Tension has arisen between BNP and NCP activists in Chattogram over the July graffiti issue. In response, the local administration has imposed a ban on all types of meetings and gatherings from GEC Mor to Dewanhat. The restriction was announced on Monday, May 18, through a public notice stating that it will remain in effect until further instructions.

According to the notice, the order was issued by CMP Commissioner Hasan Md Shawkat Ali under Section 30 of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police Ordinance, 1978. The directive aims to maintain peace, order, and public safety in the affected area. Authorities have warned that legal action will be taken against anyone violating the order.

The announcement follows growing political tension between the two parties, with the administration emphasizing the need to prevent unrest and ensure security in the city.

Israel has implemented a controversial death penalty law targeting Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. According to Israeli daily Haaretz, Central Command chief Avi Bluth signed the order authorizing its enforcement. The law applies to individuals accused of carrying out acts intended to deny the existence of the State of Israel.

The decision has sparked internal objections among Israeli legal and security officials, who argue that West Bank Palestinians are not Israeli citizens, making the law’s application legally and politically problematic. The measure follows a March decision by Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, which passed a bill allowing the death penalty for Palestinians accused of killing Israeli citizens, while excluding Jewish Israelis accused of similar crimes.

The law has drawn criticism from several countries and human rights organizations, which describe it as discriminatory and one-sided. Critics warn that such actions could further escalate tensions in the region and undermine principles of justice.

Long-distance and inter-district bus services from Rajshahi have been suspended nationwide following a dispute over the formation of the local motor workers’ union committee. The suspension began around 8:30 a.m. on Monday when a faction of transport workers abruptly stopped bus operations, leaving passengers bound for Dhaka and other destinations stranded.

According to sources, the Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation announced a new 21-member Rajshahi District Motor Workers Union committee on Sunday, appointing Rafiqul Islam Pakhi as president and Mominul Islam Momin as general secretary. Workers opposing the unelected committee began protests, demanding its cancellation and the formation of a three-month convening committee to organize elections.

The conflict follows an April 23 clash between two groups of transport workers over control of the union office in Rajshahi’s Shiroil area, which led to vandalism of nearby shops. The federation later announced the new committee as part of a compromise. Newly appointed president Rafiqul Islam Pakhi said he was aware of the bus stoppage and was trying to restore normal service.

A discussion meeting on state reform, implementation of the referendum verdict, and the role of expatriates was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event took place on Saturday at Radhuni Bilas Restaurant, organized by the NCP Diaspora Alliance Malaysia Chapter. The session was chaired by Engineer Enamul Haque, convener of the chapter, with central joint member secretary and diaspora cell secretary Alauddin Mohammad as the main discussant.

Speakers at the meeting emphasized the necessity of state reform, proper implementation of the referendum verdict, and active participation of expatriate Bangladeshis in the country’s democratic progress. They highlighted that a united effort from citizens at home and abroad is essential to establish an accountable, democratic, and people-centered governance system.

Alauddin Mohammad noted that expatriates are not only vital to the national economy but can also contribute significantly to state-building and democratic consciousness. Enamul Haque called for unity to fulfill public expectations through the implementation of the referendum verdict and to build an effective state structure.

Hasnat Abdullah, the South Regional Chief Organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and Member of Parliament for Comilla-4 (Debidwar), stated that if the BNP expels Chandina MP Atikul Alam Shaon despite his reputation as a good person and his position as the local BNP president, it will indicate that the party has changed from what it once was. He claimed that the BNP has now become a party driven by a specific agenda.

He made these remarks on Sunday while addressing a rally of the National Citizens Party at the Mahichail High School field in Chandina, Comilla. During his speech, Abdullah also expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the country, warning that if the trend continues, the little public trust remaining in the current government will soon disappear.

The event was presided over by local businessman Nizamul Ahsan Papon and attended by several NCP leaders, including central president of Jatiyo Juboshokti Advocate Tarikul Islam, central joint coordinator Navid Nawroz Shah, and Chandina NCP coordinator Abul Kashem Ovi.

In Chattogram, activists from the student wing of the BNP, Chhatra Dal, and the National Citizens Party (NCP) confronted each other on Sunday night over the removal of July Revolution graffiti from city areas. The standoff occurred between 10:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. near the City Corporation building, where both groups exchanged slogans and staged protests. Police intervened around 11:00 p.m. to disperse the crowds and restore order, deploying additional forces around the City Corporation premises.

According to reports, the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) had recently erased graffiti from pillars of the Shaheed Wasim Akram Elevated Expressway, repainting them white and red and designating the spaces for advertising boards. The move sparked outrage among NCP members, who accused the city authorities of erasing symbols of the July movement. Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain denied the allegations in a statement, saying no graffiti had been removed and that the CCC was focused on cleanliness and beautification.

Police confirmed that the situation was under control and that no clashes occurred, though both groups had gathered in large numbers before being dispersed.

An allegation has been raised against Cumilla Superintendent of Police (SP) Md. Anisuzzaman for sending Detective Branch (DB) officers to remove microphones from a roadside rally stage prepared for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Mudaffarganj Bazar, Laksam upazila, Cumilla. The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday afternoon, when the Prime Minister held a roadside rally at the location.

Abul Kalam, Member of Parliament for Cumilla-9 (Laksam–Monoharganj) and BNP’s industry affairs secretary, stated on Sunday that he had earlier sought permission from the Prime Minister for a brief roadside rally during her journey from Cumilla to Chandpur. He claimed that despite receiving assurance, DB police removed the microphones on the rally day morning, but left after party activists protested. Kalam also alleged that the SP had political affiliations in the past and informed the party leadership about the matter.

SP Md. Anisuzzaman denied the allegation when contacted. The Prime Minister later visited Chandpur, where she inaugurated development projects and held public events.

Qatar’s Labour Minister Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The meeting took place in the evening at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka. The discussion was described as a formal courtesy meeting between the two leaders.

During the meeting, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Break Saeed Al-Samikh were also present. The report did not specify the topics discussed or any agreements reached during the meeting.

The visit reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and Qatar, though no further details about outcomes or future cooperation were provided in the source.

National Citizen Party (NCP) South Region chief organizer and Member of Parliament Hasanath Abdullah has accused the current government of beginning its tenure with blatant nepotism and regional discrimination. Speaking at a rally organized by the NCP Homna Upazila branch at the Balur Maath near Homna bus stand on Sunday afternoon, he called for ending family-based politics and extortion, urging the creation of a new Bangladesh based on merit and competence.

Hasanath Abdullah questioned the government’s performance over its first three months in power, citing deteriorating law and order and poor conditions in the health sector, where children are reportedly dying from measles and pneumonia. He criticized the government for blaming the interim administration for all problems. Emphasizing religious harmony, he said no one has the right to attack any shrine or temple and that all citizens, regardless of faith, are equal in Bangladesh.

He also condemned the government for imposing excessive taxes on ordinary people, including on motorcycles and autorickshaws, warning that taxation is spreading indiscriminately.

Student leaders have warned against any attempts to destabilize the academic environment at Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) following recent tensions and clashes on campus. In a joint statement issued on Sunday, Islami Chhatra Andolan Bangladesh President Muntasir Ahmad and Secretary General Sultan Mahmud expressed deep concern over the unrest linked to the appointment of the vice-chancellor. They stated that ignoring students’ legitimate demands and using force or external interference to control the situation would only worsen the crisis.

The leaders emphasized that repression, intimidation, or coercion have no place in a higher education institution. They urged all parties to act responsibly to protect DUET’s autonomy, academic reputation, and safe learning environment. Dialogue, mutual respect, and fairness were cited as the only means to achieve an acceptable resolution.

They further warned that if any group resorts to conspiratorial or violent means to destabilize DUET, students would unite to resist. They demanded exemplary punishment for those involved in the recent clashes, asserting that justice is essential to restore lasting peace and discipline on campus.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure from within his own Labour Party to step down, following a series of scandals, policy reversals, and poor local election results. Despite calls from around 90 Labour MPs for his resignation or a clear timeline for departure, Starmer has stated that he will not resign and intends to continue governing. The crisis deepened after last week’s local elections in England, where Labour suffered setbacks attributed to the rise of Reform UK and the Green Party.

Discontent with Starmer’s leadership had been building for months, particularly after controversial decisions such as appointing Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the United States despite prior disqualifications and links to Jeffrey Epstein. The backlash over this appointment and repeated policy U-turns have eroded confidence in his judgment. Labour MP Catherine West briefly considered challenging his leadership but later withdrew.

Potential successors include Angela Rayner, recently cleared of tax allegations; Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who may re-enter Parliament; and former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who resigned citing a lack of vision under Starmer’s leadership.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that recent attacks by the United States and Israel were intended to spread insecurity within Iran. He made the remarks during a meeting with Pakistan’s interior minister, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency.

Pezeshkian said the objective behind the attacks was to support terrorist groups and create internal instability in Iran. He credited the cooperation and responsibility of neighboring countries for thwarting the plan, describing their actions as valuable and commendable. The president specifically thanked Pakistan, Iraq, and Afghanistan for preventing their territories from being used against Iran.

The comments were reported by Fars News Agency and cited by Al Jazeera, reflecting Tehran’s emphasis on regional solidarity in countering external threats.

Bir Muktijoddha Engineer Md. Jasim Uddin Pradhan, commander of the Matlab South Upazila Muktijoddha Sangsad in Chandpur, has formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The announcement came on Saturday night during a youth and elite gathering at Matlab Community Center, where he expressed support for the party’s ideals and programs and completed the associate membership form. Jasim Uddin has been serving as convener of the upazila’s freedom fighters’ council since August 19, 2025.

The event was attended by senior Jamaat leaders, including Dr. Abdul Mobin, assistant secretary of the party’s Comilla South district and nominated parliamentary candidate for Chandpur-2. Other speakers included district and upazila-level Jamaat officials who emphasized the need for participation from all professions to establish moral and humanitarian leadership in society. They expressed hope that Jasim Uddin’s joining would have a positive impact on local politics.

Jasim Uddin stated that his decision was driven by a desire to see the country governed according to the Quran and Sunnah and that he had not previously been affiliated with any political party.

Several officials of Khulna Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA), who were appointed during the previous Awami League government under a project funded by the Asian Development Bank and JICA, are now being considered for promotion. The proposal was raised at a board meeting in Dhaka on Sunday, with a final decision expected at a meeting in Khulna on Monday. These officials had earlier been permanently absorbed into the revenue sector after the project ended, despite allegations of corruption and irregularities.

According to Khulna WASA sources, the officials in question were involved in the Khulna Water Supply Project implemented between 2011 and 2019. Allegations include large-scale financial corruption, meter theft, and manipulation of billing records, resulting in significant revenue losses. The planned promotions have sparked anger among employees and consumers, who question why those accused of wrongdoing are being rewarded instead of investigated.

Khulna WASA’s Deputy Managing Director for Finance and Administration stated that a six-member committee will review the files of those recommended for promotion and decide whether they will be approved.

Student Jamiat Bangladesh has strongly condemned the armed attack by outsiders on students protesting for the removal of the vice-chancellor at Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) in Gazipur. In a joint statement issued by its central president Ridwan Mazhari and secretary Saad Bin Zakir, the organization expressed deep anger and concern over the incident, calling it a reflection of attempts by certain groups to maintain dominance through fascist tactics.

The statement recalled that the spirit of the August 5 student uprising was to free campuses from muscle power, external influence, and authoritarian control. It criticized the use of hired outsiders to suppress student movements, saying that even if a protest is unjustified, it should never be met with violence. The group warned that any recurrence of such dominance would face resistance from the general student body.

Student Jamiat demanded a fair investigation into the DUET attack, identification and punishment of the perpetrators, and restoration of a safe and disciplined academic environment across all campuses.