National Citizen Party (NCP) South Region chief organizer and Member of Parliament Hasanath Abdullah has accused the current government of beginning its tenure with blatant nepotism and regional discrimination. Speaking at a rally organized by the NCP Homna Upazila branch at the Balur Maath near Homna bus stand on Sunday afternoon, he called for ending family-based politics and extortion, urging the creation of a new Bangladesh based on merit and competence.

Hasanath Abdullah questioned the government’s performance over its first three months in power, citing deteriorating law and order and poor conditions in the health sector, where children are reportedly dying from measles and pneumonia. He criticized the government for blaming the interim administration for all problems. Emphasizing religious harmony, he said no one has the right to attack any shrine or temple and that all citizens, regardless of faith, are equal in Bangladesh.

He also condemned the government for imposing excessive taxes on ordinary people, including on motorcycles and autorickshaws, warning that taxation is spreading indiscriminately.

A youth has been arrested in Abhaynagar upazila of Jashore after allegedly stabbing an SSC examinee who refused his marriage proposal. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at the Dhulgram-Phultala ferry ghat while the student was returning home after her exam. The injured girl was admitted to a hospital, and the suspect, identified as Ashik Sheikh, 26, from Gopinathpur village, was detained by locals and handed over to police.

According to the victim’s father, Ashik had been harassing his daughter for two years with repeated marriage proposals. When the family refused, he continued to disturb her. After the stabbing, he attempted to flee but was caught by residents. A written complaint has been filed with Phultala Police Station.

Medical officer Dr. Rayhana Ferdousi of Phultala Upazila Health Complex said the patient was advised to be transferred to Khulna Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Police confirmed that legal proceedings are underway.

Student leaders have warned against any attempts to destabilize the academic environment at Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) following recent tensions and clashes on campus. In a joint statement issued on Sunday, Islami Chhatra Andolan Bangladesh President Muntasir Ahmad and Secretary General Sultan Mahmud expressed deep concern over the unrest linked to the appointment of the vice-chancellor. They stated that ignoring students’ legitimate demands and using force or external interference to control the situation would only worsen the crisis.

The leaders emphasized that repression, intimidation, or coercion have no place in a higher education institution. They urged all parties to act responsibly to protect DUET’s autonomy, academic reputation, and safe learning environment. Dialogue, mutual respect, and fairness were cited as the only means to achieve an acceptable resolution.

They further warned that if any group resorts to conspiratorial or violent means to destabilize DUET, students would unite to resist. They demanded exemplary punishment for those involved in the recent clashes, asserting that justice is essential to restore lasting peace and discipline on campus.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has identified 116 websites linked to online gambling and submitted their list to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for closure. The announcement was made by Additional IGP Mohsleh Uddin Ahmed at a press conference at the CID headquarters in Malibagh, Dhaka. The CID’s Cyber Intelligence and Risk Management Unit conducted cyber monitoring from May 1 to May 17, uncovering the sites and related illegal financial activities. It also identified 879 mobile financial service accounts and 43 bank accounts connected to the transactions, forwarding the information to the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU).

CID reported that eight members of a syndicate involved in operating both local and international gambling platforms were arrested. The group allegedly used mobile banking, bank accounts, and cryptocurrency wallets for illegal transactions, transferring large sums abroad through digital hundi and crypto channels. During two operations, CID seized 13 mobile phones, 20 SIM cards, and courier receipts linked to fake agent SIM distribution.

Investigations are ongoing to trace the network’s international links and recover laundered funds in coordination with BFIU and international law enforcement agencies.

The Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RACSU) organized its first fact-checking training workshop at the university’s Senate Building on Sunday afternoon. The event, arranged by RACSU’s Media and Publication Division, aimed to raise awareness about verifying information and countering misinformation. Around 300 students participated, and certificates were distributed at the end of the session. Kaduruddin Shishir, editor of investigative outlet The Descent, conducted the training, providing hands-on instruction on fact-checking techniques, verification methods, and identifying digital misinformation.

During the workshop, Shishir emphasized analyzing websites and visit data to identify sources spreading false information and warned against politically biased media. He also advised caution with emotionally charged news related to religion, surveys, conflict, and nationalism, noting that such topics often spread falsehoods. RACSU leaders, including Media and Publication Secretary Mujahid Islam and Vice President Mostakur Rahman Zahid, highlighted the importance of verifying information before sharing and praised the students’ active participation.

The event was attended by Rajshahi University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Mohammad Main Uddin as chief guest, along with RACSU executives and representatives from various campus journalist organizations.

Bir Muktijoddha Engineer Md. Jasim Uddin Pradhan, commander of the Matlab South Upazila Muktijoddha Sangsad in Chandpur, has formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The announcement came on Saturday night during a youth and elite gathering at Matlab Community Center, where he expressed support for the party’s ideals and programs and completed the associate membership form. Jasim Uddin has been serving as convener of the upazila’s freedom fighters’ council since August 19, 2025.

The event was attended by senior Jamaat leaders, including Dr. Abdul Mobin, assistant secretary of the party’s Comilla South district and nominated parliamentary candidate for Chandpur-2. Other speakers included district and upazila-level Jamaat officials who emphasized the need for participation from all professions to establish moral and humanitarian leadership in society. They expressed hope that Jasim Uddin’s joining would have a positive impact on local politics.

Jasim Uddin stated that his decision was driven by a desire to see the country governed according to the Quran and Sunnah and that he had not previously been affiliated with any political party.

Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana delivered an impressive bowling performance on the second day of the Sylhet Test against Pakistan, helping to trigger a collapse in Pakistan’s batting lineup as they chased a 400-run target. Rana dismissed set batter Babar Azam, marking the third consecutive Test in which he has taken Babar’s wicket. Speaking after the day’s play, the young fast bowler said that every wicket is equally important to him and his team, emphasizing his focus on executing his bowling plans.

Rana explained that he trapped Babar by varying his pace, bowling one delivery at 149 km/h followed by a slower ball at 144 km/h. He said that quality batters can be unsettled by subtle changes in pace and skill. Looking ahead, Rana stated that Bangladesh’s plan for the next day is to bat as long as possible rather than setting a specific target, noting that there is still plenty of time left in the match.

He credited Liton Das’s century as the turning point for Bangladesh, along with valuable lower-order contributions from Taijul, Taskin, and Shoriful.

A young man named Al Amin, aged 27, was killed in Muladi upazila of Barishal on Sunday afternoon after being called out over a debt payment. The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. in Baliatali village. According to local sources, Al Amin was invited from his home under the pretext of settling a financial matter. A dispute broke out between him and three individuals—Noman, Azizul, and Sahabuddin—who allegedly attacked him with sharp weapons, leaving him critically injured. The same individuals took him to the upazila health complex, where doctors declared him dead.

Following the incident, angry locals reportedly beat the suspects before handing them over to police. The area remains tense, and additional police forces have been deployed to maintain order. Muladi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sohel Rana confirmed the killing and said three people had been arrested in connection with the case.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as investigations continue in the affected village.

Several officials of Khulna Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA), who were appointed during the previous Awami League government under a project funded by the Asian Development Bank and JICA, are now being considered for promotion. The proposal was raised at a board meeting in Dhaka on Sunday, with a final decision expected at a meeting in Khulna on Monday. These officials had earlier been permanently absorbed into the revenue sector after the project ended, despite allegations of corruption and irregularities.

According to Khulna WASA sources, the officials in question were involved in the Khulna Water Supply Project implemented between 2011 and 2019. Allegations include large-scale financial corruption, meter theft, and manipulation of billing records, resulting in significant revenue losses. The planned promotions have sparked anger among employees and consumers, who question why those accused of wrongdoing are being rewarded instead of investigated.

Khulna WASA’s Deputy Managing Director for Finance and Administration stated that a six-member committee will review the files of those recommended for promotion and decide whether they will be approved.

Student Jamiat Bangladesh has strongly condemned the armed attack by outsiders on students protesting for the removal of the vice-chancellor at Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) in Gazipur. In a joint statement issued by its central president Ridwan Mazhari and secretary Saad Bin Zakir, the organization expressed deep anger and concern over the incident, calling it a reflection of attempts by certain groups to maintain dominance through fascist tactics.

The statement recalled that the spirit of the August 5 student uprising was to free campuses from muscle power, external influence, and authoritarian control. It criticized the use of hired outsiders to suppress student movements, saying that even if a protest is unjustified, it should never be met with violence. The group warned that any recurrence of such dominance would face resistance from the general student body.

Student Jamiat demanded a fair investigation into the DUET attack, identification and punishment of the perpetrators, and restoration of a safe and disciplined academic environment across all campuses.

Police in Jaldhaka, Nilphamari, conducted an operation that led to the arrest of Shahin Mia, identified as the main suspect behind a motorcycle theft ring. Acting on his information, officers recovered 32 stolen motorcycles from a warehouse on Sunday. The warehouse owner, Abbas Ali, was also questioned during the investigation.

According to Abbas Ali’s initial statement, Shahin and another individual named Faridul were involved in buying and selling stolen motorcycles. Abbas Ali reportedly runs a business dealing in used motorcycles, which was linked to the illegal trade. Jaldhaka Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nazmul Alam confirmed the recovery and outlined the next steps.

Police stated that the recovered motorcycles will be presented to the court in a formal report. Those with valid ownership documents will be returned to their rightful owners through court procedures.

Bangladesh celebrated World Telecommunication and Information Society Day in Dhaka under the theme “Stability through connection, strength through resilience.” The event, held at the BTRC headquarters in Agargaon, featured a seminar where ICT Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam said the government considers the information and communication technology sector a major engine for national growth and employment. He highlighted initiatives in AI, hardware, semiconductors, cybersecurity, data centers, startups, and digital services to strengthen Bangladesh’s position in technology production and exports.

Adviser to the Prime Minister Rehan Asif Asad emphasized developing world-class 5G and nationwide fiber infrastructure within five years and mentioned plans for a national data bank and unified digital identity. Other speakers stressed digital safety for women and children, combating misinformation, and expanding AI and IoT use in public services. Officials also underscored digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, and paperless administration.

The two-day event included a telecom and technology fair with 30 participating organizations and an online essay competition. The International Telecommunication Union’s Secretary-General, in a video message, called for stronger digital infrastructure and global cooperation.

A Dhaka court has sentenced drug dealer Md. Nazim Uddin to life imprisonment under the Narcotics Control Act for possessing 28,000 yaba tablets. The verdict was delivered on Sunday afternoon by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md. Sabbir Fayez. Along with the life sentence, the court imposed a fine of 50,000 taka, with an additional two months of imprisonment in default of payment. The convict, who was already in custody, was brought to court for the verdict and later sent back to prison.

According to the case details, on July 3, 2025, a team from the Department of Narcotics Control conducted a raid in the Arambagh area under Motijheel Police Station based on a tip-off. Nazim Uddin was arrested near the AGB Colony on Outer Circular Road, and 28,000 yaba tablets weighing approximately 2.8 kilograms were recovered from his bag and clothing. A mobile phone used in the drug trade was also seized.

Following the arrest, a case was filed at Motijheel Police Station, and after investigation, a charge sheet was submitted on October 30, 2025. The trial began on March 29, 2026, with testimony from six witnesses before the final verdict was announced.

The Narayanganj District Council has extended financial assistance to Sahalam Islam, a pickup van driver injured during the mass uprising of 2024. Sahalam was shot by police while participating in an anti-discrimination protest in the Rayerbag area on August 17, leaving him with multiple bullet wounds and two permanently disabled fingers. Nearly two years after the incident, he remains unable to return to normal work and has been struggling to support his family. On Sunday, District Council Administrator Professor Mamun Mahmud handed him a donation check at the council office.

Sahalam became emotional while receiving the aid, expressing that he had long struggled to afford treatment and had fallen into debt. He said the council’s prompt support gave him hope to recover and resume work. Professor Mahmud stated that helping those who risked their lives during the movement was a moral duty and wished for Sahalam’s quick recovery.

The council’s assistance aims to ease Sahalam’s medical expenses and help him regain stability after months of hardship and surgeries that have yet to restore his full health.

The Central Committee of the Welfare Association of Independent Ebtedayee Madrasa Teachers has announced an Eid festival boycott and a sit-in protest starting May 21 in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka. The program demands immediate implementation of the MPO (Monthly Pay Order) for verified grant-recipient independent Ebtedayee madrasas and the release of bills for vacant posts already approved by the Ministry of Education. The announcement was made through a letter signed by Member Secretary Maulana Mufti Abdul Hannan Hossain and sent to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

According to the letter, the teachers will hold a human chain and sit-in from 10 a.m. on May 21 to press their demands. Abdul Hannan Hossain told Amader Desh that independent Ebtedayee madrasas were transferred from the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education to the Ministry of Education without prior notice, which he described as a violation of the Primary Education Act and a cause of long-standing discrimination.

He added that the protest and boycott would continue until the MPO implementation and bill release are completed.