Despite continuing talks aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis, Iran and the United States remain far apart on major issues. In a recent statement to Iran’s parliamentary national security commission, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reaffirmed that Iran will not relinquish its right to enrich uranium. This stance has become a major obstacle, as the U.S. proposal requires Iran to halt uranium enrichment for the next two decades, a condition Tehran has rejected as excessively long. Iran has also demanded that the U.S. guarantee an end to conflicts across all fronts, including Lebanon, before any nuclear discussions proceed. Washington has refused, saying such assurances depend on progress in the talks. The two sides remain deadlocked over the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran calling for the removal of U.S. blockades and the U.S. insisting that Iran must first ensure full freedom of navigation. Additionally, Iran has demanded compensation for war damages, the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the Gulf region, and the lifting of all sanctions related to its nuclear program, human rights, and alleged terrorism financing. The U.S. has rejected these demands.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Affairs Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman announced that a separate law is being prepared for the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and its name may also be changed. He made the statement on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Department of Information marking three months of the current government’s tenure. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan was also present at the event. Rahman explained that RAB had so far operated under the Armed Police Battalion, but the new law will define its structure and functions more clearly. He noted that while the opposition BNP had called for RAB’s dissolution, the force will continue under a new legal identity. He added that the Home Minister had mentioned the possibility of a name change while working on the legislation. Rahman emphasized that an elite force is necessary for the state, highlighting RAB’s success in combating terrorism and crime. He said that with better equipment and training, the restructured force will move away from its previous controversial image.

Former US special envoy for Iran Rob Malley has warned that President Donald Trump may be falling into a 'Vietnam War trap' in his approach to Iran. Speaking to Al Jazeera host Steve Clemons, Malley said Trump measures success by counting the number of Iranian leaders killed or the destruction of Iranian warships and missile systems, which he described as a 'wrong metric.' Malley argued that the only way out of the current conflict is through an agreement that respects both US and Iranian core interests. He added that assessing the likelihood of such an agreement may depend more on psychology than on expert analysis. According to Malley, the outcome of the situation ultimately hinges on President Trump’s mindset, suggesting that his personal approach could determine whether the conflict escalates or moves toward negotiation.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed praised the Fire Service and Civil Defence for their courage, professionalism, and sacrifice in disaster response, saying the force has earned the nation’s trust. He made the remarks on Tuesday at the Fire Service and Civil Defence Training Ground in Purbachal, Narayanganj, while inaugurating Fire Service and Civil Defence Week 2026, attending the passing-out parade, and awarding medals to 20 members for bravery and merit. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernize the force through improved training, technology, and equipment, as well as enhanced benefits for officers and staff. He noted that new fire stations and specialized training programs are being introduced to strengthen capacity. Senior Secretary Monjur Morshed Chowdhury and MP Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan Dipu attended as special guests, while Director General Brigadier General Muhammad Zahed Kamal presided over the event. The weeklong observance will run from May 20 to 22 across the country with awareness programs. Officials emphasized collective public participation alongside government initiatives to improve disaster preparedness.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of income tax records belonging to Md. Abdus Sobhan, a cartographer in the Air Traffic Management division of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), and his wife, Mrs. Salma. The order was issued on Tuesday, March 19, 2026, by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md. Sabbir Faiz following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to the petition filed by ACC Assistant Director Md. Mahbub Morshed, the couple allegedly acquired and possessed assets worth Tk 46,50,387 beyond their known sources of income and concealed information about assets worth Tk 19,32,000 in their tax filings. The ACC had filed a case against them in November 2023 under sections 26(2) and 27(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004. The investigator stated that under section 309(3)(a)(i)(ii) of the Income Tax Act, 2023, tax records cannot be seized without a court order. The court granted the request to seize the documents to ensure proper investigation.

Small and marginal traders across Bangladesh have erupted in anger after the government sharply increased market periphery lease fees from 260 taka to 6,000 taka, a 23-fold jump. The new rates were set under the “Hat o Bazar Sthapan o Byabosthapona Bidhimala-2025,” issued by the Ministry of Land on October 6, 2025. Traders described the move as a threat to their survival and warned of nationwide protests if the decision is not withdrawn. According to the report, traders have submitted multiple written appeals to the land minister but claim no effective action has been taken. Many argue that the sudden and steep increase is unjustified, noting that previous adjustments between 1990 and 2023 ranged only from 5 to 20 percent. Local officials in Uzirpur said they are bound to implement the central policy and cannot alter it. Trader associations are preparing for larger demonstrations, including rallies and human chains, demanding a revision of the new fee structure. Experts warn that such a drastic rise could severely disrupt rural markets and damage the grassroots economy.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives State Minister Mir Shah Alam has announced that local government elections in Bangladesh are likely to begin in phases from September or October this year. He made the statement on Tuesday at his office after the formal joining of MR Islam Swadhin as the administrator of Bogura City Corporation. The minister said the government plans to complete five types of elections within the next year, covering union councils, municipalities, upazilas, district councils, and city corporations. He added that the City Corporation (Amendment) Act, 2026, has already been passed in parliament, under which mayor and councillor elections will be held using non-partisan symbols. The election schedule for Bogura City Corporation will be announced along with 12 other city corporations. Mir Shah Alam also stated that to strengthen the operations of new city corporations, an initial allocation of 30 to 35 crore taka will be provided in the current fiscal year, including funds for Bogura City Corporation.

Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that the government aims to transform Bangladesh’s jute sector from its current export earnings of about $1 billion into a $5–7 billion industry. He made the statement on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Jute Diversification Promotion Center’s Multifarious Jute Products Fair 2026 in Dhaka. The event was chaired by the ministry’s secretary, Abdun Naser Khan, with State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam attending as a special guest. The minister highlighted that in 1972–73, jute and jute goods accounted for nearly 90 percent of Bangladesh’s export income, but the sector’s share has since declined. To revive its potential, the government has adopted time-bound plans focusing on quality seed production, technological advancement, and product diversification. He emphasized achieving self-sufficiency in jute seed production, reducing import dependence, and promoting high-value product design and innovation. Muktadir added that collaboration with leading Chinese universities is planned to enhance productivity, seed development, and market-oriented design. A coordinated roadmap involving the Jute Diversification Promotion Center and private partners is being prepared, while state-owned jute mills are set to be operated under private management for modernization and profitability.

The Bangladesh government has stated it will implement the court’s final verdict regarding Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death for genocide and crimes against humanity. Information Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman said that if India hands over Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh, she will receive legal protection. He made the remarks at a press conference at the Department of Information in Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon, attended by Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan and Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmad. The information minister said Sheikh Hasina’s downfall occurred during the July mass uprising due to her alleged oppressive and fascist actions. He emphasized that the current government aims to establish justice for all and will allow the law to proceed independently. The minister added that no extrajudicial actions will be taken for political reasons, contrasting this with the previous Awami League government. Officials reiterated that the government’s approach will be guided strictly by the court’s decisions, ensuring due legal process if Sheikh Hasina is returned to Bangladesh.

Member of Parliament for Madaripur-1, Sayeed Uddin Ahmad Hanzala, personally joined a special anti-drug operation in Shibchar upazila of Madaripur district on the night of May 18. Despite heavy rain, the operation was conducted in Ramrayer Kandi area under Umedpur Union, leading to the arrest of three individuals with drugs. A mobile court later sentenced each of them to two years in prison. According to local sources, the detainees were identified as Abdul Ali, 63, his wife Shahida, 48, and Md. Wasim Aknon, 40. Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shaikha Sultana led the mobile court, which also recovered drug paraphernalia and cash during the raid. MP Hanzala stated that eliminating drugs from society requires collective effort and reaffirmed that such operations will continue. Local residents said the MP’s direct participation in the field boosted public confidence and created fear among drug dealers, bringing a sense of relief to the community.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan announced that the government will form a media commission to address what he described as disorder in the country's media management. Speaking at a press conference at the Department of Information on Tuesday, May 19, he said a committee will be established by June, and a related report will be submitted to the Prime Minister by July. During the same briefing, the minister also discussed several other issues, including the spread of measles, which he attributed to the negligence of the previous government. He said the current administration has procured necessary vaccines and will soon begin distributing health cards. So far, 53,096 families have received family cards. Swapan further stated that despite a sharp rise in global fuel prices, domestic prices have been kept at a tolerable level and that the country currently has adequate fuel reserves.

A woman was killed after coming into contact with an electric trap set to deter wild elephants in Lama upazila of Bandarban. The incident occurred early Tuesday in the South Haydarnashi area of Fasiakhali Union, inside an orchard owned by Gias Uddin. The deceased was identified as Ruby Akter, 38, wife of Abdus Shukkur from the same village. Police recovered the body after being informed of the incident. According to local accounts, wild elephants had been damaging croplands in the area, prompting Gias Uddin to install an electric trap around his orchard to protect it. When Ruby Akter entered the field early in the morning, she accidentally came into contact with the live wire and died on the spot. Police said legal action would be taken regarding the incident. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about possible charges or preventive measures to avoid similar accidents in the future.

Around fifty thousand landless people are living in Urirchar, a coastal island under Noakhali district, without legal ownership of the land they inhabit. Despite having homes, roads, and markets, residents say they have no land registered in their names. Many claim they face constant threats, lawsuits, and attacks from land grabbers, leaving them in fear and uncertainty. The residents have urged the government to allocate land based on the survey conducted under the Char Development and Settlement Project (CDSP). Local residents, including Rahima Akter, Belal Mia, and Abdur Rahman, described years of hardship, displacement by river erosion, and ongoing intimidation by influential groups allegedly using fake documents to seize land. They expressed determination to defend their homes, calling the island their only refuge. Landless leader Abu Bakkar Siddique Nasu Majhi appealed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to intervene and ensure fair land distribution. Noakhali Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shafiqul Islam stated that many landless families have already received land allocations and that the authorities are verifying the legitimacy of claims in Urirchar to provide land to genuine and vulnerable families soon.

Students at Rajshahi University and Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur are struggling to access adequate medical care due to severe shortages of doctors, equipment, and essential medicines. The Rajshahi University Medical Center, established in 1958, currently operates with only 21 doctors against 36 sanctioned posts, lacking specialists such as gynecologists and pathologists. Students report long waits, limited medicine supplies, and inadequate emergency services. University officials acknowledge the crisis, citing chronic understaffing and administrative delays in recruitment. At Begum Rokeya University, the medical center remains at a primary level even after 17 years of establishment, with only four doctors and one nurse serving nearly 9,000 people. The center lacks 24-hour service, modern diagnostic tools, and specialist doctors. Students complain of having to seek treatment outside the campus at additional cost. University authorities admit the need for infrastructure expansion and secondary-level medical facilities to meet growing demand. Both universities have pledged to improve medical services, but immediate action remains uncertain as recruitment and modernization plans are still pending.

Administrative and academic activities at Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) in Gazipur have been halted for six consecutive days due to student protests over the appointment of a new vice-chancellor. The unrest began after a government notification on Thursday appointed Professor Dr. Mohammad Iqbal from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology as DUET’s new VC. Students have locked the main gate, staged demonstrations, and declared the new VC unwelcome, demanding cancellation of his appointment and fulfillment of three specific demands. University sources said that despite a call for a blockade program, few students were seen participating by late morning. A case has been filed against 250 unidentified individuals, creating fear of arrest among students. The main gate remains locked, though a side gate is open for limited access by staff and faculty. Clashes between student groups on Sunday left at least 15 people, including police, injured. Students argue that the vice-chancellor should be appointed from DUET’s own faculty, citing their deeper understanding of the institution’s academic and administrative challenges.