Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Dr. A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad stated that the party will play an active role both in parliament and on the streets to implement the referendum verdict and fulfill the people's demands. He warned that if the government ignores public demands and the July Charter, a strong movement will be launched with mass participation to compel the government to comply. He made these remarks on Saturday while addressing a two-day educational camp in the Faridpur region.

Dr. Azad added that Jamaat-e-Islami will cooperate with the government in welfare-oriented and positive initiatives but will continue to protest against injustice, corruption, misrule, and anti-people activities both inside and outside parliament. He emphasized that implementing the referendum verdict has become increasingly popular among citizens and is essential for meeting public expectations and protecting national interests.

The two-day camp included participants from five districts of the Faridpur region, focusing on organizational skills, ideological training, responsibility, and current national issues. Leaders at the closing session expressed hope that the camp would enhance manpower quality and strengthen organizational activities.

At a press conference held at the Economic Reporters Forum in Dhaka on Saturday, owners of 26 export-oriented garment factories accused Premier Bank’s Narayanganj branch of creating around Tk 10,500 crore in fake loans using forged sales contracts, falsified back-to-back letters of credit, and illegal foreign currency transactions. The owners alleged that former chairman HBM Iqbal and several bank officials misappropriated funds through these irregularities, which were not detected in previous audits or Bangladesh Bank inspections.

The affected business owners said that since 2017, some bank officials used fake IDs to open multiple back-to-back LCs without importing raw materials, later showing the liabilities as loans under the companies’ names. They claimed that forced and demand loans were created without consent, violating Bangladesh Bank’s foreign exchange guidelines. Many factories have since shut down, and the owners demanded an independent forensic audit and intervention from Bangladesh Bank and the finance ministry.

Premier Bank’s current chairman, Arifur Rahman, stated that a forensic audit is underway and nearing completion, after which the actual liabilities and responsible parties will be identified.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Colonel (Retd.) Dr. Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram said that Bangladesh’s economy is in poor condition and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will not be able to move forward without China’s assistance. He made the remarks on Saturday at a divisional rally of the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami in Rajshahi.

During his speech, Oli Ahmed alleged that India has taken new plans to destabilize Bangladesh and urged vigilance regarding possible external influence. He also emphasized that as followers of the Quran and Sunnah, people of all religions remain safe in the country, describing Islam as a complete way of life.

At the same event, Jamaat Ameer thanked the government for inaugurating the Padma Barrage and called for the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan without fear of external pressure. Jamaat leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman urged social unity against corruption and extortion, accusing the BNP of becoming a party dominated by extortionists.

The government of Bangladesh has declared a continuous seven-day holiday from May 25 to May 31, 2026, for Eid-ul-Azha across all government, semi-government, and autonomous institutions. However, employees engaged in essential services will not be included in this extended leave. Offices will remain open on May 24, even though May 23 is a weekly holiday.

According to the official circular, staff responsible for electricity, water, gas, and other energy supplies must continue their duties during the holiday period. Fire service, port operations, sanitation, postal, telephone, and internet service employees are also excluded from the leave. Hospitals and emergency health facilities will remain open, requiring doctors, nurses, and other medical staff to work as usual. Transport workers involved in medicine and medical equipment delivery will also continue their duties.

The Ministry of Public Administration stated that Bangladesh Bank will issue separate instructions to keep banking operations functional, while the Supreme Court will provide guidance regarding court activities. The Ministry of Labour and Employment will issue necessary directions for private industries and factories under the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006.

Sarjis Alam, chief organizer (northern region) of the National Citizens Party (NCP), declared that while his party made concessions in the national elections, it will not do so in the upcoming local polls. He made the statement on Saturday afternoon at the divisional rally of the '11-Party Alliance' held at the historic Madrasa Maidan in Rajshahi. The rally was organized to demand implementation of the referendum verdict, reduction of public suffering, and a fair share of the Padma River’s water.

During his speech, Alam accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of failing to meet public expectations after coming to power. He said people voted for BNP because of their trust in Ziaur Rahman’s symbol and Khaleda Zia’s leadership. He further warned that any manipulation or coercion in local elections would not be tolerated and expressed concern over border killings, extortion, and political influence.

The remarks underscore growing political tension ahead of local elections, with NCP signaling a tougher stance on electoral integrity and governance issues.

A nine-month-old child named Safuat died on Saturday morning while undergoing treatment for measles-like symptoms at the 250-bed Sherpur District Hospital. The child, from Madarpur village in Jhenaigati upazila, had been suffering from fever, breathing difficulties, and rashes for three days before being admitted around 8 a.m. He died at approximately 11:30 a.m. despite receiving medical care.

According to hospital and family sources, the child’s condition deteriorated rapidly. Doctors at the hospital confirmed that he was admitted in critical condition with fever, respiratory distress, and measles symptoms. Assistant registrar Dr. Arafurunnahar said the medical team provided maximum care and advised transfer to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment, but the family could not proceed due to financial hardship.

Hospital authorities reported that 60 patients are currently admitted with measles-like symptoms, and three have been confirmed as measles cases. Measures have been taken to manage the situation, according to hospital sources.

At least ten people were injured in a clash between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Raipur upazila of Lakshmipur on Saturday morning. The incident occurred at Saju Molla’s fish market area in Uttar Charbanshi Union, reportedly over control of the market. Among the injured, Rabbi, Farhad, Suman, and Delwar were said to be in serious condition. Police Inspector (Investigation) Abdul Mannan visited the scene following the incident.

Local BNP leader Shafi Uddin alleged that rival leaders Faruk Sardar, Jubo Dal leader Abul Kalam Bali, and Tarek Sardar led over a hundred outsiders in an attack to seize the fish market, injuring several of his supporters. However, Faruk Sardar denied the allegation, claiming he had long been a co-owner of the market and that the opposing group fought among themselves. Abul Kalam Bali also denied involvement, saying he had tried to stop the fight.

Police stated that legal action would be taken if formal complaints were filed. A similar violent clash between BNP groups in the same area in April 2025 had left two party activists dead.

More than a hundred citizens and leaders from various political organizations joined the National Citizens Party (NCP) in Rajshahi. The formal joining took place on Saturday at the Rajshahi District Council auditorium, where central and local NCP leaders welcomed the new members with flowers.

Participants included leaders and activists from BNP, Gano Adhikar Parishad, Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, and Chhatra Adhikar Parishad. The event was conducted by city NCP member secretary Atikur Rahman, with divisional organizational secretary Imran Imon attending as chief guest. Several central leaders, including Gazi Salahuddin Tanvir, S M Saif Mostafiz, Monira Sharmin, and Sarjis Alam, also addressed the gathering.

Speakers said that growing interest among youth and conscious citizens in NCP reflects a demand for a new political approach focused on citizens’ rights, good governance, and accountability. They urged the new members to work together for positive change in the country’s political culture and emphasized the importance of youth participation in shaping future leadership.

Nihan Alam from Mirsarai secured first place in the senior group of the Cyber Security category at the National High School Programming Competition and Cyber Security Olympiad 2026. The regional round was held on Saturday morning at the conference room of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), where Nihan received a crest in recognition of his achievement.

A ninth-grade student of Maruf Model High School in Mirsarai, Nihan has been known for his academic excellence from an early age. He previously earned government scholarships in both fifth and eighth grades, marking consistent academic success. Nihan is the son of Nurul Alam, president of the Mirsarai Press Club and journalist, and Jinnat Ara Begum.

The event highlighted young talent in programming and cybersecurity across the Chattogram region, encouraging participation from high school students in technology-oriented competitions.

BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 MP Mirza Abbas is undergoing medical treatment in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. After a long period of care and observation, his health condition has improved, and his wife Afroza Abbas said he may return to Bangladesh in the first week of June. On Saturday, May 17 local time, expatriate journalists visited him at Prince Court Medical Centre, where doctors confirmed that he is recovering steadily under close supervision.

According to Afroza Abbas, Mirza Abbas is receiving rehabilitation therapy and adequate rest as advised by doctors. His medical team is closely monitoring every stage of his recovery and has expressed satisfaction with his progress. He is also taking short wheelchair walks daily within the hospital premises. Many Bangladeshi expatriates, including party leaders and well-wishers, have been visiting him at the hospital and exchanging brief conversations.

The visit was attended by leaders of BNP’s affiliated organizations in Malaysia, including the presidents and secretaries of the Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and JASAS Malaysia branches, along with expatriate journalists.

Police have recovered the body of Forkan Molla, the main accused in the Gazipur five-murder case, from the Padma River near Louhajong’s Mawa area. The recovery was confirmed on Saturday afternoon by Md. Elias, in-charge of the Mawa River Police Outpost. According to Kapasia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Shahinur Rahman, the body was found floating in the river on Saturday morning and later sent to Munshiganj General Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Investigating officer Md. Jubayer Ahmed was dispatched to the scene after the discovery. Based on the clothing and statements from family members, police suspect the body to be that of Forkan Molla. His brother Jabbar identified the body by its black pants and white shirt. Authorities stated that final confirmation will come after post-mortem and DNA test results.

Earlier, on the night of May 8, five bodies were recovered from a rented house in Rautkona village of Kapasia upazila, belonging to expatriate Monir Hossain. The victims were Forkan’s wife Sharmin, daughters Mim (15), Umme Habiba (8), Faria (2), and brother-in-law Rasul Mia.

Nasiruddin Patwari, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), posted a selfie on Facebook with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday afternoon. In his post, Patwari captioned the photo with the words 'deal done', drawing attention to the meeting between the two political figures.

On the same day, Jamaat-e-Islami held a divisional rally in Rajshahi as part of an eleven-party alliance led by the group. During the event, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman criticized the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), saying that the party’s name once stood for nationalism but has now become associated with extortion. He urged people to build social unity against corruption and extortion and to hand over offenders to the police.

The developments highlight ongoing political activity and alliances among opposition groups ahead of future political movements in Bangladesh.

Professor Dr. Ekramul Haque has joined as the new Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). The appointment was approved by the President and Chancellor and formalized through a notification from the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education. He assumed office on May 15, 2026, for a four-year term as the 16th Vice-Chancellor of BUET.

Dr. Haque is a well-known academic and researcher in the field of higher education and engineering research in Bangladesh. He earned his BSc in Civil Engineering from BUET in 1989, ranking third in the merit list, and began his career there as a lecturer the same year. Over the years, he was promoted to assistant professor in 1992, associate professor in 1997, and professor in 2005, later becoming a Grade 1 professor in 2017. He also serves as the Director of BUET’s Bureau of Research, Testing and Consultation (BRTC).

He obtained his PhD from the University of Tokyo in 1996 and has published over 50 research papers in international journals. Under his leadership, BUET is expected to advance further in education, research, technology innovation, and international collaboration.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanom Rita stated that improving the quality of education is essential for ensuring the country’s overall development, emphasizing that the foundation of such progress begins at the primary level. She said this on Saturday afternoon while inaugurating the foundation stone of a new building at Bethuazani Government Primary School in Manikganj Sadar upazila.

The event was attended by District Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana as a special guest, along with several local political leaders. The minister directed the concerned authorities to complete the construction work of the new school building quickly and with high quality. Local residents welcomed the initiative and expressed hope that the new facility would enhance the educational environment in the area.

According to the minister, the government continues to work consistently on improving infrastructure, modernization, and quality in primary education to strengthen the foundation for national development.

Rashed Pradhan, vice president and spokesperson of the National Democratic Party (JAGPA), declared that Bangladesh’s political decisions will be made on the streets of Dhaka, not in Delhi. He made the remarks on Saturday, May 16, at an event marking the 50th anniversary of Farakka Day, organized by Jubo JAGPA at the Shafiul Alam Pradhan Auditorium in Paltan. Pradhan invoked the teachings of Maulana Bhasani, emphasizing resistance against dominance and defending national sovereignty.

During his speech, Pradhan described the Farakka Barrage as an assault on Bangladesh’s sovereignty, linking it to ongoing issues such as border killings, illegal push-ins, cultural aggression, and interference in domestic politics. He urged the Indian government to understand that friendship cannot be built through barbed wire fences and called for an end to Indian dominance in the region.

Pradhan further criticized what he described as India’s aggression and the rise of extremist Hindutva, warning that peace cannot be achieved through oppression of minorities or interference in neighboring states. Several JAGPA leaders and youth representatives also addressed the discussion meeting.