Barishal University has been virtually shut down since April 21 due to an ongoing teachers’ movement over promotion complexities. On Monday, protesting teachers declared Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Toufiq Alam ‘unwelcome’ and enforced a full shutdown, locking administrative offices and halting classes and exams. Several faculty members resigned from administrative duties, raising fears of severe session delays and student suffering. The dispute centers on promotion policies for 24 teachers. Differences have emerged among faculty members, with some seeking separate policies for professor-level promotions while others support a unified framework. Earlier, a tripartite meeting on April 30 had decided to resolve the issue through a syndicate meeting on May 8, but teachers allege that an unscheduled meeting on May 9 ignored majority opinions. The Vice-Chancellor denied the allegations, stating that decisions were made in the presence of teacher representatives and that promotion regulations would be finalized within two months. He warned that continued disruption of administrative work and pressure on officials could lead to legal action, emphasizing that problems should be resolved through dialogue rather than harming students.

Israel has strongly protested a New York Times article that alleged systematic sexual abuse of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. The country’s foreign ministry described the report as one of the most horrific “blood libels” in modern media history. The article, written by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Nicholas Kristof, detailed accounts of sexual violence against Palestinian prisoners, including minors, by Israeli soldiers, interrogators, and prison guards. Citing interviews from the occupied West Bank, Kristof claimed such abuse had become a routine practice within Israel’s security apparatus. The report stated that while there was no evidence Israeli leaders directly ordered rape, sexual violence had become a “standard operating procedure.” Drawing on data from the United Nations and human rights organizations, Kristof alleged that these acts were widespread and part of state policy. Last month, UN experts described sexual violence against Palestinians as a central element of Israeli occupation and a tool of genocide and ethnic cleansing. Israel has consistently denied all such allegations.

Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has passed a bill establishing special military courts to try Palestinians accused of involvement in the October 7, 2023 attacks in southern Israel. According to The Times of Israel, the new law allows these courts to impose the death penalty on those found guilty. The legislation reportedly received support from both the ruling coalition and opposition parties. Under the new law, the special courts will have authority to adjust or modify existing legal procedures, including rules of evidence and testimony. The measure is intended to expedite trials for Palestinians detained after the October 7 attacks, which killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 250 hostages. Israeli forces have since arrested around 300 Palestinians linked to the incident, who remain in custody. Reports suggest that the law aims to ensure faster and more decisive judicial proceedings for those accused of genocide or mass killings during the attacks.

A recent wave of Iranian attacks has severely damaged at least 228 U.S. military facilities and equipment across Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, according to satellite analysis cited by The Washington Post. The strikes have shaken long-held assumptions among Gulf monarchies that American protection guarantees their safety. The incidents revealed that even U.S. bases are not immune to Iranian retaliation, undermining the credibility of Washington’s regional defense umbrella. The crisis has triggered deep unease among Gulf rulers and business elites, who now question the value of hosting extensive U.S. military infrastructure. Iran’s strategy of deterrence through pain has proven effective in exposing vulnerabilities in the American-led security system. The attacks have also disrupted maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz, raising global energy market fears and driving up insurance and defense costs. Dubai, once a symbol of stability, is now facing economic anxiety as tourism, investment, and logistics sectors feel the strain. Analysts note that Gulf states are diversifying diplomatic ties, engaging with China, Russia, and Iran to reduce overreliance on Washington. The region’s new message is clear: friendship with the U.S. will continue, but blind allegiance is over.

A commentary published on May 12, 2026, argues that Pakistan’s ongoing mediation efforts to end the Middle East conflict are unlikely to bring lasting peace or stability. The article claims Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs continued conflict to maintain power and avoid imprisonment in a corruption case, while U.S. President Donald Trump relies on Netanyahu’s support to protect his own political position. It suggests that both leaders are using the conflict to serve personal and political interests rather than pursuing genuine peace. The piece further contends that Gulf states have realized the risks of aligning too closely with the United States, citing a Saudi official’s remarks about Washington’s lack of support during an Iranian attack. It asserts that the root of the region’s instability lies in Zionist ideology and historical injustices against Palestinians. The author argues that transforming Israel into a normal, non-racial state could have prevented decades of war and displacement. The commentary concludes that Netanyahu’s focus on prolonging war and undermining democratic institutions threatens both Israeli democracy and regional peace, calling for addressing these leadership issues at their roots.

A four-day conflict in May 2025 between India and Pakistan has significantly altered South Asia’s military and diplomatic dynamics. Pakistan achieved unexpected success in the air war, boosting its global standing and strengthening ties with both the United States and China. Islamabad celebrated the first anniversary of the conflict as a military victory, pledging stronger responses to future aggression. In contrast, India marked the day by emphasizing its zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, following a deadly attack in Pahalgam that triggered the war. The conflict stemmed from long-standing disputes over Kashmir, whose special constitutional status India revoked in 2019, prompting Pakistan to downgrade diplomatic relations and suspend trade. India’s subsequent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty in April 2025 further escalated tensions. The war, fought mainly through air and drone strikes, exposed both nations’ strategic limits and economic vulnerabilities, with U.S. intervention preventing further escalation. Analysts warn that unresolved Kashmir issues and water disputes could lead to future crises. The article concludes that lasting peace requires restoring Kashmir’s pre-2019 status and reviving diplomatic engagement between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has alleged that market instability in Bangladesh is being fueled by middlemen and extortion rackets. Speaking to reporters after visiting the Mirpur-1 wholesale vegetable market in Dhaka on Tuesday morning, he said traders face silent extortion and occupation of market stalls but are afraid to speak out. He called for breaking the syndicates responsible for manipulating prices and pledged to continue the fight both inside and outside parliament. Dr. Rahman stated that both consumers and farmers are suffering because of these syndicates, as farmers do not receive fair prices for their produce while consumers pay inflated rates. He cited examples of politically connected individuals renting government-allotted market spaces at exorbitant rates. The opposition leader urged traders to resist extortion and assured them of his support if they face retaliation for exposing such practices. He also appealed to journalists to highlight the hardships of ordinary people to raise social awareness and help curb the influence of extortionists and corrupt networks.

The European Union has imposed sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers accused of escalating violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The decision, announced on May 12, 2026, follows months of internal deadlock within the bloc. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that those responsible for violence and extremism must face consequences. Under the new sanctions, the assets of the targeted settlers will be frozen, and they will face travel bans across EU member states. The move marks a significant policy shift after prolonged disagreement among EU countries over how to respond to the growing attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the West Bank. According to the report, the EU’s decision ends a period of inaction and signals a tougher stance toward extremist violence in the occupied territories.

A resort named Mati-Ta has been built by cutting into protected hills in Bhatiari, Chattogram, allegedly destroying over five thousand trees and displacing wildlife. The resort, featuring swimming pools, artificial lakes, and multi-story buildings, is owned by Munal Mahbub and Tasnim Mahmud, daughter of former FBCCI president and Awami League-linked businessman Mahbubul Alam. Locals and environmentalists claim that the project has caused severe ecological damage and that authorities have failed to act despite legal cases filed by the Forest Department. The Forest Department filed a case in 2021 accusing the resort of occupying 40 decimals of protected forest land and cutting 25 mature trees. Although the court accepted the charges, the resort continues to operate. Environmentalists argue that such construction violates environmental protection laws, while local residents say they have lost access to the forest and their livelihoods. The resort’s proximity to the Bangladesh Military Academy has also raised national security concerns. Resort director Tasnim Mahmud denied all allegations, claiming the land belongs to Noorjahan Group and that a court ruling supports their ownership, though reports indicate the land was occupied before the verdict and cases remain pending.

Three members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) were injured and detained for about four hours after being attacked by a group led by a wanted suspect named Shafik in Khagatuya village under Ratanpur Union of Nabinagar upazila, Brahmanbaria, on Monday afternoon. A video of the incident later went viral on social media, showing the injured RAB members. According to RAB CPC-9, the team was on its way to collect intelligence in Durgarampur of Bancharampur when they were surrounded and assaulted. One member managed to escape, while three others were beaten and confined at a local house before being rescued by RAB and police. RAB officials said two members suffered broken arms and another sustained a head injury. Shafik, who faces 28 criminal cases including charges of theft, robbery, and murder, has long been accused by locals of maintaining a reign of terror in the area. The incident has caused widespread alarm among residents, though no written complaint had been filed as of the report’s publication. Authorities confirmed that the injured RAB members received initial treatment at Nabinagar Upazila Health Complex before being transferred to Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital.

A major administrative reshuffle has begun at Dhaka University following the assumption of office by the new government. Within a short period, several key positions have changed hands, starting with the resignation of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan. The changes have extended to the posts of Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Proctor, and Assistant Proctor, creating what insiders describe as an atmosphere of uncertainty within the university administration. Administrative sources said the restructuring is not limited to personnel changes but is part of forming a new power structure. Concerns have emerged over potential political influence in the process. After Dr. Khan’s resignation, Professor Dr. A.B.M. Obaidul Islam was appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor. Subsequent changes included the replacement of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha and the resignation of Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed, followed by Assistant Proctor Shehrin Amin Monami. Some faculty and officials expressed concern that the appointments could lead to political polarization within the university. However, the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor denied these allegations, stating that all resignations were voluntary and that experience and competence, not political affiliation, guide appointments.

Former Feni-3 lawmaker and retired lieutenant general Masud Uddin Chowdhury has been shown arrested in a money laundering case involving over Tk 100 crore. The order was issued on Monday by Dhaka’s Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md Sefatullah following a petition from CID’s Additional Superintendent of Police Abdul Hadi, the investigation officer in the case. Masud Uddin was earlier arrested on March 23 from his residence in Baridhara DOHS in connection with a separate case over embezzlement of Tk 24,000 crore and human trafficking. He was placed on multiple remands in several cases, including murder, before being sent to jail on May 7 after 44 days in custody. During Monday’s hearing, he was produced before the court from prison. The money laundering case was filed on August 28 last year at Banani Police Station by CID Sub-Inspector Moniruzzaman against Masud Uddin and 32 others. The complaint alleges that his company, Five M, charged migrant workers excessive fees for employment in Malaysia, collecting Tk 107,510 extra per person from 9,372 workers, totaling Tk 100.75 crore allegedly embezzled and laundered.

The flood situation in Bangladesh’s northeastern haor region has improved in recent days as rainfall decreased, leading to a drop in river water levels. According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre, water in two major rivers in the region has fallen below the pre-monsoon danger level over the past 24 hours. The improvement follows several days of reduced rainfall, which allowed floodwaters in low-lying areas of Netrokona, Sunamganj, and Habiganj to recede. However, the centre warned that this improvement may be temporary. Heavy rainfall is expected after May 15, which could cause river levels to rise again and worsen flooding. The centre’s latest bulletin reported that three rivers—the Naljur in Sunamganj, the Someshwari in Netrokona, and the Mogra in Netrokona—were still flowing above the pre-monsoon danger level at three monitoring points on Monday. Officials noted that if rainfall increases, the region will move from pre-monsoon to monsoon flood conditions, requiring updated danger level assessments.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Pakistan of secretly conducting a digital campaign aimed at undermining the long-standing alliance between the United States and Israel. In an interview aired on May 10 on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” Netanyahu claimed that Pakistan and several other countries are using bot farms and fake social media accounts to wage an organized information war. He described this as a hidden digital battlefield running parallel to ongoing military conflicts. Netanyahu said the campaign’s goal is to erode American sympathy for Israel, particularly among younger audiences, by manipulating online narratives. He cited examples of fake messages appearing to come from American users but allegedly traced back to Pakistan. The Israeli leader emphasized that Israel is fighting on multiple fronts, including what he called the “eighth battlefield” of media and social networks. The report noted that Pakistan has no diplomatic relations with Israel and has been a vocal critic of Israeli actions in Gaza and Iran. Netanyahu’s remarks come amid heightened tensions and shifting dynamics in US-Israel relations.

The United States has imposed new sanctions on three individuals and nine companies accused of helping Iran illegally supply oil to China. The U.S. Treasury Department announced the measures on Monday, targeting entities in Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. Officials said the sanctions focus on those assisting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in disguising oil sales and shipping operations to China. The move follows earlier sanctions issued last Friday against individuals and firms accused of aiding Iran’s drone and ballistic missile programs. The sanctioned companies include Hong Kong Blue Ocean Limited, Hong Kong Sunmu Limited, Jiandi HK Limited, Max Honor International Trade Company, Dubai-based Ocean Allianz Shipping, Sharjah-based Atique Energy, and Oman’s Zeus Logistic Group. Treasury Secretary Scott Besent stated that the U.S. will continue using sanctions to curb Iran’s weapons development, nuclear activities, and funding of regional proxy groups. The State Department also announced a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the disruption of the IRGC’s financial network. The action comes just days before a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where Iran-related issues are expected to be discussed.