The Planning Ministry of Bangladesh has finalized preparations to present 16 development projects worth about Tk 24,855 crore at the second meeting of the new government’s Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Wednesday. Among these, the long-anticipated Padma Barrage project will be tabled for approval under the chairmanship of Prime Minister and ECNEC Chair Tareq Rahman. The Water Resources Ministry proposed the first phase of the Padma Barrage project, estimated at Tk 50,443.64 crore, to be implemented by the Bangladesh Water Development Board by June 2033, with full funding from the government.

Officials said the project aims to mitigate dry-season water shortages caused by the Farakka Barrage. The first phase includes constructing a 2.1-kilometer barrage at Pangsha in Rajbari with 78 spillways, 18 sluice gates, two fish passes, and a navigation lock. It will store about 2,900 million cubic meters of water to revive five rivers and support irrigation, fisheries, and hydropower generation. The project is expected to benefit 19 districts across four divisions and create nearly 928,000 permanent jobs.

The Padma Barrage concept dates back over two decades, with multiple feasibility studies conducted since the 1960s, culminating in a detailed assessment completed in 2013.

Bangladesh secured a commanding 104-run victory over Pakistan in the Dhaka Test, taking a 1–0 lead in the two-match series. On the final day, Pakistan were set a target of 268 runs but were bowled out for 163, leaving 23 overs unused. Fast bowler Nahid Rana produced a decisive spell, taking 5 wickets for 40 runs in 9.5 overs, dismantling Pakistan’s middle and lower order. Earlier, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 87 in Bangladesh’s second innings of 240 for 9 declared, adding to his first-innings century.

The match saw Bangladesh dominate across all departments—batting, bowling, fielding, and captaincy. Shanto’s leadership and calculated declaration reflected confidence in his bowlers, a belief rewarded by the combined efforts of Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Pakistan’s batting faltered under pressure, with only Abdullah Fazal managing a half-century.

This win continues Bangladesh’s strong record against Pakistan in recent Tests, following a 2–0 series victory in Rawalpindi two years earlier. The second Test of the current series is scheduled for May 16–20 in Sylhet.

Students and parents across Bangladesh are facing severe uncertainty following the education minister’s announcement that the 2027 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent exams will be held in December 2026. Despite only six months remaining, education boards have yet to receive any formal instructions from the government, raising doubts about whether the exams can be organized within such a short timeframe. Officials from the Dhaka and Madrasa education boards confirmed that no official directives have been issued, though mental preparation has begun.

The announcement, made by Education Minister Dr. Ehsanul Haque Milan in April, has sparked widespread concern among students, teachers, and parents. Frequent curriculum and schedule changes in recent years have already disrupted academic continuity, and the sudden advancement of exam dates has intensified pressure on students. Coaching centers are adding extra classes to complete syllabuses, leaving students physically and mentally exhausted.

Education experts and psychologists have urged the government to adopt a stable, long-term academic calendar and implement exam schedule changes gradually to reduce stress and prevent further disruption to students’ learning and mental health.

A violent attack took place on Tuesday night, May 12, 2026, at a shop in Haji Kachom Ali Fakir Super Market in Mulaid village of Sreepur, Gazipur. The incident occurred after a dispute over unpaid dues and refusal to sell goods on credit. Witnesses reported that several rounds of gunfire were heard, causing panic in the area. Five people, including the market owner’s son Kamal Fakir, his nephew Siam, the shop manager Shahin, and employees Shanto and Shyamal, were injured.

According to shop owner Faisal Ahmed, accused Rana Bhandari and his brother Mamun, residents of Kewa village, had an outstanding balance from previous purchases. On May 9, Rana bought goods worth 72,000 taka, paying 30,000 in cash and promising to clear the remaining 42,000 later. When asked to pay the balance on Tuesday, Rana allegedly assaulted an employee. Later that night, Rana and Mamun led a group of 25–30 people who attacked, vandalized, and looted the shop. Police said they were investigating the incident and would take legal action.

The attack has left the local community in fear as investigations continue.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and Rangpur-2 MP ATM Azharul Islam alleged that former party chief Maulana Matiur Rahman Nizami was killed through an imperialist conspiracy. He made the claim on Tuesday afternoon at a discussion and prayer meeting titled “Life and Work” marking Nizami’s 10th martyrdom anniversary at the Santhia District Council auditorium in Pabna. Azharul Islam demanded the arrest of those involved in Nizami’s killing and warned that failure to do so would suggest government collusion.

He stated that killing leaders like Nizami or Mujahid could not end the Islamic movement and asserted that Islam would eventually prevail in the country. Referring to the recent national election, he alleged vote manipulation, claiming the people voted for Jamaat’s symbol but another party took power. He also criticized India, accusing it of border killings and withholding Teesta water, saying such a country could not be a true friend.

Other speakers, including Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and opposition whip Rafiqul Islam Khan, called Nizami’s execution unjust and the trial process illegal, demanding accountability for those involved.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has announced a protest rally and demonstration in Chattogram on Friday to condemn alleged persecution of Muslims in West Bengal and Assam. The group’s Amir, Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari, called for formal condemnation and diplomatic action from Bangladesh regarding the incidents. He demanded that the Indian government ensure the safety of minority Muslims.

Speaking at a protest rally organized by Hefazat’s Hathazari unit on Monday afternoon, Babunagari alleged that extremist supporters of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were involved in the violence, citing information from media and local sources. He said attacks based on religious identity are unacceptable in any civilized, democratic, and pluralistic society.

Babunagari also blamed BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s provocative remarks after the election for inciting anti-Muslim sentiment and indirectly encouraging the attackers. Several Hefazat leaders, including central and local officials, also addressed the gathering.

Sarjis Alam, chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for the northern region and head of its local government election committee, stated that his party is not anti-state toward India or any other country. Speaking at a discussion titled 'Shapla Massacre; A Decade of Impunity' organized by the National Olama Alliance at the Institute of Diploma Engineers in Dhaka on May 12, he emphasized that Bangladesh cannot maintain friendship with any country that approaches it with a mindset of dominance or exploitation.

Alam criticized remarks made by Indian state leaders about Bangladesh’s border issues, calling it shameful that Bangladesh’s home minister dismissed such comments as unofficial. He accused Indian politics, particularly in West Bengal, of promoting communalism and anti-Muslim sentiment, and said Bangladesh should have the courage to express opinions on such human rights violations despite them being internal matters of another country.

He further warned that any foreign government attempting to sustain power in Bangladesh by ignoring the people’s will would fail in the future, urging Bangladesh’s civil administration, police, and army to uphold national dignity and independence.

The popular speedboat service on the Sitakunda-Sandwip route in Chattogram is at risk of permanent closure as operators consider halting operations due to financial losses under new government fare regulations. On Tuesday, without prior notice, speedboat movement was suspended at the Kumira-Guptachhara terminal, leaving thousands of passengers stranded on both sides.

Operators, including R K Enterprise, said it is impossible to sustain business at the government-fixed fare of 260 taka per trip, which was only a 10-taka increase from the previous 250 taka. They cited rising fuel prices, maintenance costs, and terminal lease fees as key reasons for the losses. In comparison, fares on similar routes such as Noakhali-Hatia exceed 300 taka, which owners claim highlights an unfair disparity.

The speedboat service is the fastest transport link between Sandwip and the mainland, vital for medical, educational, and administrative needs. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) said discussions are ongoing to resolve the issue, while the local administration insisted that operators must adhere to the government-set fare but promised a quick resolution to minimize passenger hardship.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Secretary General, Principal Hafiz Maulana Yunus Ahmad, stated that the party will not tolerate any killings of Bangladeshi citizens along the border. Speaking at a regular meeting held on Tuesday at the party’s central office in Purana Paltan, Dhaka, he criticized India’s decision to build barbed-wire fencing in West Bengal following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) rise to power, calling it politically motivated rather than a security measure.

Ahmad said that while India has the right to manage its own borders, any form of brutality against Bangladeshis is unacceptable. He noted that both countries’ citizens are involved in various cross-border activities, but Bangladesh suffers more financially. He praised Bangladesh’s border guards for their vigilance and urged the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) to act positively to ensure safety. He added that BSF’s past behavior had caused resentment but expressed hope for improvement under the new political situation in West Bengal, warning of consequences if conditions worsen.

Senior party leaders including Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman and Engineer Muhammad Ashraful Alam were also present at the meeting.

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) believes in politics centered on public welfare and development. He made the remarks on Tuesday while inaugurating several development projects and canal re-excavation programs in Tarakanda and Haluaghat upazilas of Mymensingh, where he served as the chief guest.

The minister stated that the newly launched road construction and canal re-excavation initiatives reflect the BNP’s commitment to development-oriented work. He added that the government continues to implement various programs for the country’s overall progress, prioritizing public welfare while avoiding unnecessary expenditure. During the visit, he inaugurated multiple projects, including road improvement and canal re-excavation works in different unions.

After the inaugurations, the minister visited local BNP offices and attended a meeting with party members, emphasizing the need for political stability to sustain development. He also listened to local demands for new facilities such as a mini stadium, hospital, and fire service station, assuring that these would be considered.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam stated that friendship cannot be achieved through barbed wire fences and killings along the border. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a discussion and documentary screening titled “Shapla Massacre; A Decade of Impunity,” organized by the National Olama Alliance at the IDEB building in Kakrail, Dhaka.

Nahid Islam urged the government to take effective measures to stop border killings, protect national sovereignty, and secure the country’s fair share of water. He emphasized maintaining communal harmony and ensuring equal rights for all citizens, including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. He also criticized the BNP’s role during the 2013 Shapla Chattar incident, saying it should have acted more courageously as an opposition party.

He alleged that the lack of justice for the Shapla Chattar killings created conditions for later violence and called the shooting of unarmed and sleeping people a crime against humanity under international law. Nahid further said that political parties have often used religious scholars and madrasa students for political purposes and that their contributions deserve recognition in national history.

Poet, essayist, and political commentator Farhad Mazhar stated that the United States has carried out a regime change in Bangladesh and that the current power lies with them, not with local actors. He made these remarks on Tuesday at a discussion and documentary screening titled “Shapla Massacre; A Decade of Impunity,” organized by the National Olama Alliance, supported by the NCP, at the IDEB building in Kakrail, Dhaka. Mazhar also called for justice for the Shapla killings and urged unity in revolutionary spirit against what he described as internal and external dangers.

At the same event, NCP leaders including MP Dr. Atik Mujahid, Sarowar Tushar, and Abdullah Al Amin emphasized the need to recognize the Shapla victims as martyrs and to bring specific perpetrators to justice. They described the Shapla incident as part of a cultural struggle that must continue in the region.

The discussion was presided over by Maulana Ashraf Uddin Mahdi, with participation from leaders of Hefazat-e-Islam, Khelafat Majlish, and other allied organizations.

Bangladesh Bank has instructed all banks to introduce a digital verification system using QR codes for visa-related financial documents. The directive, issued on Tuesday, aims to ensure that bank statements and other financial papers submitted by visa applicants can be verified online by embassies and visa centers. The move follows complaints that the absence of real-time verification has been causing administrative delays and higher processing costs.

According to the circular, bank statements, solvency certificates, and investment certificates submitted for visa applications must include a QR code that allows verification of key details such as account number, account holder’s name, statement period, and issue date. Banks are also required to store this information for at least six months in a verifiable format. The central bank has given institutions 90 days to implement the necessary technological systems while maintaining compliance with existing cybersecurity and data protection regulations.

The initiative is expected to streamline visa processing and enhance document authenticity for Bangladeshi applicants abroad.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has decided to modernize the Sayedabad Inter-District Bus Terminal in line with its original design to restore order in the capital’s public transport system. The decision was made on Tuesday at a meeting held at Nagar Bhaban, chaired by DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Abdus Salam, with lawmaker and transport leader Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas attending as special guest. From now on, all unauthorized bus counters will be removed, and the use of the Sayedabad terminal will be made mandatory.

The meeting outlined several key measures, including the reallocation of 110 ticket counters across six terminal blocks on a fair basis, removal of illegal structures and shops, and construction of boundary walls to ensure proper use of flyovers. Drainage improvements and removal of abandoned bus remnants were also planned. Passenger facilities will be enhanced with a modern breastfeeding center, rest areas, clean toilets, a police outpost, and neon signage.

According to DSCC, full utilization of the terminal is essential for restoring road discipline, while coordinated efforts among government, owners, and workers aim to ensure safer and more efficient passenger services.

A controversy has erupted in Khulna after an Awami League leader was listed as a farmer representative in the district’s rice procurement and monitoring committee for the current Boro season. The Khulna District Food Controller’s office submitted the proposed committee list, which included the name of Mallik Abid Hossain Kabir, vice president of Khulna Metropolitan Awami League. Upon reviewing the file, the Deputy Commissioner expressed dissatisfaction and returned it, questioning the justification for including a politically affiliated person as a farmer representative.

According to district administration and food department sources, the government set procurement prices at Tk 36 per kg for paddy, Tk 49 for parboiled rice, and Tk 48 for non-parboiled rice. The committee was supposed to be formed in early May to ensure smooth operations. The District Food Controller, Md Tanvir Hossain, downplayed the issue, saying similar committees had existed since 2010 and that the delay was due to a DC conference. However, other sources claimed the move was an attempt to rush approval without proper oversight.

The incident has reignited debate over transparency and political influence in administrative committees, with calls for genuine farmers to represent agricultural interests.