The government of Bangladesh has revised passenger fares for vessels operating on domestic waterways. According to a notification issued by the Technical Assistance Branch of the Ministry of Shipping on May 5, 2026, the new fare rates have been implemented from the same day in the public interest. The revision was made under Rule 27 of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport (Routes, Permits, Schedules and Fare Determination) Regulations, 2019.

Under the new rates, the fare for the first 100 kilometers has been increased by 18 paisa per kilometer, raising the rate from Tk 2.77 to Tk 2.95 per passenger per kilometer. For distances beyond 100 kilometers, the fare has been raised by 14 paisa, from Tk 2.38 to Tk 2.52 per kilometer. The minimum passenger fare has also been increased from Tk 29 to Tk 32.

The notification, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Chhanda Pal on behalf of the President, has been circulated to all relevant departments, with instructions for publication in the Bangladesh Gazette and on the ministry’s website. The decision has been communicated to BIWTA, BIWTC, and the launch owners’ association.

The government has cancelled all activities related to the 2024 Commercially Important Person (CIP) cards. The Ministry of Commerce issued an official notification on Tuesday announcing the decision. The move halts all administrative and procedural actions connected to the issuance and use of the 2024 CIP cards.

According to the source, a similar decision had been made earlier regarding the CIP cards issued in 2023 during the tenure of the interim government. The latest cancellation continues that approach, effectively suspending the CIP card program for consecutive years.

The notice did not specify reasons for the cancellation or outline any future plans for the CIP program, leaving the status of upcoming CIP recognitions uncertain.

Eastern Refinery PLC, the country’s only oil refinery, will restart its refining operations on Thursday afternoon, according to Deputy General Manager (Operations) Mamunur Rashid Khan. He said a shipment of crude oil has arrived in the country, and if all preparations go smoothly, refining will begin after 5 p.m. The initial production target has been set at around 3,500 tons per day, with output expected to increase gradually after technical adjustments.

A vessel named MT Nainemia from Saudi Arabia has anchored at Kutubdia in Cox’s Bazar carrying 194,000 metric tons of crude oil for the refinery. Current reserves are expected to support refining operations for 20 to 25 days. The next shipment of crude oil is likely to arrive after May 20, depending on loading schedules in Saudi Arabia.

Managing Director Md. Sharif Hasnat confirmed that the refinery will begin operations at full capacity as planned, ensuring continuity of supply if the next shipment is loaded between May 10 and 12.

A major administrative error occurred during the SSC examination in Raipur, Lakshmipur, where 113 students were given the wrong set of question papers. The incident took place on Tuesday at the second venue of Raipur Government Merchants Academy under the Comilla Education Board. Students sat for the ‘Bangladesh and Global Studies’ objective test using set number 1 instead of the assigned set number 3. The issue came to light the following day, prompting the education board to issue a show-cause notice to the center secretary and head teacher, Mostafa Faruqi.

Students reported discovering the mistake only after comparing questions post-exam, leading to anxiety and mental stress. Comilla Board’s Deputy Controller of Examinations, Kabir Uddin Ahmed, described the incident as serious negligence and confirmed that departmental action has been initiated. He assured that students’ results would not be affected, as answer scripts will be evaluated according to the set used.

Local education officials said discussions with the board are ongoing and that necessary measures will be taken against those responsible. The incident has raised concerns about exam management and the need for stricter oversight and accountability.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas is recovering at Prince Court Medical Centre in Malaysia, according to party media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan on Wednesday, May 6. Citing Abbas’s wife Afroza Abbas, he said the senior politician is now out of danger, gradually regaining health, and able to communicate with family members. Based on the medical board’s advice, plans are being made for his return to Bangladesh before Eid-ul-Azha.

Family sources said Mirza Abbas is expected to appear in a video message within one to two weeks to thank supporters and seek prayers. After completing his physical therapy and medical procedures, he is likely to return home soon.

Earlier, on March 11, Abbas fell ill during iftar in Dhaka and underwent brain surgery at Evercare Hospital. He later traveled to Singapore for advanced treatment and is currently continuing his recovery in Malaysia.

The Jamaat-e-Islami-backed lawyers’ panel, Oikya Boddho Ainijibi Parishad, has announced a boycott of the 2026 Chattogram District Bar Association election, alleging irregularities, arbitrariness, and political interference. The announcement was made on Wednesday at a press conference held in the association’s auditorium, where panel leaders accused the chief election commissioner and two other commissioners of working to implement a government blueprint to influence the election.

According to the panel, candidates faced obstacles in collecting and submitting nomination forms, and some were harassed while entering the election commission office. They also alleged that the valid voter list was not published or distributed on time, and the list of valid candidates, due by May 5, was not released, casting doubt on the entire process. The panel said repeated attempts to contact the commission went unanswered.

In response, the panel formally declared its withdrawal from the election and condemned the alleged irregularities and political interference. The election is scheduled for May 21, with a five-member committee overseeing the process.

A group of seven lawyers led by Supreme Court advocate Md. Golam Kibria has sent a demand for justice notice to the Home Secretary, Foreign Secretary, and Inspector General of Police, calling for the immediate arrest of Mufassil Islam. The notice accuses him of spreading offensive, hateful, and provocative statements against Islam, the Holy Quran, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through various social media and digital platforms.

According to the notice, Mufassil Islam allegedly tore pages of the Holy Quran on his YouTube channel or social media, an act described as a severe insult to Islam and a deep offense to Muslims worldwide. The lawyers stated that these actions appear to violate sections 295A, 298, and 499 of the Penal Code 1860, as well as section 26 of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025. They warned that such acts threaten religious harmony and public order.

The notice demands his arrest, removal of all related online content, investigation under relevant laws, and measures to prevent his escape from the country. It also calls for stronger cyber monitoring to prevent similar offenses in the future.

The Ministry of Education in Bangladesh has issued a revised transfer policy for MPO-listed teachers working in private schools and colleges. The circular, signed by Additional Secretary Mizanur Rahman and approved by Secretary Abdul Khalek, introduces a provision for punishment if any teacher provides false information in transfer applications. The policy was released on Wednesday and will soon be available on the ministry’s website.

According to the new guidelines, teachers can apply for transfers after completing two years of service and may transfer up to three times in their careers. Applications must be made within government-specified periods, and priority will be given to female teachers and those living farther from desired postings. The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education will manage online applications, vacancy listings, and approvals. Transfers will not entitle teachers to travel allowances, and those facing disciplinary or criminal proceedings will be ineligible.

The policy also mandates that released teachers must join their new institutions within ten days, with all processes tracked online to ensure transparency and administrative accountability.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman set a rare example by driving his own car to an official event in Agargaon on Wednesday evening. Departing from the Secretariat around 7:30 p.m., he headed to the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar to attend a special program organized by the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association as the chief guest.

According to the report, Rahman chose to drive instead of using his designated bulletproof government vehicle with a chauffeur. His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, accompanied him in the passenger seat. The prime minister traveled through city traffic without the usual display of protocol or heavy security arrangements, drawing attention for his modest approach.

The report notes that such gestures by heads of government in modern democracies often send a positive message to citizens and help reduce the perceived distance between leadership and the public. Although Rahman has previously attended social and state events with his wife, this self-driven journey was described as an uncommon occurrence.

The Ministry of Shipping of Bangladesh has announced an increase in launch fares effective from Tuesday, May 5. The decision follows the recent rise in fuel prices. Under the new rates, fares for short-distance routes have increased by 18 paisa per kilometer to 2.95 taka, while long-distance fares have risen by 14 paisa per kilometer to 2.52 taka. The minimum fare per passenger has also been raised from 29 taka to 32 taka. The ministry issued a gazette notification confirming the changes under the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport (Routes, Permits, Schedules and Fare Determination) Regulations, 2019.

The fare adjustment comes after the government raised fuel prices on April 18, increasing diesel by 15 taka, octane by 20 taka, petrol by 19 taka, and kerosene by 18 taka per liter, effective from midnight on April 19. Following the fuel price hike, transport owners and workers held several meetings with the government to revise fares across public transport sectors.

Earlier, on April 23, the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges raised fares for diesel-run buses and minibuses by 11 paisa per kilometer, which took effect the same day.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahedur Rahman has said that the government is preparing clear policies and a code of conduct for journalism in response to the rapid expansion of online and digital media. He made the remarks in Dhaka at the closing session of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference, following a meeting of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

Dr. Rahman stated that it has become very easy to launch online-based media outlets, but there is a lack of proper guidelines. To ensure professional standards and accountability in journalism, the government is taking steps to establish a regulatory framework. He added that district commissioners proposed setting specific standards and codes of conduct for journalists to promote professionalism at the field level. The ministry is working on these measures for early implementation.

He further mentioned that the government intends to strengthen the fact-checking system through a new project integrating district-level information infrastructure. The long-inactive Information Commission will be restructured to operate independently, ensuring transparency and effective handling of information-related complaints.

Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB) arrested seven members of a criminal group known as the 'Agyan Party' from Dholai Par area in Jatrabari on Tuesday, May 5. The group allegedly drugged passengers on inter-district buses by offering food laced with sedatives or injecting them in crowded areas before stealing their belongings. The arrests followed a special DB operation based on secret information, according to a press release signed by DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) N M Nasiruddin.

Police recovered sedative-laced sweets, fast-acting anesthetic injections labeled Milam and Hypnofast, seven mobile phones suspected to be stolen, and leaflets describing their methods. The suspects reportedly targeted bus terminals and busy public areas across Dhaka and other districts. A case has been filed at Jatrabari Police Station.

On the same day, separate operations by Jatrabari and Mugda police stations led to the detention of 46 more individuals for various offenses. DMP officials said surveillance around bus terminals and cattle markets has been intensified ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, and similar drives will continue.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Jahir Uddin Swapon announced that integrated measures are being taken to ensure journalists’ job security and to combat misinformation and disinformation. He made the remarks on Wednesday after the closing session of the Deputy Commissioners’ (DC) Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The minister said the government regularly holds such meetings with DCs as part of its routine program, and this session focused on strengthening information management and responsible media practices.

Swapon emphasized the need to transform the country’s traditional media ecosystem into a digital platform and urged DCs to be prepared to cooperate when the ministry introduces new capabilities. He said the government aims to make information flow more disciplined and accountable through coordination with the media.

Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana added that each district will have a designated focal person to coordinate with journalists and facilitate transparent information sharing. She said DCs have been instructed to include local journalists in coordination meetings to reduce bureaucratic barriers and promote collaboration.

Italy’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Antonio Alessandro, has expressed interest in working with the Bangladesh Police to enhance cooperation in areas of human trafficking, smuggling, and security support. The announcement came during a courtesy meeting with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir at the Police Headquarters on Wednesday.

During the meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere, the Italian ambassador congratulated the IGP and discussed ongoing collaboration between the two sides. The IGP sought Italy’s assistance in strengthening Bangladesh Police’s cyber security capabilities and in providing training on various security-related issues. He also emphasized the importance of coordination and mutual cooperation between the police forces of both countries.

The Italian ambassador reiterated his country’s interest in supporting ongoing training programs and enhancing capacity in areas related to irregular migration, human trafficking, smuggling, and security assistance. Senior officials of the Bangladesh Police were present at the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will visit Chandpur on May 16 and Feni on May 25, according to Water Resources Minister Md. Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee. The announcement came after a meeting with the Prime Minister at the Secretariat on Wednesday morning. During these visits, the Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate canal excavation programs in both districts ahead of the monsoon season.

The minister stated that the canal excavation initiative is part of a five-year national program to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals across Bangladesh. He noted that the Prime Minister has already inaugurated similar programs in several districts, and local ministers and MPs are continuing the work in their respective areas. Due to the approaching monsoon, the current phase of the program is expected to continue through May, with plans to resume again after the rainy season in November, December, and January.

The meeting also discussed the Padma Barrage Project, with the minister confirming that its technical study and feasibility survey are nearly complete and that the government will make a decision soon.