Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman addressed an eleven-party divisional rally at Rajshahi Madrasa ground on Saturday, May 16, 2026. He accused the ruling party of deceiving the nation and warned that ignoring the referendum result would be an insult to the people’s mandate. Rahman said no one in history has escaped punishment for standing against the people and urged the government to return to honesty and fulfill its electoral promises.

He criticized the government for appointing administrators in 42 districts despite pledging to eliminate unelected representatives, and for failing to ensure judicial independence. Rahman also condemned corruption, extortion, and political favoritism in public institutions, calling these acts betrayals of the nation. He demanded implementation of the Padma Barrage and Teesta Master Plan to address water crises and urged the government to uphold human rights and national unity.

Rahman declared that Jamaat would continue its struggle both in parliament and on the streets if the government failed to implement 16 key ordinances necessary for good governance, emphasizing that the referendum’s verdict must be realized to prevent authoritarian rule.

Leaders of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis have warned that delaying local government elections could erode public confidence in the government. They made the remarks at a meeting of the party’s Local Government Election Steering Committee held on Saturday at the central office in Purana Paltan, Dhaka. The leaders said that allegations of irregularities and manipulation in the recent national parliamentary election had already damaged public trust in the Election Commission.

According to the speakers, citizens had expected the new government to promptly organize local government elections to ensure direct public participation. Instead, the appointment of party-affiliated administrators in various city corporations and district councils has raised new concerns among the public. The leaders argued that local government institutions should be run through direct public involvement, not by political appointees.

The meeting demanded the immediate cancellation of all party-based administrator appointments and called for phased elections to city corporations, upazila councils, municipalities, district councils, and union councils.

Water Resources Minister Md. Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie stated that the government is committed to improving the lives of marginalized people. Speaking on Saturday at the Family Card distribution event at Kushakhali Annie Chowdhury High School in the newly formed Chandraganj upazila of Lakshmipur, he said the initiative aligns with the government’s election manifesto. The Family Card aims to empower women and ensure nutritional support for families. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the nationwide Family Card distribution virtually from Chandpur Government College field.

The minister added that the government is working for public welfare and has already distributed Family Cards and Agriculture Cards as pilot programs. He thanked the Prime Minister for upgrading Chandraganj to upazila status within three months and noted the revival of the late President Ziaur Rahman’s canal excavation program to boost agricultural productivity. During the event, 1,250 residents of Ward 5 in Kushakhali Union received Family Cards.

The ceremony was chaired by District Commissioner S.M. Mehedi Hasan and attended by local MPs, officials, and beneficiaries.

Daksu Vice President Sadik Qayem has alleged that former mayors and councillors of Dhaka City Corporation never took any effective plan to protect public health. He made the remarks on Saturday at the inauguration of a free medical camp organized by Ramna Samaj Kalyan Society at a playground on New Eskaton Mosque Road in the capital.

Qayem said that ensuring citizens’ basic rights is the responsibility of the state, but even after 55 years of independence, necessary measures for public healthcare have not been implemented. He compared the situation to developed and neighboring countries where citizens’ health protection is prioritized. He blamed repeated corrupt leadership choices for the lack of progress and urged residents to elect honest, qualified, and proactive leaders in the future.

The event was presided over by the society’s chairman Abdus Sattar Sumon and attended by several local leaders and doctors. Around 350 people received free medical services and medicines from specialists in medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, gynecology, and ophthalmology.

National Citizen Party (NCP) chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari criticized the government for failing to fulfill the dreams of those who sacrificed in the anti-quota discrimination movement. Speaking on Saturday at a joining ceremony of citizens and political leaders in Rajshahi District Council auditorium, he said the government is focused on issuing various cards instead of ensuring real development. Patwari warned that if people do not benefit from these cards, the NCP will introduce a 'red card' in protest.

He emphasized that citizens cannot be satisfied merely through card-based schemes and called for guaranteeing basic rights and development. Patwari accused the government of failing to meet public expectations. On foreign relations, he questioned continued border killings and rejected what he termed a submissive foreign policy toward India. He also raised concerns about water shortages in Rajshahi’s rivers and urged no compromise on water-sharing issues, even announcing a possible long march toward India.

Patwari reiterated that the NCP stands for people’s rights and not for exploitation or extortion, highlighting the party’s commitment to citizen-focused politics.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman attended a large public gathering in Shahrasti, Chandpur, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, after inspecting a canal re-excavation project. During the event, he invited a local farmer named Saiful Islam Liton to sit beside him and listened attentively to his personal experiences. The farmer expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to speak directly with the head of government.

The rally created a festive atmosphere across the district, drawing crowds from distant areas eager to see the Prime Minister. In his address, Rahman emphasized strengthening food security and modernizing the agricultural sector, noting that Bangladesh had achieved self-sufficiency in food but aimed to become a surplus-producing nation. He also announced that the government would cover all educational expenses for female students up to the undergraduate level to promote women’s higher education.

The announcement sparked widespread enthusiasm among attendees, particularly female students, who expressed appreciation through applause and cheers.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the people will resist any conspiracy to obstruct the government’s efforts to fulfill its electoral commitments. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon at a public gathering in Kumaraduli village of Chandpur Sadar upazila after inaugurating the re-excavation of the 'Bishwa Khal'. Rahman emphasized that as long as the people support the BNP government, it will continue working for the welfare of the nation.

He noted that the government has begun implementing its election manifesto, including initiatives such as canal re-excavation, distribution of family and farmer cards, honorarium for imams and muezzins, and tree plantation drives. The Prime Minister criticized a small group spreading confusion and opposing these programs. He said the public’s awareness during the February 12 election ensured BNP’s victory, and the government is now focused on realizing its pledges.

Rahman urged citizens to remain alert so that no one can hinder development programs, including employment initiatives. He called for unity in rebuilding the nation and transforming Bangladesh into the country envisioned by its freedom fighters.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Dr. A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad stated that the party will play an active role both in parliament and on the streets to implement the referendum verdict and fulfill the people's demands. He warned that if the government ignores public demands and the July Charter, a strong movement will be launched with mass participation to compel the government to comply. He made these remarks on Saturday while addressing a two-day educational camp in the Faridpur region.

Dr. Azad added that Jamaat-e-Islami will cooperate with the government in welfare-oriented and positive initiatives but will continue to protest against injustice, corruption, misrule, and anti-people activities both inside and outside parliament. He emphasized that implementing the referendum verdict has become increasingly popular among citizens and is essential for meeting public expectations and protecting national interests.

The two-day camp included participants from five districts of the Faridpur region, focusing on organizational skills, ideological training, responsibility, and current national issues. Leaders at the closing session expressed hope that the camp would enhance manpower quality and strengthen organizational activities.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Colonel (Retd.) Dr. Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram said that Bangladesh’s economy is in poor condition and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will not be able to move forward without China’s assistance. He made the remarks on Saturday at a divisional rally of the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami in Rajshahi.

During his speech, Oli Ahmed alleged that India has taken new plans to destabilize Bangladesh and urged vigilance regarding possible external influence. He also emphasized that as followers of the Quran and Sunnah, people of all religions remain safe in the country, describing Islam as a complete way of life.

At the same event, Jamaat Ameer thanked the government for inaugurating the Padma Barrage and called for the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan without fear of external pressure. Jamaat leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman urged social unity against corruption and extortion, accusing the BNP of becoming a party dominated by extortionists.

The government of Bangladesh has declared a continuous seven-day holiday from May 25 to May 31, 2026, for Eid-ul-Azha across all government, semi-government, and autonomous institutions. However, employees engaged in essential services will not be included in this extended leave. Offices will remain open on May 24, even though May 23 is a weekly holiday.

According to the official circular, staff responsible for electricity, water, gas, and other energy supplies must continue their duties during the holiday period. Fire service, port operations, sanitation, postal, telephone, and internet service employees are also excluded from the leave. Hospitals and emergency health facilities will remain open, requiring doctors, nurses, and other medical staff to work as usual. Transport workers involved in medicine and medical equipment delivery will also continue their duties.

The Ministry of Public Administration stated that Bangladesh Bank will issue separate instructions to keep banking operations functional, while the Supreme Court will provide guidance regarding court activities. The Ministry of Labour and Employment will issue necessary directions for private industries and factories under the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006.

Sarjis Alam, chief organizer (northern region) of the National Citizens Party (NCP), declared that while his party made concessions in the national elections, it will not do so in the upcoming local polls. He made the statement on Saturday afternoon at the divisional rally of the '11-Party Alliance' held at the historic Madrasa Maidan in Rajshahi. The rally was organized to demand implementation of the referendum verdict, reduction of public suffering, and a fair share of the Padma River’s water.

During his speech, Alam accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of failing to meet public expectations after coming to power. He said people voted for BNP because of their trust in Ziaur Rahman’s symbol and Khaleda Zia’s leadership. He further warned that any manipulation or coercion in local elections would not be tolerated and expressed concern over border killings, extortion, and political influence.

The remarks underscore growing political tension ahead of local elections, with NCP signaling a tougher stance on electoral integrity and governance issues.

At least ten people were injured in a clash between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Raipur upazila of Lakshmipur on Saturday morning. The incident occurred at Saju Molla’s fish market area in Uttar Charbanshi Union, reportedly over control of the market. Among the injured, Rabbi, Farhad, Suman, and Delwar were said to be in serious condition. Police Inspector (Investigation) Abdul Mannan visited the scene following the incident.

Local BNP leader Shafi Uddin alleged that rival leaders Faruk Sardar, Jubo Dal leader Abul Kalam Bali, and Tarek Sardar led over a hundred outsiders in an attack to seize the fish market, injuring several of his supporters. However, Faruk Sardar denied the allegation, claiming he had long been a co-owner of the market and that the opposing group fought among themselves. Abul Kalam Bali also denied involvement, saying he had tried to stop the fight.

Police stated that legal action would be taken if formal complaints were filed. A similar violent clash between BNP groups in the same area in April 2025 had left two party activists dead.

Spain has announced its withdrawal from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said in a video message on Friday that Spain cannot remain silent in the face of what he described as genocide in Gaza and an illegal war in Lebanon. He emphasized that the decision reflects Spain’s commitment to human rights and international law.

Sánchez described the move by Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE to skip the contest as consistent and necessary, stating that it was taken to stand against injustice. He argued that the same principle used to exclude Russia after the Ukraine war should apply to Israel, insisting there should be no double standards. According to Sánchez, Eurovision symbolizes peace, unity, and Europe’s diversity, but silence in the face of war and atrocities is not an option.

He added that several other countries, including Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, have taken similar positions. The 2026 Eurovision contest began on May 12, with the grand final scheduled for Saturday.

More than a hundred citizens and leaders from various political organizations joined the National Citizens Party (NCP) in Rajshahi. The formal joining took place on Saturday at the Rajshahi District Council auditorium, where central and local NCP leaders welcomed the new members with flowers.

Participants included leaders and activists from BNP, Gano Adhikar Parishad, Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, and Chhatra Adhikar Parishad. The event was conducted by city NCP member secretary Atikur Rahman, with divisional organizational secretary Imran Imon attending as chief guest. Several central leaders, including Gazi Salahuddin Tanvir, S M Saif Mostafiz, Monira Sharmin, and Sarjis Alam, also addressed the gathering.

Speakers said that growing interest among youth and conscious citizens in NCP reflects a demand for a new political approach focused on citizens’ rights, good governance, and accountability. They urged the new members to work together for positive change in the country’s political culture and emphasized the importance of youth participation in shaping future leadership.

BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 MP Mirza Abbas is undergoing medical treatment in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. After a long period of care and observation, his health condition has improved, and his wife Afroza Abbas said he may return to Bangladesh in the first week of June. On Saturday, May 17 local time, expatriate journalists visited him at Prince Court Medical Centre, where doctors confirmed that he is recovering steadily under close supervision.

According to Afroza Abbas, Mirza Abbas is receiving rehabilitation therapy and adequate rest as advised by doctors. His medical team is closely monitoring every stage of his recovery and has expressed satisfaction with his progress. He is also taking short wheelchair walks daily within the hospital premises. Many Bangladeshi expatriates, including party leaders and well-wishers, have been visiting him at the hospital and exchanging brief conversations.

The visit was attended by leaders of BNP’s affiliated organizations in Malaysia, including the presidents and secretaries of the Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and JASAS Malaysia branches, along with expatriate journalists.