Bangladesh’s Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid has advised farmers and exporters to exercise caution in using pesticides to ensure safe food exports. He made the remarks on Thursday while inaugurating the mango export season at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council auditorium in Dhaka. The event marked the formal launch of mango exports for the current season under the Department of Agricultural Extension’s ‘Exportable Mango Production Project’.

The minister said mango is one of Bangladesh’s most promising exportable agricultural products, though the country has yet to reach its desired position in the global market. He noted that Bangladesh currently exports mangoes to 38 countries, including China, following a 2024 export agreement. Malaysia, Japan, and several other countries have also shown interest in importing Bangladeshi mangoes. Officials and experts at the event emphasized that improving production and processing quality would strengthen the value chain and benefit farmers financially.

Project officials reported that 41.5 metric tons of mangoes have already been exported this season to destinations including Italy, Sweden, Canada, and Gulf countries. They expressed optimism that with affordable air freight and sufficient cargo space, Bangladesh could achieve record mango exports this year.

A research team from Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) in Dinajpur has demonstrated that potato cultivation can achieve conventional yields using only half the recommended amount of urea and phosphate fertilizers. The study, led by Associate Professor Dr. Md. Azizul Haque from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, used a consortium of endophytic bacteria in field trials on the Granula potato variety. The method required no chemical pesticides, fungicides, or hormones, yet produced disease-free and high-quality potatoes.

The research found that endophytic bacteria enhanced antioxidant activity in potato leaves and roots, strengthening natural disease resistance and increasing microbial diversity in soil and plants. A participating farmer reported reduced costs and doubled profits per bigha compared to conventional methods. BRAC Microfinance, which funded the project, noted that the potatoes had stronger skins and longer natural storage life, improving marketability and food security.

According to experts, the innovation aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals on sustainable agriculture, responsible production, climate action, and ecosystem conservation. Researchers hope broader field testing will confirm its potential for other crops and promote eco-friendly, cost-effective farming across Bangladesh.

Indian cattle are reportedly entering Bangladesh through the Padma River near the Chapainawabganj border ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Smugglers are crossing the river at night despite the risks of arrest or death, driven by the higher profitability of Indian cattle. Local farmers and business leaders have expressed anger and fear as the inflow continues, undermining domestic livestock markets. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) claims to be enforcing a zero-tolerance policy, though reports indicate that smuggling persists with limited interceptions.

Farmers say they have invested heavily, often through loans, to raise cattle for Eid sales, but rising feed costs and the influx of cheaper Indian cattle have pushed them toward losses. Some farmers report failing to recover their costs at local markets, blaming the illegal imports. The Chapainawabganj Dairy Association warns that the situation could devastate small farms and urges government intervention. A local lawmaker has also voiced concern at a recent law and order committee meeting, calling for swift action.

BGB officials maintain that only isolated incidents occur and that seized cattle are being confiscated, but farmers remain skeptical as smuggling continues unchecked.

Jamaat-backed lawyers have boycotted the Chattogram District Bar Association election, alleging obstruction in nomination submission, irregularities, and bias by the Election Commission. The voting began at 9 a.m. on Thursday at the association’s auditorium, while the protesting lawyers, led by Advocate Shamsul Islam, demonstrated in front of the annex building from 10 a.m. They claimed that nine of their candidates were unfairly disqualified and described the election as one-sided and undemocratic.

According to court sources, nominations for nine out of 21 posts were canceled for late submission, while 12 were declared valid. Among the valid nominations, only one was for a vice president post, and the rest were for member positions. Earlier, on May 14, 166 lawyers, including Jamaat supporters, called a special meeting to challenge the decision but lost in a vote. They later filed a case in the First Joint Judge Court.

On May 20, the court upheld the Election Commission led by Advocate Rowshan Ara and allowed the election to proceed. The night before the election, seven Jamaat-backed lawyers holding positions in the current bar council resigned together.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in a tense phone conversation on Tuesday over their differing approaches to advancing the conflict with Iran, according to a U.S. official cited by CNN. The exchange followed Trump’s earlier decision to delay a planned targeted strike on Iran, reportedly named “Operation Sledgehammer,” after requests from Gulf allies including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The White House and Pakistani mediators have since been in close contact with Gulf states to outline a diplomatic path forward.

The delay frustrated Netanyahu, who has long favored a more aggressive stance against Tehran. Israeli officials said the prime minister pressed Trump during the hour-long call to resume military action, arguing that postponement only benefits Iran. Trump, however, maintained that diplomacy should continue, emphasizing that the situation was at a “final stage.”

Meanwhile, Iran confirmed through state-linked media that it continues indirect message exchanges with Washington via Pakistan. Pakistan’s army chief is expected to visit Tehran as part of ongoing mediation efforts, though key differences over Iran’s nuclear program and frozen funds remain unresolved.

Five cattle markets under the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) have not yet been leased ahead of Eid-ul-Azha due to land ownership disputes and a shortage of bidders. Three of the markets face unresolved ownership conflicts, while two others could not proceed with open tenders because of a lack of interested lessees. CCC officials are holding discussions with landowners to resolve the disputes and aim to open all markets before the festival.

According to CCC sources, the city will host ten cattle markets this year—three permanent and seven temporary. The permanent markets at Sagorika, Bibirhat, and Postarpar have completed tender processes and are already operating. The district administration approved seven temporary markets out of sixteen proposed. Among these, three have completed leasing, while the rest face disputes or logistical challenges. The total projected revenue from all markets stands at Tk 13.11 crore, with Tk 9.97 crore from permanent markets and Tk 3.13 crore from temporary ones.

Officials indicated that if disputes persist, CCC may finalize leases through negotiation, adding six percent to last year’s rates to complete the process before Eid.

Bangladesh completed a historic 2–0 Test series whitewash against Pakistan after winning the second match in Sylhet by 79 runs. Chasing 437, Pakistan were bowled out for 358 despite Mohammad Rizwan’s 94. Spinner Taijul Islam took six wickets to seal Bangladesh’s first-ever home Test series whitewash over Pakistan, following a similar result in Pakistan in 2024.

Former Pakistan players reacted strongly on social media. Wasim Akram expressed disappointment but credited Bangladesh for playing complete cricket and praised their improved pitches and pace attack. Azhar Ali highlighted Bangladesh’s long-term development process and urged Pakistan to improve in all departments. Commentator Ramiz Raja commended Najmul Hossain Shanto’s leadership and Bangladesh’s shift from defensive spin tactics to more competitive conditions, while warning that Pakistan’s weaknesses are deepening. Mohammad Hafeez pointed to structural issues in Pakistan cricket and called for administrative reforms.

The reactions underscored growing concern over Pakistan’s decline and recognition of Bangladesh’s transformation into a more balanced Test side.

All bus operations on the Cumilla-Chandpur regional highway have been suspended indefinitely by transport owners. The suspension began Thursday morning following a clash between local residents and transport workers in the Bolakhal area of Hajiganj, Chandpur, over a demand for a new bus stop. The owners of Bogdad and Aidi Paribahan jointly decided to halt services after the incident.

The stoppage has caused temporary inconvenience for passengers traveling toward Chandpur, though many have continued their journeys using alternative transport. Other vehicles are operating normally, and the overall situation remains calm under continued police monitoring. A meeting between transport owners is scheduled to take place in Hajiganj to decide on further steps.

Local passengers expressed frustration, saying the sudden suspension has disrupted travel plans, especially ahead of the Eid holidays. Police confirmed that discussions with owners are ongoing to resolve the issue and restore normal bus operations.

Police in Chuadanga have arrested two individuals accused of filming and circulating a video of a minor girl being raped in a cornfield in the Kundipur Belemathpara area of Sadar upazila. The incident, which reportedly occurred about two months ago, has sparked widespread anger and unrest in the local community. The main accused remains at large.

According to local sources and police, three young men from Kundipur village allegedly took the girl to a cornfield at knifepoint. One of them, identified as Miraj, is accused of committing the rape, while another, Palash, filmed the act on his mobile phone, and a third, Jony, kept watch. The video later spread among locals, prompting outrage and a police investigation. Police arrested Palash and Jony on Wednesday evening, while Miraj remains on the run.

There are also local allegations that a villager named Abdul took a large sum of money under the pretext of suppressing the incident. Police said efforts to arrest the main suspect are ongoing.

The United States has filed criminal charges against former Cuban president Raul Castro, accusing him of ordering the 1996 shootdown of two planes that killed four people, including three American citizens. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the indictment in Miami’s Freedom Tower, stating that Castro and five others face murder charges related to the destruction of two aircraft owned by the Cuban-American group Brothers to the Rescue. The charges carry potential penalties of life imprisonment or death.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel dismissed the allegations as a politically motivated move without legal basis, accusing Washington of distorting facts and using the case to justify aggression against Cuba. He insisted the planes were downed in Cuba’s airspace in self-defense. The indictment comes amid heightened US pressure on Cuba’s communist government, including sanctions and fuel restrictions that have worsened power outages and food shortages.

Experts cited in the report suggested the move is part of a broader US strategy to pressure Havana into negotiations. However, they noted that given Castro’s advanced age and retirement, a direct confrontation or extradition appears unlikely.

BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the recent incidents of rape, child abuse, and murder in Bangladesh are not isolated events but reflect a deep moral and social decline. He made the remarks on Thursday in a verified Facebook post, describing these crimes as evidence of long-standing ethical deterioration and loss of human values.

In his post, Mirza Fakhrul emphasized that legal measures or government actions alone are insufficient to address the crisis. He called for a strong national social movement involving families, schools, madrasas, teachers, religious leaders, media, social organizations, and every citizen. He also highlighted the importance of education in teaching respect, humanity, responsibility, and the dignity of women to the younger generation.

Fakhrul concluded by urging collective participation to ensure children’s safety, stating that protecting them means securing the future of Bangladesh.

The West Bengal government has made the singing of 'Vande Mataram' compulsory in all madrasas across the state. According to an order issued by the state's Madrasa Education Directorate, every recognized, government-aided, and unaided madrasa under the Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education Department must include the song in their morning assembly. This directive follows a similar order issued last week requiring all primary and secondary schools in the state to sing the same song before classes begin.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced online that the state government has made the singing of India's national song 'Vande Mataram' mandatory in all schools under the School Education Department. The move aligns with the central government's February decision granting 'Vande Mataram' equal status with the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'.

The NDTV report noted that 'Vande Mataram' was a key slogan during India's independence movement and has recently re-emerged in political discussions ahead of the state assembly elections. Similar debates have also surfaced in Tamil Nadu and Kerala over the song's use in official ceremonies.

A video showing Israeli forces abusing detained activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla has sparked widespread global outrage. Despite the international condemnation, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has remained defiant, defending the actions of the Israeli forces. The footage, released by Ben-Gvir’s office, shows him waving the Israeli flag and mocking flotilla supporters as the national anthem plays, while activists are seen being violently restrained.

Governments around the world have criticized Israel for abducting the activists from international waters. However, Ben-Gvir justified the treatment of the detainees and criticized Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar for suggesting the video harmed Israel’s image. In a post on social media platform X, Ben-Gvir stated that Israel would no longer act weakly toward those supporting Hamas or terrorism.

Foreign Minister Sa’ar publicly rebuked Ben-Gvir, saying he does not represent Israel’s official stance. The incident has deepened divisions within Israel’s leadership and intensified international scrutiny of its actions at sea.

Seven members of the forest robber group known as 'Chhoto Suman Bahini', including its leader, surrendered to the Coast Guard in the Nandabala canal area of the Sundarbans under Mongla upazila of Bagerhat. The surrender took place on the night of May 17, 2026, and was confirmed by Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan during a press briefing on May 21. The surrendered individuals were identified as Suman Hawlader, Robiul Mallik, Rafik Sheikh, Siddiq Hawlader, Golam Mallik, Ismail Khan, and Mahfuz Mallik.

According to the Coast Guard, three single-barrel guns, two pipe guns, 25 rounds of live cartridges, and three blank cartridges were seized from the group. The operation was part of ongoing security drives titled 'Operation Restore Peace in Sundarban' and 'Operation Mangrove Shield', aimed at ensuring safety in the forest region. Since February 12, 2026, these operations have recovered 26 firearms, various ammunition, and communication devices, while arresting 21 bandits and rescuing 20 fishermen and forest workers.

Coast Guard officials stated that intelligence and operational activities will continue until the Sundarbans are completely free of bandit groups.

The United States announced sanctions on Tuesday against four activists involved in flotilla missions attempting to break Israel’s 19-year blockade of Gaza. The US Treasury Department accused the organisers of supporting Hamas but did not publicly provide evidence. The sanctions target members of the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA) and Samidoun, including Mohammed Khatib, Jaldia Abubakra, Saif Abu Keshek, and Hisham Abu Mahfouz. The measures freeze any US-based assets and prohibit Americans from conducting business with them, potentially restricting their access to global financial systems.

Activists and rights advocates condemned the sanctions as an effort to criminalise humanitarian solidarity with Gaza. Organisers said the flotillas were peaceful missions to deliver aid and protest what they described as Israel’s collective punishment of Palestinians. They also reported that Israeli forces intercepted the latest flotilla in international waters, detaining hundreds of activists from more than 46 countries. Several governments, including Turkiye, Spain, and Brazil, criticised the interceptions, while UN officials warned of escalating risks to civilians at sea.

The sanctions come as Gaza faces severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel under Israel’s blockade, which has been in place since 2007. Activists vowed to continue their efforts through alternative strategies despite the restrictions.