Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, leader of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, expressed concerns over a private meeting held in London between key political figures. He stated that the confidential nature of the talks has raised questions in political circles and caused discomfort among political parties. To restore confidence and ensure transparency, he urged that the discussions and outcomes of the meeting be disclosed to the nation. He further noted that despite a public announcement by the Chief Adviser regarding election dates, the subsequent joint declaration to reconsider the timeline after the private meeting has created unease. Karim called on the government and stakeholders to ensure that electoral reforms and justice are not overshadowed. He also urged the opposition BNP to actively participate in reforms to resist authoritarianism.

Two accused in a drug case escaped from the Shariatpur District and Sessions Judge Court premises on Sunday around 1 PM. The suspects, Suruj Madbor and Dulal Sheikh, were brought from Padma South Police Station for a hearing. They fled in handcuffs while being taken to the holding cell, evading police attention. Law enforcement later re-arrested Dulal Sheikh, while the search continues for Suruj Madbor. Shariatpur police confirmed the incident and assured that efforts are underway to apprehend the fugitive.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a stern warning to Israel during a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani. Pezeshkian stated that Iran would deliver a "stronger response" if Israeli attacks do not cease. He warned that continued aggression could jeopardize the security of other Middle Eastern countries and called on Islamic nations to adopt a firm stance. He emphasized that Iran did not initiate the conflict but responded "with determination" to Israeli assaults. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump commented that the Iran-Israel conflict should be resolved through a peace agreement, likening the need to the resolution of India-Pakistan tensions.

Teenage gangs are forming across Jhenaidah due to widespread drug abuse, sparking serious concern among local authorities. At a recent law and order committee meeting, officials criticized the Department of Narcotics Control for failing to act effectively. Specific hotspots of drug activity across the district were identified, with calls for stronger, more coordinated action. Community leaders, health officials, and law enforcement emphasized the urgent need for public cooperation and regular crackdowns to combat the growing crisis and save the youth from ruin.

Law enforcement agencies have identified 23 Bangladeshi nationals who were pushed back into the country through the Thakurgaon border by Indian Border Security Force (BSF). The group includes five men, twelve women, and six children. The incident occurred at around 1:30 AM on Saturday night via the Chapsara border. Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) patrol units responded promptly, detaining the individuals and transferring them to Haripur Police Station. The returnees were later handed over to their families on Sunday afternoon. According to their statements, they were expelled without any of their belongings. "We weren’t even allowed to bring a single thread," said one of the returnees, adding, “The BSF warned us not to look back or we’d be shot.”

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has called for increased use of bamboo in furniture production to ease pressure on wood resources. Speaking at a post-Eid meeting with Environment Ministry officials, she highlighted bamboo’s environmental benefits, rapid growth, and availability. She directed the Forest Industries Corporation to boost bamboo furniture production and urged technological innovation through the Bamboo Research Centre. She also emphasized export potential by producing modern, sustainable, and stylish bamboo furniture to meet both local and global demand.

In response to the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant and rising dengue cases, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has issued six key health directives for all educational institutions across Bangladesh: Frequent handwashing with soap for at least 20 seconds. Avoiding large gatherings and wearing face masks in public. Maintaining a minimum distance of 3 feet from infected individuals. Refraining from touching the face with unclean hands. Covering nose and mouth with a tissue, cloth, or elbow while coughing or sneezing. Launching awareness campaigns involving teachers and students to prevent the spread of dengue nationwide. The DSHE emphasized strict adherence to these measures to safeguard public health in schools and colleges.

Authorities in Gopalganj have demolished 193 illegal structures built on government land by influential figures, including former local government officials and ruling party leaders. The eviction drive targeted areas in Kotalipara Upazila such as Ghaghar Bazar and BAPARD. Despite being given a 14-day notice, the occupiers failed to remove the encroachments. The operation involved police, RAB, army, and local officials, and recovered land worth approximately Tk 25 million. Officials confirmed that similar drives will continue to reclaim illegally occupied public property.

The 200-year-old Pratappur Zamindar Estate in Feni is decaying due to years of neglect and lack of government initiative. Built in 1822, this once-majestic palace complex, still owned by zamindar heirs, attracts daily visitors despite poor maintenance, no electricity, toilets, or security. Local residents and tourists call for urgent restoration to preserve its cultural legacy and develop it into a heritage tourism site. Officials say restoration is stalled as ownership remains private, though renewed talks with heirs are underway.

A fun trip turned tragic when a college student drowned while bathing at Ruposhi Waterfall in Chattogram’s Mirsarai. Asif Uddin (24), a fourth-year student of Finance and Banking, went missing after entering a pool. His friends called emergency services after failing to locate him. Firefighters later recovered his body around 1 p.m. The incident occurred while five friends were enjoying their time at the site. The body was handed over to police and will be returned to the family after legal formalities.

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka has issued a warning that foreign nationals who travel to the United States on tourist visas with the intention of giving birth may face serious complications when renewing their visas. The embassy noted that such activities often result in U.S. taxpayers covering medical expenses, as costs sometimes fall on the U.S. government. It also emphasized that this could be seen as a violation of U.S. visa policy. If consular officers suspect that childbirth in the U.S. is the applicant’s main intent, the visa will be denied.

Iran claims to have arrested two Mossad agents in Alborz Province while they were preparing a major covert attack involving explosives and electronic devices. The suspects reportedly posed a serious threat to national security. The arrests follow reports that Israeli airstrikes and covert Mossad units had been activated inside Iran targeting military and nuclear sites. Planned attacks included armed drones and assassination attempts against key Iranian figures, exposing significant vulnerabilities in Iran’s security and intelligence readiness.

Following a surge in cash withdrawals in March due to Eid-ul-Fitr spending and fears of bank instability, nearly Tk 190 billion was redeposited into banks in April. This shift signals growing public confidence in the banking sector, aided by Bangladesh Bank’s reforms and improved governance. Cash held outside banks dropped by 6.43% in April, while deposits rose by nearly Tk 20 billion. Analysts say increased liquidity will strengthen lending capacity and support investment, benefiting the overall economy.

Fifteen cattle that inadvertently crossed the border into India through the Akhaura region of Brahmanbaria were seized by India’s Border Security Force (BSF). The animals were later returned to Bangladesh following a flag meeting between the border forces of the two nations. Lt. Colonel Ziaur Rahman, commander of the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB), confirmed the incident and expressed appreciation for the BSF’s cooperation. “We retrieved the cattle through a cordial discussion between the two border forces. We thank BSF for their assistance,” he said.