Tulsi Gabbard, the United States Director of National Intelligence, resigned from her post on Friday amid the ongoing Iran war. Her resignation came at a time of heightened tension over US military activity and the broader Middle East crisis. Reports from international media indicated that Gabbard had policy disagreements with the Trump administration regarding its approach to Iran.

In a post on social media platform X, Gabbard explained that she decided to step down after her husband, Abraham Williams, was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. In her resignation letter, she expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for allowing her to lead the intelligence office for the past one and a half years. Trump confirmed her resignation on his Truth Social account, praising her performance and saying she would be missed.

Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, served in Congress from 2013 to 2021 before leaving the Democratic Party to support Trump and take the intelligence post. Her resignation had been rumored for some time, though she had previously denied it.

Two people were killed in a head-on collision between a truck and an auto-van in Domar upazila of Nilphamari district on Thursday evening. The accident occurred around 6:30 p.m. in front of Sonaray Bazar on the Domar-Debiganj highway. The deceased were identified as Mominul Islam, 38, son of the late Mofiz Uddin of Chilahati Sabujpara area, and pedestrian Bikash Chandra, 25, son of Okindra Chandra Roy of Mahiganj area.

According to police and local sources, a truck traveling from Debiganj toward Nilphamari collided head-on with an auto-van. The auto-van driver, Mominul Islam, died on the spot. The truck then lost control and hit pedestrian Bikash Chandra, who was standing by the roadside. He was rescued by Domar Fire Service and taken to Domar Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead.

Police and traffic officers arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and brought the situation under control. Despite the accident, traffic on the highway remained normal. Domar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Habibullah confirmed the deaths.

Police in Rajarhat, Kurigram detained a young man named Maidul Islam Manik on Friday afternoon for allegedly posting offensive remarks about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his wife Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) on Facebook. The arrest took place in Nowdabash Barobari village under Umormajid Union after the post spread online and drew public anger.

According to police and local sources, the post shared from Manik’s personal Facebook account contained objectionable content that quickly circulated on social media, sparking outrage among local worshippers and residents. Fearing unrest, Rajarhat police promptly reached the area, brought the situation under control, and took the accused into custody.

Rajarhat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Mamunur Rashid stated that the man was detained for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. He confirmed that the suspect had been interrogated and that a case was being processed. The situation in the area is currently calm and stable.

Police in Jhenaidah have filed a case over an attack on NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwari. The case was lodged on Friday night by local NCP leader Tarek Reza, naming eight individuals including Islami University Chhatra Dal convener Shahed Ahmed, district Chhatra Dal president Imran Hossain, former president S.M. Somenuzzaman Somen, and general secretary Shahriar Russell, along with 115 unidentified persons. The filing followed a seven-hour sit-in at Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station by NCP activists demanding registration of the case.

After the case was recorded, Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal activists surrounded the police station, throwing bricks when the main gate was closed. They later gathered in front of the station and allegedly attempted a second attack on Patwari, who was inside under police protection. Police blocked the entrance with vehicles, and Patwari left Jhenaidah under police escort. Later that night, activists held a sit-in at Payra Chattar, vowing to continue until the case was withdrawn.

District BNP leaders addressed the gathering, while police officials declined to comment on the incident.

Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Maulana Abu Talib, representing Jhenaidah-4 constituency, attended the wedding ceremony of the daughter of a listed accused in a Shibir activist murder case in Kaliganj upazila of Jhenaidah. The event, held on Thursday at Bogergachi village, drew leaders and activists from various political parties and sparked widespread discussion and criticism in the area after photos and videos circulated on social media.

According to the report, the bride is the daughter of former union chairman and Awami League general secretary of Rakhalgachi Union, Mohidul Islam Montu, who is an accused in the 2016 murder of Shibir activist Shamim. Shamim was allegedly abducted by plainclothes men on March 24, 2016, and his bullet-riddled body was found on April 13 that year in Jashore. His father filed a case in September 2024 naming 12 individuals, including Montu, and 15 unidentified others.

Maulana Abu Talib stated that he attended the event due to social ties in his home area and assured that the victim’s family would receive proper justice.

Norway has announced its 26-member squad for the upcoming World Cup, marking the country's return to the tournament after 28 years. In a rare move, King Harald V of Norway personally revealed the team through a social media video message, a role traditionally performed by the coach. The announcement included a surprise call-up for 23-year-old goalkeeper Sander Tangvik, who replaced injured Mathias Dyngeland.

Midfielder Martin Ødegaard has been named captain of the team, which also features star striker Erling Haaland, along with Oscar Bobb and Jørgen Strand Larsen. Norway’s World Cup campaign will begin on June 17 in Boston against Iraq, followed by matches against Senegal in New Jersey on June 23 and France on June 26.

The announcement reflects Norway’s renewed ambition on the global football stage, with a balanced squad combining Premier League experience and emerging domestic talent.

International analysts suggest that U.S. President Donald Trump is stepping back from the Iran conflict, interpreting recent diplomatic efforts and ceasefire initiatives as a form of strategic retreat. According to reports, Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Washington is discussing a letter of intent with Tehran to formally end hostilities and begin 30 days of talks on Iran’s nuclear program and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The crisis began in March when Israel attacked Iran’s Pars gas field, prompting Iranian strikes on Qatari energy facilities. Since then, Iran has demanded war reparations, unrestricted uranium enrichment, control over the Strait of Hormuz, and the lifting of sanctions. The Institute for the Study of War reported that Iran is consolidating control over the strait, signing transit deals with oil-importing nations and imposing fees on others.

Analysts warn that the international sanctions system could weaken as more countries negotiate with Tehran. Netanyahu reportedly expressed concern that Iran may emerge stronger after the conflict, potentially undermining Israel’s security and regional influence.

At a two-day Sundarbans Summit held in Khulna on May 22, 2026, experts and officials called for unified national and global efforts to protect the Sundarbans. The event, jointly organized by BRAC University’s C3ER, Mission Green Bangladesh, Sajida Foundation, and Swapnopuri Welfare Organization, brought together over 300 young climate activists from seven South and Southeast Asian countries. Speakers emphasized that the Sundarbans safeguard Bangladesh’s coast from climate disasters and absorb carbon emissions, but destructive activities now endanger the forest.

Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju criticized past unplanned development and coal-based power projects near the forest, urging immediate sustainable solutions. District Commissioner Hure Jannat highlighted the need for collaboration among government, NGOs, and youth to combat climate impacts. Climate scientist Dr. Ainun Nishat warned of rising salinity and frequent natural disasters threatening biodiversity, calling for science-based green innovation. Waterkeepers Bangladesh’s Sharif Jamil stressed pollution control and community monitoring.

The summit concluded with the release of the “Sundarbans Green Declaration 2026,” presented by Mission Green Bangladesh Executive Director Ahsan Rony, outlining commitments for forest conservation.

Intern doctors at Chittagong International Medical College Hospital have begun an indefinite work stoppage demanding a safe working environment and punishment for those involved in an assault on one of their colleagues. The strike started on Thursday night, May 21, and by Friday afternoon no intern doctors were providing medical services at the hospital.

According to reports, intern doctor Dr. Ashfaqul Islam was attacked around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday while returning home after his evening duty near the entrance of Chandgaon residential area. He sustained serious injuries, and his mobile phone was damaged during the assault. Locals rescued him and took him to the hospital, where fellow interns provided initial treatment. A case is expected to be filed at Chandgaon Police Station naming several ninth-batch students as accused.

The hospital principal, Professor Dr. Muhammad Muslim Uddin Sabuj, said a five-member investigation committee has been formed and action will be taken once the report is received. He added that overall hospital operations remain normal.

Tension has resurfaced in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh over the disputed Bhojshala complex after Muslim representatives filed an appeal in India’s Supreme Court. The petition, submitted by mosque caretaker Qazi Moinuddin, challenges the High Court’s May 15 ruling that overturned a long-standing arrangement allowing separate worship days for Hindus and Muslims at the site.

The Bhojshala complex, preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India, has historical and archaeological significance. Since 2003, Hindus were permitted to perform rituals on Tuesdays, while Muslims offered Friday prayers. The High Court recently nullified this arrangement and directed the government to consider allocating land elsewhere for a new mosque. As a result, Friday prayers will not be held at Bhojshala for the first time in 23 years, prompting heightened security measures across the city.

Hindu groups have welcomed the ruling and organized weeklong celebrations, while local authorities have convened peace meetings to prevent communal unrest. The state government has also announced plans to develop Bhojshala in the style of Ayodhya’s Ram Temple, sparking renewed political and religious debate.

Authorities in Barguna seized around 2.3 million bagda shrimp fry worth approximately one crore taka on Friday, May 22, 2026. The operation took place in the municipal bus terminal area, where two truck drivers were detained. Acting on intelligence from the National Security Intelligence (NSI), the joint drive was conducted by the district administration and the district fisheries office to intercept the illegal transport of shrimp fry from coastal rivers in Patuakhali’s Kalapara area to Khulna.

The confiscated fry were released into the Bishkhali River at the Baraitala ferry ghat area in the presence of the district fisheries officer and an assistant commissioner. District Fisheries Officer Ziauddin Ahmed stated that similar drives had been conducted earlier, including one in Taltali where 79 drums were seized and fines imposed. In the latest operation, 227 drums containing about 2.3 million fry were recovered and released. He added that despite limited manpower, such drives will continue to curb illegal fry collection and transport.

Muslims in France and several other European countries will celebrate Eid al-Adha on May 27, 2026, in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s announcement. Large numbers of Muslims, including Bangladeshi expatriates living in French cities, are preparing for the festival. Preparations for animal sacrifices are underway both in France and abroad, with Bangladeshi businesses in Paris already taking orders for sacrificial animals.

According to a France-based Muslim organization, the festival will mark the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, 1447 Hijri, while the Day of Arafat will be observed on May 26. The organization has urged Muslims to attend Eid prayers and emphasized the importance of performing sacrifices responsibly, following both religious and health guidelines.

Eid congregations will be held in mosques across French cities with administrative approval, and special arrangements are being made for worshippers, according to local authorities.

Bus owners and workers in Gazipur Metropolitan held a human chain protest in Tongi on Friday afternoon, demanding an immediate halt to the alleged illegal operation of Victor Classic Transport buses. The demonstration took place on the BRT flyover near Tongi Bazar along the Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway, with participation from over a hundred transport owners, drivers, and labor leaders from various city routes.

Speakers at the event claimed that Victor Classic buses are only permitted to operate within Ashulia and Baimail areas of Dhaka district but are illegally running on Gazipur roads with the help of certain officials and influential individuals. They said this unauthorized operation is causing severe financial losses to legitimate local transport businesses and worsening traffic congestion on the highway, increasing passenger suffering.

The protesters urged the administration to take immediate action to stop the unlicensed buses and warned of tougher programs if their demands are ignored.

The Kolkata High Court has upheld a state government notification maintaining a ban on the slaughter of bulls, oxen, cows, calves, and buffaloes in West Bengal ahead of Eid al-Adha. The division bench of Chief Justice Joy Pal and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen ruled that the May 13, 2026 notification merely implemented a 2018 court directive and therefore did not warrant suspension or cancellation. The court also stated that cow sacrifice is not a mandatory religious practice in Islam.

According to the state notification, these animals cannot be slaughtered without certification declaring them unfit and may only be slaughtered in authorized abattoirs. Following the ruling, reports from India’s Aaj Tak media indicated that Hindu men and women in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas, protested the decision, rejecting the restriction on cow sacrifice and demanding permission to sell cattle.

The court’s decision reinforces earlier judicial restrictions on cattle slaughter in the state, while the protests highlight ongoing tensions surrounding religious and cultural practices linked to animal sacrifice.

The Indian central government has decided to bring back several individuals who were previously sent to Bangladesh to verify their Indian citizenship status. The decision was disclosed to the Supreme Court on Friday, following a case filed by the central government challenging a September 2025 Calcutta High Court ruling that had declared the deportation of Sonali Khatun and others to Bangladesh illegal.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had allowed Sonali Khatun and her eight-year-old child to re-enter India on humanitarian grounds after they had been sent to Bangladesh. The court also directed the West Bengal government to ensure their care and medical support. The case stems from the detention of several families in Delhi’s Rohini area in June 2025, who were suspected of being Bangladeshi nationals and subsequently deported.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant that the government would repatriate the individuals within eight to ten days and verify their citizenship before deciding on further action. The next hearing is scheduled for July.