A newly built approach road to a bridge on the Safipur–Boroibari regional road in Kaliakoir, Gazipur, collapsed just one month after its inauguration. The incident occurred in the Kaliadah Mokosh Beel area, prompting allegations of substandard construction work against the contractor. The 55-meter bridge was built under the Program for Supporting Rural Bridges project, jointly funded by the Government of Bangladesh and the World Bank, at a cost of Tk 5.14 crore. The project was implemented by Messrs Mostafa Kamal & Sons Enterprise, with a scheduled completion date of December 15 last year.

Local residents expressed frustration, saying the road appeared fine initially but failed within weeks. Attempts to contact the contractor’s owner, Mohammad Abdul Kader, were unsuccessful. Abdul Al Mamun, the upazila sub-assistant engineer, stated that heavy rainfall caused the collapse and that the contractor would be instructed to repair the damaged section promptly. He also noted that the project’s official work period had not yet expired.

The collapse has raised questions about construction quality and oversight in publicly funded infrastructure projects in the region.

Elon Musk has agreed to pay a $1.5 million fine to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to settle a lawsuit accusing him of failing to disclose his Twitter (now X) share purchases on time. The case, filed in January 2025 just before President Donald Trump took office, alleged that Musk misled investors by delaying disclosure of acquiring more than 5% of Twitter’s shares in 2022, before taking ownership of the social media platform. A filing on Monday revealed that a Musk trust will pay the fine, though Musk has not admitted any wrongdoing. The settlement will be finalized once approved by the court.

The SEC had initially sought more than $200 million in penalties, claiming that Musk’s delay deprived ordinary investors of over $150 million in potential gains. Musk’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, described the fine as minor and said it resolves all issues related to filing delays during the Twitter acquisition. An SEC spokesperson noted that if approved, this would mark the largest penalty ever imposed by the agency for failure to disclose share ownership on time.

Despite the settlement, Musk still faces a separate class-action lawsuit from investors over the same issue.

Thailand’s cabinet has approved an emergency loan package worth 12.2 billion US dollars to address the economic fallout from the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. The decision, announced on May 5, 2026, marks one of the country’s largest borrowing plans in decades, aimed at stabilizing the economy amid external shocks.

According to Thai lawmakers, the funds will be used to boost domestic spending and ease financial hardship among citizens. The Ministry of Finance recently revised its GDP growth forecast downward from 2.4 percent to 1.6 percent, reflecting the strain on the economy. The government stated that the emergency loan will be utilized between June and September under the “Thais Help Thais” program, which will provide direct support to over 20 million low-income residents.

Officials expect the initiative to help reduce living costs and sustain household consumption during the period of global economic uncertainty triggered by the Middle East crisis.

Farmers in Katiadi upazila of Kishoreganj are struggling to find laborers even by offering the equivalent of two maunds of paddy, while harvesters provided under government subsidy are reportedly charging higher-than-approved rents. The situation has left local farmers in severe difficulty during the ongoing Boro season. According to the agriculture office, paddy was cultivated on 12,850 hectares in the upazila, but about 585 hectares have been affected by heavy rainfall.

Previously, a worker could be hired for one maund or less of paddy, but now even two maunds are not enough. The current market price of raw paddy is between Tk 650 and Tk 700 per maund, while daily labor wages have risen to around Tk 1,300. Farmers are spending about Tk 22,000 per bigha to produce paddy but earning only Tk 17,500 from sales, resulting in a loss of Tk 4,000–5,000 per bigha.

The upazila agriculture officer said 27 harvesters are ready to address the labor shortage, with additional machines being brought from nearby districts. The maximum approved rent per bigha is Tk 2,500, and authorities will take action if higher rates are charged.

The technology desk of Amader Desh published a detailed guide on May 5, 2026, outlining essential steps for safe and long-lasting air conditioner use. The report warns that lack of proper care and maintenance can make air conditioners hazardous, potentially leading to explosions in extreme cases. It emphasizes that regular servicing, cleaning, and inspection are vital to prevent such incidents.

The article advises users to have their air conditioners serviced by professional technicians two to three times a year to detect faults early. It highlights the importance of keeping filters clean every two to four weeks, checking electrical connections to avoid short circuits, and ensuring stable voltage through a stabilizer. The guide also recommends keeping the outdoor unit free from dust and debris, checking for refrigerant gas leaks, avoiding continuous operation, and using only genuine parts from trusted brands.

These maintenance practices, according to the report, can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and extend the lifespan of air conditioning units, ensuring safer household use.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said there is no reason for concern regarding the Bangladesh–United States trade agreement, emphasizing that such international accords are built on mutual interests. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch at the Commerce Ministry on Tuesday, he described the deal as a ‘win-win’ arrangement designed to benefit both sides.

The minister explained that the current government inherited the agreement as part of state continuity and intends to use it to expand trade and investment. He noted that Bangladesh has sought clarification from the US regarding a recently initiated investigation and has already shared its position in response. Muktadir stressed that Bangladesh does not engage in dumping and that its export sectors, particularly ready-made garments, operate under strict international compliance standards.

He further stated that the agreement includes provisions for amendment or adjustment if any clause contradicts Bangladesh’s interests, describing this as a ‘self-correcting element.’ The meeting also discussed strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties.

The government has announced plans to implement the ninth pay scale in three phases, considering the country’s current economic conditions. A reconstituted committee has already begun preparing recommendations, which will soon be submitted to the government. The proposal suggests that 50 percent of the basic salary could be implemented in the 2026–27 fiscal year, with the Finance Division recommending an additional allocation of 350 to 400 billion taka in the upcoming budget for salaries, allowances, and pensions. The first phase is expected to cover about 33 percent of the new pay scale for government employees.

According to the source, the remaining portions of the basic salary and various allowances will be implemented gradually over the following two fiscal years. Although no final decision has been made in the committee’s first meeting, members reportedly support implementing the announced pay scale due to pressure from government employees. The current budget had allocations for pay scale implementation that were not used, but the next budget is expected to include increased funding for this purpose.

The reconstituted committee may take key decisions after the finance minister returns from the Asian Development Bank’s annual meeting, followed by a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman before final approval.

Japan has received its first shipment of crude oil from Russia since the outbreak of the Iran war, according to multiple media reports. The tanker arrived Monday at the Imabari coast carrying crude produced under the Sakhalin-2 project. Japanese outlets said the cargo was received by Taiyo Oil, though the company has not officially confirmed the delivery. The closure of the Hormuz Strait due to the ongoing Iran conflict has severely disrupted global oil supply.

Japan, which relies on the Middle East for about 95 percent of its oil imports, has been seeking alternative sources since the strait’s closure following the start of the Iran war on February 28. The Sakhalin-2 project remains outside international sanctions imposed on Moscow after the 2022 Ukraine invasion, allowing Japan to import oil from it without restrictions.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during her visit to Australia, said the global oil crisis is having a major impact on the Asia-Pacific region and announced that Japan and Australia will take joint emergency measures to ensure stable energy supply.

TankerTrackers.com, a ship-tracking and oil monitoring organization, stated that U.S. sanctions on Iranian ports will not force Tehran to halt oil production. In a post on social media platform X, the group dismissed claims that Iran’s oil storage would soon reach capacity, compelling the country to stop production.

According to TankerTrackers, Iran has the capacity to refine all of its produced oil for domestic consumption. The organization noted that during the first term of the Trump administration, Iran reduced its oil production to below two million barrels per day, an amount it could fully process to meet internal demand.

The statement, cited by Al Jazeera, challenges prevailing assumptions that sanctions would quickly cripple Iran’s oil sector, suggesting instead that the country’s refining infrastructure provides a buffer against export restrictions.

Global oil markets experienced sharp volatility as Brent crude stabilized at $114 per barrel on Tuesday following a 6 percent surge the previous day. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude traded just below $105. The price spike coincided with escalating tensions between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, as a one-month Middle East ceasefire faced uncertainty.

According to the US Central Command, American forces repelled an Iranian attack while escorting two US-flagged ships. Simultaneously, reports emerged of drone and missile strikes targeting the Fujairah oil terminal in the United Arab Emirates. The disruptions have rendered the Hormuz Strait nearly impassable, adding a “war premium” to global oil prices. US President Donald Trump warned in an interview that the conflict could persist for two to three more weeks and cautioned Iran against direct attacks on US vessels. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said progress had been made in talks but urged the US and UAE to avoid being trapped again in “quicksand.”

Goldman Sachs noted that while global oil inventories remain above crisis levels, the rate of decline is concerning, with reserves potentially dropping from 101 to 98 days of demand by the end of May.

A taskforce report has revealed that six major business groups in Bangladesh allegedly embezzled and laundered large sums of money abroad during the tenure of the ousted Awami League government, causing severe financial losses to at least 28 banks. The affected banks have signed non-disclosure agreements with several multinational firms to trace and recover the siphoned funds. The groups named in the report include S Alam Group, Aramit, Sikder Group, Beximco, Orion Group, and Nasa Group.

According to the report, these groups collectively hold the majority of the defaulted loans in the banking sector, with S Alam Group alone linked to loans worth over Tk 225,000 crore. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit confirmed evidence of large-scale fund transfers abroad. Following the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, the interim administration restructured an inter-agency taskforce led by the Bangladesh Bank governor to recover laundered assets.

The Anti-Corruption Commission, National Board of Revenue, and police agencies are jointly investigating the financial irregularities. Civil proceedings have begun against the six groups, which account for 77 percent of total defaulted loans among 11 industrial conglomerates under scrutiny.

In Dhamrai upazila of Dhaka, around 25 acres of Boro rice fields have been destroyed by toxic smoke and heat from nearby brick kilns. The incident affected more than a hundred marginal farmers across five villages in the Amtala Union, many of whom had cultivated rice on borrowed land or with loans. The farmers, who relied on this harvest for their annual food supply, now face severe uncertainty after the sudden loss.

Local sources identified three brick kilns—Alif Bricks, Tiger Bricks, and Al Madina Bricks—situated beside the three-crop lands in Nandeswari area. Farmers claim that such damage occurs regularly due to the kilns’ heat and smoke, and they have demanded a fair investigation and compensation. Dhamrai Upazila Agriculture Officer Arifur Rahman confirmed that preliminary findings indicate the brick kilns caused the damage and said the matter has been reported to the administration. Upazila Executive Officer Al Mamun stated that discussions will be held with kiln owners and farmers to ensure proper compensation.

Residents noted that similar incidents occur every year in Dhamrai, urging stronger preventive measures and timely compensation for affected farmers.

Researchers from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have reported promising results from cultivating short-duration Boro rice varieties in the haor wetlands of northeastern Bangladesh. The findings were presented at a press conference held at the university’s Department of Crop Botany, led by Professor Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman Pramanik. The research, ongoing since 2020, aims to help farmers harvest rice 15 to 20 days earlier than traditional varieties, reducing losses from sudden pre-monsoon floods.

According to the researchers, about 60 percent of Bangladesh’s total rice production comes from the Boro season, with 18 percent produced in haor areas. However, early floods often destroy 10 to 100 percent of crops each year. The study tested several short-duration varieties such as BRRI dhan-88, BRRI dhan-101, BRRI dhan-113, BRRI dhan-105, and BRRI dhan-25, which mature in about 145 days—two weeks earlier than the widely grown BRRI dhan-92.

The researchers noted challenges including slightly lower yields, temperature sensitivity, and the need for timely planting and harvesting. They emphasized that agricultural mechanization, including rice transplanters and harvesters, is essential to ensure timely harvesting before floods.

Eight rivers in Bangladesh’s northeastern region are flowing above the danger level following moderate to heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre of the Water Development Board. The forecast, issued on Monday, reported significant rainfall in Netrokona, Habiganj, and Chandpur, with water levels rising at eight points across seven rivers in three districts.

The forecast noted that rivers such as the Surma-Kushiyara, Dhalai, Dhanu-Baulai, and Kalni have seen water levels increase, while the Bhugai-Kangsha and Someshwari rivers have shown slight decreases. The Meghalayan and Assamese regions of India also experienced moderate rainfall, contributing to the rising water levels. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department predicted continued moderate to heavy rainfall over the next few days, with potential thunderstorms in several divisions.

The Water Development Board warned that water levels in the Surma-Kushiyara basin could continue to rise for three days, possibly causing flooding in low-lying haor areas of Sylhet and Sunamganj. Flood conditions in parts of Habiganj, Netrokona, and Kishoreganj may persist as river levels remain high.

Widespread crop destruction has been reported across Bangladesh following continuous heavy rainfall, storms, and flash floods from India. Fields of ripe boro rice, soybeans, onions, garlic, and seasonal vegetables have been submerged under waist-deep water in many areas, including Sunamganj, Srimangal, Jhalokathi, Lakshmipur, and Netrokona. Thousands of farming families in the haor regions are facing severe hardship as their annual harvests are lost. Power outages and infrastructure damage have also been reported due to fallen trees and broken electric poles.

In Sunamganj’s Jagannathpur, nearly half of 20,423 hectares of rice fields were still unharvested when six days of rain submerged large areas. In Srimangal, 215 hectares of ripe and semi-ripe rice were flooded due to poor drainage. Farmers in Netrokona are struggling to dry harvested rice, while in Lakshmipur’s Raipur, about 60 percent of soybean crops have been damaged. Jhalokathi and Nalchity also reported major losses of rabi crops and rice fields.

Local agricultural offices are assessing damage and advising farmers to harvest mature crops quickly. Authorities have pledged to report losses and seek assistance for affected farmers.