Rashed Pradhan, vice president and spokesperson of the National Democratic Party (JAGPA), declared that the party’s future struggle will be against neo-fascism and Indian hegemony. He made the remarks on Thursday after the noon prayer at JAGPA’s Paltan office in Dhaka during a prayer meeting marking the ninth death anniversary of the party’s founder, Shafiul Alam Pradhan. Rashed Pradhan said that Shafiul Alam Pradhan had taught them to live with dignity and never compromise on national independence and sovereignty.

The JAGPA spokesperson alleged that the country’s law and order situation has collapsed, citing incidents of child abuse and murder, extortion, looting, and what he described as state-backed terrorism. He accused the administration and universities of partisan control and claimed that India continues border killings, illegal push-ins, and aggression. He urged party members to resist oppression and foreign dominance, echoing the late leader’s call for struggle as the path to liberation for working people.

Several senior JAGPA leaders, including presidium members, freedom fighters, and youth and labor wing representatives, attended the event.

A clash between two groups of students at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) in Dinajpur left three people, including a teacher, injured on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. near the Shaheed Abrar Fahad and Nur Hossain halls after an argument between residents of the two dormitories escalated. Students from both halls gathered in front of the university’s TSC area, where the confrontation turned violent.

Following the clash, students from Nur Hossain Hall blocked the Rangpur-Dinajpur highway in front of the university, causing heavy traffic congestion on both sides of the road. The situation disrupted vehicular movement for some time.

According to Professor Dr. S. M. Emdadul Hasan, Director of the Student Counseling and Guidance Department, the confrontation has been temporarily stopped, and discussions are underway with students to restore normal traffic flow.

A total of 441 new sailors from the A-2026 batch formally joined the Bangladesh Navy after completing their bootcamp training at the BNS Sher-e-Bangla parade ground in Patuakhali on Thursday. The oath-taking and graduation ceremony featured a parade reviewed by Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, who also distributed awards to top-performing recruits. Md Shahriar Tutul received the Navy Chief’s Medal for overall excellence, while Md Samiul Islam Shakil and Md Kader Mia earned the Comkhul and Sher-e-Bangla medals respectively. Mos Marzia Akter was recognized as the best female sailor with the Pritilata Waddedar Medal.

In his address, Admiral Hassan paid tribute to fallen naval heroes of the Liberation War and highlighted ongoing modernization efforts, including the addition of helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, a hydrographic survey ship, and an anti-drone system. He commended the Navy’s role in supporting civil administration, ensuring security of key installations, and assisting during the 13th national election.

The Navy Chief urged the new sailors to uphold integrity, discipline, and loyalty while working alongside the Army and Air Force to safeguard national sovereignty.

United Kingdom High Commissioner Sarah Cook and Switzerland’s Ambassador Reto Renggli paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan at his office in the Secretariat on Thursday. State Minister for Information Yasser Khan Chowdhury was also present during the meeting. Sarah Cook congratulated the minister on assuming office, while the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring media freedom and mentioned that work to form a media commission had begun.

The minister sought cooperation from the United Kingdom and expressed interest in utilizing the experience of the UK’s Office of Communications (Ofcom) in developing media policy in Bangladesh. The High Commissioner assured him of support and briefed him on Ofcom’s activities. During his meeting with the Swiss Ambassador, the minister also expressed interest in learning from Switzerland’s experience to protect citizens from misinformation and disinformation while upholding media freedom.

State Minister Yasser Khan Chowdhury highlighted that artificial intelligence presents both opportunities and global challenges, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to address them. He also invited Swiss investment in Bangladesh’s technology and other sectors.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman has said that army personnel are expected to return to their barracks soon. He made the remarks on Thursday while addressing the closing and award ceremony of the Bangladesh Army Central Firing Competition at Comilla Cantonment. The army chief noted that many soldiers have already returned, but around 16,000 to 17,000 members remain deployed across 62 districts. He added that the army will continue field operations as long as required by the government, including current deployments at fuel depots.

During the event, General Waker-uz-Zaman highlighted the army’s contribution to nation-building and maintaining national stability. He stated that since July 20, 2024, army personnel have been performing their duties in the field with dedication to meet the country’s needs.

The Central Firing Competition, which began on May 16, featured 17 teams from various formations, logistics areas, five independent brigades, and the Para Commando Brigade.

A boat carrying 467 sacks of rice allocated under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) program sank in Fulchhari upazila of Gaibandha on Thursday morning. The incident occurred around 8 a.m. at the Balashi Ghat area while the rice was being transported to the Erendabari Union Parishad.

According to Erendabari Union Parishad Panel Chairman Saidur Rahman, the rice sacks were loaded onto the boat for delivery to the union council, but the vessel capsized due to adverse weather conditions. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Mostafizur Rahman confirmed that efforts were underway to recover the sunken rice sacks.

Authorities have not yet provided details on the extent of the loss or whether any further assistance will be required for the affected distribution program.

Bangladesh’s Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid has advised farmers and exporters to exercise caution in using pesticides to ensure safe food exports. He made the remarks on Thursday while inaugurating the mango export season at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council auditorium in Dhaka. The event marked the formal launch of mango exports for the current season under the Department of Agricultural Extension’s ‘Exportable Mango Production Project’.

The minister said mango is one of Bangladesh’s most promising exportable agricultural products, though the country has yet to reach its desired position in the global market. He noted that Bangladesh currently exports mangoes to 38 countries, including China, following a 2024 export agreement. Malaysia, Japan, and several other countries have also shown interest in importing Bangladeshi mangoes. Officials and experts at the event emphasized that improving production and processing quality would strengthen the value chain and benefit farmers financially.

Project officials reported that 41.5 metric tons of mangoes have already been exported this season to destinations including Italy, Sweden, Canada, and Gulf countries. They expressed optimism that with affordable air freight and sufficient cargo space, Bangladesh could achieve record mango exports this year.

A research team from Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) in Dinajpur has demonstrated that potato cultivation can achieve conventional yields using only half the recommended amount of urea and phosphate fertilizers. The study, led by Associate Professor Dr. Md. Azizul Haque from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, used a consortium of endophytic bacteria in field trials on the Granula potato variety. The method required no chemical pesticides, fungicides, or hormones, yet produced disease-free and high-quality potatoes.

The research found that endophytic bacteria enhanced antioxidant activity in potato leaves and roots, strengthening natural disease resistance and increasing microbial diversity in soil and plants. A participating farmer reported reduced costs and doubled profits per bigha compared to conventional methods. BRAC Microfinance, which funded the project, noted that the potatoes had stronger skins and longer natural storage life, improving marketability and food security.

According to experts, the innovation aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals on sustainable agriculture, responsible production, climate action, and ecosystem conservation. Researchers hope broader field testing will confirm its potential for other crops and promote eco-friendly, cost-effective farming across Bangladesh.

Indian cattle are reportedly entering Bangladesh through the Padma River near the Chapainawabganj border ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Smugglers are crossing the river at night despite the risks of arrest or death, driven by the higher profitability of Indian cattle. Local farmers and business leaders have expressed anger and fear as the inflow continues, undermining domestic livestock markets. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) claims to be enforcing a zero-tolerance policy, though reports indicate that smuggling persists with limited interceptions.

Farmers say they have invested heavily, often through loans, to raise cattle for Eid sales, but rising feed costs and the influx of cheaper Indian cattle have pushed them toward losses. Some farmers report failing to recover their costs at local markets, blaming the illegal imports. The Chapainawabganj Dairy Association warns that the situation could devastate small farms and urges government intervention. A local lawmaker has also voiced concern at a recent law and order committee meeting, calling for swift action.

BGB officials maintain that only isolated incidents occur and that seized cattle are being confiscated, but farmers remain skeptical as smuggling continues unchecked.

Jamaat-backed lawyers have boycotted the Chattogram District Bar Association election, alleging obstruction in nomination submission, irregularities, and bias by the Election Commission. The voting began at 9 a.m. on Thursday at the association’s auditorium, while the protesting lawyers, led by Advocate Shamsul Islam, demonstrated in front of the annex building from 10 a.m. They claimed that nine of their candidates were unfairly disqualified and described the election as one-sided and undemocratic.

According to court sources, nominations for nine out of 21 posts were canceled for late submission, while 12 were declared valid. Among the valid nominations, only one was for a vice president post, and the rest were for member positions. Earlier, on May 14, 166 lawyers, including Jamaat supporters, called a special meeting to challenge the decision but lost in a vote. They later filed a case in the First Joint Judge Court.

On May 20, the court upheld the Election Commission led by Advocate Rowshan Ara and allowed the election to proceed. The night before the election, seven Jamaat-backed lawyers holding positions in the current bar council resigned together.

Five cattle markets under the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) have not yet been leased ahead of Eid-ul-Azha due to land ownership disputes and a shortage of bidders. Three of the markets face unresolved ownership conflicts, while two others could not proceed with open tenders because of a lack of interested lessees. CCC officials are holding discussions with landowners to resolve the disputes and aim to open all markets before the festival.

According to CCC sources, the city will host ten cattle markets this year—three permanent and seven temporary. The permanent markets at Sagorika, Bibirhat, and Postarpar have completed tender processes and are already operating. The district administration approved seven temporary markets out of sixteen proposed. Among these, three have completed leasing, while the rest face disputes or logistical challenges. The total projected revenue from all markets stands at Tk 13.11 crore, with Tk 9.97 crore from permanent markets and Tk 3.13 crore from temporary ones.

Officials indicated that if disputes persist, CCC may finalize leases through negotiation, adding six percent to last year’s rates to complete the process before Eid.

Bangladesh completed a historic 2–0 Test series whitewash against Pakistan after winning the second match in Sylhet by 79 runs. Chasing 437, Pakistan were bowled out for 358 despite Mohammad Rizwan’s 94. Spinner Taijul Islam took six wickets to seal Bangladesh’s first-ever home Test series whitewash over Pakistan, following a similar result in Pakistan in 2024.

Former Pakistan players reacted strongly on social media. Wasim Akram expressed disappointment but credited Bangladesh for playing complete cricket and praised their improved pitches and pace attack. Azhar Ali highlighted Bangladesh’s long-term development process and urged Pakistan to improve in all departments. Commentator Ramiz Raja commended Najmul Hossain Shanto’s leadership and Bangladesh’s shift from defensive spin tactics to more competitive conditions, while warning that Pakistan’s weaknesses are deepening. Mohammad Hafeez pointed to structural issues in Pakistan cricket and called for administrative reforms.

The reactions underscored growing concern over Pakistan’s decline and recognition of Bangladesh’s transformation into a more balanced Test side.

All bus operations on the Cumilla-Chandpur regional highway have been suspended indefinitely by transport owners. The suspension began Thursday morning following a clash between local residents and transport workers in the Bolakhal area of Hajiganj, Chandpur, over a demand for a new bus stop. The owners of Bogdad and Aidi Paribahan jointly decided to halt services after the incident.

The stoppage has caused temporary inconvenience for passengers traveling toward Chandpur, though many have continued their journeys using alternative transport. Other vehicles are operating normally, and the overall situation remains calm under continued police monitoring. A meeting between transport owners is scheduled to take place in Hajiganj to decide on further steps.

Local passengers expressed frustration, saying the sudden suspension has disrupted travel plans, especially ahead of the Eid holidays. Police confirmed that discussions with owners are ongoing to resolve the issue and restore normal bus operations.

Police in Chuadanga have arrested two individuals accused of filming and circulating a video of a minor girl being raped in a cornfield in the Kundipur Belemathpara area of Sadar upazila. The incident, which reportedly occurred about two months ago, has sparked widespread anger and unrest in the local community. The main accused remains at large.

According to local sources and police, three young men from Kundipur village allegedly took the girl to a cornfield at knifepoint. One of them, identified as Miraj, is accused of committing the rape, while another, Palash, filmed the act on his mobile phone, and a third, Jony, kept watch. The video later spread among locals, prompting outrage and a police investigation. Police arrested Palash and Jony on Wednesday evening, while Miraj remains on the run.

There are also local allegations that a villager named Abdul took a large sum of money under the pretext of suppressing the incident. Police said efforts to arrest the main suspect are ongoing.

BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the recent incidents of rape, child abuse, and murder in Bangladesh are not isolated events but reflect a deep moral and social decline. He made the remarks on Thursday in a verified Facebook post, describing these crimes as evidence of long-standing ethical deterioration and loss of human values.

In his post, Mirza Fakhrul emphasized that legal measures or government actions alone are insufficient to address the crisis. He called for a strong national social movement involving families, schools, madrasas, teachers, religious leaders, media, social organizations, and every citizen. He also highlighted the importance of education in teaching respect, humanity, responsibility, and the dignity of women to the younger generation.

Fakhrul concluded by urging collective participation to ensure children’s safety, stating that protecting them means securing the future of Bangladesh.