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.

Sadiq Khan has completed ten years as Mayor of London, remaining in office through major political changes in the United Kingdom. Since his first election a decade ago, five British prime ministers—David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak—have left office, with Keir Starmer now serving as prime minister. Khan, the son of a South London bus driver, has been elected three times and is among the longest-serving mayors in the city’s history. Reflecting on his tenure, he described London as a living example of hope and said his greatest lesson has been learning to build coalitions across political and community lines.

Khan’s decade in office has spanned Brexit, the pandemic, terrorist attacks, and the Grenfell Tower fire. As London’s first Muslim mayor, he has also faced racist and Islamophobic attacks, notably from former U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he called racist and Islamophobic in response. Khan emphasized that London’s diversity stands as a symbol against extreme nationalism.

Highlighting his environmental record, Khan cited the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone, new cycling lanes, electric buses, and citywide tree planting. He said London has become greener, safer, and fairer but acknowledged ongoing challenges from climate change, heatwaves, floods, and air pollution.

Member of Parliament for Cumilla-4 and NCP’s chief organizer for the southern region, Hasnat Abdullah, stated that police officers must be taught to say ‘no’ to illegal or unjust directives. In a Facebook post on Monday, he emphasized that the courage to reject unlawful orders is essential for integrity within the force. He also highlighted systemic issues such as inadequate investigation budgets, lack of overtime pay, and poor working conditions that contribute to corruption.

Hasnat noted that investigators receive only 6,000 taka for serious cases like murder or robbery, and just 3,000 taka for complex money-laundering cases, making proper investigations nearly impossible. He argued that insufficient funding forces officers to cover official expenses personally, fostering corruption. He called for fair overtime compensation, improved food and working conditions, and adequate budget allocations to reduce dependence on informal payments.

He further urged legal protection for officers who refuse illegal orders and merit-based promotions to strengthen professionalism. Hasnat concluded by questioning whether the police force itself is ready to embrace such independence and accountability.

Jamaat-e-Islami Member of Parliament Syed Zainul Abedin has taken an unusual initiative to work jointly for development and to ease public suffering. On Monday, he met with his political rival, BNP Dhaka South member secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, and called for united efforts to improve the Dhaka-4 constituency.

Abedin stated that solving issues such as gas and water shortages, drug abuse, extortion, teenage gangs, terrorism, and mugging requires collective action. He emphasized that no representative can address all social problems alone and urged all political leaders, regardless of party affiliation, to work together for the welfare of the people. He expressed hope that coordinated efforts could transform Dhaka-4 into a peaceful and prosperous area.

The MP also pledged mutual cooperation to ensure public safety, maintain social order, and restore peace in the constituency. Local leaders from both Jamaat and BNP were present during the meeting.

The Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Bridges, and Railways, Sheikh Robiul Alam, announced that no passenger will be allowed to board launches from boats or speedboats in the middle of the river during the upcoming Eid travel period. The decision was revealed on Monday during a meeting with journalists at the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges. The restriction follows two unwanted river accidents during the previous Eid, after which two high-level investigation committees were formed and several safety measures were recommended.

According to the ministry, passengers may still use boats or speedboats to reach launches through terminal pontoons. Additional measures include requiring drivers to unload passengers before vehicles board ferries, strengthening ferry pontoon safety barriers, and suspending sand-carrying bulkhead operations for five days before and after Eid. Nighttime speedboat operations will also be halted. To ease congestion at Sadarghat, new launch services will operate from Bosila and Shimulia, with BRTC shuttle buses connecting Kuril to Shimulia.

The ministry also decided to restrict general trucks and covered vans from ferry crossings during peak Eid days, prioritize livestock transport, and ensure regulated fares and passenger support services at terminals.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, spouse of the Prime Minister, emphasized the need to encourage women entrepreneurs in small, cottage, and medium industries based on merit to achieve self-reliance. She made the remarks on Monday at the annual gathering and fair of the Bangladesh Police Women’s Welfare Association (PUNAK), held at the Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh as part of Police Week 2026. She highlighted that providing women with training, development, and marketing support would help improve family well-being, children’s education, and poverty reduction.

Dr. Rahman praised PUNAK members for their contributions to society and said their dedication helps guide future generations toward social responsibility. She noted that coordinated social service initiatives can form the foundation of a healthy and humane society. She also stressed that women can play a central role in health and rural development, ensuring the safety and growth of girls.

The event, presided over by PUNAK vice-president Sabina Awlad, included certificate distribution to meritorious students and award-winning stalls, followed by a cultural program.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President and Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Central International Secretary Sadiq Kayem has invited former interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to his wedding ceremony. Kayem shared the news on Monday afternoon through a Facebook post, noting that the invitation was extended during a meeting held to invite Dr. Yunus as a guest at the upcoming Second International Conference on the July Revolution.

During the meeting, Dr. Yunus congratulated and wished Kayem well for his new chapter in life. Kayem also presented him with a commemorative artwork honoring July’s martyr Nafiz and discussed DUCSU’s activities and plans, including the July Conference, aimed at advancing the nation through youth-led initiatives. Dr. Yunus reportedly expressed appreciation for the efforts of young people and extended his thanks and commendation.

Kayem further stated that he sought Dr. Yunus’s guidance and cooperation in realizing the vision of a reformed and inclusive Bangladesh, while also conveying national gratitude for his leadership during the post–August 5 crisis period.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has submitted a new complaint to the International Crimes Tribunal, alleging enforced disappearances and killings of its leaders and activists between 2008 and August 5, 2024, during the Awami League’s tenure. The complaint was lodged on Monday afternoon by Salahuddin Khan, a central executive member of the BNP and coordinator for case and information preservation, to Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam.

According to the complaint, BNP and its affiliated organizations faced systematic repression, with members allegedly abducted, tortured, and killed under the guise of crossfire operations. The document claims that 2,276 people were killed in such incidents, including 1,776 BNP activists. The party had earlier submitted a 243-page complaint with supporting evidence to the then Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam on January 8, 2025, but no visible progress has been made despite repeated written reminders.

The BNP reiterated its demand for a fair investigation and prosecution of those responsible, stating that families of the victims are still waiting for justice.

Leaders of Bangladesh’s two major apparel industry associations, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The meeting took place on Monday, May 11, at the Prime Minister’s office in the Cabinet Division of the Secretariat. Senior central leaders from both BGMEA and BKMEA were present during the meeting.

The source report described the meeting as a courtesy visit, highlighting the participation of top representatives from the country’s leading garment export organizations. No further details were provided regarding the agenda, discussions, or outcomes of the meeting.

The report did not include any statements or reactions from the Prime Minister or the visiting delegation, leaving the specific topics of discussion or future implications of the meeting unspecified.

National Citizens Party (NCP) lawmaker and southern regional organizer Hasnat Abdullah has called for sufficient budget allocation to prevent police officers from being forced to 'manage' situations or seek personal funds while performing duties. In a Facebook post on Monday, he said corruption stems from the culture of managing police operations, which arises from institutional shortcomings and inadequate funding.

Abdullah highlighted that investigators receive only 6,000 taka for serious cases such as murder or robbery, and just 3,000 taka for complex money-laundering cases. He noted that these limited funds make it difficult to complete investigations properly, often compelling officers to cover expenses from their own pockets. He also emphasized the need for overtime pay, improved working conditions, and nutritious meals for police personnel who work long hours without regular weekly holidays.

He further urged that police be empowered to refuse unlawful orders and be legally protected from harassment when rejecting such directives. Abdullah stressed that merit-based promotions and professional independence are essential to restore public trust and eliminate corruption within the force.

A report by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has revealed widespread violence across West Bengal following the announcement of the state assembly election results. According to the report, between May 4 and May 7, at least 34 Muslim-owned properties were attacked in eight districts, including Cooch Behar, Howrah, Barasat, Murshidabad, Malda, Birbhum, North and South 24 Parganas, and the Kolkata metropolitan area. The attacks targeted mosques, homes, businesses, and hotels, damaging around 54 properties in total.

The report stated that at least two people were killed in the violence, including one man in Cooch Behar’s Gosainimari who died while trying to protect a mosque. Attackers reportedly used provocative slogans to spread fear, while threats forced many minorities to leave their neighborhoods. Muslim-owned businesses were deliberately targeted to weaken their financial base, with incidents of hotels being burned, meat shops pressured to close, and cattle markets attacked.

The report also mentioned that bulldozer processions were organized to intimidate residents, and attempts were made to rename places with Muslim names. Offices and homes of Trinamool Congress workers were also vandalized.

Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and newly elected Member of Parliament for Rangpur-4 (Kaunia-Pirgacha), said he now represents all constituents regardless of political affiliation. Speaking as the chief guest at a quarterly exchange meeting at Kaunia Upazila Parishad premises on Monday morning, he expressed gratitude to voters for electing him and emphasized that democracy’s beauty lies in voting.

He reiterated his pre-election promise to hold quarterly meetings with grassroots people to hear their opinions and ensure transparency in local development. Hossain stated that he has publicly shared details of government allocations on social media, including funds distributed to religious institutions, to prevent allegations of misuse. He disclosed that of the 1 million taka allocated for Eid-ul-Fitr, 550,000 taka went to Pirgacha and 450,000 taka to Kaunia.

Concluding his remarks, Hossain urged residents to support development initiatives based on transparency and collective participation for the progress of the area.

Road, Transport, Shipping and Railways Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that garment factories will grant holidays in phases during this year’s Eid. He made the statement on Monday at the Secretariat, emphasizing that the decision aims to ensure smoother travel and avoid disruptions.

The minister explained that during the previous Eid, sudden factory closures had caused widespread disorder. To prevent a repeat, the government will implement a staggered holiday schedule for the garment sector. He also said that the government will take several measures to address the irregularities experienced during last Eid-ul-Fitr travel.

As part of the plan to maintain discipline on the roads, 69 mobile courts will operate across the country during the Eid travel period, according to the minister.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasized strengthening the institutional capacity of village courts and recruiting women in the village police to ensure justice at the grassroots level and make local governance more effective. The minister made the remarks during a meeting with a UNDP delegation at the Secretariat on Monday, attended by Deputy Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne and other members.

The meeting discussed the current activities and progress of the Village Court Project, focusing on enhancing its institutional capacity to deliver quick, low-cost justice for rural communities. The minister noted that village courts have long played a vital role in resolving local disputes and reducing pressure on formal courts.

He highlighted that women’s participation in local governance, particularly through recruitment in the village police, would make the system more transparent, efficient, and responsive to public needs. Both the government and UNDP expressed optimism about strengthening cooperation to improve village court effectiveness, ensure rural justice, and promote women’s empowerment.

ATM Azharul Islam MP, Naib-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, alleged that the government has begun moving toward a one-party system just two months after assuming power. Speaking as chief guest at a candidate introduction meeting of the Bangladesh Lawyers Council–supported 'Green Panel' for the Supreme Court Bar Association election, he said the government has failed to honor the July Charter despite pledging to implement it fully. He criticized the government for not allowing ruling party MPs to take oath in the Constitutional Reform Council and accused it of betraying the student and public movement that brought it to power.

Azharul Islam also criticized a government minister for acting as if he alone runs the administration and understands the constitution. He claimed that the Supreme Court has been used to commit injustices against Jamaat-e-Islami and described the executions of its top leaders as judicial killings. He urged lawyers to stand for justice and support the Green Panel in the upcoming Supreme Court Bar Association election.

The event was held at the Freedom Fighters Hall of the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Dhaka and was attended by senior lawyers and panel candidates.