Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’s Brahmanbaria district branch organized a protest march and rally on Wednesday in response to reported attacks and persecution of Muslims in West Bengal, India. The demonstration began at the municipal open stage in Brahmanbaria town and proceeded through major streets before concluding at Kautoli Square, where a brief rally was held.

Speakers at the rally condemned the alleged violence and religious oppression against Muslims in West Bengal. They urged the Indian government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the safety and security of minority Muslims. The speakers also called on the international community to raise its voice against religious incitement and communal violence and to unite in protest against oppression of the Muslim community.

Local Hefazat leaders including Maulana Sajidur Rahman, Mufti Ali Azam, Mufti Kamal Uddin Kasemi, and Mufti Tanvir Siraji addressed the gathering, which was attended by party members from district and upazila levels.

The Dhaka district administration has demolished illegal structures built by Haji Selim’s Madina Group on government land in the capital’s Lalbagh area. The eviction drive took place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, under the leadership of Dhaka Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Farida Khanom. According to district sources, the group had occupied land listed under Lalbagh Mouza’s No. 1 khas khatian for over two decades. Following a legal process, the High Court’s previous stay order was lifted by the Chamber Judge Court on May 12, paving the way for the eviction.

During the operation, heavy machinery was used to demolish the illegal structures and reclaim the government property. Law enforcement personnel, executive magistrates, and relevant officials were present at the site. Farida Khanom stated that the administration would continue such drives to protect public property and ensure no one occupies government land illegally.

Local residents welcomed the initiative, describing it as bold and timely. They expressed relief that the long-occupied government land was finally recovered and hoped continued enforcement would reduce illegal land grabbing.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Parliamentary Party Secretary and Satkania-Lohagara MP Shahjahan Chowdhury declared that the era of embezzlement under the guise of development is over. He made the statement on Wednesday morning while inaugurating the development work of the Mojider Para road in Lohagara upazila, built at a cost of about Tk 12.1 million. He said public tax money will no longer go into corrupt pockets and that genuine development will now take place to improve people's lives.

The MP noted that although he was elected only three months ago, extensive development activities have already begun in Satkania and Lohagara. Projects have been initiated to improve neglected roads, education, and communication systems. He emphasized that development should not remain on paper but benefit ordinary citizens, pledging to bring modern facilities to every village in his constituency.

Shahjahan Chowdhury further warned that irregularities, substandard work, and commission trading in development projects will no longer be tolerated. Local residents expressed satisfaction with the rapid completion of the new road and welcomed the ongoing development initiatives.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP), claimed that Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani’s historic party symbol, the ‘paddy sheaf,’ has been stolen. He made the remark on Wednesday at a seminar held at the NCP’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka, titled ‘Farmers’ distress amid government conditions and untimely heavy rain: crisis and solutions,’ organized by the party’s agriculture cell. Patwari said Bhasani had chosen the symbol to represent Bangladesh’s agrarian roots, but now the emblem and its spirit have been lost.

Expressing concern over the agricultural situation, Patwari alleged that the rice market is now controlled by business syndicates rather than farmers, with profits shifting from rural producers to urban traders. He also criticized government projects such as smart cards and farmer cards, saying the NCP would respond with its own ‘red card’ if these initiatives fail. Other speakers, including agricultural economist Dr. Jahangir Alam and NCP leaders Golam Mortuza Selim, Dr. Atik Mujahid, and Sarowar Tushar, discussed production losses from floods and irrigation shortages, syndicate control in rice procurement, and the government’s lack of early weather warnings.

Speakers warned that disruptions in rice production could threaten food security, economic stability, and national sovereignty if not addressed promptly.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has directed officials to adopt welfare-oriented and sustainable projects. The instruction came on Tuesday during a review meeting at the Secretariat on the implementation progress of Annual Development Programme (ADP) projects for the 2025–26 fiscal year under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED). The information was shared through the BNP Media Cell’s Facebook page.

The meeting discussed project implementation progress, quality of work, expenditure management, and timely completion. Emphasizing faster execution, the minister said that development projects must be completed within the stipulated time to meet public expectations. He also stressed proper and transparent management of public funds to ensure that projects directly benefit ordinary citizens.

The meeting was chaired by Local Government Division Secretary Md. Shahidul Hasan and attended by senior ministry officials, LGED Chief Engineer Belal Hossain, and project directors both in person and virtually.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman has directed officials to take effective measures to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure essential services for them. He emphasized the importance of inclusive infrastructure, education, and healthcare facilities to build an inclusive society. The directives were issued during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday, which focused on identifying actions to safeguard disability rights and improve services.

During the meeting, ministers highlighted challenges faced by persons with disabilities, including limited access and inadequate facilities. The Prime Minister instructed that all public and private buildings, including hospitals and restaurants, must ensure accessibility features such as suitable toilets and doorways for wheelchair users. He also ordered that planned electric buses for women include facilities for persons with disabilities and called on the Information Ministry to promote awareness programs and inclusive media content.

The meeting decided to launch the “Shishu Swarg” project in 10 upazilas across 10 districts to provide health and rehabilitation services for children with special needs. The Prime Minister also directed authorities to review the operations of disability schools and include special-needs children in the “Notun Kuri Sports” competition.

Bashir Ahmed, a teacher at Khulna Agricultural University’s Fish Health Management Department, is being promoted from lecturer to assistant professor. He previously gained attention for calling Tarique Rahman the godfather of terrorism and demanding his trial and execution. Bashir received a letter on Thursday, May 14, inviting him to participate in an evaluation organized by the university’s selection committee.

Campus sources reported anger among teachers, students, and staff following news of the promotion. Critics claim Bashir was initially appointed under the Chhatra League quota and that his recruitment and departmental transfer violated university policy. They allege he joined a non-technical department despite holding a master’s degree in a technical subject, later transferring to his current department with administrative help to legitimize the appointment.

Acting registrar Rezaul Islam said his role was limited to administrative duties and that the selection committee is responsible for assessing candidate qualifications. Attempts to contact Bashir Ahmed for comment were unsuccessful.

A deadly clash broke out on Tuesday afternoon in Alinagar village of Dirai upazila, Sunamganj, between supporters of BNP leader Shahdeep Member and Jubo League leader Abdul Muhit. The confrontation, reportedly triggered by longstanding political rivalry and dominance disputes, left one person dead and at least 35 others injured. The deceased, identified as 27-year-old Ratan Mia, was a supporter of Shahdeep. Police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.

According to local sources, Shahdeep, who serves as the general secretary of the Bhattipara Union BNP and a union parishad member, had been in conflict with Abdul Muhit, the general secretary of the Alinagar Ward No. 2 Jubo League, over political influence. The tension escalated after an earlier incident a week ago. The clash erupted when Muhit and his associates allegedly assaulted Shahdeep on his way from Bhattipara Bazar to Alinagar, prompting retaliation from Shahdeep’s supporters.

Several of the injured were taken to Dirai Upazila Health Complex, while six critically wounded individuals were transferred to Sylhet Osmani Hospital. Police reported that the area is now calm and said action will be taken upon receiving complaints.

Former Gana Odhikar Parishad general secretary and current BNP leader Muhammad Rashed Khan made sharp comments about National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Nasiruddin Patwari on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. In a social media post, Rashed Khan criticized Patwari for previously attacking Jamaat-e-Islami and now aligning with the same group while criticizing the BNP.

In his post, Rashed Khan alleged that Patwari had once called Jamaat-e-Islami hypocritical, accused it of exploiting religion, and claimed its political ideology opposed Bangladesh’s independence and national spirit. He questioned how Patwari could now cooperate with Jamaat after such statements. Rashed Khan further mocked Patwari, suggesting that his behavior required a drug test and medical attention.

The post also mentioned that Patwari now identifies as Jamaat-leaning and claims to have been associated with Islami Chhatra Shibir, which Rashed Khan disputed, saying he had seen Patwari involved with leftist politics on campus.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan stated that the government remains fully committed to implementing the July Charter as declared by the Prime Minister. He said a certain group is spreading confusion about the charter despite the government’s clear stance. The minister made these remarks on Tuesday while visiting July uprising fighters receiving treatment in Thailand, accompanied by Bangladesh’s ambassador there.

Khan said the ministry is monitoring the treatment of injured July fighters in Thailand through the Bangladesh Embassy and covering all medical and related expenses. Similar support is being provided to those under treatment in Russia, Singapore, and Turkey. He added that the ministry has established the Directorate of July Uprising to preserve the ideals and history of the movement and ensure the welfare of fighters and martyrs’ families.

According to the minister, 14,369 July fighters and 844 martyrs are registered under the MIS system. Families of martyrs receive savings certificates worth 3 million taka and monthly allowances, while injured fighters receive varying financial support based on injury severity. Rehabilitation efforts include training and employment initiatives for 1,937 applicants through the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan stated that the government is fully committed to implementing the July Charter as declared by the Prime Minister. He made the remarks on Tuesday while visiting July uprising fighters undergoing treatment in Thailand. The minister was accompanied by Bangladesh’s ambassador to Thailand and inquired about the progress of the injured fighters’ treatment, wishing them a speedy recovery.

According to the minister, the Liberation War Affairs Ministry is monitoring the treatment of injured July fighters in Thailand through the Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok and covering all related expenses. Similar support is being provided to those receiving treatment in Russia, Singapore, and Turkey. He said the ministry has established the Directorate of July Uprising to preserve the ideals and history of the movement and to ensure the welfare of July fighters and families of martyrs. The directorate is verifying and listing genuine fighters and martyrs, with 14,369 fighters and 844 martyrs currently registered.

The minister added that families of July martyrs receive a one-time savings certificate of 3 million taka and a monthly honorarium of 20,000 taka, while injured fighters receive varying benefits based on injury type. Rehabilitation efforts are ongoing through training and employment programs for eligible applicants.

The West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launched a demolition drive in Kolkata’s Tiljala area on Wednesday, following a deadly fire at an illegal leather factory in Topsia the previous day. Acting on Adhikari’s directive, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and KMDA jointly began demolishing unauthorized buildings, citing the state’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy against corruption. A large police, RAF, and central force presence was deployed to maintain order during the operation.

The fire at the four-storey building in Topsia had claimed two lives and injured five others. Investigations revealed that the building lacked a valid plan and basic fire safety measures. The chief minister’s office received the report on Wednesday morning and ordered the demolition within 24 hours. Two individuals, including the factory owner, were arrested in connection with the incident.

Adhikari warned that any building without a valid plan would face disconnection of electricity and water supply. The Tiljala operation is being viewed as a strong warning to illegal builders across the city.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman visited the grave of martyr Osman Hadi after attending the wedding ceremony of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem. The visit took place following the ceremony held at the Dhaka University Central Jame Mosque. Party leaders and activists, including Member of Parliament Nurul Islam Bulbul, accompanied him during the visit. After paying respects, special prayers and supplications were offered for the departed soul.

Earlier, the wedding ceremony of Sadiq Kayem was attended by various political and social figures, marking a gathering of diverse participants at the university mosque. The event and subsequent grave visit reflected the presence of senior Jamaat leaders in social and commemorative activities.

The report did not specify further details about the duration of the visit or any additional remarks made by the participants.

In the U.S. state of Georgia, the mayor of the small town of Cohutta has dismissed the entire police department following social media criticism of his wife. Mayor Ron Shinic reportedly terminated all ten police employees after online posts targeted his wife, Pam Shinic. A notice posted at the mayor’s office announced that the police department had been dissolved and advised residents to rely on the county sheriff’s office for law enforcement matters.

The dispute began last month when Pam Shinic, a former employee of the mayor’s office, was accused by several officials of continuing to work despite being dismissed and of having access to confidential information. She had been fired the previous year for allegedly failing to maintain proper office conduct, which led to local gossip in the town of fewer than one thousand residents. Tensions escalated after police officers criticized her on social media.

Following the dismissals, the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office is set to assume policing duties for Cohutta, as the mayor faces growing criticism for his decision.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday posted a graphic on his Truth Social platform showing Venezuela’s map with an American flag and labeling it as the “51st state.” The post, described as provocative, was made while Trump was en route to China for a high-level summit, according to AFP.

A day earlier, Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez said her country had “never” considered becoming the 51st U.S. state, even after former leader Nicolás Maduro was detained by U.S. forces in January. Rodríguez emphasized that Venezuela would not accept U.S. intervention or dominance. Trump had told Fox News on Monday that he was considering turning Venezuela into a new U.S. state and claimed to have established “control” over the oil-rich nation for several months.

Since taking office, Rodríguez has sought to normalize relations with Washington, reopening Venezuela’s mining and oil sectors to foreign investment, particularly from U.S. companies. The country’s opposition has called for elections, but Rodríguez said on May 1 that the timing remains uncertain.