A group of outsiders attacked a sit-in organized by BNP-backed teachers at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) on Monday in front of the university’s administrative building. Following the incident, leaders and activists of the university’s student wing of the BNP staged a protest on campus, demanding punishment for those involved in the attack.

Professor Dr. Atikul Rahman, Dean of the PGS faculty and one of the victims, said the teachers were protesting against what they described as the arbitrary actions of Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam. He alleged that the vice-chancellor makes decisions with a select group of preferred teachers and had recently issued show-cause letters to five teachers of the NSVM faculty without justification. The sit-in was organized in protest of these actions when the attack occurred.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam, speaking from Dhaka, said a group was trying to destabilize the campus in his absence. He announced plans to form an investigation committee upon his return to the university.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President and Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central international secretary Sadiq Kayem presented a commemorative painting to former interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The artwork honors July martyr Nafiz. Kayem shared the news on Facebook on Monday afternoon, noting that the meeting aimed to invite Dr. Yunus as a guest to the upcoming Second International Conference on the July Revolution.

During the meeting, Dr. Yunus congratulated Kayem on his upcoming marriage and expressed appreciation for the initiatives of young people. Kayem said he briefed Dr. Yunus on DUCSU’s activities and plans related to the July Conference, emphasizing efforts to advance the country through the spirit of July. He also conveyed gratitude on behalf of citizens for Yunus’s leadership during the post–August 5 crisis period.

Kayem added that he sought Dr. Yunus’s continued guidance and cooperation in realizing the vision of a reformed and inclusive Bangladesh as envisioned by the public.

Shovandeb Chatterjee has been appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) secured 80 seats in the state election, becoming the principal opposition party. Chatterjee, a long-time loyalist of TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee, was chosen to lead the party in the assembly.

Chatterjee won from the Ballygunge constituency, defeating BJP candidate Satarupa Chatterjee by 61,476 votes, marking his tenth consecutive legislative victory—a record in West Bengal’s political history. Despite his close association with Mamata Banerjee, he had earlier lost in Bhabanipur to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Born in 1944, Chatterjee began his political career with the Congress before joining TMC in 1998 and has remained active in labor organizations, including serving as president of the Kolkata Auto-Rickshaw Drivers’ Union.

His appointment underscores TMC’s continued influence in state politics even from the opposition benches, with Chatterjee’s long experience and organizational ties expected to shape the party’s legislative strategy.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of income tax records belonging to Mahbubul Alam Hanif, the suspended Joint General Secretary of the Awami League and former Member of Parliament for Kushtia-3, and his wife, Fouzia Alam. The order was issued on Monday, May 11, 2026, by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez. Court bench assistant Riaz Hossain confirmed the decision.

According to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Hanif is accused of acquiring assets worth Tk 27.39 crore beyond known income sources and conducting suspicious transactions totaling Tk 86.66 crore through 18 bank accounts. The ACC also alleged that Hanif and his wife jointly amassed Tk 4.69 crore in unexplained wealth and carried out transactions worth Tk 33.13 crore through 16 bank accounts. The court ordered the seizure of their tax documents to facilitate proper investigation of the two separate cases filed by the ACC.

The court’s directive aims to support ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and money laundering activities involving the couple.

A Dhaka court has rescheduled the charge-framing hearing against former National Board of Revenue (NBR) member Matiur Rahman to July 5 in a case over alleged illegal wealth accumulation. The decision was made by Divisional Special Judge Begum Shamima Afroz after defense lawyers sought more time. The Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) lawyer Mir Ahmed Ali Salam confirmed the new date.

According to the ACC charge sheet, Matiur Rahman is accused of concealing information about assets worth Tk 1.24 crore and acquiring Tk 5.40 crore in wealth beyond known income sources through misuse of power, bribery, and corruption. The case gained public attention after a 2024 incident involving his son, who reportedly bought a goat for Tk 15 lakh ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, sparking widespread discussion on social media.

The court’s next hearing on July 5 will determine whether formal charges will be framed against Rahman in the corruption case.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain, declared that he would not tolerate any persecution of minorities in the country and would resign from his post if necessary. He made the statement on Monday during a dialogue organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF), responding to questions about the government’s stance on recent incidents of violence against Muslims in West Bengal, India.

The minister said India is a democratic nation and a large country, expressing hope that its government would ensure safety and inclusion for minorities. He emphasized that events in India should not influence Bangladesh and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting all religious communities. He added that the Prime Minister is aware of the issue. Hossain also alleged that a deep conspiracy is being carried out against the BNP government and urged vigilance against those seeking instability.

He further highlighted the media’s role in promoting democracy, combating misinformation, and supporting government initiatives, including welfare programs and Hajj management improvements.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, stated on Monday, May 11, that he would resign from his post if the safety of religious minorities in the country cannot be guaranteed. Speaking at a meeting with the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) in Dhaka, he emphasized that no opportunity would be given for minority persecution and that communal harmony must be protected.

Kaikobad also said that the government would request India to stop attacks on minority Muslims in West Bengal, adding that Bangladesh respects India for upholding democracy. He noted that such incidents in India should not be allowed to occur in Bangladesh and reiterated his commitment to prevent any injustice or oppression against minorities.

Addressing political issues, the minister remarked that a good opposition party is a blessing but criticized the opposition for attempting to embarrass the government instead of offering constructive criticism.

The Philippine House of Representatives is advancing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte. A vote on the impeachment is scheduled for Monday, marking a new escalation in the ongoing political conflict between the Duterte family and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The move comes as the country faces growing political instability and economic uncertainty linked to the global energy crisis.

The impeachment complaint accuses Sara Duterte of constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, misuse of confidential funds, concealment of assets, bribery, and issuing threats against President Marcos, his wife Liza Araneta, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Lawmaker Terry Ridon stated that over 110 million dollars in suspicious bank transactions could not be justified by declared income or assets, framing the issue as one of constitutional accountability rather than politics.

The House has reportedly secured the one-third vote needed to forward the case to the Senate, where a two-thirds majority is required for conviction. A similar impeachment attempt in 2025 was annulled by the Supreme Court on technical grounds. Duterte, who ran alongside Marcos in 2022, has since hinted at a 2028 presidential bid.

President Donald Trump has reportedly been musing about who might succeed him within the Republican Party, often asking advisers whether they prefer Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio. At times, he has even joked about pairing them on the same 2028 presidential ticket. While aides say Trump is not seriously focused on the next election, the question of succession continues to attract attention.

Rubio has recently gained visibility through his handling of questions on the Iran war and a diplomatic trip to Italy, where he met Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and will soon accompany Trump to China. This has fueled speculation that Rubio could challenge Vance, though both men are said to maintain a friendly relationship and may avoid direct competition. Polls show Vance enjoys higher recognition among Republican voters, but Rubio’s growing profile and multilingual communication skills appeal to some supporters.

Analysts note that Vance’s close alignment with Trump’s policies could become a liability if the party performs poorly in upcoming midterms, while Rubio’s expanding diplomatic role may strengthen his standing within the party.

The four-day District Commissioners’ (DC) Conference in Bangladesh concluded with a focus on strengthening coordination, accountability, and citizen-oriented governance across the country’s field administration. Held after the national election under the new government, the conference brought together representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, two commissions, and 56 ministries and divisions. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed DCs to build public trust, curb corruption, and ensure impartial law enforcement while accelerating development project implementation.

Discussions centered on administrative capacity shortages, political pressure, law and order, digital transformation, and disaster management. DCs demanded more staff, technological support, and infrastructure to meet growing responsibilities. They also called for digital land records, online mutation systems, integrated data centers, and citizen complaint software. Concerns were raised about political interference and the need for stronger legal and security backing, particularly in border districts facing smuggling and trafficking.

The conference emphasized creating a more people-friendly administration and proposed a rapid-response fund for climate and disaster emergencies. Analysts noted that while the event reaffirmed the field administration’s central role in governance, its success will depend on how quickly the proposed reforms are implemented.

Beijing has officially confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will visit China from May 13 to 15 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. The visit, announced on Monday, will include discussions on the Iran crisis and trade issues, according to AFP. The White House described the trip as highly significant and symbolic, marking Trump’s first visit to China in his second term and the first by any U.S. president since 2017.

The two nations have faced prolonged tensions over trade tariffs, Middle East conflicts, and the Taiwan issue, which China claims as its own territory. Trump had initially planned to visit China in late March or early April but postponed the trip to focus on the escalating Iran war situation. U.S. officials said Trump aims to press Xi on Iran while seeking to ease bilateral trade frictions.

During the visit, Trump is expected to tour Beijing’s Temple of Heaven and attend a state banquet. The White House emphasized that the president’s goal is to secure better deals for the United States.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has emphasized that efforts to curb corruption and terrorism must focus on individuals rather than their political affiliations. Speaking at a meeting with senior police officials at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Monday, held as part of National Police Week 2026, he said the government aims to build a truly people-friendly police force that reflects the integrity of the administration.

Rahman stated that if law enforcement agencies perform their duties properly, Bangladesh will move closer to becoming a prosperous, self-reliant, and humane nation. He called for police officers to develop versatile skills and maintain readiness to work in any environment, stressing that professionalism must never be compromised. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed that the government will fully implement the July Charter, ensuring honesty, merit, and competence as the guiding principles for recruitment, transfer, and promotion within the police.

He added that public perception of the government largely depends on the conduct of the police, urging all members of the force to cultivate compassion and humanity in their service.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified patrols and surveillance along the Lalmonirhat border to prevent illegal infiltration. According to a statement from the 15 BGB Battalion, intelligence monitoring has also been strengthened. The move follows concerns that Bengali-speaking Muslims in India have been labeled as 'illegal' and may be pushed into Bangladesh, raising anxiety among residents of nearby border villages.

Sources reported that special checkpoints have been set up at key and sensitive locations across the district to ensure border security. Day and night patrols have been expanded to prevent any unlawful entry or activities that could threaten security. The heightened alert also aims to stop potential infiltration following post-election violence in West Bengal, India.

Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Imam, Commanding Officer of the 15 BGB Battalion, stated that the force remains uncompromising in protecting the border, combating smuggling, human trafficking, and resisting push-ins. Public announcements are being made in border areas urging residents to stay alert.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that a neutral police administration is essential for the success of any government. He made the remarks on Monday morning at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka, during an event marking Police Week. Rahman emphasized that neither governments nor police positions are permanent, underscoring the importance of impartiality in law enforcement.

Addressing police officials, the Prime Minister urged them to take firm action against corruption and terrorism without compromise. He instructed that anyone involved in such activities, regardless of political affiliation, should face legal consequences. Rahman reminded the police that maintaining law and order and ensuring peace and discipline are among their core responsibilities, which must be carried out properly.

The speech highlighted the government’s focus on accountability and integrity within the police force as a foundation for effective governance and public trust.

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has released the full verdict restoring the political registration of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The High Court had earlier canceled the party’s registration during the previous Awami League government, but the Appellate Division overturned that decision after more than a decade. The complete copy of the verdict was published on Monday.

The appeal was heard by a four-member Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, with Justices Md Ashfaqul Islam, Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, and Md Rezaul Haque as members. The High Court had declared Jamaat’s registration illegal on August 1, 2013, following a 2009 writ petition challenging the Election Commission’s decision to grant registration. Jamaat filed a regular leave-to-appeal in 2013, which led to the final ruling.

On June 1, 2025, the Appellate Division annulled the 2013 High Court verdict, restoring Jamaat’s registration and clearing the way for its return to electoral politics, including participation in the 13th parliamentary election under its party symbol.