AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju said that although political slogans have changed from 'Joy Bangla' to 'Nationalism', the underlying culture of violence and extortion remains unchanged. Speaking as the chief guest at a protest rally organized by AB Party Dhaka South at Bijoy-71 Square in the capital, he alleged that extortion continues silently across the country and that neither expulsions nor arrests are taking place.

Manju claimed that the administration, once under the control of the Awami League, is now dominated by the BNP. He expressed concern that law and order have worsened after the election, contrary to expectations of improvement. He also noted that despite the government being largely inactive after August 5, no major conflict occurred, crediting students for their responsible role. Manju criticized the BNP for reverting to old arrangements despite its 31-point agenda and alleged that corruption, extortion, and terrorism have increased.

He announced plans to publish a white paper on corruption, citing irregularities in markets, police, and the secretariat, and urged the government to take swift action against extortion and ensure fair investigations into attacks inside police stations.

Sarjis Alam, the chief organizer of the NCP’s northern region, has denied recent Indian media reports claiming he traveled to India for his father’s medical treatment. Speaking to Amar Desh on Thursday after the report appeared on an Indian news portal, Alam dismissed the claim as an 'Awami rumor' and said neither he nor any family member had ever visited India for any reason. He criticized the Indian media for publishing the story without verification, calling it a reflection of poor journalistic standards.

Alam emphasized that he and his party are not hostile toward any country, including India, but insisted that relations must be based on equality and respect between states and peoples, not through allegiance to ruling parties. He also condemned anti-Muslim rhetoric by political leaders in West Bengal following the BJP’s victory there, describing such statements as shameful and condemnable.

Alam further stated that normal relations with India are impossible while border killings continue, asserting that bilateral ties must rest on mutual respect and fairness.

The Ministry of Public Administration in Bangladesh has issued a notification declaring a seven-day public holiday for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. According to the circular released by the ministry’s Regulation-4 branch on Thursday, all government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous, and private offices will remain closed from May 25 (Monday) to May 31 (Sunday). Offices will operate normally on May 23 and 24, the two working days preceding the holiday period.

The notification specifies that essential services such as electricity, water, gas, fire service, port operations, sanitation, telephone, and internet will remain outside the holiday scope to ensure continuity of public life. Postal services, medical facilities, hospitals, emergency medical staff, and vehicles carrying medicines and medical supplies will also continue operations. Government offices engaged in urgent tasks will remain open as required.

The circular further states that relevant authorities will issue separate instructions for specific sectors. Bangladesh Bank will decide on banking operations, the Supreme Court will guide judicial activities, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment will provide directions regarding holidays for private industrial establishments.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who led the Labour Party to a major victory in the 2024 general election, is now facing growing scrutiny over his leadership. Despite campaigning on promises of stable governance after years of political turmoil, recent local election setbacks have triggered internal debate within Labour about his popularity and the party’s direction.

Critics argue that Starmer’s approval is declining and that Labour may need new leadership before the next general election. However, some party members warn that frequent leadership changes, similar to those seen in the Conservative Party, could worsen political instability. According to Tony Travers, a political scientist at the London School of Economics, Britain’s governance challenges stem from deeper issues such as the 2008 financial crisis, slow economic growth, and the lingering effects of Brexit.

Between 2016 and 2024, five Conservative prime ministers left office amid political or economic crises. Analysts suggest that this pattern of rapid leadership turnover continues to shape the country’s political and economic landscape, posing a major test for Starmer’s government.

A group of Israeli far-right settlers has launched a movement called “Uritsafon” or “Awake, North Wind,” aiming to establish Jewish settlements in southern Lebanon. The initiative, co-founded in 2024 by biologist and researcher Sloutskin from the Karnei Shomron settlement in the occupied West Bank, envisions expanding Israel’s northern border up to the Litani River, about 30 kilometers inside Lebanon. Sloutskin said the movement has gained support since its founding and seeks to ensure Israel’s security by creating a permanent civilian presence beyond the current border.

The Israeli government has not publicly endorsed the idea of settlements in Lebanon, though it has approved major expansions in the occupied West Bank. The Uritsafon movement claims some lawmakers and ministers privately support their vision. Members have previously attempted to cross into Lebanon to plant trees and set up tents, actions condemned by the Israeli military as illegal and dangerous.

The movement remains confined to Israel’s ultra-nationalist circles, but its leaders believe it could gain mainstream traction ahead of upcoming elections.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “monster” and a “disgrace to humanity.” He made the remarks on Wednesday in a post on social media platform X, accusing Netanyahu of supporting and encouraging the rape of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.

Asif’s comments came in response to Netanyahu’s earlier interview with CBS News, where the Israeli leader alleged that Pakistan had engaged in anti-Israel propaganda to damage relations between the United States and Israel. Netanyahu also claimed that Islamabad had provided shelter to Iranian military aircraft. In his reaction, Asif strongly condemned Netanyahu’s alleged crimes and said humanity should be ashamed.

The exchange highlights escalating tensions between Pakistan and Israel, with both sides trading accusations over human rights and regional alliances.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United Arab Emirates of being directly involved in a military operation against Iran. He made the allegation on Thursday during a BRICS meeting held in New Delhi, according to Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency. The report stated that Araghchi made the remark in response to a statement from the UAE representative at the meeting.

Araghchi explained that, in the interest of unity, he had initially refrained from naming the UAE in his remarks. However, he claimed that the UAE neither condemned the attacks against Iran nor distanced itself from the aggression, asserting that the country was directly complicit in the operation. The report noted that there was no immediate reaction from the UAE regarding the accusation.

The exchange highlights ongoing regional tensions and diplomatic friction between Iran and the UAE, though the source did not provide further details on the alleged operation or its consequences.

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa announced her resignation following criticism of her government’s handling of a Ukrainian drone incident. During a press conference on Thursday, she explained that some Ukrainian drones had strayed into Latvian airspace during attacks on Russia, sparking internal disputes within the coalition government over the official response.

Earlier, Siliņa had dismissed Defense Minister Andris Spruds, who was accused of failing to activate Latvia’s anti-drone system promptly after the May 7 incursion. The dismissal prompted the left-leaning Progressives Party to withdraw its support from the coalition, causing the government to lose its parliamentary majority on Wednesday.

Under Latvia’s constitution, President Edgars Rinkēvičs is now responsible for appointing a new prime minister. He is scheduled to meet with all parliamentary parties on Friday. The country is also preparing for national elections in October.

At a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on member countries to issue a clear and unequivocal condemnation of the United States and Israel over Iran’s ongoing conflict. The appeal was made during the session held on May 14, 2026, according to Reuters.

Araghchi stated that the Global South must break free from what he described as the Western world’s ‘false sense of superiority.’ He further emphasized that BRICS nations should take a stronger stance to balance Western influence in international affairs.

The remarks reflect Iran’s effort to rally support among BRICS members and align developing nations against Western dominance in global politics.

Cumilla-10 (Nangalkot and Lalmai) Member of Parliament Mobashwer Alam Bhuiyan has expressed his intention to engage in cattle trading ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. He made the announcement through a post on his verified Facebook account on the night of May 13, 2026. In the post, he mentioned that his car and housing businesses were not performing well and sought opinions from his followers on whether his new business idea might affect the reputation of his political associates.

The Facebook post quickly drew widespread attention and mixed reactions. Some supporters welcomed the initiative, calling cattle trading a respected and valuable business, while others criticized the move. Commenters emphasized that business is permissible and honorable, wishing the MP success in his new venture.

According to the report, Mobashwer Alam Bhuiyan has previously drawn public attention for various remarks made on social media, indicating his active online presence and engagement with constituents.

Member of Parliament Kamruzzaman Kamrul of Sunamganj-1 conducted a surprise inspection of several government primary schools in Madhyanagar upazila on Thursday morning. Between 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., he visited five schools and found no teachers present at three of them—Abidnagar, Dugnoi, and Kayetkanda Government Primary Schools. He also inspected Madhyanagar and Mashimpur Government Primary Schools to observe teaching activities, student attendance, and the overall environment.

Madhyanagar Upazila Primary Education Officer Delwar Hossain stated that the teachers absent during the MP’s visit have been issued show-cause notices, and departmental action will follow after reviewing their written explanations. Following the inspection, MP Kamrul emphasized the need for teachers in the haor region to be more responsible and ensure timely attendance to maintain quality education. He also instructed the education officer to ensure regular teacher presence in all schools.

The inspection highlights ongoing concerns about teacher attendance in rural primary schools and the government’s efforts to strengthen accountability in the education sector.

During a meeting in Beijing, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed trade issues, but a proposed $14 billion arms deal for Taiwan complicated the talks. The deal, pending for some time, now depends on the outcome of their discussions. It includes counter-drone equipment, an integrated battle command system, and medium-range ammunition.

A significant number of U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Andy Kim, have urged President Trump to move forward with the sale, arguing that the weapons are vital for Taiwan’s self-defense and should not be used as a bargaining tool in trade or diplomatic negotiations with China. The inclusion of the arms deal in the Trump–Xi agenda has raised new concerns about potential policy shifts.

Analysts warn that revisiting the long-standing U.S. policy—established during Ronald Reagan’s presidency—of not consulting Beijing on Taiwan arms sales could mark a major departure in foreign policy. The outcome of Trump’s Beijing visit may influence both U.S.–China relations and the broader regional geopolitical balance.

Trinamool Congress leader and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appeared at the Kolkata High Court on Thursday morning, dressed in a lawyer’s outfit. She arrived around 10 a.m. local time to face questioning in a case related to alleged attacks on Trinamool party offices following the recent state assembly elections.

The Trinamool Congress suffered defeat in the just-concluded assembly election, where Mamata Banerjee lost her Bhabanipur seat to current Chief Minister and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. At present, she holds no legislative position and serves only as the party leader. Against this backdrop, Banerjee personally attended court proceedings concerning the post-election violence allegations.

The case centers on a series of reported assaults on Trinamool offices after the election results, and Banerjee’s court appearance marks a significant development in the ongoing legal process.

A recent column by Minar Rashid in *Amar Desh* highlights three major issues in Bangladesh’s political culture. The writer describes a recent incident at Dhaka University where the Prime Minister was surrounded by students during a visit, calling it a dangerous breach of security despite being an expression of affection. He argues that such emotional crowds can endanger national stability and that security advisers must strictly enforce safety protocols.

The column also critiques a new wave of enthusiasm for Rabindranath Tagore among BNP leaders, calling it excessive and inconsistent with the party’s traditionally balanced approach to culture and religion. The writer contrasts Tagore’s romantic but unsuccessful agricultural ideas with former president Ziaur Rahman’s pragmatic agricultural reforms, urging BNP leaders to follow their founder’s model instead of symbolic cultural gestures.

Finally, the piece discusses the current state of student politics, warning against calls for its total ban. It advocates for reform through strict codes of conduct, zero tolerance for violence, and regular student union elections to restore intellectual and democratic values in campus politics.

The Karnataka government has officially withdrawn the 2022 school uniform directive that had restricted the wearing of religious attire in classrooms. Under the new order issued by the state’s education department, students in government, aided, and private institutions will be allowed to wear limited religious symbols such as hijabs, sacred threads, or rudraksha beads along with prescribed uniforms. The directive emphasizes that uniforms remain mandatory and that religious symbols must not disrupt discipline, safety, or student identification.

The earlier 2022 directive, introduced by the then Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, had effectively banned religious clothing in classrooms, sparking widespread protests, legal challenges, and national debate, particularly over Muslim students being barred from classes for wearing hijabs. Although the Karnataka High Court upheld the ban, the matter later reached the Supreme Court.

The current Congress-led government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had previously indicated plans to review the policy. The formal withdrawal marks a reversal of the earlier stance. BJP legislator Bharath Shetty reacted by saying that if hijabs are permitted, Hindu students should also be allowed to wear saffron scarves.