Employment Bank inaugurated its 289th branch in Tongibari, Munshiganj, on Friday at the Institute of Marine Technology conference hall. The event was chaired by the bank’s chairman and former secretary Dr. A.F.M. Matiur Rahman, with Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary A.B.M. Abdus Sattar attending as chief guest. Other guests included the secretaries of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Financial Institutions Division, and local MP Abdus Salam Azad, who officially opened the branch.

In his remarks, Abdus Sattar praised the bank’s strong position in the national banking sector and urged continued efforts toward financial inclusion and job creation. Dr. Matiur Rahman described the new branch as a milestone, encouraging youth, women entrepreneurs, and small business owners to pursue self-employment. MP Abdus Salam Azad highlighted Tongibari’s potential in agriculture, fisheries, and small enterprises, while Secretary Nazma Mobarek noted that the new branch would create employment opportunities, especially for women.

At the end of the ceremony, guests handed over loan checks to local entrepreneurs, marking the branch’s operational launch.

Police have arrested Dr. Hasibur Rashid, former vice-chancellor of Begum Rokeya University (BRU), who was sentenced to ten years in prison in connection with the murder of BRU student Abu Sayeed. He was detained on Saturday night in the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka, confirmed Jewel Rana, Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Mohammadpur Zone of Dhaka Metropolitan Police. Legal proceedings following the arrest are currently underway.

On April 9, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Dr. Hasibur Rashid to ten years of rigorous imprisonment for crimes against humanity related to the killing of student Abu Sayeed. In the same verdict, the tribunal handed down death sentences to two former police officers, Amir Hossain and Sujon Chandra Roy, and life imprisonment to three others. The remaining 25 accused received varying prison terms.

The arrest marks a continuation of the enforcement of the tribunal’s verdicts in the Abu Sayeed murder case, which involved multiple defendants and varying levels of punishment.

The Society for Asian Circular Innovation Network (SACHIN) officially launched in Dhaka with the goal of promoting circular economy practices across Asia. The inauguration ceremony took place at the BCI Conference Room in Tejgaon, where founder president Preeti Chakraborty said the organization aims to drive sustainable development through research, innovation, policy engagement, and regional cooperation. SACHIN’s slogan, “Think Circular. Innovate Regionally, Impact Globally,” reflects its vision of positioning Asia as a global leader in circular economy and sustainability.

Initially focusing on Bangladesh’s garment industry, SACHIN plans to expand into agriculture, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, plastics, energy, finance, water, and shipbuilding. EuroCham Bangladesh Chairperson Nuria Lopez emphasized that adopting circular economy principles is vital for Bangladesh’s competitiveness and environmental stability. The organization announced future initiatives including an Asian Sustainability Data and AI Portal, Circular Tech Marketplace, SACHIN Academy, and an Asian Circular Economy and Climate Summit.

SACHIN stated that its work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 12, 13, and 17, and called for collaboration among governments, industries, researchers, and youth to build a sustainable and inclusive future for Asia.

The roof casting of the new building of Haji Kalyan Sangstha was inaugurated in Pirgacha, Rangpur, on May 16, 2026. The foundation stone of the building was laid in 2019, but construction halted after the pillars were completed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Later, financial constraints kept the project suspended for several years until work resumed in 2025 under a renewed initiative.

Speakers at the event said the organization aims to serve humanity, teach proper religious practices, and promote social awareness of faith. They emphasized the importance of selfless service to society, noting that many people today act out of personal interest. The land for the building was donated by the late Abdul Karim Mia.

Local dignitaries, including former teachers, religious leaders, and community representatives, attended the ceremony, reflecting broad community support for the project.

Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman addressed an eleven-party divisional rally at Rajshahi Madrasa ground on Saturday, May 16, 2026. He accused the ruling party of deceiving the nation and warned that ignoring the referendum result would be an insult to the people’s mandate. Rahman said no one in history has escaped punishment for standing against the people and urged the government to return to honesty and fulfill its electoral promises.

He criticized the government for appointing administrators in 42 districts despite pledging to eliminate unelected representatives, and for failing to ensure judicial independence. Rahman also condemned corruption, extortion, and political favoritism in public institutions, calling these acts betrayals of the nation. He demanded implementation of the Padma Barrage and Teesta Master Plan to address water crises and urged the government to uphold human rights and national unity.

Rahman declared that Jamaat would continue its struggle both in parliament and on the streets if the government failed to implement 16 key ordinances necessary for good governance, emphasizing that the referendum’s verdict must be realized to prevent authoritarian rule.

Leaders of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis have warned that delaying local government elections could erode public confidence in the government. They made the remarks at a meeting of the party’s Local Government Election Steering Committee held on Saturday at the central office in Purana Paltan, Dhaka. The leaders said that allegations of irregularities and manipulation in the recent national parliamentary election had already damaged public trust in the Election Commission.

According to the speakers, citizens had expected the new government to promptly organize local government elections to ensure direct public participation. Instead, the appointment of party-affiliated administrators in various city corporations and district councils has raised new concerns among the public. The leaders argued that local government institutions should be run through direct public involvement, not by political appointees.

The meeting demanded the immediate cancellation of all party-based administrator appointments and called for phased elections to city corporations, upazila councils, municipalities, district councils, and union councils.

Water Resources Minister Md. Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie stated that the government is committed to improving the lives of marginalized people. Speaking on Saturday at the Family Card distribution event at Kushakhali Annie Chowdhury High School in the newly formed Chandraganj upazila of Lakshmipur, he said the initiative aligns with the government’s election manifesto. The Family Card aims to empower women and ensure nutritional support for families. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the nationwide Family Card distribution virtually from Chandpur Government College field.

The minister added that the government is working for public welfare and has already distributed Family Cards and Agriculture Cards as pilot programs. He thanked the Prime Minister for upgrading Chandraganj to upazila status within three months and noted the revival of the late President Ziaur Rahman’s canal excavation program to boost agricultural productivity. During the event, 1,250 residents of Ward 5 in Kushakhali Union received Family Cards.

The ceremony was chaired by District Commissioner S.M. Mehedi Hasan and attended by local MPs, officials, and beneficiaries.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially announced the schedule for its upcoming election, which will take place on June 7 at the BCB headquarters. The ad hoc committee had earlier expressed its intention to hold the election ahead of the scheduled time. According to the announcement, the draft voter list will be released tomorrow, followed by the final list on May 19. Nomination papers will be sold on May 20 and 21.

After verification, the final list of candidates will be published on May 25. Those wishing to cast e-votes must inform the election commission by May 25, and e-ballot papers will be sent until June 6. All e-ballots must reach the BCB election commission by noon on June 7. Voting for directors, president, and vice president will be held on the same day, with results to be announced that day as well.

As in previous elections, 23 directors will be elected across three categories, with a total of 192 voters participating.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education of Bangladesh has issued an urgent directive to ensure proper implementation of the government’s primary school feeding program. The order, dated May 13 and announced on Saturday, warns that legal and departmental action will be taken if any distribution of substandard or spoiled food is proven. The ministry cited reports of rotten bread, spoiled eggs, and poor-quality bananas being supplied to schools, posing health risks to children and undermining the program’s goals.

The directive instructs head teachers to verify the quality and quantity of food before acceptance and distribution. It emphasizes that all food items must meet prescribed standards, be stored properly, and be distributed on time. Specific guidelines were issued for bread, eggs, bananas, UHT milk, and fortified biscuits, including checks for freshness, packaging integrity, production and expiry dates, and net weight.

The ministry further stated that no low-quality or defective food should be accepted under any circumstances. Any negligence or irregularity will lead to disciplinary and legal measures, and suppliers must be reported immediately to higher authorities.

A 15-member delegation from the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has departed for a weeklong visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese Embassy. The team, led by DUCSU Vice President Sadik Kayem, left the university campus for Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday evening. Before departure, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam, who wished them a successful and fruitful trip and prayed for their health, safety, and well-being.

The delegation includes DUCSU General Secretary S. M. Farhad, Assistant General Secretary Mohiuddin Khan, and other secretaries representing various portfolios such as science and technology, culture, research, sports, and human rights. During the weeklong program, the DUCSU team will visit several universities, student unions, educational and research institutions, science and technology centers, and economic organizations across China.

They are also scheduled to explore sites of historical, cultural, and political significance in the country as part of the exchange initiative.

Daksu Vice President Sadik Qayem has alleged that former mayors and councillors of Dhaka City Corporation never took any effective plan to protect public health. He made the remarks on Saturday at the inauguration of a free medical camp organized by Ramna Samaj Kalyan Society at a playground on New Eskaton Mosque Road in the capital.

Qayem said that ensuring citizens’ basic rights is the responsibility of the state, but even after 55 years of independence, necessary measures for public healthcare have not been implemented. He compared the situation to developed and neighboring countries where citizens’ health protection is prioritized. He blamed repeated corrupt leadership choices for the lack of progress and urged residents to elect honest, qualified, and proactive leaders in the future.

The event was presided over by the society’s chairman Abdus Sattar Sumon and attended by several local leaders and doctors. Around 350 people received free medical services and medicines from specialists in medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, gynecology, and ophthalmology.

The Bangladesh women's football team has set up a training camp in Thailand ahead of the upcoming SAFF Championship. Bangladesh Football Federation president Tabith Awal visited the camp to encourage the players and wished them success. He also toured the Alpine Sports Training Camp in the morning, where the team is currently practicing, and held a meeting with Adi Sak Suntaros, managing director of Alpine Sports Group.

Bangladesh will play another preparatory match tomorrow against Bangkok Women’s FC, a Tier-1 club in the Bangkok Women’s League. The team previously won their first warm-up match 2–0 against a Thai club. After completing the two-week training camp, the squad will fly to Goa, India, on May 21 to participate in the SAFF Championship starting May 25.

Bangladesh has been placed in a group with hosts India and the Maldives. They will face the Maldives on May 28 and India on May 31, with the final scheduled for June 6. As the reigning champions, Bangladesh aims to secure their third consecutive SAFF title.

National Citizen Party (NCP) chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari criticized the government for failing to fulfill the dreams of those who sacrificed in the anti-quota discrimination movement. Speaking on Saturday at a joining ceremony of citizens and political leaders in Rajshahi District Council auditorium, he said the government is focused on issuing various cards instead of ensuring real development. Patwari warned that if people do not benefit from these cards, the NCP will introduce a 'red card' in protest.

He emphasized that citizens cannot be satisfied merely through card-based schemes and called for guaranteeing basic rights and development. Patwari accused the government of failing to meet public expectations. On foreign relations, he questioned continued border killings and rejected what he termed a submissive foreign policy toward India. He also raised concerns about water shortages in Rajshahi’s rivers and urged no compromise on water-sharing issues, even announcing a possible long march toward India.

Patwari reiterated that the NCP stands for people’s rights and not for exploitation or extortion, highlighting the party’s commitment to citizen-focused politics.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman attended a large public gathering in Shahrasti, Chandpur, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, after inspecting a canal re-excavation project. During the event, he invited a local farmer named Saiful Islam Liton to sit beside him and listened attentively to his personal experiences. The farmer expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to speak directly with the head of government.

The rally created a festive atmosphere across the district, drawing crowds from distant areas eager to see the Prime Minister. In his address, Rahman emphasized strengthening food security and modernizing the agricultural sector, noting that Bangladesh had achieved self-sufficiency in food but aimed to become a surplus-producing nation. He also announced that the government would cover all educational expenses for female students up to the undergraduate level to promote women’s higher education.

The announcement sparked widespread enthusiasm among attendees, particularly female students, who expressed appreciation through applause and cheers.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the people will resist any conspiracy to obstruct the government’s efforts to fulfill its electoral commitments. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon at a public gathering in Kumaraduli village of Chandpur Sadar upazila after inaugurating the re-excavation of the 'Bishwa Khal'. Rahman emphasized that as long as the people support the BNP government, it will continue working for the welfare of the nation.

He noted that the government has begun implementing its election manifesto, including initiatives such as canal re-excavation, distribution of family and farmer cards, honorarium for imams and muezzins, and tree plantation drives. The Prime Minister criticized a small group spreading confusion and opposing these programs. He said the public’s awareness during the February 12 election ensured BNP’s victory, and the government is now focused on realizing its pledges.

Rahman urged citizens to remain alert so that no one can hinder development programs, including employment initiatives. He called for unity in rebuilding the nation and transforming Bangladesh into the country envisioned by its freedom fighters.