OpenAI has announced a new research position aimed at addressing potential risks from rapidly advancing artificial intelligence. The company is offering up to $445,000 annually for the role, which will focus on ensuring that AI systems do not become excessively self-improving beyond human oversight. The position falls under OpenAI’s Preparedness safety team, which studies long-term risks associated with increasingly powerful AI systems.

According to the job description, candidates must be both technically skilled and strategically thoughtful, as the work involves anticipating risks that may not yet exist but could emerge quickly. A key focus area is “recursive self-improvement,” where an AI could autonomously design and train more advanced versions of itself. The researcher will identify and mitigate such risks, conduct safety tests on advanced models, and develop monitoring systems to detect abnormal behavior.

The role also includes protecting AI models from “data poisoning” attacks and creating tools to better understand how advanced AI systems make decisions. The announcement comes amid growing industry discussion about recursive self-improvement, with leaders from Google DeepMind and other institutions warning of accelerating AI capabilities.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with the people of Palestine, reaffirming Bangladesh’s firm stance in support of their cause. He made the remarks on Sunday evening in Dhaka while attending a film screening organized by the Palestinian Embassy to mark the Nakba, or the 'Great Catastrophe'.

The Nakba refers to the 1948 displacement of a large number of Palestinians following the establishment of Israel. The Palestinian Embassy hosted a nearly two-hour film depicting the historical context of the event. Ambassadors, diplomats, prominent figures, and media representatives attended the screening.

At the beginning of the event, Palestinian Ambassador Yousuf Ramadan presented a commemorative token to the minister and expressed sincere gratitude to the government and people of Bangladesh for their continued support on the Palestinian issue.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has recovered the skeletal remains of a woman and her son from a pond in Noakhali’s Sonaimuri upazila, two years after their disappearance. The remains were found on Sunday afternoon at the pond of Abu Amin’s house in Joyag village. The victims were identified as Komola Begum, aged 32, and her nine-year-old son Md. Noman. Three suspects, including two step-sons and a grandson of the deceased woman, have been arrested in connection with the case.

According to CID sources, the killings occurred in January 2024 over a family property dispute. The accused—step-sons Raju and Sagor, and grandson Tipu—allegedly murdered Komola and her son before burying their bodies in the pond during the dry season. The skeletal remains were recovered based on information provided by the arrested suspects following a prolonged investigation.

CID’s Additional Special Superintendent and Noakhali in-charge Md. Raisul Islam confirmed the recovery and arrests. He stated that a court case was initially filed, followed by a General Register (GR) case at Sonaimuri Police Station, leading to the arrests.

Bangladesh Bank has appointed Md. Khurshid Alam as the new chairman of Islami Bank following the resignation of the bank’s previous chairman, Zubaidur Rahman. The appointment was confirmed through an official letter sent to the bank’s managing director. The decision came shortly after Zubaidur Rahman stepped down from his position on Sunday.

Khurshid Alam previously served as a deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank, having been appointed to the post in February 2024 under the then Awami League government for a three-year contractual term. However, after the Awami League lost power in August 2024, he and three other senior central bank officials appointed during that period were forced to resign amid staff protests. His new appointment marks his return to a key position in the country’s banking sector.

The central bank’s move to place a former deputy governor at the helm of Islami Bank indicates a reshuffle in financial leadership following political changes in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) headquarters issued a clarification on Sunday following media reports alleging that three Ansar members were arrested for creating disorder at the Prime Minister’s darbar in Gazipur. The force stated that the individuals identified in the reports were actually volunteer VDP members, not Ansar personnel, and were not authorized participants in the event.

According to the official statement, participation in the Prime Minister’s darbar requires strict security clearance and prior approval, which the three individuals did not have. They were not permitted to attend or take part in any related program. After the event, an internal inquiry found evidence of suspicious involvement by the volunteers, leading to legal action against them for internal misconduct rather than for causing any disturbance at the darbar itself.

The Ansar-VDP emphasized that the 46th National Assembly event was conducted in an orderly manner, with all authorized members following proper protocols. The force reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining discipline, national security, and organizational integrity, warning that any actions undermining its image or internal order would face legal consequences.

In Lakshmipur’s Chandraganj upazila, a local transport labor leader allegedly cut down 60 Eid greeting festoons belonging to Jamaat-e-Islami’s upazila secretary Rezaul Islam Khan Suman. The incident occurred on Sunday, May 24, in the Mandari Bazar area, and a video showing the act spread on Facebook. The accused, Akhtar Hossain, is the organizational secretary of the district transport labor party and a former member of the Mandari Union Parishad.

Following the incident, tension erupted between BNP and Jamaat supporters in Mandari Bazar, leading to vandalism at a showroom named Channel Fashion. Witnesses said Suman confronted Akhtar about the reason for cutting the festoons, but Akhtar became angry instead of responding. Although the situation became heated, no major untoward incident occurred.

Police said they were informed about the unrest and sent officers to the scene. They stated that legal action would be taken after learning more details about the incident.

Six people, including cattle market leaseholder Ariful Islam Mishu, were injured in an attack by assailants in Chandpur’s Wireless Bazar area on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. when armed attackers reportedly assaulted the victims with sharp weapons. Mishu, who sustained serious injuries, was later transferred to Dhaka for advanced medical treatment.

According to leaseholder Shafik Gazi, a group including Borhan Gazi, Ferdous Gazi, Emran Gazi, and Redwan Gazi had allegedly demanded extortion money from local traders, claiming rights to set up shops on public land. When Mishu and Shafik confronted them about the demand, the group became enraged and launched the attack. Police, led by Sub-Inspector Jahed, visited the scene following the incident.

Chandpur Sadar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Fayez Ahmed stated that police were dispatched immediately after receiving information and that legal action would be taken upon receiving a formal complaint.

A woman named Asiya Begum was injured by a stray bullet in Khulna on Sunday night when unidentified gunmen opened fire near the Gallamari Bridge. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. as several assailants on motorcycles reportedly targeted a man named Rasel. When Rasel fled into a nearby alley, one of the bullets struck Asiya Begum’s finger. Locals rescued her and took her to Khulna Medical College Hospital for treatment.

According to Sonadanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Rafiqul Islam, Rasel is accused of involvement in various criminal activities, and the attackers are believed to have aimed at him. Police did not find any bullet evidence at the scene and have begun an investigation into the incident.

Authorities stated that further details will be disclosed after the investigation is completed.

A hotel worker named Sajib Sarkar, aged 43, was killed by a lightning strike while traveling on the roof of a train in Narsingdi on Sunday. The incident occurred as he was returning home during the Eid holidays on the Noakhali-bound Upakul Express. Sajib had boarded the train at Kamalapur Railway Station but climbed onto the roof due to lack of space inside. When the train reached Ghorashal amid rain, lightning struck, killing him instantly.

Upon arrival at Narsingdi around 5 p.m., the station master, Abdul Mannan, informed the Government Railway Police (GRP). Police recovered the body from the train roof, and Sajib’s relatives later identified it. According to Narsingdi Railway Outpost Inspector Md Nazim Uddin, the body was handed over to the family after verification through his mobile phone and documents.

The incident highlights the recurring risks faced by passengers who travel on train roofs during overcrowded holiday journeys.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that law enforcement agencies, including the police and Rapid Action Battalion, will take swift and coordinated measures to maintain law and order in Sylhet. He also revealed plans to install face recognition–enabled CCTV cameras at key locations across the city to strengthen public safety. The minister made the remarks on May 24, 2026, after distributing special Eid grants from the Prime Minister to city sanitation workers at the Sylhet City Corporation office.

Muktadir stated that there are no shortcomings in the Ministry of Home Affairs or law enforcement in arresting those involved in recent crimes. He emphasized that technology-based surveillance would make crime control more effective and that exemplary punishment would be ensured after proper judicial proceedings. The minister further mentioned that a policy decision has been made to begin construction of the Akhaura–Sylhet railway line, while the government is also working on improving rail and road connectivity between Dhaka, Sylhet, and Chattogram.

He sought cooperation from Qawmi madrasas, the city corporation, and relevant ministries to support the leather industry ahead of Eid.

The United States and Iran are reportedly close to signing a significant agreement aimed at ending their long-standing tensions and the ongoing war. According to a U.S. official, the proposed deal includes extending a 60-day ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, allowing Iran to freely sell oil, and restarting talks on its nuclear program. The agreement could be announced on Sunday, though last-minute setbacks remain possible.

Under the draft memorandum of understanding, both sides would commit to a 60-day renewable arrangement. Iran would clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz to restore international shipping, while the U.S. would lift port blockades and ease some sanctions to enable Iranian oil exports. The draft also includes Iran’s pledge not to develop nuclear weapons and to suspend uranium enrichment pending further discussions. Pakistan, alongside Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, and Turkey, has played a key mediating role.

The draft mentions a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has raised concerns from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. U.S. officials emphasized that any truce would not prevent Israel from responding to new Hezbollah attacks.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a coal mine explosion in China’s Shanxi province. In a condolence message issued on Sunday, he conveyed sympathy on behalf of his government and the people of Bangladesh to the bereaved families and the people of China. The message was shared through the Prime Minister’s Office’s official Facebook page.

The Prime Minister extended prayers for the rescue teams working tirelessly to find the injured and missing workers. He affirmed Bangladesh’s solidarity with China during this tragedy and praised the ongoing efforts to assist victims, treat the injured, and investigate the incident. He also wished that all those affected by the disaster find patience, courage, and comfort.

According to Chinese state media, the gas explosion occurred last Friday at 7:29 p.m. local time, killing at least 90 people while 247 workers were inside the mine at the time of the accident.

A Meherpur court has sentenced Shakil Hossain to death for raping a nine-year-old girl in Gangni upazila. The verdict was delivered on Sunday afternoon by Judge Md. Tajul Islam of the Meherpur Child Violence Suppression Tribunal. Public Prosecutor Mostafizur Rahman Tuhin confirmed the death sentence. Shakil Hossain is the son of Abdal Hasan from Chandpur village in Gangni.

According to the case details, on June 16, 2025, the victim, a fifth-grade student, was taking food to her father in a nearby field when Shakil threatened her with a sharp weapon and forcibly raped her in a jute field. After the assault, he fled as the child screamed. Villagers later caught and beat him before police rescued and arrested him. The victim’s father, Ishanul Haque, filed a case at Gangni Police Station.

The court examined testimonies from 12 witnesses both virtually and in person, along with medical evidence, which confirmed the charges beyond doubt. The convicted rapist was present in court during the verdict.

Police in Jhenaidah arrested July fighter and NCP central joint member secretary Tarek Reza on Sunday evening in connection with a case filed by former district Chhatra Dal vice president Enamul Kabir. The arrest took place around 7 p.m. in front of the Family Zone auditorium near Jhenaidah Stadium, where Reza had called an emergency press conference. Officers from Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station, including OC Md Asaduzzaman, and members of a special police and intelligence team were present during the arrest.

According to police, the case against Reza and several others was filed on Saturday, accusing them of assault, vandalism, and issuing death threats. The OC stated that operations are ongoing to arrest the remaining accused. The case followed a violent clash on Friday between NCP and Chhatra Dal activists in Jhenaidah after the visit of NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari. Following that incident, Reza filed a case against 115 people, including eight Chhatra Dal activists, which was later countered by Enamul Kabir’s case naming Reza and 21 others.

Reza’s arrest marks the latest development in the escalating political tension between NCP and Chhatra Dal in Jhenaidah.

Nasiruddin Patwari, the chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), stated that standing for human rights, justice, and dignity represents true patriotism. He made this remark in a Facebook post on Sunday, emphasizing that genuine national loyalty is rooted in defending these values.

In his post, Patwari criticized forms of nationalism that, in his view, betray the aspirations of the July martyrs, mock demands for justice and accountability, and attempt to legitimize the killing of citizens. He declared that he would not compromise with what he described as hypocritical nationalism and deceptive politics.

His statement underscores a call for moral integrity and accountability in political life, linking patriotism to the defense of justice and human dignity.