Shafiqul Islam Masud, a Member of Parliament from Patuakhali-2 representing Jamaat-e-Islami, made strong remarks about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a video that surfaced in the media on Sunday. In the footage, Masud said that people should ask Sheikh Hasina herself to understand who he is, implying a challenge to his critics.

Masud commented that although Sheikh Hasina had carried out significant development projects such as roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, she failed to sustain political support because people lacked joy and rights. He questioned why she could not remain in power despite her development efforts.

He further warned against making provocative remarks about him, referencing Rajshahi University and cautioning that those who speak against him might not be able to handle the consequences.

The government is taking steps to increase internet speed and make Teletalk services more accessible to customers, according to ICT Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam Swapon. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the new Madhupur Press Club building in Tangail on Sunday afternoon. The minister said that delivering Teletalk services to customers’ doorsteps is only a matter of time, with some procedural issues still being addressed.

During the event, Swapon also highlighted the growing drug problem in Madhupur and Dhanbari, urging journalists and the administration to work together to eliminate it. He stated that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward drug abuse. The inauguration ceremony was chaired by senior journalist Zainal Abedin and attended by local officials, political leaders, and journalists.

Before the discussion, the minister unveiled the nameplate of the new press club building and participated in a special prayer.

Chattogram-10 Member of Parliament Saeed Al Noman said that late President Ziaur Rahman embodied honesty, courage, and foresight, which played a vital role in shaping an independent and sovereign Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion and prayer meeting held on Sunday afternoon at the Engineers Institution in Chattogram, he emphasized the need for the younger generation to learn about and internalize Ziaur Rahman’s qualities.

Noman stated that Ziaur Rahman introduced multi-party democracy in Bangladesh at a time when differing opinions were discouraged. He urged that discussions about Ziaur Rahman’s life and leadership should be brought repeatedly before party workers, leaders, and youth. He also highlighted Ziaur Rahman’s integrity and his role in rebuilding the war-torn nation after independence.

The MP added that Ziaur Rahman’s philosophy should guide future political and educational efforts, and that his legacy must inspire the pursuit of a principled and people-oriented politics.

Feni District Council Administrator and BNP Joint Convener Professor M A Khalek has drawn widespread criticism after referring to Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo as a 'beloved prophet' during a discussion meeting in Feni’s Daganbhuiyan upazila. The event, held on Saturday to mark the martyrdom anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman, saw Khalek’s remarks quickly go viral on social media.

Many have accused Khalek of hurting religious sentiments and equating his statement with shirk. A local cleric, speaking anonymously, said comparing a person to a prophet constitutes shirk and offends religious feelings. The comment caused an uproar at the venue, with some attendees calling it a sign of incompetence. BNP leaders have reportedly expressed embarrassment over Khalek’s repeated controversial remarks and actions, clarifying that the party will not take responsibility for his statements.

Khalek has previously faced criticism for other incidents, including a VIP protocol controversy at a school event in April and remarks against his own party last year, for which he later apologized.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s central Nayeb-e-Ameer and Rangpur-2 MP ATM Azharul Islam has alleged that India, despite claiming to uphold equal rights for all religions, has consistently acted against Muslims. Speaking as chief guest at an Eid reunion and discussion meeting at Taraganj Upazila Parishad auditorium on Sunday, May 31, he cited recent incidents during Eid-ul-Azha where Muslims in several parts of India were reportedly obstructed from performing sacrifices. He also claimed that India does not genuinely wish well for Bangladesh.

ATM Azhar urged Bangladeshis to remain vigilant about the country’s independence, sovereignty, and national interests. He argued that many of India’s policies and actions have often conflicted with the expectations of the Bangladeshi people, calling for national unity to safeguard the country’s interests. Addressing domestic politics, he reaffirmed Jamaat-e-Islami’s commitment to implementing the July Charter and pursuing necessary state reforms, criticizing the BNP government for failing to meet public expectations.

He warned that if the BNP does not take effective steps toward implementing the July Charter and reforms, Jamaat-e-Islami will launch a strong movement. He also called for sincerity among political parties to build an equitable and accountable welfare state.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that late President Ziaur Rahman had taken Bangladesh, once described as a bottomless basket, to remarkable heights in a short time. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon at the KIB Auditorium in Farmgate, Dhaka, while addressing a discussion meeting marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman.

During his speech, the Prime Minister discussed the current state of the country, the government’s goals, social values, and the responsibilities of party members. He noted that after returning to the country, he observed some deficiencies in family education and emphasized the need to address them. He added that the government is working to strengthen social and family values and that relevant authorities have already been instructed accordingly.

The event was presided over by Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

The United States Embassy in Bangladesh has announced a major update for individuals seeking immigrant visas. In a message released on Sunday, May 31, 2026, the embassy stated that starting June 1, all categories of immigrant visa applications will be processed within two working days. The announcement aims to bring greater efficiency and speed to the visa process for applicants in Bangladesh.

According to the embassy, the new system will apply to all immigrant visa categories handled by the US Embassy in Dhaka. Applicants have been advised to consult the embassy’s ‘Directory of Visa Categories’ and check the ‘Immigrant Visa Categories’ section for detailed information. The embassy described the move as part of its effort to make visa processing more dynamic and responsive to applicants’ needs.

The announcement is expected to ease the waiting time for visa applicants and streamline administrative procedures, marking a significant improvement in the embassy’s service delivery.

The Forest Department of Bangladesh has announced a complete ban on entry into the Sundarbans from June 1 to August 31 to ensure safe breeding of fish, aquatic species, and wildlife, as well as to protect the forest’s biodiversity. During this period, fishing, crab collection, honey harvesting, and tourism in all rivers, canals, and water bodies within the forest will remain prohibited. The department has already stopped issuing new passes for fishermen, honey collectors, and tourists, instructing all to leave the forest before the ban takes effect.

According to the Forest Department, the June–August period marks the main breeding season for aquatic and wild species in the Sundarbans, and the restriction has been enforced annually since 2019. Local forest-dependent communities, including fishermen and honey collectors, expressed concern that the three-month closure severely limits their income, forcing many into debt. They have urged the government to provide food aid and special incentives during the restriction period.

Officials said a proposal for food and financial assistance to affected families has been sent to the relevant ministry for approval.

State Minister for Shipping Md. Rajib Ahsan said that Bangladesh’s waterways will regain their traditional vibrancy through modernization of pontoons and continuous dredging. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon while visiting the Chandpur river port, emphasizing that the government is working to accommodate high-speed vessels in line with modern demands.

The minister stated that after the Eid holidays, the government is ensuring passengers’ safe return to workplaces by monitoring major terminals and addressing existing problems. He also discussed the halted construction of the Chandpur Modern River Terminal, noting that some work had been completed but stopped after August 5. A new contractor will soon be appointed to finish the remaining work quickly, which he said will help restore the port’s heritage.

Officials from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), local government representatives, and political leaders were present during the visit.

A gunfight occurred between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and an armed robber group on the Naf River near Hnila in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar on Saturday evening. The incident took place around 6 p.m., leading to the detention of two Rohingya fishermen. According to local sources and eyewitnesses, the fishermen were fishing in a small boat when an armed group in a motorized vessel chased them. The fishermen attempted to take shelter near Hnila sluice gate, but the armed group seized their boat.

Lieutenant Colonel Zahidul Islam, commander of the 64 BGB Battalion in Ukhiya, confirmed the incident. He said the armed group fired approximately three rounds at the fishermen and tried to flee toward Myanmar’s Khurer Island after seizing the boat. A BGB patrol team responded quickly, firing five to six rounds as the group crossed the Dubarchar area. Two Rohingya fishermen, identified as residents of the Kutupalong refugee camp, were taken into BGB custody.

BGB reported that the border situation is now stable and under control, with security measures strengthened to prevent further incidents.

The Forest Department has announced a complete three-month closure of the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, from June 1 to August 31, 2026. The move aims to ensure safe breeding for fish, crabs, shrimp, aquatic species, and wildlife. During this period, all entry and resource collection activities, including fishing, honey collection, crab harvesting, and tourism, are prohibited. New entry passes have been suspended, and those already inside the forest have been instructed to leave. Authorities warned that legal action will be taken against anyone violating the ban.

Officials said that uninterrupted calm in the forest during this breeding season helps restore fish populations, plant regeneration, and wildlife numbers, contributing to long-term ecological balance. However, thousands of forest-dependent families in coastal areas such as Shyamnagar, Ashashuni, Koyra, and Mongla are facing severe financial hardship due to the loss of income.

The Forest Department has proposed food aid and incentives for affected families to the relevant ministry. Joint monitoring by the Forest Department, Coast Guard, Naval Police, and Fisheries Department will continue to ensure full enforcement of the ban until the forest reopens on September 1.

Opposition Deputy Leader of the National Parliament and Jamaat-e-Islami’s central Nayebe Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher stated that Jamaat expects to come to state power soon. Speaking on Sunday at Jamaat’s Eid reunion and public reception in Chauddagram, Cumilla, he said that in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the BNP received 10 percent more votes than Jamaat, while Jamaat secured 68 seats independently and 77 seats in alliance.

Dr. Taher added that during the interim government period, he brought an allocation of Tk 120 crore for infrastructure development in the area and another Tk 100 crore after the election, which took place three months ago. He identified teenage gangs and drug trading as Chauddagram’s main problems, giving those involved six months to change their activities.

The event, held at Chauddagram Central Eidgah ground, was conducted by local Jamaat leaders and attended by several central and district-level party figures, including Maulana Abdul Halim and Advocate Muhammad Shahjahan.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed has accused Jamaat-e-Islami of engaging in extortion under the guise of collecting religious donations, known as hadiya. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon while speaking at an event organized by the Nationalist Social and Cultural Organization (JASAS).

Rizvi alleged that Jamaat has a history of secretive politics and that some of its members are involved in covert extortion activities. He further claimed that the party is misusing religion to conceal its misdeeds and spreading deliberate misinformation against the government. Rizvi urged Jamaat leaders to engage in constructive criticism instead of false propaganda.

He also stated that while the people of Bangladesh are religious, they do not support Jamaat. Rizvi emphasized the importance of embracing positive global cultural values while remaining vigilant against influences that could harm the country’s cultural identity.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Primary and Mass Education, Bobby Hajjaj, remains at the center of public controversy despite retracting a contentious comment about Dhaka University. The dispute began after he referred to the university as a “coaching center” during a podcast, sparking anger among students and faculty. On Friday, protesters at the university’s TSC area declared him unwelcome on campus, while the teachers’ group ‘Sada Dal’ issued a statement condemning his remarks as irresponsible and disrespectful.

Hajjaj later apologized on his verified Facebook page, claiming his words were taken out of context and not reflective of government policy. He said his intention was to encourage Dhaka University to strengthen its global research standing, not to undermine its legacy. Despite his retraction, social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and TikTok have remained flooded with criticism, memes, and calls for his resignation.

Analysts noted that the episode highlights how political figures’ statements can rapidly escalate online, and that public outrage often persists even after apologies or clarifications.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that no terrorist or criminal group will be allowed to maintain a safe haven in Chattogram’s Jungle Salimpur area. He issued the warning on May 31, 2026, during a press briefing after inspecting the site in Sitakunda upazila. Senior government and law enforcement officials, including the state minister for land and the Chattogram city mayor, were present during the visit.

The minister said that past political criminalization had fostered a “state within a state,” with Jungle Salimpur serving as a visible example. Following reports of armed attacks and extortion, the government launched a joint law enforcement operation on March 9 to dismantle the parallel control system established by criminals. He noted that some objectives were not fully achieved due to information leaks but confirmed that ringleaders and land grabbers behind the violence were being identified.

Ahmed assured residents that no immediate evictions would occur and that a sustainable resettlement plan would be developed. He also announced plans for a modern road network and new security infrastructure linking Salimpur with nearby areas to permanently eliminate criminal activity.