Jean-Luc Mélenchon, head of France’s left-wing party La France Insoumise, has accused Europe of complicity in the escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. In a post on social media platform X, he claimed that the broader regional war triggered by U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran has been made possible through European cooperation or partnership.

Mélenchon alleged that former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s threats to destroy Iran are sustained by Europe’s involvement. He said global peace is now held hostage to what he described as the colonial interests of Trump and Netanyahu. As a declared candidate for France’s 2027 presidential election, Mélenchon urged voters to end France’s alliance with what he called “these criminals” and to break free from “the chains of servitude.”

The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, come amid heightened regional tensions following military actions against Iran and continuing violence in Gaza.

The banned Awami League is reportedly attempting to reorganize and return to political activity despite ongoing restrictions. The party has begun forming new committees at various levels and is focusing on issues such as the measles vaccine controversy and agreements with the United States to influence public opinion. It has also initiated legal actions against Dr. Muhammad Yunus and his former interim government, seeking to discredit them and demand their trial. Political analysts believe these issue-based campaigns could evolve into broader anti-government movements if not contained.

Government authorities have maintained strict surveillance and arrests to prevent the group’s resurgence, while Awami League supporters abroad and some professional groups have called for lifting the political ban. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reportedly communicated online with party members, encouraging organizational revival and hinting at her return to Bangladesh within the year. Several new committees have already been formed, and social media activity has intensified.

Analysts note that despite the ban and public resentment, Awami League retains influence through professional and local networks. However, continued law enforcement pressure and anti-fascist political unity make a full-scale comeback difficult in the near term.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has renewed his call for families to have more children, labeling birth control a 'betrayal' and the country's declining birthrate a 'disaster.' Throughout his 23-year political career, Erdogan has promoted traditional family roles and urged couples to have at least three, preferably four or five, children. He argues that a higher birthrate will make Turkey stronger in the future. However, Turkey’s fertility rate has dropped well below the replacement level of 2.1, reaching a record low of 1.48 in 2024.

Demographers attribute the decline to urbanization, lifestyle changes, and women’s access to higher education, as well as economic hardship caused by inflation and low wages. Despite government incentives such as extended parental leave, cash bonuses, and interest-free marriage loans, many families say the support is insufficient amid rising living costs. Parents interviewed described struggling to afford housing, childcare, and basic needs.

Analysts note that Erdogan’s push reflects both economic and conservative Islamic motivations. Experts doubt the new incentives will reverse the trend, as younger Turks increasingly prioritize education, careers, and smaller families. The government has declared 2025 the “Year of the Family” and launched a decade-long population initiative through 2035.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei shared a video clip from the 2024 biopic “The Apprentice” on social media, mocking US President Donald Trump. The film depicts Trump’s early career, and the selected scene shows his adviser Roy Cohn outlining his ‘rules for winning,’ including always claiming victory and never admitting defeat, as well as being ready to do anything with anyone to succeed.

The post is part of a broader wave of ridicule and criticism directed at the US president from Iranian officials and their supporters online. Through this campaign, they also mocked what they described as Trump’s widely criticized and weak attack plans. Baghaei has previously referenced literary and historical figures in his commentary, including Aimé Césaire and Persian poet Fariduddin Attar, in a column for Al Jazeera criticizing US policy.

The video post underscores Tehran’s continued use of cultural and symbolic references to challenge and satirize US leadership in international discourse.

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran amid stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran. In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump said time is running out and urged Iran to move quickly toward a deal. He cautioned that failure to do so could lead to serious consequences for the country.

The nuclear-related discussions between the United States and Iran have long been deadlocked, raising international concern over the lack of progress. Analysts note that pressure is mounting on both sides to break the diplomatic impasse and revive momentum in the talks.

According to Al Jazeera correspondent Almigdad Alruhaid reporting from Tehran, there has been no clear progress so far, though diplomatic efforts continue and all parties are closely monitoring the situation.

Students of Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) in Gazipur began a blockade on Monday morning, pressing three demands related to recent administrative decisions. The protest started at 8 a.m., leading to a suspension of all campus activities. Their demands include the cancellation of the government’s appointment of Professor Mohammad Iqbal from Shahjalal University as DUET’s new vice-chancellor, the appointment of a vice-chancellor from DUET’s own faculty, and justice for those involved in a recent clash between two groups.

The government had appointed Professor Iqbal as DUET’s vice-chancellor last Thursday, but students immediately rejected the decision. The blockade has so far remained peaceful, with participants declaring they will continue until their demands are met. Additional police have been deployed on campus to maintain order.

The situation remains tense but under control as authorities monitor developments and students maintain their protest stance.

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.