Speculation has intensified within Khulna WASA over who will be appointed as project director of the Tk 2,598 crore Khulna Water Supply Project-2. Despite not being on the official shortlist, executive engineer Md. Rezaul Islam reportedly attended an interview at the ministry last Wednesday. His sudden appearance and past controversies have sparked criticism, with concerns that his appointment could lead to irregularities affecting city residents. According to office sources, the interview was held under the chairmanship of Local Government Division Secretary Shahidul Hasan. Official invitations were sent to three other engineers, but Rezaul Islam appeared without one. He had previously served briefly as acting project director in December 2025, a move that drew allegations of financial dealings and political favoritism. Later, he was removed following protests and written complaints from student and civic groups. The final decision on the appointment has not yet been announced. The Local Government Division is expected to issue an official notification soon, while calls for transparency and oversight continue within Khulna WASA and the local engineering community.

A Japanese-managed oil tanker named Idemitsu Maru has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since a blockade, according to Japan’s public broadcaster NHK. The Panama-flagged vessel is carrying about two million barrels of crude oil from Saudi Arabia and is expected to arrive at a refinery in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture next Monday. NHK reported that three crew members holding Japanese citizenship on board are safe and in good condition. The successful passage marks a significant development for Japan’s energy transport operations following the disruption caused by the blockade. The tanker’s journey underscores Japan’s continued reliance on Middle Eastern crude oil and the importance of secure maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The report did not specify details about the blockade’s duration or the conditions that allowed the tanker to resume passage, leaving some uncertainty about the broader regional situation.

Iran’s Defense Ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik stated that U.S. President Donald Trump has no alternative but to accept Tehran’s demands and recognize Iran’s rights. He asserted that both in war and diplomacy, the only viable path for what he called the “American-Zionist enemy” is to comply with Iran’s positions. Talaei-Nik warned that if the opposing side refuses to acknowledge the Iranian people’s legitimate demands, Trump and his allies would face greater costs and continued defeats. He accused Trump of neglecting U.S. national interests and claimed that Washington’s close alignment with Israel would drag it deeper into conflict. The remarks came amid rising tensions in the Middle East and ongoing strain in Iran-U.S. relations, reflecting Tehran’s increasingly assertive tone in the face of regional and international pressure.

A three-year-old girl was raped in the Baklia Chairman Ghat area of Chattogram on Thursday afternoon. The accused, identified as Md Monir, lured the child to a nearby decoration warehouse under the pretext of playing and assaulted her there. Police said Monir, a decoration worker originally from Cumilla, confessed to the crime under Section 164 before a court, which later sent him to jail. The child’s mother filed a case with Baklia Police Station following the incident. According to police and neighbors, Monir lived in a rented house in the same neighborhood with his wife and two daughters. The child’s parents were at work when the assault occurred, and her grandmother discovered her injured. The incident sparked outrage among residents, some of whom demanded that police hand over the accused. Police intervened to prevent mob violence but faced attacks from masked individuals. The clashes continued until 3 a.m. Friday, injuring at least ten people, including police and journalists. Seven suspects were detained, and a case was filed over the violence.

A gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China’s Shanxi province has killed 90 people, marking the country’s deadliest mining accident in more than a decade. The incident occurred at the Liusheniu coal mine in Changzhi city on Friday evening around 7:30 p.m. local time. At the time of the explosion, 247 workers were inside the mine. By Saturday morning, at least 201 workers had been rescued, while nine others remained missing. According to state broadcaster CCTV, rescue operations are still underway, and the number of casualties is being verified. The state news agency Xinhua reported that carbon monoxide levels inside the mine had dangerously exceeded safety limits before the explosion. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered a full-scale rescue effort and called for a thorough investigation into the incident, instructing that those responsible be held legally accountable.

Two major eco-friendly tourism projects in Sitakunda, Chattogram—DC Park and Guliakhali Sea Beach—are drawing growing attention for their integration of environmental conservation, greenery, and sustainable development. According to the district administration, Guliakhali Beach’s 259.1 acres of government land have been declared a protected tourism zone, with a master plan underway to develop international-standard facilities including hotels, resorts, and improved transport links. The beach’s unique landscape of mangrove forest, tidal canals, and green grasslands has already become a favorite among visitors. At DC Park, extensive beautification and greening activities are ongoing. Over 10,000 trees of 54 species have been planted this May, supported by upgraded irrigation, lighting, and security systems. The initiative, inspired by the successful “Green and Clean” program in Narayanganj, aims to balance the urban environment, reduce air pollution, and support the government’s goal of planting 250 million trees in five years. Officials and locals believe these projects will boost eco-tourism, create jobs, and strengthen local economic activity while preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable urbanization.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman departed from Dhaka on Saturday morning, May 23, 2026, to attend several programs in Mymensingh’s Trishal upazila. According to the Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony, the Prime Minister left his Tejgaon office at 11:05 a.m. by road. His schedule includes inaugurating the re-excavation of the historic ‘Dharar Khal’ in Kanhur village under Bailor Union. Following the inauguration, he is expected to take a short break at the Trishal Nazrul Dak Bungalow before attending the national event marking the 127th birth anniversary of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at 3 p.m. Later, at 5 p.m., he will join an organizational meeting of the Mymensingh North, South, and Metropolitan BNP units at the Trishal Nazrul Auditorium. The Prime Minister is scheduled to return to Dhaka by road at around 6:30 p.m. after completing the day’s programs.

A government ban on cattle sacrifice ahead of Eid al-Adha has triggered a severe downturn in livestock markets across West Bengal. The enforcement of the 1950 West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act has left thousands of cattle traders, farmers, transport workers, and market laborers struggling. Hindu cattle traders, who traditionally rely on Muslim buyers during the Eid season, have expressed the most frustration, saying the restrictions have halted sales and caused major financial losses. Videos circulating on social media show Hindu traders voicing anger and despair over the administration’s decision, claiming Muslim buyers now fear visiting markets. Some traders said they took large loans expecting Eid sales, while others described being unable to sell animals due to police surveillance. Religious leaders have urged restraint and suggested alternatives like goat or sheep sacrifice to prevent unrest. Human rights activists and analysts noted that the long-standing economic ties between Hindu sellers and Muslim buyers in rural Bengal are under strain. Despite official claims that the move targets no community, the timing and strict enforcement have created uncertainty and hardship for low-income groups dependent on the Eid livestock trade.

SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft, developed by U.S. entrepreneur Elon Musk’s company, crashed into the Indian Ocean after a test flight and subsequently exploded. The launch took place at 5:30 p.m. local time on Friday, marking the first major test of the third-generation version of Starship. Live footage showed the spacecraft reaching space and completing several planned maneuvers before catching fire and exploding during a controlled descent over the ocean. According to the source, SpaceX considered the test a success despite the explosion, as the main objective was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new design. During the flight, Starship executed a maneuver to flip from an inverted position and reignite its engines to regain control. Although one engine failed, the remaining engines allowed the spacecraft to maintain stability. The test provided SpaceX with data on the performance of its redesigned systems, which the company views as a step forward in its ongoing development program.

A seminar titled “Persecution of Muslims in India: Politics, Identity and Minority Rights Conflict” began on Saturday morning under the initiative of Friends of Humanity. The event was chaired by the organization’s chairman, Dr. Khondaker Rashedul Haque, with Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh, attending as the chief guest. Prominent journalist and academic Md. Shah Alam presented a paper at the seminar, which was attended by several notable figures including Professor Dr. Shajahan Khan and former army officer Lieutenant Colonel Hasinur Rahman. In his presentation, Md. Shah Alam highlighted recent incidents of persecution and human rights violations against Muslims and other minorities in India. The seminar focused on the political and social dimensions of these issues, examining how identity and minority rights are being challenged in the current context. The discussion aimed to raise awareness about the situation of minorities in India and to encourage dialogue on protecting human rights and ensuring equality across communities.

India’s government has announced a new initiative to strengthen security along its borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan, covering nearly 6,000 kilometers. Home Minister Amit Shah said in New Delhi that the project will deploy drones, radars, and surveillance cameras across the frontier areas. The implementation is expected to begin within a year, with the Border Security Force (BSF) receiving full technical support from the government. Shah added that fencing work along unfenced sections of the Bangladesh border will be expedited. India and Bangladesh share a 4,096-kilometer border, of which about 1,650 kilometers are already fenced, leaving 569 kilometers without fencing. The longest stretch of this border lies in West Bengal, spanning approximately 2,219 kilometers. According to the report, the project aims to enhance monitoring and control along sensitive border zones, particularly where physical barriers are incomplete or absent.

A case has been filed following a violent clash between students of Shaheed Abrar Fahad Hall and Shaheed Noor Hossain Hall at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University in Dinajpur. The university’s proctor, Professor Dr. Md. Nowshar Wan, lodged the case at Dinajpur Kotwali Police Station just after midnight on Friday, May 22, naming seven students and listing 100 to 120 others as unidentified. Police have so far arrested four individuals in connection with the incident. According to the case statement, on Thursday afternoon, over a hundred students armed with local weapons and sticks vandalized property inside Shaheed Noor Hossain Hall, causing damage estimated between three and three and a half lakh taka. The attackers also injured Assistant Proctor Mobinul Islam and three students, and allegedly issued threats. The named accused include students from various departments and batches of the university. Dinajpur Kotwali Police Station’s officer-in-charge, Md. Nurun Nabi, confirmed the arrests and said efforts are ongoing to detain the remaining suspects.

A violent criminal network named 'B Company' has quietly expanded across Khulna, modeled after India's underworld 'D Company'. The group is allegedly led by fugitive gangster Roni Chowdhury Babu, known as 'Grenade Babu', who was convicted in a 2010 murder case and has long evaded capture. Law enforcement sources link his organization to at least 21 of 60 murders in Khulna over the past year, driven by turf wars, drug trafficking, and extortion. Despite his violent record, Babu has cultivated a Robin Hood image by distributing food and drinks to the poor under the alias 'Nawab'. Police raids have uncovered weapons, cash, and foreign currency from his residence, while his followers continue to operate in several city wards. Authorities say his influence extends beyond Khulna’s metropolitan area, centered around Rupsa. Recent clashes between rival gangs and the release of other extremist leaders have heightened public fear. Police intelligence units are now working to locate Babu and dismantle his network, which they describe as one of the most serious threats to local law and order. Officials acknowledge that dismantling this entrenched mafia, which uses charity as cover, remains a major challenge for Khulna’s security forces.

Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran on Friday, according to Iranian state media. The two officials discussed Iran’s ongoing diplomatic efforts and new initiatives aimed at halting the war. Their talks, which continued into the night, also focused on regional security conditions and measures to prevent further escalation of conflict. Reports said both sides exchanged views on recent diplomatic steps taken to stop the spread of war and end the ongoing hostilities. The meeting highlighted the importance of coordinated regional efforts to maintain stability amid rising tensions. In recent weeks, Islamabad has intensified its mediation role between Washington and Tehran. Pakistan has previously maintained communication channels to help ease U.S.-Iran tensions. Earlier, Araghchi had visited Islamabad for talks with Munir on ceasefire prospects, peace negotiations, and regional stability.

A deadly shooting outside the Islamic Center of San Diego in Southern California has left the local Muslim community in shock and mourning. Two gunmen opened fire just before Monday’s noon prayer, killing Amin Abdullah, Nadir Awad, and Mansur Kazihah. Authorities recovered extremist writings from the attackers and are investigating the incident as a hate crime. Police said the suspects were influenced by neo-Nazi propaganda and previous anti-Muslim attacks, including the 2019 Christchurch massacre. Community members expressed anger toward city leaders for ignoring years of warnings about growing Islamophobia. More than two thousand people attended the victims’ funeral, while rights groups reported a sharp rise in anti-Muslim incidents since the Gaza war began. Local lawyer Osama Shabaik and student Samar Ismail criticized Mayor Todd Gloria for failing to protect the community and for his past associations with pro-Israel groups. The attack shattered the sense of safety many worshippers once felt at the mosque. Residents said the Islamic Center, which also runs a school for 140 children, had always seemed secure, but the tragedy has deepened fear and mistrust across San Diego’s Muslim community.