NCP’s southern regional chief coordinator and Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah alleged that the current BNP government is following the path of the Awami League by using the police as a partisan force. Speaking at a press conference organized by the NCP at Payra Chattar in Jhenaidah on Monday evening, he claimed that the government is interfering in the judiciary and controlling court verdicts and bail decisions from Dhaka. The event followed an attack on NCP’s central chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, which led to counter cases between the NCP and the district Chhatra Dal.

Hasnat criticized the government for turning the police and judiciary into tools for political agendas, saying that such actions mirror the Awami League’s past behavior. He expressed disappointment that after the July mass uprising, the police were expected to serve the people but are now acting as government loyalists. NCP leaders, including Tariq Reza and Rifat Rashid, also spoke at the event.

Following the press conference, NCP activists held a protest march through key streets of Jhenaidah, demanding justice and denouncing political repression.

A high-level Iranian delegation has arrived in Doha, Qatar, to participate in peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with the United States. According to international media reports, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to meet Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Iranian state media said Ghalibaf is leading the delegation as Tehran’s chief negotiator. The visit is part of the diplomatic process initiated after the U.S.-Iran conflict began on February 28.

Iranian outlets Tasnim and Fars reported that Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati is also part of the delegation. Diplomatic sources told AFP that the Doha meeting will review progress in the peace efforts. Reuters and AFP sources indicated that discussions will focus on two key issues: the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s highly enriched uranium program.

The talks are also expected to address the release of Iranian funds frozen abroad. Iranian media reported that a Qatari delegation recently visited Tehran to discuss the issue, while Pakistan continues to mediate between Tehran and Washington over the release of these assets.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief organizer of the Nagorik Party (NCP), called for building a movement for 'Insafer Bangla' and urged people to unite for justice and reform. In a post on Monday night, he outlined his vision of 'Azad Bangla', emphasizing freedom for rivers, seas, nature, and people. He said rivers should belong to the people, ensuring water flow for farmers and protecting national sovereignty over natural resources.

Patwari’s message also highlighted the need for an independent economic, political, and cultural framework, along with free education, religious, and social institutions. He called for a health system that protects workers from neglect and for employment opportunities within the country to prevent labor exploitation abroad. He stressed secure borders, fair elections, and the defense of national sovereignty.

The statement concluded with a call for students, workers, and youth to unite in protecting the motherland and upholding the pride of the national flag, symbolizing freedom and justice.

A sudden nor'wester storm struck Chandpur on Monday afternoon, killing one person and injuring ten others. The storm caused two passenger launches to collide near the Chandpur launch terminal, disrupting river transport on the Dhaka–Chandpur route. Witnesses said a tree fell on a moving CNG auto-rickshaw at Chandra Chourasta, killing 60-year-old Helal instantly. Several launches, pontoons, and jetties at the terminal were also damaged by the strong winds.

During the storm, the passenger launch ‘Mayur-2’ lost control and hit another vessel, ‘Eagle-7’, as it was docking. Panic spread among passengers, leading to a rush to disembark, during which several people, including women and children, were injured. Some of the injured were taken to Chandpur General Hospital for treatment.

Fire service, coast guard, and police personnel quickly launched rescue and safety operations, moving passengers to safety and restoring order. According to BIWTA officials, two launches and several port structures were damaged, and repair work is underway to ease passenger suffering.

International debate has intensified over the United States’ position in the Middle East crisis as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow of ‘certain victory’ against Iran appears to be fading. According to international media reports, U.S. President Donald Trump told Netanyahu in a recent phone call that Washington is discussing a ‘letter of intent’ with Tehran. The proposed agreement could include a formal end to hostilities, 30 days of talks on Iran’s nuclear program, and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts interpret this diplomatic move as a sign of Washington’s gradual withdrawal from the conflict, suggesting the Trump administration now prefers limited symbolic actions over deeper military involvement. The crisis began in March when Israel attacked Iran’s Pars gas field, prompting Iranian retaliation on a Qatari facility. Since then, Iran has demanded war reparations, sanction relief, and recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Reports indicate Iran is consolidating control of the strait through new transit deals with Russia, China, and other nations. Observers warn that U.S. restraint could weaken global sanctions and expand Iran’s influence in energy trade, while Israel faces growing strategic pressure.

Armed assailants launched simultaneous attacks on two temporary camps of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police in the remote hilly area of Jungle Salimpur, Sitakunda, Chattogram, late Sunday night. Around 250 to 300 armed men, believed to be members of the Yasin Bahini group, carried out the assault, prompting a joint operation by RAB and police. The attackers reportedly cut roads at five key points using excavators before the assault to block reinforcements and later escaped without resistance. No arrests or weapon recoveries were reported as of Monday afternoon.

Security analysts described the incident as a major intelligence failure at three levels—before, during, and after the attack. They noted that heavy machinery operated overnight without detection, no early warnings were issued, and the attackers’ escape routes remain unidentified. Experts said the operation reflected long-term planning and local collaboration, highlighting weaknesses in surveillance and coordination among intelligence agencies.

Officials acknowledged the need for stronger monitoring systems in the hilly region. Analysts warned that without improved intelligence integration and local engagement, preventing similar future attacks would remain difficult.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has announced an extensive plan to ensure a clean and joyful Eid-ul-Azha for city residents. At a press conference held at the National Eidgah on Monday, DSCC detailed preparations for the main Eid congregation and waste management operations. The main Eid prayer will take place at 7:30 a.m. at the National Eidgah, with an alternative arrangement at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque if weather conditions are unfavorable. Facilities such as air conditioning, water, sanitation, and medical services have been arranged, along with tight security coordination.

For waste management, DSCC will begin transporting sacrificial waste from the Kalabagan STS to the Matuail landfill at 1:30 p.m. on Eid day, aiming to complete removal within eight hours by 9:30 p.m. An estimated 33,942 tons of waste will be generated over three days, handled by 13,453 personnel and 117 vehicles. The corporation is distributing disinfectants and biodegradable bags across 75 wards and will monitor operations through a central control room.

DSCC has urged residents to dispose of waste only at designated spots and maintain cleanliness by using disinfectants after sacrifices.

Mohammad Nurul Amin, a veteran banker with over four decades of experience, has been appointed as the new chairman of the board of directors of Bangladesh Krishi Bank. The appointment was made on Sunday by the Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance of the Government of Bangladesh.

Amin has served in key leadership roles across several prominent banks and financial institutions in the country during his 42-year career. Before assuming his current position, he worked for about 13 years as managing director and chief executive officer of Meghna Bank and NCC Bank. He is widely recognized for his strategic leadership and contributions to the development of the banking sector.

He previously chaired major industry bodies including the Association of Bankers, Bangladesh (ABB), the Bangladesh Foreign Exchange Dealers Association (BAFEDA), and Primary Dealers Bangladesh Limited. His academic background includes degrees in economics from the University of Dhaka and diplomas from Oxford and Cambridge universities. His leadership is expected to strengthen governance and modernization efforts at Bangladesh Krishi Bank.

The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) have strongly condemned the dismissal of journalists, officers, and employees from the daily Janakantha without paying their salaries, allowances, or Eid bonuses ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. In a joint statement issued on Monday, leaders of both unions described the move as illegal and inhumane, asserting that at least fifty staff members were terminated without prior notice, some after decades of service.

The unions said the decision violated labor laws and wage board regulations, calling it an attack on the dignity of media workers. They demanded immediate payment of all dues, cancellation of termination notices, and reinstatement of the affected employees. The statement also noted that during a peaceful protest by dismissed workers outside the Janakantha building, security personnel obstructed them, leaving several injured and hospitalized.

BFUJ and DUJ warned that if the management fails to act responsibly and resolve the issue through dialogue, they will announce broader protest programs to secure journalists’ rights.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan, once hailed as a blueprint for transforming the Middle East, is now facing major setbacks. The ambitious initiative, launched a decade ago to diversify the economy beyond oil through technology, tourism, and investment, is being reassessed amid financial and geopolitical pressures. Several mega projects, including the $500 billion NEOM city, have been scaled back, delayed, or risk cancellation as the 2030 deadline approaches.

Analysts attribute the slowdown to economic strain and regional instability. Falling oil prices before the recent Middle East war reduced Saudi revenues, while the ongoing conflict has created uncertainty for long-term investments. Foreign investment has also fallen short of expectations, with experts citing unrealistic planning and exaggerated projections by officials and consultants. Previous projects, such as the King Abdullah Economic City, similarly failed to meet expectations.

Despite setbacks, Vision 2030 has brought visible social changes, including women’s driving rights and international entertainment events. However, the new regional war has further clouded Saudi Arabia’s economic outlook, particularly in technology and manufacturing sectors, though mining remains stable.

Bangladeshi producer Abdul Aziz has clarified that no characters in the upcoming film 'Masud Rana' were created using artificial intelligence. The film, jointly produced by Jaaz Multimedia and Impress Telefilm, is set to release in theaters across Bangladesh during Eid-ul-Azha. Aziz stated that while some visual effects incorporate AI technology, all characters were performed by real actors, including lead actor Rasel Rana, who won Channel i’s reality show 'Ke Hoben Masud Rana'.

The film, directed by young filmmaker Saikat Nasir, marks the return of the iconic Bangladeshi spy character 'Masud Rana' to the big screen after years of anticipation. Aziz mentioned that the project took nearly five years to complete and has already received positive feedback from the censor board. Actress Puja Cherry plays the role of Sohana, while Syeda Tithi Omni appears as Obonita. All three lead performers are new faces in cinema.

Nasir described 'Masud Rana' as Bangladesh’s equivalent of James Bond, emphasizing the film’s technical ambition and urging audiences to watch it during Eid.

Ahead of Eid al-Adha, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal has imposed strict regulations on the sale and slaughter of cows. In response, several Islamic clerics and imams have urged Muslims not to use cows for sacrifice. However, Hindu groups across the state have staged protests demanding that Muslims be allowed to perform cow sacrifices.

A government directive issued on May 13 by the state’s Home Department stated that no cow, bull, calf, or buffalo may be slaughtered without official permission. It requires joint certification from a municipal chairman or panchayat head and a government veterinarian, allowing slaughter only for animals over 14 years old or unfit for work. Violations carry jail and fines. Clerics such as Maulana Shafique Qasmi of Kolkata’s Nakhoda Mosque and Pirzada Ziauddin Siddiqui of Furfura Sharif supported avoiding cow sacrifice out of respect for Hindu sentiments.

Reports indicate that Hindu farmers in South 24 Parganas, who rely on selling cattle before Eid to repay loans, are urging that Muslims be allowed to buy cows so they can recover their investments.

Local residents in Jamalpur blocked the Jamalpur-Tangail highway on Monday afternoon demanding a permanent solution to waterlogging that has persisted for 19 years. The protest took place near the district bus terminal and the BSCIC office, causing severe traffic congestion on both sides of the highway. Participants from at least five affected areas, including Doripara and Dapuniya, alleged that around 500 acres of farmland and numerous homes have been damaged over the years, yet authorities have failed to take effective action.

According to the report, the residents had also blocked the highway the previous day but withdrew after receiving assurances from the administration. When no visible steps followed, they resumed their protest. Police arrived to control the situation but were turned back by demonstrators. Later, local political and human rights representatives intervened, promising swift action, after which the protesters lifted the blockade. A brief period of unrest occurred during the event.

In a separate incident, residents of Shekher Vita area blocked the Jamalpur-Madarganj road over similar waterlogging issues, ending their protest after municipal officials pledged remedial measures.

Two people were killed in separate road accidents in Munshiganj early Monday. The incidents occurred on the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway in Srinagar and the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Gazaria. The victims were identified as truck driver Mohammad Hossain from Chuadanga’s Belgachi area and lorry helper Antar Das from Chandpur village in Senbagh. Police said both accidents took place around 2 a.m.

According to police, on the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway near Dogachi Army Camp, a cargo truck hit another truck ahead of it, trapping driver Mohammad Hossain inside. He was taken to Srinagar Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead. In the second incident, on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway near Dori Bausia, a speeding lorry collided with a covered van while taking a U-turn, killing helper Antar Das on the spot.

Police confirmed that vehicular movement on both highways remained normal after the accidents, and the bodies were kept at the respective highway police stations.

Seventeen years after Cyclone Aila struck on May 25, 2009, the coastal residents of Satkhira in southwestern Bangladesh continue to suffer from its long-lasting devastation. The cyclone destroyed homes, farmland, and fisheries, leaving thousands destitute. In Gabura Union of Shyamnagar upazila, one of the worst-hit areas, at least 39 people died and over 243,000 were displaced. Many families still live on government land near embankments, facing acute shortages of drinking water and employment.

Repeated cyclones such as Amphan in 2020, Bulbul, and Rimal in 2024 have deepened the crisis, with May now seen as a month of fear for coastal communities. Despite ongoing embankment repairs, many areas remain at risk of collapse. Around 30–35 percent of residents in Gabura and Padmapukur unions have become landless, and over 500 families live on river chars. Local leaders report that most roads damaged by Aila remain unrestored.

Authorities have declared Gabura a model union, with a 10.2 billion taka project underway to build sustainable embankments and promote afforestation. Yet residents question how many more disasters must come before their lives become secure.