Authorities in Barguna seized around 2.3 million bagda shrimp fry worth approximately one crore taka on Friday, May 22, 2026. The operation took place in the municipal bus terminal area, where two truck drivers were detained. Acting on intelligence from the National Security Intelligence (NSI), the joint drive was conducted by the district administration and the district fisheries office to intercept the illegal transport of shrimp fry from coastal rivers in Patuakhali’s Kalapara area to Khulna. The confiscated fry were released into the Bishkhali River at the Baraitala ferry ghat area in the presence of the district fisheries officer and an assistant commissioner. District Fisheries Officer Ziauddin Ahmed stated that similar drives had been conducted earlier, including one in Taltali where 79 drums were seized and fines imposed. In the latest operation, 227 drums containing about 2.3 million fry were recovered and released. He added that despite limited manpower, such drives will continue to curb illegal fry collection and transport.

Muslims in France and several other European countries will celebrate Eid al-Adha on May 27, 2026, in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s announcement. Large numbers of Muslims, including Bangladeshi expatriates living in French cities, are preparing for the festival. Preparations for animal sacrifices are underway both in France and abroad, with Bangladeshi businesses in Paris already taking orders for sacrificial animals. According to a France-based Muslim organization, the festival will mark the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, 1447 Hijri, while the Day of Arafat will be observed on May 26. The organization has urged Muslims to attend Eid prayers and emphasized the importance of performing sacrifices responsibly, following both religious and health guidelines. Eid congregations will be held in mosques across French cities with administrative approval, and special arrangements are being made for worshippers, according to local authorities.

Bus owners and workers in Gazipur Metropolitan held a human chain protest in Tongi on Friday afternoon, demanding an immediate halt to the alleged illegal operation of Victor Classic Transport buses. The demonstration took place on the BRT flyover near Tongi Bazar along the Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway, with participation from over a hundred transport owners, drivers, and labor leaders from various city routes. Speakers at the event claimed that Victor Classic buses are only permitted to operate within Ashulia and Baimail areas of Dhaka district but are illegally running on Gazipur roads with the help of certain officials and influential individuals. They said this unauthorized operation is causing severe financial losses to legitimate local transport businesses and worsening traffic congestion on the highway, increasing passenger suffering. The protesters urged the administration to take immediate action to stop the unlicensed buses and warned of tougher programs if their demands are ignored.

The Kolkata High Court has upheld a state government notification maintaining a ban on the slaughter of bulls, oxen, cows, calves, and buffaloes in West Bengal ahead of Eid al-Adha. The division bench of Chief Justice Joy Pal and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen ruled that the May 13, 2026 notification merely implemented a 2018 court directive and therefore did not warrant suspension or cancellation. The court also stated that cow sacrifice is not a mandatory religious practice in Islam. According to the state notification, these animals cannot be slaughtered without certification declaring them unfit and may only be slaughtered in authorized abattoirs. Following the ruling, reports from India’s Aaj Tak media indicated that Hindu men and women in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas, protested the decision, rejecting the restriction on cow sacrifice and demanding permission to sell cattle. The court’s decision reinforces earlier judicial restrictions on cattle slaughter in the state, while the protests highlight ongoing tensions surrounding religious and cultural practices linked to animal sacrifice.

The Indian central government has decided to bring back several individuals who were previously sent to Bangladesh to verify their Indian citizenship status. The decision was disclosed to the Supreme Court on Friday, following a case filed by the central government challenging a September 2025 Calcutta High Court ruling that had declared the deportation of Sonali Khatun and others to Bangladesh illegal. Earlier, the Supreme Court had allowed Sonali Khatun and her eight-year-old child to re-enter India on humanitarian grounds after they had been sent to Bangladesh. The court also directed the West Bengal government to ensure their care and medical support. The case stems from the detention of several families in Delhi’s Rohini area in June 2025, who were suspected of being Bangladeshi nationals and subsequently deported. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant that the government would repatriate the individuals within eight to ten days and verify their citizenship before deciding on further action. The next hearing is scheduled for July.

Ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, several universities across Bangladesh have arranged special bus services to help students travel home safely. However, Rajshahi University (RU) has not introduced any such initiative, leading to frustration and anger among its students. The absence of special transport arrangements has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with students calling it a sign of administrative indifference. Students alleged that while university buses are often used for private or ceremonial purposes, the administration showed reluctance to allocate them for Eid travel. RU Central Students’ Union (RACSU) General Secretary Salauddin Ammar stated that they had contacted the transport office about launching special buses, but were told that only the vice-chancellor could authorize travel outside Rajshahi. As the vice-chancellor is currently abroad, the plan could not proceed despite RACSU’s offer to cover fuel costs. Newly appointed Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Abdul Alim said he was unaware of the details and that the matter would be clarified once the vice-chancellor returns. Students believe administrative indecision has worsened their travel difficulties compared to other universities.

A seven-year-old girl was allegedly subjected to an attempted rape in the Hajipara Sunnia Madrasa area of Chattogram’s Double Mooring police station on Friday around noon. Locals caught the accused young man and beat him before police arrived. When officers tried to control the situation, an angry crowd surrounded them, leaving the police trapped for nearly two hours. The child was taken to the One Stop Crisis Center at Chattogram Medical College Hospital in critical condition and is under intensive observation. According to Double Mooring Police Station Officer-in-Charge Jamal Uddin, the police team reached the scene after receiving the report but faced strong resistance from residents. The accused was later rescued and taken to the police station for questioning. Witnesses said the man tried to drag the child to a secluded spot before locals intervened. Chattogram Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner (Media) Aminur Rashid stated that the case is being investigated seriously, and the victim’s family has been provided with necessary medical and support services.

State Minister for Shipping Md. Rajib Ahsan MP conducted surprise inspections at offices under the Ministry of Shipping in Barishal and Dhaka. During the visits, he found several officials and employees absent without prior permission and others arriving late. Expressing strong dissatisfaction, the minister directed authorities to take administrative action for negligence and breach of discipline. Following his instructions, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) transferred 13 officials and employees from its Barishal office, including nine from the dredging division, two from the vessel maintenance and operations division, one from the port and transport division, and one from the accounts division. Additionally, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) transferred three officials and employees. The State Minister instructed all ministry and agency staff to maintain punctuality and perform duties with dedication and responsibility. He also announced that similar surprise inspections would continue to ensure discipline, accountability, and service quality in government offices.

A one-kilometer road construction project in Raiganj, Nageshwari upazila of Kurigram, remains incomplete nearly three years after work began. The project, valued at about one crore taka and scheduled for completion within one and a half years under the rural infrastructure development program, has seen repeated delays. Despite two deadline extensions, around half of the work remains unfinished, while the contractor has reportedly withdrawn 80 percent of the project payment. Locals report severe suffering due to the poor condition of the road. Field observations revealed the use of substandard materials, including brick debris instead of sand, leaving the road uneven and damaged by rain. Residents allege that the main contractor, Oni Traders, subcontracted the work to local businessmen without proper oversight. The upazila engineer, newly assigned to the area, said he would investigate and take legal action if irregularities are confirmed. The district engineer also promised an inquiry and possible contract cancellation if wrongdoing is found. Repeated attempts to contact Oni Traders’ owner were unsuccessful, as his phone remained switched off.

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anwar announced that a permanent embankment will be constructed along the Jamuna River in Tangail to prevent erosion. The initiative, estimated to cost around Tk 50 crore, was revealed during a views-exchange meeting held on Friday, May 22, in the Charpauli area on the riverbank. The minister stated that river erosion along the Jamuna causes significant damage every year, affecting numerous residents. To address this, the government has undertaken a long-term plan to protect erosion-prone areas of Tangail through the construction of a permanent embankment. The project is expected to begin in the upcoming fiscal year. Speakers at the meeting, including the State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku and Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque, noted that the embankment would help save farmland, homes, and infrastructure from being lost to the river, while also contributing to local economic development.

Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam has acknowledged state failure in preventing road accident deaths. Speaking on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Cumilla District Shilpakala Academy, he said the government accepts responsibility for these fatalities and will remain alert to the needs of affected families. The event distributed compensation checks to victims’ families and promoted road safety awareness. The minister stated that no state can fully compensate for the loss of loved ones but assured that families of victims will receive priority in employment, education, and services. He also discussed preparations for the upcoming Eid travel rush, describing the safe transport of 15 million people and 10 million sacrificial animals within three days as a major challenge. He expressed hope for smooth travel if citizens cooperate and weather conditions remain stable. Referring to a recent accident in Cumilla’s Paduar Bazar area, the minister announced plans to upgrade the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway to eight lanes with additional service lanes, and to build underpasses and overpasses to improve safety.

Police in Chapainawabganj recovered the hanging body of Iman Ahmed Payel, a local Chhatra League leader, from his home in Shibganj municipality on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4 p.m., and officers arrived at the scene after being informed by family members. Payel was the son of Silu Moharil from Pithalitla village and served as the joint general secretary of the Shibganj municipal unit of the Chhatra League. According to family members, Payel had been suffering from depression due to personal and family issues. On Friday, before the Jumu’ah prayer, he reportedly had an argument with his disabled mother and later locked himself in his room, where he was found hanging. Police recovered the body and sent it to Chapainawabganj District Hospital morgue for autopsy. Officer-in-Charge Matiur Rahman of Shibganj Police Station confirmed the recovery and said no complaint had been filed by the family. Legal action will be taken after receiving the autopsy report.

Armed assailants set fire to an excavator and other equipment used in the Pilak canal re-excavation project in Guimara upazila of Khagrachhari district. The incident occurred on Wednesday night, and local authorities, including the Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mishkatul Tamanna and police, inspected the site the following morning. Police confirmed that the excavator was completely destroyed by fire. The canal re-excavation is part of the nationwide “Canal Re-excavation Program 2026,” initiated to fulfill Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s election pledge. The Pilak canal project, costing 18 million taka, covers five kilometers, while the Teimatai canal project, costing 15.4 million taka, spans 4.1 kilometers. Earlier this month, local leaders of the regional group UPDF were accused of threatening project workers to halt operations unless extortion demands were met. The two projects had created employment for 773 low-income residents. UPDF local organizer Durjoy Chakma denied involvement, calling the allegations false and conspiratorial. Police and administrative officials stated that legal action would be taken if formal complaints are filed.

Police in Bhangura upazila of Pabna have arrested two people, a father and son, in connection with an attack on Jamaat-e-Islami leader Zillur Rahman. The detainees, identified as Ainal Hossain, 60, and his son Hafizul Islam, 35, were arrested early Friday, May 22, during a police operation. Authorities said both are involved with the banned Awami League politics. The attack took place on Thursday night around 8:30 p.m. on the Kalinjira Bridge in Khanmarich Union, leaving Rahman critically injured. He is now receiving treatment in the ICU of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Following the incident, a case was filed with Bhangura Police Station accusing 10 named individuals and about 50 unidentified persons of attempted murder. Officer-in-Charge Shafiul Azam stated that the arrested duo were sent to Pabna Jail through court on Friday morning. Police operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects. The investigation is continuing as law enforcement seeks to identify and arrest others involved in the violent attack.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wedeful announced that Berlin is preparing to participate in a United Kingdom-led mission aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz. He clarified that Germany does not view this as a NATO mission. The statement was made on May 22, 2026, as reported by Al Jazeera. Wedeful also welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy an additional 5,000 American troops to Poland. He urged the United States to proceed with its original plan to deploy long-range missiles in Germany. The German minister’s remarks came shortly after Trump reversed an earlier decision to withdraw about 5,000 troops from Poland within six to twelve months. The developments highlight shifting defense alignments in Europe and renewed cooperation among Western allies over regional security and deterrence strategies, particularly concerning the Middle East and Eastern Europe.