A college lecturer has been arrested in Rangpur’s Kaunia upazila on charges of embezzlement and fraud involving a Hajj agency. Police detained Mohammad Ali Babu, a lecturer at Mirbag College and son of Abul Hossain from Gadadhar area, during a special operation on Friday night. Authorities confirmed that five arrest warrants had been issued against him, including two general register (GR) and three complaint register (CR) cases.

According to police sources, two of the cases accuse him of embezzling around 15 million taka, while the amounts in the other three cases remain undisclosed. All five cases involve allegations of fraud and misappropriation of funds through Hajj agency dealings. The operation was led by Kaunia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Shihab Uddin with support from the district detective branch.

After his arrest, police completed necessary legal procedures and sent the accused to court for further action.

Iran’s government plans to gradually lift online restrictions to ensure broader access to the global internet, according to Elias Hazrati, head of the country’s Information Council. He stated that the government’s policy is to expand internet use for citizens and to ease online controls over time.

Hazrati added that while external adversaries sought to force Iran into unconditional surrender, the Iranian people have shown willingness for dialogue without capitulation. He emphasized that in the post-war context, the government should adopt a broader perspective and enable wider citizen participation in governance.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that such remarks may signal a potential shift in Iran’s long-standing digital policy, though the pace and extent of any relaxation remain unclear.

On April 11, 2026, eight teachers and 163 children from Bihar traveling by Patna–Pune Express to a madrasa in Maharashtra were forcibly deboarded at Katni railway station in Madhya Pradesh. The Government Railway Police and Railway Protection Force acted on a written complaint from a Child Welfare Committee member alleging the children were being taken for labor. The minors were questioned and later returned home after verification with their families.

Families and madrasa authorities maintained the children were traveling for religious and general education, carrying all necessary documents. Local activists and lawyers argued that the incident reflected bias against Muslim communities and misuse of trafficking laws. Officials said the action was based on precautionary grounds to ensure child safety. Similar detentions of 59 minors bound for a madrasa in Odisha were also reported.

The case highlighted poverty and lack of residential madrasa facilities in Bihar’s border districts, prompting parents to send children to other states for free education and lodging. The incident has sparked debate over child protection procedures and the treatment of minority students during interstate travel.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan announced that the government aims to rebuild the state and society by recognizing creative sectors, including film, as key forces for national development. He made the remarks on Saturday at the inauguration of the National Film Society Conference 2026 held at the Bangladesh Film Archive auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka. The event was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies and the Bangladesh Film Archive.

The minister emphasized that film and creative industries are vital soft powers of civilization and that artists, filmmakers, and creative professionals share responsibility for enriching them. He said the government intends to make policy decisions for the film industry based on stakeholder opinions and national consensus. Swapan noted that the newly formed Film Certification and Jury Boards have been welcomed across the sector, marking a positive shift from past controversies.

He added that a proposal has been sent to the Finance Ministry to increase film grants in the upcoming budget and that stricter measures will ensure timely completion of funded projects. The government also plans special initiatives to preserve and modernize single-screen cinemas.

Iran has reiterated that it will not relinquish control over the Strait of Hormuz and maintains that the waterway does not constitute international waters. According to Iranian authorities, the strait falls solely within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, and therefore should be managed exclusively by these two countries. Tehran has emphasized that its stance on this issue remains unchanged.

The report notes that two rounds of technical discussions have already taken place between Tehran and Muscat regarding the matter. However, Oman continues to recognize the Strait of Hormuz as an international maritime route, while Iran remains firm in its position that it is not. Iranian officials have also stated that even in the event of a peace agreement or settlement, control of the strait will remain in Iran’s hands.

The dispute has become a major source of tension among warring parties in the region, highlighting the strategic and political sensitivity surrounding the control of this vital maritime passage.

Iraq announced that it exported around 10 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz in April, according to Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed. The report highlights that despite recent war-related tensions and concerns over maritime security in the region, oil shipments through this vital route have continued without disruption.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy transport corridors. Analysts noted that even amid ongoing instability in the Middle East, the strait continues to serve as a stable and indispensable route for global energy supply. Iraq’s oil minister also indicated that the country is in discussions with OPEC to increase both production and exports.

The continued flow of oil through the strait suggests resilience in global energy logistics despite regional security challenges, reinforcing the strategic importance of this maritime passage for international trade.

In Feni, an accused named Saiful Islam confessed in court to killing Rina Akter, the wife of an expatriate, during a robbery attempt. The confession was recorded on Friday afternoon under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code before Senior Judicial Magistrate Md Morshed Mahmud Khan. Saiful, aged 29, was arrested in Chattogram’s Nasirabad area on Thursday after fleeing the scene and turning off his phone following the murder.

According to the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), Saiful worked at the under-construction building owned by Rina’s husband, expatriate Mohammad Manik. In his statement, Saiful said he was under financial pressure after failing to repay an NGO loan. On May 12, when Rina visited the site, he tried to snatch her gold earrings, strangling her in the process and burying the body under sand inside the building. He later sold the earrings for Tk 15,500 and used the money to buy drugs.

Police said Saiful was sent to Feni District Jail after his confession. The investigation continues under PBI supervision.

Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar announced that Iranian and Pakistani sailors detained by the United States have returned home. According to Dar, 20 Iranian and 11 Pakistani sailors who were stranded in waters near Singapore were successfully repatriated. Before boarding a flight to Islamabad on Friday, the sailors were flown from Singapore to Bangkok.

In a statement shared on social media, Dar expressed gratitude and confirmed that the sailors had been detained aboard a ship held by the United States in deep sea. He emphasized that all the sailors were in good health and mentally sound. Dar reiterated that the welfare of Pakistanis abroad, especially those facing hardship, remains a top priority for his government.

The report, citing Middle East Eye, did not specify the circumstances of the sailors’ detention or the reasons for their release.

A 70-year-old man named Ahmad Dealer was killed by his drug-addicted son in Mirsharai, Chattogram, on Friday night. Police said the incident occurred around 9 p.m. when a dispute broke out between Ahmad Dealer and his son, Ibrahim Hossain Milon, over drug use at their home. During the altercation, Milon allegedly struck his father with a stick, leaving him critically injured. Ahmad Dealer died at the scene before family members could rescue him.

According to police and local sources, Milon had been addicted to drugs for a long time and was reportedly involved in various antisocial activities. Despite repeated warnings from his family, his behavior had become increasingly reckless. Police later detained Milon on charges of killing his father. The body was sent to Chattogram Medical College Hospital morgue, and legal proceedings are underway.

Authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing to determine further details surrounding the incident.

Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations has warned that countries co-sponsoring a US-drafted resolution on the Strait of Hormuz will face consequences. The statement, issued on social media platform X on May 16, 2026, said that if Washington provokes new military tensions, the supporting nations will share international responsibility for the results.

According to Iran, the United States is using the list of co-sponsoring countries to create a false image of international support for its illegal actions and military adventurism. The Iranian mission emphasized that no political excuse or diplomatic shield can absolve those countries from accountability.

The US draft resolution, backed by Bahrain and several other Gulf states, calls for an end to Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and the restoration of free navigation in the Gulf’s maritime zones.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit China on May 19 for a two-day trip, according to a Kremlin statement. During the visit, Putin will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss strengthening what Moscow describes as their “comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation.” The announcement comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump completed his own visit to Beijing.

Analysts cited in the report view Putin’s trip as part of an effort to deepen ties between Russia and China at a time of heightened geopolitical tension and strained U.S.-China relations. The Kremlin emphasized that the discussions will focus on expanding collaboration between Moscow and Beijing across multiple strategic areas.

The visit underscores the growing alignment between the two countries as they navigate shifting global power dynamics and respond to evolving international challenges.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed gratitude to Pope Leo for taking what he described as a 'moral, rational, and just' position regarding the ongoing war situation involving Iran. In a message published by the state news agency IRNA, Pezeshkian said that attacks by the United States and Israel were not only directed against Iran but also against international law and humanitarian values.

He asserted that Iran’s actions were carried out within a framework of legitimate self-defense, targeting what he called the positions and interests of aggressor forces. Pezeshkian added that the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz stemmed from attacks on Iran, the use of Gulf countries’ territories and airspace for assaults, and a U.S. maritime blockade. He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to diplomacy, citing Pakistan’s mediation and talks held in Islamabad, and urged the international community to adopt a realistic and fair approach.

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo’s stance, alleging that Iran had killed thousands of unarmed protesters and warning against its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that it will take another two years to restore Bangladesh’s fragile economy, which was left in a deteriorated state by previous governments. He made the remarks on Saturday morning while inaugurating a new building of the Mother and Child Hospital in Agrabad, Chattogram.

The minister explained that the current government faced a major global crisis immediately after taking office due to the war in the Middle East. He said the energy sector alone required Tk 40,000 crore in the upcoming fiscal year, while an additional Tk 50,000 crore was spent within two months on the power sector and foreign loan repayments. He acknowledged that the national economy remains in a difficult position.

Amir Khosru also criticized past administrations for misusing health sector allocations and pledged that the current government would ensure proper monitoring of funds. He emphasized that the government would not interfere in medical colleges or other professional institutions to preserve their integrity and educational standards.

A violent attack occurred at Shariatpur Sadar Hospital early Friday night following the death of a patient named Lal Mia Kazi. Relatives of the deceased, alleging negligence by the attending physician, vandalized the emergency observation ward and assaulted duty doctor Nasir Islam with stones and sticks, leaving him critically injured. Several hospital staff, including an office assistant and Ansar members, were also attacked while trying to intervene. The injured doctor is being prepared for transfer to Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s ICU.

According to hospital sources, the patient had been admitted with heart complications and was referred to Dhaka for advanced treatment, but his family refused to move him at night. After his death around 12:40 a.m., a group of 70–80 people stormed the ward and attacked the staff. Police have detained two individuals, Al-Amin and Jasim Uddin, and are preparing a case. Civil Surgeon Dr. Rehan Uddin confirmed that a four-member inquiry committee will be formed to investigate the incident.

Authorities condemned the attack, warning that continued violence against medical professionals threatens hospital safety and healthcare delivery.

The Bangladesh government authorized 12 foreign companies to supply diesel, octane, and crude oil under the Direct Purchase Method (DPM) to address a fuel shortage caused by the Iran war. However, none of the companies had delivered oil by mid-May 2026. Only two firms provided performance guarantees, while one pledged to do so. The companies are based in the United States, Dubai, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Japan. The energy minister said the move aimed to prevent panic buying and ensure adequate reserves.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) officials said the DPM initiative was temporary and launched after several cargoes were deferred due to force majeure declarations. BPC Chairman Md. Rezanur Rahman explained that final prices would be determined using the Platts Arab Gulf rate around the loading date. He confirmed that three companies were proceeding properly, while others declined or failed to meet requirements. The government has since returned to open tendering for June–August to maintain a 90-day reserve.

Transparency International Bangladesh acknowledged the government’s authority to bypass tenders in emergencies but emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in supplier selection and contract execution.