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.

U.S. President Donald Trump returned from his China visit without achieving a breakthrough on the Iran issue, despite intensified diplomatic efforts. Speaking to reporters on his way back to Washington, Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping supported reopening the Strait of Hormuz and preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, positions Beijing had previously expressed. Trump later wrote on his social media platform that U.S. military operations against Iran would continue.

According to U.S. administrative sources, the White House had planned to shape its next Iran strategy based on the outcome of the Trump–Xi meeting. With little progress, Trump now faces a decision on whether to launch new military strikes to halt the conflict. Internal divisions have emerged: some Pentagon officials favor targeted attacks to pressure Tehran, while others advocate continued diplomacy. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance claimed some negotiation progress, citing ongoing contacts with Trump’s envoys and Arab allies.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has driven up global oil prices, pushing U.S. gasoline above $4.50 per gallon and fueling inflation. Analysts warn that rising economic strain and the prolonged conflict could hurt Trump’s popularity ahead of the midterm elections.

Nasiruddin Patwari, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), posted a selfie on Facebook with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday afternoon. In his post, Patwari captioned the photo with the words 'deal done', drawing attention to the meeting between the two political figures.

On the same day, Jamaat-e-Islami held a divisional rally in Rajshahi as part of an eleven-party alliance led by the group. During the event, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman criticized the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), saying that the party’s name once stood for nationalism but has now become associated with extortion. He urged people to build social unity against corruption and extortion and to hand over offenders to the police.

The developments highlight ongoing political activity and alliances among opposition groups ahead of future political movements in Bangladesh.

Rashed Pradhan, vice president and spokesperson of the National Democratic Party (JAGPA), declared that Bangladesh’s political decisions will be made on the streets of Dhaka, not in Delhi. He made the remarks on Saturday, May 16, at an event marking the 50th anniversary of Farakka Day, organized by Jubo JAGPA at the Shafiul Alam Pradhan Auditorium in Paltan. Pradhan invoked the teachings of Maulana Bhasani, emphasizing resistance against dominance and defending national sovereignty.

During his speech, Pradhan described the Farakka Barrage as an assault on Bangladesh’s sovereignty, linking it to ongoing issues such as border killings, illegal push-ins, cultural aggression, and interference in domestic politics. He urged the Indian government to understand that friendship cannot be built through barbed wire fences and called for an end to Indian dominance in the region.

Pradhan further criticized what he described as India’s aggression and the rise of extremist Hindutva, warning that peace cannot be achieved through oppression of minorities or interference in neighboring states. Several JAGPA leaders and youth representatives also addressed the discussion meeting.

Opposition leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman criticized the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), saying its name once stood for nationalism but now represents extortion. He made the remarks on Saturday in Rajshahi while addressing a divisional rally organized by the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat. The event was chaired by Rafiqul Islam Khan and attended by leaders and activists from various political groups, including the NCP.

During his speech, Dr. Rahman thanked the government for inaugurating the Padma Barrage and urged authorities to implement the Teesta Master Plan without fear or hesitation. He called for building social unity against corruption and extortion, urging citizens to hand over wrongdoers to the police. He reiterated that Jamaat must take the lead in combating these issues.

Dr. Rahman arrived in Rajshahi around 8 a.m. to attend the rally as the chief guest, where he emphasized moral and social responsibility in political conduct.

Sarowar Tushar, joint convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and deputy head of its Reform Implementation Committee, has demanded the arrest of those involved in the recent attack at Shah Ali shrine in Mirpur, Dhaka. Speaking to reporters after visiting the site on Saturday, he criticized the use of the term “mob” to obscure the attackers’ political identities and warned that the government cannot evade responsibility by shifting blame.

Tushar called for the formation of an independent commission to investigate shrine attacks over the past two years, alleging that perpetrators with clear political affiliations, including ruling party figures in the Kushtia’s Philipnagar incident, have faced no action. The NCP delegation met victims, heard their accounts, and urged Shah Ali police to bring the attackers to justice.

Earlier, NCP Dhaka North issued a statement condemning the May 14 violence near Shah Ali shrine, describing it as a threat to social harmony and public safety. The party urged all citizens to remain calm and called on both government and people to act responsibly to preserve communal harmony in Bangladesh.

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi issued a strong warning to Pakistan, saying the country must decide whether it will remain on the world map or disappear into history if it continues to shelter terrorists and engage in hostile acts against India. He made the remarks on Saturday, May 16, at an event held at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.

Speaking during an interactive session titled 'Sena Samvad', organized under the platform 'Uniform Unveiled', General Dwivedi reiterated India’s long-standing firm stance against terrorism. His brief but sharp statement has reportedly heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The comments came just days after India’s government and armed forces celebrated the first anniversary of 'Operation Sindhur' with great ceremony.

When asked how the Indian Army would respond if a situation similar to 'Operation Sindhur' arose again, the Army Chief recalled his earlier remarks, emphasizing that Pakistan’s actions would determine its own fate.