coastal regions from climate-related risks.

The minister highlighted that high population density in coastal areas has led to environmental challenges, including reduced farmland, increased fishing pressure, resource overuse, water pollution, and mangrove destruction. Rising sea levels are causing erosion and saltwater intrusion, damaging crops and marine ecosystems. He urged the use of modern technology to prevent coastal erosion.

Annie added that under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the government is reviving the canal excavation program initiated by late President Ziaur Rahman. Over the next five years, 20,000 kilometers of rivers, canals, ponds, and reservoirs will be excavated or re-excavated, alongside the planting of 250 million trees to create coastal green belts. He also called for new laws and management plans to protect farmland and improve waste management in coastal zones.

Bangladeshi-origin music producer and DJ Sanjay has been confirmed to perform at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The grand event will take place on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, United States, where Sanjay will share the stage with globally renowned artists including Katy Perry, Future, Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, J Balvin, and Lisa.

Sanjay expressed his excitement on social media, describing the opportunity as an incredible milestone in his journey from a small home studio to the world stage. He has already made a mark in the music scenes of South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe-America, but this performance is expected to elevate his career to a new level.

FIFA announced that each match-day show will begin 90 minutes before kickoff to encourage early attendance. The opening ceremonies in the United States and Canada will last 13 minutes, while Mexico’s will run for 16 minutes and 30 seconds. Additionally, FIFA will host special celebrations on July 4 in Philadelphia and Houston to mark the United States’ 250th Independence Day.

The Bangladesh Navy is carrying out continuous operations to safeguard the country’s maritime boundaries, marine resources, and national economic interests. Alongside ensuring the security of commercial and fuel-carrying vessels, the Navy has been implementing two major initiatives: the ‘Jatka Elimination Prevention Operation 2026’ since February 15, 2026, and a 58-day fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal starting April 15, 2026.

Under the Jatka prevention campaign, coordinated operations are being conducted across nine coastal districts including Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Chandpur, Khulna, Bagerhat, Barishal, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, and Barguna. In Barishal, the naval ship BNS Titas is leading patrols and special missions. The Navy is seizing and destroying illegal fishing nets such as current nets, mosquito nets, and China duari nets, while encouraging fishermen to follow government directives.

So far, illegal nets worth about Tk 514.68 crore, totaling 34.08 million meters, have been confiscated, along with 861 prohibited nets and one boat carrying 37 kilograms of jatka. The operation will continue until May 15, 2026, with three naval ships deployed to enforce the fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal.

The Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association has called for the introduction of an integrated one-stop service to simplify the process of obtaining and renewing licenses for restaurants. At a press conference held on Sunday at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, the association presented an 11-point demand to address persistent challenges in the sector, including harassment and delays caused by the need to secure certificates from 10 to 12 different agencies.

The demands also include keeping VAT and tax rates at a tolerable level in the upcoming budget, restoring gas connections, stopping harassment under the guise of raids, preventing corporate dominance, implementing the declaration of the sector as an industry, and ensuring training for unskilled workers under government management. Association leaders said the sector is still struggling to recover from the pandemic, while rising fuel and commodity prices have worsened the situation.

They urged the government to take prompt action to implement these demands, warning that continued tax pressure and unregulated competition from unregistered restaurants pose risks to both public health and the sustainability of the industry.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu announced that around 20,000 kilometers of rivers, canals, and reservoirs will be excavated across Bangladesh over the next five years. He made the statement while inaugurating the re-excavation of a canal from Daser Hat Chhara to the Assistant Commissioner’s connection point in Holokhana Union of Kurigram. The minister said the initiative could bring a revolutionary change in the country’s water management system.

He recalled that former President Ziaur Rahman had launched a canal excavation program in 1977 to boost agricultural production and expand irrigation facilities, which had enabled Bangladesh to export rice for the first time. The current program, revived by the BNP, aims to fulfill that earlier vision. According to the minister, the project will enhance agricultural productivity through modern irrigation, create opportunities for fish farming and duck rearing, and help control floods and waterlogging.

The excavation initiative is being implemented under the Employment Generation Program for the Poorest (EGPP) allocation, with local officials, political leaders, and residents attending the inauguration ceremony.

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will begin its special truck sale program from Monday ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, continuing until May 21. The initiative was confirmed in a press release issued on Sunday. Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir will officially inaugurate the program beside the PSC building in Agargaon. The operation will distribute subsidized essential goods including edible oil, sugar, and lentils to low-income families holding TCB cards.

According to the announcement, 720 mobile trucks will operate across the country, including 50 in Dhaka, 20 in Chattogram, 15 in each of six divisional cities, and 10 in each of 56 other districts. Each truck will serve around 400 people daily, excluding Fridays. Consumers can purchase up to two liters of edible oil at Tk 130 per liter, one kilogram of sugar at Tk 80, and two kilograms of lentils at Tk 70 per kilogram.

The TCB expects to sell about 13,939 metric tons of goods through the trucks and 34,848 metric tons to 7.2 million cardholder families in May under its regular subsidized program.

Saudi Aramco’s Chief Executive Officer Amin Nasser stated that the global market has been deprived of nearly one billion barrels of oil over the past two months because of the ongoing war. In a statement to Reuters, he said that although energy supply is gradually returning to normal, it will take time for the entire system to fully recover. Nasser emphasized that the company’s goal remains to maintain energy supply despite existing pressures on the system.

Earlier, Saudi Aramco reported that its net profit for the first quarter of 2026 reached 120.13 billion Saudi riyals, equivalent to about 32.5 billion US dollars. This represents a 25.5 percent increase compared to the same period last year, which the company attributed to higher oil sales.

The company’s statement highlights both the short-term supply challenges caused by the war and the resilience of its financial performance amid global market disruptions.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury emphasized the government's commitment to democratizing the economy by including people outside the mainstream economic system. Speaking on Sunday morning at the launch of the second phase of the PKSF and World Bank’s joint project ‘RAISE’ in Agargaon, Dhaka, he said that democracy must be reflected not only in politics but also in the economic structure. The minister noted that in the past, a small wealthy group enjoyed most of the benefits of the economy, while ordinary people had limited participation.

He stated that the government follows strict standards in implementing development projects and will not approve any that fail to meet them. Chowdhury expressed concern over high healthcare costs in Bangladesh and announced plans to increase allocations for health and education in the upcoming budget. He also highlighted the need to utilize the country’s youth potential, improve planning for handicrafts, and promote cultural and creative industries globally. Additionally, he underscored the economic potential of sports and the importance of empowering women and farmers through family and farmer cards.

The minister said these initiatives aim to strengthen rural economies, increase financial inclusion, and ensure broader participation in national development.

Farmers in Gangachara upazila of Rangpur are discarding large quantities of potatoes after a sharp decline in market prices left them unable to recover production costs. Many growers, facing losses of up to Tk 15 per kilogram, have been forced to dump their produce as storage facilities reach capacity and potatoes begin to rot in the humid weather.

In Salapak area, farmer Tahizar Rahman reported producing about 400 sacks of potatoes this season but could not sell them profitably. Other farmers, including Shefali Begum and Abdul Kader, said they are struggling with debt and lack of cold storage space. The only cold storage in the upazila, with a capacity of 150,000 sacks, is already full, forcing farmers to keep potatoes at home where they quickly spoil.

According to the upazila agriculture office, 5,310 hectares were cultivated this season, yielding 154,207 tons—far exceeding local demand. Officials cited poor market management, limited storage, and adverse weather as key causes. Farmers are demanding fair prices, more storage facilities, and government incentives to prevent future losses.

In Tangail’s Basail upazila, cracks have appeared on the approach road of a newly constructed bridge costing Tk 45.59 million before its official inauguration. The bridge, located at Saidampur Bazar in Kanchanpur Union, was built by contractor firm Bashed Engineering under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED). The 70-meter RCC girder bridge project began on April 13, 2021, with an initial completion deadline of April 12, 2022, later extended.

Local residents reported that the roadbed was not properly compacted during construction, leading to cracks that worsened with rainfall. They warned that continued rain could cause the approach road to collapse. Bashed Engineering’s manager stated that heavy rainfall and overloaded traffic caused the damage, and repairs would be made. LGED’s upazila engineer confirmed that some areas lacked block installation and that the contractor had been instructed to fix the damaged sections.

Officials said payment for the approach road work has not yet been released and that the contractor must complete repairs before final settlement.

Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil producer of Saudi Arabia, reported a net profit of 12.13 trillion riyals ($32.5 billion) for the first three months of 2026. The figure marks a 25.5 percent increase compared to the same period last year, when the company earned 9.57 trillion riyals ($25.4 billion). Aramco’s sales rose from $107.6 billion to $114.9 billion, while its cash flow reached $30.7 billion.

The company attributed this strong performance to higher sales and the full operational capacity of its East-West Crude Oil Pipeline, which runs to the Red Sea and bypasses the Strait of Hormuz. Chief Executive Officer Amin Nasser said the pipeline now transports up to seven million barrels of oil per day and has become a vital supply artery, helping ease disruptions caused by shipping limitations in the Strait of Hormuz.

Nasser added that recent developments have underscored the critical role of oil and gas in global energy security and economic stability, emphasizing the importance of reliable energy supply.

Leading retail company Shwapno has extended long-term financial assistance to 12-year-old Samia Akter from Pohnkucha Paschim Para in Bagmara Dakshin Union of Lalmai upazila, Cumilla. The company recently handed her a cheque of 5,000 taka at a local event. Under the arrangement, Samia will receive 5,000 taka monthly under the supervision of the local chairman to support her education and daily needs. Shwapno authorities announced a total donation of 480,000 taka for her future.

A senior Shwapno official said the initiative reflects the company’s belief that small efforts can bring major changes in someone’s life. Local residents described the support as a significant relief for a struggling family and expressed hope that the regular assistance would help shape Samia’s future.

Shwapno has long been involved in social and humanitarian activities. Company representatives stated that similar support programs for underprivileged and vulnerable individuals will continue in the future.