The flood situation in northeastern Bangladesh has shown further improvement as water levels in major rivers continue to fall. According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre of the Water Development Board, the region experienced no significant rainfall in the past 24 hours, leading to expectations of continued improvement. On Sunday, the Nalojur River in Sunamganj remained stable at 50 centimeters above the pre-monsoon danger level, while the Someshwari, Bhugai-Kangsha, and Mogra rivers in Netrokona saw slight decreases in water levels. However, the Sutang River in Habiganj rose by 7 centimeters at the Sutang rail bridge point. The agency reported that river levels across the haor region of Sunamganj are slowly decreasing at a rate of 0 to 1 centimeter per hour. No notable rainfall was recorded in the upstream or internal haor basin areas of the northeast during the last 24 hours. Additionally, India’s special bulletin indicated that Cherrapunji in Meghalaya did not record significant rainfall. As a result, water levels in rivers across three northeastern districts are expected to continue falling, further improving the flood situation in the haor basin.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that any potential dialogue or negotiation with the United States does not mean surrender. In a message posted on social media platform X on Sunday, he warned that Iran would not bow to pressure. Pezeshkian emphasized that the purpose of any talks would be to protect the rights of the Iranian nation and uphold national interests. Members of Iran’s parliament echoed similar sentiments. Ibrahim Rezaei of the parliamentary security committee said that time was turning against the United States and urged Washington not to sink deeper into difficulties. Deputy Speaker Nikshad added that the US was testing its fate against a strong Iran and must accept the consequences. According to the report, Iran has given a limited response to the latest US proposal, which was sent through Pakistan’s mediation. The proposed framework reportedly focuses on achieving a ceasefire and reducing regional conflict, though details of the discussions have not yet been disclosed.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced that England will not play any bilateral cricket series against Afghanistan outside of ICC tournaments. The decision, confirmed by ECB chairman Richard Thompson, comes in protest against the Taliban government’s restrictions on Afghan women, including bans on secondary and higher education and on women’s cricket. Thompson stated that the ECB does not find it appropriate to maintain sporting relations with a regime that enforces such prohibitions. The move follows a similar stance taken earlier by Australia, which also refused to play Afghanistan in bilateral matches for the same reason. Under Taliban rule, women in Afghanistan have been barred from participating in sports, and the country’s female cricketers have faced persecution. Many of them have fled abroad, with several now living as refugees in Australia. The ECB emphasized that its decision reflects its commitment to supporting women’s rights and freedom in sports, using its independence to opt out of the potential Test Championship series against Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the immediate activation of six unused children's hospitals located in Rangpur, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barishal, Sylhet, and Cumilla. The order followed a newspaper report published on April 12 highlighting that hospital buildings worth Tk 320 crore had remained unused for years. After reviewing the report, the Prime Minister held an emergency meeting with Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain, State Minister Dr. M A Muhit, and Health Secretary Md. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, instructing them to inspect and operationalize the facilities without delay. The Prime Minister also ordered a comprehensive progress report by June 2, 2026. During the meeting, he directed the full activation of the partially operational 500-bed Kushtia Medical College Hospital and the swift opening of other hospitals, including the super-specialized facility under Bangladesh Medical University in Dhaka’s Shahbagh. Additionally, he instructed the Foreign Ministry to engage the Chinese Embassy to expedite construction of the 1,000-bed Bangladesh-China Friendship Hospital in Nilphamari. According to the Health Secretary, the Nilphamari hospital will serve as a regional referral center for the northern region, where poverty and limited health infrastructure have hindered access to advanced medical care.

The United States has claimed that 58 commercial ships have been forced to change their routes as part of Iran’s naval blockade operations. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the affected vessels were attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports. CENTCOM stated that the US naval blockade against Iran remains fully effective. The information was reported by Anadolu Agency citing CENTCOM. In a message posted on social media platform X, CENTCOM added that since April 13, a total of 58 commercial ships have been diverted and four vessels have been disabled. The US said the purpose of these actions was to restrict maritime access to Iranian ports and maintain pressure at sea. The report noted that tensions in the Gulf region have escalated following recent military friction between the United States and Israel. Despite a ceasefire brokered by Pakistan on April 8, no lasting agreement was reached, and the US later extended the ceasefire without specifying a timeframe.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has announced that it will organize a Quran evening at the Bot Tola of Dhaka University. The announcement was made through a Facebook post by Sadiq Kayem, the Vice President of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and the organization’s central international secretary. The event is scheduled for May 11, marking the observance of the historic Quran Day. According to the announcement, the program will feature the participation of world-renowned Qari Sheikh Ahmad bin Yusuf Al Azhari. The event is being organized under the banner of the Dhaka University unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir. The declaration highlights the group’s intention to commemorate Quran Day through a religious gathering on the university campus. No further details about the program’s schedule, permissions, or expected attendance were provided in the announcement.

After three days of rising temperatures and oppressive humidity, rain across Bangladesh, including Dhaka, brought relief to residents. According to the Meteorological Department’s 24-hour data until 6 p.m. Sunday, 26 of 51 observation centers recorded rainfall, with the highest at 64 millimeters in Nikli, Kishoreganj. Dhaka saw 32 millimeters, while Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Mongla, and other areas also experienced significant showers. The rain lowered the day’s maximum temperature to 36 degrees Celsius from 37.2 the previous day. Meteorologist Kazi Zebun Nesa said a low-pressure system may form over the southwest Bay of Bengal within 48 hours but will not affect Bangladesh, as it is positioned farther southwest and may influence Sri Lanka and parts of India. Scattered rain may continue for two days, though heavy rainfall is not expected. Despite moderate temperatures, high humidity could cause discomfort. From May 13, moderate to heavy rainfall is likely in the country’s northeastern regions, including Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, due to expected heavy rain in India’s Meghalaya and Cherrapunji. The department noted that early monsoon activity has slightly increased internal rainfall this year.

Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie has announced that Bangladesh will build durable and climate-resilient coastal infrastructure to ensure long-term national security and economic growth. Speaking on Sunday at a seminar at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Dhaka, he emphasized the need for advanced construction materials, eco-friendly engineering, and climate-tolerant designs to safeguard coastal regions from climate-related risks. The minister highlighted that high population density in coastal areas has led to environmental challenges, including reduced farmland, increased fishing pressure, resource overuse, water pollution, and mangrove destruction. Rising sea levels are causing erosion and saltwater intrusion, damaging crops and marine ecosystems. He urged the use of modern technology to prevent coastal erosion. Annie added that under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the government is reviving the canal excavation program initiated by late President Ziaur Rahman. Over the next five years, 20,000 kilometers of rivers, canals, ponds, and reservoirs will be excavated or re-excavated, alongside the planting of 250 million trees to create coastal green belts. He also called for new laws and management plans to protect farmland and improve waste management in coastal zones.

Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, Secretary General of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, has described the ongoing persecution of Muslims in India, including attacks on mosques and madrasas and restrictions on religious freedom, as a grave violation of human rights. Speaking on Sunday afternoon at a protest rally in front of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka, he urged India to follow Bangladesh’s example in maintaining communal harmony and called on the international community to take effective action to stop the oppression. The protest, organized by the Dhaka Metropolitan unit of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, was held to denounce what the group described as continuous assaults and rights violations against Muslims in West Bengal, Assam, and other parts of India. Jalaluddin Ahmad also criticized the appointment of West Bengal’s new Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari, labeling him a self-proclaimed Hindutva leader, and argued that such developments show India’s democracy and religious tolerance are shrinking. He further urged the Bangladeshi government to strengthen diplomatic efforts and avoid subservience to India, emphasizing that the persecution of Muslims there is not merely an internal issue but a matter of humanity and religious freedom.

Iran has responded to the latest U.S. proposal for a ceasefire, which was conveyed through Pakistan, according to Iranian state media reports published on Sunday. The Iranian Foreign Ministry had earlier stated that it would reply only after completing necessary reviews and reaching a final decision. The proposal, sent by the United States last week, aims to halt ongoing hostilities in the region. According to Iran’s official news agency IRNA, the main objective of the current stage of talks is to end the regional war. U.S. media reported that the plan presented by the Trump administration consists of a single-page document containing 14 paragraphs. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he is awaiting Tehran’s response since the proposal was submitted. The exchange of messages through Pakistan highlights the continued diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, though the details of Iran’s response have not been disclosed in the report.

Bangladeshi-origin music producer and DJ Sanjay has been confirmed to perform at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The grand event will take place on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, United States, where Sanjay will share the stage with globally renowned artists including Katy Perry, Future, Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, J Balvin, and Lisa. Sanjay expressed his excitement on social media, describing the opportunity as an incredible milestone in his journey from a small home studio to the world stage. He has already made a mark in the music scenes of South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe-America, but this performance is expected to elevate his career to a new level. FIFA announced that each match-day show will begin 90 minutes before kickoff to encourage early attendance. The opening ceremonies in the United States and Canada will last 13 minutes, while Mexico’s will run for 16 minutes and 30 seconds. Additionally, FIFA will host special celebrations on July 4 in Philadelphia and Houston to mark the United States’ 250th Independence Day.

A surge in organized robberies has gripped the Sitakunda section of the Dhaka-Chattogram highway, one of Bangladesh’s busiest transport routes. According to local sources, gangs are attacking vehicles at night by throwing heavy objects to force them to stop, then robbing passengers at gunpoint. On May 8, robbers attempted to attack a police microbus in Bhatiari Union, but officers managed to capture one suspect. The following night, a microbus carrying wedding guests was looted in Nunachhara, with cash, phones, and jewelry taken within minutes. Residents and travelers allege that inadequate night patrols have emboldened the gangs, making key areas such as Nunachhara, Kumira, and Faujdarhat increasingly unsafe. Transport operators warn that continued insecurity could disrupt trade and logistics linked to Chattogram port, threatening the national economy. Meanwhile, Sitakunda town is also facing a rise in thefts, drug activity, and youth gang violence, heightening public anxiety. Police say investigations are underway and patrols have been reinforced, but locals question when visible improvements in safety will occur.

Iran has deployed domestically produced light submarines, known as the 'Persian Gulf Dolphins', in the strategic Strait of Hormuz to counter potential enemy warships. The announcement was made on May 10, 2026, by Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of the Iranian Navy. He stated that the submarines are designed to detect and destroy hostile vessels and can remain submerged for extended periods in the area’s strategic waters. According to the naval commander, the number of these light submarines is being increased based on existing threats, operational needs, and capabilities. The deployment was carried out as part of a mission honoring the martyrs of the Dena destroyer, during which the submarines surfaced before returning to deeper waters to continue their assigned operations. The move highlights Iran’s emphasis on strengthening its maritime defense capabilities using indigenous technology, particularly in one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has stated that extrajudicial killings can never be justified and called for ensuring public safety. In a Facebook post on Sunday, he referred to recent incidents where several people were killed in Naogaon, Chattogram, and Gazipur, including three individuals beaten to death in Gazipur’s Kaliakoir area on suspicion of cattle theft. He questioned whether these killings were signs of social disorder or expressions of public frustration caused by the lack of proper law enforcement. Dr. Rahman emphasized that no killing without trial is acceptable and that the rule of law cannot be established unless the Home Ministry, Law Ministry, and Judiciary gain public trust. He said the government’s goodwill and proper initiatives are essential to resolve such social problems effectively. According to him, no government program can succeed if public safety is ignored, and ensuring citizens’ security must come before pursuing transparent development initiatives.

The Bangladesh Navy is carrying out continuous operations to safeguard the country’s maritime boundaries, marine resources, and national economic interests. Alongside ensuring the security of commercial and fuel-carrying vessels, the Navy has been implementing two major initiatives: the ‘Jatka Elimination Prevention Operation 2026’ since February 15, 2026, and a 58-day fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal starting April 15, 2026. Under the Jatka prevention campaign, coordinated operations are being conducted across nine coastal districts including Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Chandpur, Khulna, Bagerhat, Barishal, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, and Barguna. In Barishal, the naval ship BNS Titas is leading patrols and special missions. The Navy is seizing and destroying illegal fishing nets such as current nets, mosquito nets, and China duari nets, while encouraging fishermen to follow government directives. So far, illegal nets worth about Tk 514.68 crore, totaling 34.08 million meters, have been confiscated, along with 861 prohibited nets and one boat carrying 37 kilograms of jatka. The operation will continue until May 15, 2026, with three naval ships deployed to enforce the fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal.