Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly protested remarks made by ruling party whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu on May 9 at an event in Gosairhat Upazila, Shariatpur. The whip had stated that those who exploit religious sentiments by selling so-called tickets to paradise are betraying God. Jamaat described the statement as misleading and indecent in a press release issued on Monday.

In the statement, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Assistant Secretary General and Secretary of the party’s Central Publicity and Media Department, said the whip’s comments were false, politically motivated, and aimed at defaming Jamaat. He asserted that Jamaat leaders never engaged in selling “tickets to paradise” or exploiting religious beliefs. Zubair also claimed that such allegations were fabricated and originated from BNP leaders.

He urged Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu and other BNP leaders to refrain from making false and baseless statements against Jamaat-e-Islami.

U.S. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has accused former President Donald Trump of pushing the country toward an “illegal and costly” war with Iran. Schumer announced that Democrats will call another vote this week on the War Powers Resolution, aiming to withdraw American troops from the Iran conflict. He said Trump is leading the nation into a directionless and consequence-free war, and urged Congress to act to stop it.

In a post on social media platform X, Schumer stated that ending the “illegal war” is the best way to reduce costs and restore order. He warned that if Republicans vote against the resolution, they will share responsibility for Trump’s war. The War Powers Resolution was originally designed to limit a president’s authority to continue military action beyond 60 days without congressional approval.

Democrats have been trying for weeks to end the Iran conflict, but as the minority in Congress, most votes have split along party lines, making passage of the resolution uncertain.

At least fifteen people were injured on Monday afternoon in Rupganj, Narayanganj, when two rival groups of the Volunteer League clashed over local dominance. The confrontation involved chasing, counter-chasing, and blank gunfire. Several houses and businesses were attacked, vandalized, and looted during the violence. Police later deployed additional forces to restore order in the area.

According to local residents and police, the clash broke out between supporters of Billal Hossain, the district Volunteer League’s assistant secretary for information and research, and supporters of Amin Hossain from Kayetpara Ward. Billal Hossain filed a written complaint with Rupganj Police Station following the incident. The groups reportedly used sharp weapons, sticks, and firearms during the confrontation.

Rupganj Volunteer League convener Rafiqul Islam accused Billal Hossain’s group of launching a planned attack and firing shots. Officer-in-Charge AHM Salauddin said police quickly brought the situation under control and that a proper investigation would follow based on the complaint.

State Minister for Health Professor Dr. M A Muhit has urged pharmaceutical companies not to raise medicine prices arbitrarily, emphasizing the need to keep essential drugs affordable for the general public. He made the remarks on Monday afternoon at a stakeholder consultation meeting on strengthening the health sector, held at a hotel in Dhaka. The event was jointly organized by the Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the World Bank.

Dr. Muhit stressed the importance of a balanced policy for drug pricing, noting that while pharmaceutical companies need profits, sudden and frequent price increases harm both citizens and the government. He said the new government, formed just two and a half months ago after a long period of public unrest, has inherited a fragile health system marked by poor maintenance, equipment shortages, and medicine scarcity in hospitals.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring basic healthcare and life-saving drugs for all citizens, calling for collective efforts between the public and private sectors to overcome current challenges.

Saudi Aramco Chief Executive Amin Nasser has warned that the global energy market could face a severe crisis if the current disruption in the Strait of Hormuz continues for several more weeks. In an interview with Reuters, Nasser said it might take until next year for the situation to return to normal.

According to Aramco officials, ship traffic through the vital waterway has dropped dramatically—from about 70 vessels per day to only 2 to 5. Nasser stated that if the situation persists, the global market could lose around 100 million barrels of oil each week, potentially causing major instability in energy supply and prices.

Aramco’s Chief Financial Officer Ziad Al-Murshid added that the company holds strong reserves equivalent to about 250 billion barrels and is prepared to meet global energy demand despite the ongoing disruption.

Masuma Hadi, sister of slain activist Osman Hadi, stated that the July movement would be defeated if justice for her brother’s murder is not ensured. She expressed deep frustration over the prolonged delay in the trial. Her remarks came during the inauguration of the Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi Memorial Stage office in Nalchity, Jhalakathi, held on Monday morning at Hadi’s childhood home in Kuripatti.

Following the inauguration, participants organized a protest march demanding justice for Osman Hadi’s killing. The march moved through the town’s main road and ended at Shaheed Selim Talukdar Square. Speakers at the rally demanded the government ensure a speedy trial and criticized its silence on the issue. They also called for the accused to be brought back from India to face justice.

Students from local educational institutions, leaders of the July movement, and local political figures joined the demonstration, emphasizing the community’s ongoing demand for accountability and justice.

Bangladesh Bank has introduced a new policy enabling customers to obtain digital or e-loans of up to Tk 50,000 at a 9 percent interest rate for a maximum period of 12 months. The central bank issued the policy on Monday, allowing customers to apply and repay loans entirely through digital channels without visiting a bank branch.

According to the policy, any regular customer can apply for the loan using digital platforms such as internet banking, mobile apps, e-wallets, or mobile financial services. Defaulters will not be eligible. Banks must verify a customer’s credit information from other financial institutions before approval but cannot charge any fee for this verification. The entire process, from application to repayment, will be conducted digitally using biometric identification, OTP, and multi-factor authentication to ensure security. All customer data must be stored in data warehouses located in Bangladesh.

Before commercial rollout, banks are required to conduct at least six months of pilot testing. Upon successful completion and board approval, they may launch the service. Banks have also been instructed to take steps to enhance customers’ financial literacy.

Lebanon’s health ministry has reported that at least 2,869 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since renewed conflict began on March 2. The ministry also stated that more than 8,730 others have been injured during the same period. The ongoing strikes and counterattacks have raised concerns about worsening humanitarian conditions across several areas of the country.

As the violence continues, many residents have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety. The international community has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and for measures to protect civilians amid the escalating conflict.

The situation remains volatile, with fears that the humanitarian crisis could deepen further if hostilities persist.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan visited the office of the newspaper Amar Desh in Karwan Bazar on Monday, meeting with its editor Mahmudur Rahman and senior journalists. During the visit, he toured various departments of the newspaper and inquired about the editor’s health following a recent operation. The minister was accompanied by senior government officials and representatives from the Journalist Welfare Trust.

In discussions with journalists, Swapan emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring press freedom, protecting journalists, and upholding constitutional rights to free expression. He referred to past media repression under the previous Awami League government and praised Amar Desh for its courageous role during what he described as a fascist period. He stated that the current administration, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s guidance, aims to act as a supportive stakeholder rather than a controller of the media.

Swapan added that the government would assist journalists facing professional risks but would not intervene in cases involving criminal offenses. He also highlighted the importance of independent editorial policy and job security for journalists.

Argentina has announced a 55-member preliminary squad for the upcoming World Cup, which begins in one month. Coach Lionel Scaloni’s list includes both experienced players and several newcomers, with Lionel Messi retained as part of the group. The Argentine Football Association released the squad officially, from which the final 26 players will later be selected. Only players from this list can replace any injured members before the tournament starts.

Among the surprises is River Plate’s young goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán, who joins a group of six goalkeepers but faces tough competition from established names like Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli, and Juan Musso. In defense, Argentina faces some concern as Nahuel Molina is recovering from a muscle injury expected to take three weeks. To cover for him, Scaloni included Agustín Giay and Kevin Mac Allister. Boca Juniors’ Lautaro Di Lollo and Getafe’s Zaid Romero were also unexpected inclusions.

In midfield and attack, several new players have been called up for the first time, including Boca Juniors’ Milton Delgado and Tomás Aranda, whom Scaloni described as a remarkable discovery.

Prime Minister’s Adviser and BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir has called on all to implement Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s directive to act firmly against those responsible for environmental destruction. He made the appeal on Monday morning while speaking as the chief guest at a food distribution event for over two hundred poor and distressed families of Rampasha Union, held at the Bishwanath Upazila Parishad auditorium with support from the United Arab Emirates.

Humayun Kabir stated that the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is sincerely working for the country’s overall development and the protection of rivers and the environment. He mentioned that major development projects have already begun across the country and that the upcoming budget will include plans to advance development in Osmaninagar, Bishwanath, and the Sylhet region.

Regarding the re-excavation of the Bashia River, Kabir said the Prime Minister remains firm on environmental protection and that the river will be freed from illegal occupation under proper supervision. Discussions with the administration and the district commissioner have already taken place, and the issue has been included in the ongoing re-excavation project fund.

The Bangladesh women's football team defeated Thailand’s Kasem Bundit FC 2–0 in a preparatory match held in Thailand. The match was part of the team’s intensive training program ahead of the eighth SAFF Women’s Championship, scheduled from May 25 to June 5. The defending champions, who won the last two editions, are aiming for a third consecutive title.

Coach Peter Butler emphasized midfield control and tested his players during the closed-door match. He focused on improving coordination between midfielders and defenders, refining finishing, and strengthening set-piece execution. The team has been training continuously for three days before the match.

Bangladesh will play another warm-up game on May 13 before traveling to Goa, India, on May 21 for the tournament. Placed in Group B, Bangladesh will face hosts India and the Maldives, beginning their title defense against the Maldives on May 29 and playing India on May 31.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Amir Maulana Mamunul Haque has called on the government to take firm measures to protect national sovereignty. Speaking at a rally in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, on Monday, he alleged that millions of Muslims from West Bengal and Assam were being stripped of citizenship and pushed into Bangladesh. He urged the government to strengthen border security, summon the Indian ambassador, and send a strong diplomatic message in response to what he termed a conspiracy against Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

The protest, organized by the coalition of local Qawmi madrasas ‘Ittefaq ul Madarisil Qawmia,’ also addressed issues of drug trafficking and extortion in Mohammadpur. Mamunul Haque criticized the local administration and the area’s member of parliament, accusing them of failing to maintain law and order. Other speakers, including Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, echoed concerns about rising violence and border killings.

Speakers demanded government attention to restore peace and accountability, with calls for the Home Minister’s resignation over alleged failures in ensuring public safety.

Iran has expressed support for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, Iran’s ambassador to China, stated that Tehran is ready to back the initiative, emphasizing its alignment with Iran’s goals for regional cooperation and security.

According to Fazli, Iran supports the Chinese plan as part of its efforts to ensure lasting security and joint development in the Persian Gulf region. He noted that the issue was also discussed in detail during a meeting between the foreign ministers of both countries.

Earlier, President Xi presented the four-point plan during a meeting in Beijing with UAE President Zayed Al Nahyan, outlining China’s approach to maintaining peace and stability across the Middle East.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam, met with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen at the minister’s office in the Secretariat on Monday. During the meeting, the minister expressed interest in setting up an Artificial Intelligence (AI) training center in Bangladesh to train young people in modern technology and AI skills. He praised China’s long-standing contribution to the country’s digital progress and highlighted the importance of continued cooperation in ICT and telecommunications development.

The minister emphasized Bangladesh’s commitment to multilateral cooperation, technological advancement, and digital connectivity. He expressed hope that the friendly relations between Bangladesh and China would strengthen further, opening new opportunities for both nations. The Chinese ambassador noted that Chinese technology companies have been operating successfully in Bangladesh for decades, with investments exceeding USD 1.5 billion, helping extend mobile network coverage to about 98 percent of the population and creating over 10,000 jobs.

Both sides expressed interest in jointly advancing Bangladesh’s AI sector, signaling potential future collaboration in technology training and innovation.