A three-year-old girl was raped in the Baklia Chairman Ghat area of Chattogram on Thursday afternoon. The accused, identified as Md Monir, lured the child to a nearby decoration warehouse under the pretext of playing and assaulted her there. Police said Monir, a decoration worker originally from Cumilla, confessed to the crime under Section 164 before a court, which later sent him to jail. The child’s mother filed a case with Baklia Police Station following the incident.

According to police and neighbors, Monir lived in a rented house in the same neighborhood with his wife and two daughters. The child’s parents were at work when the assault occurred, and her grandmother discovered her injured. The incident sparked outrage among residents, some of whom demanded that police hand over the accused. Police intervened to prevent mob violence but faced attacks from masked individuals.

The clashes continued until 3 a.m. Friday, injuring at least ten people, including police and journalists. Seven suspects were detained, and a case was filed over the violence.

Two major eco-friendly tourism projects in Sitakunda, Chattogram—DC Park and Guliakhali Sea Beach—are drawing growing attention for their integration of environmental conservation, greenery, and sustainable development. According to the district administration, Guliakhali Beach’s 259.1 acres of government land have been declared a protected tourism zone, with a master plan underway to develop international-standard facilities including hotels, resorts, and improved transport links. The beach’s unique landscape of mangrove forest, tidal canals, and green grasslands has already become a favorite among visitors.

At DC Park, extensive beautification and greening activities are ongoing. Over 10,000 trees of 54 species have been planted this May, supported by upgraded irrigation, lighting, and security systems. The initiative, inspired by the successful “Green and Clean” program in Narayanganj, aims to balance the urban environment, reduce air pollution, and support the government’s goal of planting 250 million trees in five years.

Officials and locals believe these projects will boost eco-tourism, create jobs, and strengthen local economic activity while preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable urbanization.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman departed from Dhaka on Saturday morning, May 23, 2026, to attend several programs in Mymensingh’s Trishal upazila. According to the Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony, the Prime Minister left his Tejgaon office at 11:05 a.m. by road. His schedule includes inaugurating the re-excavation of the historic ‘Dharar Khal’ in Kanhur village under Bailor Union.

Following the inauguration, he is expected to take a short break at the Trishal Nazrul Dak Bungalow before attending the national event marking the 127th birth anniversary of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at 3 p.m. Later, at 5 p.m., he will join an organizational meeting of the Mymensingh North, South, and Metropolitan BNP units at the Trishal Nazrul Auditorium.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to return to Dhaka by road at around 6:30 p.m. after completing the day’s programs.

A seminar titled “Persecution of Muslims in India: Politics, Identity and Minority Rights Conflict” began on Saturday morning under the initiative of Friends of Humanity. The event was chaired by the organization’s chairman, Dr. Khondaker Rashedul Haque, with Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh, attending as the chief guest. Prominent journalist and academic Md. Shah Alam presented a paper at the seminar, which was attended by several notable figures including Professor Dr. Shajahan Khan and former army officer Lieutenant Colonel Hasinur Rahman.

In his presentation, Md. Shah Alam highlighted recent incidents of persecution and human rights violations against Muslims and other minorities in India. The seminar focused on the political and social dimensions of these issues, examining how identity and minority rights are being challenged in the current context.

The discussion aimed to raise awareness about the situation of minorities in India and to encourage dialogue on protecting human rights and ensuring equality across communities.

A case has been filed following a violent clash between students of Shaheed Abrar Fahad Hall and Shaheed Noor Hossain Hall at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University in Dinajpur. The university’s proctor, Professor Dr. Md. Nowshar Wan, lodged the case at Dinajpur Kotwali Police Station just after midnight on Friday, May 22, naming seven students and listing 100 to 120 others as unidentified. Police have so far arrested four individuals in connection with the incident.

According to the case statement, on Thursday afternoon, over a hundred students armed with local weapons and sticks vandalized property inside Shaheed Noor Hossain Hall, causing damage estimated between three and three and a half lakh taka. The attackers also injured Assistant Proctor Mobinul Islam and three students, and allegedly issued threats. The named accused include students from various departments and batches of the university.

Dinajpur Kotwali Police Station’s officer-in-charge, Md. Nurun Nabi, confirmed the arrests and said efforts are ongoing to detain the remaining suspects.

A violent criminal network named 'B Company' has quietly expanded across Khulna, modeled after India's underworld 'D Company'. The group is allegedly led by fugitive gangster Roni Chowdhury Babu, known as 'Grenade Babu', who was convicted in a 2010 murder case and has long evaded capture. Law enforcement sources link his organization to at least 21 of 60 murders in Khulna over the past year, driven by turf wars, drug trafficking, and extortion. Despite his violent record, Babu has cultivated a Robin Hood image by distributing food and drinks to the poor under the alias 'Nawab'.

Police raids have uncovered weapons, cash, and foreign currency from his residence, while his followers continue to operate in several city wards. Authorities say his influence extends beyond Khulna’s metropolitan area, centered around Rupsa. Recent clashes between rival gangs and the release of other extremist leaders have heightened public fear. Police intelligence units are now working to locate Babu and dismantle his network, which they describe as one of the most serious threats to local law and order.

Officials acknowledge that dismantling this entrenched mafia, which uses charity as cover, remains a major challenge for Khulna’s security forces.

Ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, cattle markets across Dhaka have started to draw increasing numbers of buyers and sellers. Farmers and traders from districts including Kushtia, Chuadanga, Pabna, Natore, Sirajganj, and Rajshahi have brought truckloads of cattle to the city. However, sellers report that rising costs of animal feed, transport, and related expenses may push cattle prices up by 15 to 20 percent compared to last year. At the Uttara Diabari market, farmers complained about poor management, including water shortages, lack of sheds, and muddy conditions.

Some traders said they had to buy sand at their own expense to keep cattle dry and pay extra for better spots or shed space. Allegations also surfaced that pickup drivers were being charged up to 5,000 taka for entry stickers. The market leaseholder claimed that most issues were being resolved. Feed prices have nearly doubled in some cases, and transport costs have risen by several thousand taka per truck. Meanwhile, the Gabtoli market remains half full, with moderate-priced cattle attracting the most attention.

Authorities said law enforcement is on alert to prevent extortion, and temporary bank booths have been set up to ease transactions. Markets are expected to reach full activity by Monday.

Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, passengers across Bangladesh are facing unregulated fare hikes on air-conditioned (AC) buses, as operators continue to set prices at their discretion. Although the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) regulates non-AC bus fares based on fuel price changes, it has yet to fix rates for AC buses. As a result, passengers are paying between Tk 1,200 and Tk 1,800 for Dhaka–Barishal routes and up to Tk 3,000 for Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar, far higher than non-AC fares. Despite government directives, BRTA has not finalized AC fare structures, allowing operators to continue charging arbitrary rates.

Officials previously announced that AC bus fares would be determined before Eid, and meetings were held between BRTA and transport owners to prepare proposals. However, the process remains incomplete. Transport owners argue that AC fares should not be regulated, while passenger groups and experts blame BRTA for failing to enforce oversight.

Experts from BUET warn that without model-based fare regulation and stronger enforcement, fare chaos will persist, particularly during peak travel seasons like Eid.

A 14-year-old madrasah student named Yasin Arafat died by suicide in Chauddagram upazila of Cumilla on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred in Uttarpara area of Mandaria village under Sreepur Union. Police confirmed that the boy took his own life after his mother declined to buy him a new bicycle due to financial constraints. The deceased was the son of the late Abul Hashem and Nasima Begum.

According to family sources, Yasin had been requesting a new bicycle for some time. When his mother explained that she could not afford it, he became upset and took his life by hanging. Police from Chauddagram Model Police Station recovered the body and brought it to the station.

Sub-inspector Liton Chakma stated that the body was taken to the police station and would be sent to Cumilla Medical College Hospital for autopsy on Saturday.

Bangladesh is witnessing a sharp increase in brutal murders, rapes, child abuse, mob beatings, and domestic and political violence, creating widespread fear and instability. Experts attribute this surge to family conflicts, moral decline, drug abuse, and the influence of online hate content. Recent incidents, including the killing of seven-year-old Ramisa Akter in Pallabi and multiple family murders in Gazipur, have shocked the nation. Law enforcement agencies are struggling to control the situation as criminals act with growing impunity.

Data from rights organizations show a disturbing trend: in 2025, 632 women were murdered and 786 raped, including 543 children. In early 2026, hundreds of killings and assaults were recorded, with police officers also facing attacks while on duty. Many victims’ families reportedly fear filing cases due to threats and political influence protecting offenders.

Experts and former police officials stress that restoring law enforcement morale, ensuring impartial justice, and strengthening community policing are essential to curb the violence. They urge stronger institutional capacity and public trust to reverse the rising tide of brutality.

A seven-year-old boy named Mithil died after being electrocuted in an abandoned tin shed in Nijmaona village of Gazipur’s Sreepur upazila on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred near BNP Bazar area under Gazipur Union No. 2. Mithil, a second-grade student of Hasmat Ali Pre-Cadet School, was the younger son of expatriate Sohaag. Both of his parents have been working in Lebanon for about two years, leaving him in the care of his grandparents.

According to local sources, Mithil was playing in a nearby madrasa field when he came into contact with the tin shed and was electrocuted. Locals rescued him and took him to Sreepur Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead. Residents alleged that the abandoned structure had an illegal electrical connection, which caused the fatal accident.

Police visited the scene after receiving the report. Sub-Inspector Tajul Islam stated that no written complaint had been filed and that discussions were ongoing with the child’s relatives. The family decided not to conduct an autopsy.

The shoes of Comilla Superintendent of Police Md Anisuzzaman were stolen from the Comilla Police Lines Jame Mosque during Friday prayers. After the prayer, he discovered his shoes missing from the rack, prompting commotion among attendees. Detectives reviewed CCTV footage and identified a man wearing a T-shirt labeled 'Khandani' taking the shoes. The suspect was detained, and the shoes were recovered within four hours of the incident.

An unnamed police source confirmed that officers examined the CCTV footage showing the suspect walking away wearing the stolen shoes. The Detective Branch declined to comment on the matter, and attempts to reach senior officers for further details were unsuccessful. The theft drew attention on social media, where users discussed the unusual nature of the event.

The report noted that theft and mugging incidents have recently increased in Comilla, with a separate daylight mugging in Thakurpara going viral earlier in the week. Locals viewed the mosque theft involving the police superintendent as a significant reflection of the city’s growing security concerns.

A marriage between the daughter of a local Awami League leader and a Chhatra Dal leader in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah, has drawn widespread discussion and criticism. The event took place on Thursday in Bogergachi village, attended by political figures from various parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Maulana Abu Talib from Jhenaidah-4. Photos and videos showing Awami League leader Mohidul Islam Montu serving food to the Jamaat MP circulated on social media, intensifying public reaction.

According to the report, Mohidul Islam Montu, former chairman and general secretary of the Rakhalgachi Union Awami League, arranged the wedding of his daughter Mehejabin Islam Tuli with Maruf Billah, convener of the Upazila Chhatra Dal. The presence of Maulana Abu Talib, who stated he attended due to social ties, added to the controversy. He also mentioned that efforts would be made to ensure justice for a family involved in a past case.

The incident has become a focal point of political discussion in the area, highlighting the complex social interactions among rival political groups.

A young man named Bijoy Mia has been arrested in Durlavpur area of Habiganj Sadar upazila for allegedly attempting to rape a four-year-old girl. The incident occurred on Thursday evening when the child was playing near her home. She fell ill after the assault attempt and was admitted to the hospital. Police arrested the suspect from the suburban area of Durlavpur on Friday afternoon.

According to local sources, the victim’s father works abroad. After the incident became known, anger spread among local residents. Allegations have surfaced that an influential group tried to suppress the case through a settlement and pressured the victim’s family. The child’s mother has filed a case with Habiganj Sadar Model Police Station.

Police officials confirmed that they recorded the child’s statement at the hospital and sent the accused to jail through the court. Hospital authorities said the child remains under treatment and will undergo further medical tests on Saturday.

At least twelve people were injured, some seriously, in a clash between two groups over control of the Baluchar cattle market in Sirajdikhan upazila of Munshiganj on Friday morning. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. at Baluchar Bazar, where several victims suffered stab wounds. Some of the injured were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while others received local treatment. Police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control, deploying additional forces to prevent further unrest.

Local sources said the clash erupted during a meeting about managing the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha cattle market, which is scheduled to operate on May 23 and 26. The market’s leaseholder, Mohammad Zahidur Rahman, a central vice president of Gana Adhikar Parishad, had assigned security duties to two individuals. During the meeting, an argument escalated into violence between the Sarkar and Baul groups.

Officials and witnesses stated that the conflict stemmed from a power struggle over market dominance. Police confirmed that the situation is now stable and that legal action is being taken against those involved.