The government has appointed Professor Dr. Ekramul Haque as the 16th Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). The appointment was announced through a notification issued by the Ministry of Education on Thursday. Dr. Haque will replace the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Abu Borhan Mohammad Badruzzaman. According to the official notice, his tenure will last four years from the date of joining or until his retirement, whichever comes first.

The circular further stated that the new Vice-Chancellor will serve as the university’s chief executive officer and must remain on campus full-time. The President, who also serves as the Chancellor of the university, retains the authority to cancel the appointment at any time if deemed necessary. Dr. Badruzzaman had assumed the role of Vice-Chancellor on August 5 following a government order issued after the fall of the previous administration.

Dr. Haque, a civil engineering professor at BUET, earned his PhD from the University of Tokyo in 1996 and has published over 50 research papers in international journals.

Uncertainty has emerged over whether a final declaration will be issued at the BRICS meeting held in India, as differences between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have complicated the discussions, according to Iranian state media. Deputy Foreign Minister Jeym Gharibabadi stated that the UAE’s presence in the New Delhi meeting created a “communication problem” between the two countries, making the negotiation process more difficult.

Separately, the UAE denied a claim by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he had visited the Gulf state during a U.S.-Israel attack on Iran. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said those conspiring with Israel to create division should be held accountable. He urged BRICS nations to condemn what he called the “illegal aggression” of the United States and Israel.

Araghchi added that peaceful coexistence requires full understanding and calm relations between the two nations, emphasizing the need for dialogue to resolve tensions.

Hezbollah has begun using low-cost fiber-optic First-Person-View (FPV) drones as a key weapon in its guerrilla operations in southern Lebanon, creating new tactical challenges for Israeli forces. Recent videos show small explosive-laden drones striking Israeli tanks, bulldozers, and troops. In one incident, a drone detonated near soldiers before they could locate it, killing one and injuring six others. Israeli officials have acknowledged the growing threat and are developing new detection and defense technologies.

Analysts note that these drones are difficult to jam because they are controlled through several kilometers of fiber-optic cable rather than radio signals. Hezbollah claims the drones can bypass the Merkava tank’s Trophy defense system, while their FPV technology allows precise targeting. The group reportedly turned to local production using 3D printing and commercial parts after Iranian arms supplies through Syria were disrupted, with each drone costing about $300 to $400.

Experts suggest the drones’ range and agility are forcing Israel to reconsider its southern Lebanon security buffer strategy, as conventional systems like the Iron Dome have proven ineffective against such small aerial threats.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid announced that more than ten million animals have been prepared across Bangladesh for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. He stated that the country faces no shortage of sacrificial animals and that the festival will be fulfilled entirely with locally raised livestock. The minister made these remarks on Thursday during a meeting with officials at the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute auditorium in Savar.

He added that new prices for animal hides have been set following discussions with traders, and the decision was reached through mutual agreement. The minister emphasized that the current government is farmer-friendly and that all necessary livestock, including cows, goats, and sheep, are available in sufficient numbers. He also said that there is no need to import animals from abroad.

To prevent illegal cattle smuggling from India, the government has held several meetings with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and issued strict instructions to law enforcement agencies. Border residents have also been alerted to help stop any unauthorized animal entry.

The government has appointed new vice-chancellors at 11 public universities in Bangladesh on Thursday, May 14, 2026. According to a circular issued by the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education, 10 universities received new vice-chancellors after the previous ones were relieved of their duties, while the position at Pabna University of Science and Technology had been vacant prior to the announcement.

The affected universities include the University of Barishal, Comilla University, Islamic University, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET), Jamalpur University of Science and Technology, Mawlana Bhashani University of Science and Technology, Noakhali University of Science and Technology, Pabna University of Science and Technology, and Rangamati University of Science and Technology.

The appointments follow earlier changes made to several public university leadership positions after the BNP government assumed power, reflecting continued administrative restructuring in the higher education sector.

International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam has alleged that former Ekattor Media Limited managing director Mozammel Haque Babu and former Ekattor Television chief reporter Farzana Rupa were involved in planning the 2013 killings at Hefazat-e-Islam’s rally in Dhaka’s Motijheel Shapla Chattar. He made the remarks on Thursday during a press briefing at his office in response to questions from journalists.

According to Aminul Islam, both Babu and Rupa were aware of the impending violence and their report titled “Somikoron” concealed the truth by claiming that no casualties occurred. He stated that investigators have since identified 32 victims from the incident site. The prosecutor emphasized that professional identity does not exempt anyone from accountability, saying that journalists, lawyers, or doctors could face trial if involved in crimes.

When asked how a journalist covering the event could be linked to planning, Aminul Islam questioned Rupa’s motives, noting that while other television channels were shut down, her live broadcast continued and allegedly concealed the killings.

Sarjis Alam, the chief organizer of the NCP’s northern region, has denied recent Indian media reports claiming he traveled to India for his father’s medical treatment. Speaking to Amar Desh on Thursday after the report appeared on an Indian news portal, Alam dismissed the claim as an 'Awami rumor' and said neither he nor any family member had ever visited India for any reason. He criticized the Indian media for publishing the story without verification, calling it a reflection of poor journalistic standards.

Alam emphasized that he and his party are not hostile toward any country, including India, but insisted that relations must be based on equality and respect between states and peoples, not through allegiance to ruling parties. He also condemned anti-Muslim rhetoric by political leaders in West Bengal following the BJP’s victory there, describing such statements as shameful and condemnable.

Alam further stated that normal relations with India are impossible while border killings continue, asserting that bilateral ties must rest on mutual respect and fairness.

The Ministry of Public Administration in Bangladesh has issued a notification declaring a seven-day public holiday for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. According to the circular released by the ministry’s Regulation-4 branch on Thursday, all government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous, and private offices will remain closed from May 25 (Monday) to May 31 (Sunday). Offices will operate normally on May 23 and 24, the two working days preceding the holiday period.

The notification specifies that essential services such as electricity, water, gas, fire service, port operations, sanitation, telephone, and internet will remain outside the holiday scope to ensure continuity of public life. Postal services, medical facilities, hospitals, emergency medical staff, and vehicles carrying medicines and medical supplies will also continue operations. Government offices engaged in urgent tasks will remain open as required.

The circular further states that relevant authorities will issue separate instructions for specific sectors. Bangladesh Bank will decide on banking operations, the Supreme Court will guide judicial activities, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment will provide directions regarding holidays for private industrial establishments.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who led the Labour Party to a major victory in the 2024 general election, is now facing growing scrutiny over his leadership. Despite campaigning on promises of stable governance after years of political turmoil, recent local election setbacks have triggered internal debate within Labour about his popularity and the party’s direction.

Critics argue that Starmer’s approval is declining and that Labour may need new leadership before the next general election. However, some party members warn that frequent leadership changes, similar to those seen in the Conservative Party, could worsen political instability. According to Tony Travers, a political scientist at the London School of Economics, Britain’s governance challenges stem from deeper issues such as the 2008 financial crisis, slow economic growth, and the lingering effects of Brexit.

Between 2016 and 2024, five Conservative prime ministers left office amid political or economic crises. Analysts suggest that this pattern of rapid leadership turnover continues to shape the country’s political and economic landscape, posing a major test for Starmer’s government.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has said the current government views the education sector not as an expense but as a national investment. He made the remarks on Thursday morning at a program organized by Campaign for Popular Education at the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation conference hall in Agargaon, Dhaka. The event, titled “Remedial Education: Work Experience and Future Vision,” focused on support programs for underperforming students.

Hajjaj stated that despite regular attendance, many primary students still fail to achieve grade-level learning skills. Citing the National Student Assessment, he noted that around 50 percent of students are lagging behind and suggested the actual figure might be higher. To address this, the government plans to introduce remedial education programs using learning circles, community engagement, and technology-based content.

Campaign for Popular Education Executive Director Rasheda K. Chowdhury, who presided over the event, said Hajjaj’s book “The Learning Nation” outlines a comprehensive framework for education reform in Bangladesh, emphasizing modernization from primary to higher education, teacher training, and assessment systems.

A group of Israeli far-right settlers has launched a movement called “Uritsafon” or “Awake, North Wind,” aiming to establish Jewish settlements in southern Lebanon. The initiative, co-founded in 2024 by biologist and researcher Sloutskin from the Karnei Shomron settlement in the occupied West Bank, envisions expanding Israel’s northern border up to the Litani River, about 30 kilometers inside Lebanon. Sloutskin said the movement has gained support since its founding and seeks to ensure Israel’s security by creating a permanent civilian presence beyond the current border.

The Israeli government has not publicly endorsed the idea of settlements in Lebanon, though it has approved major expansions in the occupied West Bank. The Uritsafon movement claims some lawmakers and ministers privately support their vision. Members have previously attempted to cross into Lebanon to plant trees and set up tents, actions condemned by the Israeli military as illegal and dangerous.

The movement remains confined to Israel’s ultra-nationalist circles, but its leaders believe it could gain mainstream traction ahead of upcoming elections.

The Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Boards have published the proposed schedule for the 2027 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations. According to the plan, the exams under the Dhaka, Rajshahi, Jessore, Comilla, Chittagong, Barishal, Sylhet, Dinajpur, and Mymensingh boards will begin on June 6, 2027. The first day will feature the Bangla First Paper exam, followed by Bangla Second Paper on June 8, English First Paper on June 10, English Second Paper on June 12, and Information and Communication Technology on June 14. Science subjects including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are scheduled for June 17, June 23, and July 1 respectively. Theoretical exams will conclude on July 13, and practical exams must be completed by July 18.

Students are required to arrive at exam centers 30 minutes before the start time and use the designated answer sheets for theoretical tests. The boards have cautioned that the schedule may change as the 2027 institutional holiday calendar has not yet been finalized. The Engineering Drawing and Workshop Practice First Paper will be held at each student’s respective college.

The proposed schedule includes a total of 77 papers, with the entire examination process expected to take 21 days to complete.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “monster” and a “disgrace to humanity.” He made the remarks on Wednesday in a post on social media platform X, accusing Netanyahu of supporting and encouraging the rape of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.

Asif’s comments came in response to Netanyahu’s earlier interview with CBS News, where the Israeli leader alleged that Pakistan had engaged in anti-Israel propaganda to damage relations between the United States and Israel. Netanyahu also claimed that Islamabad had provided shelter to Iranian military aircraft. In his reaction, Asif strongly condemned Netanyahu’s alleged crimes and said humanity should be ashamed.

The exchange highlights escalating tensions between Pakistan and Israel, with both sides trading accusations over human rights and regional alliances.

Commerce Minister Khondaker Abdul Muktadir has said that the government has taken comprehensive preparations to ensure smooth collection, preservation, purchase, sale, and transportation of raw hides from sacrificial animals during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. Speaking at a directive meeting with divisional commissioners, city corporation administrators, and deputy commissioners at the Secretariat on Thursday, he emphasized that not a single hide should be wasted, as directed by the Prime Minister.

The minister described sacrificial hides as a valuable national resource that can strengthen the leather industry, export earnings, and the financial capacity of orphanages, madrasas, and Lillah boarding houses if properly preserved. To prevent annual wastage, the government has allocated over Tk 17 crore for free salt distribution and Tk 2.63 crore for training programs. Awareness campaigns will include posters, leaflets, and media broadcasts.

He instructed divisional commissioners to form monitoring teams and ensure active field supervision after training. City corporation administrators were also asked to coordinate waste management with hide preservation efforts to maximize efficiency.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United Arab Emirates of being directly involved in a military operation against Iran. He made the allegation on Thursday during a BRICS meeting held in New Delhi, according to Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency. The report stated that Araghchi made the remark in response to a statement from the UAE representative at the meeting.

Araghchi explained that, in the interest of unity, he had initially refrained from naming the UAE in his remarks. However, he claimed that the UAE neither condemned the attacks against Iran nor distanced itself from the aggression, asserting that the country was directly complicit in the operation. The report noted that there was no immediate reaction from the UAE regarding the accusation.

The exchange highlights ongoing regional tensions and diplomatic friction between Iran and the UAE, though the source did not provide further details on the alleged operation or its consequences.