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.

India has condemned Monday’s missile and drone attack in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, which injured three Indian nationals, calling the incident “unacceptable.” In a statement issued Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs described the assault as intolerable and urged an immediate end to hostilities and the targeting of civilian infrastructure and innocent people. The attack in Fujairah, reportedly attributed to Iran, prompted India to emphasize the need for de-escalation and the protection of international shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry highlighted that India relies heavily on these maritime routes for energy imports, making regional stability a matter of critical importance for the country. New Delhi also appealed to all concerned parties to exercise restraint and ensure the safety of civilians amid the ongoing tensions in the region.

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.

Former CIA analyst John Nixon has said that China could gain significant advantages if the ongoing war between the United States and Iran continues. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Nixon explained that Beijing is pursuing a long-term strategy and has learned much about US warfare capabilities and modern tactics through the Iran conflict. He noted that China is positioning itself as a more attractive ally to Middle Eastern nations, particularly in the Gulf region, which he described as vital to China’s future. Nixon added that while China is often viewed as a transactional power, its cooperative approach appeals to Gulf states seeking stability. He emphasized that China has no interest in spreading conflict in the Middle East but aims to strengthen partnerships with Gulf countries. Nixon also highlighted China’s continued dependence on Gulf energy resources, predicting that even as the world moves away from fossil fuels, China will remain a major buyer and its ties with Gulf nations will deepen over time.

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.

Austria has expelled three employees of the Russian Embassy in Vienna on charges of espionage. Authorities said the diplomats used embassy facilities for surveillance and intelligence activities. The decision followed an investigation into suspicious monitoring equipment found on the roof of the Russian diplomatic building in Vienna, which was suspected of intercepting satellite communications of international organizations. Officials stated that the three expelled staff members were believed to be involved in the operation. Austria requested the withdrawal of their diplomatic immunity, but Russia did not respond within the given timeframe. Consequently, the individuals were declared persona non grata and have already left Austria. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger emphasized that the government maintains a strict stance against espionage and will not tolerate misuse of diplomatic privileges. Since the start of the Ukraine war, Austria has intensified scrutiny of Russian activities in Vienna. The country has expelled a total of 14 Russian diplomats since 2022, though around 220 Russian personnel remain active in various missions.

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.

The United Arab Emirates has announced an agreement to purchase 20 C-390 military cargo aircraft from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer. The deal was signed on Monday in Abu Dhabi during the ‘Make it in the Emirates 2026’ platform. According to Reuters, the UAE is the first Middle Eastern country to select this versatile military transport aircraft. The initial phase includes confirmed delivery of 10 aircraft, with an option to acquire 10 more later. The contract, valued at around 1 billion US dollars, marks a major milestone for Embraer. Bosco da Costa Junior, head of Embraer’s defense and security unit, described the Middle East as a strategic region for the company and expressed optimism that the deal would open new opportunities for defense equipment sales in the area. The UAE currently operates Lockheed Martin’s C-130 and Boeing’s C-17 aircraft for air cargo transport. Under the agreement, local Emirati firms will collaborate with Embraer on maintenance and training, enhancing the UAE’s defense capabilities and technical capacity.

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.

An Israeli security official has said that the growing tension between Israel and Iran is serving the interests of groups seeking a return to conflict. The statement, reported by the Israel Broadcasting Corporation, suggested that the current situation creates favorable conditions for those interested in renewed military action against Iran, including within Israel itself. According to reports from Israel’s Channel 12 and the newspaper Israel Hayom, Israeli assessments indicate that Iran currently has no intention of launching a direct attack. Political analyses also suggest that U.S. President Donald Trump is not inclined to start a new war against Iran. Despite this, Israel’s military has adopted a cautious stance, keeping its air defense and air force on high alert against possible surprise attacks. The report added that Ben Gurion International Airport has been placed on alert, with preparations made to close Israeli airspace if necessary. Military sources said potential targets inside Iran have been identified, including energy facilities and civilian infrastructure.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee has not formally conceded defeat in the recently concluded state election, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with the help of the Election Commission, took away around 100 seats from her party. She and Abhishek Banerjee are expected to hold a press conference in Kolkata’s Kalighat to explain how the party was allegedly defeated. Despite her claims, the BJP is set to form its first government in the state with more than a two-thirds majority. Analyses of the results suggest several factors behind Trinamool’s loss after 15 years in power. These include erosion of female voter support due to failures on women’s safety, large-scale voter list revisions that removed over nine million names, and widespread allegations of corruption and administrative inefficiency. The party also faced setbacks from Hindu-Muslim polarization, with BJP gaining from consolidated Hindu votes. Observers note that the Election Commission’s control over the administration and deployment of over 240,000 central security personnel limited Trinamool’s traditional advantage as the ruling party, contributing further to its electoral defeat.