Inter Miami secured their first win at their new stadium on May 18, 2026, defeating Portland Timbers 2–0. Lionel Messi was central to the victory, contributing one goal and one assist. The club, owned by David Beckham, had failed to win in their previous four matches at the venue, recording three draws and one loss before this breakthrough performance.

Messi opened the scoring in the 31st minute after a well-coordinated attack with Luis Suárez and Segovia, finishing with a precise left-footed shot. Before halftime, the Argentine star created another goal, setting up German Berterame after a quick exchange with Suárez. Late in the match, Messi nearly scored again from a free kick, but Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis made a crucial save.

The victory lifted the mood in the Miami camp after a frustrating start at the new venue. The team will play one more match before the international break for World Cup qualifiers, after which Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will join the Argentina national squad.

An allegation has been raised against Cumilla Superintendent of Police (SP) Md. Anisuzzaman for sending Detective Branch (DB) officers to remove microphones from a roadside rally stage prepared for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Mudaffarganj Bazar, Laksam upazila, Cumilla. The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday afternoon, when the Prime Minister held a roadside rally at the location.

Abul Kalam, Member of Parliament for Cumilla-9 (Laksam–Monoharganj) and BNP’s industry affairs secretary, stated on Sunday that he had earlier sought permission from the Prime Minister for a brief roadside rally during her journey from Cumilla to Chandpur. He claimed that despite receiving assurance, DB police removed the microphones on the rally day morning, but left after party activists protested. Kalam also alleged that the SP had political affiliations in the past and informed the party leadership about the matter.

SP Md. Anisuzzaman denied the allegation when contacted. The Prime Minister later visited Chandpur, where she inaugurated development projects and held public events.

Qatar’s Labour Minister Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The meeting took place in the evening at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka. The discussion was described as a formal courtesy meeting between the two leaders.

During the meeting, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Break Saeed Al-Samikh were also present. The report did not specify the topics discussed or any agreements reached during the meeting.

The visit reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and Qatar, though no further details about outcomes or future cooperation were provided in the source.

The second funeral prayer for popular content creator and 'July Fighter' Karina Kaiser, daughter of renowned footballer Kaiser Hamid, was held at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on Sunday night after 10 p.m. Earlier, her first funeral prayer took place at the Banani DOHS field around 7:15 p.m. Her body had arrived from India earlier that evening and was taken to her family residence in Banani DOHS before the first prayer.

Karina Kaiser passed away in Chennai, India, where she had been receiving advanced medical treatment for liver complications and other health issues. Her body was flown back to Bangladesh on Sunday afternoon and brought directly from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to her home.

The two funeral prayers drew attention due to her popularity as a digital content creator and her family’s prominence in Bangladeshi sports and media circles.

National Citizen Party (NCP) South Region chief organizer and Member of Parliament Hasanath Abdullah has accused the current government of beginning its tenure with blatant nepotism and regional discrimination. Speaking at a rally organized by the NCP Homna Upazila branch at the Balur Maath near Homna bus stand on Sunday afternoon, he called for ending family-based politics and extortion, urging the creation of a new Bangladesh based on merit and competence.

Hasanath Abdullah questioned the government’s performance over its first three months in power, citing deteriorating law and order and poor conditions in the health sector, where children are reportedly dying from measles and pneumonia. He criticized the government for blaming the interim administration for all problems. Emphasizing religious harmony, he said no one has the right to attack any shrine or temple and that all citizens, regardless of faith, are equal in Bangladesh.

He also condemned the government for imposing excessive taxes on ordinary people, including on motorcycles and autorickshaws, warning that taxation is spreading indiscriminately.

A youth has been arrested in Abhaynagar upazila of Jashore after allegedly stabbing an SSC examinee who refused his marriage proposal. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at the Dhulgram-Phultala ferry ghat while the student was returning home after her exam. The injured girl was admitted to a hospital, and the suspect, identified as Ashik Sheikh, 26, from Gopinathpur village, was detained by locals and handed over to police.

According to the victim’s father, Ashik had been harassing his daughter for two years with repeated marriage proposals. When the family refused, he continued to disturb her. After the stabbing, he attempted to flee but was caught by residents. A written complaint has been filed with Phultala Police Station.

Medical officer Dr. Rayhana Ferdousi of Phultala Upazila Health Complex said the patient was advised to be transferred to Khulna Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Police confirmed that legal proceedings are underway.

Student leaders have warned against any attempts to destabilize the academic environment at Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) following recent tensions and clashes on campus. In a joint statement issued on Sunday, Islami Chhatra Andolan Bangladesh President Muntasir Ahmad and Secretary General Sultan Mahmud expressed deep concern over the unrest linked to the appointment of the vice-chancellor. They stated that ignoring students’ legitimate demands and using force or external interference to control the situation would only worsen the crisis.

The leaders emphasized that repression, intimidation, or coercion have no place in a higher education institution. They urged all parties to act responsibly to protect DUET’s autonomy, academic reputation, and safe learning environment. Dialogue, mutual respect, and fairness were cited as the only means to achieve an acceptable resolution.

They further warned that if any group resorts to conspiratorial or violent means to destabilize DUET, students would unite to resist. They demanded exemplary punishment for those involved in the recent clashes, asserting that justice is essential to restore lasting peace and discipline on campus.

Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah 1447. According to an announcement shared on social media platform X by the website Inside the Haramain, Eid al-Adha will be celebrated in the kingdom on May 27, 2026. The Day of Arafah will therefore fall on May 26, corresponding to the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah.

Before the announcement, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and several other Middle Eastern and Muslim-majority countries had prepared to observe the sky on Sunday evening to determine the start of Dhul-Hijjah. It was stated that if the moon was sighted, these countries would also celebrate Eid al-Adha on May 27. Following the confirmed sighting, authorities in these nations were expected to make official announcements.

Separately, Malaysia and Indonesia had already declared May 27 as the date for Eid al-Adha celebrations, aligning with the Saudi announcement.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure from within his own Labour Party to step down, following a series of scandals, policy reversals, and poor local election results. Despite calls from around 90 Labour MPs for his resignation or a clear timeline for departure, Starmer has stated that he will not resign and intends to continue governing. The crisis deepened after last week’s local elections in England, where Labour suffered setbacks attributed to the rise of Reform UK and the Green Party.

Discontent with Starmer’s leadership had been building for months, particularly after controversial decisions such as appointing Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the United States despite prior disqualifications and links to Jeffrey Epstein. The backlash over this appointment and repeated policy U-turns have eroded confidence in his judgment. Labour MP Catherine West briefly considered challenging his leadership but later withdrew.

Potential successors include Angela Rayner, recently cleared of tax allegations; Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who may re-enter Parliament; and former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who resigned citing a lack of vision under Starmer’s leadership.

Iran will not relinquish control of the Strait of Hormuz without a conflict, according to Emma Salisbury, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. In an analysis given to Al Jazeera, she said Iran’s new maritime protocol signals the country’s firm stance on maintaining authority over the strategically vital waterway.

Salisbury explained that Iran views control of the Strait as a major bargaining tool, given its influence on the global economy and international trade in oil, fertilizer, and gas. She noted that if Iran implements its proposed toll system, ships paying the toll could face sanctions, creating what she described as a significant commercial risk.

She further warned that threats such as sea mines and missile attacks from Iran remain possible, though enhanced naval security could reduce some of these risks.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has identified 116 websites linked to online gambling and submitted their list to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for closure. The announcement was made by Additional IGP Mohsleh Uddin Ahmed at a press conference at the CID headquarters in Malibagh, Dhaka. The CID’s Cyber Intelligence and Risk Management Unit conducted cyber monitoring from May 1 to May 17, uncovering the sites and related illegal financial activities. It also identified 879 mobile financial service accounts and 43 bank accounts connected to the transactions, forwarding the information to the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU).

CID reported that eight members of a syndicate involved in operating both local and international gambling platforms were arrested. The group allegedly used mobile banking, bank accounts, and cryptocurrency wallets for illegal transactions, transferring large sums abroad through digital hundi and crypto channels. During two operations, CID seized 13 mobile phones, 20 SIM cards, and courier receipts linked to fake agent SIM distribution.

Investigations are ongoing to trace the network’s international links and recover laundered funds in coordination with BFIU and international law enforcement agencies.

The Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RACSU) organized its first fact-checking training workshop at the university’s Senate Building on Sunday afternoon. The event, arranged by RACSU’s Media and Publication Division, aimed to raise awareness about verifying information and countering misinformation. Around 300 students participated, and certificates were distributed at the end of the session. Kaduruddin Shishir, editor of investigative outlet The Descent, conducted the training, providing hands-on instruction on fact-checking techniques, verification methods, and identifying digital misinformation.

During the workshop, Shishir emphasized analyzing websites and visit data to identify sources spreading false information and warned against politically biased media. He also advised caution with emotionally charged news related to religion, surveys, conflict, and nationalism, noting that such topics often spread falsehoods. RACSU leaders, including Media and Publication Secretary Mujahid Islam and Vice President Mostakur Rahman Zahid, highlighted the importance of verifying information before sharing and praised the students’ active participation.

The event was attended by Rajshahi University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Mohammad Main Uddin as chief guest, along with RACSU executives and representatives from various campus journalist organizations.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that recent attacks by the United States and Israel were intended to spread insecurity within Iran. He made the remarks during a meeting with Pakistan’s interior minister, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency.

Pezeshkian said the objective behind the attacks was to support terrorist groups and create internal instability in Iran. He credited the cooperation and responsibility of neighboring countries for thwarting the plan, describing their actions as valuable and commendable. The president specifically thanked Pakistan, Iraq, and Afghanistan for preventing their territories from being used against Iran.

The comments were reported by Fars News Agency and cited by Al Jazeera, reflecting Tehran’s emphasis on regional solidarity in countering external threats.

Bir Muktijoddha Engineer Md. Jasim Uddin Pradhan, commander of the Matlab South Upazila Muktijoddha Sangsad in Chandpur, has formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The announcement came on Saturday night during a youth and elite gathering at Matlab Community Center, where he expressed support for the party’s ideals and programs and completed the associate membership form. Jasim Uddin has been serving as convener of the upazila’s freedom fighters’ council since August 19, 2025.

The event was attended by senior Jamaat leaders, including Dr. Abdul Mobin, assistant secretary of the party’s Comilla South district and nominated parliamentary candidate for Chandpur-2. Other speakers included district and upazila-level Jamaat officials who emphasized the need for participation from all professions to establish moral and humanitarian leadership in society. They expressed hope that Jasim Uddin’s joining would have a positive impact on local politics.

Jasim Uddin stated that his decision was driven by a desire to see the country governed according to the Quran and Sunnah and that he had not previously been affiliated with any political party.

Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana delivered an impressive bowling performance on the second day of the Sylhet Test against Pakistan, helping to trigger a collapse in Pakistan’s batting lineup as they chased a 400-run target. Rana dismissed set batter Babar Azam, marking the third consecutive Test in which he has taken Babar’s wicket. Speaking after the day’s play, the young fast bowler said that every wicket is equally important to him and his team, emphasizing his focus on executing his bowling plans.

Rana explained that he trapped Babar by varying his pace, bowling one delivery at 149 km/h followed by a slower ball at 144 km/h. He said that quality batters can be unsettled by subtle changes in pace and skill. Looking ahead, Rana stated that Bangladesh’s plan for the next day is to bat as long as possible rather than setting a specific target, noting that there is still plenty of time left in the match.

He credited Liton Das’s century as the turning point for Bangladesh, along with valuable lower-order contributions from Taijul, Taskin, and Shoriful.