Police arrested two drug dealers with heroin at a checkpoint on the Niamatpur-Dhansura road in Naogaon on Monday morning. The detainees were identified as Mejboul Haque Bachchu, 38, from Baluachari village, and Asaduzzaman Nayon, 26, from Tola village, both of Chapainawabganj Sadar upazila. Officers stopped their motorcycle for inspection and found 200 grams of heroin in two packets. The motorcycle used for transporting the drugs was seized.

According to police, the suspects admitted during preliminary questioning that they had brought the heroin from Chapainawabganj to Niamatpur for sale. Niamatpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mahbubur Rahman said that a case under the Narcotics Control Act is being processed. He added that such anti-drug operations will continue and the detainees will be presented before the court.

The police action reflects ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking in the region, with authorities emphasizing continued vigilance against narcotics smuggling routes.

Bangladesh has introduced its first full-fledged micro drama series titled 'Silver Sadia', designed specifically for mobile-first viewers. The series, produced by Mayer Doa Studios and directed by Miraz Hossain, is presented entirely in a vertical format, with each episode lasting only three minutes. A special vertical screening event was recently held at a five-star hotel in Dhaka, attended by media professionals, industry figures, and invited guests.

According to the creators, the story follows a young madrasa student from a lower-middle-class family who secretly develops a passion for gaming. With her mother’s quiet support, she begins live streaming on YouTube and gradually builds her own audience. The plot intensifies when her father discovers her secret, leading to a confrontation that explores themes of family, distance, and self-discovery.

Industry insiders view this micro-format storytelling as a bold and timely step for Bangladesh’s digital entertainment sector, signaling new creative possibilities for short-form vertical content.

The government of Bangladesh is moving forward with plans to construct a second Padma Bridge, according to Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam. Speaking at the Secretariat on Monday after a meeting on ensuring safe travel during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, the minister said the feasibility study for the project has already been completed. He added that discussions are ongoing regarding financing and other preparatory work.

The minister explained that one of the three proposals for the new bridge involves building it at the Daulatdia-Paturia point, which he said would help reduce road accidents. He also discussed measures for managing Eid travel, noting that garment factories will grant holidays in phases this year to avoid the chaos experienced during the previous Eid when all factories closed simultaneously.

To improve road discipline during Eid travel, the government plans to operate 69 mobile courts. These steps are part of broader efforts to ensure safer and more organized travel during the holiday period.

At a press conference in Dhaka, physicians and public health experts called for a significant increase in tobacco product prices in Bangladesh’s upcoming 2026–27 national budget. The event, organized by the United Forum Against Tobacco and the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, emphasized that higher tobacco prices could reduce consumption, lower health risks, and prevent premature deaths linked to tobacco use.

Speakers noted that about 37.8 million adults in Bangladesh currently use tobacco, causing around 200,000 premature deaths annually. Tobacco-related diseases account for roughly 14 percent of total deaths, and the economic cost of tobacco-related health and environmental damage is estimated at 870 billion taka per year—more than double the revenue earned from the tobacco sector. The doctors proposed setting the retail price of a 10-stick cigarette pack at 100 taka for low and medium tiers, adding a 4-taka specific tax per pack, and raising prices for high and premium tiers to 150 and 200 taka respectively.

Experts argued that simplifying the complex four-tier tax structure would discourage smoking among youth and low-income groups while generating over 850 billion taka in revenue to strengthen the health sector and combat non-communicable diseases.

Prolonged rainfall and waterlogging have submerged vast areas of Boro paddy fields in Sunamganj’s haor region, leaving farmers burdened with debt. According to the agriculture department, around 20,000 hectares of Boro crops have been damaged, with small and marginal farmers suffering the most. Many had taken loans from NGOs, banks, and local lenders to cover the costs of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, and labor, but the crops were destroyed before harvest.

Farmers described their distress as they struggle to repay debts. Abdul Kaiyum from Dekhar Haor said he borrowed about two lakh taka for his 12-kiar land but lost all his paddy. Aibun Begum from Shangai Haor reported that rain prevented drying the harvested paddy, causing further losses. Another farmer, Nur Uddin, said lenders are pressuring for repayment while he faces mounting debt.

Mohammad Omar Faruk, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Sunamganj, stated that a list of affected farmers is being prepared. Two government ministers have already launched a three-month assistance program, and all affected farmers will gradually receive support.

Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and newly elected Member of Parliament for Rangpur-4 (Kaunia-Pirgacha), said he now represents all constituents regardless of political affiliation. Speaking as the chief guest at a quarterly exchange meeting at Kaunia Upazila Parishad premises on Monday morning, he expressed gratitude to voters for electing him and emphasized that democracy’s beauty lies in voting.

He reiterated his pre-election promise to hold quarterly meetings with grassroots people to hear their opinions and ensure transparency in local development. Hossain stated that he has publicly shared details of government allocations on social media, including funds distributed to religious institutions, to prevent allegations of misuse. He disclosed that of the 1 million taka allocated for Eid-ul-Fitr, 550,000 taka went to Pirgacha and 450,000 taka to Kaunia.

Concluding his remarks, Hossain urged residents to support development initiatives based on transparency and collective participation for the progress of the area.

Road, Transport, Shipping and Railways Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that garment factories will grant holidays in phases during this year’s Eid. He made the statement on Monday at the Secretariat, emphasizing that the decision aims to ensure smoother travel and avoid disruptions.

The minister explained that during the previous Eid, sudden factory closures had caused widespread disorder. To prevent a repeat, the government will implement a staggered holiday schedule for the garment sector. He also said that the government will take several measures to address the irregularities experienced during last Eid-ul-Fitr travel.

As part of the plan to maintain discipline on the roads, 69 mobile courts will operate across the country during the Eid travel period, according to the minister.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasized strengthening the institutional capacity of village courts and recruiting women in the village police to ensure justice at the grassroots level and make local governance more effective. The minister made the remarks during a meeting with a UNDP delegation at the Secretariat on Monday, attended by Deputy Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne and other members.

The meeting discussed the current activities and progress of the Village Court Project, focusing on enhancing its institutional capacity to deliver quick, low-cost justice for rural communities. The minister noted that village courts have long played a vital role in resolving local disputes and reducing pressure on formal courts.

He highlighted that women’s participation in local governance, particularly through recruitment in the village police, would make the system more transparent, efficient, and responsive to public needs. Both the government and UNDP expressed optimism about strengthening cooperation to improve village court effectiveness, ensure rural justice, and promote women’s empowerment.

ATM Azharul Islam MP, Naib-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, alleged that the government has begun moving toward a one-party system just two months after assuming power. Speaking as chief guest at a candidate introduction meeting of the Bangladesh Lawyers Council–supported 'Green Panel' for the Supreme Court Bar Association election, he said the government has failed to honor the July Charter despite pledging to implement it fully. He criticized the government for not allowing ruling party MPs to take oath in the Constitutional Reform Council and accused it of betraying the student and public movement that brought it to power.

Azharul Islam also criticized a government minister for acting as if he alone runs the administration and understands the constitution. He claimed that the Supreme Court has been used to commit injustices against Jamaat-e-Islami and described the executions of its top leaders as judicial killings. He urged lawyers to stand for justice and support the Green Panel in the upcoming Supreme Court Bar Association election.

The event was held at the Freedom Fighters Hall of the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Dhaka and was attended by senior lawyers and panel candidates.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a circular permitting the transfer of visa bond or security deposit funds abroad through local banks. The directive, released on Monday, aims to simplify the process for Bangladeshi citizens who must deposit refundable security amounts as part of foreign visa applications. Under the new rules, banks can send the required funds on behalf of applicants when such deposits are mandatory for visa issuance.

The central bank stated that the initiative is intended to reduce difficulties faced by applicants and make the visa application process more convenient. Banks are now authorized to issue international or virtual cards preloaded with the necessary funds, while existing international cardholders can reload their cards within the travel quota. The funds, however, may only be used for visa bond or related security deposit payments.

According to industry observers cited in the circular, the new policy will make visa procedures faster and easier for Bangladeshi applicants, particularly in countries that require financial guarantees or refundable deposits.

A group of outsiders attacked a sit-in organized by BNP-backed teachers at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) on Monday in front of the university’s administrative building. Following the incident, leaders and activists of the university’s student wing of the BNP staged a protest on campus, demanding punishment for those involved in the attack.

Professor Dr. Atikul Rahman, Dean of the PGS faculty and one of the victims, said the teachers were protesting against what they described as the arbitrary actions of Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam. He alleged that the vice-chancellor makes decisions with a select group of preferred teachers and had recently issued show-cause letters to five teachers of the NSVM faculty without justification. The sit-in was organized in protest of these actions when the attack occurred.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam, speaking from Dhaka, said a group was trying to destabilize the campus in his absence. He announced plans to form an investigation committee upon his return to the university.

Bangladesh Health Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain has directed authorities to conduct operations to detain brokers operating inside hospitals. He issued the order during an inspection of Barishal Sadar Hospital and other facilities on Monday morning. The minister also suspended an employee for absence, expressed dissatisfaction over the state of outpatient services, and instructed hospital authorities to maintain cleanliness within 24 hours.

During his visit, the minister said that those who have received the measles vaccine will develop immunity within four weeks, after which the situation is expected to normalize. He noted that the government aims to ensure healthcare for all and plans to fully open the Barishal Children’s Hospital within three to four months. He added that the measles outbreak worsened because the vaccination schedule was disrupted after 2020, but new vaccine supplies have now reduced patient numbers.

The minister inspected Barishal Sadar Hospital, the Children’s Hospital in Amanatganj, and Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital as part of his visit.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President and Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central international secretary Sadiq Kayem presented a commemorative painting to former interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The artwork honors July martyr Nafiz. Kayem shared the news on Facebook on Monday afternoon, noting that the meeting aimed to invite Dr. Yunus as a guest to the upcoming Second International Conference on the July Revolution.

During the meeting, Dr. Yunus congratulated Kayem on his upcoming marriage and expressed appreciation for the initiatives of young people. Kayem said he briefed Dr. Yunus on DUCSU’s activities and plans related to the July Conference, emphasizing efforts to advance the country through the spirit of July. He also conveyed gratitude on behalf of citizens for Yunus’s leadership during the post–August 5 crisis period.

Kayem added that he sought Dr. Yunus’s continued guidance and cooperation in realizing the vision of a reformed and inclusive Bangladesh as envisioned by the public.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of income tax records belonging to Mahbubul Alam Hanif, the suspended Joint General Secretary of the Awami League and former Member of Parliament for Kushtia-3, and his wife, Fouzia Alam. The order was issued on Monday, May 11, 2026, by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez. Court bench assistant Riaz Hossain confirmed the decision.

According to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Hanif is accused of acquiring assets worth Tk 27.39 crore beyond known income sources and conducting suspicious transactions totaling Tk 86.66 crore through 18 bank accounts. The ACC also alleged that Hanif and his wife jointly amassed Tk 4.69 crore in unexplained wealth and carried out transactions worth Tk 33.13 crore through 16 bank accounts. The court ordered the seizure of their tax documents to facilitate proper investigation of the two separate cases filed by the ACC.

The court’s directive aims to support ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and money laundering activities involving the couple.

A Dhaka court has rescheduled the charge-framing hearing against former National Board of Revenue (NBR) member Matiur Rahman to July 5 in a case over alleged illegal wealth accumulation. The decision was made by Divisional Special Judge Begum Shamima Afroz after defense lawyers sought more time. The Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) lawyer Mir Ahmed Ali Salam confirmed the new date.

According to the ACC charge sheet, Matiur Rahman is accused of concealing information about assets worth Tk 1.24 crore and acquiring Tk 5.40 crore in wealth beyond known income sources through misuse of power, bribery, and corruption. The case gained public attention after a 2024 incident involving his son, who reportedly bought a goat for Tk 15 lakh ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, sparking widespread discussion on social media.

The court’s next hearing on July 5 will determine whether formal charges will be framed against Rahman in the corruption case.