BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that political opponents have failed to undermine public confidence in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Speaking at a press briefing on Monday at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan, he said Rahman is fulfilling his electoral promises and that the people’s trust in him remains strong. The BNP also announced an eight-day program from May 25 to June 1 to mark the death anniversary of party founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.

Rizvi said Tarique Rahman is implementing initiatives such as family cards, farmer cards, and plans for health cards, along with efforts to make Bangladesh self-sufficient in food. He noted that Rahman has relaunched a nationwide canal-digging program that has gained wide response. Rizvi contrasted Rahman’s approach with previous governments that, according to him, failed to deliver on promises like cheap rice and free fertilizer.

He further recalled Ziaur Rahman’s leadership during a critical period in Bangladesh’s history, describing his governance as a time of stability, rule of law, and national progress that remains remembered by people across political lines.

In Lama upazila of Bandarban district, around 10 acres of hilly land have been leveled allegedly to prepare for a new brick kiln. The activity reportedly took place in the Bashkhaillya Jhiri area of Fasiakhali Union under the name of Lokman Hossain, a resident of Satkania. Local resident Md. Osman Gani filed a written complaint with the Department of Environment on Sunday, accusing Lokman Hossain of illegally cutting hills to build the kiln.

According to the complaint, the hill cutting has damaged natural forests, streams, water flow, and biodiversity. Osman Gani claimed that although the land was jointly purchased, it was later flattened through deceit, and a hilly stream was filled in. Locals fear that unregulated hill cutting could increase the risks of landslides, water shortages, and environmental degradation. They have demanded a prompt investigation and legal action against those responsible.

Lokman Hossain denied the allegations, calling them false and motivated by personal disputes. An inspector from the Department of Environment stated that legal measures would be taken if hill cutting is confirmed.

Multiple public universities in Bangladesh have become tense amid student protests over administrative decisions, campus safety, and political issues. At Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) in Gazipur, students rejected the newly appointed vice-chancellor and enforced a campus blockade, halting academic and administrative activities. Clashes between opposing groups left at least 15 injured, prompting police deployment. In Patuakhali, students and staff at Patuakhali Science and Technology University staged a shutdown demanding the vice-chancellor’s resignation after alleged attacks on campus members.

At Jahangirnagar University in Savar, students protested late Sunday following three incidents of harassment against female students, which occurred shortly after an attempted rape case earlier in May. Police detained three suspects, and the university formed a seven-member committee to investigate the earlier assault. Meanwhile, in Chattogram, tensions rose after the city corporation allegedly ordered the removal of graffiti commemorating the July uprising, leading to restrictions on public gatherings.

Analysts cited long-standing administrative opacity, political influence, and safety concerns as underlying causes of the growing unrest across campuses, warning that vice-chancellor appointments have become flashpoints for division and confrontation.

Chattogram City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain has accused a controversial leader of the Nationalist Citizens Party (NCP) of attempting to create unrest over the removal of July movement graffiti from flyover pillars. Speaking at a press conference at the city corporation office on Monday, he claimed the graffiti had already been covered by posters and that he himself had funded much of the artwork after the fall of the Awami League government.

Tensions erupted on Sunday night when city authorities repainted the pillars of the Shaheed Wasim Akhtar Flyover from Lalkhan Bazar to Dewanhat for advertising purposes. NCP activists protested, alleging that the city corporation erased the July movement graffiti to rent the space commercially. They began painting new graffiti and blocked roads in front of the city corporation building.

The situation escalated as BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal activists joined the scene, leading to heated exchanges with NCP members. Police were deployed to prevent further clashes. Around midnight, Mayor Shahadat arrived and dispersed the BNP activists, later addressing supporters at Lalkhan Bazar.

Bangladeshi expatriates in South Korea organized a civic reception for National Citizens Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan during his visit to the country. The event took place on Sunday at noon at the Khimpu Foreign Support Center in Khimpu city, arranged by the NCP Diaspora Alliance, South Korea. NCP leaders, activists, and expatriates from various professions attended the ceremony.

In his speech, Asif Mahmud expressed gratitude to the diaspora for their hospitality and recalled their support during the July uprising, when the country was under blockade. He urged expatriates to remain united in realizing the goals of the July Charter and referendum, and to inform the international community about the uprising. He also assured that the NCP would continue working to ensure expatriate voting rights in future elections.

NCP Joint Member Secretary Saleh Uddin Sifat highlighted the role of expatriates in the July uprising and expressed hope for their involvement in future national policymaking. Expatriates raised issues such as simplifying migration processes, curbing exploitation by brokers, and improving repatriation and airport services.

Singapore’s non-resident High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Derek Loh, paid a courtesy call on Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Parliament and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The meeting took place on Monday morning at the opposition leader’s office in Bashundhara, Dhaka. Singapore’s Chargé d’Affaires Michael Lee South and South Asia Country Director Tai Dae Ern were also present.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on Bangladesh’s current political and economic situation, industrial and trade development, post-election democratic progress, the referendum process, and state reforms through the implementation of the July Charter. According to the statement, Derek Loh praised Jamaat-e-Islami’s positive role in Bangladesh’s economic and democratic advancement and expressed hope for stronger bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Singapore.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to enhance cooperation for Bangladesh’s democratic progress and economic prosperity. The High Commissioner also invited Dr. Shafiqur Rahman to visit Singapore.

Bangladesh continues to rely on outdated security systems while many countries integrate artificial intelligence, smart sensors, and radar technologies into their safety infrastructure. Experts say limited technical skills, lack of modern equipment, and weak cybersecurity have prevented the country’s bomb detection and security systems from becoming fully modernized. In contrast, advanced nations use AI-based scanners, explosive sensors, drones, and automated radar systems to identify threats quickly.

Recent bomb scares at key sites, including Shahjalal International Airport, have exposed the limitations of Bangladesh’s manual inspection methods. Analysts emphasize that modern security depends on technology-driven surveillance rather than manpower alone. Reports also warn of rising risks from technology-based explosives and cyber vulnerabilities.

Experts recommend immediate investment in AI-enabled scanners, smart cameras, and drone surveillance at airports, seaports, and government facilities. They stress the need for skilled technologists and internationally trained security personnel to build long-term capacity. Without such modernization, Bangladesh’s security infrastructure may face increasing technological risks.

Toxic waste and foul water from Rohingya camps in Teknaf are severely polluting nearby canals, wetlands, and the Naf River. The contaminated water, flowing through canals such as Alikhali, Muchhni Chhuri, Jadimura, Unchiprang, and Omar, has turned black and unusable. Local farmers report that crop production has been disrupted, while fish yields in canals and rivers have declined. The pollution is also affecting salt cultivation, as saline farmers cannot use the foul water for irrigation.

According to local sources, six Rohingya camps in Hnila Union house around 180,000 people within a four-square-kilometer area. About 70 percent of the camps’ waste, including sewage, flows directly into nearby canals and rivers. Residents say the water remains discolored even during the monsoon and that many locals are suffering from waterborne diseases. Farmers and residents have urged the Department of Environment and local administration to establish proper waste management systems.

Officials have acknowledged the problem, emphasizing the need for modern treatment facilities to prevent further environmental and health damage in the region.

Salt farmers in Banshkhali, Chattogram, have alleged that middlemen and syndicates are preventing them from receiving fair prices for their produce. Despite a bumper harvest this year, many farmers who took high-interest loans are facing heavy losses. They report selling salt at Tk 240–250 per maund while production costs reach about Tk 350, resulting in losses of around Tk 170 per maund. Farmers claim cargo boat owners and intermediaries have formed a syndicate that controls prices and transport routes, leaving them with no alternative sales channels.

At a recent meeting held at the Khatkhali estuary in Gondamara Union, participants demanded fair pricing, interest-free loans, and government measures to curb syndicate control. Speakers said production costs have doubled or tripled due to rising land rent, labor wages, and input prices such as polythene, fuel, and irrigation pumps. While packaged salt sells for Tk 40–45 per kilogram in retail markets, farmers are paid only Tk 5–6 per kilogram, causing severe financial distress.

The meeting called for long-term policies to protect coastal salt and fisheries industries and ensure sustainable livelihoods for producers.

A husband and wife died from electrocution on Monday morning in Saganna village of Jhenaidah Sadar upazila. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. in their yard while they were using an electric stand fan to dry paddy. The victims were identified as Mojibur Khan, 65, and his wife Momena Khatun, 55, residents of Saganna village under Holidhani Union.

According to local sources, Mojibur Khan was connecting the electric fan when he was suddenly electrocuted and thrown to the ground. His wife was also electrocuted while trying to rescue him. Neighbors took both victims to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared them dead upon arrival.

Police from Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station were dispatched to the scene after receiving the report of the accident.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced a seven-day program from May 25 to June 1 to mark the 45th death anniversary of its founder and former president Ziaur Rahman. The announcement was made by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi after a joint meeting at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka. On May 30, party flags will be flown at half-mast nationwide, and leaders and activists will visit Zia’s mausoleum, with party chairman and prime minister Tarique Rahman expected to attend.

As part of the program, a discussion meeting will be held on May 31 at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh. BNP’s Dhaka North and South units will distribute clothes and rice among the needy, with similar activities planned across the country. Various affiliated organizations, including Olama Dal, JASAS, Muktijoddha Dal, and Chhatra Dal, will hold prayer gatherings, while Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Krishak Dal, and Sramik Dal will organize discussions.

Rizvi instructed party members to avoid causing public inconvenience and to hold events in open spaces rather than blocking roads.

Continuous rainfall and upstream water flow from India have caused the Teesta River’s water level to rise, raising fears of flooding in northern Bangladesh. As of Monday morning, water at the Dalia Barrage point in Lalmonirhat was flowing 60 centimeters below the danger level, according to the Water Development Board. Officials said the river began swelling on Sunday night and the increase continued through Monday.

Residents along the Teesta River expressed concern that the situation could worsen if India releases more water through the Gajoldoba Barrage in West Bengal. Locals accused the barrage of acting as a “death trap” for Bangladesh, alleging that India closes the gates during dry seasons and opens all 54 gates during monsoon periods, causing floods downstream. The barrage, located in India’s upstream section of the Teesta, is controlled by the West Bengal state government.

People in Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Kurigram, Rangpur, and Gaibandha districts are now living in fear of potential flooding as rainfall continues and river levels remain high.

New Zealand High Commissioner to Bangladesh David Pine paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir on Monday morning at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring potential areas of cooperation between Bangladesh and New Zealand.

During the discussion, both sides exchanged views on expanding collaboration in promising sectors such as pharmaceuticals, tourism, higher education, and food processing. The High Commissioner expressed New Zealand’s interest in working with Bangladesh in these fields and praised Bangladesh’s active role in addressing global climate change challenges. He also encouraged the country to take on a more leadership-oriented role in international climate initiatives.

Humayun Kabir reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, and building a green economy despite being highly vulnerable to climate change. He emphasized that Bangladesh is ready to play an effective leadership role globally in combating climate impacts.

In Tarash upazila of Sirajganj, the canals of Chalan Beel are filling with new water from rainfall and upstream flow, submerging low-lying areas. During this season, many local residents who lack regular work turn to fishing for their livelihood, using traditional bamboo traps known as chhai or kholsuni. Thousands of people in the region are now busy crafting these traps from bamboo and palm fibers, which are sold in various local markets.

The traps are sold wholesale and retail in markets such as Naoga Hat, Gulta Hat, Chachkoir Hat, Nimgachhi Hat, Salonga Hat, Chatmohar, Chhaikola Hat, and Mirzapur Hat. In Chachkoir village of Gurudaspur upazila, around 250 families are engaged in making kholsuni, with prices ranging from 400 to 600 taka per pair depending on size. Each pair takes two to three days to make, with material costs of 150 to 200 taka.

The craft has been passed down through generations, and participation continues to grow as new people join the trade. Family members, including women and students, contribute to the production process.

In Sunamganj, extensive boro paddy fields have been submerged due to heavy rainfall and waterlogging, leaving thousands of farmers destitute. Authorities have prepared a list of 129,559 affected farmers and sent it to the ministry for assistance distribution. However, many haor-area farmers allege that genuine victims were excluded from the list, while non-farmers and relatives of local representatives were included.

According to the agriculture department, 223,511 hectares were cultivated this season with a production target of 1.4 million tons of rice worth about Tk 5,000 crore. Around 20,550 hectares of crops have been damaged across 137 haors. The district administration plans to provide three months of humanitarian aid, including cash ranging from Tk 2,500 to Tk 7,500 and 20–30 kilograms of rice per farmer, depending on the level of loss.

Officials said the list will be reviewed, and any non-farmers found will be removed. The local MP stated that the Prime Minister has directed that only genuine affected farmers receive assistance, with further agricultural input support planned for the next season.