The Institute for Planning and Development (IPD) has demanded unrestricted public access to all parks and playgrounds in Dhaka, criticizing the recent decision by RAJUK to hand over management of Gulshan Central Park and Sports Complex to Gulshan Youth Club. Speakers at an online discussion organized by IPD on Friday argued that the move commercializes public spaces and restricts citizens’ access, contradicting government commitments to inclusive urban planning and expanded recreational opportunities.

Participants, including urban planners, environmental activists, and academics, said the handover violates existing laws and court rulings, and undermines public rights to recreation. They alleged that RAJUK had previously identified the club as an illegal occupier, yet later granted it management authority. The discussion highlighted concerns about corruption, privatization of public spaces, and the erosion of equitable access for low-income residents.

IPD proposed a joint management model involving city corporations and local communities to ensure transparency and inclusivity. It also called for cancellation of the RAJUK–Gulshan Youth Club agreement, restoration of the park’s original name, and nationwide investigations into commercial use and illegal occupation of public parks.

Air conditioner ownership in the United Kingdom has doubled in the past three years, reaching about four million homes, according to recent data. The surge is attributed to increasing heatwaves, higher summer temperatures, and the growing trend of working from home. In July 2022, the country recorded its highest-ever temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, prompting many residents to describe their homes as unlivable during extreme heat.

Cooling company Debonair Cooling reported rising demand from both old and new homeowners, with installation costs averaging £2,500 per room. The UK’s Climate Change Committee warned that climate change could make air conditioning essential in most homes by 2050, as traditional cooling methods like curtains or shade trees will no longer suffice. The committee also recommended installing cooling systems in all care homes and hospitals within the next decade.

However, experts noted that air conditioning increases electricity use and greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for about 4% of global emissions. Analysts suggest that combining heat pumps with solar power could offer a more sustainable cooling solution in the future.

Two major eco-friendly tourism projects in Sitakunda, Chattogram—DC Park and Guliakhali Sea Beach—are drawing growing attention for their integration of environmental conservation, greenery, and sustainable development. According to the district administration, Guliakhali Beach’s 259.1 acres of government land have been declared a protected tourism zone, with a master plan underway to develop international-standard facilities including hotels, resorts, and improved transport links. The beach’s unique landscape of mangrove forest, tidal canals, and green grasslands has already become a favorite among visitors.

At DC Park, extensive beautification and greening activities are ongoing. Over 10,000 trees of 54 species have been planted this May, supported by upgraded irrigation, lighting, and security systems. The initiative, inspired by the successful “Green and Clean” program in Narayanganj, aims to balance the urban environment, reduce air pollution, and support the government’s goal of planting 250 million trees in five years.

Officials and locals believe these projects will boost eco-tourism, create jobs, and strengthen local economic activity while preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable urbanization.

A government ban on cattle sacrifice ahead of Eid al-Adha has triggered a severe downturn in livestock markets across West Bengal. The enforcement of the 1950 West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act has left thousands of cattle traders, farmers, transport workers, and market laborers struggling. Hindu cattle traders, who traditionally rely on Muslim buyers during the Eid season, have expressed the most frustration, saying the restrictions have halted sales and caused major financial losses.

Videos circulating on social media show Hindu traders voicing anger and despair over the administration’s decision, claiming Muslim buyers now fear visiting markets. Some traders said they took large loans expecting Eid sales, while others described being unable to sell animals due to police surveillance. Religious leaders have urged restraint and suggested alternatives like goat or sheep sacrifice to prevent unrest.

Human rights activists and analysts noted that the long-standing economic ties between Hindu sellers and Muslim buyers in rural Bengal are under strain. Despite official claims that the move targets no community, the timing and strict enforcement have created uncertainty and hardship for low-income groups dependent on the Eid livestock trade.

SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft, developed by U.S. entrepreneur Elon Musk’s company, crashed into the Indian Ocean after a test flight and subsequently exploded. The launch took place at 5:30 p.m. local time on Friday, marking the first major test of the third-generation version of Starship. Live footage showed the spacecraft reaching space and completing several planned maneuvers before catching fire and exploding during a controlled descent over the ocean.

According to the source, SpaceX considered the test a success despite the explosion, as the main objective was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new design. During the flight, Starship executed a maneuver to flip from an inverted position and reignite its engines to regain control. Although one engine failed, the remaining engines allowed the spacecraft to maintain stability.

The test provided SpaceX with data on the performance of its redesigned systems, which the company views as a step forward in its ongoing development program.

India has increased petrol and diesel prices again, marking the third hike in ten days. Starting Saturday, petrol prices rose by 87 paise per litre and diesel by 91 paise per litre. The latest adjustment follows earlier increases on May 16 and May 19, when prices were raised by 3 rupees and 90 paise per litre respectively. As a result, fuel prices have climbed by at least 5 rupees per litre in major cities over the past ten days.

The price hikes come amid a fuel supply crisis linked to conflict in West Asia. Although India’s central petroleum department previously claimed there was no shortage of petrol or diesel, it had signaled that further price increases were possible. As of Friday night, petrol in New Delhi cost 98.64 rupees per litre, which has now risen to 99.51 rupees, while diesel increased from 91.58 to 92.49 rupees per litre.

The repeated hikes suggest continued pressure on India’s fuel market, with potential implications for transportation and consumer costs if global tensions persist.

Ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, cattle markets across Dhaka have started to draw increasing numbers of buyers and sellers. Farmers and traders from districts including Kushtia, Chuadanga, Pabna, Natore, Sirajganj, and Rajshahi have brought truckloads of cattle to the city. However, sellers report that rising costs of animal feed, transport, and related expenses may push cattle prices up by 15 to 20 percent compared to last year. At the Uttara Diabari market, farmers complained about poor management, including water shortages, lack of sheds, and muddy conditions.

Some traders said they had to buy sand at their own expense to keep cattle dry and pay extra for better spots or shed space. Allegations also surfaced that pickup drivers were being charged up to 5,000 taka for entry stickers. The market leaseholder claimed that most issues were being resolved. Feed prices have nearly doubled in some cases, and transport costs have risen by several thousand taka per truck. Meanwhile, the Gabtoli market remains half full, with moderate-priced cattle attracting the most attention.

Authorities said law enforcement is on alert to prevent extortion, and temporary bank booths have been set up to ease transactions. Markets are expected to reach full activity by Monday.

Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, passengers across Bangladesh are facing unregulated fare hikes on air-conditioned (AC) buses, as operators continue to set prices at their discretion. Although the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) regulates non-AC bus fares based on fuel price changes, it has yet to fix rates for AC buses. As a result, passengers are paying between Tk 1,200 and Tk 1,800 for Dhaka–Barishal routes and up to Tk 3,000 for Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar, far higher than non-AC fares. Despite government directives, BRTA has not finalized AC fare structures, allowing operators to continue charging arbitrary rates.

Officials previously announced that AC bus fares would be determined before Eid, and meetings were held between BRTA and transport owners to prepare proposals. However, the process remains incomplete. Transport owners argue that AC fares should not be regulated, while passenger groups and experts blame BRTA for failing to enforce oversight.

Experts from BUET warn that without model-based fare regulation and stronger enforcement, fare chaos will persist, particularly during peak travel seasons like Eid.

Authorities in Orange County, California, have ordered about 40,000 residents to evacuate due to fears that a tank containing the chemical methyl methacrylate could leak or explode. The tank, located at a GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, has been overheating, prompting emergency teams to work for two days to prevent an explosion. The evacuation order covers a nine-square-mile area surrounding the site.

The incident began on Thursday, May 21, when gas started leaking from the tank filled with the highly flammable chemical used in resin and plastic production. Initially, a hazardous materials team directed residents to leave, later lifting the order when the situation seemed under control. However, a damaged valve worsened the risk, leading local authorities to reissue the evacuation directive.

Officials warned that the tank could rupture, releasing 6,000 to 7,000 gallons of toxic material, or explode due to rising temperatures, potentially igniting nearby fuel and chemical tanks.

A state-of-the-art plant tissue culture laboratory is under construction in Balaghata, Bandarban, along the Sangu River. Designed in the shape of a biological cell nucleus, the circular building combines modern architecture with eco-friendly concepts. The facility will include advanced rooms for media preparation, inoculation, culture growth, acclimatization, and research, aiming to support international-standard agricultural innovation in the hilly region.

Officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension said the lab will enable rapid production of disease-free and genetically uniform seedlings, reducing costs and risks for farmers. Local farmers expressed optimism that the lab will provide improved seedlings for high-value crops such as bananas, pineapples, strawberries, dragon fruit, and orchids, encouraging youth participation in agriculture. Women farmers also hope to benefit from better access to quality planting materials and new entrepreneurial opportunities.

According to project leaders and agricultural scientists, the facility will serve as a hub for research on hill-adapted crops, mother plant improvement, and climate-resilient farming technologies. With construction nearly 80 percent complete, experts view the lab as a symbol of agricultural modernization and sustainable development in Bangladesh.

Two people, including a woman, were killed and two others injured in separate lightning strikes in Chapainawabganj Sadar and Shibganj upazilas on Friday evening. The incidents occurred during rainfall accompanied by thunder. One victim was struck while collecting mangoes in a garden, and the other while harvesting paddy. The injured were taken to the district hospital for treatment.

The deceased were identified as Manowara Begum, wife of Mainul Islam Bishu of Gidhnipara in Sadar upazila, and Abdul Malek, son of the late Mohbul Islam of Chhalokipara village in Shibganj upazila. According to local administrative officer Tanzimul Islam, Manowara Begum was injured by lightning while collecting mangoes during the storm and died on the way to the hospital. Abdul Malek died in a separate incident while working in a paddy field during the rain.

Authorities confirmed both deaths and said the injured victims are receiving medical care at the district hospital.

At a two-day Sundarbans Summit held in Khulna on May 22, 2026, experts and officials called for unified national and global efforts to protect the Sundarbans. The event, jointly organized by BRAC University’s C3ER, Mission Green Bangladesh, Sajida Foundation, and Swapnopuri Welfare Organization, brought together over 300 young climate activists from seven South and Southeast Asian countries. Speakers emphasized that the Sundarbans safeguard Bangladesh’s coast from climate disasters and absorb carbon emissions, but destructive activities now endanger the forest.

Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju criticized past unplanned development and coal-based power projects near the forest, urging immediate sustainable solutions. District Commissioner Hure Jannat highlighted the need for collaboration among government, NGOs, and youth to combat climate impacts. Climate scientist Dr. Ainun Nishat warned of rising salinity and frequent natural disasters threatening biodiversity, calling for science-based green innovation. Waterkeepers Bangladesh’s Sharif Jamil stressed pollution control and community monitoring.

The summit concluded with the release of the “Sundarbans Green Declaration 2026,” presented by Mission Green Bangladesh Executive Director Ahsan Rony, outlining commitments for forest conservation.

Authorities in Barguna seized around 2.3 million bagda shrimp fry worth approximately one crore taka on Friday, May 22, 2026. The operation took place in the municipal bus terminal area, where two truck drivers were detained. Acting on intelligence from the National Security Intelligence (NSI), the joint drive was conducted by the district administration and the district fisheries office to intercept the illegal transport of shrimp fry from coastal rivers in Patuakhali’s Kalapara area to Khulna.

The confiscated fry were released into the Bishkhali River at the Baraitala ferry ghat area in the presence of the district fisheries officer and an assistant commissioner. District Fisheries Officer Ziauddin Ahmed stated that similar drives had been conducted earlier, including one in Taltali where 79 drums were seized and fines imposed. In the latest operation, 227 drums containing about 2.3 million fry were recovered and released. He added that despite limited manpower, such drives will continue to curb illegal fry collection and transport.

A one-kilometer road construction project in Raiganj, Nageshwari upazila of Kurigram, remains incomplete nearly three years after work began. The project, valued at about one crore taka and scheduled for completion within one and a half years under the rural infrastructure development program, has seen repeated delays. Despite two deadline extensions, around half of the work remains unfinished, while the contractor has reportedly withdrawn 80 percent of the project payment. Locals report severe suffering due to the poor condition of the road.

Field observations revealed the use of substandard materials, including brick debris instead of sand, leaving the road uneven and damaged by rain. Residents allege that the main contractor, Oni Traders, subcontracted the work to local businessmen without proper oversight. The upazila engineer, newly assigned to the area, said he would investigate and take legal action if irregularities are confirmed. The district engineer also promised an inquiry and possible contract cancellation if wrongdoing is found.

Repeated attempts to contact Oni Traders’ owner were unsuccessful, as his phone remained switched off.

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anwar announced that a permanent embankment will be constructed along the Jamuna River in Tangail to prevent erosion. The initiative, estimated to cost around Tk 50 crore, was revealed during a views-exchange meeting held on Friday, May 22, in the Charpauli area on the riverbank.

The minister stated that river erosion along the Jamuna causes significant damage every year, affecting numerous residents. To address this, the government has undertaken a long-term plan to protect erosion-prone areas of Tangail through the construction of a permanent embankment. The project is expected to begin in the upcoming fiscal year.

Speakers at the meeting, including the State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku and Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque, noted that the embankment would help save farmland, homes, and infrastructure from being lost to the river, while also contributing to local economic development.