Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Bangladesh has issued a statement demanding justice for the killings that occurred on May 5, 2013, at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka’s Motijheel area. The joint statement, released to the media on Tuesday, was signed by the party’s president Shaikhul Hadis Maulana Ubaydullah Faruq and secretary general Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi. The leaders described the incident as a tragic and shameful chapter in the nation’s history, recalling the loss of many innocent lives and injuries to numerous others.

The statement emphasized that a culture of impunity is unacceptable in any civilized society and that the state bears the responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens. The Jamiat leaders called for the arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible for the Shapla Chattar killings. They also urged the formation of an independent and internationally credible commission to investigate the incident and publish its findings promptly.

The leaders expressed deep respect for those killed, conveyed condolences to their families, and urged effective measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said there is no reason for concern regarding the Bangladesh–United States trade agreement, emphasizing that such international accords are built on mutual interests. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch at the Commerce Ministry on Tuesday, he described the deal as a ‘win-win’ arrangement designed to benefit both sides.

The minister explained that the current government inherited the agreement as part of state continuity and intends to use it to expand trade and investment. He noted that Bangladesh has sought clarification from the US regarding a recently initiated investigation and has already shared its position in response. Muktadir stressed that Bangladesh does not engage in dumping and that its export sectors, particularly ready-made garments, operate under strict international compliance standards.

He further stated that the agreement includes provisions for amendment or adjustment if any clause contradicts Bangladesh’s interests, describing this as a ‘self-correcting element.’ The meeting also discussed strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties.

A police sub-inspector in Homna upazila of Cumilla has been accused of taking a 78-year-old woman to the rooftop of a four-storey police station building for interrogation and threatening her to withdraw a case. The accused officer, identified as SI Tapas Kumar Sarkar of Homna Police Station, allegedly acted against the complainant, Shamsul Nesa of Shrimaddi village, who had earlier filed a complaint after being assaulted by her son and daughters-in-law.

A video of the incident, obtained by a local journalist, shows the officer and an associate questioning the woman on the rooftop, asking her to show injury marks, and using abusive language while holding a cigarette. The footage has sparked widespread discussion in the area. The victim claimed the officer took money from the accused and pressured her to drop the case.

Homna Police Station Officer-in-Charge Tomas Barua confirmed that the rooftop interrogation was a violation of procedure and said the matter had been reported to higher authorities. Attempts to contact SI Tapas Kumar for comment were unsuccessful.

On May 5, 2026, survivors of the 2013 Shapla Square operation in Dhaka shared their ongoing struggles and memories of that night. The crackdown followed a mass gathering called by Hefazat-e-Islam, when security forces reportedly opened fire after lights were cut off. Many participants were injured or killed, though no official death toll has ever been confirmed. Survivors like Rashedul Islam Siraji, Mohammad Nure Alam, and Nasir Uddin Ahmed described lifelong disabilities, financial hardship, and emotional trauma stemming from the events.

Rashedul lost a leg after being shot and now runs a small grocery shop under heavy debt. Nure Alam lost an eye and suffered paralysis, struggling to support his family as a security guard. Nasir Uddin still carries the physical and financial scars of a bullet wound that ended his education and left him indebted for years. All three expressed frustration that neither the government nor Hefazat-e-Islam has provided recognition, rehabilitation, or compensation for the injured.

The survivors’ accounts highlight enduring pain and a continuing call for official acknowledgment of the Shapla Square violence and its victims.

Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. A.K.M. Shamsul Islam, adviser to the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces Division, stated that district commissioners have been instructed to help transform the armed forces into a more people-oriented institution. He made the remarks on Tuesday after the first session of the third day of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.

According to the adviser, the conference discussed the demands, work plans, and related matters of the armed forces, with district commissioners being briefed on their expected roles. He said the government aims to ensure the armed forces operate with accountability and public engagement, reflecting the philosophy of late President Ziaur Rahman. The discussions also covered how district commissioners could contribute to strengthening professionalism and patriotism within the military.

Shamsul Islam added that the meeting reviewed ways to enhance cooperation and mutual trust among the armed forces, district commissioners, and civil administration, particularly regarding their roles during elections.

Kushtia-3 Member of Parliament and Islamic speaker Mufti Amir Hamza posted a statement on his verified Facebook page on Monday night, addressing allegations related to extortion and other misconduct. In his post, he claimed that certain vested groups were spreading false propaganda against him because his efforts to serve the people were obstructing their interests.

Hamza wrote that since becoming an MP, many individuals involved in extortion, tender manipulation, land grabbing, and drug trade could no longer operate freely. He alleged that these groups were now spreading fabricated information to protect their illegal activities. He warned them to stop such actions and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the trust placed in him by the people of Kushtia.

He concluded by expressing confidence that his constituents would continue to support him in resisting those engaged in wrongdoing and pledged to make every sacrifice necessary to uphold their welfare.

The government has announced plans to implement the ninth pay scale in three phases, considering the country’s current economic conditions. A reconstituted committee has already begun preparing recommendations, which will soon be submitted to the government. The proposal suggests that 50 percent of the basic salary could be implemented in the 2026–27 fiscal year, with the Finance Division recommending an additional allocation of 350 to 400 billion taka in the upcoming budget for salaries, allowances, and pensions. The first phase is expected to cover about 33 percent of the new pay scale for government employees.

According to the source, the remaining portions of the basic salary and various allowances will be implemented gradually over the following two fiscal years. Although no final decision has been made in the committee’s first meeting, members reportedly support implementing the announced pay scale due to pressure from government employees. The current budget had allocations for pay scale implementation that were not used, but the next budget is expected to include increased funding for this purpose.

The reconstituted committee may take key decisions after the finance minister returns from the Asian Development Bank’s annual meeting, followed by a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman before final approval.

Police in Veramara, Kushtia, have disclosed that the murder of BNP activist Sohel Rana was carried out under a contract worth 50,000 taka. Arrested suspects gave confessional statements before a court, admitting their involvement in the killing. Additional Superintendent of Police Delwar Hossain confirmed the information in a press release and briefed journalists at Veramara police station on Monday night.

According to the investigation, Sohel Rana, a 42-year-old expatriate in Jordan, was brutally murdered on November 25, 2025, in a paddy field at Ramchandrapur Beel under Dharampur Union. Police later recovered his body, and his family filed a murder case against unidentified persons. Several suspects, including Sujon Khalifa alias Sujon Kana, Limon, Mohin Uddin, Jahabul Islam Jabul, and Md. Shawon, were arrested. Among them, Mohin, Jabul, and Shawon confessed under Section 164.

Police said the suspects planned the killing a day earlier, received partial payment in advance, and divided the remaining money afterward. Some accused, including Tushar and Khokon, remain absconding. Investigators noted that some mysteries in the case are yet to be resolved.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called for the formation of an independent, impartial, and credible investigation commission to uncover the truth behind the 2013 Shapla Chattar massacre in Dhaka. In a statement to the media on Tuesday, he demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible, describing the incident as a tragic and shameful chapter in the nation’s history.

Rahman stated that despite the passage of many years, no fair or acceptable trial has yet been conducted, leaving victims’ families deprived of justice and causing frustration and anger among the public. He emphasized that the culture of impunity cannot be acceptable in a civilized state and that the right to peaceful assembly and expression is constitutionally guaranteed.

He urged the nation to remain united in the movement to establish peace, justice, and humanitarian values, stressing the need to reveal the truth and bring the perpetrators under the law to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) authorities have canceled the dormitory seat of a student accused of physically and verbally harassing another resident. The decision was announced on Monday, May 4, through a notice signed by Professor Dr. Ismat Ara, provost of Fatema-tuz-Zahra Hall. The accused, Razia Parvin, a final-year master's student in the Department of Social Work, was residing in room 107, while the complainant, Nosheen Tabassum Niha, lived in room 104.

According to hall sources, several students had previously reported similar incidents involving Razia Parvin. In response, 80 students submitted a signed petition to the hall provost demanding a proper investigation. A meeting was held on May 4 with hall residents, during which both sides presented their statements. Based on the investigation and available evidence, the hall authorities decided to cancel Razia Parvin’s seat.

Assistant Provost Husne Ara Chowdhury confirmed that the decision followed a thorough review of testimonies and evidence collected from all parties involved.

State Minister for Social Welfare and Member of Parliament for Natore-1, Farzana Sharmin Putul, has intervened following media reports alleging irregularities in the construction of a mini stadium in Bagatipara upazila, Natore. The project, costing around Tk 9 crore, came under scrutiny after reports of substandard materials, unscheduled work, and poor supervision. During her visit, the minister ordered a 24-hour suspension of construction and announced that the contract agreement would be reviewed. She warned that proven irregularities would lead to strict action, including possible replacement of the contractor.

Farzana Sharmin Putul criticized the local administration for not taking timely action despite public complaints. She emphasized that development must be transparent and that citizens have the right to know how public funds are used. The minister also pledged to raise the issue at higher levels of government.

Local residents welcomed the minister’s swift response, expressing hope that this would mark the beginning of effective measures against long-standing irregularities and ensure quality and transparency in the project.

Police in Kaukhali upazila of Pirojpur district arrested a woman identified as Marjina, 52, during a special anti-drug operation on Monday night, May 4. The raid took place around 10 p.m. in the Aspaddi College Road area under Sadar Union. The operation was conducted under the direction of Officer-in-Charge Md. Yakub Hossain and led by Sub-Inspector Zafar Iqbal with a team of police officers, including female personnel.

According to police sources, the arrest followed a tip-off, and Marjina was caught red-handed with yaba tablets behind her residence, which belonged to her late husband, Faruk Hossain. The police stated that a case under the Narcotics Control Act is being prepared against her, and she will be sent to court. Authorities also mentioned that her son, Rezaul Karim Gazi, has multiple drug-related cases filed against him.

The operation is part of ongoing anti-drug efforts in the region, aiming to curb narcotics trafficking and related crimes in Pirojpur district.

A 35-year-old farmer named Rana Mia died by suicide in Boro Mohammadpur village of Kolkolia Union under Jagannathpur upazila in Sunamganj on Monday evening. According to police and family sources, Rana returned home after a day of harvesting paddy in the haor area. After dinner, he went to rest in his bedroom, where he later hanged himself from a ceiling fan using a towel. Family members discovered the incident and alerted neighbors, who then informed the police.

Police from Jagannathpur station arrived at the scene, prepared an inquest report, and initiated the process to send the body to Sunamganj Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy. Officer-in-Charge Shafiqul Islam said the case initially appears to be a suicide. Authorities are investigating the actual cause of death and preparing to file an unnatural death case.

The investigation aims to determine the underlying reasons behind the incident, as police continue their inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the farmer’s death.

A major burglary took place in broad daylight at Tamim Jewellers in Mirza Market, Chatmohar municipality of Pabna on Monday afternoon. Around 3 p.m., a six-member gang reportedly broke the shop’s lock and stole about four and a half bhori of gold and silver ornaments worth over Tk 1.2 million while the owner, Touhidul Islam, and others were away for lunch. Upon returning ten minutes later, the owner found the locks and safe broken.

Chatmohar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Golam Mostafa said that he and ASP (Chatmohar Circle) Abu Bakar Siddique visited the scene. CCTV footage confirmed the involvement of a six-member group. A case was filed on Tuesday, and police have launched an operation to arrest the suspects.

Local residents suggested the theft appeared pre-planned, noting that the nearby Hridoy Hotel sees frequent visitors from various areas. The incident has caused concern among local traders, recalling a 2013 armed robbery at another jewellery shop in the same town.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 is scheduled to deliver its order today, Tuesday, on whether to frame formal charges against former Member of Parliament Shamim Osman and 11 others in a case concerning killings during the July uprising in Narayanganj. The three-member judicial panel, led by Chairman Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar and including Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, will issue the order.

On April 23, defense lawyers argued for the discharge of their clients, while the prosecution presented its case on April 19, reading out three specific charges against the accused. Prosecutor Abdus Sattar Palowan requested the tribunal to formally frame charges and begin the trial. After hearing both sides, the tribunal set May 5 for the order.

The other accused include Shamim Osman’s son Imtinan Osman Ayon, nephew Azmeri Osman, Ayon’s brother-in-law Minhaj Uddin Ahmed Vicky, former Narayanganj Rifles Club president Tanvir Ahmed Titu, DBC TV’s Narayanganj correspondent Raju Ahmed, former ward councillors Abdul Karim Babu and Kamrul Hasan Munna, former Awami League joint secretary Shah Nizam Uddin Ahmed, Jubo League leader Shahadat Hossain Sajnu, and Chhatra League leaders Habibur Rahman Riad and Sohanur Rahman Shubhra.