The education program at BKMS Secondary School in Kulbaria village under Atlia Union of Dumuria upazila, Khulna, has been shut down due to pressure from nearby brick kiln owners. The school, established in 2005 and located about five kilometers from Kathaltala Bazar, has not held classes for two years. Because of the closure, students from four surrounding villages—Bagachra, Kulbaria, Murabunia, and Sundarbunia—must now travel five to six kilometers to attend other schools.

Within one kilometer of the school, five brick kilns operate along the Ghengrile River under Water Development Board’s 17/2 polder area. Despite previous raids and fines by the Department of Environment, the kilns continue production, causing severe air pollution, soil degradation, and health problems for residents. Locals allege that toxic smoke and heavy vehicle movement have made the area unsafe, while farmland and fisheries have suffered.

Local authorities, including the union parishad chairman and the upazila executive officer, have pledged to investigate and take action to protect the school and enforce environmental laws, which prohibit brick kilns within one kilometer of educational institutions.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Dhaka on Thursday ordered the imprisonment of former minister Dr. Dipu Moni, journalist Mozammel Babu, and Farzana Rupa in connection with a crimes against humanity case linked to the Shapla Chattar massacre during Hefazat-e-Islam’s rally. The order was issued around 11:30 a.m., and the court directed that the three accused be produced again on June 7, the date set for submission of the investigation report.

Earlier in the morning, the three were presented before the tribunal. They were already in custody as accused in the July killing case and have now been shown arrested in the Shapla Chattar case as well. With their inclusion, the total number of detained accused in this case has risen to nine, including former state minister Shamsul Haque Tuku, former IGP Shahidul Haque, and ex-army officer Ziaul Ahsan.

According to the chief prosecutor, 58 people were confirmed killed in the Shapla Chattar incident across four districts. The case is expected to name 30 accused, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Police in Teknaf have arrested Shaker Majhi, identified as the main suspect behind a human trafficking operation linked to a trawler sinking in the Andaman Sea while attempting to smuggle people to Malaysia. The arrest took place on Wednesday evening in the Mundar Deil area of Teknaf’s Sabrang Union following an hour-long operation based on secret intelligence and technological assistance. Shaker Majhi, aged 42, is the son of Kabir Ahmed from the same locality.

According to Teknaf Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam, the detainee is considered one of the top human traffickers in the region. Local reports and social media discussions have long identified him as the key figure behind the Andaman Sea boat tragedy. Police confirmed that he faces a total of 11 cases involving human trafficking, drugs, weapons, and smuggling.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the ongoing investigation or potential additional arrests related to the case.

Liberation War Affairs Minister and BNP Vice Chairman Ahmed Azam Khan visited injured fighters from the July 24 uprising who are currently receiving medical treatment in Bangkok. On Tuesday, May 12, he met with doctors at Vejthani International Hospital to inquire about the physical condition of the wounded individuals.

During his visit, the minister also discussed ensuring that the injured fighters receive all necessary medical services. He expressed his wishes for their speedy recovery while reviewing their ongoing treatment arrangements.

The visit highlights the government’s continued attention to those injured during the July uprising, reflecting ongoing concern for their health and rehabilitation.

Former minister Dr. Dipu Moni, journalist Mozammel Babu, and journalist Farzana Rupa were presented before a tribunal in Dhaka on Thursday morning in connection with a case alleging crimes against humanity. The case relates to killings during Hefazat-e-Islam’s mass rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel on May 5, 2013. Prosecutor Gazi M H Tamim stated that Dipu Moni, then foreign minister, had internationally described the incident as a law enforcement operation against unruly groups, while Mozammel Babu and Farzana Rupa allegedly broadcast provocative statements through Ekattor Television.

At the time of the incident, Mozammel Babu was the managing director of Ekattor TV and Farzana Rupa was its chief reporter. Six other accused, including former state minister for home Shamsul Haque Tuku and several former senior police officials, are currently in jail in connection with the same case. The complaint was originally filed by Hefazat-e-Islam leader Azizul Haque on behalf of leaders Junaid Al Habib and Maulana Mamunul Haque, accusing 21 individuals in total.

The tribunal proceedings mark a continuation of legal actions surrounding the 2013 Shapla Chattar incident, which remains a politically sensitive issue in Bangladesh.

A young man from Ghosalkandi village in Rajoir upazila of Madaripur district has died in Libya after being tortured by a human trafficking gang that had promised to send him to Italy. The victim, identified as Tashir Fakir, reportedly paid around 4.8 million taka to traffickers but was held captive and tortured after arriving in Libya. His death was confirmed on Wednesday, bringing grief to his family and community.

Relatives alleged that a local broker named Rafiqul Islam Bagha from the nearby Purba Shormongol village lured Tashir with promises of work in Italy. After his capture in Libya, the traffickers extorted additional money from his family through threats and videos of abuse. Despite being hospitalized in Libya, he died in the ICU. The family claims the traffickers tried to hide his body after his death.

Following the incident, the accused broker and his family reportedly fled their home. Local residents expressed anger and demanded justice, while the victim’s wife and daughter appealed for help to repatriate his body and support the family.

A Bangladeshi man named Md. Khademul, aged 25, was shot dead by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) near the Amjhol border in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat district. The incident occurred early Thursday morning near the Bonchowki Border Outpost area. Khademul, son of Amzad Hossain from Uttar Amjhol village, was reportedly hit by pellets fired by a BSF patrol team from the Paglamari camp of the 78th Battalion.

According to local sources, several Bangladeshi traders had approached the barbed wire fence about 150 yards inside Indian territory near border pillar 905/6-S when the BSF opened fire. Khademul sustained injuries to his face, chest, and head. He managed to return to the Bangladeshi side and was taken to a clinic in Rangpur, where he later died while receiving treatment.

Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Imam, commanding officer of the 15 BGB Battalion in Lalmonirhat, confirmed the incident. No further details about official responses or diplomatic communication were reported in the source.

Police in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar recovered the body of a young man named Mahmud from Hail Haor on Wednesday night. The body was found floating in the water near Rajapur area around 8 p.m. Mahmud, son of Askor Ali from Sirajnagar’s Boxbari area, lived with his family in Noagaon of Sreemangal.

According to local sources, Mahmud went to Hail Haor on Wednesday morning to catch fish but did not return home for several hours. His family became worried and began searching with the help of locals. Later, residents spotted his body floating in the haor and informed the police.

Sreemangal police recovered the body and took it to the police station. The officer-in-charge, Zahidul Islam Munna, said the incident is under investigation and necessary legal steps will be taken.

Advance ticket sales for intercity trains ahead of Eid-ul-Azha began on Wednesday morning, drawing massive demand within minutes. According to railway sources, nearly 6 million online hits were recorded within the first 30 minutes of sales, and most tickets for the western region—including Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Khulna divisions—were sold out within an hour. The railway reported a total of 31,240 seats across 43 trains, with 15,266 in the western region and 15,974 in the eastern region. Ticket sales for eastern routes started later in the day.

The railway authority announced that tickets for May 24 to 27 journeys would be sold from Thursday to Sunday, with each passenger allowed to purchase up to four tickets once. Tickets are non-refundable, and 10 special trains will operate for Eid. Additionally, 25 percent of seats will be sold as standing tickets at counters on the day of travel. Return tickets will be available from May 21 to 25.

Officials advised passengers to use the official “Rail Sheba” app to avoid fraud, warning that some individuals were offering fake ticket services through social media.

Bangladesh secured a historic Test victory over Pakistan in Dhaka, with both pace and spin bowlers sharing all 20 wickets. On the final day’s last session, pacer Nahid Rana’s fiery spell of four wickets for ten runs in 4.5 overs dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup. The match showcased a rare balance in Bangladesh’s bowling, as pacers and spinners each claimed ten wickets, a feat unseen in the past decade.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto praised the team’s bowling partnership, noting that confidence in their five-bowler attack led to the bold declaration at 240 for nine, setting Pakistan a target of 268. Mehidy Hasan Miraz took five wickets in the first innings, while Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed contributed crucial breakthroughs. Shanto highlighted Rana’s reverse swing delivery that bowled Mohammad Rizwan as a turning point.

The victory symbolized Bangladesh’s evolution from a spin-dependent side to one capable of combining pace and spin effectively. The Dhaka Test was portrayed as a reflection of a new, confident Bangladesh team ready to challenge opponents with both skill and aggression.

Bangladesh has approved the long-anticipated Padma Barrage project, marking a major step toward fulfilling a six-decade-old vision. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman, granted final approval for the first phase of the 2.1-kilometer barrage at Pangsha in Rajbari. The project, costing Tk 344.97 billion, will run from July 2026 to June 2033 and be fully funded by the government. It aims to conserve water during the dry season and prevent desertification across vast areas of the country.

According to the Planning Commission, the Water Resources Ministry proposed the project, to be implemented by the Bangladesh Water Development Board. The barrage will store about 2,900 million cubic meters of water, reviving five rivers and improving irrigation for 2.9 million hectares of farmland. Expected benefits include increased rice and fish production and significant socio-economic gains. Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anny stated that no discussions with India are required for the project.

Experts believe the barrage will help mitigate water scarcity, salinity, and siltation problems in the southwest, ensuring sustainable freshwater supply and supporting regional agriculture and ecology.

Police in Satkania upazila of Chattogram arrested four young men on Wednesday evening following allegations that two teenage girls were gang-raped in a hilly area of Chadaha Union. The victims were rescued during a joint operation by police and local residents around 7:30 p.m., and the suspects were detained by 11 p.m. The arrested individuals were later taken to the local police station at midnight.

According to police and local sources, the two victims are students of classes eight and nine. The accused have been identified as residents of Chadaha and Bajalia unions in Satkania. The incident caused widespread concern in the area, prompting an operation led by Additional Superintendent of Police Ariful Islam Siddiqui.

Authorities stated that preparations are underway to file a case under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. Officials also said efforts are ongoing to identify any other individuals involved and to ensure necessary protection and support for the victims.

Police in Satkania upazila of Chattogram arrested four young men on Wednesday night over allegations of gang-raping two teenage schoolgirls. The victims were rescued from a hilly area during an operation conducted around 7:30 p.m. with the help of local residents. The arrests were made by 11 p.m., according to police sources.

Authorities identified the detainees as Md. Saiyad (15), Md. Rakib (20), Md. Manik Islam (20), and Abdur Rahim (18), all residents of different areas within Satkania. Police said one of the victims is a ninth-grade student and the other is in eighth grade. The incident caused widespread concern in the area, prompting an operation led by Additional Superintendent of Police Ariful Islam Siddiqui.

Police took the four suspects to the station around midnight and are preparing to file a case under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. Officials stated that efforts are underway to identify any additional suspects and to ensure necessary support and protection for the victims.

Former law adviser and Dhaka University law professor Dr. Asif Nazrul has claimed that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was a student of the university’s law department. In a recent Facebook post, he stated that Rahman enrolled in the 1985–86 academic session and attended classes for about two months. Nazrul said he personally knew of this as he was a senior student in the department at that time.

According to Nazrul, several of Rahman’s classmates later became prominent figures, including former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, environmental activist and former adviser Rizwana Hasan, and Supreme Court Justice Farah Mahbub. He added that Rahman’s studies were discontinued, possibly due to security concerns during the strict rule of then-President Hussain Muhammad Ershad, amid allegations linking Ershad to the assassination of former President Ziaur Rahman.

Nazrul’s post comes amid ongoing public debate over whether Tarique Rahman was ever a student of Dhaka University’s law department.

Former cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has criticized what he calls 'selective inclusion' and biased historical narratives in Bangladesh’s cultural sphere. In a verified Facebook post, he said the country’s arts, literature, and cinema have long been shaped around a specific political narrative, leaving many significant political and historical events underrepresented. He questioned why major figures and episodes such as General Osmani’s absence at the surrender ceremony, Maulana Bhashani’s political role, or the actions of the Rakkhi Bahini have not been adequately portrayed in mainstream creative works.

Farooki argued that issues like enforced disappearances, political violence, and oppression have not inspired strong fictional works in Bangladesh, unlike in Latin America. He attributed this to a cultural framing that deems certain topics as unacceptable or unprogressive, discouraging artists through social labeling and funding barriers. He also claimed that a division between 'high' and 'low' culture has portrayed one political group as progressive and others as regressive, allowing 'fascism' to persist socially.

Farooki described the political changes of 2024 as the beginning of a cultural shift and said he left a detailed 'note to successor' outlining recommendations for reforming the cultural ecosystem.