International experts have called on the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the climate crisis a global public health emergency. The appeal came through a report by the independent Pan-European Commission on Health and Climate, which warned that without swift and coordinated action, millions more people could face premature death and severe health risks. The report will be presented to European ministers on Sunday, ahead of the WHO World Health Assembly starting Monday. The commission stated that climate change has reached a stage requiring classification as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). It cited the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, heatwaves, floods, food insecurity, and air pollution as major threats. The report also urged an end to fossil fuel subsidies, noting that fossil fuels cause about 600,000 premature deaths annually in Europe while receiving €444 billion in subsidies. Commission leaders emphasized that climate change poses a direct threat to human survival and health. They called for stronger climate-health assessments, combating misinformation, and making hospitals more resilient and environmentally sustainable.

Morocco has strengthened its national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup as France-born midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi has chosen to represent the North African nation internationally. The 18-year-old, a former captain of France’s youth teams, received FIFA approval to change his sporting nationality, allowing him to play for Morocco in all international competitions. Bouaddi, who captained France’s under-21 side in a European Championship qualifier against Luxembourg, currently plays for French club Lille and has already made over 90 appearances across competitions. He holds the record as the youngest player to appear in a European club competition at 16 years and three days old. Morocco has recently been active in recruiting dual-national players, including France-born defender Issa Diop and Ajax’s Rayane Bounida, formerly of Belgium’s under-19 team. Following its historic 2022 World Cup semifinal run, Morocco aims to build on that success. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation is expected to announce its final squad soon for the 2026 tournament, which will take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

A 15-member delegation from the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has departed for a weeklong visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese Embassy. The team, led by DUCSU Vice President Sadik Kayem, left the university campus for Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday evening. Before departure, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam, who wished them a successful and fruitful trip and prayed for their health, safety, and well-being. The delegation includes DUCSU General Secretary S. M. Farhad, Assistant General Secretary Mohiuddin Khan, and other secretaries representing various portfolios such as science and technology, culture, research, sports, and human rights. During the weeklong program, the DUCSU team will visit several universities, student unions, educational and research institutions, science and technology centers, and economic organizations across China. They are also scheduled to explore sites of historical, cultural, and political significance in the country as part of the exchange initiative.

Daksu Vice President Sadik Qayem has alleged that former mayors and councillors of Dhaka City Corporation never took any effective plan to protect public health. He made the remarks on Saturday at the inauguration of a free medical camp organized by Ramna Samaj Kalyan Society at a playground on New Eskaton Mosque Road in the capital. Qayem said that ensuring citizens’ basic rights is the responsibility of the state, but even after 55 years of independence, necessary measures for public healthcare have not been implemented. He compared the situation to developed and neighboring countries where citizens’ health protection is prioritized. He blamed repeated corrupt leadership choices for the lack of progress and urged residents to elect honest, qualified, and proactive leaders in the future. The event was presided over by the society’s chairman Abdus Sattar Sumon and attended by several local leaders and doctors. Around 350 people received free medical services and medicines from specialists in medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, gynecology, and ophthalmology.

The Bangladesh women's football team has set up a training camp in Thailand ahead of the upcoming SAFF Championship. Bangladesh Football Federation president Tabith Awal visited the camp to encourage the players and wished them success. He also toured the Alpine Sports Training Camp in the morning, where the team is currently practicing, and held a meeting with Adi Sak Suntaros, managing director of Alpine Sports Group. Bangladesh will play another preparatory match tomorrow against Bangkok Women’s FC, a Tier-1 club in the Bangkok Women’s League. The team previously won their first warm-up match 2–0 against a Thai club. After completing the two-week training camp, the squad will fly to Goa, India, on May 21 to participate in the SAFF Championship starting May 25. Bangladesh has been placed in a group with hosts India and the Maldives. They will face the Maldives on May 28 and India on May 31, with the final scheduled for June 6. As the reigning champions, Bangladesh aims to secure their third consecutive SAFF title.

National Citizen Party (NCP) chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari criticized the government for failing to fulfill the dreams of those who sacrificed in the anti-quota discrimination movement. Speaking on Saturday at a joining ceremony of citizens and political leaders in Rajshahi District Council auditorium, he said the government is focused on issuing various cards instead of ensuring real development. Patwari warned that if people do not benefit from these cards, the NCP will introduce a 'red card' in protest. He emphasized that citizens cannot be satisfied merely through card-based schemes and called for guaranteeing basic rights and development. Patwari accused the government of failing to meet public expectations. On foreign relations, he questioned continued border killings and rejected what he termed a submissive foreign policy toward India. He also raised concerns about water shortages in Rajshahi’s rivers and urged no compromise on water-sharing issues, even announcing a possible long march toward India. Patwari reiterated that the NCP stands for people’s rights and not for exploitation or extortion, highlighting the party’s commitment to citizen-focused politics.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman attended a large public gathering in Shahrasti, Chandpur, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, after inspecting a canal re-excavation project. During the event, he invited a local farmer named Saiful Islam Liton to sit beside him and listened attentively to his personal experiences. The farmer expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to speak directly with the head of government. The rally created a festive atmosphere across the district, drawing crowds from distant areas eager to see the Prime Minister. In his address, Rahman emphasized strengthening food security and modernizing the agricultural sector, noting that Bangladesh had achieved self-sufficiency in food but aimed to become a surplus-producing nation. He also announced that the government would cover all educational expenses for female students up to the undergraduate level to promote women’s higher education. The announcement sparked widespread enthusiasm among attendees, particularly female students, who expressed appreciation through applause and cheers.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the people will resist any conspiracy to obstruct the government’s efforts to fulfill its electoral commitments. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon at a public gathering in Kumaraduli village of Chandpur Sadar upazila after inaugurating the re-excavation of the 'Bishwa Khal'. Rahman emphasized that as long as the people support the BNP government, it will continue working for the welfare of the nation. He noted that the government has begun implementing its election manifesto, including initiatives such as canal re-excavation, distribution of family and farmer cards, honorarium for imams and muezzins, and tree plantation drives. The Prime Minister criticized a small group spreading confusion and opposing these programs. He said the public’s awareness during the February 12 election ensured BNP’s victory, and the government is now focused on realizing its pledges. Rahman urged citizens to remain alert so that no one can hinder development programs, including employment initiatives. He called for unity in rebuilding the nation and transforming Bangladesh into the country envisioned by its freedom fighters.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Dr. A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad stated that the party will play an active role both in parliament and on the streets to implement the referendum verdict and fulfill the people's demands. He warned that if the government ignores public demands and the July Charter, a strong movement will be launched with mass participation to compel the government to comply. He made these remarks on Saturday while addressing a two-day educational camp in the Faridpur region. Dr. Azad added that Jamaat-e-Islami will cooperate with the government in welfare-oriented and positive initiatives but will continue to protest against injustice, corruption, misrule, and anti-people activities both inside and outside parliament. He emphasized that implementing the referendum verdict has become increasingly popular among citizens and is essential for meeting public expectations and protecting national interests. The two-day camp included participants from five districts of the Faridpur region, focusing on organizational skills, ideological training, responsibility, and current national issues. Leaders at the closing session expressed hope that the camp would enhance manpower quality and strengthen organizational activities.

At a press conference held at the Economic Reporters Forum in Dhaka on Saturday, owners of 26 export-oriented garment factories accused Premier Bank’s Narayanganj branch of creating around Tk 10,500 crore in fake loans using forged sales contracts, falsified back-to-back letters of credit, and illegal foreign currency transactions. The owners alleged that former chairman HBM Iqbal and several bank officials misappropriated funds through these irregularities, which were not detected in previous audits or Bangladesh Bank inspections. The affected business owners said that since 2017, some bank officials used fake IDs to open multiple back-to-back LCs without importing raw materials, later showing the liabilities as loans under the companies’ names. They claimed that forced and demand loans were created without consent, violating Bangladesh Bank’s foreign exchange guidelines. Many factories have since shut down, and the owners demanded an independent forensic audit and intervention from Bangladesh Bank and the finance ministry. Premier Bank’s current chairman, Arifur Rahman, stated that a forensic audit is underway and nearing completion, after which the actual liabilities and responsible parties will be identified.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Colonel (Retd.) Dr. Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram said that Bangladesh’s economy is in poor condition and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will not be able to move forward without China’s assistance. He made the remarks on Saturday at a divisional rally of the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami in Rajshahi. During his speech, Oli Ahmed alleged that India has taken new plans to destabilize Bangladesh and urged vigilance regarding possible external influence. He also emphasized that as followers of the Quran and Sunnah, people of all religions remain safe in the country, describing Islam as a complete way of life. At the same event, Jamaat Ameer thanked the government for inaugurating the Padma Barrage and called for the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan without fear of external pressure. Jamaat leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman urged social unity against corruption and extortion, accusing the BNP of becoming a party dominated by extortionists.

The government of Bangladesh has declared a continuous seven-day holiday from May 25 to May 31, 2026, for Eid-ul-Azha across all government, semi-government, and autonomous institutions. However, employees engaged in essential services will not be included in this extended leave. Offices will remain open on May 24, even though May 23 is a weekly holiday. According to the official circular, staff responsible for electricity, water, gas, and other energy supplies must continue their duties during the holiday period. Fire service, port operations, sanitation, postal, telephone, and internet service employees are also excluded from the leave. Hospitals and emergency health facilities will remain open, requiring doctors, nurses, and other medical staff to work as usual. Transport workers involved in medicine and medical equipment delivery will also continue their duties. The Ministry of Public Administration stated that Bangladesh Bank will issue separate instructions to keep banking operations functional, while the Supreme Court will provide guidance regarding court activities. The Ministry of Labour and Employment will issue necessary directions for private industries and factories under the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006.

Sarjis Alam, chief organizer (northern region) of the National Citizens Party (NCP), declared that while his party made concessions in the national elections, it will not do so in the upcoming local polls. He made the statement on Saturday afternoon at the divisional rally of the '11-Party Alliance' held at the historic Madrasa Maidan in Rajshahi. The rally was organized to demand implementation of the referendum verdict, reduction of public suffering, and a fair share of the Padma River’s water. During his speech, Alam accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of failing to meet public expectations after coming to power. He said people voted for BNP because of their trust in Ziaur Rahman’s symbol and Khaleda Zia’s leadership. He further warned that any manipulation or coercion in local elections would not be tolerated and expressed concern over border killings, extortion, and political influence. The remarks underscore growing political tension ahead of local elections, with NCP signaling a tougher stance on electoral integrity and governance issues.

A nine-month-old child named Safuat died on Saturday morning while undergoing treatment for measles-like symptoms at the 250-bed Sherpur District Hospital. The child, from Madarpur village in Jhenaigati upazila, had been suffering from fever, breathing difficulties, and rashes for three days before being admitted around 8 a.m. He died at approximately 11:30 a.m. despite receiving medical care. According to hospital and family sources, the child’s condition deteriorated rapidly. Doctors at the hospital confirmed that he was admitted in critical condition with fever, respiratory distress, and measles symptoms. Assistant registrar Dr. Arafurunnahar said the medical team provided maximum care and advised transfer to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment, but the family could not proceed due to financial hardship. Hospital authorities reported that 60 patients are currently admitted with measles-like symptoms, and three have been confirmed as measles cases. Measures have been taken to manage the situation, according to hospital sources.

At least ten people were injured in a clash between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Raipur upazila of Lakshmipur on Saturday morning. The incident occurred at Saju Molla’s fish market area in Uttar Charbanshi Union, reportedly over control of the market. Among the injured, Rabbi, Farhad, Suman, and Delwar were said to be in serious condition. Police Inspector (Investigation) Abdul Mannan visited the scene following the incident. Local BNP leader Shafi Uddin alleged that rival leaders Faruk Sardar, Jubo Dal leader Abul Kalam Bali, and Tarek Sardar led over a hundred outsiders in an attack to seize the fish market, injuring several of his supporters. However, Faruk Sardar denied the allegation, claiming he had long been a co-owner of the market and that the opposing group fought among themselves. Abul Kalam Bali also denied involvement, saying he had tried to stop the fight. Police stated that legal action would be taken if formal complaints were filed. A similar violent clash between BNP groups in the same area in April 2025 had left two party activists dead.