A fire broke out at the business establishment of BNP leader Iqbal Howlader in Ward 1 of Uzirpur Municipality, Barishal, early Sunday morning. The shop was completely destroyed in the blaze, which the owner alleged was a deliberate act of arson linked to a previous land dispute. He demanded that those responsible be identified, arrested, and punished.

Officer-in-Charge of Uzirpur Model Police Station, Md Rafiqul Islam, confirmed that a complaint had been filed and that the incident was under serious investigation. Local BNP leaders, including the municipal unit’s general secretary Md Rokonuzzaman Tulu and legal affairs secretary Md Riaz Mia, visited the site, expressed solidarity with the affected family, and called for a fair investigation. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Ali Suza also visited the scene and assured necessary assistance for the victims.

The incident has caused concern among local residents, who urged the administration to take swift action to uncover the true cause of the fire.

New Zealand has expressed its intention to maintain duty-free and preferential market access for Bangladesh even after the country graduates from least developed country (LDC) status. The commitment was conveyed by New Zealand’s non-resident High Commissioner David Pine during a meeting with Bangladesh’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Textiles Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at the Secretariat on Sunday. Both sides also discussed strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties and explored the possibility of a comprehensive free trade agreement.

Minister Muktadir emphasized that accelerating investment and job creation is essential for Bangladesh’s successful transition from LDC status. He noted that the country’s export sector is heavily dependent on ready-made garments, making it crucial to sustain competitiveness and ensure preferential market access. He also highlighted Bangladesh’s efforts to improve business facilitation and invited New Zealand investors to explore promising sectors.

David Pine underscored the importance of trade diversification for both exports and imports and reaffirmed New Zealand’s focus on ensuring uninterrupted market benefits for Bangladesh post-graduation. He added that New Zealand seeks a stable, long-term trade framework with Bangladesh.

A daylong cybersecurity workshop was held on Saturday at the Bangladesh Army University of Science and Technology (BAUST) campus in Saidpur. The event, organized by the university’s Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) Department in collaboration with the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and Creative IT Institute of Dhaka, was attended by 60 students from the CSE department.

The workshop aimed to raise awareness about cybersecurity, provide practical knowledge on network security, and enhance students’ skills to address modern technology-based security challenges. Rafsan Anwar, CEO of the Networking and Cyber Security Department at Creative IT Institute, served as the keynote speaker, while Shihab Hossain Rafat, a senior faculty member and cybersecurity specialist, conducted hands-on training sessions.

The program, chaired by Professor Dr. Nakib Hayat Chowdhury, head of the CSE department, featured four sessions covering computer and network security fundamentals, web application security, ethical hacking, social engineering, incident response, and career opportunities in cybersecurity. Certificates were distributed to participants, and organizers reported strong enthusiasm and positive feedback from students.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said the government is prioritizing the enhancement of export capacity and encouraging meat exports to foreign markets. He made the remarks on Sunday while speaking to journalists after visiting the Bengal Meat processing plant in Pabna.

The minister stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to make marginal communities and farmers economically self-reliant. The government is emphasizing the export of domestically produced goods and farm-based products to earn foreign currency while meeting local demand. Tuku noted that Bangladesh has abundant resources and that the government aims to strengthen the economy by utilizing them, particularly to benefit farmers and increase employment opportunities.

During the visit, Tuku inspected the plant’s production activities, hygienic meat processing, quality control, and storage systems. He also visited the Milk Vita dairy factory at Baghabari Ghat to review milk collection, processing, production, and marketing operations, accompanied by senior officials from the ministry and related agencies.

The government has launched free Wi-Fi service at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, enabling around 37,000 passengers to access high-speed internet simultaneously. The service was inaugurated on Sunday by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita, with other senior officials from the telecommunications and ICT ministries present. According to the ministry, the network covers approximately 94,000 square meters, including Terminals 1, 2, domestic, VIP, VVIP, and parking areas.

The ministry stated that the system operates with a maximum bandwidth capacity of 40 Gbps, supported by 250 access points, 48 kilometers of optical fiber and Ethernet cables, and 37 access switches. Each access point can serve up to 150 users at once, ensuring stable and fast connectivity throughout the airport. Since the trial phase began on April 26, about 20,000 passengers have used the service, consuming roughly 2.3 terabytes of data.

Officials said the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to providing fast and reliable internet for all citizens, enhancing digital access and communication for both domestic and international travelers.

The High Court on Sunday, May 17, 2026, issued a rule asking why directives should not be given to formulate necessary regulations, policies, or laws to ensure the protection, rehabilitation, and welfare of street children in Bangladesh. The rule was issued by a bench comprising Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Md Asif Hasan following a writ petition filed by the Equitas Foundation.

The court sought explanations on why the inaction and negligence of the concerned authorities in taking urgent and effective measures to safeguard the fundamental rights of all street children should not be declared illegal and beyond legal authority. It also questioned why the authorities should not be directed to conduct a nationwide investigation and survey on the actual condition of street children, ensure strict monitoring and accountability, and take effective measures to prevent all forms of harassment, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Lawyers Md Tanvir Ahmed, Biplob Kumar Poddar, Barrister Nishad Mahmud, Nur Mohammad Shahin Shahnewaz, and S M Zakir Hossain represented the Equitas Foundation during the hearing.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with leaders of the Editors' Council on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Public Administration Conference Room of the Cabinet Division in the Secretariat. The meeting was attended by Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, State Minister Yasser Khan Chowdhury, and the Prime Minister’s Information Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, along with senior editors from major national newspapers.

Among those present were Editors' Council President and New Age editor Nurul Kabir, General Secretary and Bonik Barta editor Dewan Hanif, The Daily Star editor and publisher Mahfuz Anam, Manabzamin editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman, The Financial Express editor Shamsul Haque Zahid, Daily Inqilab editor A.M.M. Bahauddin, Supravat Bangladesh editor Ruso Mahmud, and Dainik Karatoa editor Md. Mozammel Haque.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister hosted a luncheon for the journalists. Press Secretary Saleh Shibli and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were also present.

Road Transport, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that most road accidents in Bangladesh occur due to unfit vehicles, unskilled and negligent drivers, and public unawareness. He made the remarks on Sunday at a program in Rajbari organized by the BRTA Trustee Board to distribute checks among victims of road accidents and raise public awareness about road safety.

The minister said the event was meant to express solidarity with families of those killed or injured in accidents, calling such incidents a collective national failure. Referring to the March 25 Daulatdia ferry terminal accident, he said the investigation report identified driver error and vehicle defects as the main causes. He also announced a Tk 2,800 crore World Bank–assisted project to train drivers, conduct health and drug tests, and improve safety measures.

State Minister for Roads and Railways Habibur Rashid and State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam emphasized collective responsibility and modernization of ferry management. A victims’ representative thanked the government for prompt assistance and urged proper action to prevent future accidents.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has strongly condemned an alleged attack on students of Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) who were protesting the appointment of a new vice-chancellor. In a joint statement issued on Sunday, Shibir’s central president Nurul Islam and secretary general Sibgatullah accused members of Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, BNP-backed teachers, officials, and outsiders of carrying out a violent assault during a peaceful demonstration at the university’s main gate on May 17. The group claimed that at least 15 students were injured and that journalists faced obstruction and police fired tear gas and bullets.

The statement said the students had been demonstrating for three days demanding that the vice-chancellor be appointed from among DUET’s own teachers, free from political influence. Shibir leaders alleged that the attack reflected a broader pattern of campus violence by Chhatra Dal across the country, citing previous incidents at several institutions.

They urged the government to bring the attackers to justice, ensure medical care for the injured, and avoid politically motivated appointments that could destabilize educational environments.

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju criticized political leaders for visiting shrines before elections but failing to show solidarity when shrines come under attack. Speaking at a protest rally on Sunday morning at the Mirpur Shah Ali Baghdadi shrine premises, he described recent assaults on shrines and devotees as attacks on dissenting opinions. He called on citizens of all political affiliations to unite against oppression and discrimination.

The protest was jointly organized by the Sadhu-Guru-Bhakt O Wali-Auliya Ashekan Parishad and Bhav Boithoki Sabha, presided over by poet and thinker Farhad Mazhar and conducted by Mohammad Romel. A large number of devotees, mystics, Bauls, and visitors attended the gathering. Monju expressed outrage over Thursday night’s attack on the shrine and emphasized that persuasion, not violence, is the Islamic way to correct others. He demanded installation of CCTV cameras at shrines nationwide.

Monju also urged starting anti-drug operations from the Secretariat and Parliament, warning that names of drug users within these institutions could be made public. He reaffirmed AB Party’s commitment to continue its struggle for citizens’ rights.

Freedom fighter Abdul Kader, former Baitul Mal secretary of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Matuail (Demra) Union, passed away early Sunday at his home in Changail village, Kanchpur, Narayanganj. He was 80 years old at the time of his death.

Jamaat-e-Islami leaders expressed deep sorrow over his passing and extended condolences to the bereaved family. In a joint condolence message, central executive council members and Dhaka South leaders Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul MP and Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud MP prayed for the forgiveness of the departed soul. The statement also mentioned that the late Abdul Kader was the father-in-law of Maulana Omar Faruk, secretary of Konapara Police Station (Demra Zone).

Following the funeral prayer after Zuhr, Abdul Kader was laid to rest at the family graveyard in Changail village, Kanchpur. He is survived by two sons, three daughters, and numerous admirers.

ATM Azharul Islam MP, central Naib-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, said that politics in the country rarely serves public welfare and is often driven by personal and party interests. Speaking on Saturday, May 16, at a conference of union presidents and secretaries organized by the Sylhet district branch of Jamaat-e-Islami, he emphasized that only selfless politics can change the nation’s destiny. He called on the government to implement the July Charter and respect the referendum results, warning that ignoring public aspirations could harm the authorities themselves.

The event, held at M Saifur Rahman Auditorium in Sylhet’s Rikabibazar, was presided over by district Ameer Maulana Habibur Rahman. Central Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer, as chief discussant, accused the ruling government of resisting reforms and showing reluctance to address issues such as enforced disappearances, killings, and corruption. He alleged that the government was acting against the spirit of the July Revolution.

Several other central and district Jamaat leaders also addressed the conference, expressing concern over the government’s political direction and reaffirming the party’s commitment to welfare-oriented politics.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami central executive member and Dhaka South secretary Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud stated that negligence and suffering of patients in government hospitals will not be tolerated. He emphasized that ensuring healthcare for every citizen is a state responsibility. Dr. Masud made these remarks on Saturday, May 17, during the monthly coordination meeting of Community Health Care Providers (CHCP) at the Bauphal Upazila Health Complex auditorium, where he attended as the chief guest.

He urged all healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, to act responsibly and humanely so that no patient faces neglect or denial of service at hospitals or community clinics. Stressing transparency in the distribution of government-supplied medicines, he warned that any irregularity, corruption, or favoritism would face strict legal action. Dr. Masud added that efforts are ongoing to improve grassroots healthcare quality and accessibility for ordinary citizens.

The meeting was presided over by Bauphal Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Abdur Rauf, with local health officials and CHCPs in attendance.

Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury announced plans to modernize libraries and cultural institutions in Jessore, calling the district a cradle of culture. Speaking to journalists on Sunday after visiting the Jessore Shilpakala Academy, Institute Public Library, and Town Club, he said initiatives will be taken to make these institutions active and modern, with a focus on encouraging the younger generation toward books and local culture.

The minister noted that the Prime Minister recently visited the Jessore Institute Public Library, one of the subcontinent’s oldest libraries, and pledged its modernization. Following that directive, the ministry will prioritize infrastructure development, digitalization, and improved facilities to attract young readers. He also promised increased funding and logistical support for the Shilpakala Academy to enhance its activities.

Jessore’s Deputy Commissioner and Institute President Mohammad Asheq Hasan said official proposals for library renovation, expanded reading spaces, and cultural programs have been submitted to the ministry. He expressed hope that these initiatives will revitalize Jessore’s cultural practice and create a healthy cultural environment.

Tea workers in Moulvibazar staged a protest on Sunday to press a four-point demand and later submitted a memorandum through District Commissioner Touhiduzzaman Pavel. The demonstration took place across various parts of the town, organized by the district committee of the Tea Workers Union. The memorandum was addressed to the Minister of Labour and the Minister of Health, urging immediate action to reopen the Camellia Duncan Foundation Hospital.

According to union leaders, the demands include reopening the hospital to ensure basic healthcare for workers, modernizing the facility with adequate doctors, nurses, and equipment, investigating the death of worker’s child Aishi Robidas and compensating the family, and ensuring safety for all hospital staff and patients, including deployment of Ansar personnel if necessary. The protest rally at Chaumuhana Square was presided over by union vice president Madhu Rajak and conducted by general secretary Harinarayan Hajra, with several local labor leaders addressing the gathering.

The union had previously submitted memorandums on April 13 to local authorities demanding the same hospital reopening, highlighting ongoing concerns about healthcare access for tea workers in the region.