Tension erupted in Baklia, Chattogram, on Thursday after a three-year-old girl was allegedly raped in a residential building on Abu Zafar Road. The incident occurred while the child’s mother was at work and her father was out driving a rickshaw. Locals accused a 32-year-old shop employee of committing the assault. When the crime became known, residents captured the suspect and locked him inside a nearby madrasa gate. Police arrived to rescue the accused, but the situation quickly escalated as the crowd demanded that he be handed over to them.

Eyewitnesses said police faced resistance while trying to take the suspect to the station, leading to clashes involving chasing, scuffling, and physical confrontation. Police fired bullets, sound grenades, and tear gas to disperse the crowd, injuring several people, though the exact number of casualties was not immediately confirmed. The area remained under public control for over an hour before additional forces were deployed.

The injured child was admitted to the One Stop Crisis Centre at Chattogram Medical College Hospital in critical condition. Authorities have increased police presence in the area and pledged a proper investigation.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Mymensingh district on Saturday, according to information from the Prime Minister’s Press Wing released on Thursday. The official itinerary, signed by Protocol Officer-1 Ujjal Sarkar, states that the Prime Minister will depart for Trishal, Mymensingh by road at 9 a.m. and attend the re-excavation inauguration of Dhara Canal at Bailor Union at noon.

Following a break at Trishal Nazrul Dak Bungalow at 2 p.m., he will attend a program at Nazrul Mancha at 3 p.m. marking the 127th birth anniversary of the national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and inaugurate a three-day celebration. Later, at 5 p.m., he will join an organizational meeting of Mymensingh North, South, and Metropolitan BNP units at Trishal Nazrul Auditorium before returning to Dhaka by road at 6:30 p.m.

The visit combines administrative and cultural engagements, highlighting both development initiatives and political activities in the Mymensingh region.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s executive committee member Shishir Monir has announced that he will serve as the lawyer for the family of Ramisa, the child victim in a rape and murder case. He made the announcement in a Facebook post on Thursday night, confirming his decision to represent the family in court.

Law Minister Md. Anisul Haque has directed the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner to submit the investigation report within seven days regarding the rape and murder of Ramisa. Ministry sources said that the main accused, Sohel Rana, confessed in court to raping and killing Ramisa. The ministry also indicated that steps would be taken to ensure a speedy trial.

Following his confession under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure before Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Aminul Islam Junayed, the court ordered Sohel Rana to be sent to jail. The case, filed by Ramisa’s father Abdul Hannan Mollah, names Sohel Rana, his wife Swapna Akter, and another unidentified person as accused, all of whom have been arrested and sent to prison by court order.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Iqbal, the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET), Gazipur, was honored with a floral reception on May 21, 2026. The event took place at his office, where deans, department heads, institute directors, and representatives from teachers’, officers’, and employees’ associations greeted him sequentially. During an exchange with teachers, students, and staff, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead one of the country’s premier engineering universities and pledged to advance DUET globally through education, research, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration.

According to the Education Ministry’s notification signed by the Deputy Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, Dr. Iqbal officially assumed office on May 14, 2026, with the approval of the President and Chancellor. Before joining DUET, he served as Vice-Chancellor of North East University Bangladesh, Sylhet, and held multiple administrative roles at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology and Sylhet Engineering College. He has over 34 years of professional experience, numerous international publications, and several awards recognizing his academic and research leadership.

A farmer named Chalim Uddin, aged 40, died after being struck by lightning in Joydharkandi village of Pakshimul Union, Sarail upazila, Brahmanbaria. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Thursday when he went to the field to bring his cattle. During sudden rain and lightning, he was severely injured by a lightning strike. Locals rescued him and brought him home, where he was confirmed dead on the spot.

The death of Chalim Uddin, son of Nuru Mia, has cast a shadow of grief over the area. Local representatives and residents have expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family.

The report highlights the tragic impact of lightning incidents on rural communities, emphasizing the vulnerability of farmers working in open fields during sudden storms.

Brazilian forward Neymar Jr. has sustained a minor calf injury just days after being named in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad. According to Santos club doctor Rodrigo Zogaib, Neymar has swelling in his right leg and will need to rest and remain under observation for several days. The injury, though not serious, has kept him out of regular training and the recent Copa Libertadores match against San Lorenzo, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Santos is prioritizing Neymar’s full recovery before he joins the national team camp, which begins on May 27 at Granja Comary. The club aims to ensure he regains full fitness before leaving for international duty. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti reportedly reviewed Neymar’s medical reports and spoke directly with the player before confirming his inclusion in the 26-man squad.

While there is no major alarm in the Brazil camp, Neymar faces a race against time to be fully fit before Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered that the country’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium must not be sent abroad under any circumstances. The directive directly contradicts a key demand from the United States, which had made the removal of enriched uranium a central condition in ongoing peace discussions. Two senior Iranian sources confirmed the order to Reuters.

According to the report, the decision could anger U.S. President Donald Trump and place the process of ending the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel in serious doubt. Israeli officials told Reuters that Trump had previously assured Israel that Iran’s uranium stockpile would be removed and that this would be a mandatory clause in any peace agreement. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also stated that the war would not be considered over until Iran removes its enriched uranium, halts support for proxy militias, and dismantles its ballistic missile capabilities.

Iranian officials believe that sending the material abroad would leave the country more vulnerable to potential attacks from the United States and Israel. No immediate comment was available from the White House or Iran’s Foreign Ministry.

Global gold prices declined as a stronger US dollar and rising Treasury yields weighed on the precious metal, while oil prices climbed due to stalled peace talks in the Middle East. As of 11:18 GMT on Thursday, spot gold dropped 0.6 percent to $4,517.94 per ounce, and US June gold futures fell 0.4 percent to $4,518.70. Analysts said inflation concerns and expectations of higher interest rates continued to weaken the gold market.

The ongoing Middle East tensions kept oil markets buoyant, with Brent crude rising nearly 3 percent to $107.4 per barrel. Iran stated it was reviewing Washington’s latest proposal, while US President Donald Trump said he could wait a few more days for Tehran’s response but left open the option of renewed strikes. Analysts noted that since the conflict began, gold prices have fallen more than 15 percent, while oil has gained amid energy-driven inflation fears.

Other precious metals also declined, with silver down 1.4 percent to $74.96 per ounce, platinum down 1 percent to $1,931.5, and palladium down 0.9 percent to $1,357.94.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam, announced that all digital services will be designed to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities. Speaking on May 21, 2026, at an event marking Global Accessibility Awareness Day at the BIDA Auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka, he said accessible websites and apps have already been developed so that no one is left behind. He emphasized that accessibility is a right, not charity, and that technology must align with human needs, abilities, and diversity.

The minister added that new technologies will help integrate persons with disabilities more actively into mainstream society, turning them into valuable assets for the nation. The ICT Division will take all necessary initiatives to ensure their dignified participation. State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin said the government will fully support public and private initiatives promoting digital accessibility. ICT Division Secretary Kazi Anwar Hossain noted that Bangladesh’s digital progress will be complete only when every citizen can use digital services with dignity, freedom, and equality.

The event was attended by officials from a2i, Sightsavers, Friendship, and CRP, among others.

A recent US intelligence assessment indicates that Iran is rebuilding its military capabilities faster than expected after suffering damage from US and Israeli strikes. According to information shared with CNN, Iran has partially resumed drone production during a six-week ceasefire that began in April 2026. The reconstruction of missile bases, launchers, and weapons infrastructure is reportedly advancing quickly, surpassing earlier intelligence timelines.

The assessment suggests Iran could restore full drone strike capability within six months, raising concerns among US allies in the Middle East. Intelligence sources attribute Iran’s rapid recovery partly to assistance from Russia and China, though Chinese officials have denied supplying missile components. Despite significant losses, much of Iran’s ballistic missile, drone, and air defense capacity remains intact, with about half of its drone fleet still operational.

Contradicting the intelligence findings, US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper told Congress that Operation Epic Fury destroyed 90 percent of Iran’s defense industry. However, CNN reported that intelligence sources believe Iran’s recovery could take months rather than years.

The National Doctors Forum (NDF) has called for gradually increasing Bangladesh’s public health expenditure to 5 percent of GDP in the national budget. The demand was made at a roundtable titled “National Health Budget 2026–27” held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Thursday. NDF leaders said the current allocation of only 0.7 percent of GDP is inadequate to meet public healthcare needs, forcing citizens to bear most medical costs themselves.

Economist Dr. Mizanur Rahman presented the keynote paper, noting that according to the World Health Organization, countries should spend at least 5 percent of GDP on health. He said about 70 percent of total health expenses in Bangladesh come directly from people’s pockets, creating financial risks for low- and middle-income groups. Participants, including lawmakers and health economists, emphasized that health should be treated as a long-term investment rather than an expense.

The NDF also proposed raising per capita health allocation to 100 dollars, expanding ICU, NICU, dialysis, cancer, and cardiac facilities at district levels, and introducing national health insurance. The forum recommended increased funding for medical education, rural health incentives, improved drug supply in public hospitals, and wider use of digital health and telemedicine.

The Islamic Foundation has announced the schedule for five Eid-ul-Azha congregations at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka. The first congregation will begin at 7:00 a.m., led by Mufti Md. Mizanur Rahman. The second will be at 8:00 a.m. with Dr. Maulana Waliur Rahman Khan, followed by the third at 9:00 a.m. led by Mufti Md. Abdullah. The fourth will start at 10:00 a.m. with Maulana Mohammad Nur Uddin, and the fifth and final congregation will be held at 10:45 a.m. led by Jubair Ahmad Al-Azhari. Each congregation will have one designated Mukkabbir.

If any of the designated imams are unable to attend, Md. Shahidul Islam will serve as the alternate imam. The Islamic Foundation has requested all concerned to arrive at the mosque before the scheduled time to perform their respective duties. Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated nationwide on May 28.

The announcement ensures orderly arrangements for worshippers at the national mosque during one of the most significant religious events of the year.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has announced a revised metro rail schedule for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha holidays. According to a press release signed by Deputy Project Director (Public Relations) Md Ahsan Ullah Sharif on May 21, the first train from Uttara North to Motijheel will depart at 6:30 a.m., while the first train from Motijheel to Uttara North will leave at 7:15 a.m. The last trains will depart at 9:30 p.m. from Uttara North and 10:10 p.m. from Motijheel.

During the holidays, trains will operate every 12 to 20 minutes depending on passenger demand, with approximately 140 trips daily using seven train sets. Ticket counters and vending machines will remain open from 6:40 a.m. to 9:20 p.m., except on Fridays when sales start later in the afternoon. After 9:20 p.m., all ticket counters will close, though new Rapid Pass cards can still be purchased during scheduled hours.

As in previous years, metro rail services will remain completely closed on Eid day itself, DMTCL confirmed in the announcement.

At a roundtable discussion held Thursday at the National Press Club in Dhaka, organized by human rights group Odhikar to mark International Week of the Disappeared 2026, prominent citizens, rights activists, politicians, lawyers, and members of parliament called for strong and transparent laws to address enforced disappearances and protect judicial independence. Speakers emphasized that delayed justice amounts to denial of justice and urged the government to bring all perpetrators of disappearances to trial.

NCP Member Secretary and MP Akhtar Hossain said only a small fraction of security personnel are directly involved in disappearances and demanded their prosecution. MP Barrister Mir Ahmed Bin Kasem criticized the current laws as ineffective and warned that public patience is running out. Former prosecutor Tazul Islam and retired Brigadier General Abdullahil Aman Azmi described the existing laws as inadequate and urged reforms to ensure accountability.

Odhikar’s Advocacy Director Taskin Fahmina added that strong legal frameworks would prevent impunity and help security forces operate responsibly, ensuring that human rights violations and disappearances do not recur.

Israeli forces carried out a series of attacks across southern Lebanon on May 21, 2026, targeting several towns and villages. According to local sources and journalists at the scene, the assaults included airstrikes, artillery shelling, and drone attacks. The most significant strike reportedly occurred in Sarafand city in Tyre district, where an Israeli air raid caused widespread panic among residents. Additional shelling was reported in the towns of Baraashit and Kfar Dounin, while a separate drone strike hit Yaroun city. No immediate details were available regarding casualties or damage.

The attacks come amid escalating tensions along the southern Lebanon border, where clashes between Israeli forces and armed groups have intensified in recent weeks. The continued exchange of strikes has raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the border region.

The situation remains fluid, with no official confirmation yet on the extent of destruction or potential civilian impact from the latest wave of attacks.