Bkash, the country’s largest mobile financial service provider, has modernized the library of St. Joseph Higher Secondary School in Dhaka as part of its social responsibility initiative. The modernization was carried out in memory of late Bkash official Mahfuz Sadiq, a former student of the school. The upgraded facility now allows around fifty students to read simultaneously and borrow books using membership cards.

The renovation included structural improvements and the addition of several high-configuration desktop computers with internet access, enabling students to read e-books from home and abroad. A commemorative event was held at the school to honor Mahfuz Sadiq, attended by Bkash executives, school authorities, alumni, and his family members.

Bkash has been supporting reading programs since 2014 through partnerships with the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, distributing over 400,000 books to more than 3,000 institutions and benefiting 3.4 million readers. The company continues to modernize libraries across educational institutions nationwide.

The Narayanganj Sadar Upazila administration has distributed modern educational and environmental equipment to several institutions under the 'Climate-Resilient Campus Initiative'. The event was held on Saturday afternoon at the Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s office, with District Commissioner Md. Raihan Kabir as the chief guest and Upazila Nirbahi Officer S.M. Fayez Uddin presiding. Officials from various government departments, teachers, and students attended the ceremony.

According to the district commissioner, the initiative aims to ensure safe, healthy, and eco-friendly campuses. Distributed items included sanitary pad vending machines, color-coded dustbins, sustainable water bottles, Swiss water filters, and interactive digital whiteboards. These tools are expected to promote hygiene, waste segregation, reduced plastic use, and paperless classrooms. The UNO stated that in the first phase, 17 secondary schools and madrasas received the equipment, with plans to expand the program to all institutions in the upazila.

The administration also plans to organize training for teachers on climate change, waste management, and health awareness as part of the broader program.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained a young man with 40,000 yaba tablets during a pre-dawn operation in a border area of Cumilla on May 23, 2026. The operation, conducted by a special patrol team from Lakshmipur Border Outpost under the 10 BGB Battalion, took place around 3:30 a.m. in Durlovpur, about four kilometers inside Bangladesh from the zero line. The suspect, identified as Md. Abu Sayeed, 24, from South Suryanagar village in Sadar Dakshin upazila, was apprehended after a search of his bag revealed the narcotics.

According to BGB sources, the seized yaba consignment was likely being smuggled into the country for distribution. The estimated market value of the drugs is several crore taka. The detainee reportedly admitted involvement in drug transport during initial questioning. A case under the Narcotics Control Act is being prepared, and both the suspect and the recovered drugs have been handed over to Sadar Dakshin Police Station.

BGB officials stated that surveillance and anti-smuggling operations along the border have been intensified to curb drug trafficking and protect youth from narcotics.

A protest was held in Feni on Friday night demanding the withdrawal of Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police (Sonagazi-Daganbhuiyan Circle) Syed Moubid Raihan. Local BNP and Jubo Dal leaders led the demonstration, which began at Sonagazi Zero Point and ended in front of the Sonagazi Model Police Station. Protesters accused the officer of providing shelter to banned Chhatra League cadres and engaging in irregularities.

Speakers at the protest, including local BNP and Jubo Dal leaders, alleged that the officer was involved in misconduct, supported youth gangs, and conducted illegal arbitration for money. They demanded an investigation into the allegations and his immediate removal. Some leaders claimed that local residents had long expressed dissatisfaction over his activities.

Attempts to contact Syed Moubid Raihan for comment were unsuccessful, as calls to his office went unanswered. Sonagazi Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kamrul Islam confirmed that the protest took place on the road but denied that the police station was surrounded.

Authorities in Dhaka have begun using artificial intelligence (AI) cameras to automatically detect and prosecute traffic law violations across major roads and the elevated expressway. The pilot project, launched in early May 2026, has already processed cases using footage from over 2,000 cameras. The AI system identifies five types of offenses, including red signal violations, driving against traffic, blocking lanes, and stopping outside designated areas. Notices are sent to registered vehicle owners via SMS and post, with 15 days allowed for settlement or appeal. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) reports a sharp decline in overspeeding incidents since the system’s introduction.

Traffic officials express optimism about the initiative’s potential to improve compliance, while drivers and transport experts remain divided. Drivers argue that licensed and registered vehicles face stricter enforcement, whereas unregistered and illegal vehicles continue to operate freely. Experts emphasize that without controlling unregistered vehicles and informal transport, lasting discipline on Dhaka’s roads will remain elusive.

The DMP plans to expand AI features to detect mobile phone use and seatbelt violations. Officials say the government is also considering broader measures to regulate battery-powered rickshaws and unregistered vehicles to sustain traffic improvements.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the newspaper Amar Desh, stated that Indian hegemony poses a threat to South Asian security. He urged the people of Bangladesh, along with political parties and the government, to work together to counter this influence. Rahman made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Persecution of Muslims in India: Politics, Identity and Minority Rights Conflict,” organized by Friends of Humanity.

The seminar was held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, chaired by Dr. Khondaker Rashedul Haque, chairman of the organizing body. Prominent journalist and academic Md. Shah Alam presented a paper highlighting recent persecution and human rights violations against Muslims and other minorities in India. Other speakers included Professor Dr. Shajahan Khan, AB Party General Secretary Asaduzzaman Fuad, and former army officer Lieutenant Colonel Hasinur Rahman.

The discussion centered on regional security concerns and the implications of minority rights issues in India for neighboring countries, particularly Bangladesh.

The first day of Eid-ul-Azha train travel from Dhaka began on Saturday with relatively low passenger pressure. The Dhaka–Rajshahi-bound Dhumketu Express departed at 6 a.m., marking the start of the holiday exodus. Trains to other destinations left the capital according to schedule, though passengers reported slight delays of 15 to 30 minutes.

According to travelers, the lighter crowd on the first day made the journey smoother, with no major issues in seating or ticketing. The Director General of Bangladesh Railway, Afzal Hossain, visited several platforms at Kamalapur Station to check on passenger conditions and online ticketing performance. Passengers expressed satisfaction with the manageable crowd but called for improved onboard service quality.

Railway officials assured that service issues would be addressed gradually, and the day’s operations proceeded without major disruptions, easing concerns about schedule breakdowns during the Eid rush.

In Shalla upazila of Sunamganj, at least Tk 150 crore worth of Boro rice has been submerged under water this year, along with cattle fodder valued at about Tk 200 crore. The flooding occurred due to inadequate drainage in the haor areas, leaving farmers with extensive crop damage. According to the local agriculture office, 21,700 hectares were cultivated with a production target of 143,368 tons of rice worth Tk 516 crore. Official estimates record losses of Tk 66 crore, but local farmers and social organizations claim the real damage is much higher.

Farmers report that many harvested crops rotted due to lack of sunlight and were later discarded, losses not reflected in official records. The total damage is estimated at 41,666 tons of rice, valued at Tk 150 crore. The government announced three months of continuous assistance for affected farmers, but the support has yet to reach them. Allegations of irregularities and corruption have also surfaced regarding the list of 20,250 affected farmers.

Local leaders urged the government to address both crop and fodder losses, as the haor’s farmers have lost their main source of livelihood and animal feed.

Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said the textile sector must become competitive and modern to achieve sustainability. He made the remarks on Saturday at a seminar titled “Sustainable Transition in Employment: Preparation and Journey of Textile Students,” held at the Jute Diversification Promotion Center in Dhaka.

The minister stated that the government has no plans to establish or operate new state-owned mills, emphasizing that business operations will remain in the private sector. He said the government will focus on policy support and creating an enabling environment. Muktadir highlighted the need to update curricula at textile institutes and engineering colleges to align with technological changes. He also announced plans to involve BTMA and capable private mills with educational institutions to improve teaching quality and provide practical industrial experience.

He identified energy supply uncertainty, production costs, cost of funds, and technological limitations as major challenges for the textile industry. The government is working to address these issues while promoting man-made fibers, new product development, and value chain upgrades to enhance competitiveness.

Heavy rainfall and hill torrents from India have caused the Teesta River’s water level to rise again in Lalmonirhat. Residents along the river fear that if the water continues to increase, it may cross the danger level at any time. According to the Water Development Board, the rise began on Friday night due to continuous rain and upstream flow from India.

Officials at the Teesta Barrage Dalia control room said on Saturday that the water level had increased slightly but was still flowing below the danger mark. Locals reported sleepless nights during the monsoon months, fearing sudden water releases from India’s Gajoldoba Barrage without prior notice, which often leads to flooding and isolation of thousands of residents.

The Gajoldoba Barrage, located upstream in India’s West Bengal, controls the Teesta River through 54 sluice gates. Authorities confirmed that while the current water level remains below danger, continuous rainfall could worsen the situation if upstream discharge increases.

Social and cultural organization Azadi Mancha organized a human chain at Shahjadpur Azadi Mor in Dhaka on Saturday morning to protest the brutal killing of second-grade student Ramisa Akter in Pallabi, Mirpur. The event, held at 9 a.m., drew participation from local residents, teachers, students, rickshaw pullers, and people from various professions, expressing outrage over the incident.

Speakers at the protest said the murder of eight-year-old Ramisa had shocked the entire nation and reflected a deep moral crisis in society. They criticized the culture of impunity surrounding rape and child murder cases, demanding that Ramisa’s killers be tried in a speedy tribunal and given the maximum punishment. Participants, including academics and students, called for stronger state action to ensure child safety and for building social resistance against such brutality.

Protesters warned that if justice was delayed, larger demonstrations would follow. The area echoed with slogans demanding justice and an end to child killings, as participants vowed to continue their movement until Ramisa’s killers were punished.

The Institute for Planning and Development (IPD) has demanded unrestricted public access to all parks and playgrounds in Dhaka, criticizing the recent decision by RAJUK to hand over management of Gulshan Central Park and Sports Complex to Gulshan Youth Club. Speakers at an online discussion organized by IPD on Friday argued that the move commercializes public spaces and restricts citizens’ access, contradicting government commitments to inclusive urban planning and expanded recreational opportunities.

Participants, including urban planners, environmental activists, and academics, said the handover violates existing laws and court rulings, and undermines public rights to recreation. They alleged that RAJUK had previously identified the club as an illegal occupier, yet later granted it management authority. The discussion highlighted concerns about corruption, privatization of public spaces, and the erosion of equitable access for low-income residents.

IPD proposed a joint management model involving city corporations and local communities to ensure transparency and inclusivity. It also called for cancellation of the RAJUK–Gulshan Youth Club agreement, restoration of the park’s original name, and nationwide investigations into commercial use and illegal occupation of public parks.

At least ten people were injured in a violent clash between activists of the BNP and its affiliated Krishak Dal in Gazipur’s Sreepur upazila on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred in front of Arbela Fashion Limited at Gararon area of Boromi Union, reportedly over control of a garment factory’s scrap trade and extortion demands related to worker transport buses. Several worker buses were also vandalized during the confrontation.

Witnesses said an argument between the two groups escalated into a fight involving sticks and iron rods, causing panic and briefly disrupting traffic near the factory. The injured, identified as members of both political groups, received treatment at local clinics and hospitals.

Krishak Dal leader Masum Ahmed alleged that BNP’s Boromi Union general secretary Akteruzzaman Shamim demanded Tk 100,000 and a monthly payment of Tk 50,000 from him, which led to the clash. Shamim denied the allegation, claiming that Krishak Dal members attacked them during a meeting about upcoming programs. Police said they received a written complaint and would take legal action after investigation.

Members of the Barishal District Detective Branch (DB) police came under attack during an anti-drug operation in Uzirpur on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred near the municipal ferry terminal area, where a DB constable was seriously injured after being struck with a sharp weapon. Police later detained four individuals in connection with the attack.

According to police and local sources, a seven-member DB team conducted the operation based on secret information. During the raid, Uzirpur Municipal Jubo Sramik Dal joint general secretary Md. Arif Molla and his associates allegedly obstructed the police. A scuffle ensued, and the suspects reportedly snatched the seized drugs and threw them into a nearby pond. When Constable Mrinal Chandra attempted to recover the drugs, he was attacked.

Uzirpur Model Police Station’s officer-in-charge Rakibul Islam confirmed the incident, stating that legal action is being taken against those involved and that anti-drug operations in the area will continue.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has alleged that a group is maintaining secret contact with the ousted autocratic regime of August 5, 2024. He made the remarks on Saturday while inaugurating the re-excavation program of the historic Dhara Canal in Trishal, Mymensingh. Rahman said similarities exist between the group and those who were ousted, accusing them of plotting in secrecy. He urged citizens to remain alert against such conspiracies.

Referring to past events under the interim government, Rahman said BNP lawyers and doctors had supported affected families, unlike those now leading movements and blockades. He criticized groups spreading confusion and ignoring farmers, education, and rural development. The Prime Minister highlighted the canal’s importance for local livelihoods, noting that its re-excavation would benefit 4,300 farmers and improve life for about 20,000 people. He also announced initiatives for rural students, religious leaders, and youth employment through technical education.

Rahman emphasized unity for national development, urging collective effort to build infrastructure and utilize the workforce for Bangladesh’s progress.