Student Jamiat Bangladesh organized a protest march in Dhaka on Tuesday evening demanding justice for those involved in the 2013 Shapla Chattar killings. The organization called for the formation of an independent, neutral, and credible investigation commission to ensure the final punishment of those responsible. The march was led by the group’s central president Ridwan Mazhari.

Several central and metropolitan leaders of Student Jamiat Bangladesh participated in the demonstration, including vice presidents, secretaries, and campus representatives from various units across Dhaka. The event reflected the organization’s continued call for accountability regarding the 2013 incident at Shapla Chattar.

The demand for an impartial investigation highlights ongoing concerns within sections of the student organization about unresolved issues surrounding the 2013 killings and the need for transparent judicial action.

A workshop on disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities was held in Khulna with financial support from the Government of Japan and the World Food Programme (WFP), and implemented by the organization Sushilon. The event took place on Tuesday at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Khulna’s Deputy Director (Local Government) and Acting Deputy Commissioner Md. Ariful Islam attended as chief guest, while other officials from the district administration, WFP, and local organizations participated.

During the experience-sharing session, the guests emphasized strengthening future DRR initiatives through greater public participation and extending project timelines. They also highlighted the need to incorporate local contexts into planning and to enhance the capacity of Union Disaster Management Committees (UDMCs). Participants included government officials, engineers from LGED and the Water Development Board, UDMC members, contractors, journalists, and Sushilon staff.

Sushilon has been implementing various initiatives under the DRR program to improve the disaster resilience of coastal communities in Khulna. The project is executed at the field level by UDMCs with technical support from the Upazila Taskforce Committee.

BNP Vice Chairman and Noakhali-4 MP Md. Shahjahan said that collective effort from farmers and all stakeholders can bring success in agriculture. He made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing the agricultural partner congress discussion organized by the Department of Agricultural Extension at the Sadar Upazila Parishad auditorium in Noakhali. The event was chaired by Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Humayra Islam, with the keynote presented by Agricultural Officer Mosharreful Hasan.

Other speakers included Upazila Engineer Monsur Ahmed, former BNP leaders Salim Ullah Bahar Hiron and Jasim Uddin, and journalist Liaquat Ali Khan. The session was conducted by Assistant Plant Protection Officer Shafiqul Islam Patowary, with participation from farmers, journalists, public representatives, and agricultural officials.

Shahjahan emphasized cautious use of chemicals and pesticides, noting that overreliance on technology has increased agricultural losses. He described past BNP governments as farmer-friendly and said current leadership under Tarique Rahman continues that approach, ensuring fair access to fertilizers, seeds, and agricultural inputs.

Widespread unrest has erupted across West Bengal following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) major victory in the recent state assembly elections. Reports indicate incidents of violence, vandalism, and intimidation targeting minority Muslim communities in several districts. Threats of bulldozer action similar to those seen in Assam and Uttar Pradesh, along with attacks on religious sites, have created deep anxiety among residents. Offices of the Trinamool Congress were reportedly destroyed or set on fire in areas including Tollygunge, Asansol, and New Town, while former minister Arup Biswas’s office was also attacked.

Witnesses from counting centers alleged that BJP agents used force even in the presence of central security forces, driving out opposition agents with threats and verbal abuse. In Minakha, a Trinamool panchayat member and her family were assaulted, and opposition offices across multiple districts were allegedly seized and marked with saffron flags. Residents in Muslim-majority neighborhoods described sleepless nights amid fears of bulldozer attacks and communal provocation.

Local observers warned that such violence and intimidation could severely damage Bengal’s long-standing tradition of communal harmony and push the state toward deeper political and social instability.

Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) has unveiled a series of major initiatives to transform the campus into a modern, safe, and world-class smart institution. The decisions were announced at a special meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Mashud, attended by student representatives from various departments. Plans include establishing a permanent police camp on campus, stricter control over outsider entry, and time restrictions for residents. A unique ID card system will be introduced to access all university services, and a coded answer sheet system will ensure transparency in examinations.

The new academic curriculum, featuring revised grading and midterm exams, will take effect from the 2025 batch. To address housing shortages, two ten-story residential halls—one for female and one for male students—will be completed within the next one and a half years. Long-term plans include constructing three new academic buildings for the EEE, CE, and ME departments. The administration also announced increased budgets for research and study tours, and initiatives to improve campus life with new restaurants, a pharmacy, and a salon near the auditorium.

The Vice-Chancellor urged students to maintain discipline and promptly report any suspicious activities to the administration.

Female students of Government Titumir College in Mohakhali took to the streets late on Tuesday night, chanting slogans and demanding an end to student politics in residential halls. The protest erupted after reports spread that three students faced expulsion for criticizing a newly announced committee of the student wing of a political party. Although the college administration did not confirm the expulsions, the rumors intensified unrest among students.

Participants said they wanted a safe and neutral residential environment, free from political control. They argued that political dominance restricts freedom of expression and fosters fear. The protest followed internal disputes within the student organization, but this time, general students—mostly women—led the demonstration beyond party lines.

College authorities have not issued an official statement but are reportedly monitoring the situation and consulting with teachers and hall officials. While the situation is currently under control, students warned of larger movements if no visible steps are taken to stop hall politics or if the expulsion rumors prove true.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has established a 'Global Diaspora Cell' to reinforce its organizational foundation among expatriate and migrant Bangladeshis. The announcement was made on Tuesday through a press release issued under the direction of NCP Convenor Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain. Joint Member Secretary Alauddin Mohammad has been appointed as the head of the new cell, with several other NCP leaders named as members.

According to the party’s central committee, the newly formed Global Diaspora Cell will oversee the activities of the 'NCP Diaspora Alliance', which already has committees in 26 countries. The alliance previously played a significant role in promoting the 'Yes' campaign during the last national referendum and in raising financial contributions for the party.

Alauddin Mohammad, who also serves as deputy head of NCP’s International Relations Cell, recently resigned from his position as convenor of Dhaka Metropolitan South NCP, which the party described as an example of selfless politics. He has now been tasked with expanding NCP’s presence among expatriates.

A Dhaka University investigation committee has reported that most of the 12 individuals accused in the April 23 journalist assault case have not responded to official notices. Only one accused has appeared to provide an explanation, while others have avoided responding. The committee, formed immediately after the incident, was initially given three working days to submit its report but later received a seven-day extension, set to expire on Thursday.

Committee convener and Assistant Proctor Professor Mahbub Kayser stated that the investigation will continue regardless of the accused’s cooperation and that the report will be submitted within the university’s deadline. He noted that while there are some limitations, no major obstacles have been encountered so far. Dhaka University Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed that the committee is working independently and that further action will follow once the report is submitted.

The assault occurred when journalists were attacked while covering unrest near Shahbagh Police Station, leaving around ten university journalists injured. The lack of response from the accused is reportedly complicating the investigation process.

Residents of Kailashganj Union in Dacope upazila, Khulna, organized a broom procession on Tuesday morning demanding the removal of acting union parishad chairman and Awami League vice-president Prabir Mondal. The demonstrators accused him of irregularities, corruption, and misuse of funds, gathering in front of the union council with placards after marching from different wards.

According to protester Uttam Kumar Mondal, after the previous chairman went into hiding in August, an assistant commissioner (land) was appointed as administrator. Six months later, Prabir Mondal was made acting chairman, but the decision was briefly revoked following public protests before he was reappointed on March 4, 2026. Locals alleged that he engaged in financial misconduct and used his associates to intimidate residents. They submitted a petition to the deputy commissioner on March 9 seeking his removal but received no response.

Prabir Mondal denied all allegations, claiming they were baseless. Local MP Amir Ejaz Khan said he was aware of the matter and would ensure proper investigation, urging people not to resort to mob action.

Tensions flared at Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall of Dhaka University on Tuesday night, May 5, 2026, when supporters of Chhatra Dal and Shibir clashed over the hanging and removal of a banner. The confrontation occurred around 10:30 p.m. near the main gate, leading to shoving and scuffles that reportedly left one student injured.

According to reports, the hall council had earlier hung a banner accusing Mohsin Hall Chhatra Dal joint convener Robin Hossain of involvement in an attack on the hall’s cultural secretary at Shahbagh. The banner, which included images from the incident, was repeatedly removed by Chhatra Dal activists and reinstalled by hall council members. The third attempt to remove it triggered the physical altercation.

Accounting student Md. Salman Khan claimed he was injured while trying to protect the banner. Hall council leaders accused Chhatra Dal of orchestrating the attack under senior leaders’ direction and warned of stronger protests if justice was not served. Attempts to reach the hall provost and university proctor for comment were unsuccessful.

Hefazat-e-Islam Dhaka District North held a protest rally and procession in Hemayetpur, Savar, on Saturday, demanding the trial of those responsible for the killings at Shapla Chattar. The group also called for the withdrawal of what they described as false cases against Islamic scholars and the implementation of their 13-point demands.

During the rally, Hefazat’s Dhaka District North president, Hafiz Maulana Ali Akbar Kasemi, said it was deeply regrettable that even after a long time, there had been no fair and acceptable trial for the Shapla genocide. He stated that the absence of justice had caused frustration and anger among the public and deprived victims’ families of justice. Kasemi urged the formation of an independent and impartial investigation commission to uncover the truth and the establishment of a special tribunal to ensure exemplary punishment for those involved.

Following the rally, a large procession led by Kasemi marched along the Dhaka-Aricha highway, chanting slogans demanding justice for the Shapla killings.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Amir Maulana Muhammad Mamunul Haque stated that the future of national politics will be built upon the spirit of Shapla. Speaking on Tuesday at the inauguration of the exhibition titled ‘Shaplar Shahidchitra: Adekha Sattwer Frame’ at the Nalinikanta Auditorium of the Shahbagh Museum in Dhaka, he honored those who lost their lives in 2013, calling them the true sons of the nation. He emphasized the importance of seeking historical truth and passing it on to future generations.

The event was attended by several political and social figures, including reserved seat MP Sanjida Islam Tuli, who described the exhibition as timely and praiseworthy. She said that ongoing discussions and research surrounding the Shapla incident are crucial for uncovering the truth and ensuring justice. Other attendees included writers, researchers, and leaders from various organizations.

Organizers said the exhibition aimed to promote research-based historical discussions and raise awareness among the youth. They expressed hope that similar initiatives would be held on a larger scale in the future.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser and former DUCSU assistant general secretary Nazim Uddin Alam said that all political parties should work together through dialogue to resolve any national crisis. He made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing a discussion at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka. The event, organized by Ziaur Rahman Samaj Kalyan Parishad (ZISP) on the occasion of International Workers’ Day, was titled “Democracy, Good Governance and People’s Expectations.”

Nazim Uddin Alam emphasized that both ruling and opposition parties must engage in constructive criticism and cooperation to overcome economic and political challenges. He said BNP, Jamaat, and NCP jointly contributed to ending fascism and pledged to ensure social security, rule of law, and economic freedom under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. He also mentioned initiatives such as family and farmer cards and the revival of Ziaur Rahman’s canal-digging program.

He further stated that Bangladesh now has a democratically elected government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and criticized external comments on the country’s politics, asserting that Bangladesh’s people will remain united and vigilant.

Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Raihs Uddin has called for breaking the 13-year silence surrounding the Shapla Chattar incident and uncovering the truth. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a discussion organized by the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) marking Shapla Genocide Day, held at the Department of Public Administration seminar room. The VC described the long silence as painful and said the event carried both deep sorrow and important lessons for the future. He termed the incident, which occurred amid state security and political suppression, as a deep wound for the nation.

Teacher and writer Ali Hasan Usama, the main discussant, reviewed the events of May 5, 2013, when Hefazat-e-Islam held a rally at Shapla Chattar. He highlighted the 13-point demand, the night operation, and subsequent repression, expressing concern over the lack of accurate casualty data and insufficient attention to affected families. Treasurer Professor Dr. Sabina Sharmin noted that the incident drew international attention and emphasized the need for research on the roles of law enforcement, political parties, and the media.

Speakers urged collective efforts to reveal the truth and prevent the resurgence of authoritarian or fascist forces in the future.

National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary Akhtar Hossain stated that the July Movement emerged from accumulated anger over impunity in Bangladesh. Speaking at a seminar titled “From Shapla Massacre to July” held on Tuesday at Rupayan Trade Center in Banglamotor, Dhaka, he demanded that those who supported or masterminded the Shapla Chattar killings be brought to justice. He emphasized the need to ensure that citizens can speak safely and called for accountability for crimes against humanity.

NCP joint convener Sarowar Tushar claimed that the Awami League government had committed a series of crimes against humanity from the Pilkhana incident to the Shapla Chattar events. He urged the government to officially recognize those killed in the Shapla incident as martyrs. Other NCP leaders, including Ali Ahsan Junayed and Abdul Hannan Masud, also spoke at the seminar.

The speakers collectively argued that Bangladesh cannot escape historical responsibility by denying the Shapla Chattar events and called for state recognition of victims from past movements.