Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’s Amir Allama Shah Muhibullah Babunagari has warned that India’s territorial integrity could be at risk if violence against Muslims in West Bengal is not stopped immediately. Speaking at a meeting in Hathazari, Chattogram, on May 11, 2026, he described the post-election attacks on Muslims as contrary to democratic values. The event was chaired by Mufti Mohammad Ali Kasemi, with Maulana Emran Sikder and Maulana Kamrul Islam jointly conducting the session.

Babunagari cited media and local reports alleging that extremist supporters of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were involved in the violence. He condemned attacks based on religious identity as unacceptable in any civilized, democratic, and pluralistic society. He also blamed BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s provocative remarks for inciting anti-Muslim sentiment and indirectly encouraging the attackers.

The Hefazat chief urged the Bangladesh government to formally condemn the incidents and take diplomatic steps to ensure the safety of India’s Muslim minority. He announced a protest rally and demonstration in Chattogram city next Friday to denounce the killings.

National Chhatra Shakti organized a human chain at Dhaka University on Monday, May 11, 2026, protesting child deaths from measles, mismanagement in vaccination, and killings of Bangladeshis along the border. The demonstration took place near the Raju Memorial Sculpture at the TSC area, where participants carried placards and chanted slogans demanding government accountability for health sector failures and border violence.

Speakers, including Dhaka University unit president Tahmid Al Muddassir Chowdhury, criticized the government for failing to meet public expectations four months into its term. They alleged mismanagement in vaccine distribution, shortages of medical supplies, and a weak stance on border tensions with India. Chowdhury called for an independent commission to investigate the measles outbreak and urged the declaration of a health emergency.

Other student leaders echoed concerns over foreign policy, accusing the government of following a submissive approach. They demanded urgent reforms in the health sector, effective measures to stop border killings, and national unity to protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh organized a protest rally and gathering in Hathazari, Chattogram, on Monday afternoon condemning alleged attacks on Muslims in India’s West Bengal and Assam. The group’s Amir, Allama Shah Muhibullah Babunagari, claimed that minority voters were excluded from the West Bengal election list, calling the process rigged. He described the subsequent violence against Muslims as violations of human rights and democratic values, warning that India’s unity could be at risk if such persecution continues.

During the event, Babunagari alleged that extremist supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were involved in the violence, citing media and local sources. He criticized BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s remarks after the election, saying they incited anti-Muslim sentiment. Hefazat leaders urged the Bangladesh government to officially condemn the incidents and take diplomatic steps to ensure the safety of India’s Muslim minorities.

The organization announced a protest rally and meeting in Chattogram city next Friday to continue voicing opposition to the reported killings and communal attacks.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) national workshop at Dhaka University on Tuesday morning. The daylong event, held at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building, focuses on the development and sustainable transformation of Bangladesh’s higher education system. This marks Rahman’s first official program at Dhaka University since assuming office as prime minister.

According to UGC’s Public Relations and Publications Director Mohammad Jaminur Rahman, Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon and the Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Mahdi Amin were present as special guests, while UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed presided over the session.

To welcome the prime minister’s arrival on campus, leaders and activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal planted 85 medicinal trees along the route from Banglamotor to Shahbagh intersection. The event was attended by Dr. Touhidur Rahman Auwal, vice president of the central committee of the student organization.

Former Thai Prime Minister and influential businessman Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole on Monday morning from Bangkok’s Klong Prem Prison, where hundreds of supporters greeted him with chants of affection. The 76-year-old leader had returned to Thailand in 2023 after nearly fifteen years in exile and was convicted of abuse of power and conflict of interest charges. Following a period of hospitalization due to illness, he served several months in prison under court order.

Thaksin appeared energetic upon release, dressed in white and welcomed by his daughter and political heir, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. His release came months after Paetongtarn lost the premiership following a court ruling. Thaksin joked that his long absence from public life felt like a long sleep, expressing relief at his freedom.

Analysts believe his release could reinvigorate the Pheu Thai Party, which underperformed in the last election. However, observers caution that Thaksin must act carefully if he chooses to influence politics from behind the scenes. He will remain under electronic monitoring until September.

Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir stated that Bangladeshis are not afraid of border fences, responding to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s announcement to hand over land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for fencing along the India-Bangladesh border. Adhikari made the decision during his first cabinet meeting on Monday, directing that the land transfer process be completed within 45 days.

Kabir made his remarks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka, saying that if necessary, Bangladesh would discuss the issue at the appropriate level. He emphasized that Bangladesh seeks humane approaches in border security and criticized past incidents of violence along the frontier. Kabir added that Bangladesh is no longer the country that would remain silent if such actions were repeated.

The India-Bangladesh border stretches 2,216 kilometers, of which 563 kilometers in West Bengal remain unfenced. Kabir expressed hope that India would not pursue a confrontational approach in managing the border.

The Police Headquarters has withdrawn Mohammad Mahbub Alam Khan, who had been appointed as the new Superintendent of Police (SP) of Feni, before he could assume his duties. According to the headquarters, the order signed by Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir was issued on Saturday, requiring Khan to report to the Police Headquarters by May 10.

Sources said that after his posting as Feni SP, widespread criticism and detailed reports about his past activities surfaced on social and mainstream media. The controversy intensified when it was revealed that Khan was an accused in two murder cases.

On May 7, a writ petition was filed in the High Court challenging his appointment, seeking cancellation of his posting, temporary suspension, and an impartial investigation into the matter.

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a major military move against Iran as peace talks between Washington and Tehran have stalled. According to reports citing American media, Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in negotiations and is now giving greater weight to military options than before.

Sources close to the discussions said that the ongoing blockade in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and internal divisions within Iran’s leadership are key factors behind Trump’s dissatisfaction. He reportedly believes that these internal conflicts have weakened Tehran’s ability to make significant concessions in nuclear or diplomatic talks.

Advisers to the president indicated that the possibility of military action has become more prominent in recent weeks. They believe Iran’s leadership struggles have reduced the government’s decision-making capacity, making it harder to advance negotiations.

The Police Headquarters has withdrawn the Superintendents of Police (SP) of Panchagarh and Feni districts. The officials are Md. Mizanur Rahman of Panchagarh and Mohammad Mahbub Alam Khan of Feni. According to police sources on Monday, the withdrawal orders were signed separately by Inspector General of Police Md. Ali Hossain Fakir on Saturday.

The orders instructed Mahbub Alam Khan, who was transferred from Chattogram Metropolitan Police as SP of Feni, to report to the Police Headquarters by May 10. Similarly, Md. Mizanur Rahman was directed to hand over his duties to the next senior officer and report to headquarters by the same date. Reports on social and mainstream media had surfaced against Mahbub Alam Khan after his appointment as SP of Feni.

A writ petition was filed in the High Court on May 7 challenging Mahbub Alam Khan’s appointment, citing his status as an accused in two murder cases. The petition sought cancellation of his appointment, temporary suspension, and an impartial investigation. The writ was filed by Advocate S M Zulfiqar Ali Junnu, chairman of the National Lawyers Council.

Muslim representation in India’s state assemblies has declined sharply during the decade of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rule. According to data cited in the report, the number of Muslim legislators across the country fell from about 339 in 2013 to around 255 in 2026. The steepest declines occurred in major states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, and Rajasthan. Uttar Pradesh, where Muslims make up roughly 19 percent of the population, now has only 31 Muslim legislators in its 403-member assembly, down from 63 previously.

Analysts attribute the decline to the BJP’s rise since 2014 and the resulting shifts in electoral strategies across states. Opposition parties have also adjusted candidate selection based on caste and social equations, which has affected Muslim representation. The report notes that the BJP fielded no Muslim candidates in recent elections in West Bengal and Assam, unlike in 2021. After losses in Assam, the party even dissolved its minority cell there.

The report highlights that seven states currently have no Muslim legislators, while a few states such as Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Meghalaya have seen slight increases.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly protested remarks made by ruling party whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu on May 9 at an event in Gosairhat Upazila, Shariatpur. The whip had stated that those who exploit religious sentiments by selling so-called tickets to paradise are betraying God. Jamaat described the statement as misleading and indecent in a press release issued on Monday.

In the statement, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Assistant Secretary General and Secretary of the party’s Central Publicity and Media Department, said the whip’s comments were false, politically motivated, and aimed at defaming Jamaat. He asserted that Jamaat leaders never engaged in selling “tickets to paradise” or exploiting religious beliefs. Zubair also claimed that such allegations were fabricated and originated from BNP leaders.

He urged Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu and other BNP leaders to refrain from making false and baseless statements against Jamaat-e-Islami.

U.S. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has accused former President Donald Trump of pushing the country toward an “illegal and costly” war with Iran. Schumer announced that Democrats will call another vote this week on the War Powers Resolution, aiming to withdraw American troops from the Iran conflict. He said Trump is leading the nation into a directionless and consequence-free war, and urged Congress to act to stop it.

In a post on social media platform X, Schumer stated that ending the “illegal war” is the best way to reduce costs and restore order. He warned that if Republicans vote against the resolution, they will share responsibility for Trump’s war. The War Powers Resolution was originally designed to limit a president’s authority to continue military action beyond 60 days without congressional approval.

Democrats have been trying for weeks to end the Iran conflict, but as the minority in Congress, most votes have split along party lines, making passage of the resolution uncertain.

Masuma Hadi, sister of slain activist Osman Hadi, stated that the July movement would be defeated if justice for her brother’s murder is not ensured. She expressed deep frustration over the prolonged delay in the trial. Her remarks came during the inauguration of the Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi Memorial Stage office in Nalchity, Jhalakathi, held on Monday morning at Hadi’s childhood home in Kuripatti.

Following the inauguration, participants organized a protest march demanding justice for Osman Hadi’s killing. The march moved through the town’s main road and ended at Shaheed Selim Talukdar Square. Speakers at the rally demanded the government ensure a speedy trial and criticized its silence on the issue. They also called for the accused to be brought back from India to face justice.

Students from local educational institutions, leaders of the July movement, and local political figures joined the demonstration, emphasizing the community’s ongoing demand for accountability and justice.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan visited the office of the newspaper Amar Desh in Karwan Bazar on Monday, meeting with its editor Mahmudur Rahman and senior journalists. During the visit, he toured various departments of the newspaper and inquired about the editor’s health following a recent operation. The minister was accompanied by senior government officials and representatives from the Journalist Welfare Trust.

In discussions with journalists, Swapan emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring press freedom, protecting journalists, and upholding constitutional rights to free expression. He referred to past media repression under the previous Awami League government and praised Amar Desh for its courageous role during what he described as a fascist period. He stated that the current administration, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s guidance, aims to act as a supportive stakeholder rather than a controller of the media.

Swapan added that the government would assist journalists facing professional risks but would not intervene in cases involving criminal offenses. He also highlighted the importance of independent editorial policy and job security for journalists.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Amir Maulana Mamunul Haque has called on the government to take firm measures to protect national sovereignty. Speaking at a rally in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, on Monday, he alleged that millions of Muslims from West Bengal and Assam were being stripped of citizenship and pushed into Bangladesh. He urged the government to strengthen border security, summon the Indian ambassador, and send a strong diplomatic message in response to what he termed a conspiracy against Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

The protest, organized by the coalition of local Qawmi madrasas ‘Ittefaq ul Madarisil Qawmia,’ also addressed issues of drug trafficking and extortion in Mohammadpur. Mamunul Haque criticized the local administration and the area’s member of parliament, accusing them of failing to maintain law and order. Other speakers, including Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, echoed concerns about rising violence and border killings.

Speakers demanded government attention to restore peace and accountability, with calls for the Home Minister’s resignation over alleged failures in ensuring public safety.