Hefazat-e-Islam organized a rally in Narsingdi on Tuesday afternoon demanding justice for the killings at Shapla Chattar. The gathering took place at Darul Ulum Dattapara Madrasa and was attended by leaders of the organization’s Narsingdi district branch, including President Hafiz Maulana Shawkat Hossain Sarkar, Organizing Secretary Maulana Sadekul Islam, and several other clerics and activists.

Speakers at the rally alleged that people devoted to Islam were brutally killed during the incident and compared the violence to extreme acts of brutality. They accused the government of supporting anti-Islamic activities through the Shahbagh Gonojagoron Mancha movement. The speakers also announced the formation of the Shapla Foundation and demanded that the events of Shapla Chattar be included in school textbooks.

The rally reflected Hefazat-e-Islam’s continuing demand for official recognition and judicial action regarding the Shapla Chattar incident, which the group describes as a massacre.

An illegal network known as the 'Body Contract Syndicate' has reportedly become active again at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The group allegedly facilitates illegal immigration by helping individuals with incomplete travel documents pass through immigration in exchange for 30,000 to 50,000 taka per person. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has identified one of the key figures behind the operation as Abdul Bari Molla, an aerodrome operator at the airport.

According to CAAB, Molla secretly built a large human trafficking network involving immigration police and airline employees. A formal investigation has been launched against him, but sources claim he has attempted to influence the inquiry by pressuring administrative officials and using external contacts to obstruct the process. The syndicate reportedly sends people to Italy via countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Dubai, Qatar, Egypt, or Syria using Umrah visas and sea routes.

Following recent reports of over 20 Bangladeshi deaths in the Mediterranean Sea en route to Italy, the Prime Minister’s Office instructed relevant agencies to investigate. CAAB’s Additional Secretary S M Lablur Rahman stated that strict action will be taken based on the investigation findings and reaffirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

Army Chief General Walker-Uz-Zaman has described the recent national election as the most remarkable in the country’s history. Speaking on Tuesday at the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, he said the election demonstrated that both military and civilian forces can successfully complete even the most challenging tasks when working together. Before his remarks, the chiefs of the navy and air force, along with the prime minister’s defense adviser, also addressed the event.

The army chief thanked the deputy commissioners for their role in organizing the election, noting that while the army provided support, the responsibility for conducting the polls rested entirely with the civil administration. He added that despite earlier doubts about whether the election would take place, the process had restored the nation to a democratic path. He assured the officials that the army would remain ready to assist them promptly in any emergency, disaster, or other critical situation.

His comments underscored the military’s commitment to supporting civil authorities and maintaining stability following the election.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s (DMP) Deputy Commissioner of Ramna Division, Md Masud Alam, has been transferred to Chattogram as Superintendent of Police. The transfer order was issued on Tuesday through a circular from the Police-1 branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs, signed by Deputy Secretary Tawsif Ahmed. The order stated that the decision was made in the public interest and would take immediate effect.

The same circular also appointed new Superintendents of Police in eleven other districts, including Panchagarh, Bandarban, Joypurhat, Pabna, Nilphamari, Narail, Satkhira, Chandpur, Jhalakathi, Moulvibazar, and Feni. Md Masud Alam, a 28th batch BCS (Police) officer, previously served as Deputy Commissioner of DMP’s Ramna Division after the fall of the Awami League government.

During his tenure, he was responsible for key areas such as Dhaka University, the residence of the former Chief Adviser of the interim government, the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice’s residence, Shahbagh, and the Press Club, where he gained attention for his role during various protests and road blockades.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that the recent referendum result in Bangladesh would be implemented without fail. Speaking as chief guest at a community reception in Nagoya, Japan, he said nearly 70 percent of voters supported the referendum, and ignoring their decision would insult the nation. He pledged that the opposition would continue its movement both inside and outside parliament to ensure the verdict’s execution.

The event, organized by the Bangladesh community under the supervision of Islamic Mission Japan, was attended by expatriate Bangladeshis, academics, and professionals from the Aichi Prefecture. Dr. Rahman expressed gratitude to expatriates for their support during past political movements and promised to work with the expatriate ministry for the release of 39 detained Bangladeshis in the UAE. He also urged the government to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against extortion and corruption, citing rising commodity prices.

Dr. Rahman emphasized moral and religious education as essential for eradicating crime and corruption and reaffirmed his commitment to building a moral, educated, and advanced Bangladesh in cooperation with friendly nations like Japan.

A Dhaka court has again postponed the submission date for the reinvestigation report in the murder case of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi. On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Joshita Islam set May 17 as the new date after the investigating officer, CID Assistant Superintendent of Police Abdul Kadir Bhuiyan, failed to submit the report. This marks the 13th postponement in the case.

Earlier, on January 15, 2026, the case’s complainant, Inqilab Moncho member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, expressed dissatisfaction with the charge sheet filed by the Detective Branch and submitted a petition for reinvestigation, which the court approved. The initial charge sheet, filed on January 6, 2026, accused 17 individuals, including former ward councilor Taizul Islam Chowdhury Bappi and Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect.

According to the case details, Hadi was shot on December 12 in Motijheel while traveling after Friday prayers and later died on December 18, 2025, in Singapore while under treatment.

NCP’s southern regional organizer and Member of Parliament Hasanat Abdullah stated that Bangladesh’s recent fuel crisis resulted mainly from inadequate preparation. He made the remarks on Tuesday afternoon after a views-exchange meeting at the office of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer in Debidwar, Comilla. Abdullah said that after the new government was formed, a lack of readiness led to problems in diesel supply, allowing a syndicate to take advantage and cause public suffering. He also criticized certain power-producing groups for exploiting capacity charges.

Addressing broader national issues, Abdullah emphasized the need to uphold communal harmony to counter negative portrayals of Bangladesh. He added that ensuring unity among people of all faiths would help dispel post-election concerns in India. On law and order, he noted that public discussions reflect serious deterioration, claiming current crime reports have surpassed those during the interim government.

The meeting, chaired by Debidwar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rakibul Islam, was attended by officials from the Roads and Highways Department and local political and community leaders.

Bangladesh Bank has announced a temporary relaxation in loan regulations for the leather sector ahead of Eid-ul-Azha 2026. According to a circular issued on Tuesday, businesses that previously rescheduled their loans will now be able to access new financing without paying the earlier required compromise amount. The relaxation will remain effective until June 30, 2026, allowing more traders to secure working capital for rawhide collection, preservation, and marketing during the festival season.

The central bank emphasized that the leather industry is a key export-oriented sector based on domestic raw materials, contributing significantly to national growth, employment, and foreign exchange earnings. As nearly half of the annual rawhide supply comes from sacrificial animals during Eid-ul-Azha, the circular directed banks to ensure adequate financing and to distribute loans effectively to grassroots traders.

Banks have also been instructed to set loan disbursement targets for 2026 that are not lower than the previous year’s levels and to submit related data to Bangladesh Bank by July 31, 2026.

Bangladesh Bank has increased the maximum loan limit for purchasing cars under consumer loans from Tk 6 million to Tk 8 million. The central bank issued a circular on Tuesday to all commercial bank chief executives, stating that buyers can now receive loans covering up to 80 percent of a car’s price, particularly for hybrid and electric vehicles. Consumers will need to pay the remaining 20 percent themselves.

The circular explained that the decision reflects the growing demand for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient vehicles in Bangladesh. It also aims to align loan limits with current automobile market prices and encourage consumers to adopt hybrid and electric cars. Previously, banks could finance only 60 percent of a car’s price, requiring buyers to cover 40 percent.

Additionally, the central bank raised the ceiling for personal loans. Individuals can now borrow up to Tk 1 million without collateral, and up to Tk 4 million with adequate security. Banks have been instructed to ensure that consumer loan growth does not exceed their overall loan growth rate.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of Bangladesh, Md. Nurul Islam, has submitted 38 audit reports from various ministries and agencies to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Tuesday afternoon. Among these reports is the investigation into the widely discussed 'pillow scandal' corruption that occurred during the construction of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant’s Green City residential complex. The scandal, first exposed in 2019, involved abnormally inflated prices for furniture and electronic items, including pillows purchased at Tk 5,957 each and additional lifting charges.

According to the Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibli, the Prime Minister reacted to the report by remarking that such an expensive pillow should be kept in a museum. The audit found irregularities in purchases worth Tk 169 crore for the residential project, with several items priced far above market value, such as comforters at Tk 16,800 and bed sheets at Tk 5,936.

Senior officials including the Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani and Finance Secretary Khairuzzaman Mojumdar were present during the submission of the 2021–22 fiscal year audit reports.

Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCCPLC) has dismissed recent media reports warning of a potential internet disruption, asserting that the country’s digital infrastructure remains strong and secure. In a statement issued Tuesday, the state-owned company said the report titled “Fear of Internet Disruption; Concerns Grow Over Submarine Cable” contained misleading information. BSCCPLC clarified that its two operational submarine cable systems have a combined capacity of 7,220 Gbps and are functioning reliably.

The company explained that only 1.34 percent of its total bandwidth passes through the Red Sea route, while 98.66 percent flows through Singapore and Chennai, making Bangladesh’s internet largely unaffected by any crisis in the Hormuz Strait. It also rejected claims that the SMW-5 cable is at full capacity or that SMW-4 has expired, noting both remain active and under capacity. A third cable, SMW-6, is under construction and expected to add 30,000 Gbps by year-end.

BSCCPLC urged the public not to be misled by inaccurate reports and emphasized that reliable information should be obtained directly from the company.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair described May 5 as an important chapter in the country’s anti-fascist movement. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a discussion organized by Sushil Forum at the National Press Club’s Akram Khan Hall, marking the Shapla Chattar killing day. Zubair said the incident of May 5, 2013, opened a new chapter in Bangladesh’s history and accused the Awami League government of implementing its political plans through planned incidents.

The discussion was presided over by Sushil Forum President Md. Zahid and attended by several speakers, including freedom fighter Major (Retd.) Akhtaruzzaman, Md. Kamal Hossain, Professor Iqbal Hossain Pradhan, Altaf Uddin Molla, and Professor Nur Nabi Manik. Major Akhtaruzzaman said May 5 opened a new door in Bangladesh’s history and that although victory was hindered by a lack of leadership, the movement’s continuity remains.

Speakers at the event called for unity in support of democracy, justice, and human rights in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a five-day forecast predicting light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty or squally winds and lightning in eight divisions of the country. The forecast, effective from 9 a.m. Tuesday for the next 120 hours, indicates that Rangpur, Khulna, Mymensingh, Barishal, and Sylhet divisions may experience rain in several areas, while Rajshahi, Dhaka, and Chattogram divisions may see similar weather in a few places.

According to the department’s statement, a low-pressure area is currently present, with its extension stretching from West Bengal to the northern Bay of Bengal. The system is expected to influence weather patterns across the country during the forecast period.

The forecast also mentions the possibility of moderately heavy rainfall in some parts of the country, suggesting localized variations in intensity over the coming days.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has called on the country's bureaucrats to adopt the role of public servants rather than rulers to make democracy meaningful. He made the remarks at the District Commissioners’ Conference held yesterday. The Speaker emphasized that district commissioners play a crucial role in establishing democracy, as they serve as returning officers during national elections. He criticized the previous 16 years of Awami League rule, describing the election system during that period as marked by corruption and irregularities, and urged district commissioners to ensure free and fair elections in the future.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmed highlighted that democracy in Bangladesh was restored through the sacrifices of ordinary people, whose struggles from 1971 to 2024 were instrumental in achieving democratic governance. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal stated that parliament is the heart of democracy and that democratic debate strengthens it. Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam Moni noted that district commissioners act as a bridge between the government and the people, playing a vital role in implementing national policies at the local level.

The event also featured remarks from senior officials, including the Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, who delivered a vote of thanks.

Rashed Pradhan, vice president and spokesperson of the National Democratic Party (JAGPA), stated that the 20-party alliance, including the BNP, had expressed moral and political support for Hefazat-e-Islam’s rally and demands at Dhaka’s Shapla Chattar on May 5, 2013. Speaking at a representative meeting marking the 46th founding anniversary of Labour JAGPA, he said that despite Begum Khaleda Zia’s backing and the alliance’s readiness, BNP leaders failed to make the right decision. According to him, if BNP had joined Hefazat on the ground that day, the outcome might have been the fall of the Awami League instead of the Shapla massacre.

Pradhan demanded justice for those involved in the Shapla killings and accused certain media outlets and journalists of legitimizing the incident under Indian influence through biased reporting. He said the absence of justice for such crimes encourages new autocrats. He also criticized the BNP for not implementing the “July Charter” as per the referendum mandate and called for preparation for a new movement and uprising.

The meeting was held Tuesday morning at the Shafiul Alam Pradhan Auditorium in Paltan, chaired by Labour JAGPA president Asaduzzaman Babul and attended by other party leaders.