Nineteen banks in Bangladesh received a total of Tk 263,210 crore in deferral facilities from Bangladesh Bank to offset provisioning shortfalls amid rising non-performing loans. According to 2025 financial reports, eleven of these banks reported profits, while eight incurred significant losses. Although the profitable banks showed positive net income, none were able to distribute dividends due to regulatory restrictions. The deferral mechanism allowed banks to present improved financial statements despite underlying capital pressures. Central bank officials explained that the deferral facility is granted annually to banks with provisioning deficits to help them maintain a stable financial appearance. However, most banks have repeatedly failed to adjust their shortfalls, leading to prolonged dependency on such support. Under new dividend policy rules effective from 2025, banks with non-performing loans exceeding 10 percent are barred from declaring dividends, resulting in 34 banks unable to pay shareholders last year. Officials noted that without the deferral facility, capital shortfalls would have been more severe, raising costs for international trade financing as foreign banks assess capital adequacy before engaging in transactions.

A senior Iranian official described Tehran’s response to a United States ceasefire proposal as “realistic and positive,” according to comments reported by Al Jazeera on May 11, 2026. Speaking anonymously, the official said Iran’s reply addressed several key issues, including regional stability, the end of conflict in Lebanon, and the resolution of disputes with the US. The official explained that Iran’s response also expanded the scope of discussions to cover the Strait of Hormuz, the country’s nuclear program, and the lifting of all sanctions. Tehran emphasized the need for a clear and guaranteed mechanism to remove sanctions and demanded specific international assurances for implementing any potential agreement with Washington. The response, the official added, was formulated based on Iran’s national interests and consultations with other regional countries. Earlier, Iranian state media had characterized the counterproposal as a refusal to yield to “Trump’s greed,” while former US President Donald Trump reportedly rejected the proposal.

A 2025 study by the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh has revealed that nearly two-thirds of processed packaged foods sold in the country contain salt levels exceeding safe limits. The research, titled “Assessment of Salt Content and Label Compliance of Commonly Consumed Processed Packaged Foods of Bangladesh,” found that about 97 percent of these products pose high health risks. Items such as biscuits, chips, noodles, and instant soups were found to contain excessive sodium, sugar, and harmful chemicals that increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Public health experts attribute the growing dependence on such foods to aggressive marketing, especially targeting children with colorful packaging and promotional gifts. They warn that these products are engineered to trigger temporary pleasure in the brain, leading to addiction and reduced interest in nutritious home-cooked meals. Experts have called for the introduction of Front-of-Pack Labeling (FOPL) to clearly display warnings about high salt, sugar, or fat content. Officials from the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator have supported stronger labeling laws and public awareness campaigns to curb rising non-communicable diseases linked to unhealthy diets.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has rejected Democratic Senator Mark Kelly’s claim that the United States has run out of ammunition and weapons due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. Kelly, a retired Navy captain, said in a CBS News interview that Pentagon officials informed him the country had expended a large portion of its munitions. He warned that this shortage could make America less secure if future conflicts arise with China or other nations. Responding on social media platform X, Hegseth accused Kelly of making false and foolish remarks about a confidential Pentagon briefing. He dismissed the senator’s statements as baseless and said Pentagon legal teams would review whether Kelly violated his confidentiality oath. Kelly also noted that replenishing the stockpile could take several years. The exchange has sparked debate over transparency and national security readiness, with Pentagon officials emphasizing that Kelly’s claims do not reflect the department’s official position.

A magnitude 5 earthquake struck Myanmar shortly after midnight on Sunday, May 10, 2026, shaking parts of neighboring Bangladesh. According to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ), the quake occurred at 1:36 a.m. Bangladesh time, with a depth of about 10 kilometers. The epicenter was located near 20.46°N latitude and 93.94°E longitude. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the origin to be around 11 kilometers from Sidoktaya, Myanmar. No immediate reports of casualties or major damage were received. Residents in several areas of Chattogram city reported mild tremors lasting a few seconds, prompting some to rush outdoors in fear. The quake followed another mild tremor that shook northern Bangladesh on the afternoon of May 9. That earlier quake, measuring between 4.4 and 4.5 in magnitude, had its epicenter in Bilasipara, Assam, India, and caused brief panic though no significant damage. The shallow depth of both quakes contributed to their being felt across border regions, highlighting the region’s seismic sensitivity.

U.S. President Donald Trump has directly rejected Iran’s latest proposal aimed at ending the ongoing war, according to a report published on May 11, 2026. The United States has not specified the reasons behind Trump’s decision to turn down the offer. Iran’s proposal called for the lifting of naval blockades, removal of U.S. and international sanctions, and retention of full control over its nuclear ambitions and foreign policy. Washington had previously identified these same issues as the root causes of the conflict. Officials familiar with the matter indicated that the United States remains unwilling to compromise on any of Iran’s demands. The report adds that the U.S. is particularly concerned about Iran’s growing nuclear ambitions and its military posture toward Israel. Washington also seeks to end Tehran’s support for groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah and to reduce its regional influence. It remains uncertain whether Trump’s rejection will advance these objectives or shift the direction of future negotiations.

Iran has responded to a United States ceasefire proposal with a counteroffer emphasizing the need for a permanent resolution to the ongoing conflict. Officials in Tehran are being cautious about disclosing details of their response, which was sent through mediators on Monday afternoon. The 14-point proposal outlines a phased negotiation process, beginning with an agreement to ensure the war’s complete and lasting end. After achieving consensus on ending the conflict, Iran proposes discussions on navigation and control mechanisms in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The plan also hints at addressing the complex and unresolved issue of Iran’s nuclear file and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium in later stages. However, Iran’s nuclear and missile programs are currently not part of the negotiation agenda. The response reflects Tehran’s focus on securing long-term stability and preventing any future resumption of hostilities, while maintaining control over key regional and strategic issues.

Iran has responded after former U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s counterproposal to Washington’s ceasefire plan. The Iranian state broadcaster IRIB said the U.S. proposal amounted to Iran’s submission to Trump’s greed. The statement was released on IRIB’s Telegram channel on Monday. According to the report, Iran’s counterproposal emphasized the fundamental rights of the Iranian nation. Tehran’s recent proposal called for U.S. compensation for war damages and reaffirmed Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. It also reiterated the need for lifting sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets and properties. The exchange highlights continued tension between Tehran and Washington over sovereignty, sanctions, and accountability for conflict-related losses, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has strongly condemned the killing of two Bangladeshi nationals by gunfire from India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the Kasba border in Brahmanbaria. In a press release issued on Sunday, ASK expressed deep concern over the incident and criticized the use of lethal force at the border. ASK stated that even if individuals attempt to cross the border or are accused of smuggling or other crimes, they should be dealt with through proper legal procedures, not extrajudicial killings. The organization emphasized that the use of deadly force is not an acceptable or common practice in other countries for border violations and that the right to life must be prioritized under human rights and international law. According to ASK, at least six Bangladeshi citizens have been killed by BSF gunfire or torture between January and May 9, 2026. The group urged the Bangladesh government to raise the issue in bilateral and diplomatic discussions and called on India to ensure accountability, end the use of lethal weapons, and uphold human rights standards.

Members of the Bangladesh Police have submitted a set of demands to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, including a separate pay scale, a 50 percent overtime allowance for extra duty, and phased honorary promotions until retirement. The demands were presented on Sunday, May 10, during the police welfare parade held at the Rajarbagh Police Auditorium following the Police Week program. The Prime Minister listened attentively and assured gradual implementation of the proposals. The welfare parade was attended by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Manzur Morshed Chowdhury, Inspector General of Police Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, and other senior officials. Police members from across the country joined online. Officers raised issues such as insufficient transport for sub-inspectors, requests for interest-free motorcycle loans, fuel cost reimbursement, and increased investigation expenses. A female constable from Khulna Metropolitan Police demanded honorary promotion, while an additional DIG sought renewed development funding for police infrastructure. This year, no police medals were awarded amid controversy over previous nominations involving politically connected or disputed officers, marking a departure from the usual Police Week tradition.

The Bangladesh Police Headquarters has refuted media reports claiming that the issuance of the police medal notification was delayed because the President was abroad. In a statement released on Sunday, the headquarters clarified that no responsible police official made such a comment and that the reports quoting an unnamed senior officer were inaccurate and misleading. According to the statement, the administrative and procedural activities related to the police medal notification are still ongoing. It emphasized that publishing speculative statements before any official decision or notification could cause public confusion. The Police Headquarters urged media outlets to verify information properly before publishing news on this matter. The clarification aims to dispel misinformation and maintain transparency regarding the ongoing process of issuing the police medal notification.

The Ministry of Land has issued a directive requiring all landowners across Bangladesh to pay their land development tax for the current fiscal year by June 30, the date when the national budget will be passed in parliament. The ministry emphasized the use of digital methods to ensure secure and transparent land management. Citizens can now pay their taxes online through the official portal land.gov.bd without visiting local land offices. According to the ministry, taxpayers must first register on the portal, provide relevant land record details, and then complete payment via mobile banking or card. The government introduced this digital payment system to make land administration more efficient and transparent. Failure to pay within the deadline may result in interest being added to outstanding dues under existing laws. Officials expect that the digital transformation will enhance transparency in land tax collection, reduce bureaucratic delays, and eliminate the influence of intermediaries, saving both time and money for citizens.

Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam announced that at least 50,000 people will participate in a canal excavation drive and one million trees will be planted in a single day in Sylhet. He said committees will be formed at the upazila level to decide within a week which canals will be excavated and where trees will be planted. The announcement came during a meeting on implementing the Prime Minister’s priority project for nationwide canal excavation and tree plantation, held at the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner’s office. Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury, who attended as chief guest, said the initiative is part of the government’s commitment to public welfare and election pledges. He emphasized that public awareness and collective participation are essential for full success and called for turning the program into a social movement. Other speakers included Member of Parliament M.A. Malik and Mufti Abul Hasan. The nationwide program, launched on March 16, 2026, aims to improve irrigation, control floods, reduce waterlogging, and restore water bodies. Under the plan, about 20,000 kilometers of canals will be excavated or re-excavated over five years with coordination among four government agencies.

Speakers at an eleven-party alliance seminar in Chattogram on Sunday evening warned that a mass movement would be launched if the BNP government failed to honor the referendum verdict. They said the excuses used by the government to disregard the people's decision had already been rejected by the public. The event, titled “The Referendum Verdict as the Expression of the People’s Sovereign Will,” was held at the Engineers Institution in the city. Speakers alleged that although the BNP had engaged in reform discussions with 33 parties before the election, it changed its stance after coming to power. They cautioned that the country’s situation would deteriorate if the government did not return to the right path. The seminar was attended by leaders including Liberal Democratic Party chairman Dr. Col. Oli Ahmad and Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Prof. Mia Golam Porwar, among others. Senior Supreme Court lawyer Shishir Monir presented the keynote paper, emphasizing that the constitution places the people above all state institutions. He warned that ignoring the referendum, which reportedly saw 70 percent voter turnout, could lead to a national explosion.

Iran has rejected reports of an oil spill near Kharg Island, describing them as false and unfounded. Abbas Asadoroz, CEO of Iran’s Oil Terminals Company, said that after the reports surfaced, teams from the health, safety, chemical, and laboratory departments inspected the area but found no trace of pollution. He added that neither the International Maritime Organization’s MEMAC center nor Iranian authorities had received any pollution reports from the area. Asadoroz criticized a post by the NGO Conflict and Environment Observatory on social media platform X, which claimed that an oil slick from an unknown source was spreading southward and was not being properly contained. Meanwhile, Jafar Pourkabgani, a representative from Bushehr in Iran’s parliament, also denied any oil discharge into the sea but suggested that the visible stains were likely waste and oil mixtures dumped from a European tanker, causing environmental harm. The MEMAC center, a key regional body in the Persian Gulf, coordinates member states in responding to pollution incidents and strengthening preparedness for environmental emergencies.