BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the people of Bangladesh will never bring Jamaat-e-Islami to power. He made the remark on Wednesday at a public reception organized by the Thakurgaon district BNP at the abandoned airport grounds in Shibganj, Thakurgaon. Fakhrul accused Jamaat-e-Islami of opposing the 1971 Liberation War, killing freedom fighters, and committing atrocities against women, asserting that such actions make them unacceptable to the nation.

During his speech, Fakhrul criticized politics conducted in the name of religion and said that truth must be the foundation of politics. When he asked the crowd to name the party that uses religion for politics, attendees responded by shouting “Jamaat-e-Islami.”

Fakhrul also inspected the abandoned Thakurgaon airport and mentioned that plans to reopen it are progressing. He said the project has been included in the planning department’s agenda and that, if feasibility and renovation work begin soon, the airport could reopen within two years.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has strongly criticized the government’s recent decision to withdraw judicial officers assigned to the Supreme Court Secretariat and to effectively nullify its operations. In a statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s law secretary, Advocate Zahirul Islam Musa, the NCP said the move contradicts the principles of judicial independence, separation of powers, and the democratic spirit of the state. The party demanded that the decision be immediately reconsidered and presented four specific demands to safeguard judicial autonomy.

According to the statement, the establishment of a separate Supreme Court Secretariat was intended to ensure constitutional balance by freeing the judiciary from executive influence in matters such as supervision, appointments, promotions, transfers, and discipline. The NCP warned that depriving the judiciary of its administrative structure and decision-making authority would reduce the constitutional promise of an independent judiciary to a mere declaration. It argued that administrative control by the executive undermines justice, the rule of law, and citizens’ rights.

The NCP reaffirmed its commitment to defending judicial independence and announced that it would continue political, legal, and democratic protests against any direct or indirect interference with the judiciary.

An emergency discussion meeting was held at the Kaptai Karnaphuli Range under the South Forest Division of the Chittagong Hill Tracts to address the ongoing human-elephant conflict. The meeting took place at 4 p.m. on Wednesday and included members of the Elephant Response Team (ERT). Organized by the Karnaphuli Range, the session focused on elephant movement, protection, and maintaining active elephant corridors.

Officials present included Jamal Hossain Talukder, Assistant Conservator of Forests for the South Forest Division, Abu Kawsar, Assistant Conservator of Forests for the Karnaphuli Range, Abu Nayeem Shahidul Alam, Range Officer, and Mostafizur Rahman, Beat Officer of Karnaphuli Sadar Beat. Staff members of the Karnaphuli Range and 20 ERT members from Teams 1 and 2 also attended.

The meeting emphasized regular attendance and duty performance by ERT members to ensure effective management of elephant movements and to reduce conflicts between humans and elephants in the region.

The body of Bangladeshi fisherman Md. Ismail Haque, who went missing while fishing in the Purnobhaba River in Biral, Dinajpur, was returned from India after 19 days. Haque, aged 65, disappeared on April 30 while fishing near Chandamari Puranghat in Kamdevpur village. Despite extensive searches by locals and fire service divers, he could not be found. On May 3, Indian authorities recovered an unidentified body from the Yadabbati Batulpur River ghat under Gangarampur police station, which was later identified as Haque through photos shared on social media.

Following official procedures between Bangladesh and India, and with assistance from the Bangladesh Embassy in Kolkata, the body was repatriated through the Hili checkpoint on Wednesday. After receiving the body, the family held funeral prayers and buried him in the family graveyard. Haque’s eldest son, Haidar Ali, expressed relief after the long wait and thanked the authorities and embassy for their cooperation.

The repatriation marks the end of a cross-border process that involved coordination between local administrations and diplomatic channels.

A joint eviction drive by police and city corporation officials in Dhaka’s Mirpur Bauniyabandh area turned violent on Wednesday afternoon when local residents resisted the demolition of thousands of houses built on government land. Witnesses said the situation escalated quickly as residents, angered by the sudden operation, threw bricks at law enforcement officers, forcing police to retreat to avoid further clashes. Videos circulating on social media showed officers running for safety while being chased by crowds.

Authorities claimed the land had been illegally occupied for years and that residents had been repeatedly asked to vacate. However, locals alleged that no prior notice or rehabilitation plan was provided before the eviction began, leaving many low-income families, including rickshaw pullers and garment workers, at risk of homelessness. The incident sparked widespread debate online, with opinions divided between humanitarian concerns and the need to free public land.

Police sources confirmed that several officers were injured, though no details were released. Additional forces were deployed later in the day, and experts warned that such unplanned evictions without resettlement measures often lead to recurring social and humanitarian crises in Dhaka.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan announced that all previous discussions, recommendations, and documents related to the proposed Media Commission will serve as key inputs for future actions. Speaking on Wednesday at a seminar in Dhaka organized by UK International Development and BBC Media Action, he said a consultative committee will be formed to prepare final recommendations for the government based on its findings.

The minister noted that the issue had also been discussed recently in a meeting between the head of government, media owners, and editors. He emphasized that the consultative committee will engage with all relevant stakeholders again to ensure an acceptable and effective framework. Swapan described the media as a vital pillar of modern governance, highlighting its role in ensuring accountability of other state institutions.

He added that the government will act both as a partner and as a coordinator in the process, expressing hope that domestic and international development partners, media organizations, and other stakeholders will support the initiative.

Two officials from the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection were allegedly confined and harassed for nearly two hours while conducting an inspection near the Chittagong University campus on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred at the university’s Gate No. 2 area, where the officials, accompanied by representatives from Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (ChakSU) and CU Cable Network (CUCAB), were jointly inspecting local shops.

Assistant Directors Md. Anisur Rahman and Mahmuda Akter led the operation, which fined two pharmacies and four hotels a total of about 40,000 taka for irregularities. Tension arose when shop owner Solaiman Chowdhury was fined 10,000 taka and engaged in an argument with the officials. Although he later paid the fine, he and several locals allegedly blocked the officials’ vehicle and confined the team, including ChakSU and CUCAB members.

University authorities later intervened to rescue the officials and restore order. Witnesses claimed police remained inactive despite prior notification, while officials said the operation followed proper procedures and accused others of politicizing the incident.

Member of Parliament Mosammat Shamsunnahar visited the Sitakunda Upazila Health Complex in Chattogram on Wednesday morning to inspect its deteriorating condition. The nearly 70-year-old facility continues to provide medical services despite severe infrastructure decay, shortage of doctors and staff, limited government allocation, and overcrowding. Upon arrival at 11:30 a.m., she was received by Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Altaf Hossain and toured various wards, including emergency and outpatient units, speaking with patients and their families.

Hospital authorities briefed the MP on the building’s fragile state, the shortage of medical personnel and equipment, and the growing patient load. Dr. Altaf Hossain stated that the hospital’s wards are in a dilapidated condition and that resources have not increased in proportion to patient demand. Shamsunnahar expressed satisfaction with the hospital’s cleanliness and the dedication of its doctors.

The MP assured that she would work with local representatives, including MP Professor Aslam Chowdhury, to address infrastructure, staffing, and equipment needs through coordination with relevant authorities.

An explosion occurred in the furnace of a rolling mill factory in Fatullah, Narayanganj, on Wednesday noon, leaving four workers burned. The injured workers were identified as Mizan, 40, Suman, 33, Milon, 35, and Uzzal, 32. They were admitted to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery for treatment.

According to hospital sources, Mizan sustained burns on 3 percent of his body, Suman 2 percent, Milon 3 percent, and Uzzal 3 percent. Workers at the factory said the explosion happened while melting old, dirty iron in the furnace, causing sparks to hit the four workers. Colleagues rescued them and took them to the hospital.

Workers claimed that such accidents often occur during the melting of old iron, but since the fire does not spread outside the furnace, the fire service is usually not informed. The factory authorities did not provide any comment, and the officer-in-charge of Fatullah Model Police Station said he was unaware of the incident but would send police to investigate.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami parliamentary party secretary and MP Shahjahan Chowdhury called for a zero-tolerance policy against drugs and teenage gangs, warning that the rapid spread of narcotics is destroying the country’s youth. He made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon while addressing the monthly meeting of the Satkania Upazila Law and Order Committee as the chief guest.

Shahjahan said drug abuse is fueling crimes such as murder, theft, and robbery, and urged collective efforts to curb its spread. He emphasized that law enforcement agencies must act more strictly to eradicate drug traders. Highlighting the growing threat of teenage gangs, he called for coordinated action among families, educational institutions, public representatives, and the administration to prevent young people from falling into crime.

The meeting, chaired by Satkania Upazila Executive Officer Khondaker Mahmudul Hasan and conducted by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shamsuzzaman, was attended by local officials, law enforcement representatives, and community leaders.

Bangladesh National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikrom stated that security without accountability can never bring stability to the world. He made the remarks while addressing the closing session of a two-day international conference organized by the Center for Future Studies at Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), held under the theme ‘National Security in South Asia in the Context of the New World Order.’ The event concluded on May 20, 2026.

The conference discussed redefining national security in South Asia, transactional multilateralism, regional cooperation, energy security, migration and refugees, combating misinformation and disinformation, and cooperation in a changing world. Key speakers included experts from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Sweden. Ahmad emphasized that security depends not only on internal strength but also on a nation’s knowledge, wisdom, and the stability of international borders.

He also called for investment in developing new leadership to adapt to technological expansion, which he said would strengthen public trust and demonstrate national responsibility.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad stated that national security depends not only on internal strength but also on a nation's accumulated knowledge, wisdom, and the stability of its international borders. He made these remarks on Wednesday at a conference titled 'National Security in the Context of the New World Order in South Asia' held at the Independence Auditorium of Bangladesh University.

During his address, the Speaker emphasized that unaccountable security cannot bring global stability in a changing world order. He also highlighted the need to invest in developing new leadership amid the rapid expansion of technology, noting that such investment would demonstrate national responsibility and strengthen public trust.

The conference featured keynote speakers from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Sweden, and was attended by the university's vice-chancellor Major General Md Mahbub-ul Alam, deans, senior officials, teachers, researchers, students, and invited guests.

Member of Parliament for Cumilla-4, Hasnat Abdullah, alleged that the government formed after the July Revolution is formally taking away the independence of the judiciary. Speaking as the chief guest at an NCP roadside rally in Bagmara field, Lalmai upazila, on Wednesday, he said the judiciary has been absorbed into the Ministry of Law and that institutions are being politicized and turned into one-party entities. He also claimed that universities are being occupied and recruitment is being made on partisan grounds rather than merit.

Abdullah, who serves as the chief organizer for the southern region of the National Citizens Party (NCP), expressed confidence that the NCP would form the next government with public support and fulfill the people's aspirations. He urged supporters to spread the party’s message across every household and ward.

He further stated that the NCP aims to build a safe and fair Bangladesh for the young generation, where employment does not require bribery and every citizen is respected regardless of social background.

Jahangirnagar University authorities have announced a reward of Tk 50,000 for anyone providing information leading to the arrest of a man accused of attempting to rape a female student on campus. The announcement was made on Wednesday, with the administration urging anyone who can identify the suspect or knows his whereabouts to contact them directly. Two phone numbers were provided for sharing information with the university.

The incident has sparked widespread anger among students, who have organized protests, human chains, and demonstrations demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the accused. The university administration’s reward announcement follows these student-led movements calling for justice and safety on campus.

The administration’s move aims to accelerate the investigation and reassure the campus community amid ongoing protests and heightened concern over student safety.

Ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, Dhaka Ahsania Mission’s Health Sector Road Safety Project Coordinator Sharmin Rahman has recommended banning unfit vehicles and controlling speed on highways to ensure safe and smooth holiday travel. The recommendations were presented on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, during a discussion titled “Measures for Safe Eid Travel to Prevent Road Crashes” held at the organization’s office in Shyamoli, Dhaka.

Sharmin Rahman highlighted that road accidents and fatalities during Eid travel in 2026 have increased alarmingly compared to 2025, exposing weaknesses in the country’s road safety system. The organization emphasized the need for immediate action, including enforcing vehicle fitness checks, ensuring adequate rest for drivers, operating mobile courts at key points, limiting truck movement before and after Eid, using speed guns to monitor excessive speed, introducing digital toll booths, and preventing overcharging through mobile courts.

At the meeting, Muhammad Jahangir Alam of the Shipping and Communication Reporters Forum called for deploying more highway police and ensuring that unfit buses do not leave terminals during the Eid rush.