A Cox’s Bazar court has sentenced four people to death for the murder of Bangladesh Army Lieutenant Tanzim Sarwar, who was killed during a robbery in Chakaria. The verdict was delivered by Additional District and Sessions Judge Abul Monsur Siddique on Wednesday afternoon. Five others were given life imprisonment, and four received ten-year prison terms, while five of the eighteen accused were acquitted. Among those sentenced to death, Morshed Alam remains absconding. According to court sources, the prosecution presented 52 witnesses in the murder case and 46 in the arms case, while the defense produced seven witnesses. The prosecution stated that the verdict was delivered impartially after reviewing all testimonies and arguments. The two cases were filed following the killing on September 23, 2024, when Lieutenant Sarwar was stabbed to death by robbers during an anti-robbery operation in Chakaria’s Purba Maizpara area. Case investigations led to charge sheets being filed in January 2025, naming 18 accused. Six of them remained fugitives until the verdict. Arrest warrants and property seizure orders had been issued earlier against the absconding suspects.

Mohammad Abdur Rashid, head teacher of Dakshin Gobaria Government Primary School in Kuliarchar, Kishoreganj, has been selected as the best head teacher at the upazila level. The announcement was made in a notice signed by the Kishoreganj District Primary Education Officer on Tuesday, confirming his selection under the National Primary Education Award 2026 program. According to the source, the selection process evaluated the regular performance of institutions, teachers, and education officials. A committee was responsible for assessing their contributions and encouraging excellence in primary education. Based on this evaluation, Abdur Rashid was chosen for his notable achievements and contributions in the field. The recognition highlights the district’s ongoing efforts to promote quality education and motivate educators through structured evaluation and acknowledgment of their work.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has demanded swift punishment for those responsible for the killing of seven-year-old schoolgirl Ramisa Akter in Dhaka’s Pallabi area. In a Facebook post on Wednesday morning, he expressed deep sorrow, saying that humanity stands ashamed before the innocent child. He described Ramisa as a pure and unbloomed flower and called her death a result of a predator’s cruelty. Dr. Rahman urged that the perpetrators of the brutal murder be brought to justice without delay. He also prayed for Ramisa’s acceptance in paradise and for patience for her grieving family. The post reflected his condemnation of the crime and his call for exemplary punishment for the accused. According to police, Ramisa’s beheaded body was discovered under a bed in a Pallabi apartment on Tuesday morning, and her severed head was later found in the bathroom. Police have arrested the main suspect, Zakir Hossain alias Sohel Rana, and his wife Swapna in connection with the killing.

Beijing has announced the purchase of 200 Boeing aircraft, confirmed by China’s Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday. The announcement coincided with a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Under the agreement, the United States will ensure the supply of aircraft engines and components to China. The ministry stated that both sides will work to extend the tariff truce agreed upon last October and explore ways to reduce tariffs on goods worth 30 billion dollars or more. Boeing described its recent visit to China as highly successful, noting that the reopening of the Chinese market for Boeing aircraft was a key achievement. The company said the 200-aircraft order represents an initial commitment, with expectations of further agreements. Earlier, Chinese and US officials reached an understanding in Kuala Lumpur to extend the tariff truce until November of this year, including reduced US tariffs on Chinese goods and suspension of Chinese restrictions on rare earth exports.

Two journalists were attacked on the night of May 19, 2026, at Shashidal Railway Station in Brahmanpara, Cumilla, while recording video footage of alleged Indian contraband goods and drug trafficking being loaded onto a train. The victims, Akkas Al Mahmud Hridoy and Md. Shariful Islam Suman, reported that a group of 12–14 people assaulted them, seized their mobile phones and cash, and threatened them with death if they published the news. A written complaint has been filed with Brahmanpara Police Station, and both journalists received medical treatment. Local sources said the station, located near the Shashidal BGB camp, has long been used for smuggling Indian goods and drugs. Residents alleged that organized groups operate with the help of corrupt officials, exploiting power outages during train stops to load illegal goods. Despite anti-smuggling drives led by local MP Haji Jasim Uddin, the trade continues. The station master described the attack as deplorable and urged punishment for the perpetrators. Police confirmed receiving the complaint and promised legal action after investigation.

Two young men were killed in a road accident on Wednesday at Munshirhat area of Thakurgaon municipality. The deceased were identified as Ritwik, 25, son of Liton from Mathurapur village, and Ashik, 25, son of Abdul Mannan from the same upazila. Thakurgaon Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Monir Hossain confirmed the incident. According to the report, the two friends were traveling toward Thakurgaon town on a motorcycle when they lost control while crossing a turn at Munshirhat. The motorcycle hit a road island, killing Ritwik on the spot. Fire service personnel rescued Ashik in critical condition and took him to Thakurgaon 250-bed General Hospital, where he died during treatment. Police said that legal procedures regarding the accident are underway.

Russian President Vladimir Putin received a ceremonial welcome in Beijing on May 20, 2026, identical in formality to that given to U.S. President Donald Trump a week earlier. Despite expectations of a modest reception, China rolled out a red carpet and fired a 21-gun salute for Putin. Children waved Russian and Chinese flags while chanting greetings. The only difference from Trump’s visit was the welcoming official: Vice President Han Zheng greeted Trump, while Foreign Minister Wang Yi welcomed Putin. Following the arrival, Putin met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People. Xi remarked that in an increasingly chaotic and dominance-driven world, China and Russia had deepened their political trust and strategic cooperation. He also called for a fairer and more rational global governance system. Xi’s comments underscored Beijing and Moscow’s strong mutual confidence, contrasting with the lack of such trust between China and the United States, and reflected China’s advocacy for a multipolar world with reduced U.S. influence.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has emphasized that maintaining discipline and the chain of command is essential for any orderly force. Speaking on Wednesday morning at the 46th National Assembly of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) in Safipur, Gazipur, he said that even minor negligence in these principles prevents a force from becoming truly disciplined. He warned that a lack of discipline erodes public trust in any force. The Prime Minister recalled the Ansar force’s historic role in the Liberation War, noting that around 40,000 members participated and 670 were martyred. He highlighted the post-independence deterioration of law and order and said that former President Ziaur Rahman had strengthened the Ansar and VDP to restore stability. He also credited the 1995 Ansar-VDP Act under Khaleda Zia’s government for transforming the force into a structured disciplined organization. Rahman further noted that the Ansar and VDP played key roles after the August 5, 2024 uprising, providing security and managing traffic. He praised their contributions to social awareness, disaster management, and technology-based services, urging continued efficiency and strategic planning for future operations.

A fatal road accident occurred on Wednesday morning on the Mongla Highway in Bagerhat’s Balighata area, where a motorcycle and a truck collided head-on. The crash left one person dead and two others injured. The deceased motorcyclist was identified as Abdul Kader, a resident of Fakirhat police station area in Bagerhat. The incident took place around 9:30 a.m., according to police. Police officer-in-charge Md. Zafar Ahmed of Katakhali Highway Police confirmed the accident. Eyewitnesses reported that the motorcycle, carrying three riders, collided with an oncoming truck, causing the motorcycle to be crushed underneath. Abdul Kader died on the spot, while the two injured passengers were rescued by locals and taken to Bagerhat Health Center in critical condition. The truck involved in the accident has been seized by police. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision, and the condition of the injured individuals remains under observation.

A commentary published on 20 May 2026 in the Bangladeshi daily ‘Amar Desh’ draws parallels between Zionism and Hindutva, arguing that both movements emerged from religious nationalism and rely on force and propaganda to sustain themselves. The article traces the origins of Zionism under Theodor Herzl and its culmination in the 1948 establishment of Israel, describing the state’s expansion into Palestinian territories and its control over the West Bank and Gaza. It alleges systematic oppression of Palestinians, including mass detentions and violence. The piece then compares Israel’s treatment of Palestinians with India’s political trajectory under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). It claims that since 2014, Hindu nationalist politics have intensified anti-Muslim sentiment, drawing inspiration from Zionist strategies. The article cites BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s campaign remarks in West Bengal, where he labeled Muslims as outsiders and invoked Israel’s Gaza actions as a model. Following BJP’s electoral win in West Bengal, the article reports incidents of violence against Muslims and calls to identify Muslim homes. It concludes that such developments mirror pre-genocide propaganda seen in other regions and pose grave risks for India’s Muslim population.

A detainee named Devashish Chowdhury died at Chattogram Central Jail on Tuesday morning, though the incident became public the following day. He had been imprisoned since August 5, 2024, after being arrested in a vandalism and arson case filed at Sadarghat Police Station. Chowdhury, who worked as an accountant at an ashram in the city’s Kotwali area, reportedly felt chest pain while speaking with other inmates and was taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. According to jail authorities, he was first taken to the prison hospital and then transferred to the medical college hospital as his condition worsened. The initial medical report cited heart disease as the cause of death. However, Chowdhury’s family alleged that he had been subjected to torture in custody since his arrest and was forced to work despite illness. They also claimed to have found injury marks on his body. Authorities have not commented on the family’s allegations, and further investigation details were not mentioned in the report.

Following Iran’s weakening after Israel’s military operations since October 2024 and the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in Syria, Israeli leaders now see an opportunity to consolidate regional dominance. Analysts cited in the report suggest that Israel’s policymakers increasingly view Turkey as the next major obstacle to their ambitions, given Ankara’s growing influence in post-Assad Syria and its opposition to Israeli expansionism. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett described Turkey as a new Iran, accusing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of seeking to encircle Israel. Turkish analysts argue that Israel is developing a long-term strategy similar to its decades-long approach toward Iran. They note that Israel’s regional ambitions have expanded across Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Qatar, and Yemen, while Turkey perceives these actions as threats to broader regional stability. Experts warn that direct confrontation between Israel and Turkey could emerge in Syria or the Mediterranean. However, Israel’s ability to act against Turkey is constrained by Ankara’s NATO membership and U.S. strategic interests. The rise of a Turkey–Egypt–Saudi Arabia–Pakistan alignment could further limit Israel’s regional dominance.

A six-year-old girl named Papri Rani Roy was killed after being hit by a truck in Debiganj upazila of Panchagarh on Tuesday evening. The accident occurred in front of Sonapota Government Primary School when the child, who had gone to meet her father after school, accidentally stepped onto the highway. The truck, traveling from Panchagarh to Dhaka, ran over her, killing her on the spot. Following the incident, angry locals set the truck on fire and blocked the highway, halting traffic for about one and a half hours. Fire service personnel arrived and brought the fire under control. During the protest, a vehicle belonging to a pharmaceutical company was also vandalized. Debiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Selim Malik later reached the scene and managed to restore order after assuring the protesters. Police have taken the truck and its driver into custody, and legal proceedings are underway. The child’s body was handed over to her family after official procedures.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the 46th National Assembly of the Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) held on Wednesday, May 20, in Safipur, Gazipur. The event took place at the Ansar and VDP Academy in a festive and colorful atmosphere, marking a major national gathering of the force. Upon his arrival at the venue in the morning, the Prime Minister was warmly received by senior officials of the Ansar and VDP. He inspected a well-organized parade on the decorated parade ground and received the state salute from the saluting dais. Special guard of honor units of the force presented ceremonial honors to the Prime Minister during the proceedings. The assembly highlighted the discipline and ceremonial traditions of the Ansar and VDP, reflecting the organization’s continued role in national service and community defense activities.

Khulna University has temporarily suspended Assistant Registrar Yusuf Raihan following allegations of embezzling Tk 1.88 million from the Executive MBA (EMBA) program fund under the Business Administration Discipline. The decision was announced on Monday through a notice signed by Acting Registrar Professor Dr. S M Mahbubur Rahman. According to the university, the suspension was made to ensure a fair investigation and maintain administrative discipline. Raihan has reportedly gone into hiding since the allegations surfaced. The university’s investigation committee found preliminary evidence supporting the embezzlement claims. Sources said Raihan was responsible for managing the EMBA program’s financial activities and allegedly forged the signatures of the discipline head and course coordinator to withdraw money from the bank. He is also accused of misappropriating students’ semester and examination fees instead of depositing them in the bank. Raihan, a nephew of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Fayekuzzaman, had previously faced allegations of nepotism and irregularities during his 2017 recruitment. Further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the financial misconduct and related administrative breaches.