The High Court of Bangladesh has ruled that revealing the gender of an unborn child is prohibited. The verdict, delivered on February 25, 2024, by a bench comprising Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zinat Haque, was officially published on May 11, 2026. The court stated that determining and disclosing the gender of a fetus constitutes discrimination against women and violates constitutional rights.

According to the full judgment, such practices contribute to female infanticide, social imbalance, and undermine women's dignity, equality, and right to life. The court further noted that gender disclosure breaches international human rights obligations. It emphasized that Bangladesh has long lacked effective control, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms in this area.

The court observed that issuing mere guidelines is insufficient to curb unethical practices. It called for proper implementation, digital surveillance, and effective regulatory measures to ensure compliance and protect women's rights.

Arguments in the war crimes case against Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif and three others are set to begin today, Monday, before International Crimes Tribunal-2. The case concerns the killing of six people in Kushtia during the July Revolution. The three-member tribunal panel is chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, with judges Manjurul Bashid and Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir. According to sources, the prosecution will present all evidence and arguments related to the killings.

Testimonies in the case concluded on April 23, with 19 witnesses appearing before the tribunal, including the investigation officer Abdullah Al Mamun as the final witness. The four accused face three charges: agreeing with a statement about suppressing movements, holding a meeting on July 29 in Kushtia to instruct killings, and conspiracy leading to six murders.

All four accused, including Hanif, are absconding. The tribunal formally framed charges and ordered the trial to begin on November 2 of the previous year.

Iran has responded to a U.S. proposal aimed at ending ongoing hostilities, but President Donald Trump has rejected Tehran’s reply. According to semi-official Tasnim News Agency, citing a reliable source, Iran’s response emphasized the fundamental rights of the Iranian nation. The reply was delivered through Pakistan, which acted as a mediator between the two sides.

The source stated that Tehran dismissed Washington’s earlier plan, viewing it as an attempt to force Iran into surrendering to Trump’s excessive demands. The source further remarked that no one in Iran writes proposals to please Trump, asserting that the negotiation team works solely to defend national rights. The statement added that if Trump is displeased by this stance, it is considered a positive outcome.

The source also commented that Trump dislikes reality and continues to lose to Iran because of it. The report was originally cited from Al Jazeera, as reported by the outlet Amar Desh.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday rejected Iran’s response to a U.S. proposal aimed at halting ongoing conflicts. Tehran had conveyed its reply through Pakistan, which acted as a mediator. Without providing details, Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social that he had read the response from Iran’s so-called representatives and found it completely unacceptable.

According to Iranian state television, Tehran’s reply emphasized ending fighting on all fronts, with particular focus on the situation in Lebanon and ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the response did not specify how or when the key maritime route might reopen. The U.S. proposal had sought to stop hostilities before beginning discussions on Iran’s nuclear program and other disputes.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran’s proposal included an immediate ceasefire, lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, assurances against further attacks on Iran, and removal of all sanctions, including those on Iranian oil sales.

A senior Iranian official described Tehran’s response to a United States ceasefire proposal as “realistic and positive,” according to comments reported by Al Jazeera on May 11, 2026. Speaking anonymously, the official said Iran’s reply addressed several key issues, including regional stability, the end of conflict in Lebanon, and the resolution of disputes with the US.

The official explained that Iran’s response also expanded the scope of discussions to cover the Strait of Hormuz, the country’s nuclear program, and the lifting of all sanctions. Tehran emphasized the need for a clear and guaranteed mechanism to remove sanctions and demanded specific international assurances for implementing any potential agreement with Washington. The response, the official added, was formulated based on Iran’s national interests and consultations with other regional countries.

Earlier, Iranian state media had characterized the counterproposal as a refusal to yield to “Trump’s greed,” while former US President Donald Trump reportedly rejected the proposal.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has rejected Democratic Senator Mark Kelly’s claim that the United States has run out of ammunition and weapons due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. Kelly, a retired Navy captain, said in a CBS News interview that Pentagon officials informed him the country had expended a large portion of its munitions. He warned that this shortage could make America less secure if future conflicts arise with China or other nations.

Responding on social media platform X, Hegseth accused Kelly of making false and foolish remarks about a confidential Pentagon briefing. He dismissed the senator’s statements as baseless and said Pentagon legal teams would review whether Kelly violated his confidentiality oath. Kelly also noted that replenishing the stockpile could take several years.

The exchange has sparked debate over transparency and national security readiness, with Pentagon officials emphasizing that Kelly’s claims do not reflect the department’s official position.

Members of the Bangladesh Police have submitted a set of demands to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, including a separate pay scale, a 50 percent overtime allowance for extra duty, and phased honorary promotions until retirement. The demands were presented on Sunday, May 10, during the police welfare parade held at the Rajarbagh Police Auditorium following the Police Week program. The Prime Minister listened attentively and assured gradual implementation of the proposals.

The welfare parade was attended by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Manzur Morshed Chowdhury, Inspector General of Police Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, and other senior officials. Police members from across the country joined online. Officers raised issues such as insufficient transport for sub-inspectors, requests for interest-free motorcycle loans, fuel cost reimbursement, and increased investigation expenses. A female constable from Khulna Metropolitan Police demanded honorary promotion, while an additional DIG sought renewed development funding for police infrastructure.

This year, no police medals were awarded amid controversy over previous nominations involving politically connected or disputed officers, marking a departure from the usual Police Week tradition.

The Bangladesh Police Headquarters has refuted media reports claiming that the issuance of the police medal notification was delayed because the President was abroad. In a statement released on Sunday, the headquarters clarified that no responsible police official made such a comment and that the reports quoting an unnamed senior officer were inaccurate and misleading.

According to the statement, the administrative and procedural activities related to the police medal notification are still ongoing. It emphasized that publishing speculative statements before any official decision or notification could cause public confusion. The Police Headquarters urged media outlets to verify information properly before publishing news on this matter.

The clarification aims to dispel misinformation and maintain transparency regarding the ongoing process of issuing the police medal notification.

Speakers at an eleven-party alliance seminar in Chattogram on Sunday evening warned that a mass movement would be launched if the BNP government failed to honor the referendum verdict. They said the excuses used by the government to disregard the people's decision had already been rejected by the public. The event, titled “The Referendum Verdict as the Expression of the People’s Sovereign Will,” was held at the Engineers Institution in the city.

Speakers alleged that although the BNP had engaged in reform discussions with 33 parties before the election, it changed its stance after coming to power. They cautioned that the country’s situation would deteriorate if the government did not return to the right path. The seminar was attended by leaders including Liberal Democratic Party chairman Dr. Col. Oli Ahmad and Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Prof. Mia Golam Porwar, among others.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Shishir Monir presented the keynote paper, emphasizing that the constitution places the people above all state institutions. He warned that ignoring the referendum, which reportedly saw 70 percent voter turnout, could lead to a national explosion.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that any potential dialogue or negotiation with the United States does not mean surrender. In a message posted on social media platform X on Sunday, he warned that Iran would not bow to pressure. Pezeshkian emphasized that the purpose of any talks would be to protect the rights of the Iranian nation and uphold national interests.

Members of Iran’s parliament echoed similar sentiments. Ibrahim Rezaei of the parliamentary security committee said that time was turning against the United States and urged Washington not to sink deeper into difficulties. Deputy Speaker Nikshad added that the US was testing its fate against a strong Iran and must accept the consequences.

According to the report, Iran has given a limited response to the latest US proposal, which was sent through Pakistan’s mediation. The proposed framework reportedly focuses on achieving a ceasefire and reducing regional conflict, though details of the discussions have not yet been disclosed.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has announced that it will organize a Quran evening at the Bot Tola of Dhaka University. The announcement was made through a Facebook post by Sadiq Kayem, the Vice President of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and the organization’s central international secretary. The event is scheduled for May 11, marking the observance of the historic Quran Day.

According to the announcement, the program will feature the participation of world-renowned Qari Sheikh Ahmad bin Yusuf Al Azhari. The event is being organized under the banner of the Dhaka University unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir. The declaration highlights the group’s intention to commemorate Quran Day through a religious gathering on the university campus.

No further details about the program’s schedule, permissions, or expected attendance were provided in the announcement.

Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, Secretary General of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, has described the ongoing persecution of Muslims in India, including attacks on mosques and madrasas and restrictions on religious freedom, as a grave violation of human rights. Speaking on Sunday afternoon at a protest rally in front of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka, he urged India to follow Bangladesh’s example in maintaining communal harmony and called on the international community to take effective action to stop the oppression.

The protest, organized by the Dhaka Metropolitan unit of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, was held to denounce what the group described as continuous assaults and rights violations against Muslims in West Bengal, Assam, and other parts of India. Jalaluddin Ahmad also criticized the appointment of West Bengal’s new Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari, labeling him a self-proclaimed Hindutva leader, and argued that such developments show India’s democracy and religious tolerance are shrinking.

He further urged the Bangladeshi government to strengthen diplomatic efforts and avoid subservience to India, emphasizing that the persecution of Muslims there is not merely an internal issue but a matter of humanity and religious freedom.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has stated that extrajudicial killings can never be justified and called for ensuring public safety. In a Facebook post on Sunday, he referred to recent incidents where several people were killed in Naogaon, Chattogram, and Gazipur, including three individuals beaten to death in Gazipur’s Kaliakoir area on suspicion of cattle theft.

He questioned whether these killings were signs of social disorder or expressions of public frustration caused by the lack of proper law enforcement. Dr. Rahman emphasized that no killing without trial is acceptable and that the rule of law cannot be established unless the Home Ministry, Law Ministry, and Judiciary gain public trust. He said the government’s goodwill and proper initiatives are essential to resolve such social problems effectively.

According to him, no government program can succeed if public safety is ignored, and ensuring citizens’ security must come before pursuing transparent development initiatives.

Major General Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran’s central military headquarters Khatam al-Anbiya, met with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to Iranian media reports on May 10, 2026. No photos or videos of the meeting were released, but reports said Abdollahi presented a detailed report to Khamenei.

The report covered the readiness of Iran’s armed forces, including the army, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), security and border police, the defense ministry, and the Basij forces. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had earlier mentioned a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with the Supreme Leader on May 7, though the exact timing was not specified.

Since reported U.S. and Israeli attacks on Khamenei’s residence, no audio or video of the Supreme Leader has been made public, with Iranian media only publishing his written messages.

Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam stated that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had instructed law enforcement agencies to use lethal weapons and 'shoot on sight' during the July-August movement. He made the remarks on Sunday at a press conference in his office. On the same day, a tribunal ordered the formation of formal charges against 28 individuals in a crimes against humanity case related to the killing of nine people in Mohammadpur.

According to Aminul Islam, a conversation between Sheikh Hasina and then Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh revealed such directives. He described the order as inhumane and horrific, claiming it led to indiscriminate shootings across the country that killed thousands. He further said that on July 18 and 19, 2024, drones and helicopters were used to fire on students and civilians in Mohammadpur, resulting in many casualties, including the killing of Faiyaz, which deeply moved the nation.

The prosecutor added that the Mohammadpur case includes allegations of superior command responsibility, individual responsibility, and targeted killing. The tribunal has set June 8 as the date to begin witness testimony.