Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, where he humorously gifted her a packet of 'Melody' chocolate-caramel toffees made by Parle Products. Following Meloni’s sharing of the gift video on social media, the clip quickly went viral, sparking a wave of online memes combining their names as 'Melody'. Within minutes of the video’s circulation, investors on Dalal Street began searching for 'Parle' on the Bombay Stock Exchange and rushed to buy its shares. However, they mistakenly purchased shares of Parle Industries, a company unrelated to Parle Products, which actually manufactures Melody toffees but is not publicly listed. Parle Industries operates in infrastructure, housing, paper, and recycling sectors. Despite a broader market downturn due to global concerns over the Iran war, Parle Industries’ share price rose by 5 percent within an hour of the video’s release, climbing from 4.95 to 5.25 rupees. The company’s stock, which had fallen 68 percent over the past year, briefly rebounded thanks to the viral diplomatic moment.

An opinion piece published on May 21, 2026, in Bangladesh’s newspaper Amar Desh warns that the country’s sacrificial animal leather sector has long been dominated by a manipulative syndicate. The article states that this group artificially lowers prices, controls the market, and deprives grassroots collectors, pushing the industry toward severe crisis. Once sold for several thousand taka, hides are now often sold for only a few hundred, with many left unsold or discarded, causing major economic and social losses. The report highlights that Qawmi madrasas and orphanages, which rely heavily on proceeds from collected hides, are among the worst affected. Many institutions have reduced or stopped collection due to persistent losses. The author argues that government-fixed prices have historically favored syndicates, leaving collectors unable to recover even preservation costs. As a result, intermediaries profit while religious and charitable organizations suffer. The article urges the government to set realistic prices, dismantle syndicates, and provide direct support for madrasas and orphanages to sell hides fairly, calling for urgent and visible action to protect this vital national resource.

A BNP leader named Osman Gani, aged 40, was allegedly hacked to death in a dispute over illegal soil extraction in Araihazar upazila of Narayanganj. The incident occurred around 12:45 a.m. on Wednesday night in the Kaoundar Chak area near the Bil of Panchgaon Charpara under Duptara Union. Gani, the general secretary of Brahmandi Union BNP, was attacked following a conflict with Duptara Union Swechchhasebak Dal member-secretary Ramzan Ali over the use of an excavator for unauthorized soil cutting. Following the killing, relatives and BNP activists blocked the Araihazar-Gausia road in the Binairchar area on Thursday morning, vandalizing several vehicles and causing severe traffic congestion. Police detained four individuals for questioning. Local residents alleged that illegal soil extraction had been ongoing in the area for a long time without administrative action. Araihazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Alauddin said additional police forces were deployed to control the situation and that efforts were underway to identify and arrest those involved in the murder.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited the family of eight-year-old Ramisa, who was raped and murdered in Dhaka’s Pallabi area. The visit took place on Thursday night, where the Prime Minister spoke with Ramisa’s parents and relatives, offering condolences. Earlier, the State Minister for Sports had also visited the family to express sympathy. The Law and Home Ministers assured that justice for Ramisa’s killing would be ensured swiftly. Law Minister Asaduzzaman instructed the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner to submit the investigation report within seven days. Ministry sources confirmed that the main accused, Sohel Rana, confessed in court to raping and killing Ramisa. The authorities have pledged to complete the trial quickly. Following his statement under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code, a Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate ordered Sohel Rana to be sent to jail. According to the case filed by Ramisa’s father, Abdul Hannan Mollah, Sohel Rana, his wife Swapna Akter, and another unidentified person were accused. All have been arrested and sent to jail by court order.

A commentary by researcher Amir Khasru, published on May 21, 2026, examines why South Asia has not achieved the kind of unity seen in the European Union. The article argues that despite shared geography and history, the region remains divided by mistrust, power imbalances, and dominance-driven policies, particularly from larger neighbors. It contrasts this with Europe’s transformation from centuries of wars into a cooperative union built on equality and shared interests. The piece highlights Nepal’s recent assertion of independence from Indian influence, including rejecting diplomatic overtures and enforcing border restrictions. It also cites strained India relations with Maldives, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, noting border killings and disputes over water sharing and infrastructure projects. The author references a Chatham House study urging South Asian nations to pursue strategic autonomy and balanced diplomacy. The analysis concludes that South Asia cannot emulate the EU’s cohesion until bilateral relations are based on justice, equality, and mutual respect rather than dominance or intervention. It recalls former President Ziaur Rahman’s early efforts to form SAARC and its eventual stagnation as evidence of persistent regional discord.

Bangladesh’s key Boro rice crop has suffered major losses due to sudden flash floods in the haor regions, submerging thousands of acres of farmland. Farmers report yields less than half of last year’s levels, with poor grain quality adding to their distress. The disaster has sparked concerns over food security and potential pressure on the rice market, as Boro typically supplies more than half of the nation’s rice demand. Agriculture officials have disputed the scale of the damage, estimating losses at 10–12 percent of total demand, while field data suggest up to 30 percent losses in some areas. The government has set a procurement target of 1.9 million tons of food grains, including 500,000 tons of paddy directly from farmers, but collection remains behind schedule. Economists warn that the shortfall could force rice imports if domestic stocks fall short. Experts note that climate change is increasing flood risks in haor areas, urging investment in flood-tolerant rice varieties, crop insurance, and faster harvesting systems to prevent recurring crises.

Police in Narsingdi have arrested Sabuj Mia, the prime suspect in the murder of a nine-year-old boy named Ramim in Palash upazila’s Gajaria area. The arrest took place on Wednesday morning at the Arshinnagar railway station area. Sabuj, son of Lokman Hossain from Char Karardi village, had been on the run since the incident. Law enforcement officials said he was captured with the help of information technology while attempting to flee to another location. According to police, on May 6, Sabuj and three others—Faisal, Shishir, and Babu—allegedly took Ramim to a rickshaw garage in Gajaria Bazar, where they pumped air into his body through his rectum and mouth using a machine. The child was critically injured and later died while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Following the incident, Ramim’s father, Ripon Mia, filed a murder case against the four accused at Palash Police Station. Police have sought a seven-day remand for Sabuj and are continuing efforts to arrest the remaining suspects.

Bangladesh’s private sector investment and credit growth have sharply declined, leading to the slowest GDP expansion in five years. According to Bangladesh Bank data, private sector credit growth fell to 4.72 percent in March 2026, the lowest in the country’s history. Private investment dropped to 22.03 percent of GDP in the 2024–25 fiscal year, the weakest ratio in a decade. The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics reported GDP growth at 3.49 percent, down from 4.22 percent the previous year. The slowdown follows prolonged political unrest, factory shutdowns, and persistent energy shortages. A contractionary monetary policy has kept interest rates high, further discouraging borrowing. Despite a change in government after the 2024 uprising, economic conditions have not improved significantly. Bangladesh Bank officials described the credit contraction as disappointing but noted government efforts to reopen closed factories. Economists warned that without a supportive investment environment, job creation and GDP growth will remain constrained. They identified high lending rates, energy crises, and global instability as key obstacles to recovery.

Iran is reviewing the United States’ feedback on the wording of a proposed ceasefire agreement draft, according to a report by Iran’s Nour News Agency. The report stated that Washington and Tehran have exchanged several messages regarding the draft, excluding Pakistan from the direct communication. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed that the exchanges were based on Iran’s main 14-point framework and that the U.S. opinions are currently under review. Baghaei made the remarks during a meeting with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was visiting Tehran. The discussions between Washington and Tehran are being facilitated by Islamabad, which is playing a mediating role in the process. The report did not specify the content of the U.S. feedback or the timeline for Iran’s review, leaving the next steps in the ceasefire negotiations unclear.

European Council President António Costa has expressed strong anger and astonishment over the behavior of Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir toward detained members of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. In a post on social media platform X, Costa said he was shocked by the treatment of the flotilla participants. Costa described the minister’s actions as completely unacceptable and called for the immediate release of those detained. His remarks came after reports that the flotilla, carrying humanitarian assistance toward Gaza, had been intercepted and its members detained by Israeli authorities. The statement underscores growing diplomatic concern in Europe regarding Israel’s handling of humanitarian missions to Gaza, as reflected in Costa’s public condemnation and demand for swift action.

National Citizen Party (NCP) South Region chief organizer and Comilla-4 Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah has called on the government to introduce a 'Justice Card' to ensure fair access to justice for ordinary citizens. He made the demand on Wednesday evening while addressing a street rally in Nangalkot, Comilla, where he served as the chief guest. Abdullah criticized the government for launching various cards such as family and farmer cards while failing to guarantee justice for the people. He alleged that corruption, bribery in job recruitment, and the influence of middlemen at police stations continue to deprive citizens of fair services. He further stated that the government has failed to meet basic needs and that a culture of impunity, corruption, and repression persists, with freedom of expression shrinking and incidents of enforced disappearances and killings continuing. The event was attended by NCP central joint member secretary Zainal Abedin Shishir, National Youth Force convener Advocate Tarikul Islam, central leader Rifat Rashid, and Comilla district coordinator Nabid Nawroz Shah, along with local activists.

After two consecutive days of decline, international oil prices rose again as concerns over supply disruptions intensified due to uncertainty surrounding the conflict situation involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The increase took effect from midnight Wednesday, with Brent crude climbing by 81 cents, or 0.77 percent, to reach 105.83 dollars per barrel. At the same time, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by 97 cents, or 0.99 percent, to trade at 99.23 dollars per barrel. The renewed upward movement in oil prices was driven by fears of reduced global reserves, as U.S. crude inventories declined and doubts persisted over a possible ceasefire involving Iran. These factors have placed supply concerns at the center of global energy market discussions. Analysts cited in the report noted that the combination of geopolitical tension and falling stockpiles has reinforced volatility in the oil market, suggesting continued uncertainty in near-term pricing trends.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has issued a stern warning to Iran amid stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Speaking to Fox News, Miller said that Iran’s current leadership now faces a final deadline from the United States after talks failed to make progress. He stated that Tehran must choose between signing an agreement acceptable to Washington or facing a military response unlike anything seen in modern history. The warning comes as diplomatic discussions between the two nations remain deadlocked, with no breakthrough reported. Miller emphasized that the Iranian administration has only two options left—either comply with the terms favored by the United States or face severe military consequences. His remarks underscore the growing tension surrounding the unresolved negotiations. The statement signals a hardening U.S. stance toward Iran, suggesting that Washington may be preparing to escalate pressure if Tehran refuses to meet its conditions.

Colonel GM Rajib Ahmed, known for his loyalty to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and General Tariq Ahmed Siddiq, has been promoted to Brigadier General, according to defense sources. The promotion reportedly triggered strong reactions within the Bangladesh Army, as Rajib was among those who played a key role in ensuring Hasina’s safe escape to Delhi following her ouster during the July uprising. The decision was reportedly influenced by a powerful senior military official currently serving in the government. Rajib previously served as Assistant Military Secretary to Sheikh Hasina in 2020 and was later appointed Deputy Military Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office. He was also sent to South Sudan as a UN peacekeeping contingent commander before returning to Bangladesh. His promotion has caused resentment among officers who felt sidelined over the past fifteen years, with some arguing that a figure associated with the former regime’s repression should not have remained in service. The controversy has also spread across virtual platforms, where discussions and criticism of the promotion continue to intensify.

Police in Brahmanpara upazila of Comilla arrested a suspected drug dealer named Kabir Hossain on Wednesday afternoon in connection with an attack on two journalists. He was detained in the Dakshin Shashidal area while allegedly attempting to flee to India. The arrest was confirmed by Brahmanpara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Faruk Hossain. Kabir Hossain, 35, from Dakshin Shashidal village, faces ten previous cases related to drugs and smuggling. The attack occurred on Tuesday night at Shashidal Railway Station when journalists Akkas Al Mahmud Hridoy of Kaler Kantho and Shariful Islam Sumon of Dainik Comilla Protidin were filming footage of stolen goods and drug trafficking on the Chattala Express train. They were assaulted twice and later threatened with death if they published reports about the incident. Following the attack, a case was filed naming 11 individuals and 14 unidentified suspects. Police said operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the assault.