Bangladesh today observes Shapla Massacre Day, commemorating the deadly crackdown on Hefazat-e-Islam’s rally at Dhaka’s Shapla Chattar on May 5, 2013. The operation, known as “Operation Secure Shapla,” was carried out jointly by law enforcement agencies during the night, leaving an unresolved debate over the number of casualties. While the then government claimed minimal deaths, rights group Odhikar listed 61 victims. The International Crimes Tribunal’s (ICT) investigation agency has now confirmed evidence of 32 killings, citing the use of lethal weapons and sound grenades after cutting electricity. Following political changes in 2024, previously suppressed information about the incident has begun to surface. The ICT investigation agency is preparing to submit a report accusing 25 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, and ex-DMP Commissioner Benazir Ahmed. Families of victims, long silenced by fear, are now demanding justice and accountability. Hefazat-e-Islam leaders have urged current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to ensure exemplary punishment for those responsible, emphasizing that justice for the May 5 killings is essential to uphold the rule of law in Bangladesh.

Researchers from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have reported promising results from cultivating short-duration Boro rice varieties in the haor wetlands of northeastern Bangladesh. The findings were presented at a press conference held at the university’s Department of Crop Botany, led by Professor Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman Pramanik. The research, ongoing since 2020, aims to help farmers harvest rice 15 to 20 days earlier than traditional varieties, reducing losses from sudden pre-monsoon floods. According to the researchers, about 60 percent of Bangladesh’s total rice production comes from the Boro season, with 18 percent produced in haor areas. However, early floods often destroy 10 to 100 percent of crops each year. The study tested several short-duration varieties such as BRRI dhan-88, BRRI dhan-101, BRRI dhan-113, BRRI dhan-105, and BRRI dhan-25, which mature in about 145 days—two weeks earlier than the widely grown BRRI dhan-92. The researchers noted challenges including slightly lower yields, temperature sensitivity, and the need for timely planting and harvesting. They emphasized that agricultural mechanization, including rice transplanters and harvesters, is essential to ensure timely harvesting before floods.

Leaders of various political and religious organizations have demanded an impartial investigation and punishment for those responsible for the killings at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka on May 5, 2013. The demand was made in statements sent to the media on Monday, marking the anniversary of the incident. Commemorative discussions and prayer gatherings were held in the capital and other parts of the country. Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh issued a statement urging nationwide prayers and discussions in memory of the victims, calling on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to ensure justice. The group held events in several Dhaka zones, while Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s leader, the Chormonai Pir, called the killings a shameful chapter in national history and demanded recognition and compensation for the victims. He also urged the state to officially commemorate the day. Today, multiple organizations are continuing related programs, including discussions at Dhaka University and exhibitions at the National Museum. On Friday, the Shapla Smriti Sangsad will host a memorial event titled “Shaplar Shohidgantha—5 May Massacre: Remembrance and Evaluation.”

Eight rivers in Bangladesh’s northeastern region are flowing above the danger level following moderate to heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre of the Water Development Board. The forecast, issued on Monday, reported significant rainfall in Netrokona, Habiganj, and Chandpur, with water levels rising at eight points across seven rivers in three districts. The forecast noted that rivers such as the Surma-Kushiyara, Dhalai, Dhanu-Baulai, and Kalni have seen water levels increase, while the Bhugai-Kangsha and Someshwari rivers have shown slight decreases. The Meghalayan and Assamese regions of India also experienced moderate rainfall, contributing to the rising water levels. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department predicted continued moderate to heavy rainfall over the next few days, with potential thunderstorms in several divisions. The Water Development Board warned that water levels in the Surma-Kushiyara basin could continue to rise for three days, possibly causing flooding in low-lying haor areas of Sylhet and Sunamganj. Flood conditions in parts of Habiganj, Netrokona, and Kishoreganj may persist as river levels remain high.

The Election Commission (EC) has approved the gazette declaring Nusrat Tabassum, joint convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) under the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance, as a member of parliament for a reserved women's seat. Senior Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud confirmed the approval on Monday, stating that the document has been signed and will now be sent for printing. Earlier, the alliance had nominated Monira Sharmin for the same seat, but her nomination was canceled by the returning officer because she had not completed three years since leaving her job, as required by law. Her appeal to the EC was rejected, prompting her to file a petition with the High Court. The hearing was scheduled for Monday afternoon, but one of the judges declined to hear the case, and it is now expected to be heard by another bench on Tuesday. The EC stated that if the High Court issues any directive, the commission will comply by canceling or amending the gazette accordingly.

Widespread crop destruction has been reported across Bangladesh following continuous heavy rainfall, storms, and flash floods from India. Fields of ripe boro rice, soybeans, onions, garlic, and seasonal vegetables have been submerged under waist-deep water in many areas, including Sunamganj, Srimangal, Jhalokathi, Lakshmipur, and Netrokona. Thousands of farming families in the haor regions are facing severe hardship as their annual harvests are lost. Power outages and infrastructure damage have also been reported due to fallen trees and broken electric poles. In Sunamganj’s Jagannathpur, nearly half of 20,423 hectares of rice fields were still unharvested when six days of rain submerged large areas. In Srimangal, 215 hectares of ripe and semi-ripe rice were flooded due to poor drainage. Farmers in Netrokona are struggling to dry harvested rice, while in Lakshmipur’s Raipur, about 60 percent of soybean crops have been damaged. Jhalokathi and Nalchity also reported major losses of rabi crops and rice fields. Local agricultural offices are assessing damage and advising farmers to harvest mature crops quickly. Authorities have pledged to report losses and seek assistance for affected farmers.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’s Paltan Zone has expressed deep grief and anger over the killings at Shapla Chattar on May 5, 2013, and demanded a speedy and impartial trial for those responsible. The demand was made during a discussion and prayer meeting held on Monday evening at the organization’s Paltan office in Dhaka, marking the anniversary of the incident. The meeting was presided over by Mufti Salah Uddin, president of the Paltan Zone, and conducted by general secretary Mufti Imranul Bari Siraji. Several religious leaders, including Maulana Abdullah Al Masud Khan, Maulana Manjurul Haque, Maulana Makhdoom, and Maulana Abdullah Rasel, addressed the gathering. Speakers emphasized that in a just and civilized state, no citizen should lose their life through oppression or injustice. They described the Shapla incident as both a humanitarian tragedy and a question of justice and human rights. The speakers urged a full and impartial investigation, legal action against all directly or indirectly involved, and justice and compensation for the victims’ families. They stated that establishing justice would be the true way to honor the sacrifices of those who died.

Thirteen years after the May 5, 2013 operation at Dhaka’s Shapla Chattar, families of those killed continue to live in deep poverty and sorrow. The coordinated security raid, known as “Operation Secure Shapla,” left many families without their main earners. Survivors describe losing loved ones, facing social ostracism, and struggling with debt and illness. Most families have received little or no state assistance or recognition, and many remain traumatized by the events of that night. The article recounts testimonies from several families who lost relatives, detailing their economic hardship and emotional devastation. It also highlights the government’s long-standing denial of casualties, with officials claiming no one died during the operation. Human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch and Odhikar reported dozens of deaths, but official investigations were blocked and data suppressed. Media outlets were shut down during the raid, creating what witnesses called a blackout. Following the fall of the previous authoritarian government in August 2024, victims’ families now see a renewed possibility for justice and international recognition of the killings as crimes against humanity.

US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Iran, saying the country would be wiped off the map if it attacks American ships operating under 'Project Freedom' in the Strait of Hormuz. He made the remarks during an interview on Fox News, emphasizing that the United States would respond decisively to any aggression against its naval forces. Trump stated that he believes Iran has become much more flexible in peace negotiations. He also highlighted the importance of increasing US military presence in the region, suggesting that American forces are well-equipped and ready to act if necessary. According to Trump, the United States now possesses a vast arsenal of advanced weapons and ammunition, along with a global network of military bases filled with equipment. He reiterated that the US is prepared to use all available resources if required. The comments were reported by Al Jazeera.

Rangpur Metropolitan Police arrested Nur Alam, the removed and fugitive chairman of Kalyani Union Parishad in Pirgacha upazila, during a raid in the Mahiganj area on Monday night. Alam, aged 56, is known as a close associate and protégé of former commerce minister Tipu Munshi. Police said he faces multiple murder and attempted murder cases linked to anti-discrimination student protests. He is scheduled to be presented before court on Tuesday. Following his arrest, residents of Kalyani Union expressed relief, with reports of people distributing sweets late at night. Locals accused Alam of ruling the area through fear for a decade under the former minister’s influence. Community leaders and victims alleged that he misused power to embezzle millions of taka, illegally sold government trees, and extorted money through fabricated cases and police harassment. Local representatives described the arrest as a major political development in Pirgacha. Citizens urged the Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate Alam’s alleged decade-long corruption, land grabbing, and illicit wealth accumulation to ensure exemplary punishment.

A free health care camp was inaugurated at Hafiz Ibrahim College in Borhanuddin, Bhola, with the goal of bringing modern medical services to marginalized and underprivileged communities. The event took place on Monday and was inaugurated by Alhaj Hafiz Ibrahim, the Member of Parliament for Bhola-2. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives in ensuring access to healthcare for rural people and pledged to continue similar programs in the future, including efforts to bring renowned doctors to provide free treatment locally. Acting Principal Zakaria Azam of Hafiz Ibrahim College welcomed the initiative, describing it as a vital humanitarian effort to support disadvantaged groups. He expressed hope that such activities would continue in the coming years. On the opening day, around 2,600 underprivileged individuals received free medical services from 10 to 12 experienced doctors. Additionally, more than 1,000 poor patients received free medicines distributed by the organizers. The day-long camp was organized by Square Pharmaceuticals as part of its outreach to provide essential healthcare to rural communities.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called for ensuring justice for all perpetrators, including Hasina, involved in the July massacre. He made the demand while addressing a citizens’ reception organized by the Islamic Mission Japan at Kaminakazato Takinogawa Hall in Tokyo on Monday afternoon. Rahman emphasized that the sacrifices made by Bangladeshis in 1947, 1971, and 2024 must be honored through building a corruption-free state. Addressing expatriates, Rahman urged them to enhance their knowledge and skills to contribute to national progress and strengthen the economy through remittances. He expressed gratitude to expatriate voters, noting that 65 percent supported Jamaat in the 13th national election, and pledged to uphold their rights both in parliament and on the streets. He also advised Bangladeshis in Japan to respect local laws and preserve their cultural roots. Other speakers, including MPs Saiful Alam Khan Milon and Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem Arman, highlighted the importance of expatriate participation in advancing Bangladesh’s ongoing movement and protecting their rights abroad.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of large-scale electoral fraud after the party took a strong lead in the state elections. Speaking to reporters on May 4, 2026, Banerjee alleged that the BJP had 'stolen more than 100 seats' and that the Election Commission had turned into a 'BJP commission'. She claimed that repeated complaints were ignored by authorities. Banerjee further alleged that the BJP’s victory was unethical and that the Prime Minister and Home Minister were complicit in manipulating the Election Commission. She accused officials of coercion, abuse, and arresting counting agents, vowing to continue the political fight. As of 8:30 p.m., the BJP had won 136 seats and was leading in 72 more, while the Trinamool Congress had secured 49 seats and was ahead in 30, according to BBC Bangla. The allegations have heightened political tension in West Bengal as counting continues and official results are awaited.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, stated that citizens must not be held hostage by extortionists, mafias, and terrorists. Speaking on Monday at a meeting of party organizers from the Dhaka-12 constituency at Segunbagicha’s Sanghati Auditorium, he emphasized the need to dismantle criminal syndicates across the country to ensure the safety of people’s lives and property. He said protecting citizens’ livelihoods should be a top priority for the elected government. Haque warned that criminals often operate under political and administrative protection, and in some cases maintain unholy ties with members of law enforcement agencies. He stressed that such collusion must end if extortion, terrorism, and illegal occupation are to be stopped. He also noted that no political identity should shield criminals from accountability. Party leaders at the meeting called for strengthening political and social resistance alongside administrative measures against extortionists and violent offenders.

The High Court has issued a rule asking why each of the 208 expatriate July movement fighters should not receive compensation of 2.5 million taka. The order was given on Monday by a bench led by Justice Fatema Nazib. The court directed the secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and other concerned authorities to respond to the rule. Barrister H. M. Sanjid Siddiqui represented the petitioners during the hearing. According to Barrister Siddiqui, among the 208 individuals, 57 workers were convicted in the United Arab Emirates during the July movement. The government has officially recognized all 208 individuals, including those 57 workers, as July fighters. The case centers on their imprisonment and suffering abroad due to their involvement in the movement. The High Court’s directive initiates a process to determine whether the recognized July fighters are entitled to state compensation for their hardships, pending responses from the relevant ministries.