More than a hundred citizens and leaders from various political organizations joined the National Citizens Party (NCP) in Rajshahi. The formal joining took place on Saturday at the Rajshahi District Council auditorium, where central and local NCP leaders welcomed the new members with flowers.

Participants included leaders and activists from BNP, Gano Adhikar Parishad, Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, and Chhatra Adhikar Parishad. The event was conducted by city NCP member secretary Atikur Rahman, with divisional organizational secretary Imran Imon attending as chief guest. Several central leaders, including Gazi Salahuddin Tanvir, S M Saif Mostafiz, Monira Sharmin, and Sarjis Alam, also addressed the gathering.

Speakers said that growing interest among youth and conscious citizens in NCP reflects a demand for a new political approach focused on citizens’ rights, good governance, and accountability. They urged the new members to work together for positive change in the country’s political culture and emphasized the importance of youth participation in shaping future leadership.

BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 MP Mirza Abbas is undergoing medical treatment in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. After a long period of care and observation, his health condition has improved, and his wife Afroza Abbas said he may return to Bangladesh in the first week of June. On Saturday, May 17 local time, expatriate journalists visited him at Prince Court Medical Centre, where doctors confirmed that he is recovering steadily under close supervision.

According to Afroza Abbas, Mirza Abbas is receiving rehabilitation therapy and adequate rest as advised by doctors. His medical team is closely monitoring every stage of his recovery and has expressed satisfaction with his progress. He is also taking short wheelchair walks daily within the hospital premises. Many Bangladeshi expatriates, including party leaders and well-wishers, have been visiting him at the hospital and exchanging brief conversations.

The visit was attended by leaders of BNP’s affiliated organizations in Malaysia, including the presidents and secretaries of the Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and JASAS Malaysia branches, along with expatriate journalists.

U.S. President Donald Trump returned from his China visit without achieving a breakthrough on the Iran issue, despite intensified diplomatic efforts. Speaking to reporters on his way back to Washington, Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping supported reopening the Strait of Hormuz and preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, positions Beijing had previously expressed. Trump later wrote on his social media platform that U.S. military operations against Iran would continue.

According to U.S. administrative sources, the White House had planned to shape its next Iran strategy based on the outcome of the Trump–Xi meeting. With little progress, Trump now faces a decision on whether to launch new military strikes to halt the conflict. Internal divisions have emerged: some Pentagon officials favor targeted attacks to pressure Tehran, while others advocate continued diplomacy. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance claimed some negotiation progress, citing ongoing contacts with Trump’s envoys and Arab allies.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has driven up global oil prices, pushing U.S. gasoline above $4.50 per gallon and fueling inflation. Analysts warn that rising economic strain and the prolonged conflict could hurt Trump’s popularity ahead of the midterm elections.

Nasiruddin Patwari, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), posted a selfie on Facebook with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday afternoon. In his post, Patwari captioned the photo with the words 'deal done', drawing attention to the meeting between the two political figures.

On the same day, Jamaat-e-Islami held a divisional rally in Rajshahi as part of an eleven-party alliance led by the group. During the event, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman criticized the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), saying that the party’s name once stood for nationalism but has now become associated with extortion. He urged people to build social unity against corruption and extortion and to hand over offenders to the police.

The developments highlight ongoing political activity and alliances among opposition groups ahead of future political movements in Bangladesh.

Rashed Pradhan, vice president and spokesperson of the National Democratic Party (JAGPA), declared that Bangladesh’s political decisions will be made on the streets of Dhaka, not in Delhi. He made the remarks on Saturday, May 16, at an event marking the 50th anniversary of Farakka Day, organized by Jubo JAGPA at the Shafiul Alam Pradhan Auditorium in Paltan. Pradhan invoked the teachings of Maulana Bhasani, emphasizing resistance against dominance and defending national sovereignty.

During his speech, Pradhan described the Farakka Barrage as an assault on Bangladesh’s sovereignty, linking it to ongoing issues such as border killings, illegal push-ins, cultural aggression, and interference in domestic politics. He urged the Indian government to understand that friendship cannot be built through barbed wire fences and called for an end to Indian dominance in the region.

Pradhan further criticized what he described as India’s aggression and the rise of extremist Hindutva, warning that peace cannot be achieved through oppression of minorities or interference in neighboring states. Several JAGPA leaders and youth representatives also addressed the discussion meeting.

Opposition leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman criticized the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), saying its name once stood for nationalism but now represents extortion. He made the remarks on Saturday in Rajshahi while addressing a divisional rally organized by the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat. The event was chaired by Rafiqul Islam Khan and attended by leaders and activists from various political groups, including the NCP.

During his speech, Dr. Rahman thanked the government for inaugurating the Padma Barrage and urged authorities to implement the Teesta Master Plan without fear or hesitation. He called for building social unity against corruption and extortion, urging citizens to hand over wrongdoers to the police. He reiterated that Jamaat must take the lead in combating these issues.

Dr. Rahman arrived in Rajshahi around 8 a.m. to attend the rally as the chief guest, where he emphasized moral and social responsibility in political conduct.

Sarowar Tushar, joint convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and deputy head of its Reform Implementation Committee, has demanded the arrest of those involved in the recent attack at Shah Ali shrine in Mirpur, Dhaka. Speaking to reporters after visiting the site on Saturday, he criticized the use of the term “mob” to obscure the attackers’ political identities and warned that the government cannot evade responsibility by shifting blame.

Tushar called for the formation of an independent commission to investigate shrine attacks over the past two years, alleging that perpetrators with clear political affiliations, including ruling party figures in the Kushtia’s Philipnagar incident, have faced no action. The NCP delegation met victims, heard their accounts, and urged Shah Ali police to bring the attackers to justice.

Earlier, NCP Dhaka North issued a statement condemning the May 14 violence near Shah Ali shrine, describing it as a threat to social harmony and public safety. The party urged all citizens to remain calm and called on both government and people to act responsibly to preserve communal harmony in Bangladesh.

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi issued a strong warning to Pakistan, saying the country must decide whether it will remain on the world map or disappear into history if it continues to shelter terrorists and engage in hostile acts against India. He made the remarks on Saturday, May 16, at an event held at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.

Speaking during an interactive session titled 'Sena Samvad', organized under the platform 'Uniform Unveiled', General Dwivedi reiterated India’s long-standing firm stance against terrorism. His brief but sharp statement has reportedly heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The comments came just days after India’s government and armed forces celebrated the first anniversary of 'Operation Sindhur' with great ceremony.

When asked how the Indian Army would respond if a situation similar to 'Operation Sindhur' arose again, the Army Chief recalled his earlier remarks, emphasizing that Pakistan’s actions would determine its own fate.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called for a collective national effort to rebuild and develop Bangladesh, declaring it as the country’s shared pledge. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon at a public gathering in Waruk Bazar, Tamta Dakshin Union of Shahrasti upazila, Chandpur, after inaugurating the re-excavation program of Khordd Canal. The event drew thousands of party leaders, activists, and supporters who welcomed him with slogans and applause.

Rahman emphasized that his government’s goal is to implement practical plans that will benefit citizens and advance the nation. Referring to the canal project, he noted that the late President Ziaur Rahman had initiated the original excavation 48 years ago, and the current re-excavation symbolizes continuity in national development. He urged citizens to work hand in hand, stating that the collective strength of Bangladesh’s people would transform the country into a dignified state.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the BNP’s commitment to fulfilling its electoral promises and highlighted that the party’s power stems from the people’s support, which he described as essential for ongoing nation-building efforts.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that the upcoming national budget will include a significant allocation for the Family Card program. He made the announcement on Saturday, May 16, during a roadside rally at Mudaffarganj Bazar in Laksam, Cumilla. Rahman stated that the government had promised the Family Card before the election and has already begun distributing it. Residents of the area will also receive the card, he added.

Rahman further said that within the next year, the government aims to deliver Family Cards to about five million families across Bangladesh. He emphasized that the people’s trust in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which led to its electoral victory, would be honored through such initiatives. Addressing the crowd, he urged supporters to strengthen the BNP’s hand and assured that the party would gradually complete all national development tasks.

The announcement highlights the government’s focus on expanding social welfare programs and fulfilling electoral commitments through the upcoming budget.

Colonel (Retd.) Dr. Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram, chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has called for identifying foreign agents operating within Bangladesh. He made the statement on Saturday during a divisional rally in Rajshahi organized by the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami.

During his address, Oli Ahmed alleged that India has taken new plans to create unrest in Bangladesh. He also suggested that attention should be given to whether there are any agents of a person named Shuvendu operating in the country.

The remarks were made in the context of the alliance’s political activities ahead of national developments, though no further details or reactions were provided in the source.

Iran’s judiciary has ordered the confiscation of assets belonging to 51 individuals accused of espionage and cooperation with hostile states in Yazd Province. The report, carried by the IRGC-linked Tasnim news agency, stated that the directive targets both domestic and foreign-based individuals.

According to the report, 20 of the accused are currently inside Iran, while 31 are residing abroad. No further details were provided regarding the nature of the allegations, the specific cases involved, or any evidence supporting the charges.

The judiciary’s announcement did not include information about possible legal proceedings or the identities of those affected, leaving the scope and implications of the decision unclear.

BNP Secretary General and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the government will not enter into any agreement that undermines Bangladesh’s national interests. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon at a discussion organized by the BNP at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking Farakka Long March Day. He emphasized that the future of Bangladesh-India relations depends on the renewal of the Farakka Agreement and that the government will prioritize national interests in any such negotiations.

Mirza Fakhrul described the construction of the Padma Barrage as a historic decision and said that discussions and agreements on the Farakka issue must reflect the will of the Bangladeshi people. He also warned against attempts by certain groups to create instability and urged citizens to remain vigilant against conspiracies. BNP Standing Committee member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy expressed concern over water, environmental, and communal issues, alleging that communal tensions are rising and need control. He also accused the Chief Minister of West Bengal of inciting communalism while stressing that Bangladesh seeks friendly but independent relations with its neighbor.

The event was attended by senior BNP leaders including Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Shamsuzzaman Dudu, and Sultan Salahuddin Tuku.

Iran’s government plans to gradually lift online restrictions to ensure broader access to the global internet, according to Elias Hazrati, head of the country’s Information Council. He stated that the government’s policy is to expand internet use for citizens and to ease online controls over time.

Hazrati added that while external adversaries sought to force Iran into unconditional surrender, the Iranian people have shown willingness for dialogue without capitulation. He emphasized that in the post-war context, the government should adopt a broader perspective and enable wider citizen participation in governance.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that such remarks may signal a potential shift in Iran’s long-standing digital policy, though the pace and extent of any relaxation remain unclear.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed gratitude to Pope Leo for taking what he described as a 'moral, rational, and just' position regarding the ongoing war situation involving Iran. In a message published by the state news agency IRNA, Pezeshkian said that attacks by the United States and Israel were not only directed against Iran but also against international law and humanitarian values.

He asserted that Iran’s actions were carried out within a framework of legitimate self-defense, targeting what he called the positions and interests of aggressor forces. Pezeshkian added that the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz stemmed from attacks on Iran, the use of Gulf countries’ territories and airspace for assaults, and a U.S. maritime blockade. He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to diplomacy, citing Pakistan’s mediation and talks held in Islamabad, and urged the international community to adopt a realistic and fair approach.

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo’s stance, alleging that Iran had killed thousands of unarmed protesters and warning against its pursuit of nuclear weapons.