Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has alleged that market instability in Bangladesh is being fueled by middlemen and extortion rackets. Speaking to reporters after visiting the Mirpur-1 wholesale vegetable market in Dhaka on Tuesday morning, he said traders face silent extortion and occupation of market stalls but are afraid to speak out. He called for breaking the syndicates responsible for manipulating prices and pledged to continue the fight both inside and outside parliament.

Dr. Rahman stated that both consumers and farmers are suffering because of these syndicates, as farmers do not receive fair prices for their produce while consumers pay inflated rates. He cited examples of politically connected individuals renting government-allotted market spaces at exorbitant rates. The opposition leader urged traders to resist extortion and assured them of his support if they face retaliation for exposing such practices.

He also appealed to journalists to highlight the hardships of ordinary people to raise social awareness and help curb the influence of extortionists and corrupt networks.

A resort named Mati-Ta has been built by cutting into protected hills in Bhatiari, Chattogram, allegedly destroying over five thousand trees and displacing wildlife. The resort, featuring swimming pools, artificial lakes, and multi-story buildings, is owned by Munal Mahbub and Tasnim Mahmud, daughter of former FBCCI president and Awami League-linked businessman Mahbubul Alam. Locals and environmentalists claim that the project has caused severe ecological damage and that authorities have failed to act despite legal cases filed by the Forest Department.

The Forest Department filed a case in 2021 accusing the resort of occupying 40 decimals of protected forest land and cutting 25 mature trees. Although the court accepted the charges, the resort continues to operate. Environmentalists argue that such construction violates environmental protection laws, while local residents say they have lost access to the forest and their livelihoods. The resort’s proximity to the Bangladesh Military Academy has also raised national security concerns.

Resort director Tasnim Mahmud denied all allegations, claiming the land belongs to Noorjahan Group and that a court ruling supports their ownership, though reports indicate the land was occupied before the verdict and cases remain pending.

Three members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) were injured and detained for about four hours after being attacked by a group led by a wanted suspect named Shafik in Khagatuya village under Ratanpur Union of Nabinagar upazila, Brahmanbaria, on Monday afternoon. A video of the incident later went viral on social media, showing the injured RAB members. According to RAB CPC-9, the team was on its way to collect intelligence in Durgarampur of Bancharampur when they were surrounded and assaulted. One member managed to escape, while three others were beaten and confined at a local house before being rescued by RAB and police.

RAB officials said two members suffered broken arms and another sustained a head injury. Shafik, who faces 28 criminal cases including charges of theft, robbery, and murder, has long been accused by locals of maintaining a reign of terror in the area. The incident has caused widespread alarm among residents, though no written complaint had been filed as of the report’s publication.

Authorities confirmed that the injured RAB members received initial treatment at Nabinagar Upazila Health Complex before being transferred to Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital.

A major administrative reshuffle has begun at Dhaka University following the assumption of office by the new government. Within a short period, several key positions have changed hands, starting with the resignation of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan. The changes have extended to the posts of Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Proctor, and Assistant Proctor, creating what insiders describe as an atmosphere of uncertainty within the university administration.

Administrative sources said the restructuring is not limited to personnel changes but is part of forming a new power structure. Concerns have emerged over potential political influence in the process. After Dr. Khan’s resignation, Professor Dr. A.B.M. Obaidul Islam was appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor. Subsequent changes included the replacement of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha and the resignation of Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed, followed by Assistant Proctor Shehrin Amin Monami.

Some faculty and officials expressed concern that the appointments could lead to political polarization within the university. However, the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor denied these allegations, stating that all resignations were voluntary and that experience and competence, not political affiliation, guide appointments.

Former Feni-3 lawmaker and retired lieutenant general Masud Uddin Chowdhury has been shown arrested in a money laundering case involving over Tk 100 crore. The order was issued on Monday by Dhaka’s Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md Sefatullah following a petition from CID’s Additional Superintendent of Police Abdul Hadi, the investigation officer in the case.

Masud Uddin was earlier arrested on March 23 from his residence in Baridhara DOHS in connection with a separate case over embezzlement of Tk 24,000 crore and human trafficking. He was placed on multiple remands in several cases, including murder, before being sent to jail on May 7 after 44 days in custody. During Monday’s hearing, he was produced before the court from prison.

The money laundering case was filed on August 28 last year at Banani Police Station by CID Sub-Inspector Moniruzzaman against Masud Uddin and 32 others. The complaint alleges that his company, Five M, charged migrant workers excessive fees for employment in Malaysia, collecting Tk 107,510 extra per person from 9,372 workers, totaling Tk 100.75 crore allegedly embezzled and laundered.

The flood situation in Bangladesh’s northeastern haor region has improved in recent days as rainfall decreased, leading to a drop in river water levels. According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre, water in two major rivers in the region has fallen below the pre-monsoon danger level over the past 24 hours. The improvement follows several days of reduced rainfall, which allowed floodwaters in low-lying areas of Netrokona, Sunamganj, and Habiganj to recede.

However, the centre warned that this improvement may be temporary. Heavy rainfall is expected after May 15, which could cause river levels to rise again and worsen flooding. The centre’s latest bulletin reported that three rivers—the Naljur in Sunamganj, the Someshwari in Netrokona, and the Mogra in Netrokona—were still flowing above the pre-monsoon danger level at three monitoring points on Monday.

Officials noted that if rainfall increases, the region will move from pre-monsoon to monsoon flood conditions, requiring updated danger level assessments.

An average of 100 children are born every day in the Rohingya camps of Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, according to a report published on May 12, 2026. Officials attribute the high birth rate to limited education, lack of awareness about family planning, and conservative social norms. The growing population has increased pressure on Bangladesh’s resources, while the government’s two-child policy for refugees has shown little effect. Previous attempts to control birth rates faced objections from UNHCR, which cited human rights concerns.

UNHCR data show 1,184,864 registered Rohingya refugees across 33 camps in Cox’s Bazar and one in Bhasan Char. Between July 2024 and February 2026, 144,456 new refugees were registered, with birth rates rising during the same period. Experts warn that the expanding population could heighten social, economic, and security challenges for Bangladesh if repatriation remains stalled.

Authorities have updated the Family Planning Strategy 2026–2030, emphasizing voluntary long-term methods such as implants and copper-T. Religious leaders and community representatives are being engaged to raise awareness, while officials stress that sustainable repatriation remains the only long-term solution.

Senior officials and legal groups in Bangladesh have accused judges appointed during Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule of aiding political repression and violating human rights. Following Hasina’s fall and flight after the July uprising, police and administrative officers faced accountability, but no action has been taken against the judges allegedly involved. The Bangladesh Administrative Association and Police Service Association questioned the judges’ “informal immunity,” while the Nationalist Lawyers Forum claimed that thousands were victims of extrajudicial killings and disappearances under Hasina’s regime.

Lawyers and ministry officials alleged that many judges were politically aligned with the Awami League and participated in politically motivated trials, including those against opposition leaders Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, and Zubaida Rahman. Reports described late-night hearings and verdicts delivered by candlelight to ensure convictions before the 2024 election. The Law Minister, Advocate Asaduzzaman, acknowledged judicial failures and supported punishing judges who backed Hasina’s “fascism.”

According to ministry data, 1,841 of 2,185 lower court judges were appointed during the Awami League era, raising concerns about politicized recruitment and the erosion of judicial neutrality.

Two anti-tobacco organizations in Bangladesh have proposed a significant increase in cigarette prices to protect young people from tobacco-related harm and reduce premature deaths. The proposal, presented on May 11 at the National Press Club by the National Heart Foundation and the United Forum Against Tobacco, calls for setting the retail price per cigarette between 17 and 35 taka.

The proposal divides cigarettes into four price tiers to both reduce tobacco use and increase government revenue. Under the plan, premium cigarettes would cost 200 taka per 10-stick pack, with excise and specific taxes raising the per-stick price to 35 taka. The high tier would rise to 150 taka per pack, or about 25.45 taka per stick, while medium and low tiers would each be priced at 100 taka per pack, making the lowest per-stick price 17.01 taka.

Health experts at the event said smoking is a major cause of cancer and other serious diseases in Bangladesh. They urged the government to consider these proposals in the upcoming budget to help build a tobacco-free nation.

Opposition Leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman met with residents and homeowners’ associations in Mirpur to address the ongoing water crisis in Dhaka-15. The meeting took place on Monday night at a local institution, with representatives from Manipur, Kazipara, Ibrahimpur, and Kafrul attending. Residents described the shortage as so severe that daily life had become nearly impossible, with even drinking and bathing water unavailable. They alleged that an artificial crisis might have been created after the February 12 election for ulterior motives.

Dr. Rahman listened to the grievances and pledged to take all necessary steps to resolve the issue, assuring continued support for the community. He stated that he had already discussed the matter with the Managing Director of WASA and raised it in the National Parliament. According to him, the Prime Minister personally assured that she would play a special role in resolving the problem.

Several central and local Jamaat leaders, along with community representatives from different Mirpur neighborhoods, were present at the meeting.

Three members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) were injured after being detained and assaulted for about four hours by a group led by a man named Shafik in Khagatuya village under Ratanpur Union of Nabinagar upazila, Brahmanbaria. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, May 11, 2026, when the RAB team was passing through the area for intelligence gathering. A video of the attack later went viral on social media, showing the injured officers and the attackers issuing threats.

According to RAB-9 CPC-1 company commander Md. Nur Nabi, the team was attacked with local weapons, leaving two members with broken arms and another with a head injury. One officer managed to escape, while three others were held and beaten before being rescued by additional RAB and police forces. The injured were first treated at Nabinagar Upazila Health Complex and later transferred to Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital.

Local residents alleged that Shafik has long been involved in criminal activities and intimidation in the area, facing 28 cases including murder, theft, and assault. Police said no written complaint had been filed as of the report’s publication.

Renowned Bangladeshi actor, playwright, and stage director Ataur Rahman passed away late Monday night in Dhaka after being on life support for ten days. The news was confirmed by actor Raonak Hasan. Rahman, a recipient of the Independence Award, had been under treatment at a hospital in the capital when he died.

According to reports, Ataur Rahman’s health deteriorated after he fell at home the previous Friday. He was first taken to a hospital in Gulshan but later transferred to another in Dhanmondi due to the unavailability of ICU facilities. Although his condition briefly improved, he was again placed on life support on Sunday as his health worsened. He is survived by his wife, one daughter, and one son.

Born on June 18, 1941, in Noakhali, Rahman was a leading figure in Bangladesh’s post-independence theatre movement. He was widely respected for his contributions to the country’s cultural and theatrical landscape and was honored with both the Ekushey Padak and the Independence Award.

Islami Oikya Jote organized a protest rally and gathering in Dhaka on Monday afternoon condemning reported attacks and persecution of Muslims in West Bengal, India. The demonstration, held at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram, was presided over by the alliance’s chairman, Maulana Abdul Kadir. Participants denounced incidents of violence, including assaults on madrasas and mosques, border killings, and destruction of homes.

During the rally, the party’s secretary general, Mufti Sakhawat Hossain, criticized the Indian government for failing to protect its citizens and accused it of inciting extremist groups. He urged Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to summon the Indian High Commissioner to protest the alleged abuses and express solidarity with Bangladeshi religious scholars and citizens. He warned that if no action was taken, a long march toward India would be announced soon.

Other senior leaders, including Maulana Abul Kashem, Maulana Junaid Gulzar, and Maulana Belal Hossain, also addressed the gathering. The rally concluded with prayers after marching from Baitul Mukarram’s north gate through Bijoynagar intersection.

Four leaders of the BNP, Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal have been expelled following an attack on teachers at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) who were protesting against the vice-chancellor. The expulsions were announced on Monday afternoon through separate letters and press releases issued by the central leadership of the respective organizations.

According to the announcements, Bashir Uddin, treasurer of Dumki Upazila BNP, was expelled for alleged involvement in violence and breach of party discipline. Ahsan Faruk and Sultan Shawkat, joint conveners of the upazila Jubo Dal, were expelled for disciplinary violations, while Musa Farazi, joint convener of the upazila Swechchhasebak Dal, was removed for similar reasons. The central bodies also urged authorities to take legal action against the accused.

Earlier that morning, teachers demanding the removal of Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam over alleged irregularities were attacked by a group led by expelled Jubo Dal leader Ripon Sharif, leaving at least ten teachers injured. Police said no written complaint had yet been received but promised legal action once filed.

Bangladesh Bank’s Human Resources Department has replaced Salah Uddin, the administrator of Social Islami Bank Limited (SIBL), and his associate Rashedul Islam, despite the bank being under a merger process. Executive Director Abul Basar has been appointed as the new administrator. According to regulations, the appointment and removal of administrators fall under the jurisdiction of the Bank Resolution Department (BRD), not the HR department. The move has reportedly sparked strong reactions among central bank officials.

Salah Uddin was appointed as SIBL’s administrator by the BRD in November of the previous year, along with four associates. Officials allege that the replacement occurred without cause and under the direction of a deputy governor and an executive director. The Bank Resolution Act 2026 stipulates that all activities of a troubled bank under resolution must be overseen by the BRD, which holds exclusive authority over administrator appointments and removals.

Some officials argue that bypassing the BRD undermines the legal framework and could jeopardize the ongoing merger process. However, Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan stated that the transfer was part of a routine internal process under the governor’s authority.