Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Md. Nurul Islam has submitted the audit reports for the 2021–22 fiscal year to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The submission took place on Tuesday, May 5, at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat, according to Press Secretary Saleh Shibli. A total of 38 compliance and performance audit reports covering various government offices and agencies were presented to the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister’s Office stated that the reports were prepared under Article 128(1) of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Section 5 of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Additional Functions) Act, 1974. The audits covered 17 ministries and divisions, along with their subordinate departments, offices, institutions, and projects. The CAG briefed the Prime Minister on key observations and recommendations from the reports.

During the presentation, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending and project implementation through both compliance and performance audits. Senior officials, including the Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani and Finance Secretary Khairuzzaman Mozumder, were present at the event.

Islami Chhatra Shibir organized a human chain in Motijheel, Dhaka, on Tuesday afternoon demanding justice for the killings that took place at Shapla Chattar in 2013. The organization accused the then Awami League-led government of committing mass killings against Islamic scholars and called for immediate legal action.

According to the source, the demonstration followed an earlier announcement made on Monday by Islami Chhatra Shibir, which declared a series of programs seeking justice for what it described as a massacre carried out by the government on May 5, 2013. Speakers at the event termed the incident a dark chapter in the nation's history and alleged it was part of a plan to eliminate Islamic leaders.

The group reiterated its demand for swift judicial proceedings, framing the 2013 Shapla Chattar incident as a key moment in the country’s anti-fascist movement.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Affairs Adviser Zahid-ur Rahman stated that the outcome of the West Bengal state assembly election will not disrupt India-Bangladesh relations. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a press conference held at the Department of Information auditorium in Dhaka, where various government activities were presented.

Responding to a question about Bangladesh’s observation on the neighboring Indian state’s election, the adviser said there was no official observation or statement. He emphasized that India as a state maintains cordial and mutually beneficial relations with Bangladesh, and those ties will continue regardless of political changes in West Bengal. He added that while West Bengal shares the longest border with Bangladesh, bilateral cooperation is conducted between the two sovereign states.

The adviser also noted that although Bangladesh was mentioned in political rhetoric during the West Bengal election, he believes such remarks are part of campaign politics and that cooperation between the two sides will remain positive after the new government is formed.

Several leaders of the Comilla University (CoU) unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal have been accused of threatening Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Haydar Ali on April 29, 2026, to stop the upcoming syndicate and promotion meetings. The alleged incident occurred in the VC’s office when the student leaders reportedly demanded that the syndicate and upgrade sessions remain suspended and warned against holding meetings in Dhaka. The VC responded that university law requires a syndicate meeting every three months, and the delay had already exceeded the legal timeframe.

According to university sources, the last syndicate meeting was held on December 28, 2025, and subsequent sessions were postponed due to pressure and threats from student and teacher groups aligned with the BNP. As a result, promotion processes for 25 faculty members and officers have been stalled. The next syndicate meeting is scheduled for May 7, 2026, with an agenda including faculty promotions, disciplinary actions, and administrative issues.

The accused student leaders denied issuing any threats, claiming their discussion with the VC focused on student transport and safety concerns rather than syndicate matters.

Assistant Attorney General Md. Tarikul Islam has resigned from his post. On Tuesday, he submitted his resignation letter to the Attorney General, stating his intention to contest for the position of Joint Secretary in the upcoming Supreme Court Bar Association election.

In his resignation letter, Tarikul Islam explained that he decided to step down in order to participate as a candidate in the 2026–27 Supreme Court Bar Association election. He also requested the Attorney General to accept his resignation through the proper procedure.

The two-day election for the Supreme Court Bar Association is scheduled to take place on May 13 and 14, 2026.

BNP National Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy stated that Bangladesh’s relationship with India will remain the same regardless of which party comes to power in India. He made the remarks on Tuesday at the capital’s Zia Udyan after paying tribute to former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, accompanied by party leaders and activists.

The event was organized to mark the oath-taking of Advocate Nipun Roy Chowdhury as a Member of Parliament from a reserved women’s seat. Leaders from Dhaka district and South Keraniganj BNP, along with affiliated organizations, attended the program. Roy emphasized that Bangladesh values its independence and sovereignty, and therefore its relations with India will not depend on political changes there. He also congratulated the newly elected Indian leaders.

Nipun Roy Chowdhury expressed gratitude to BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for her nomination and pledged to work for public welfare. She said the party’s foreign policy would prioritize the interests of the Bangladeshi people.

The United Kingdom is set to hold local elections on Thursday, which analysts say could present a serious political challenge for the ruling Labour Party. Led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, this will be the government’s first major electoral test since its landslide victory in the 2024 general election. Millions of voters across Scotland, England, and Wales are expected to participate.

Polls suggest Labour may lose a significant number of seats, potentially raising questions about Starmer’s leadership, though replacing him appears unlikely for now. Analysts note that Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, and the Green Party could make notable gains as voter disillusionment with traditional parties grows. In Wales, Labour’s century-long dominance is reportedly under threat, while in Scotland, the Scottish National Party could strengthen its position.

Experts attribute Labour’s difficulties to unpopular government decisions, weak communication, and voter frustration over rising living costs and economic pressures. Although internal discussions about leadership have reportedly begun, major changes within the party are not yet expected.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared that Europe will not submit to a transactional, inward-looking, and rigid global system. Speaking at the opening session of the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan, Armenia, on Monday, Carney said he believes a renewed international order could emerge from Europe itself. He became the first non-European leader to attend the EPC summit, which was seen as a strategic move to highlight Armenia’s independence from Russian influence.

The meeting took place amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and renewed doubts about the United States’ commitment to NATO following President Donald Trump’s announcement to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that many alliances are under strain, while French President Emmanuel Macron said European nations are increasing defense spending and developing their own solutions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that Europe must be part of any future negotiations with Russia.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte both emphasized the need to strengthen Europe’s defense pillar within NATO, acknowledging shifting dynamics in transatlantic relations.

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher has called on district commissioners (DCs) to assist in evicting illegal land occupations, maintaining canals to prevent waterlogging, managing parks and playgrounds, and supporting tree plantation programs. He made the request during the DC Conference held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, according to the ministry’s public relations office.

The minister noted that agencies under his ministry have long worked as key partners with district administrations in implementing various government initiatives related to infrastructure, housing, and urban management. He thanked the DCs for their cooperation and highlighted ongoing projects such as dormitory and studio apartment construction for government employees, integrated office buildings, and renovation of old structures. He also urged collective efforts to implement the new government procurement policy.

Taher emphasized that DCs play a vital role in resolving ownership of abandoned properties, ensuring availability of khas land for housing, and supporting the operations of RAJUK and other urban development authorities. He called for patriotic and coordinated work to strengthen field administration and overcome institutional inefficiencies.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Aminul Islam announced that the identities of 58 people killed during the May 5, 2013, Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel have been confirmed. He stated on Tuesday that information suggests involvement of 30 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in connection with the killings that occurred across Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Chattogram.

Earlier, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, claimed on social media that at least 58 people, including seven security personnel, were killed during the two days of violence surrounding the Hefazat rally. He recounted his participation in an investigation with former BBC correspondent Mark Dummett, which involved reviewing hospital records, meeting victims’ families, and collecting burial evidence.

Majumder said he had long avoided taking credit for the investigation due to security concerns but expressed satisfaction that his work continues to be referenced by fellow journalists.

The Spanish government has announced a major initiative under its 2026 Regularization Project to grant legal residency and work rights to eligible irregular migrants living in the country. The program aims to integrate undocumented workers into Spain’s formal economy, allowing them to live and work legally. Participants will gain access to employment opportunities, social security registration, and the national healthcare system on par with regular citizens.

Under the plan, legalized migrants will also be able to travel visa-free within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, the permit will remain a national authorization, meaning it will not allow permanent residence, employment, or free healthcare in other EU member states. Migrants wishing to stay long-term elsewhere in the EU must apply under that country’s immigration laws.

Similar policy shifts are emerging across Europe. Italy plans to issue work permits to 500,000 non-EU citizens between 2026 and 2028 to address labor shortages, while Germany is focusing on recruiting skilled workers and caregivers.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman may visit either India or China in June, with discussions on the Teesta mega project expected during the China trip. He made the remarks on Tuesday, May 5, while speaking to journalists at the state guesthouse Padma in Dhaka.

Addressing concerns about possible push-in incidents from India, the minister said that if any such event occurs following a change of power in West Bengal, Bangladesh will take countermeasures. He also mentioned that China’s foreign minister has invited him to visit Beijing for extensive talks on strengthening bilateral relations. On trade matters, he noted that discussions on a trade agreement with the United States are positive and that Bangladesh is ahead of some other countries in this regard.

The foreign minister added that the prime minister has special commitments to friendly nations such as China and India, and officials are currently coordinating schedules to finalize the details of the upcoming visits.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’s Baridhara zone organized a memorial discussion and prayer session on Monday night in Dhaka’s Baridhara madrasa to honor those killed in the May 5, 2013 Shapla Chattar incident. The event was marked by solemnity and emotion, drawing a large number of scholars, students, and devout Muslims. The prayer was led by the organization’s central Naib-e-Ameer Allama Abdul Hamid Madhupuri, who prayed for the souls of the deceased and for national peace and unity in serving Islam.

Speakers at the discussion included central leaders such as Joint Secretary General Mufti Monir Hossain Kasemi, International Affairs Secretary Maulana Dr. Shoaib Ahmed, Assistant Organizational Secretary Mufti Jaber Kasemi, and Finance Secretary Mufti Zakir Hossain Kasemi. They described the 2013 Shapla Chattar event as a tragic chapter in the nation’s history and demanded a fair and impartial investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

Presided over by Baridhara zone president Mufti Amjad Hossain Helali, the program concluded with special prayers for the welfare of the country, unity of the Muslim community, and forgiveness for all martyrs.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman has sent a gift for Muslima, the two-year-old daughter of truck driver Hannan, who was killed in a mob attack triggered by a rumor in Faridpur’s Boalmari upazila. On Tuesday around 11:30 a.m., local officials delivered the Prime Minister’s gift to Hannan’s home in Satair village. Upazila Nirbahi Officer S M Rokibul Hasan Roki handed over cash and dry food to Hannan’s father, Shahid Sheikh, on behalf of the Prime Minister. The chairman of Satair Union Parishad, Rafiul Alam Mintu, also provided assistance and promised monthly support.

Officials including the upazila social services officer and the project implementation officer were present during the handover. The incident that led to Hannan’s death occurred on May 1 in Bilnalia village of Nagarkanda upazila, where he was beaten to death following a rumor. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer said the Prime Minister took notice of the matter and directed the district administration to provide immediate help. Discussions have been held with the family regarding Muslima’s upbringing, and government support will continue in the future.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan said his ministry is working to ensure that the benefits of Bangladesh’s Liberation War reach the people. He made the remarks on Tuesday after the second session of the third day of the Deputy Commissioners’ (DC) Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The minister emphasized that his ministry has been working for freedom fighters both in opposition and in government and will continue to do so.

Khan discussed with district administrators the contributions of freedom fighters and citizens during the war, as well as ongoing and future ministry activities. He recalled that the Liberation War Affairs Ministry was established in 2001 under former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to preserve the legacy of the war. State Minister Israq Hossain said district administrators provided advice on improving project implementation and that cooperation with field administration would accelerate progress.

Hossain added that genuine freedom fighters’ lists and housing projects are underway, and past corruption in these projects will be investigated to prevent recurrence.