Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar said that attempts to divide the nation by reviving old issues hinder progress. Speaking to journalists after addressing a workers’ rally organized by the Bangladesh Labour Welfare Federation in Cumilla on Friday morning, he stated that most current members of parliament were born after independence and that labeling them as anti-liberation or collaborators is rejected by the public.

Porwar claimed that a destructive force is active in promoting divisive politics, linking it to the current state of the National Freedom Fighters Council (Amendment) Bill 2026. He argued that despite the theoretical focus on workers’ rights in communism, such rights were not realized in practice. He added that Islamic labor principles cannot be implemented under Western democratic, socialist, or nationalist systems, emphasizing the need for an Islamic governance structure.

He further alleged that some groups are keeping old disputes alive as part of a foreign conspiracy and called for resolving such debates quickly to build a united Bangladesh for future generations.

A new nationwide program titled 'Notun Kuri Sports' will begin on Saturday under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and implementation by the Directorate of Sports. The initiative aims to identify and nurture sports talent among children aged 12 to 14 from grassroots levels. The opening ceremony will take place at Sylhet District Stadium, where Prime Minister Tareq Rahman will inaugurate the event and connect virtually with participants across the country.

According to organizers, the program follows the legacy of the 1980s talent search 'Notun Kuri' and includes eight sports: cricket, football, kabaddi, athletics, chess, badminton, swimming, and martial arts. A total of 160,779 participants registered online between April 12 and 17, with the highest numbers from Sylhet, followed by Chattogram and Dhaka. Regional and divisional competitions will be held from May 13 to 22 across ten designated regions.

Selected players will receive allowances, jerseys, and certificates, while national-level athletes will get residential training and opportunities at BKSP. The ministry has assured strict monitoring for transparency and safety, viewing the program as a milestone for Bangladesh’s sports development.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested the alleged mastermind behind an SSC examination question leak ring in Cox’s Bazar. The suspect, identified as 17-year-old Salahuddin Ahmed, was detained Thursday afternoon in the Daryanagar area of Cox’s Bazar Sadar. RAB-15’s Assistant Director (Law and Media) and Assistant Superintendent of Police A. M. Faruk confirmed the arrest on Friday.

According to RAB, the operation was conducted following a tip-off near the Daryanagar Nature and Tourism Center around 3:30 p.m. Thursday. Salahuddin allegedly collected phone numbers of examinees from various WhatsApp groups, contacted them claiming to supply leaked question papers, and demanded large sums of money. He reportedly used specific mobile payment accounts to receive the money and then blocked the students, committing digital fraud.

The detainee has been handed over to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station for further legal action.

In Sunamganj, two days of sunshine followed five days of heavy rain and flash floods, offering brief relief to farmers drying their soaked paddy. However, much of the crop has already rotted, leaving the haor region unusually quiet and lifeless this harvest season. Farmers are seen cutting paddy in knee- to chest-deep water, with many reporting severe losses and exhaustion.

Local farmers described extensive damage, with large portions of their fields submerged and much of the harvested paddy spoiled before drying. Some hope for government financial assistance to recover. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, 2047 hectares of land across 137 haors have been affected out of 223,511 hectares of Boro cultivation, with an estimated production target of 1.4 million metric tons worth about Tk 5,000 crore. Officials are coordinating with mill owners to use dryers for wet paddy.

The Water Development Board reported a slight drop in water levels but warned that further rainfall could strain embankments. The district administration extended a ban on sand extraction until May 5 to address labor shortages in the haor areas.

A journalist named Shahibul Islam Pipul was allegedly assaulted in Bhangura, Pabna, on Thursday evening following a Facebook post he made about a previous incident involving his younger brother. The attack reportedly occurred around 6:30 p.m. near the Bhangura bus stand, and the complaint was filed at Bhangura Police Station. Pipul, a correspondent for the Daily Jugantor and Bangla Tribune, accused Sharif, brother of Bhangura municipal BNP general secretary Sayedul Islam Buruj, and several others of carrying out the assault.

According to the complaint, earlier that day, Pipul’s brother Yasin Ali Sami was allegedly abducted and beaten by several local youths linked to the student wing of the BNP. After Pipul posted about the incident on Facebook, tensions escalated. Later, a group led by Sharif allegedly attacked him. Sharif denied the assault, claiming the dispute stemmed from an old conflict and that Pipul’s post was provocative. Sayedul Islam Buruj also denied his brother’s involvement and said he was trying to mediate between the parties.

Bhangura Police Station’s officer-in-charge Sakiul Azam confirmed receiving the complaint and said an investigation is underway.

A discussion meeting was held in Moulvibazar to ensure the proper implementation of the 2026 Boro paddy and rice procurement program. The meeting, organized by the District Food Department, took place on Thursday afternoon at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner, who also presided over the session. Officials discussed various aspects of the procurement activities planned for the Boro season.

During the meeting, it was informed that the targets for collecting parboiled and non-parboiled rice have not yet been set. Paddy will be purchased directly from farmers through an app, and selected farmers must complete online registration. Rice will be procured from millers through contracts. To ensure fair prices for farmers, the price per kilogram of paddy has been fixed at 36 taka.

The procurement drive will run from May 30 to August 31. Participants were instructed to maintain transparency and accountability throughout the process. Representatives from the agriculture and food departments, mill owners’ association, and related committees attended and emphasized coordination in implementation.

In Madarganj upazila of Jamalpur, continuous rain and strong winds have caused extensive damage to boro paddy, jute, maize, and other crops. Fields are submerged, and half-ripe paddy is rotting as farmers face both yield losses and difficulties in harvesting. According to the local agriculture office, 560 hectares of boro paddy, 350 hectares of jute, 120 hectares of maize, 50 hectares of vegetables, and several banana fields have been affected, with some areas completely destroyed.

Farmers in several low-lying areas, including Tartapara, Jorkhali, and Gabergram Jhalupara, are struggling to harvest crops in knee- to waist-deep water. Many are cutting half-ripe paddy to prevent further losses, while others are tying fallen stalks to keep them upright. Local farmers described severe waterlogging and crop damage, saying they were forced to harvest early to avoid total loss.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Habibur Rahman said officials are assessing the damage and advising farmers to drain water quickly, harvest fallen paddy, and tie up unripe plants to reduce further losses.

The Directorate of Films and Publications (DFP) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced a government initiative to produce two short films highlighting Bangladesh’s history, heritage, and culture. According to a public notice issued by the DFP, experienced consultancy firms are invited to submit applications and scripts for the projects by May 9, 2026, at noon.

One of the films will be based on the folk tale 'Gazi Kalu and Champabati' and will run 25 to 30 minutes with English subtitles. The government has allocated Tk 2 million for its production. The second film will focus on a story promoting Islamic culture, tolerance, and unity, with a duration of 12 to 15 minutes and a budget of Tk 1 million. Selected firms will be responsible for all stages of production, including scripting, casting, shooting, editing, dubbing, and color grading.

The DFP emphasized that the films must combine modern technical standards with creativity, and participating firms must have at least five years of professional experience.

A man named Rajib Mistri, 32, has been arrested in connection with the murder of self-proclaimed spiritual leader Abdur Rahman, also known as Shri Kalandar Shamim Jahangir, in Kushtia’s Daulatpur. The arrest took place around 11 p.m. on Thursday in front of Nasim Hair Dresser on Godagari Thana Road in Rajshahi. Rajib, the third named accused in the case, is the son of Gazi Mistri from Dakshin-Pashchim Philipnagar village under Philipnagar Union. The arrest was confirmed in a press release by Sudipta Sarkar, Additional Superintendent of Police and Commander of RAB-12 CPC-1, Kushtia.

According to the release, the operation was jointly conducted by RAB-12, Kushtia, and RAB-5 Headquarters. Earlier, police had arrested three other suspects: Biplob Hossain, 26, Alif Islam, 23, and a 16-year-old student named Alomgir Hossain. The murder occurred on April 11, when locals attacked Shamim Jahangir’s residence, accusing him of distorting Islamic teachings. He was beaten and later died at the Upazila Health Complex.

Following the incident, Shamim Jahangir’s elder brother Fazlur Rahman filed a case on April 13, naming four individuals and 180 to 200 unidentified persons.

State-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (BAPEX) has launched gas exploration up to six kilometers beneath the surface, marking the deepest drilling effort in the country’s history. Preparations are complete for exploration wells at Titas in Brahmanbaria, Bakhrabad and Srikail in Cumilla, and Mobarakpur in Pabna’s Santhia upazila. Petrobangla sources confirmed that one well has already begun operations, breaking the previous depth record of four kilometers.

Officials said the initiative follows 3D surveys indicating potential gas reserves below hard rock layers, with estimates suggesting around 2.5 trillion cubic feet of gas across the targeted fields. Petrobangla plans deep drilling at four wells—two under Bangladesh Gas Fields Company Limited and two under BAPEX. The move comes after years of limited exploration activity, during which Bangladesh’s energy sector became increasingly import-dependent.

Petrobangla Chairman Md. Erfanul Haque described the six-kilometer drilling as a bold step to address the national gas shortage. He said 150 wells are planned under short-, medium-, and long-term programs, with expectations of adding about three trillion cubic feet of gas reserves upon completion.

A mobile court in Sirajganj’s Raiganj and Ullapara upazilas fined five illegal brick kilns a total of Tk 1.1 million for environmental violations. The joint operation, conducted by the district administration and the Department of Environment from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, also demolished the kiln of one brickfield for causing severe environmental damage. The drive was led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Ruhul Amin.

According to officials, the action followed reports that toxic emissions from Messrs Tanzila Bricks in Bilchandi area had damaged nearby farmland. On April 30, around 80 bighas of Boro paddy were reportedly destroyed, prompting farmers to protest and demand compensation. After the issue gained attention through media coverage, authorities launched the mobile court operation.

The fined brick kilns were Messrs Sufia Bricks (Tk 200,000), Messrs Ruhi Bricks (Tk 200,000), Messrs Raninagar Bricks (Tk 100,000), Messrs Asha Bricks (Tk 500,000), and Messrs Tanzila Bricks (Tk 100,000). Officials stated that similar drives against illegal and environmentally harmful brick kilns will continue in the future.

Police in Moulvibazar detained a woman and a businessman on Thursday afternoon for allegedly attempting to bribe the district superintendent of police (SP) to prevent the woman’s husband from traveling abroad. The incident occurred at Kulaura Police Station during a biannual inspection by Sylhet Range DIG Md Mushfekur Rahman, in the presence of SP Mohammad Billal Hossain and other senior officers. The detainees were identified as Jesmin Akter of Abdulpur village and businessman Samad Chowdhury of Bhabanipur village.

According to police, Jesmin Akter had ongoing legal disputes with her divorced husband Mahtab Mia of Rautgaon Union. Upon learning that her former husband planned to go abroad, she arrived at the police station with Samad Chowdhury carrying Tk 200,000 to influence the SP. Samad allegedly diverted Tk 160,000 and attempted to hand over Tk 40,000 to the SP.

Police filed a case against both Jesmin and Samad, and they are scheduled to be sent to court on Friday, according to Kulaura Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Moniruzzaman Molya.

Widespread load-shedding and fuel shortages have severely disrupted garment production in Savar and Ashulia, two major industrial areas near Dhaka. Factory officials reported that production has dropped by 15–20 percent, with some plants operating generators to maintain limited output. Abul Kashem, Deputy Managing Director of AKH Group, said daily production has fallen by about 10 percent due to fuel scarcity and rising costs, while transport delays are causing missed shipment deadlines and reduced foreign orders.

At Al Muslim Group and JK Group factories, managers said fuel shortages and higher prices have forced them to cut production from over 100,000 pieces a day to 80,000–90,000. Transport disruptions have led some owners to ship goods by air at their own expense, increasing costs. Jahangir Hossain of Stitches Limited warned that if the situation continues, operating garment factories will become unsustainable.

Dhaka Palli Bidyut Samiti-1’s Senior General Manager Akhtar Uzzaman Laskar said electricity supply shortages stem from lower-than-demand generation, but the government has taken measures to boost output soon.

Violent clashes broke out in several unions of Alamdanga upazila following the reinstatement of four Awami League-backed chairmen who had previously been suspended. The incidents occurred on April 30 after High Court rulings restored their positions. In Khadimpur Union, tension escalated when reinstated chairman Mujahidul Rahman Joardar Lotus was allegedly confined by local BNP activists. Police later visited the scene and brought the situation under control.

According to local sources, Mujahidul Rahman had been absent since August 5 due to political unrest, leading the administration to appoint an interim administrator. After a prolonged legal process, the High Court ruled in his favor, allowing him to resume duties on April 29. However, his return triggered protests, including a demonstration of 35 to 40 people in Alamdanga town opposing the reinstatement of the four chairmen.

Police officials, including the Alamdanga officer-in-charge and the Chuadanga additional superintendent of police, inspected the affected areas and confirmed that the situation was under control while investigations were ongoing.

A growing wave of teenage gang activity has become a major social concern in Bangladesh, spreading from quiet neighborhoods to busy city streets. Groups of adolescents, both boys and girls, are forming power circles marked by aggression and violence. Recent incidents in Dhaka and Chattogram have highlighted the deadly consequences of this trend, including the killings of gang leader Alex Imon in Mohammadpur and college student Ashfaq Kabir Sajid in Chawkbazar. These events underscore how minor disputes now escalate into brutal violence, reflecting a deep moral and social crisis.

The article identifies multiple causes behind this rise, including poverty, weak family bonds, negative peer influence, misuse of technology, lack of guidance, drug abuse, and political patronage. It argues that teenage gang culture is not merely a law-and-order issue but a symptom of broader social and institutional failure. The author calls for a coordinated response involving families, educators, and religious leaders to guide youth toward positive engagement.

The piece concludes that without immediate, multidimensional action, this culture of dominance and violence could endanger the nation’s collective future.