Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-11 has arrested the prime suspect, Abdur Rahim, aged 29, in connection with the attempted robbery and throat-slitting attack on an autorickshaw driver in Fatullah, Narayanganj. Rahim, son of Nasir Uddin from Kamaldi area under Matlab South police station in Cumilla, was detained early Friday around 2 a.m. from the Deobhog area. A knife allegedly used in the crime was also recovered from his possession. According to RAB, the incident occurred on Thursday, May 21, around noon in the Kashipur Banglabazar area of Fatullah. Two men, posing as passengers, boarded the autorickshaw of driver Aminul Islam and later tried to snatch the vehicle at a secluded spot. When Aminul resisted, one of the attackers struck him in the neck with a sharp knife, severely injuring him. Locals rushed to the scene after hearing his screams, and the assailants fled. The injured driver was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Following the attack, RAB-11 intensified surveillance and launched an operation to identify and capture those involved, leading to Rahim’s arrest.

Chattogram District Commissioner Zahidul Islam Miah said authorities are investigating whether any opportunist group was involved in Thursday night’s violence in Bakolia, which followed a child rape incident. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon while visiting the injured journalists and the assaulted child at Chattogram Medical College Hospital. The commissioner stated that instead of reacting violently after such incidents, people should unite to prevent them in the first place. He noted that the administration handled the situation with patience, but several journalists and pedestrians were injured, and both public and state property were damaged, including a police vehicle that was set on fire. He warned that certain groups might exploit public anger for their own benefit and said the matter is being seriously investigated. Zahidul Islam Miah added that if any opportunist group is found involved, action will be taken against them. The district administration has also taken responsibility for the medical treatment of the assaulted child and injured journalists.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran, according to semi-official news agency Tasnim. The two ministers reviewed the latest proposals intended to resolve remaining disagreements between the United States and Iran. Iranian state media IRNA reported that Naqvi also met President Masoud Pezeshkian, who praised Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional stability. Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Tehran is currently examining a new US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. The proposal seeks to formally conclude hostilities and establish a broader framework for addressing unresolved disputes. One of the key outstanding issues remains the status of the Strait of Hormuz. The meetings highlight ongoing diplomatic efforts involving regional and international stakeholders to reduce tensions and pursue a structured dialogue between Iran and the United States.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) forced India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to remove a bamboo post that had been placed at the zero line of the international border in the Kolsir Muk area of Kuchlibari, Patgram upazila, Lalmonirhat. The incident occurred on a Thursday morning when a BSF team allegedly violated border laws by installing the post. Upon noticing the activity, local residents and a BGB patrol team immediately lodged a strong protest, demanding the post’s removal. According to BGB sources, the Rangpur Battalion 51 issued a firm objection and instructed BSF to comply with international border regulations. Following BGB’s strict stance, BSF members admitted their mistake and removed the bamboo post. BGB officials reaffirmed that they remain vigilant against any illegal intrusion or breach of international law along the border. Lieutenant Colonel Md. Najiur Rahman, commander of Rangpur Battalion 51, confirmed the incident and stated that BSF occasionally attempts similar actions but withdraws after BGB’s firm response.

France’s government is considering imposing an additional tax on companies that have made excessive or unexpected profits due to rising energy prices triggered by the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure indicated this in an interview with Sud Radio, saying that if certain firms earned exceptional profits in this situation, they could face extra taxation. He added that the final debate on the proposal is scheduled for the coming autumn. Since the conflict began in late February, several opposition politicians in France have strongly advocated for a windfall tax on energy companies such as TotalEnergies. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, a route that previously carried about 20 percent of global oil shipments, has caused a severe energy crisis across Europe. Rising fuel and food prices have slowed France’s economic growth, prompting the government to announce large-scale domestic financial support packages to protect households and businesses from the impact of the crisis.

A new satirical political group called the National Parasitic Front (NPF) has emerged in India following the rise of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Both groups stem from a political satire movement that uses humor to address serious issues such as politics, inflation, and unemployment. The NPF was formed mainly by members of Generation Z, who are using satire as a form of protest and social commentary. The movement began after Chief Justice Surya Kant’s controversial remark comparing some unemployed youth to cockroaches, which he later clarified was misquoted and not intended as criticism. The comment sparked widespread online outrage, leading to the formation of the CJP as a satirical response. The CJP quickly gained popularity on social media, amassing nearly ten million followers on Instagram, surpassing the official handle of the ruling BJP government. The newly formed NPF positions itself as a platform for dissenters who challenge societal norms. Its messaging portrays “parasites” as citizens surviving within a fragile system, using irony to critique elitist political rhetoric while emphasizing reform from within.

The Shahjibazar 100-megawatt power plant in Habiganj has remained non-operational for six years despite the payment of Tk 600 crore and multiple repair efforts. The plant, expected to supply around 2.4 million units of electricity daily worth Tk 2 crore, has delivered only Tk 34 crore worth of power during its test phase. The project, initiated by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB) in 2017 at a cost of Tk 890 crore, was built by China Cable Corporation Engineering (CCCCE) using a General Electric LM-S100 gas turbine. It was scheduled to begin production in June 2020 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After initial testing in 2021, the turbine blades broke, causing repeated shutdowns despite subsequent repairs and component replacements. The plant last operated briefly in early 2024 before another mechanical failure in April halted production again. PDB has paid about 70 percent of the total bill, withholding 10 percent as compensation until project completion. Officials said the government may take over operations if the contractor fails to meet obligations. Discussions are ongoing between the Chinese and American firms for technical support, with a tentative plan to restart the plant by June 2027 if progress continues as planned.

British police have appealed to the public for information regarding alleged misconduct by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III. Thames Valley Police announced on Friday that they are examining several aspects of Andrew’s behavior based on files released by the U.S. Department of Justice related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The force has already spoken with several witnesses and is also investigating a serious allegation that a woman was taken to a Windsor address in 2010 for sexual purposes. Investigators have contacted the woman’s legal representatives, assuring that her case will be treated with care if she chooses to come forward. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright described the inquiry as complex and urged anyone with information to contact police. The force is also assisting other UK police units in reaching out to Epstein’s victims and survivors. The renewed appeal follows the release of government documents showing that Andrew’s 2001 appointment as special trade envoy occurred without background or security checks. Andrew, arrested in February 2026 on suspicion of misconduct but not formally charged, continues to deny all allegations.

China has called on the United States to refrain from making threats of force and to stop using sanctions and judicial measures against Cuba. The appeal was made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a regular briefing on Thursday, where he emphasized that Washington should cease actions that undermine Cuba’s sovereignty. Guo stated that China firmly supports Cuba’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and national dignity and opposes any form of external interference. His remarks came after the United States filed charges of murder and conspiracy against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft between Cuba and Florida, an incident that continues to strain U.S.-Cuba relations. Cuba has rejected the U.S. charges as politically motivated, while China’s comments signal its alignment with Havana and opposition to U.S. pressure tactics in the region.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued 21 fishermen held hostage by the notorious Dayal Bahini and Boro Jahangir Bahini during two separate operations in the Sundarbans. The operations were conducted under the ongoing campaigns “Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans” and “Operation Mangrove Shield.” A single-barrel gun and several rounds of ammunition were seized during the raids, according to a press release issued on May 22, 2026. The first operation took place early on May 21 in the Andarmanik area of Koyra, Khulna, where 10 fishermen were freed after the gang fled into the forest. Later that day, another operation was carried out in the Boro Dudhmukh canal area of Dakop, Khulna, where 11 more fishermen were rescued following an exchange of gunfire. The armed robbers managed to escape, leaving behind the seized weapon and ammunition. Authorities stated that legal action regarding the recovered arms is underway and that the rescued fishermen are being returned to their families. The Coast Guard reaffirmed its commitment to continue such operations until the Sundarbans region is completely free of bandit activity.

A Jamaat-e-Islami leader named Zillur Rahman was critically injured in an attack allegedly carried out by activists of the banned Awami League in Bhangura upazila of Pabna on Thursday night. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on the Kalinjira Bridge in Khanmarich Union. Locals rescued the bloodied victim and took him to the upazila health complex, from where he was later referred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital in critical condition. The identities of the attackers were not immediately known. Earlier that morning, Zillur Rahman reportedly had an argument with several Awami League workers and slapped one of them, which is believed to have triggered the later assault. Following the attack, local Member of Parliament Maulana Ali Asgar and his supporters went to the police station around 10 p.m. to express anger and demanded the arrest of the attackers within 24 hours, warning of tougher action if their demand was not met. Bhangura Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sakiul Azam confirmed the incident and said a case was being filed. He declined to reveal the attackers’ names for investigation purposes.

A newly built guide wall along the Banshai River in Madhupur upazila of Tangail collapsed only 15 days after completion, raising fears that the adjacent road may also give way. The wall was constructed using cement and stone blocks under a palisading method to protect the road from river erosion. The incident occurred in Malkha village of Kuraliya Union. Locals blamed contractor corruption and poor engineering supervision for the failure. According to project details, the 2.2-kilometer Chunia-Malkha road was approved in the 2021–2022 fiscal period with an estimated cost of about 21.4 million taka. The contract was awarded to M/s Mitu Traders of Jamalpur for nearly 19.9 million taka. After delays and the contractor’s disappearance, a sub-contractor named Lichu Mia resumed work early this year and completed it on April 30. Residents said low-quality materials were used despite their warnings. Sub-contractor Lichu Mia attributed the collapse to untimely rainfall and water seeping under the blocks, promising repairs within days. The assistant engineer cited heavy rain as a possible cause, while the executive engineer declined comment without higher authorization.

Mohammad Selim Uddin, a central executive council member of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Ameer of Dhaka North, has called on the new generation to accept global challenges and work for worldwide transformation based on the ideals of the Quran and Sunnah. He made these remarks on Friday morning at a reunion of former members of the student Islamic movement organized by Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka North’s Hatirjheel region. Selim Uddin emphasized that human welfare cannot be achieved through man-made laws and that establishing the faith (Deen) is the ultimate purpose of life. He urged unity and perseverance in the mission of upholding Islam, noting that the path of Islamic movements has historically been difficult and filled with oppression. He accused the current Awami League government of killing Jamaat’s top leaders and called on the youth to fulfill the dreams of those he described as martyrs. The event was presided over by regional director Hemayet Hossain and conducted by assistant regional director Ataur Rahman Sarkar, with several local leaders also addressing the gathering.

The Delhi government has announced strict restrictions on animal sacrifice ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra stated that sacrificing cows, calves, camels, or any other prohibited animals within the city is completely illegal. Sacrifices are only permitted in authorized and designated slaughterhouses, and performing them in open spaces, streets, or public areas is strictly banned. Violations will lead to criminal cases and legal action. The government has also prohibited the disposal of blood or waste from sacrifices into drains or streets, requiring all waste to be managed only at approved sites. Additionally, setting up or operating unauthorized livestock markets on roads or in alleys has been declared illegal. To ensure enforcement, Delhi’s administration has instructed the police to remain vigilant and urged citizens to report any violations directly to the police or the city’s development department. These measures aim to maintain public order and hygiene during the festival period, according to the official announcement.

A new study published in The Lancet reports that around 1.2 billion people worldwide suffered from mental illnesses in 2023, marking a 95.5 percent increase since 1990. The research, based on data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study 2023, found anxiety and depression to be the most prevalent conditions, followed by personality disorders. The study analyzed mental health trends across 204 countries and regions, highlighting that the world is entering an alarming phase of mental health burden. Lead author Dr. Damian Santomauro of the University of Queensland expressed concern over the scale of the increase, calling for global leadership to address the crisis. The study noted that women are more affected overall, while autism, ADHD, conduct disorder, and personality disorders are more common among men. Mental illness has become a leading cause of disability, with the highest rates now seen among those aged 15 to 19. Experts cited factors such as lifestyle stress, economic instability, trauma, inadequate healthcare, and social isolation as key drivers. They urged improvements in mental health services and lifestyle balance to meet growing global needs.