Bangladesh National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikrom stated that security without accountability can never bring stability to the world. He made the remarks while addressing the closing session of a two-day international conference organized by the Center for Future Studies at Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), held under the theme ‘National Security in South Asia in the Context of the New World Order.’ The event concluded on May 20, 2026.

The conference discussed redefining national security in South Asia, transactional multilateralism, regional cooperation, energy security, migration and refugees, combating misinformation and disinformation, and cooperation in a changing world. Key speakers included experts from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Sweden. Ahmad emphasized that security depends not only on internal strength but also on a nation’s knowledge, wisdom, and the stability of international borders.

He also called for investment in developing new leadership to adapt to technological expansion, which he said would strengthen public trust and demonstrate national responsibility.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad stated that national security depends not only on internal strength but also on a nation's accumulated knowledge, wisdom, and the stability of its international borders. He made these remarks on Wednesday at a conference titled 'National Security in the Context of the New World Order in South Asia' held at the Independence Auditorium of Bangladesh University.

During his address, the Speaker emphasized that unaccountable security cannot bring global stability in a changing world order. He also highlighted the need to invest in developing new leadership amid the rapid expansion of technology, noting that such investment would demonstrate national responsibility and strengthen public trust.

The conference featured keynote speakers from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Sweden, and was attended by the university's vice-chancellor Major General Md Mahbub-ul Alam, deans, senior officials, teachers, researchers, students, and invited guests.

Member of Parliament for Cumilla-4, Hasnat Abdullah, alleged that the government formed after the July Revolution is formally taking away the independence of the judiciary. Speaking as the chief guest at an NCP roadside rally in Bagmara field, Lalmai upazila, on Wednesday, he said the judiciary has been absorbed into the Ministry of Law and that institutions are being politicized and turned into one-party entities. He also claimed that universities are being occupied and recruitment is being made on partisan grounds rather than merit.

Abdullah, who serves as the chief organizer for the southern region of the National Citizens Party (NCP), expressed confidence that the NCP would form the next government with public support and fulfill the people's aspirations. He urged supporters to spread the party’s message across every household and ward.

He further stated that the NCP aims to build a safe and fair Bangladesh for the young generation, where employment does not require bribery and every citizen is respected regardless of social background.

Maulana Mohammad Shafiq Qasemi, the imam of Kolkata’s historic Nakhoda Mosque, has urged Muslims in West Bengal to refrain from sacrificing cows during Eid al-Adha and to stop eating beef altogether. In an interview with news agency PTI, he advised Muslims to choose goats as an alternative for sacrifice, emphasizing that avoiding cow slaughter would prevent harm to Hindu families involved in the dairy trade.

Qasemi explained that many Hindu families invest their savings in raising cows and sell them during Eid. If Muslims stop buying cows for sacrifice, those families could face financial losses. His appeal comes amid heightened sensitivity around cow slaughter in the state.

Last week, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal issued a directive prohibiting the slaughter of cows and buffaloes without prior permission, effectively tightening control over beef sales. The issue of cow sacrifice and beef consumption has recently intensified religious, social, and political debates in the state.

A new online political movement called the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ has gone viral across India’s social media platforms. Emerging mainly among Gen Z users, the movement adopted a cockroach as its symbol and gained rapid traction after its launch on May 15. By Tuesday night, its Instagram following reached one million and surpassed three million within hours, making it one of the most discussed online topics in India.

The movement began after India’s Chief Justice compared some unemployed youths to “parasites” and “cockroaches” during a court hearing on fake degrees and joblessness. In response, founder Abhijit Deepak posted online asking what would happen if all “cockroaches” united, triggering a viral wave of memes, posts, and satirical content. Some opposition politicians and former officials have also expressed interest in joining the online group.

Deepak clarified that the movement has no anti-government or regime-change agenda. He emphasized that India’s youth are aware, mature, and politically conscious, and will express their views peacefully and democratically. The group has unveiled a cockroach as its election symbol and plans to hold its first virtual conference soon.

Dr. Atik Mujahid, the Member of Parliament for Kurigram-2 and a representative of the 11-party alliance, has called for all political and social groups in Fulbari upazila to unite in eliminating drugs and advancing local development. He made the appeal on Wednesday afternoon while addressing a meeting of the Fulbari upazila law and order and anti-smuggling committee, chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Dilara Akter.

During his speech, Dr. Mujahid urged leaders of all political parties to identify local problems and submit them to him for presentation in the national parliament and relevant government offices. He warned government officials against corruption and emphasized that those who fail to serve the public would not be allowed to remain in their positions. Addressing the police, he stated that drug trafficking could not continue if law enforcement acted decisively.

The meeting was attended by local officials, political leaders from various parties, and representatives from law enforcement, agriculture, education, and health sectors, who also shared their views on the issues discussed.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that the government will construct a Teesta Barrage similar to the Padma Barrage. He made the declaration on Wednesday at a gathering in Sataish, Gazipur, held on the premises of the National Disaster Management Research and Training Institute. Earlier, he laid the foundation stone of the institute, which will be built on about eight acres of land and include administrative and residential facilities for trainees. The institute will provide specialized training for members and volunteers of disaster management organizations.

Explaining the importance of the Padma Barrage, the Prime Minister said it aims to ensure water availability during dry and rainy seasons and to counter the effects of reduced river flow caused by upstream structures. He linked the project to protecting the environment and preventing saline water intrusion in southern regions, including the Sundarbans. Rahman also emphasized the need for environmental awareness, citing deforestation in Cox’s Bazar due to Rohingya settlements and road construction.

He urged citizens to be conscious of disaster preparedness and resource protection, stating that safeguarding national assets is essential for Bangladesh’s progress toward becoming a developed nation.

Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has taken a significant step toward early elections after a bill to dissolve the legislature passed a preliminary vote on Wednesday. Out of 120 members, 110 lawmakers supported the measure. The bill will now proceed to committee review and must pass three further readings before becoming law.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to favor holding the general election as scheduled at the end of October, despite the preliminary approval. He is expected to continue talks with ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) parties to delay the dissolution process. Haredi factions have recently shown willingness to back opposition-led dissolution bills, though their cooperation remains uncertain.

Several controversial legislative proposals remain under discussion, including plans to divide the attorney general’s powers, place the police internal affairs unit under the justice minister, and reform media oversight. These measures require Haredi support, which has been inconsistent. Additionally, the Knesset’s Foreign and Defense Committee is set to discuss bills on extending mandatory military service and exempting Haredi men from conscription, reportedly at Netanyahu’s direction.

Caritas Bangladesh has called for mandatory birth registration immediately after childbirth at hospitals and community clinics, along with the introduction of a conditional child allowance for street children and those from ultra-poor families. The organization made these demands during a media consultation held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium, where officials and representatives of street children were present. Caritas Development Institute Director Theophil Nokrek read a written statement outlining eight specific demands to strengthen child protection and social inclusion.

According to data cited at the event, only nine percent of children in 2024 were registered within 45 days of birth, despite legal requirements. Caritas emphasized that children without birth certificates face barriers to education, healthcare, and social benefits. The group also highlighted that 58.2 percent of street children lack birth certificates, and most do not know their parents’ national ID numbers, making registration nearly impossible under current rules.

Caritas urged the government to expand social safety nets, simplify registration for parentless children, and ensure coordinated action among state and non-governmental actors to secure the rights and future of disadvantaged children.

Pakistan has continued its diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi departing for Tehran to attend an important meeting, according to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency. This marks Naqvi’s second visit to Tehran within a week, underscoring Islamabad’s active role in promoting dialogue between conflicting parties.

Earlier this year, Pakistan facilitated discussions among relevant stakeholders, and diplomatic sources indicate that the country is maintaining contact at various levels to organize a second round of talks. The initiative reflects Islamabad’s ongoing commitment to mediation and conflict resolution in the region.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement could play a significant role in maintaining regional stability, as the country continues to position itself as a mediator in ongoing disputes.

Students of Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) in Gazipur have declared a complete shutdown of the campus, rejecting the appointment of a new vice-chancellor. The protesting students locked the university’s main gate and announced that the shutdown would continue until further notice. Administrative activities have come to a standstill as a result of the ongoing demonstration.

The students are pressing a three-point demand, including the cancellation of the new vice-chancellor’s appointment and the selection of a replacement from within DUET. The protest follows a day of intense demonstrations and clashes that turned the campus into a tense zone. Despite the continued unrest, the university administration has not yet issued any formal statement or solution.

The continued shutdown has created a state of paralysis across the DUET campus, with students remaining firm in their demands and showing no sign of ending their movement until their conditions are met.

BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the people of Bangladesh will never bring Jamaat-e-Islami back to power. Speaking at a grand reception organized by the Thakurgaon district BNP at the abandoned airport grounds in Shibganj on Wednesday afternoon, he accused Jamaat-e-Islami of opposing the 1971 Liberation War, killing freedom fighters, and committing atrocities against women. He added that politics based on falsehoods and religion would not succeed in the country.

During the event, Mirza Fakhrul, accompanied by Aviation Minister Afroza Khanam Rita and State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, inspected the abandoned airport. The crowd welcomed the ministers with traditional dances and flower showers. In his speech, Fakhrul announced that the previously closed airports in Bogura and Thakurgaon had been included in the Planning Division’s green list for reopening.

He stated that feasibility studies and renovation work would begin soon, and if all goes well, flights could resume at the Thakurgaon airport within two years.

The White House has confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit scheduled to take place in France from June 15 to 17. His participation had previously been uncertain due to tensions with allied nations. The confirmation ends speculation about whether Trump would join the high-level gathering.

According to the report, Trump is interested in shaping the meeting as more trade-focused than a traditional diplomatic event. French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier proposed hosting a post-summit dinner at the Palace of Versailles to encourage Trump’s attendance. The summit dates were also adjusted to avoid a scheduling conflict with a planned UFC fight at the White House on Trump’s 80th birthday.

The announcement signals renewed engagement between the U.S. and its G7 partners, though the tone and focus of discussions are expected to reflect Trump’s emphasis on trade issues.

Bakerganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Milton Chandra Pal stated that village courts are enabling ordinary people to receive justice more quickly while reducing the pressure on formal courts. He made the remarks on Wednesday, May 20, during a workshop held at the Upazila Parishad conference room, organized by the Upazila administration to develop a coordinated plan for raising public awareness about village courts.

During his address, the official noted that village courts play an important role in resolving family disputes, land-related conflicts, and other social issues efficiently and easily. He emphasized that regular participation and effective roles of local representatives could further speed up dispute resolution at the community level. According to him, village courts have already earned public trust.

The workshop was supported by the Bangladesh Village Court Activation Phase-3 Project and attended by local government officials and representatives from organizations including BRAC, Proshika, Wave Foundation, and SAINT Bangladesh.

Reports indicate that during the early days of the Iran war, following Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader and senior officials, US President Donald Trump publicly suggested that someone from within Iran should take charge. It has now emerged that both the United States and Israel had considered former hardline president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for that role. According to American officials, Israeli planners even consulted Ahmadinejad about the idea, but the plan quickly collapsed.

Ahmadinejad was injured in an Israeli airstrike on his Tehran home on the war’s first day, an attack reportedly aimed at freeing him from house arrest. After surviving, he became disillusioned with the regime-change plan and has not been seen publicly since. The plan was part of a broader Israeli effort to topple Iran’s religious government through targeted strikes and internal unrest, though most of it failed to materialize.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly declined to comment directly on the plan but said Trump’s “Operation Epic Fury” achieved its military goals, including destroying Iran’s missile and naval capabilities.