A newly built approach road to a bridge on the Safipur–Boroibari regional road in Kaliakoir, Gazipur, collapsed just one month after its inauguration. The incident occurred in the Kaliadah Mokosh Beel area, prompting allegations of substandard construction work against the contractor. The 55-meter bridge was built under the Program for Supporting Rural Bridges project, jointly funded by the Government of Bangladesh and the World Bank, at a cost of Tk 5.14 crore. The project was implemented by Messrs Mostafa Kamal & Sons Enterprise, with a scheduled completion date of December 15 last year.

Local residents expressed frustration, saying the road appeared fine initially but failed within weeks. Attempts to contact the contractor’s owner, Mohammad Abdul Kader, were unsuccessful. Abdul Al Mamun, the upazila sub-assistant engineer, stated that heavy rainfall caused the collapse and that the contractor would be instructed to repair the damaged section promptly. He also noted that the project’s official work period had not yet expired.

The collapse has raised questions about construction quality and oversight in publicly funded infrastructure projects in the region.

Seven additional witnesses were cross-examined in a corruption case involving former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed and 35 others, accused of embezzling around Tk 25 crore from United Commercial Bank. The cross-examinations took place on Tuesday at the Chattogram Divisional Special Judge Court, presided over by Judge Mizanur Rahman, where defense lawyers questioned the witnesses.

Earlier, on April 21, ten witnesses testified on behalf of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), bringing the total number of witnesses examined so far to eighteen, including the complainant, according to ACC public prosecutor Mokarram Hossain. The court has scheduled the next hearing for May 20.

The ACC filed the charge sheet on January 7 against Javed, his wife Rukmila Zaman, and 34 others for alleged embezzlement and money laundering. Court sources said Javed is currently in London with his family and remains absconding. Legal procedures are ongoing to take action against the fugitives.

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher has called on district commissioners (DCs) to assist in evicting illegal land occupations, maintaining canals to prevent waterlogging, managing parks and playgrounds, and supporting tree plantation programs. He made the request during the DC Conference held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, according to the ministry’s public relations office.

The minister noted that agencies under his ministry have long worked as key partners with district administrations in implementing various government initiatives related to infrastructure, housing, and urban management. He thanked the DCs for their cooperation and highlighted ongoing projects such as dormitory and studio apartment construction for government employees, integrated office buildings, and renovation of old structures. He also urged collective efforts to implement the new government procurement policy.

Taher emphasized that DCs play a vital role in resolving ownership of abandoned properties, ensuring availability of khas land for housing, and supporting the operations of RAJUK and other urban development authorities. He called for patriotic and coordinated work to strengthen field administration and overcome institutional inefficiencies.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Aminul Islam announced that the identities of 58 people killed during the May 5, 2013, Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel have been confirmed. He stated on Tuesday that information suggests involvement of 30 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in connection with the killings that occurred across Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Chattogram.

Earlier, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, claimed on social media that at least 58 people, including seven security personnel, were killed during the two days of violence surrounding the Hefazat rally. He recounted his participation in an investigation with former BBC correspondent Mark Dummett, which involved reviewing hospital records, meeting victims’ families, and collecting burial evidence.

Majumder said he had long avoided taking credit for the investigation due to security concerns but expressed satisfaction that his work continues to be referenced by fellow journalists.

A pedestrian named Akkas Ali Khalifa, aged 50, was killed on Tuesday morning when a speeding dump truck ran him over near the Biraldah shrine area in Puthia upazila of Rajshahi. The accident occurred around 7 a.m. on the highway, and the victim was from Charghat Thanapara. Witnesses said two dump trucks were racing side by side when one lost control and struck the pedestrian, killing him instantly.

Following the incident, enraged locals blocked the highway and set fire to the two trucks involved. The situation escalated as journalists covering the event were attacked, and several mobile phones were damaged. Police from Poba Highway Station faced resistance when they tried to reach the scene, and their vehicle was vandalized. Later, Puthia police and a fire service team arrived to control the blaze and restore order.

Authorities said additional police were deployed to calm the situation, and traffic gradually resumed. Locals alleged that reckless truck driving has long been a problem on this road due to poor monitoring.

Farmers in Katiadi upazila of Kishoreganj are struggling to find laborers even by offering the equivalent of two maunds of paddy, while harvesters provided under government subsidy are reportedly charging higher-than-approved rents. The situation has left local farmers in severe difficulty during the ongoing Boro season. According to the agriculture office, paddy was cultivated on 12,850 hectares in the upazila, but about 585 hectares have been affected by heavy rainfall.

Previously, a worker could be hired for one maund or less of paddy, but now even two maunds are not enough. The current market price of raw paddy is between Tk 650 and Tk 700 per maund, while daily labor wages have risen to around Tk 1,300. Farmers are spending about Tk 22,000 per bigha to produce paddy but earning only Tk 17,500 from sales, resulting in a loss of Tk 4,000–5,000 per bigha.

The upazila agriculture officer said 27 harvesters are ready to address the labor shortage, with additional machines being brought from nearby districts. The maximum approved rent per bigha is Tk 2,500, and authorities will take action if higher rates are charged.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman may visit either India or China in June, with discussions on the Teesta mega project expected during the China trip. He made the remarks on Tuesday, May 5, while speaking to journalists at the state guesthouse Padma in Dhaka.

Addressing concerns about possible push-in incidents from India, the minister said that if any such event occurs following a change of power in West Bengal, Bangladesh will take countermeasures. He also mentioned that China’s foreign minister has invited him to visit Beijing for extensive talks on strengthening bilateral relations. On trade matters, he noted that discussions on a trade agreement with the United States are positive and that Bangladesh is ahead of some other countries in this regard.

The foreign minister added that the prime minister has special commitments to friendly nations such as China and India, and officials are currently coordinating schedules to finalize the details of the upcoming visits.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’s Baridhara zone organized a memorial discussion and prayer session on Monday night in Dhaka’s Baridhara madrasa to honor those killed in the May 5, 2013 Shapla Chattar incident. The event was marked by solemnity and emotion, drawing a large number of scholars, students, and devout Muslims. The prayer was led by the organization’s central Naib-e-Ameer Allama Abdul Hamid Madhupuri, who prayed for the souls of the deceased and for national peace and unity in serving Islam.

Speakers at the discussion included central leaders such as Joint Secretary General Mufti Monir Hossain Kasemi, International Affairs Secretary Maulana Dr. Shoaib Ahmed, Assistant Organizational Secretary Mufti Jaber Kasemi, and Finance Secretary Mufti Zakir Hossain Kasemi. They described the 2013 Shapla Chattar event as a tragic chapter in the nation’s history and demanded a fair and impartial investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

Presided over by Baridhara zone president Mufti Amjad Hossain Helali, the program concluded with special prayers for the welfare of the country, unity of the Muslim community, and forgiveness for all martyrs.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman has sent a gift for Muslima, the two-year-old daughter of truck driver Hannan, who was killed in a mob attack triggered by a rumor in Faridpur’s Boalmari upazila. On Tuesday around 11:30 a.m., local officials delivered the Prime Minister’s gift to Hannan’s home in Satair village. Upazila Nirbahi Officer S M Rokibul Hasan Roki handed over cash and dry food to Hannan’s father, Shahid Sheikh, on behalf of the Prime Minister. The chairman of Satair Union Parishad, Rafiul Alam Mintu, also provided assistance and promised monthly support.

Officials including the upazila social services officer and the project implementation officer were present during the handover. The incident that led to Hannan’s death occurred on May 1 in Bilnalia village of Nagarkanda upazila, where he was beaten to death following a rumor. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer said the Prime Minister took notice of the matter and directed the district administration to provide immediate help. Discussions have been held with the family regarding Muslima’s upbringing, and government support will continue in the future.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan said his ministry is working to ensure that the benefits of Bangladesh’s Liberation War reach the people. He made the remarks on Tuesday after the second session of the third day of the Deputy Commissioners’ (DC) Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The minister emphasized that his ministry has been working for freedom fighters both in opposition and in government and will continue to do so.

Khan discussed with district administrators the contributions of freedom fighters and citizens during the war, as well as ongoing and future ministry activities. He recalled that the Liberation War Affairs Ministry was established in 2001 under former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to preserve the legacy of the war. State Minister Israq Hossain said district administrators provided advice on improving project implementation and that cooperation with field administration would accelerate progress.

Hossain added that genuine freedom fighters’ lists and housing projects are underway, and past corruption in these projects will be investigated to prevent recurrence.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has arrested two individuals for attempting to attack and rob tourists at a resort in the Sundarbans area of Bagerhat. The arrests followed an incident on May 4, 2026, when a group of assailants tried to break into the Sundari Eco Resort near Dhangmari canal in Khulna’s Dacope area. Resort authorities noticed the intrusion and chased the suspects, who fled the scene. The Coast Guard launched a special operation later that day based on CCTV footage and intelligence surveillance.

During the operation, two suspects identified as Rajon Sardar, 25, and Ratan Sardar, 14, both residents of Dacope, were detained near the Dhangmari canal. Preliminary questioning revealed their involvement in theft and robbery activities over an extended period. The detainees were handed over to Dacope police for further legal action.

According to the Coast Guard, similar operations will continue to maintain law and order and ensure public safety in coastal and riverine areas.

The technology desk of Amader Desh published a detailed guide on May 5, 2026, outlining essential steps for safe and long-lasting air conditioner use. The report warns that lack of proper care and maintenance can make air conditioners hazardous, potentially leading to explosions in extreme cases. It emphasizes that regular servicing, cleaning, and inspection are vital to prevent such incidents.

The article advises users to have their air conditioners serviced by professional technicians two to three times a year to detect faults early. It highlights the importance of keeping filters clean every two to four weeks, checking electrical connections to avoid short circuits, and ensuring stable voltage through a stabilizer. The guide also recommends keeping the outdoor unit free from dust and debris, checking for refrigerant gas leaks, avoiding continuous operation, and using only genuine parts from trusted brands.

These maintenance practices, according to the report, can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and extend the lifespan of air conditioning units, ensuring safer household use.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman announced that Bangladesh’s local government elections will take place toward the end of this year. He stated that the process will be conducted in phases and is expected to take about one year to complete. Rahman made the remarks on Tuesday around 11:30 a.m.

During his statement, Rahman also mentioned that farmers affected in the haor region will receive a one-time payment of 7,500 taka each. Addressing concerns about the measles vaccination program, he said the interim government had no dishonest intent regarding the vaccine, but the reasons for the delay in administering it should be investigated.

The announcement outlines the government’s upcoming electoral timeline and its immediate relief measures for affected farmers, while also signaling an internal review of the vaccination delay.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has officially published a gazette declaring Nusrat Tabassum, joint convener of the NCP under the Jamaat-led alliance, as a Member of Parliament for a reserved women’s seat in the 13th National Parliament. The announcement was confirmed on Tuesday, May 5, by Returning Officer and EC Joint Secretary Md. Moin Uddin Khan.

Earlier, the nomination of another NCP candidate, Monira Sharmin, had been rejected due to complications related to government employment. Nusrat Tabassum’s nomination was initially not accepted because it was submitted 19 minutes after the deadline on April 21. She later sought legal remedy, and the court instructed the Election Commission to accept her nomination and proceed according to law. Following verification, the EC declared her nomination valid on May 2.

Meanwhile, Monira Sharmin filed a writ petition challenging the rejection of her nomination and requested that the gazette not be issued until the court hearing concluded. However, on May 4, a High Court bench expressed inability to hear the petition due to a conflict of interest and referred it to another bench.

Bangladeshi political parties are actively discussing the implications of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) victory in the West Bengal state elections, which ended Mamata Banerjee’s long tenure. Many are curious about how the new BJP-led government might influence bilateral issues such as Teesta River water sharing, border management, and cross-border migration. The discussions reflect both curiosity and concern over potential shifts in regional dynamics.

The report notes that relations between Bangladesh and India had been strained following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024, though recent efforts from both sides have aimed to improve ties. Some Bangladeshi parties expressed concern over remarks made by Indian politicians about Bangladesh during the campaign, while others emphasized maintaining stable relations regardless of political changes in India. Foreign Minister of State Shama Obaid stated that Bangladesh’s approach to unresolved bilateral issues would remain consistent, irrespective of who governs West Bengal.

Party representatives offered varied perspectives: some warned of rising communalism, while others viewed the election as India’s internal matter. Overall, the focus remains on ensuring continued dialogue and cooperation between the two neighbors.