Islami Andolan Bangladesh has announced its mayoral candidates for the upcoming Dhaka North and South City Corporation elections. Atiqur Rahman Mujahid, central president of Islami Jubo Andolan, has been nominated for Dhaka North, while Sheikh Fazlul Karim Maruf, the party’s central publicity secretary, will contest in Dhaka South. The announcement was made on Monday at the party’s central office in Purana Paltan, Dhaka, by the party’s Amir and Charmonai Pir, Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim.

During the event, the Charmonai Pir called for holding local elections soon and stated that the national election held on February 12 had been questioned and could not be termed transparent. He emphasized the need for transparency in the upcoming local polls and confirmed that Islami Andolan Bangladesh would participate independently. The party’s secretary general, Principal Yunus Ahmad, and other senior leaders were present at the announcement.

The declaration signals the party’s preparation to contest the city polls separately, underscoring its focus on electoral transparency and independent participation.

Nawab Sharif Sajib, a student of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, has appealed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for employment assistance. Sajib was shot during the July uprising and still carries splinters in his body. The injuries have left him with limited physical ability, forcing him to leave his previous job and halting his studies. He now lives in Natore with his pregnant wife and young child, struggling to meet family expenses despite receiving some government allowances.

Before the movement, Sajib worked as a front desk officer at a hospital in Sylhet but had to resign due to his physical condition. He has been listed as a “July fighter” in the government gazette and received some financial support, but rising living costs have made survival difficult. Regular therapy is required for his recovery, which he cannot afford.

Sajib has applied for a job at his university and written to the Prime Minister seeking direct intervention. His only wish now is for stable employment that would allow him to manage his medical treatment and family responsibilities.

National Citizen Party (NCP) South Region chief organizer and Cumilla-4 MP Hasnat Abdullah called for national unity and reform during a rally in Chauddagram Bazaar on Monday. He said that parties whose leaders flee the country have no right to do politics in Bangladesh and vowed that the Awami League would not be allowed to return to power. Abdullah emphasized the need to eliminate unemployment, modernize education, and strengthen the SME sector, urging that these priorities be included in the upcoming national budget.

He criticized the influence of politicians over the police, saying that some officers harass opposition activists for personal gain. Abdullah cited past and current governments’ actions against social media users as examples of political misuse of law enforcement. He demanded a politically neutral police force and a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking, particularly in border areas like Chauddagram.

The event was chaired by Abu Sufian Raihan of Jatiya Jubo Shakti and attended by several NCP and allied leaders, who echoed calls for unity and reform.

In West Bengal, newly appointed Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education Minister Khudiram Tudu warned that any illegally operating madrasas in the state could be demolished with bulldozers if they defy government orders. His remarks came amid a broader campaign of evictions and demolitions following the change of government, which critics allege is targeting Muslim communities. Although Tudu later clarified that his comments were misinterpreted and referred only to investigations into illegal institutions, his statement triggered widespread fear and anger.

Muslim scholars, religious leaders, and community figures strongly condemned the minister’s remarks, asserting that India’s constitution guarantees minorities the right to manage their own educational institutions. They argued that many independent madrasas operate lawfully without government funding. Meanwhile, the minister promised reforms, including new managing committees and teacher recruitment through the School Service Commission, to improve madrasa education.

On Sunday, around 500 residents of Kolkata’s Park Circus area, mostly women, protested against the bulldozer threat and alleged religious targeting. Police and paramilitary forces intervened, leading to clashes and reports of police assault on demonstrators.

Former CIA Director and US Defense Secretary Robert Gates has revealed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began lobbying for an attack on Iran as early as 2009. The disclosure came in an Al Jazeera report published Monday, where Gates recalled his interactions with Netanyahu during that period. Gates said that in July 2009, Netanyahu told him Iran’s regime was fragile and would collapse after a first strike.

Gates rejected Netanyahu’s assessment at the time, arguing that the Israeli leader underestimated Iran’s resilience and capacity to recover. He linked Netanyahu’s stance to Israel’s previous limited-response attacks in the Middle East, including the 1981 strike on Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor and the 2007 attack on a Syrian nuclear facility.

According to Gates, those earlier incidents may have shaped an unrealistic perception within Israel about how Iran might respond to a similar assault.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, head of France’s left-wing party La France Insoumise, has accused Europe of complicity in the escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. In a post on social media platform X, he claimed that the broader regional war triggered by U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran has been made possible through European cooperation or partnership.

Mélenchon alleged that former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s threats to destroy Iran are sustained by Europe’s involvement. He said global peace is now held hostage to what he described as the colonial interests of Trump and Netanyahu. As a declared candidate for France’s 2027 presidential election, Mélenchon urged voters to end France’s alliance with what he called “these criminals” and to break free from “the chains of servitude.”

The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, come amid heightened regional tensions following military actions against Iran and continuing violence in Gaza.

The banned Awami League is reportedly attempting to reorganize and return to political activity despite ongoing restrictions. The party has begun forming new committees at various levels and is focusing on issues such as the measles vaccine controversy and agreements with the United States to influence public opinion. It has also initiated legal actions against Dr. Muhammad Yunus and his former interim government, seeking to discredit them and demand their trial. Political analysts believe these issue-based campaigns could evolve into broader anti-government movements if not contained.

Government authorities have maintained strict surveillance and arrests to prevent the group’s resurgence, while Awami League supporters abroad and some professional groups have called for lifting the political ban. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reportedly communicated online with party members, encouraging organizational revival and hinting at her return to Bangladesh within the year. Several new committees have already been formed, and social media activity has intensified.

Analysts note that despite the ban and public resentment, Awami League retains influence through professional and local networks. However, continued law enforcement pressure and anti-fascist political unity make a full-scale comeback difficult in the near term.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has renewed his call for families to have more children, labeling birth control a 'betrayal' and the country's declining birthrate a 'disaster.' Throughout his 23-year political career, Erdogan has promoted traditional family roles and urged couples to have at least three, preferably four or five, children. He argues that a higher birthrate will make Turkey stronger in the future. However, Turkey’s fertility rate has dropped well below the replacement level of 2.1, reaching a record low of 1.48 in 2024.

Demographers attribute the decline to urbanization, lifestyle changes, and women’s access to higher education, as well as economic hardship caused by inflation and low wages. Despite government incentives such as extended parental leave, cash bonuses, and interest-free marriage loans, many families say the support is insufficient amid rising living costs. Parents interviewed described struggling to afford housing, childcare, and basic needs.

Analysts note that Erdogan’s push reflects both economic and conservative Islamic motivations. Experts doubt the new incentives will reverse the trend, as younger Turks increasingly prioritize education, careers, and smaller families. The government has declared 2025 the “Year of the Family” and launched a decade-long population initiative through 2035.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei shared a video clip from the 2024 biopic “The Apprentice” on social media, mocking US President Donald Trump. The film depicts Trump’s early career, and the selected scene shows his adviser Roy Cohn outlining his ‘rules for winning,’ including always claiming victory and never admitting defeat, as well as being ready to do anything with anyone to succeed.

The post is part of a broader wave of ridicule and criticism directed at the US president from Iranian officials and their supporters online. Through this campaign, they also mocked what they described as Trump’s widely criticized and weak attack plans. Baghaei has previously referenced literary and historical figures in his commentary, including Aimé Césaire and Persian poet Fariduddin Attar, in a column for Al Jazeera criticizing US policy.

The video post underscores Tehran’s continued use of cultural and symbolic references to challenge and satirize US leadership in international discourse.

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran amid stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran. In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump said time is running out and urged Iran to move quickly toward a deal. He cautioned that failure to do so could lead to serious consequences for the country.

The nuclear-related discussions between the United States and Iran have long been deadlocked, raising international concern over the lack of progress. Analysts note that pressure is mounting on both sides to break the diplomatic impasse and revive momentum in the talks.

According to Al Jazeera correspondent Almigdad Alruhaid reporting from Tehran, there has been no clear progress so far, though diplomatic efforts continue and all parties are closely monitoring the situation.

Students of Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) in Gazipur began a blockade on Monday morning, pressing three demands related to recent administrative decisions. The protest started at 8 a.m., leading to a suspension of all campus activities. Their demands include the cancellation of the government’s appointment of Professor Mohammad Iqbal from Shahjalal University as DUET’s new vice-chancellor, the appointment of a vice-chancellor from DUET’s own faculty, and justice for those involved in a recent clash between two groups.

The government had appointed Professor Iqbal as DUET’s vice-chancellor last Thursday, but students immediately rejected the decision. The blockade has so far remained peaceful, with participants declaring they will continue until their demands are met. Additional police have been deployed on campus to maintain order.

The situation remains tense but under control as authorities monitor developments and students maintain their protest stance.

Tension has arisen between BNP and NCP activists in Chattogram over the July graffiti issue. In response, the local administration has imposed a ban on all types of meetings and gatherings from GEC Mor to Dewanhat. The restriction was announced on Monday, May 18, through a public notice stating that it will remain in effect until further instructions.

According to the notice, the order was issued by CMP Commissioner Hasan Md Shawkat Ali under Section 30 of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police Ordinance, 1978. The directive aims to maintain peace, order, and public safety in the affected area. Authorities have warned that legal action will be taken against anyone violating the order.

The announcement follows growing political tension between the two parties, with the administration emphasizing the need to prevent unrest and ensure security in the city.

Israel has implemented a controversial death penalty law targeting Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. According to Israeli daily Haaretz, Central Command chief Avi Bluth signed the order authorizing its enforcement. The law applies to individuals accused of carrying out acts intended to deny the existence of the State of Israel.

The decision has sparked internal objections among Israeli legal and security officials, who argue that West Bank Palestinians are not Israeli citizens, making the law’s application legally and politically problematic. The measure follows a March decision by Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, which passed a bill allowing the death penalty for Palestinians accused of killing Israeli citizens, while excluding Jewish Israelis accused of similar crimes.

The law has drawn criticism from several countries and human rights organizations, which describe it as discriminatory and one-sided. Critics warn that such actions could further escalate tensions in the region and undermine principles of justice.

Long-distance and inter-district bus services from Rajshahi have been suspended nationwide following a dispute over the formation of the local motor workers’ union committee. The suspension began around 8:30 a.m. on Monday when a faction of transport workers abruptly stopped bus operations, leaving passengers bound for Dhaka and other destinations stranded.

According to sources, the Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation announced a new 21-member Rajshahi District Motor Workers Union committee on Sunday, appointing Rafiqul Islam Pakhi as president and Mominul Islam Momin as general secretary. Workers opposing the unelected committee began protests, demanding its cancellation and the formation of a three-month convening committee to organize elections.

The conflict follows an April 23 clash between two groups of transport workers over control of the union office in Rajshahi’s Shiroil area, which led to vandalism of nearby shops. The federation later announced the new committee as part of a compromise. Newly appointed president Rafiqul Islam Pakhi said he was aware of the bus stoppage and was trying to restore normal service.

A discussion meeting on state reform, implementation of the referendum verdict, and the role of expatriates was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event took place on Saturday at Radhuni Bilas Restaurant, organized by the NCP Diaspora Alliance Malaysia Chapter. The session was chaired by Engineer Enamul Haque, convener of the chapter, with central joint member secretary and diaspora cell secretary Alauddin Mohammad as the main discussant.

Speakers at the meeting emphasized the necessity of state reform, proper implementation of the referendum verdict, and active participation of expatriate Bangladeshis in the country’s democratic progress. They highlighted that a united effort from citizens at home and abroad is essential to establish an accountable, democratic, and people-centered governance system.

Alauddin Mohammad noted that expatriates are not only vital to the national economy but can also contribute significantly to state-building and democratic consciousness. Enamul Haque called for unity to fulfill public expectations through the implementation of the referendum verdict and to build an effective state structure.