In Barishal’s Gournadi municipality, a contractor has left key roads and drains dug up for months, causing severe hardship for residents. Despite repeated notices from the municipal authorities, construction work has remained stalled, leading to frequent accidents and widespread public anger. The project, worth Tk 10.66 crore, was awarded in mid-2025 to Messrs. Md. Delowar Hossain and Messrs. Shahid Brothers (Joint Venture) at a reduced bid of Tk 7.95 crore. Although the work order was issued to this firm, another contractor, Shamim Hossain, has been implementing the project under a mandate.

According to municipal sources, the project began on August 13 last year and is scheduled for completion by February 12, 2027. Only one road has been completed so far, while another road and drain remain unfinished after excavation. Residents complain that the road from Thana Mor to the Additional Superintendent of Police’s office has been closed for months, causing waterlogging, mosquito infestation, and foul odors. Municipal officials have warned that if the contractor fails to resume and complete the work within the stipulated time, legal action will be taken.

The government of Bangladesh has announced a major initiative to introduce e-ticketing and a central box office system across the country’s cinema halls. The Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) has prepared a development project proposal worth about Tk 50 crore to bring all theatres under a central server. The plan aims to ensure transparency and modern management in the film industry, which has long suffered from irregularities.

BFDC Managing Director Masuma Tani said that producers and directors have long demanded e-ticketing to prevent financial losses and revenue ambiguity. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has already given policy approval, with State Minister Yasser Khan Chowdhury expressing support. The ministry has instructed that the proposal be submitted before Eid-ul-Azha, emphasizing cost efficiency in implementation.

BFDC has held several meetings with cinema owners, producers, directors, and online streaming platforms, most of whom support the central box office plan. Once the proposal is submitted, it will be reviewed internally by the ministry and then sent to the Planning Commission for final approval before nationwide rollout.

Commerce, Industry and Textile Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said that every industrial plant is deeply connected to the emotions and livelihoods of local people. He made the remarks on Saturday after visiting Panchagarh Sugar Mills Limited and holding discussions with sugarcane farmers.

The minister stated that when a mill operates, it generates employment, increases government revenue, and keeps the local economy active while enabling repayment of existing debts. He emphasized that the government aims to reopen all closed industrial plants across the country. Out of 15 sugar mills, six are currently closed, and initiatives have been taken to revive several state-owned enterprises.

Muktadir added that Panchagarh Sugar Mill requires extensive renovation of its infrastructure and machinery due to long-term closure. Experts are reviewing all possible aspects before decisions are made. Local officials, including the area’s Member of Parliament, the Industry Secretary, and representatives of workers and farmers, were present during the visit.

In Tangail’s Basail upazila, cracks have developed on the approach road of a bridge costing Tk 4.55 crore before its inauguration. The bridge, located at Saidampur Bazar in Kanchanpur Union, was built under the supervision of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED). On-site observation showed that the cracks are worsening with rainfall, raising fears that the road could collapse if heavy rain continues.

According to LGED sources, contractor firm Bashed Engineering was assigned to construct the 70-meter RCC girder bridge on the Saidampur Bazar–Kuratali via Primary School road. Construction began on April 13, 2021, and was initially scheduled for completion by April 12, 2022, but the deadline was extended. Local residents blamed poor soil compaction and weak carpeting for the damage, while the contractor’s manager attributed the cracks to heavy rainfall and traffic load. The upazila engineer confirmed that some blocks were not installed and that the contractor has been asked to repair the damaged sections.

Officials stated that payment for the approach road work has not yet been made and that the contractor will fix the affected areas before final handover.

Satellite imagery has revealed signs of an oil spill off the coast of Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub. The images show a visible oil slick spreading across the sea near the island’s western shore. The exact cause of the spill remains unconfirmed, according to reports from AFP.

Monitoring organization Orbital EOS told The New York Times that as of Thursday, the slick covered about 20 square miles (52 square kilometers). The nonprofit Conflict and Environment Observatory stated on social media that the source of the spill is still unclear, noting that the slick is drifting southward and that effective containment measures appear unlikely.

Kharg Island hosts Iran’s largest oil terminal, pipelines, storage tanks, and related infrastructure. The island lies several hundred kilometers northwest of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which Iran nearly closed after conflict with the United States and Israel began on February 28. Subsequent U.S. blockades of Iranian ports have left many oil tankers stranded in the area.

The Boro paddy harvest has begun in Dhunat upazila of Bogura, where farmers are expressing frustration over low market prices. Despite good yields this season, they report that the price of one maund of paddy, selling for only 850 to 950 taka, is not enough to hire even one laborer, whose daily wage now ranges from 1,000 to 1,100 taka. Many farmers say their hard-earned crops are bringing little return as costs continue to rise.

Local sources note that while fields are full of ripe paddy, concerns are growing over possible storm and rain damage, especially in low-lying areas. The sudden surge in demand for harvest laborers has nearly doubled wages. Farmers report that production costs, including plowing, irrigation, and pesticides, have increased sharply in recent years, but market prices have not kept pace, leaving them worried about repaying debts.

According to the Dhunat Upazila Agriculture Officer, about 16,485 hectares of land have been cultivated with high-yield and local paddy varieties. He advised farmers to harvest when 80 percent of the crop is ripe to avoid losses from hail or early flooding.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman rode a specially designed smart car created by physically disabled college student Wakimul Islam and praised his innovative initiative. The event took place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka, where the Prime Minister inspected the vehicle and encouraged the young inventor.

According to Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Roni, several senior officials, including Chief Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman, Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Roni, Mostafa Zulfiqar Hasan, and Shahadat Hossain Swadhin, were present during the occasion. The Prime Minister’s engagement highlighted official recognition of Wakimul’s technological creativity and his contribution as a differently abled innovator.

The event underscored the government’s interest in supporting youth-led innovation and inclusive technology development, as reflected in the Prime Minister’s personal encouragement to the student inventor.

China’s aluminum exports increased by 15 percent in April compared with the same month last year, according to customs data released on Saturday and reported by Reuters. The country exported 598,000 tons of unprocessed aluminum and aluminum products in April, bringing total exports for the first four months of the year to 2.05 million tons.

The rise comes as global supply chains face severe disruption due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which has effectively halted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts noted that the war has sharply constrained aluminum supply worldwide, placing China in a key position to meet global demand.

As the conflict continues, many international buyers have begun stockpiling aluminum and related components in anticipation of higher production costs and raw material prices. To meet the surge in foreign orders, Chinese factories have accelerated production and delivery, further boosting the country’s export momentum.

Across Rajshahi’s Barind region, farmers are busy harvesting Boro paddy under intense heat, with cutting and threshing now in full swing. The Department of Agricultural Extension reports that 68,300 hectares have been cultivated this season, targeting 327,544 tons of rice. Early data show an average yield of 4.70 tons per hectare, and about 10 percent of the crop has been harvested so far.

Despite favorable weather and good yields, farmers are struggling with low market prices and rising labor costs. Fine-grain paddy, once a Rajshahi specialty, is selling for Tk 1,100–1,150 per maund, which barely covers wages. Farmers allege that millers and wholesalers are manipulating prices by stockpiling paddy during the peak season. Labor shortages and higher input costs have worsened the situation, leaving many unable to recover their investments.

Officials say the harvest will continue through May and could strengthen local food security if completed successfully. However, farmers urge direct government procurement from local markets to reduce losses and prevent middlemen from exploiting them.

Authorities in Cumilla have intensified border surveillance to prevent the entry of Indian cattle, bringing relief to local farmers ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. According to the district livestock office, around 260,000 animals have been prepared across 17 upazilas, exceeding local demand of about 247,000. Farmers expect fair prices if the strict monitoring continues through the festival period.

Local farmers and farm owners are busy preparing cattle, goats, sheep, and buffaloes using natural fattening methods. Many have started selling animals online, planning to supply surplus livestock to other districts. However, they expressed concern over rising feed costs not matched by meat prices, warning that prolonged imbalance could drive some out of business.

District officials confirmed coordination among the Border Guard Bangladesh, police, and administration to block illegal cattle entry. Over 300 temporary markets will be set up, with enhanced patrols and two daily task forces monitoring markets. Authorities expect that strong vigilance will ensure stable prices and a secure Eid market environment.

A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck the South Salmara Mankachar area of Assam, India, on Saturday afternoon, according to Volcano Discovery. The tremor occurred at 2:40 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located about 34 kilometers from Dhubri town. The quake’s effects were felt across several northern districts of Bangladesh.

Preliminary reports indicate that the depth of the earthquake has not yet been determined, though it is believed to have been shallow. Shallow earthquakes are typically felt more strongly near their epicenters. Residents in both Assam and northern Bangladesh reported feeling the tremor shortly after it occurred.

No immediate reports of casualties or damage have been received following the earthquake, according to initial information available from the region.

A recent intelligence report sent to Bangladesh’s Home, Labour, and Commerce ministries warns that political groups may attempt to exploit growing worker unrest caused by rising production costs and energy shortages. The report states that fuel supply disruptions, worsened by the Iran–US conflict and the shutdown of Eastern Refinery Limited on April 13, have severely affected industrial operations. Production in the garment sector has dropped by about 30 percent, with many small and medium factories facing losses, layoffs, and delayed wage payments.

The report highlights that Bangladesh’s annual fuel demand stands at 8–8.5 million tons, with diesel making up nearly three-quarters of daily consumption. Disruptions in crude oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have intensified the crisis. Additionally, international price hikes for cotton and yarn have raised local production costs, further straining the textile industry.

To mitigate the crisis, the report recommends limited work-from-home policies, reduced energy use after 8 p.m., alternate-day school operations, vehicle rationing, and prioritizing fuel supply for essential industries and transport. It also suggests financial support for small and medium enterprises.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has been unable to expand its international destinations due to a shortage of aircraft and pilots. The state-owned carrier currently operates 19 aircraft across 20 international and seven domestic routes, despite having air service agreements with 70 countries. The airline’s regular operations have also been affected during Hajj seasons, forcing temporary route suspensions.

To address growing passenger demand, Biman signed a deal with Boeing on April 30 to purchase 14 new-generation aircraft worth about Tk 40,000 crore. The order includes eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two 787-9 Dreamliners, and four 737-8 Max jets, aimed at expanding long-haul and high-demand routes. The government plans to make Bangladesh an aviation hub, with new routes to Sydney and New York under consideration.

Biman targets launching flights to Malé, Yangon, and New York by the 2026–27 fiscal year, followed by Kunming and Bahrain in 2028, and Sydney, Jakarta, and Seoul in 2029. Route selection is based on passenger demand, with specific focus on business, labor, and tourism markets.

A large-scale cyberattack has hit universities and schools in the United States, Canada, and Australia, causing major disruption during end-of-year exams. The hacking group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for the attack, which disabled the widely used academic software Canvas, affecting an estimated 9,000 institutions. Instructure, the company behind Canvas, said most users regained access by Thursday, though some universities continued to report outages on Friday.

Mississippi State University postponed final exams to allow students to recover lost work, while several others, including the University of Sydney, Penn State, and the University of British Columbia, reported severe interruptions. Students described seeing ransom messages demanding Bitcoin payments to prevent stolen data from being leaked. Universities advised students to avoid suspicious messages and awaited further guidance from Instructure.

Cybersecurity analyst Luke Connelly told the Associated Press that the threats began Sunday and were set to continue through May 12, with ransom negotiations possibly ongoing. The incident coincided with U.S. Senate leader Chuck Schumer’s call for stronger cyber defenses amid rising digital risks in the age of artificial intelligence.

Bangladesh’s only state-owned oil refinery, Eastern Refinery Limited, has resumed full-scale operations after a 24-day closure due to a shortage of crude oil. The main plant restarted production on Friday morning following the arrival of a crude oil shipment from Saudi Arabia. Initially, the refinery will process 4,000 tons of fuel oil daily, with plans to increase capacity to 4,500 tons by Saturday afternoon. The shutdown began on April 14 when crude supplies were disrupted by restrictions on ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz amid conflict in the Middle East.

During the closure, a small unit continued limited production using remaining stock, supplying 120 tons of diesel and 100 tons of petrol daily. The government arranged alternative shipping routes to import crude oil via Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port, leading to the arrival of the MT Ninemiya tanker carrying 100,000 tons of crude. Maintenance was performed on machinery during the downtime, allowing for a smoother restart.

Energy experts have urged the government to diversify crude sources and expand storage capacity from the current 600,000 tons to 1.6 million tons to strengthen energy security.