Chattogram District Commissioner Zahidul Islam Miah said authorities are investigating whether any opportunist group was involved in Thursday night’s violence in Bakolia, which followed a child rape incident. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon while visiting the injured journalists and the assaulted child at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

The commissioner stated that instead of reacting violently after such incidents, people should unite to prevent them in the first place. He noted that the administration handled the situation with patience, but several journalists and pedestrians were injured, and both public and state property were damaged, including a police vehicle that was set on fire. He warned that certain groups might exploit public anger for their own benefit and said the matter is being seriously investigated.

Zahidul Islam Miah added that if any opportunist group is found involved, action will be taken against them. The district administration has also taken responsibility for the medical treatment of the assaulted child and injured journalists.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) forced India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to remove a bamboo post that had been placed at the zero line of the international border in the Kolsir Muk area of Kuchlibari, Patgram upazila, Lalmonirhat. The incident occurred on a Thursday morning when a BSF team allegedly violated border laws by installing the post. Upon noticing the activity, local residents and a BGB patrol team immediately lodged a strong protest, demanding the post’s removal.

According to BGB sources, the Rangpur Battalion 51 issued a firm objection and instructed BSF to comply with international border regulations. Following BGB’s strict stance, BSF members admitted their mistake and removed the bamboo post. BGB officials reaffirmed that they remain vigilant against any illegal intrusion or breach of international law along the border.

Lieutenant Colonel Md. Najiur Rahman, commander of Rangpur Battalion 51, confirmed the incident and stated that BSF occasionally attempts similar actions but withdraws after BGB’s firm response.

The Shahjibazar 100-megawatt power plant in Habiganj has remained non-operational for six years despite the payment of Tk 600 crore and multiple repair efforts. The plant, expected to supply around 2.4 million units of electricity daily worth Tk 2 crore, has delivered only Tk 34 crore worth of power during its test phase. The project, initiated by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB) in 2017 at a cost of Tk 890 crore, was built by China Cable Corporation Engineering (CCCCE) using a General Electric LM-S100 gas turbine. It was scheduled to begin production in June 2020 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After initial testing in 2021, the turbine blades broke, causing repeated shutdowns despite subsequent repairs and component replacements. The plant last operated briefly in early 2024 before another mechanical failure in April halted production again. PDB has paid about 70 percent of the total bill, withholding 10 percent as compensation until project completion. Officials said the government may take over operations if the contractor fails to meet obligations.

Discussions are ongoing between the Chinese and American firms for technical support, with a tentative plan to restart the plant by June 2027 if progress continues as planned.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued 21 fishermen held hostage by the notorious Dayal Bahini and Boro Jahangir Bahini during two separate operations in the Sundarbans. The operations were conducted under the ongoing campaigns “Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans” and “Operation Mangrove Shield.” A single-barrel gun and several rounds of ammunition were seized during the raids, according to a press release issued on May 22, 2026.

The first operation took place early on May 21 in the Andarmanik area of Koyra, Khulna, where 10 fishermen were freed after the gang fled into the forest. Later that day, another operation was carried out in the Boro Dudhmukh canal area of Dakop, Khulna, where 11 more fishermen were rescued following an exchange of gunfire. The armed robbers managed to escape, leaving behind the seized weapon and ammunition.

Authorities stated that legal action regarding the recovered arms is underway and that the rescued fishermen are being returned to their families. The Coast Guard reaffirmed its commitment to continue such operations until the Sundarbans region is completely free of bandit activity.

A Jamaat-e-Islami leader named Zillur Rahman was critically injured in an attack allegedly carried out by activists of the banned Awami League in Bhangura upazila of Pabna on Thursday night. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on the Kalinjira Bridge in Khanmarich Union. Locals rescued the bloodied victim and took him to the upazila health complex, from where he was later referred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital in critical condition. The identities of the attackers were not immediately known.

Earlier that morning, Zillur Rahman reportedly had an argument with several Awami League workers and slapped one of them, which is believed to have triggered the later assault. Following the attack, local Member of Parliament Maulana Ali Asgar and his supporters went to the police station around 10 p.m. to express anger and demanded the arrest of the attackers within 24 hours, warning of tougher action if their demand was not met.

Bhangura Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sakiul Azam confirmed the incident and said a case was being filed. He declined to reveal the attackers’ names for investigation purposes.

A newly built guide wall along the Banshai River in Madhupur upazila of Tangail collapsed only 15 days after completion, raising fears that the adjacent road may also give way. The wall was constructed using cement and stone blocks under a palisading method to protect the road from river erosion. The incident occurred in Malkha village of Kuraliya Union. Locals blamed contractor corruption and poor engineering supervision for the failure.

According to project details, the 2.2-kilometer Chunia-Malkha road was approved in the 2021–2022 fiscal period with an estimated cost of about 21.4 million taka. The contract was awarded to M/s Mitu Traders of Jamalpur for nearly 19.9 million taka. After delays and the contractor’s disappearance, a sub-contractor named Lichu Mia resumed work early this year and completed it on April 30. Residents said low-quality materials were used despite their warnings.

Sub-contractor Lichu Mia attributed the collapse to untimely rainfall and water seeping under the blocks, promising repairs within days. The assistant engineer cited heavy rain as a possible cause, while the executive engineer declined comment without higher authorization.

Mohammad Selim Uddin, a central executive council member of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Ameer of Dhaka North, has called on the new generation to accept global challenges and work for worldwide transformation based on the ideals of the Quran and Sunnah. He made these remarks on Friday morning at a reunion of former members of the student Islamic movement organized by Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka North’s Hatirjheel region.

Selim Uddin emphasized that human welfare cannot be achieved through man-made laws and that establishing the faith (Deen) is the ultimate purpose of life. He urged unity and perseverance in the mission of upholding Islam, noting that the path of Islamic movements has historically been difficult and filled with oppression. He accused the current Awami League government of killing Jamaat’s top leaders and called on the youth to fulfill the dreams of those he described as martyrs.

The event was presided over by regional director Hemayet Hossain and conducted by assistant regional director Ataur Rahman Sarkar, with several local leaders also addressing the gathering.

Nearly 80-year-old Jamal Uddin continues to travel monthly from Lohagara to the Chattogram court seeking justice for his slain son, lawyer Saiful Islam Alif. Despite his frail health, he attends every hearing of the murder case, which is being tried at the Chattogram Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal. However, repeated adjournments have left him disheartened, as the case remains stalled at the witness examination stage.

The court session on Wednesday again saw a delay when defense lawyer Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya sought time citing illness. The tribunal rejected the plea, closed Jamal Uddin’s testimony, and issued summons for the next witness, setting June 24 as the next hearing date. Since the charge was framed on January 19, the defense has sought time six times for cross-examination. The prosecution expressed frustration over the repeated delays, saying they have caused immense distress to the elderly plaintiff.

Human rights lawyer Jamal Hossain noted that over a hundred thousand cases remain pending in Chattogram courts, with frequent adjournments and procedural complexities prolonging trials. The 2024 killing of Alif by followers of sedition-accused Chinmoy Krishna Das continues to raise concerns about judicial delays and victims’ suffering.

Chattogram’s Bakolia area turned into a scene of unrest for more than eight hours following the alleged rape of a three-year-old girl. Protesters clashed repeatedly with police, throwing bricks while officers responded with rubber bullets, pellets, sound grenades, and tear gas, leaving at least ten people injured. The agitated crowd set a police vehicle on fire and attacked several cars and buildings. The situation calmed by morning, but additional police forces were deployed to maintain order.

Police took the accused, Monir Hossain, into custody late at night by cutting power to the area and disguising him in police uniform for security reasons. He is expected to be presented before court around midday, though the exact time remains undisclosed. Two cases are being prepared—one over the rape and another over the clashes. Authorities are also considering a virtual court appearance if security risks persist.

The incident occurred Thursday evening at a building in Bakolia when the child was alone with her grandmother. Local residents captured the suspect and handed him to police, sparking the violent confrontation that spread across nearby roads and lasted until early morning.

In Chattogram, the price of open salt used for preserving raw hides has sharply increased ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, despite reports of sufficient stock. Traders said the price per 74-kg sack has risen from Tk 680–700 during the last Eid-ul-Fitr to Tk 930–950 now, an increase of Tk 200–250 per sack. They alleged that mill owners and business syndicates have artificially raised prices, creating difficulties for hide traders who rely heavily on salt for preservation.

According to the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Chattogram office, the district currently holds 8,670 tons of refined salt and 64,000 tons of crude salt, which is more than enough to meet the estimated 5,322-ton demand during the upcoming Eid. However, traders said the price hike is squeezing their profit margins, as tannery owners have not raised hide prices accordingly. Many wholesalers are reportedly winding up their businesses due to mounting losses and unpaid dues from Dhaka tanneries.

BSCIC officials said heavy rainfall has occasionally disrupted salt production, but there is no shortage in the market. The administration plans to monitor prices jointly with local authorities to prevent manipulation.

A recent nationwide survey has revealed that more than 90 percent of motorized vessels operating in Bangladesh are unregistered. Out of 244,660 motorized boats identified, only 22,298 are registered under the Department of Shipping. The findings, released on May 22, 2026, indicate that most vessels operate without approved designs, safety checks, or certified crews, posing serious safety and revenue concerns.

The survey, conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics under the Department of Shipping’s project to build a vessel database, was carried out from May 4 to 17 across the country. It identified around 25 types of vessels, including cargo ships, passenger launches, speedboats, dredgers, and ferries. Experts warned that unapproved vessel construction and operation create significant safety risks and deprive the government of substantial revenue.

Officials noted that data collection is still ongoing in remote and hilly areas, suggesting the total number of vessels may increase slightly once the survey is complete.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued 14 fishermen who had been adrift in the deep sea for three days after their fishing boat’s engine failed. The rescue took place on Thursday, May 21, when the Coast Guard vessel 'Joy Bangla' detected the stranded boat by radar near the western waters of Kutubdia. The fishermen were provided with food and primary medical care after being brought to safety.

According to Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon, the boat had departed from Alexander Canal in Lakshmipur on May 18, violating the government’s 58-day fishing ban in Bangladesh’s maritime zone, which runs from April 15 to June 11 to protect marine resources. The Coast Guard has been conducting regular patrols to enforce this ban and ensure sustainable fishing practices.

Authorities stated that legal procedures are underway against the rescued fishermen and their vessel. The Coast Guard reaffirmed its commitment to continue similar operations for marine resource protection and emergency rescues in the future.

A Chattogram financial loan court has issued a five-month civil imprisonment warrant against 11 individuals, including controversial industrialist Saiful Alam, also known as S Alam, for failing to repay a defaulted loan of about Tk 84.49 crore owed to Islami Bank. The order was delivered on Thursday by Judge Md Helal Uddin of Financial Loan Court-1, confirmed by the court’s bench assistant Md Ershad.

According to court sources, Islami Bank filed the case on January 20 of this year after the defendants failed to repay the loan. The bank later applied for a civil sentence under Section 34 of the Financial Loan Court Act, 2003, as no movable or immovable assets belonging to the defendants could be found and the loan remained unpaid. The court granted the application and issued the warrant.

The accused include S Alam, several family members, and associates linked to S Alam Group and Oji Travels Limited. Previous court orders had already frozen their bank accounts and seized properties amid multiple corruption and money laundering allegations during the former Awami League government.

Bangladeshi International Master (IM) Mohammad Fahad Rahman, a student of Sonargaon University’s Fashion Design Department, has achieved his second Grandmaster (GM) norm. He secured the milestone through an outstanding performance at the Fubi Academy Norm Chess Tournament held in Istanbul, Turkey. Competing in a round-robin format, Fahad scored seven points out of nine games, remaining undefeated and emerging as the tournament champion.

Fahad had previously earned his first GM norm at the Hanoi Grandmasters Chess Tournament in Vietnam in March 2024. His latest success follows years of consistent participation in both domestic and international events. In a prior tournament, he narrowly missed achieving a norm in the final round, but this time he maintained composure and confidence to secure victory. A crucial win in the eighth round against Iranian International Master Pour Agha Bala Amirreza, rated 2453, paved the way for his success.

Sonargaon University expressed deep pride in Fahad’s achievement, stating that his success will inspire other students and strengthen Bangladesh’s presence in the international chess arena.

The recently concluded West Bengal assembly election brought a historic shift as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 207 of 294 seats, ending nearly fifteen years of Trinamool Congress rule under Mamata Banerjee. BJP’s rise, led by new Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, marks its first government in the state and signals a deep ideological transformation in eastern India’s political landscape. The election outcome, influenced by long-term organizational planning, voter list revisions, and strategic use of citizenship and security narratives, has raised concerns about the future of West Bengal’s Muslim population and cross-border relations.

The article highlights that BJP’s governance could alter border management, citizenship verification, and communal dynamics, directly affecting Bangladesh’s 2,216-kilometer shared frontier. Analysts warn that administrative policies invoking terms like “illegal infiltrators” may heighten risks of pushback incidents and humanitarian crises. Bangladesh faces potential diplomatic and security pressures, requiring coordinated national strategies, stronger intelligence along border sectors, and clear diplomatic communication with both Delhi and Kolkata.

The commentary concludes that Bangladesh must maintain vigilance, strengthen its strategic coordination council, and safeguard sovereignty amid evolving regional power equations shaped by West Bengal’s political transformation.