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.

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.

Saudi Arabia has introduced a 24-hour hotline service to assist Hajj and Umrah pilgrims in 11 languages, according to Gulf News. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that pilgrims can now call 1966 at any time to obtain information, request assistance, or lodge service-related complaints. The initiative aims to ensure that pilgrims receive timely and accurate support during their pilgrimage.

The ministry stated that trained staff will manage calls and complaints through an integrated system supported by advanced call management technology. This setup is designed to provide quick and precise responses to inquiries. Qualified personnel will regularly monitor inquiries and coordinate with relevant agencies to resolve issues efficiently.

The unified contact center operates on a modern technology-based infrastructure that enhances performance, allocates calls according to staff expertise, and ensures effective communication with pilgrims. The ministry emphasized that the system will improve service quality and operational efficiency for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

The Bangladesh Bridge Authority has recommended introducing a cashless, fast, and transparent toll collection system across all bridges under its jurisdiction. The proposals were presented on Thursday at the authority’s conference room under the ‘Human Resource Development and Capacity Building’ project, where three research papers were discussed. The studies focused on implementing a full electronic toll collection (ETC) system at the Padma Bridge, developing emergency communication protocols, and exploring toll payment through mobile banking.

Key recommendations include appointing a dedicated communication officer for each bridge, adding a live traffic tab to the authority’s website, reducing ETC registration steps from five to two, and enabling online registration. The research also suggested establishing a data-sharing system among BRTA, mobile financial services, and the Bridge Authority, as well as ensuring RFID reader accuracy and operator training. Another study proposed integrating mobile banking wallets with the ETC system for real-time balance checks and payments.

Bridge Secretary Abdur Rouf stated that the government is committed to implementing a fully cashless and automated toll system nationwide as part of building a self-reliant Bangladesh. The recommendations will be reviewed and implemented soon.

Jahangirnagar University’s branch of the student organization Chhatra Dal has launched a live bus tracking system to make student transportation easier, safer, and more efficient. The system was inaugurated on Thursday near the Murad Chattar area by Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan. Initially introduced as a pilot project on two university buses, the technology will later be expanded to all buses. Through the app, students can view the real-time location of buses on their mobile phones.

The system also provides notifications about bus arrival times at specific stops and alerts in case of delays. Student leaders said the initiative fulfills a long-standing demand from students for live bus tracking. They emphasized that the project aims to improve time management and ensure a more comfortable and secure commuting experience for students.

Vice-Chancellor Ahsan praised the initiative as a timely, technology-driven effort to reduce transportation difficulties and commended the student group for taking a student-oriented approach.

A roundtable discussion in Dhaka on Wednesday highlighted the growing threat of cybercrime in Bangladesh and called for coordinated efforts between the government and civil society to address it. The event, organized by Citizen Coalition under the theme 'Cyber Security and Future Challenges,' discussed issues such as website hacking, fake information, and the spread of counterfeit cards using mainstream media logos that mislead the public.

Rehan Asif Asad, adviser to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology, said the government is actively working on cyber security to counter online propaganda and information terrorism. He noted that the Cyber Security Act enacted by the current government remains in force, and authorities are cautious to prevent misuse of the law. He also stated that the government has not pressured the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to remove any online content.

The discussion was chaired by photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam, with participation from BTRC Chairman Emdadul Bari, UNESCO Dhaka Office Head Susan Vize, and Swedish Embassy Political Secretary Paul, among others.

Cybercriminals are using a new method called 'SMS pumping attacks' that does not require installing malware, stealing passwords, or hacking accounts. Through this technique, attackers send international SMS messages that generate revenue for them while the costs are charged to unsuspecting users. The process often begins with a single click on a deceptive CAPTCHA-like page.

According to Malwarebytes researcher Pieter Arntz, fake CAPTCHA pages are being used in an ongoing cyber campaign to trick mobile users into unknowingly sending multiple international SMS messages. Attackers lure users through malicious ads or fake telecom websites with minor spelling errors in their domains. Once users click a button, their SMS app opens with prewritten messages and recipient lists.

The attack involves sending messages to dozens of international numbers across 17 countries, including Azerbaijan, Myanmar, and Egypt, where SMS charges are high. This scheme, known as 'international revenue share fraud,' can result in bills of up to 30 dollars for individual users. Experts advise avoiding sending SMS to verify identity, not clicking suspicious links, and recognizing that genuine CAPTCHA pages never open SMS apps.

Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCCPLC) has dismissed recent media reports warning of a potential internet disruption, asserting that the country’s digital infrastructure remains strong and secure. In a statement issued Tuesday, the state-owned company said the report titled “Fear of Internet Disruption; Concerns Grow Over Submarine Cable” contained misleading information. BSCCPLC clarified that its two operational submarine cable systems have a combined capacity of 7,220 Gbps and are functioning reliably.

The company explained that only 1.34 percent of its total bandwidth passes through the Red Sea route, while 98.66 percent flows through Singapore and Chennai, making Bangladesh’s internet largely unaffected by any crisis in the Hormuz Strait. It also rejected claims that the SMW-5 cable is at full capacity or that SMW-4 has expired, noting both remain active and under capacity. A third cable, SMW-6, is under construction and expected to add 30,000 Gbps by year-end.

BSCCPLC urged the public not to be misled by inaccurate reports and emphasized that reliable information should be obtained directly from the company.

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.

The Fire Service and Civil Defence of Bangladesh has launched an e-Fire License system aimed at simplifying public service access. The initiative was inaugurated on Thursday at the EOC building in Mirpur-10 by Director General Brigadier General Muhammad Zahed Kamal. From May 1, all activities related to new fire license issuance, renewal, and reassessment will be conducted online, ending the manual process. Applicants can now complete all steps—from application to license receipt—digitally from home.

During the inauguration, officials emphasized that the manual method of issuing fire licenses has officially ended. The event was attended by senior officials including the Director (Operations and Maintenance) Lieutenant Colonel Md. Mahmudul Hasan, who led the e-Fire License implementation team. Participants joining online, including directors and deputy directors from various divisions, praised the initiative.

Representatives from Perky Rabbit Corporation Limited, the implementing partner, were also present. The Fire Service requested cooperation from all concerned to ensure smooth implementation of the new online system.

The United States Air Force has entered into an agreement to purchase interceptor drones from Powerus, a Florida-based company supported by Donald Trump’s sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. The company’s founder, Brett Velicovich, confirmed the deal, citing a Bloomberg report. The exact number of drones being purchased has not been disclosed.

In a post on social media platform X, Velicovich said the deal is about maintaining US drone dominance amid growing threats from inexpensive drones that challenge costly defense systems. He emphasized that modern warfare has changed, with the economics of conflict shifting dramatically, and claimed that Powerus’s technology aims to restore balance and protect American lives.

The report, sourced from Al Jazeera, highlights the growing role of drone technology in US defense strategy but does not specify financial details or delivery timelines.

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that American consumers lost about 2.1 billion dollars to social media–based scams in 2025. The report identified social media as the leading source of financial losses compared to other fraud channels. Around 30 percent of victims said their scams began on social platforms, with Facebook accounting for the highest losses, followed by WhatsApp and Instagram.

The FTC found that online shopping scams were the most common, with over 40 percent of victims saying they ordered products after seeing social media ads. These included clothing, cosmetics, car parts, and even pets, often from fake or unfamiliar websites. Investment scams caused about 1.1 billion dollars in losses, while romance scams also grew, with 60 percent of those victims reporting initial contact through social media.

The FTC advised users to limit who can view their posts and personal information, avoid investments suggested online acquaintances, and research sellers before making purchases. Analysts warned that as social media use expands, targeted advertising and personal data misuse are increasing fraud risks, making stronger platform security and user awareness essential.

A report from Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth claims that Hezbollah’s new fiber‑optic drones are undermining Israel’s multi‑billion‑dollar defense systems during clashes in the Taybeh area of southern Lebanon. One incident involved a drone approaching an Israeli medical evacuation helicopter, forcing ground troops to shoot it down after electronic defenses failed. The drone exploded only a few meters away.

Unlike conventional drones that rely on radio or satellite signals, these first‑person‑view models are controlled through fiber‑optic cables extending up to 30 kilometers. Experts cited in the report say the drones are resistant to jamming and nearly invisible to radar due to their lightweight fiberglass construction. Military analysts suggest they can bypass Israel’s “Trophy” active protection system designed to intercept incoming missiles and shells.

Some Israeli units have resorted to using nets to trap drones, though this is not considered an effective solution. Analysts link the technology’s development to lessons from recent conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. Despite vulnerabilities in bad weather, the low‑cost drones pose a significant new challenge to high‑tech defense systems.

As lightning incidents increase across Bangladesh, the risk of damage to household electronic devices such as televisions, computers, routers, and refrigerators has also risen. Sudden voltage surges during lightning can severely harm sensitive circuits, even without a direct strike. The report advises that during lightning, all electrical connections should be completely disconnected, not just switched off, to prevent high-voltage currents from reaching devices.

The article highlights that internet and cable connections can also transmit electrical surges, so unplugging routers, LAN, and fiber cables is recommended. Devices being charged, such as mobile phones and laptops, are particularly vulnerable and should not be used or left plugged in during storms. For long-term protection, the use of surge protectors and proper electrical grounding is encouraged to safely divert excess electricity.

Additional safety measures include installing lightning rods and voltage stabilizers in large buildings. After a storm, devices should be powered on gradually, and any irregularities should be checked by a professional before further use.

Fuel loading has begun at the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, officially positioning Bangladesh as the 33rd country to use nuclear energy. The plant, located in Pabna and built with Russian technical assistance, is the country’s most expensive infrastructure project. Construction began in 2017 during the previous Awami League government, following the issuance of a siting license in 2016 by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority. The total project cost is about 12.65 billion US dollars, with Russia financing 90 percent of the amount.

According to Professor Md. Shafiqul Islam of Dhaka University’s Nuclear Engineering Department, electricity generation will start during the pilot operation phase, though full commercial production may take another six months to a year. The Grid Company of Bangladesh’s Managing Director, Abdur Rashid Khan, confirmed that grid capacity and transmission line work for the first unit were completed by May 2025, ensuring readiness to handle 1,100 megawatts of power.

The completion of fuel loading and grid preparation brings Bangladesh closer to producing nuclear-generated electricity for the first time.