Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the 46th National Assembly of the Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) held on Wednesday, May 20, in Safipur, Gazipur. The event took place at the Ansar and VDP Academy in a festive and colorful atmosphere, marking a major national gathering of the force.

Upon his arrival at the venue in the morning, the Prime Minister was warmly received by senior officials of the Ansar and VDP. He inspected a well-organized parade on the decorated parade ground and received the state salute from the saluting dais. Special guard of honor units of the force presented ceremonial honors to the Prime Minister during the proceedings.

The assembly highlighted the discipline and ceremonial traditions of the Ansar and VDP, reflecting the organization’s continued role in national service and community defense activities.

Khulna University has temporarily suspended Assistant Registrar Yusuf Raihan following allegations of embezzling Tk 1.88 million from the Executive MBA (EMBA) program fund under the Business Administration Discipline. The decision was announced on Monday through a notice signed by Acting Registrar Professor Dr. S M Mahbubur Rahman. According to the university, the suspension was made to ensure a fair investigation and maintain administrative discipline. Raihan has reportedly gone into hiding since the allegations surfaced.

The university’s investigation committee found preliminary evidence supporting the embezzlement claims. Sources said Raihan was responsible for managing the EMBA program’s financial activities and allegedly forged the signatures of the discipline head and course coordinator to withdraw money from the bank. He is also accused of misappropriating students’ semester and examination fees instead of depositing them in the bank. Raihan, a nephew of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Fayekuzzaman, had previously faced allegations of nepotism and irregularities during his 2017 recruitment.

Further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the financial misconduct and related administrative breaches.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has initiated a process to reorganize its Swechchhasebak Dal leadership as part of broader efforts to strengthen the party’s organizational structure ahead of its upcoming national council. Party sources said the new committee could be announced soon, as the current one, formed in 2022, has already expired. The move is part of BNP’s plan to separate government and party responsibilities, since the current president and general secretary of the Swechchhasebak Dal hold government positions and cannot devote sufficient time to party activities.

BNP leaders said preparations for the national council, the first in nearly a decade, are being intensified, with plans to hold it later this year or early next year. The reorganization of affiliated and district committees is also under consideration to make the party more active in the current political context. The initiative has sparked renewed enthusiasm among grassroots members.

Names under discussion for top Swechchhasebak Dal positions include senior vice president Yasin Ali, vice president Fakhrul Islam Robin, and organizational secretary Nazmul Hasan. The new committee is expected to be formed soon, according to BNP’s volunteer affairs secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu.

Cattle farmers across Bangladesh are expressing concern over potential losses ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, as the cost of animal feed has risen sharply while buyer turnout remains low. Farmers in districts such as Joypurhat, Pabna, and Bogura report that despite completing preparations for sacrificial animals, high feed prices and limited demand are squeezing profits. Many medium-sized cattle are in higher demand than large ones, but overall sales remain slow. Some farmers also claim that cattle are entering from India, adding pressure to local markets.

In Joypurhat, once home to over 65,000 dairy farms, many have closed due to rising feed and labor costs. Local officials confirm that about 326,000 animals are ready for sacrifice, exceeding local demand by over 120,000. In Pabna’s Bera upazila, supply has doubled compared to demand, with more than 92,000 animals prepared. Farmers there fear that oversupply and high costs will reduce profits. Authorities report that border surveillance has been tightened to prevent illegal cattle entry and that local administrations are ensuring animal health and market security.

Officials note that national cattle production has increased significantly, reducing dependence on imports, though farmers warn that without government support, the dairy and livestock sector could face long-term risks.

More than 400 farming families affected in Gafargaon upazila of Mymensingh have received food assistance. The distribution took place on Tuesday at the premises of the Longair Union Parishad, where Member of Parliament Akhtaruzzaman Bachchu handed over the aid packages to the farmers.

The event was chaired by Gafargaon Upazila Nirbahi Officer N M Abdullah-Al-Mamun. Among those present were Upazila Project Implementation Officer Jahangir Alam, BNP leader Sheikh Md Ishaq, Abdul Hamid Sheikh, and Longair Union Parishad administrator Fazlul Haque, along with people from various professions.

The initiative aimed to support local farmers who had suffered losses, though the source did not specify the cause or extent of the damage.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) responded firmly to what it described as an unlawful and provocative attack by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at the Sylhet border on Monday afternoon. According to BGB’s Sylhet Battalion, BSF members suddenly opened fire near the Sonarhat border in Goainghat upazila, prompting an immediate counter-response. The exchange of gunfire ended without casualties, and the situation was brought under control. BGB confirmed the incident on Tuesday, stating that border patrols and surveillance have since been intensified.

Lieutenant Colonel Md. Nazmul, commanding officer of the 48 BGB Battalion, said the reason behind BSF’s firing remained unclear but credited BGB’s swift reaction for restoring stability and ensuring civilian safety. Local residents reportedly regained a sense of security following the incident. BGB also urged border residents to avoid unauthorized crossings or activities near the frontier.

The report linked the latest clash to a broader pattern of BGB’s strengthened stance since 2024, following repeated BSF incursions and shootings. Analysts cited in the article described BSF’s actions as long-standing human rights violations and called for stronger diplomatic measures from Bangladesh to safeguard sovereignty and border communities.

A 13-year-old boy named Siam Hossain died after being electrocuted by an irrigation pump in Naricha, Ishwardi municipality area of Pabna on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred near Naricha Moshuria High School when Siam, son of Ariful Islam, came into contact with the pump and was accidentally electrocuted. Locals rescued him in critical condition and took him to Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead.

According to Ishwardi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Ashadur Rahman, authorities have been informed about the incident and will take legal action following an investigation. The accident has caused shock in the local community, highlighting safety concerns around electrical equipment used in agricultural irrigation.

Police said an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of the electrocution and ensure proper legal procedures are followed.

The Bangladesh government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is preparing for a major cabinet expansion and reshuffle. According to senior government and party sources, the current 50-member cabinet may grow to around 60 members, with seven to eight new faces expected to join soon. The expansion aims to improve administrative efficiency, ensure better coordination among ministries, and enhance public service delivery. Discussions include appointing new ministers, state ministers, and advisers, with some senior and female MPs, as well as representatives from allied parties, likely to be included.

Officials said the move follows the prime minister’s observation of performance gaps among some ministers and state ministers. The expansion is also seen as part of a broader strategy to accelerate decision-making for building a “Smart Bangladesh.” Several BNP leaders and coalition partners are being considered for inclusion, while a few may be appointed under the technocrat quota. The exact date for the announcement remains undecided.

Political analysts view the recent reassignment of ministerial duties and adviser appointments as early signs of a larger cabinet restructuring expected to strengthen the government’s future operations.

Students in Chattogram have demanded the withdrawal of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Amirul Islam of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) North Zone, alleging that he physically touched a female student during a graffiti activity on the Shaheed Wasim Akram Flyover. The allegations were presented at a press conference held on Tuesday afternoon in Dampara, Kotwali, where student representatives, including Chaudhury Saiful Iqbal, outlined six specific demands.

According to student Nusrat Jahan Binti, police officers obstructed them while they were painting graffiti on Monday and attempted to detain several participants. She claimed that DC Amirul personally touched one of their female colleagues during the altercation. The students said they informed the CMP Commissioner about the incident. Saiful Iqbal added that although CMP had banned gatherings and rallies, they were not holding any such event, only painting graffiti. He further alleged that police used unnecessary force under an officer’s direction.

Students also expressed concern that their phone numbers, submitted to the CMP Commissioner’s office, later appeared on political Facebook pages, which they viewed as a security risk. They called for a fair investigation and measures to prevent future harassment.

Arsenal have secured the English Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, clinching the championship with one match remaining. The North London club, led by Mikel Arteta, were confirmed as champions on Tuesday night after Manchester City failed to win against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. City needed a victory to stay in contention but were held to a 1-1 draw, ending their title hopes.

After 37 matches, Arsenal have collected 82 points, while Manchester City stand at 78. Even if City win their final match, they cannot surpass Arsenal’s total. This marks Arsenal’s first league triumph since the 2003–04 season, turning years of near misses into celebration for the club and its supporters.

Arsenal will face Crystal Palace in their final league match, which now serves as a celebration rather than a title decider. The team also has a chance to complete a double, as they are set to meet Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final in Budapest on May 30.

The article discusses escalating actions by Hindu nationalist groups in India seeking to convert historic mosques into temples, despite existing laws and court rulings protecting religious sites. It recounts the 1992 demolition of the Babri Mosque and the subsequent 2019 Supreme Court verdict that awarded the disputed land for a Ram temple while affirming the 1991 law preserving the status of all other places of worship as of August 15, 1947. However, recent court decisions, such as the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s declaration of the Kamal Maula Mosque as a temple, have reignited concerns about judicial bias and disregard for legal protections.

The report lists eleven mosques currently under legal dispute, including the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Eidgah Mosque in Mathura. It also notes that several Hindu groups have filed ownership claims over the Taj Mahal, alleging it was built over a temple site. The author argues that while the Taj Mahal is unlikely to be demolished due to its global significance and tourism value, the ongoing communal campaigns expose India’s deepening religious polarization.

The piece concludes that India’s secular image has eroded, and the international community may soon recognize the country’s growing sectarian and hegemonic tendencies.

Bangladesh has initiated the process of increasing electricity prices at both wholesale and retail levels. Power generation and distribution companies have submitted proposals to the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), which began a two-day public hearing in Dhaka on Wednesday. The proposals suggest raising wholesale rates by 17 to 21 percent and retail rates by 14.21 to 17.76 percent. Distribution companies aim to implement the new rates from early June, pending final approval.

According to the Power Division, the government currently incurs a loss of about five taka per unit of electricity, with production costs exceeding 12 taka per unit while the average selling price remains just over seven taka. Despite a subsidy of 38,637 crore taka in fiscal year 2024–25, the sector still recorded a loss of 17,021 crore taka. The government seeks to reduce subsidies by 10,000 to 16,000 crore taka through the proposed price adjustments. Experts have criticized the move, linking it to long-standing mismanagement and corruption in the sector.

The Power Development Board has also proposed revising the consumer slab structure to reduce subsidies for wealthier users while protecting low-income households.

The New York Times reported on Tuesday that the United States and Israel had planned to bring former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad back to power if Iran’s Islamic Republic leadership collapsed following the outbreak of war. The report stated that early in the conflict, then-US President Donald Trump publicly hinted that new leadership could emerge from within Iran if Israeli strikes killed the country’s top leaders.

According to the report, US and Israeli officials specifically considered Ahmadinejad, once known for his hardline stance and anti-US rhetoric, as a potential post-war leader. The plan was reportedly initiated by Israel, which had also made contact with Ahmadinejad. However, after an Israeli strike hit his home in Tehran on the first day of the war, Ahmadinejad became disillusioned with the plan.

US officials cited in the report said that the broader regime-change plan in Iran quickly collapsed and became ineffective before it could be implemented.

Just four days after U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his visit to China, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing for a two-day state visit. He was received at the airport by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This marks Putin’s 25th visit to China, highlighting Beijing’s growing diplomatic confidence and the close relationship between President Xi Jinping and Putin.

The visit comes as Western nations continue urging China to pressure Russia over the Ukraine war, but Beijing has instead strengthened its strategic partnership with Moscow. Economic and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries has expanded significantly since the war began. Analysts view Putin’s visit, following Trump’s fruitless meeting with Xi, as a signal of China’s independent global stance amid rising tensions around Iran.

During the visit, China and Russia announced joint work on artificial intelligence development and governance frameworks. The trip also coincides with the 25th anniversary of their 2001 Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, underscoring the durability of their partnership.

At least six workers from the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) went missing after two passenger trawlers collided head-on on the Mongla River in Bagerhat on Tuesday night. The accident occurred around 9 p.m. near the Mongla ferry terminal area. Witnesses and survivors reported that about 50 workers boarded a trawler after their factory shift ended, and it collided with another passenger trawler coming from the opposite direction, throwing around 20 people into the river.

Local residents helped rescue several workers who managed to swim ashore, but five to six people remain missing. Following the incident, the Fire Service, Coast Guard, Navy, and police launched a joint rescue operation. According to Mongla Police Station’s officer-in-charge Atikur Rahman, the search operation is ongoing in the river to locate the missing workers.

Authorities continue the search efforts, with local assistance, to recover those still unaccounted for in the Mongla River.