The Narayanganj Sadar Upazila administration has distributed modern educational and environmental equipment to several institutions under the 'Climate-Resilient Campus Initiative'. The event was held on Saturday afternoon at the Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s office, with District Commissioner Md. Raihan Kabir as the chief guest and Upazila Nirbahi Officer S.M. Fayez Uddin presiding. Officials from various government departments, teachers, and students attended the ceremony.

According to the district commissioner, the initiative aims to ensure safe, healthy, and eco-friendly campuses. Distributed items included sanitary pad vending machines, color-coded dustbins, sustainable water bottles, Swiss water filters, and interactive digital whiteboards. These tools are expected to promote hygiene, waste segregation, reduced plastic use, and paperless classrooms. The UNO stated that in the first phase, 17 secondary schools and madrasas received the equipment, with plans to expand the program to all institutions in the upazila.

The administration also plans to organize training for teachers on climate change, waste management, and health awareness as part of the broader program.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained a young man with 40,000 yaba tablets during a pre-dawn operation in a border area of Cumilla on May 23, 2026. The operation, conducted by a special patrol team from Lakshmipur Border Outpost under the 10 BGB Battalion, took place around 3:30 a.m. in Durlovpur, about four kilometers inside Bangladesh from the zero line. The suspect, identified as Md. Abu Sayeed, 24, from South Suryanagar village in Sadar Dakshin upazila, was apprehended after a search of his bag revealed the narcotics.

According to BGB sources, the seized yaba consignment was likely being smuggled into the country for distribution. The estimated market value of the drugs is several crore taka. The detainee reportedly admitted involvement in drug transport during initial questioning. A case under the Narcotics Control Act is being prepared, and both the suspect and the recovered drugs have been handed over to Sadar Dakshin Police Station.

BGB officials stated that surveillance and anti-smuggling operations along the border have been intensified to curb drug trafficking and protect youth from narcotics.

Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran on Friday as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to halt the conflict in the Middle East. Iran confirmed it is considering a new peace proposal from the United States but warned that major differences remain before any agreement can be reached. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the visit should not be viewed as a turning point, citing deep and extensive divisions between Washington and Tehran.

Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope for progress in ending the conflict through dialogue, though the situation became more complicated after US and Israeli attacks on February 28. Pakistan had previously hosted direct talks between the US and Iran in April, but those discussions failed to produce a lasting agreement. President Donald Trump described the current situation as a “borderline stalemate,” balancing between peace prospects and renewed conflict risks.

During the Tehran visit, Asim Munir met with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, while a Qatari delegation also held talks with Iran’s foreign minister. Iran stated that although multiple countries are engaged in peace diplomacy, Pakistan has not yet assumed an official mediating role.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed disappointment after the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons ended without any consensus. He described the outcome as a missed opportunity to strengthen global security. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said Guterres appreciated the participation of member states but regretted that the conference failed to deliver results at a time of serious threats to international security.

Guterres urged all nations to use diplomacy and dialogue to reduce tensions and nuclear risks. He reiterated that achieving a world free of nuclear weapons remains the United Nations’ highest disarmament priority.

According to analysts cited in the report, growing global tensions, regional conflicts, and a lack of trust among nuclear-armed states have made it increasingly difficult to reach consensus at such conferences.

A protest was held in Feni on Friday night demanding the withdrawal of Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police (Sonagazi-Daganbhuiyan Circle) Syed Moubid Raihan. Local BNP and Jubo Dal leaders led the demonstration, which began at Sonagazi Zero Point and ended in front of the Sonagazi Model Police Station. Protesters accused the officer of providing shelter to banned Chhatra League cadres and engaging in irregularities.

Speakers at the protest, including local BNP and Jubo Dal leaders, alleged that the officer was involved in misconduct, supported youth gangs, and conducted illegal arbitration for money. They demanded an investigation into the allegations and his immediate removal. Some leaders claimed that local residents had long expressed dissatisfaction over his activities.

Attempts to contact Syed Moubid Raihan for comment were unsuccessful, as calls to his office went unanswered. Sonagazi Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kamrul Islam confirmed that the protest took place on the road but denied that the police station was surrounded.

Authorities in Dhaka have begun using artificial intelligence (AI) cameras to automatically detect and prosecute traffic law violations across major roads and the elevated expressway. The pilot project, launched in early May 2026, has already processed cases using footage from over 2,000 cameras. The AI system identifies five types of offenses, including red signal violations, driving against traffic, blocking lanes, and stopping outside designated areas. Notices are sent to registered vehicle owners via SMS and post, with 15 days allowed for settlement or appeal. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) reports a sharp decline in overspeeding incidents since the system’s introduction.

Traffic officials express optimism about the initiative’s potential to improve compliance, while drivers and transport experts remain divided. Drivers argue that licensed and registered vehicles face stricter enforcement, whereas unregistered and illegal vehicles continue to operate freely. Experts emphasize that without controlling unregistered vehicles and informal transport, lasting discipline on Dhaka’s roads will remain elusive.

The DMP plans to expand AI features to detect mobile phone use and seatbelt violations. Officials say the government is also considering broader measures to regulate battery-powered rickshaws and unregistered vehicles to sustain traffic improvements.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the newspaper Amar Desh, stated that Indian hegemony poses a threat to South Asian security. He urged the people of Bangladesh, along with political parties and the government, to work together to counter this influence. Rahman made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Persecution of Muslims in India: Politics, Identity and Minority Rights Conflict,” organized by Friends of Humanity.

The seminar was held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, chaired by Dr. Khondaker Rashedul Haque, chairman of the organizing body. Prominent journalist and academic Md. Shah Alam presented a paper highlighting recent persecution and human rights violations against Muslims and other minorities in India. Other speakers included Professor Dr. Shajahan Khan, AB Party General Secretary Asaduzzaman Fuad, and former army officer Lieutenant Colonel Hasinur Rahman.

The discussion centered on regional security concerns and the implications of minority rights issues in India for neighboring countries, particularly Bangladesh.

The first day of Eid-ul-Azha train travel from Dhaka began on Saturday with relatively low passenger pressure. The Dhaka–Rajshahi-bound Dhumketu Express departed at 6 a.m., marking the start of the holiday exodus. Trains to other destinations left the capital according to schedule, though passengers reported slight delays of 15 to 30 minutes.

According to travelers, the lighter crowd on the first day made the journey smoother, with no major issues in seating or ticketing. The Director General of Bangladesh Railway, Afzal Hossain, visited several platforms at Kamalapur Station to check on passenger conditions and online ticketing performance. Passengers expressed satisfaction with the manageable crowd but called for improved onboard service quality.

Railway officials assured that service issues would be addressed gradually, and the day’s operations proceeded without major disruptions, easing concerns about schedule breakdowns during the Eid rush.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the war with Iran is nearing its end, speaking at a rally in Suffern, New York. He declared that Tehran would never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and asserted that the conflict would soon be over. Trump also mentioned that Americans would soon see unprecedented positive economic figures, including a decline in car prices.

In a separate interview with CBS News, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the president remains committed to giving diplomacy more time as talks with Iran continue. She added that Trump keeps all options open and has made clear what consequences Tehran would face if no agreement is reached.

The statements reflect the administration’s dual approach of maintaining diplomatic engagement while signaling readiness for alternative measures should negotiations fail.

At least 24 people have died across Afghanistan following heavy rains and flash floods over the past 48 hours, local and disaster officials confirmed on Friday. The worst-hit area was Baghlan province in the north, where 15 people were killed. Two deaths were reported in Badakhshan in the northeast, and one in Wardak in central Afghanistan.

Farooq Akhpowak, spokesperson for the Baghlan governor, said the floods caused 15 deaths and left many others injured. A local official in Badakhshan reported that two people were missing and more than a hundred houses were destroyed. The flooding followed intense rainfall that began on Wednesday, affecting multiple provinces.

Officials said the heavy downpour triggered landslides and widespread damage to homes and crops, compounding the humanitarian challenges in several regions.

In Shalla upazila of Sunamganj, at least Tk 150 crore worth of Boro rice has been submerged under water this year, along with cattle fodder valued at about Tk 200 crore. The flooding occurred due to inadequate drainage in the haor areas, leaving farmers with extensive crop damage. According to the local agriculture office, 21,700 hectares were cultivated with a production target of 143,368 tons of rice worth Tk 516 crore. Official estimates record losses of Tk 66 crore, but local farmers and social organizations claim the real damage is much higher.

Farmers report that many harvested crops rotted due to lack of sunlight and were later discarded, losses not reflected in official records. The total damage is estimated at 41,666 tons of rice, valued at Tk 150 crore. The government announced three months of continuous assistance for affected farmers, but the support has yet to reach them. Allegations of irregularities and corruption have also surfaced regarding the list of 20,250 affected farmers.

Local leaders urged the government to address both crop and fodder losses, as the haor’s farmers have lost their main source of livelihood and animal feed.

Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said the textile sector must become competitive and modern to achieve sustainability. He made the remarks on Saturday at a seminar titled “Sustainable Transition in Employment: Preparation and Journey of Textile Students,” held at the Jute Diversification Promotion Center in Dhaka.

The minister stated that the government has no plans to establish or operate new state-owned mills, emphasizing that business operations will remain in the private sector. He said the government will focus on policy support and creating an enabling environment. Muktadir highlighted the need to update curricula at textile institutes and engineering colleges to align with technological changes. He also announced plans to involve BTMA and capable private mills with educational institutions to improve teaching quality and provide practical industrial experience.

He identified energy supply uncertainty, production costs, cost of funds, and technological limitations as major challenges for the textile industry. The government is working to address these issues while promoting man-made fibers, new product development, and value chain upgrades to enhance competitiveness.

Heavy rainfall and hill torrents from India have caused the Teesta River’s water level to rise again in Lalmonirhat. Residents along the river fear that if the water continues to increase, it may cross the danger level at any time. According to the Water Development Board, the rise began on Friday night due to continuous rain and upstream flow from India.

Officials at the Teesta Barrage Dalia control room said on Saturday that the water level had increased slightly but was still flowing below the danger mark. Locals reported sleepless nights during the monsoon months, fearing sudden water releases from India’s Gajoldoba Barrage without prior notice, which often leads to flooding and isolation of thousands of residents.

The Gajoldoba Barrage, located upstream in India’s West Bengal, controls the Teesta River through 54 sluice gates. Authorities confirmed that while the current water level remains below danger, continuous rainfall could worsen the situation if upstream discharge increases.

Social and cultural organization Azadi Mancha organized a human chain at Shahjadpur Azadi Mor in Dhaka on Saturday morning to protest the brutal killing of second-grade student Ramisa Akter in Pallabi, Mirpur. The event, held at 9 a.m., drew participation from local residents, teachers, students, rickshaw pullers, and people from various professions, expressing outrage over the incident.

Speakers at the protest said the murder of eight-year-old Ramisa had shocked the entire nation and reflected a deep moral crisis in society. They criticized the culture of impunity surrounding rape and child murder cases, demanding that Ramisa’s killers be tried in a speedy tribunal and given the maximum punishment. Participants, including academics and students, called for stronger state action to ensure child safety and for building social resistance against such brutality.

Protesters warned that if justice was delayed, larger demonstrations would follow. The area echoed with slogans demanding justice and an end to child killings, as participants vowed to continue their movement until Ramisa’s killers were punished.

The United Arab Emirates has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to refrain from launching new military action against Iran, amid fears of renewed conflict in the Middle East. According to Bloomberg, the UAE is coordinating diplomatic efforts with Saudi Arabia and Qatar to prevent escalation. Leaders from the three countries reportedly told Trump in separate phone calls that military strikes would not achieve long-term U.S. goals and that dialogue should be prioritized.

Analysts noted that the UAE’s stance marks a significant shift from its previously hardline position toward Tehran. The Gulf states fear that another conflict could devastate the region’s economy, as seen during the February–April clashes when U.S. and Israeli forces attacked Iran, prompting widespread Iranian retaliation. Thousands of drone and missile strikes damaged ports and energy infrastructure across the Gulf.

Although a ceasefire was reached in April, tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high. Pakistan is mediating indirect communications, and recent visits by senior officials suggest cautious progress toward a possible settlement.