Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasized strengthening the institutional capacity of village courts and recruiting women in the village police to ensure justice at the grassroots level and make local governance more effective. The minister made the remarks during a meeting with a UNDP delegation at the Secretariat on Monday, attended by Deputy Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne and other members. The meeting discussed the current activities and progress of the Village Court Project, focusing on enhancing its institutional capacity to deliver quick, low-cost justice for rural communities. The minister noted that village courts have long played a vital role in resolving local disputes and reducing pressure on formal courts. He highlighted that women’s participation in local governance, particularly through recruitment in the village police, would make the system more transparent, efficient, and responsive to public needs. Both the government and UNDP expressed optimism about strengthening cooperation to improve village court effectiveness, ensure rural justice, and promote women’s empowerment.

ATM Azharul Islam MP, Naib-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, alleged that the government has begun moving toward a one-party system just two months after assuming power. Speaking as chief guest at a candidate introduction meeting of the Bangladesh Lawyers Council–supported 'Green Panel' for the Supreme Court Bar Association election, he said the government has failed to honor the July Charter despite pledging to implement it fully. He criticized the government for not allowing ruling party MPs to take oath in the Constitutional Reform Council and accused it of betraying the student and public movement that brought it to power. Azharul Islam also criticized a government minister for acting as if he alone runs the administration and understands the constitution. He claimed that the Supreme Court has been used to commit injustices against Jamaat-e-Islami and described the executions of its top leaders as judicial killings. He urged lawyers to stand for justice and support the Green Panel in the upcoming Supreme Court Bar Association election. The event was held at the Freedom Fighters Hall of the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Dhaka and was attended by senior lawyers and panel candidates.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a circular permitting the transfer of visa bond or security deposit funds abroad through local banks. The directive, released on Monday, aims to simplify the process for Bangladeshi citizens who must deposit refundable security amounts as part of foreign visa applications. Under the new rules, banks can send the required funds on behalf of applicants when such deposits are mandatory for visa issuance. The central bank stated that the initiative is intended to reduce difficulties faced by applicants and make the visa application process more convenient. Banks are now authorized to issue international or virtual cards preloaded with the necessary funds, while existing international cardholders can reload their cards within the travel quota. The funds, however, may only be used for visa bond or related security deposit payments. According to industry observers cited in the circular, the new policy will make visa procedures faster and easier for Bangladeshi applicants, particularly in countries that require financial guarantees or refundable deposits.

A group of outsiders attacked a sit-in organized by BNP-backed teachers at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) on Monday in front of the university’s administrative building. Following the incident, leaders and activists of the university’s student wing of the BNP staged a protest on campus, demanding punishment for those involved in the attack. Professor Dr. Atikul Rahman, Dean of the PGS faculty and one of the victims, said the teachers were protesting against what they described as the arbitrary actions of Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam. He alleged that the vice-chancellor makes decisions with a select group of preferred teachers and had recently issued show-cause letters to five teachers of the NSVM faculty without justification. The sit-in was organized in protest of these actions when the attack occurred. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam, speaking from Dhaka, said a group was trying to destabilize the campus in his absence. He announced plans to form an investigation committee upon his return to the university.

Bangladesh Health Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain has directed authorities to conduct operations to detain brokers operating inside hospitals. He issued the order during an inspection of Barishal Sadar Hospital and other facilities on Monday morning. The minister also suspended an employee for absence, expressed dissatisfaction over the state of outpatient services, and instructed hospital authorities to maintain cleanliness within 24 hours. During his visit, the minister said that those who have received the measles vaccine will develop immunity within four weeks, after which the situation is expected to normalize. He noted that the government aims to ensure healthcare for all and plans to fully open the Barishal Children’s Hospital within three to four months. He added that the measles outbreak worsened because the vaccination schedule was disrupted after 2020, but new vaccine supplies have now reduced patient numbers. The minister inspected Barishal Sadar Hospital, the Children’s Hospital in Amanatganj, and Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital as part of his visit.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President and Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central international secretary Sadiq Kayem presented a commemorative painting to former interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The artwork honors July martyr Nafiz. Kayem shared the news on Facebook on Monday afternoon, noting that the meeting aimed to invite Dr. Yunus as a guest to the upcoming Second International Conference on the July Revolution. During the meeting, Dr. Yunus congratulated Kayem on his upcoming marriage and expressed appreciation for the initiatives of young people. Kayem said he briefed Dr. Yunus on DUCSU’s activities and plans related to the July Conference, emphasizing efforts to advance the country through the spirit of July. He also conveyed gratitude on behalf of citizens for Yunus’s leadership during the post–August 5 crisis period. Kayem added that he sought Dr. Yunus’s continued guidance and cooperation in realizing the vision of a reformed and inclusive Bangladesh as envisioned by the public.

Shovandeb Chatterjee has been appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) secured 80 seats in the state election, becoming the principal opposition party. Chatterjee, a long-time loyalist of TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee, was chosen to lead the party in the assembly. Chatterjee won from the Ballygunge constituency, defeating BJP candidate Satarupa Chatterjee by 61,476 votes, marking his tenth consecutive legislative victory—a record in West Bengal’s political history. Despite his close association with Mamata Banerjee, he had earlier lost in Bhabanipur to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Born in 1944, Chatterjee began his political career with the Congress before joining TMC in 1998 and has remained active in labor organizations, including serving as president of the Kolkata Auto-Rickshaw Drivers’ Union. His appointment underscores TMC’s continued influence in state politics even from the opposition benches, with Chatterjee’s long experience and organizational ties expected to shape the party’s legislative strategy.

Israel has intensified its military operations in southern Lebanon, launching new airstrikes and demolition campaigns after ordering residents of at least nine border towns and villages to evacuate. The Israeli forces are reportedly operating within a so-called 'Yellow Zone' extending about 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territory, where explosions and destruction of structures have been reported by local sources. While discussions continue in Washington on extending a ceasefire agreement, the situation on the ground is becoming increasingly volatile. The Lebanese government has appealed to the international community for assistance in rebuilding the south, securing the release of detained individuals, and ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese soil. Analysts warn that continued attacks and forced evacuations could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts toward a ceasefire and heighten instability across the region. According to Al Jazeera correspondent Obaida Hitto, fear is spreading in southern Lebanon as many families flee in search of safety.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to visit India this week to attend the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting scheduled for May 14 in New Delhi. According to Indian media reports, the meeting is being viewed as a preparatory session for the 18th BRICS summit to be held in September in the Indian capital. India currently holds the presidency of the group. The BRICS bloc, now comprising 11 member countries, has expanded beyond its five founding members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It is increasingly seen as a key platform for economic and diplomatic cooperation among Global South nations. The upcoming meeting is expected to discuss trade expansion, alternative financial systems, regional security, energy cooperation, and ongoing international crises. Developments in the Middle East and global economic uncertainty may also feature in the discussions. Analysts suggest that bilateral issues between Iran and India, including energy cooperation, regional connectivity, and strategic projects such as the Chabahar Port, could receive special attention during the visit.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of income tax records belonging to Mahbubul Alam Hanif, the suspended Joint General Secretary of the Awami League and former Member of Parliament for Kushtia-3, and his wife, Fouzia Alam. The order was issued on Monday, May 11, 2026, by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez. Court bench assistant Riaz Hossain confirmed the decision. According to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Hanif is accused of acquiring assets worth Tk 27.39 crore beyond known income sources and conducting suspicious transactions totaling Tk 86.66 crore through 18 bank accounts. The ACC also alleged that Hanif and his wife jointly amassed Tk 4.69 crore in unexplained wealth and carried out transactions worth Tk 33.13 crore through 16 bank accounts. The court ordered the seizure of their tax documents to facilitate proper investigation of the two separate cases filed by the ACC. The court’s directive aims to support ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and money laundering activities involving the couple.

A Dhaka court has rescheduled the charge-framing hearing against former National Board of Revenue (NBR) member Matiur Rahman to July 5 in a case over alleged illegal wealth accumulation. The decision was made by Divisional Special Judge Begum Shamima Afroz after defense lawyers sought more time. The Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) lawyer Mir Ahmed Ali Salam confirmed the new date. According to the ACC charge sheet, Matiur Rahman is accused of concealing information about assets worth Tk 1.24 crore and acquiring Tk 5.40 crore in wealth beyond known income sources through misuse of power, bribery, and corruption. The case gained public attention after a 2024 incident involving his son, who reportedly bought a goat for Tk 15 lakh ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, sparking widespread discussion on social media. The court’s next hearing on July 5 will determine whether formal charges will be framed against Rahman in the corruption case.

China is closely observing the ongoing Iran war, now in its third month, to learn from the United States’ military performance. According to a CNN report citing Chinese and Taiwanese experts, Beijing is analyzing how U.S. defense systems such as Patriot and THAAD have responded to Iranian tactics. Former PLA Air Force colonel Fu Qianshao said the main lesson so far is the need to identify weaknesses in China’s defense systems to remain invincible in future conflicts. Analysts note that while the PLA has rapidly expanded its offensive capabilities, including hypersonic glide vehicles and fifth-generation stealth fighters, its defensive systems remain a concern. Iran’s use of low-cost drones and ballistic missiles to penetrate U.S. defenses has drawn particular attention. Experts in Taiwan warn that China’s growing drone production capacity could play a major role in any future conflict over Taiwan, though Taiwan’s current counter-drone systems are described as ineffective. Commentators also emphasize that China lacks real combat experience since 1979, unlike the U.S., which has fought multiple wars. Analysts suggest the key lesson for Beijing is that battlefield success does not always translate into political victory.

The Middle East conflict intensified as U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s response to Washington’s proposal for ending the war, calling it “completely unacceptable.” Iran had earlier sent its reply through Pakistani mediators, according to state media. Meanwhile, Trump is expected to pressure Chinese President Xi Jinping on the Iran issue during an upcoming visit to Beijing. In Europe, the United Kingdom and France announced a multinational defense ministers’ meeting on Tuesday to discuss military planning for securing commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran warned both countries that any deployment of warships in the area would face an “immediate and severe response.” Drone attacks also struck several targets in the Gulf region, including a cargo ship traveling from Abu Dhabi to Qatar, though no casualties were reported. Separately, Iran released Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi on medical bail amid growing health concerns. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the war cannot be considered over until Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles are removed. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any attack on Iranian tankers would trigger retaliation against U.S. facilities in the region.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has issued an urgent directive to ensure cleanliness across all government primary schools in Bangladesh. On Monday, May 11, district primary education officers were instructed to take necessary measures to maintain hygiene and order in school premises. According to the directive, recent inspections by higher authorities revealed various irregularities and mismanagement in cleanliness at several government primary schools. These shortcomings were said to have created negative public perceptions and disrupted the proper learning environment. To address this, the ministry emphasized the need for regular cleaning and maintenance of school grounds and facilities. The directive also called for routine cleaning of school rooftops and removal of weeds growing on building cornices to maintain the overall condition of school infrastructure.

A Jamaat-e-Islami activist was shot in front of his home in Begumganj upazila of Noakhali on Sunday night. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. in Ayubpur village under Amanullahpur Union. The victim, 24-year-old Mainul Islam alias Mahin, was talking with friends when four to five masked assailants arrived in two CNG-run autorickshaws and opened fire, hitting him in the right knee. Locals rescued him and took him to Noakhali General Hospital, and he was later transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment. Local Jamaat leaders alleged that the attack might have been politically motivated and demanded immediate arrest of those responsible. They also claimed that there were attempts to destabilize the western part of Begumganj. Police, however, said preliminary information suggested the injured man was not actively involved in any political organization. Officers recovered an empty cartridge from the scene and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the attackers. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the motive and apprehend the suspects.