Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with leaders of the Editors' Council on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Public Administration Conference Room of the Cabinet Division in the Secretariat. The meeting was attended by Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, State Minister Yasser Khan Chowdhury, and the Prime Minister’s Information Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, along with senior editors from major national newspapers.

Among those present were Editors' Council President and New Age editor Nurul Kabir, General Secretary and Bonik Barta editor Dewan Hanif, The Daily Star editor and publisher Mahfuz Anam, Manabzamin editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman, The Financial Express editor Shamsul Haque Zahid, Daily Inqilab editor A.M.M. Bahauddin, Supravat Bangladesh editor Ruso Mahmud, and Dainik Karatoa editor Md. Mozammel Haque.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister hosted a luncheon for the journalists. Press Secretary Saleh Shibli and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were also present.

Road Transport, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that most road accidents in Bangladesh occur due to unfit vehicles, unskilled and negligent drivers, and public unawareness. He made the remarks on Sunday at a program in Rajbari organized by the BRTA Trustee Board to distribute checks among victims of road accidents and raise public awareness about road safety.

The minister said the event was meant to express solidarity with families of those killed or injured in accidents, calling such incidents a collective national failure. Referring to the March 25 Daulatdia ferry terminal accident, he said the investigation report identified driver error and vehicle defects as the main causes. He also announced a Tk 2,800 crore World Bank–assisted project to train drivers, conduct health and drug tests, and improve safety measures.

State Minister for Roads and Railways Habibur Rashid and State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam emphasized collective responsibility and modernization of ferry management. A victims’ representative thanked the government for prompt assistance and urged proper action to prevent future accidents.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has strongly condemned an alleged attack on students of Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) who were protesting the appointment of a new vice-chancellor. In a joint statement issued on Sunday, Shibir’s central president Nurul Islam and secretary general Sibgatullah accused members of Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, BNP-backed teachers, officials, and outsiders of carrying out a violent assault during a peaceful demonstration at the university’s main gate on May 17. The group claimed that at least 15 students were injured and that journalists faced obstruction and police fired tear gas and bullets.

The statement said the students had been demonstrating for three days demanding that the vice-chancellor be appointed from among DUET’s own teachers, free from political influence. Shibir leaders alleged that the attack reflected a broader pattern of campus violence by Chhatra Dal across the country, citing previous incidents at several institutions.

They urged the government to bring the attackers to justice, ensure medical care for the injured, and avoid politically motivated appointments that could destabilize educational environments.

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju criticized political leaders for visiting shrines before elections but failing to show solidarity when shrines come under attack. Speaking at a protest rally on Sunday morning at the Mirpur Shah Ali Baghdadi shrine premises, he described recent assaults on shrines and devotees as attacks on dissenting opinions. He called on citizens of all political affiliations to unite against oppression and discrimination.

The protest was jointly organized by the Sadhu-Guru-Bhakt O Wali-Auliya Ashekan Parishad and Bhav Boithoki Sabha, presided over by poet and thinker Farhad Mazhar and conducted by Mohammad Romel. A large number of devotees, mystics, Bauls, and visitors attended the gathering. Monju expressed outrage over Thursday night’s attack on the shrine and emphasized that persuasion, not violence, is the Islamic way to correct others. He demanded installation of CCTV cameras at shrines nationwide.

Monju also urged starting anti-drug operations from the Secretariat and Parliament, warning that names of drug users within these institutions could be made public. He reaffirmed AB Party’s commitment to continue its struggle for citizens’ rights.

Freedom fighter Abdul Kader, former Baitul Mal secretary of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Matuail (Demra) Union, passed away early Sunday at his home in Changail village, Kanchpur, Narayanganj. He was 80 years old at the time of his death.

Jamaat-e-Islami leaders expressed deep sorrow over his passing and extended condolences to the bereaved family. In a joint condolence message, central executive council members and Dhaka South leaders Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul MP and Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud MP prayed for the forgiveness of the departed soul. The statement also mentioned that the late Abdul Kader was the father-in-law of Maulana Omar Faruk, secretary of Konapara Police Station (Demra Zone).

Following the funeral prayer after Zuhr, Abdul Kader was laid to rest at the family graveyard in Changail village, Kanchpur. He is survived by two sons, three daughters, and numerous admirers.

ATM Azharul Islam MP, central Naib-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, said that politics in the country rarely serves public welfare and is often driven by personal and party interests. Speaking on Saturday, May 16, at a conference of union presidents and secretaries organized by the Sylhet district branch of Jamaat-e-Islami, he emphasized that only selfless politics can change the nation’s destiny. He called on the government to implement the July Charter and respect the referendum results, warning that ignoring public aspirations could harm the authorities themselves.

The event, held at M Saifur Rahman Auditorium in Sylhet’s Rikabibazar, was presided over by district Ameer Maulana Habibur Rahman. Central Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer, as chief discussant, accused the ruling government of resisting reforms and showing reluctance to address issues such as enforced disappearances, killings, and corruption. He alleged that the government was acting against the spirit of the July Revolution.

Several other central and district Jamaat leaders also addressed the conference, expressing concern over the government’s political direction and reaffirming the party’s commitment to welfare-oriented politics.

Tea workers in Moulvibazar staged a protest on Sunday to press a four-point demand and later submitted a memorandum through District Commissioner Touhiduzzaman Pavel. The demonstration took place across various parts of the town, organized by the district committee of the Tea Workers Union. The memorandum was addressed to the Minister of Labour and the Minister of Health, urging immediate action to reopen the Camellia Duncan Foundation Hospital.

According to union leaders, the demands include reopening the hospital to ensure basic healthcare for workers, modernizing the facility with adequate doctors, nurses, and equipment, investigating the death of worker’s child Aishi Robidas and compensating the family, and ensuring safety for all hospital staff and patients, including deployment of Ansar personnel if necessary. The protest rally at Chaumuhana Square was presided over by union vice president Madhu Rajak and conducted by general secretary Harinarayan Hajra, with several local labor leaders addressing the gathering.

The union had previously submitted memorandums on April 13 to local authorities demanding the same hospital reopening, highlighting ongoing concerns about healthcare access for tea workers in the region.

Prime Minister’s Adviser and Office Spokesperson Mahdi Amin stated that a democratically elected and accountable government has taken charge in Bangladesh after a long interval. He said the empowerment of this government represents the empowerment of ordinary citizens, ensuring rights and freedoms for all in an independent and sovereign nation. His remarks were made at a public rally in Chandpur attended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, according to a press release issued on Sunday.

Amin described the overwhelming public enthusiasm surrounding the Prime Minister’s visit to Chandpur, calling it a historic awakening of love and hope among residents. He highlighted that people from all walks of life came out to greet the Prime Minister, reflecting their trust in the elected government. Presenting the government’s three-month performance, he said election pledges are being implemented, including the rollout of programs such as farmer cards and family cards.

He added that the family card initiative aims to bring lasting social change through women’s empowerment, expressing optimism that it will help build a self-reliant Bangladesh.

Barrister Ahmed Bin Kashem Arman, son of executed Jamaat leader Mir Quasem Ali, alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina used patriotic members of the Bangladesh Army in enforced disappearances, thereby damaging the army’s professionalism and endangering the country’s sovereignty. He made the remarks on Sunday during a press briefing after giving testimony at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 in a case related to abductions at the RAB Taskforce Interrogation Cell (TFI).

Arman, himself a victim of enforced disappearance, said that the rights of the Bangladeshi people should be considered sacred and that the army should remain the nation’s most respected and trusted institution. He urged that no one, regardless of power or influence, should misuse the armed forces or violate citizens’ rights. He added that depriving citizens of constitutional rights amounts to treason.

According to the report, Arman testified as the first witness in the case filed over abductions and torture at the TFI Cell during the Awami League’s fifteen-year rule. Ten army officers have been arrested in connection with the case, which also names Hasina and twelve former and current military officials.

Bangladeshi expatriates in South Korea organized a civic reception for National Citizens Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan during his visit to the country. The event took place on Sunday at noon local time at the Khimpu Foreign Support Center in Khimpu city, arranged by the NCP Diaspora Alliance, South Korea. NCP leaders and activists from various levels, along with expatriates from different professions, attended the ceremony.

In his speech, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan expressed gratitude to the diaspora members for their hospitality and recalled their support during the July uprising when the country was under blockade. He urged expatriates to remain united in realizing the goals of the July Charter and referendum and to play an active role in informing the international community about the uprising. He also assured that the NCP would continue working to ensure expatriate voting rights in future elections.

Expatriates present at the event raised issues including repatriation of deceased students’ bodies, simplification of migration processes, prevention of broker exploitation, ending airport harassment, and greater inclusion of expatriates in national matters.

Hefazat-e-Islam Amir Allama Muhibullah Babunagari stated that the organization is united and free from internal division. He made the remark during a meeting with Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Amir Maulana Muhammad Mamunul Haque at Jamia Islamia Azizul Ulum Babunagar Madrasa on Sunday morning. During the meeting, a commemorative book titled 'Shahidnama', published by Shapla Smriti Sangsad, was presented as a gift.

Following the meeting, Maulana Mamunul Haque told reporters that an eleven-party electoral alliance has been formed to address the current national situation and pursue the goals of the July Revolution. He explained that the alliance includes parties with differing views on establishing Islam in state power, emphasizing that it is a strategic political unity rather than an ideological one. He reaffirmed that differences in belief and thought with groups like Jamaat-e-Islami remain.

Mamunul Haque added that Hefazat-e-Islam remains a united force guided by Quran and Sunnah and will continue to defend Islam and national interests against any domestic or international threats.

Residents of Goaland in Rajbari district formed a human chain on Sunday morning demanding the construction of a second Padma Bridge on the Daulatdia-Paturia river route. The demonstration, organized by the group 'Goaland Protirodh Moncho', took place around 10:30 a.m. at the Goaland bus stand area along the Dhaka-Khulna highway. Participants from various professions joined the event to voice their demand for improved connectivity.

Speakers at the human chain, including local political leaders from BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal, said that the Daulatdia-Paturia route is a vital communication link for the country’s southwestern region. They highlighted that travelers have long suffered from severe traffic congestion, long waiting hours, and mismanagement, especially during major festivals such as Eid.

The speakers emphasized that while they support the government’s Padma Barrage project, they believe the construction of the second Padma Bridge should take priority. They urged the authorities to take immediate and effective steps to implement this demand.

A court in Sirajganj has ordered the publication of a newspaper notice against Kushtia-3 Member of Parliament Mufti Amir Hamza. The order was issued on Sunday at 11 a.m. by Judge Suman Karmakar of the Chauhali Amli Court after Hamza failed to appear in court as scheduled. The case was filed by Advocate Humayun Kabir Colonel, general secretary of the Sirajganj District Lawyers Association, who confirmed that the notice will initiate the trial process.

According to case details, on March 27, Hamza allegedly made defamatory remarks against the Minister of Power and Energy and BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku during a discussion at the Hatsh Haripur Boro Jame Mosque in Kushtia. Advocate Humayun Kabir filed a defamation case on April 2, leading the court to summon Hamza to appear on April 21. When he failed to attend, an arrest warrant was issued.

As Hamza again did not appear on Sunday, the court directed that a public notice be published in newspapers to proceed with the case.

Two activists of the banned Chhatra League were handed over to police by BNP members in the Kashipur Hatkhola area of Fatullah, Narayanganj, on Saturday night. The detainees, identified as Sani (20) and Siam (21) from Bandar area, were caught around 11 p.m. after a sudden procession. They were later turned over to police by local BNP leaders.

According to local sources, the two detainees had long been active in Chhatra League politics and were known associates of former Bandar Thana Jubo League president and identified criminal Khan Masud. Witnesses said the banned group began chanting slogans such as “Joy Bangla” and “Joy Bangabandhu” before BNP leaders and activists chased and detained them. Kashipur Union BNP general secretary Arif Mondal confirmed the handover to police.

Fatullah Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mahbub Alam stated that BNP activists detained the two during the procession and informed the police, who then took them into custody. Authorities are checking with Bandar police to determine if the detainees have prior cases against them.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has emphasized the need to build an accountable and institutional framework for managing the media sector, moving beyond a control-oriented approach. He made the remarks on Sunday during a meeting at the Secretariat with leaders of the Television Editors Council, which includes editors and news heads of private television channels. The minister highlighted the importance of forming an independent, efficient, and credible media commission.

Swapan noted that Bangladesh’s media management has long suffered from a conceptual gap, with a lack of coordinated thinking among owners, entrepreneurs, journalists, and the government. This has led to the sector being influenced by personal power and investment interests. He said the government is both a stakeholder and a regulator, and must ensure equal opportunity for all parties.

The minister further stated that past governments viewed media mainly through a lens of control, resulting in irregularities and misuse. He proposed establishing a quasi-judicial commission to ensure media freedom and accountability, cautioning that it must not become a political instrument of any government.