Information Minister Zahid Uddin Swapon stated that the government will not allow any crime in Bangladesh to lapse, regardless of who committed it. Speaking on Friday at the National Museum auditorium in Dhaka during an event organized by the Shapla Smriti Sangsad, he said this includes crimes from the 1971 Liberation War genocide to the Shapla Chattar killings. He emphasized that the current government, led by Tarique Rahman, has already honored the victims of the Shapla incident in the first parliamentary session.

Swapon noted that the government’s recognition of the Shapla victims was intended to send a message that no crime will go unaddressed. He called for collective cooperation to ensure justice. The event’s speakers demanded justice, truth disclosure, and state recognition for those killed in the 2013 Shapla Chattar incident. Swapon assured that these demands would be conveyed to the Prime Minister and the BNP Chairperson.

Other speakers, including leaders from various Islamic and political organizations, described the Shapla movement as a historic struggle and urged national unity to honor the martyrs and protect the country’s sovereignty and religious values.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President and Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Central International Secretary Sadiq Kayem is set to get married on May 13. His bride-to-be, Anika Forayezi, is an MBBS doctor from Porikot village in Gunabati Union, Chauddagram, Comilla. The marriage ceremony (akd) will take place at Dhaka University’s Central Mosque, confirmed her father Ayub Ali Forayezi, who is the Vice Chairman of Reliance Group and Chairman of Probashi Bangla Properties Limited.

The akd will be attended by DUCSU leaders and students, and a main reception is planned later at a convention center in Dhaka. The news of the DUCSU VP’s marriage has already drawn wide attention on social media, particularly after a wedding card image circulated online.

Comilla City Chhatra Shibir President Hasan Ahmed expressed joy over the marriage, calling it a proud moment for Comilla residents. Chauddagram Upazila Jamaat Amir Muhammad Mahfuzur Rahman said the guest list for the Dhaka reception will be finalized soon.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi paid tribute at the graves of late President Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. The visit took place on Friday afternoon at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, where Naqvi placed floral wreaths and offered prayers after visiting the graves.

According to the report, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider and several others were present during the tribute. The event marked a gesture of respect from the visiting Pakistani minister during his time in Bangladesh.

No further details about the purpose or outcomes of the visit were mentioned in the source.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Jalal Uddin criticized the BNP for avoiding political risks, saying the party prefers to benefit from others’ struggles. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon at the National Museum’s main auditorium during the launch of the commemorative book ‘Shahidnama,’ organized by the Shapla Smriti Sangsad, which also featured a documentary screening and award ceremony.

Jalal Uddin said that on the day of the 2013 Shapla Chattar incident, then BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia had urged her party members to stand beside Hefazat activists. He argued that if BNP activists had responded, Bangladesh might have been freed from fascism in 2013. He added that the July uprising that removed a fascist regime was built on the sacrifices of scholars and students at Shapla Chattar.

He called for including the Shapla Chattar events in school, college, and madrasa curricula and demanded a speedy trial for what he described as the massacre there. The event was presided over by Shapla Smriti Sangsad Chairman Maulana Muhammad Mamunul Haque.

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju stated that citizens will distinguish between the BNP and Awami League based on corruption, partisanship, terrorism, and rising commodity prices. He made the remarks on Friday at a political workshop organized by the AB Party at its district office on Mizan Road in Feni city.

Monju argued that both major parties share similar family-based leadership and bourgeois characteristics. He said people will evaluate the two parties through their real-life experiences under these four governance issues. Referring to the aftermath of the 2024 mass uprising, he noted that if citizens see no meaningful change, frustration and anger may push them to reconsider their political choices.

He further explained that the AB Party had sought reforms before elections, but the BNP preferred quick polls to avoid restrictions that could have barred loan defaulters and holders of illicit wealth from contesting. Monju emphasized that without systemic reform, the rise of new politics would remain impossible.

Dr. A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and former MP, stated that no government can gain public confidence by disregarding the outcome of a referendum. He made the remarks on Friday morning while addressing a gathering of Jamaat’s upazila and thana-level leaders from the Sylhet region. The event was chaired by Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair and attended by senior Jamaat leaders from Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj.

Azad said the nation had hoped for change following the student and public uprising of August 5, 2024, but the new government had betrayed that hope by nullifying the referendum and ignoring the July Charter. He accused the authorities of moving toward a new form of fascism and warned that such actions would have consequences. He reaffirmed Jamaat’s commitment to building a humane and discrimination-free Bangladesh in line with the aspirations of those who were martyred or injured during the uprising.

Azad also emphasized that the Islamic movement has always faced oppression and sacrifice, asserting that Jamaat’s leadership remains undeterred despite past conspiracies and injustices.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Rabindranath Tagore was not only a poet but also a philosopher. He made the remarks on Friday at Patishar in Naogaon while addressing a program marking the 165th birth anniversary of the world poet. Fakhrul described Tagore as a creative personality whose works span all branches of literature and said that those who label him as communal lack understanding.

He highlighted that Tagore had initiated agricultural bank activities in Patishar to improve the lives of farmers and introduced modern agricultural concepts. Fakhrul added that the current government continues to work for the development of agriculture and farmers in line with Tagore’s vision. The event was organized by the Naogaon district administration with support from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and chaired by Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr. A N M Bazlur Rashid.

The program included speeches from several ministers and cultural performances by artists from local Shilpakala Academies. The Patishar area took on a festive atmosphere as visitors and Rabindra enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the poet’s birth anniversary.

Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon announced that work is ongoing to implement Bangladesh’s new curriculum by 2028. Speaking as chief guest at the annual general meeting of the Bangladesh Publishers and Booksellers Association and a seminar at Bangla Academy, he said a committee of experts is revising and updating textbooks. He emphasized improving paper quality and printing standards to ensure enjoyable learning and said the ministry will act to stop teachers from preparing exam questions based on note and guidebooks.

Milon highlighted the government’s focus on expanding digital technology use, including distributing tablets to teachers and eventually students, to reduce reliance on traditional guidebooks. He stated that quality supplementary books will replace note-guides, ensuring publishers and sellers are not harmed. He also encouraged the publication of internationally competitive books and noted that Bangladesh could become a major book-exporting country due to its cost-effective, high-quality printing capacity.

Other speakers, including state ministers for local government and liberation war affairs, discussed greater collaboration among ministries in organizing the national book fair and supporting the publishing sector. Industry representatives urged the government to recognize publishing and printing as a full-fledged industry and provide policy and financial support.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over recent attacks, arson, and intimidation targeting Muslim communities in India’s West Bengal and Assam amid ongoing political tensions. In a joint statement issued on Friday, the group’s Amir Allama Shah Muhibullah Babunagari and Secretary General Allama Sheikh Sajidur Rahman said the violence against minority Muslims following election results violates human rights, religious freedom, and democratic values.

The statement accused extremist supporters of India’s ruling party of involvement in the violence, citing media and local sources. It also criticized BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s recent remarks about Muslim voters, saying such comments fuel anti-Muslim sentiment and indirectly encourage attackers. The Hefazat leaders urged the Bangladesh government to formally condemn the incidents and take diplomatic steps to ensure the safety of Muslims in India.

They further called on international human rights organizations, the OIC, and the global community to closely monitor the human rights situation of Indian Muslims and take necessary actions to uphold peace and communal harmony in South Asia.

Fifteen individuals, including Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, have been awarded the newly introduced 'Uncompromising National Leader Begum Khaleda Zia Memorial Gold Medal 2026'. The announcement was made in a press release issued on Friday.

Other recipients include Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, Prime Minister’s advisers Ismail Jobiullah and Mahdi Amin, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, BSS Managing Director and Chief Editor Kamal Uddin Sabuj, organizer Sanjida Islam Tuli, BCB President Tamim Iqbal, writer Dr. Mahbub Hasan, poet Abdul Hai Shikdar, journalist Ashraf Kaiser, industrialist Dr. Abul Kashem Haider, businessman Abdul Haque, and Fatema Begum, personal assistant to Begum Zia.

According to the release, the award has been launched by the New York-based Bangladesh Probashi Nagorik Committee, Inc. in memory of the late former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. It will be presented annually to distinguished individuals contributing to the nation’s development.

Bangladesh’s opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman met Japan’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Shimada Tomoki on Friday at 5:30 p.m. local time. Senior officials from Japan’s foreign ministry attended the meeting. At the outset, Shimada congratulated Dr. Rahman on being elected as a Member of Parliament and appointed as the Leader of the Opposition following Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election.

The discussion covered the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan, focusing on expanding trade, investment, infrastructure, human resource development, education, health, and technology cooperation. Both sides emphasized strengthening and diversifying bilateral relations. Dr. Rahman requested Japan’s support in establishing a specialized cancer hospital in Bangladesh.

Japan praised Bangladesh’s economic progress, social development, and role in regional stability, expressing hope to continue supporting the country’s development and democratic journey. Dr. Rahman conveyed gratitude for Japan’s longstanding development assistance and highlighted its contributions to infrastructure, communication, power, and human resource development, expressing optimism for deeper economic and diplomatic ties.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed met Pakistan’s Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi on May 8, 2026, at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and focused on issues of mutual interest, particularly regional security and strengthening law enforcement capacities. Both ministers emphasized shared interests in addressing regional security challenges and agreed to enhance coordination and judicial cooperation between their law enforcement agencies.

The discussion covered intelligence sharing to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, protection of trafficking victims, and awareness programs. The importance of a Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (MLAR) agreement was highlighted to facilitate faster exchange of information and evidence in criminal investigations. The ministers also discussed effective extradition mechanisms to prevent criminals from evading justice across borders, as well as expanding training in modern policing and cybercrime investigation.

Bangladesh called for increased international support for the safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees, with Pakistan expected to play a constructive role. Both sides expressed optimism about continuing such bilateral cooperation in the future.

BNP’s newly elected Member of Parliament Nilofar Chowdhury Moni has clarified her earlier remark that ‘extortion is better than zakat’. She explained her statement during a recent private television talk show where Jamaat MP Mardia Momtaz was also present. Moni said her earlier comment came in response to a Jamaat leader’s harsh criticism of the BNP, labeling it as corrupt and extortionist.

Moni elaborated that extortion is a punishable crime, but once punishment is served, the matter ends. In contrast, she argued, zakat funds are being misused when wealthy individuals or political groups use them for political purposes instead of helping the poor, as prescribed in Islam. She questioned how zakat money collected from salaries and businesses is being spent on hospitals, banks, and transport ventures benefiting the affluent.

She further emphasized that zakat is a duty for the rich and a right for the poor, not a charitable favor. Her clarification aimed to highlight the misuse of religious funds rather than justify extortion.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scored a century and Mominul Haque narrowly missed his own as Bangladesh ended the first day of the Mirpur Test against Pakistan strongly on May 8, 2026. After early setbacks, the hosts reached 301 for 4 in 85 overs at stumps, with Mushfiqur Rahim unbeaten on 48 and Liton Das on 8. Najmul’s 101 off 130 balls and Mominul’s 91 guided Bangladesh out of early trouble after losing two wickets within the first 25 balls.

Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali struck early, removing openers Mahmudul Hasan and Shadman Islam. Afridi also reached the milestone of 100 wickets in the World Test Championship. However, a 170-run third-wicket partnership between Najmul and Mominul turned the tide in Bangladesh’s favor. Najmul’s century featured 12 fours and 2 sixes before he was dismissed lbw by Mohammad Abbas.

Despite Mominul’s dismissal late in the day, Bangladesh’s strong batting display placed them in control heading into the second day, with the middle order well set to build on the solid foundation.

The Bangladesh government has declared a seven-day holiday for government officials and employees on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. According to the 2026 academic calendar, schools and colleges will remain closed for 16 consecutive days, while madrasas will have a 21-day break. The information was released through a Cabinet Division press statement.

The notice stated that Saturday, May 23, will not be a holiday, and all government employees must attend work that day. Although the government office schedule has been adjusted, the academic institutions’ holiday schedule remains unchanged. For primary, lower secondary, and secondary levels, the summer and Eid holidays will run from May 24 to June 4, with weekends extending the total to 16 days. Colleges will follow a similar pattern, while madrasas will remain closed from May 24 to June 11, totaling 21 days including weekends.

These extended holidays align with the national academic calendar and are intended to accommodate both the religious festival and the summer vacation period.