The Indian rupee fell to a historic low against the US dollar on Tuesday, pressured by sustained high crude oil prices, foreign investment withdrawals, and weak market sentiment. The currency opened trading at 95.50 per dollar, surpassing its previous record of 95.4325, and later weakened further to 95.6250. Since the start of the Iran-Israel war, the rupee has depreciated by about 5.2 percent. The Reserve Bank of India intervened in the market to stabilize the decline, but analysts noted that rising global oil prices continue to strain India’s import-dependent economy.

Brent crude prices have risen by nearly 46 percent, affecting other Asian currencies such as the Philippine peso and Indonesian rupiah. So far this year, the rupee has dropped around 6.5 percent, marking the worst performance among Asian currencies. Analysts warned that a prolonged US-Iran conflict could keep oil prices high, widening India’s current account deficit and further pressuring investment inflows.

ANZ Bank revised its December forecast for the rupee from 93 to 97.5, while BMI cautioned that the currency could approach 100 if conditions worsen. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to reduce energy use, travel, and imports to conserve foreign reserves.

Information and Broadcasting Ministry adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman stated that crimes committed during the previous 15-and-a-half-year rule of the Awami League government, including enforced disappearances, killings, embezzlement, money laundering, and human rights violations, will never become time-barred. He made the remarks on Tuesday afternoon at a weekly press briefing at the Secretariat’s Press Information Department conference room, emphasizing that the current democratic government is committed to ensuring justice through proper legal procedures.

During the briefing, the adviser also addressed other issues. He said an international-standard committee is being formed to investigate why measles vaccines were not procured and to examine child deaths linked to the disease. He added that any punishable offenses found will be dealt with accordingly and that there is no need for a state of emergency over measles. Additionally, he announced plans for a new crude oil refinery capable of processing 300,000 tons annually and said the government will review a recent agreement with the United States to assess its benefits and potential risks to national interests.

The adviser noted that the agreement could be canceled with six months’ notice if necessary, and the government will thoroughly evaluate all aspects before making decisions.

Armed robbers looted valuables worth about Tk 1.8 million after holding a family hostage in Chakaria upazila of Cox’s Bazar early Tuesday. The incident occurred at the residence of Professor Abu Taher Sikder in Majherpara area of Laksharchar Union. According to his son Kamrul Ahsan, five to six masked men entered the house around 3:30 a.m., tied him up, and held his mother and wife at gunpoint before taking gold ornaments, cash, and a mobile phone.

Kamrul Ahsan said he reported the incident to the national emergency helpline 999 at around 6 a.m., after which a police team arrived at 8 a.m. to question the family. Later, police asked him to visit the station for further inquiry. Chakaria Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Monir Hossain confirmed that a team had visited the scene and that an investigation was underway.

Police said legal action would follow based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.

A feature published on May 12, 2026, explores the children’s literature of Kazi Nazrul Islam, Bangladesh’s national poet. Known primarily as the ‘Rebel Poet,’ Nazrul wrote extensively for readers of all ages, including numerous poems for children. The article revisits several of his beloved works such as ‘Prabhati,’ ‘Khoka’r Shadh,’ ‘Lichu Chor,’ ‘Khuki o Kathberali,’ and ‘Khoka’r Buddhi,’ illustrating his playful imagination and emotional depth. His poems often depict the innocence of childhood, the bond between mother and child, and the beauty of nature.

The article notes that Nazrul’s childlike spirit and creative versatility made his works enduringly popular among young readers. Some of his poems, including ‘Prabhati’ and ‘Khoka’r Shadh,’ have been included in primary school curricula. Through humor, rhythm, and vivid imagery, Nazrul enriched Bangla literature and inspired generations of children to appreciate poetry.

The feature concludes by reaffirming Nazrul Islam’s place as one of the foremost figures who shaped and elevated Bangla literary heritage.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf announced that the country’s armed forces are fully prepared to respond to any aggression. His warning came after U.S. President Donald Trump described the ongoing Middle East ceasefire as being in a highly fragile state. While Tehran has repeatedly expressed willingness to engage in talks, it has made clear that it will not accept any imposed conditions.

Iran emphasized that its main priority in any diplomatic negotiation is to eliminate the risk of renewed conflict. Tehran seeks security guarantees to prevent temporary truces from turning into cycles of renewed violence. Alongside these diplomatic messages, Ghalibaf reiterated through a post on social media that Iran’s forces are ready to teach aggressors a lesson, warning that wrong strategies always lead to bad outcomes.

Meanwhile, Trump said Iran’s response to the U.S. peace proposal was “foolish” and rejected Tehran’s reply, which had been sent through Pakistan’s mediation. Observers noted that significant gaps remain between the U.S. and Iranian proposals, and deep mistrust in Tehran continues to complicate the path toward a lasting resolution.

A four-year-old girl named Fahima Akter was sexually assaulted and murdered in Sylhet after going out to buy biscuits. Police arrested her uncle, Zakir Hossain, from Sonatola village in Sylhet Sadar upazila on Monday night. Zakir, son of the late Tota Mia, reportedly confessed during initial questioning that he lured the child into his home, assaulted her, and then killed her. He allegedly wrapped the body in a scarf, placed it in a bag, and dumped it near a pond, claiming he was under the influence of drugs at the time.

Following news of the arrest, residents of the area erupted in anger. Late at night, locals surrounded the Jalalabad police station and staged protests, with some attacking and vandalizing the accused’s house. The incident has cast a shadow of grief and fear over the community. Police said the suspect is being held in custody and will be presented before court.

Fahima had gone missing on May 6 after leaving home to buy biscuits. Her body was recovered two days later near a pond close to her house.

Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Islam has announced a nationwide protest march on Friday, May 15, after the Juma prayers, opposing the US-Bangladesh trade agreement and alleged persecution of Muslims in West Bengal. The party will hold its main demonstration at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka. The announcement came from the party’s secretary general, Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi, during a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Tuesday.

Afendi criticized the trade agreement, claiming it imposes 131 conditions on Bangladesh but only six on the United States, calling it a “slave deal.” He alleged the deal was secretly signed just 72 hours before the national election and would negatively affect Bangladesh’s economy and policy independence. The party also demanded the cancellation of the UN Human Rights Commission’s country office agreement and presented a 10-point demand list, including price control, energy supply, anti-corruption measures, and ensuring fair prices for sacrificial animal hides.

Afendi condemned reported attacks on Muslims, mosques, and madrasas in West Bengal and urged maintaining communal harmony in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Primary and Mass Education is implementing multiple initiatives to modernize and improve the quality of primary education. Secretary Md. Sakhawat Hossain said the government is focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy, teacher training, and technology-based learning. He noted that while the student-teacher ratio is satisfactory, disparities remain between rural and urban schools, partly because many teachers prefer city postings.

To address this, the ministry is considering mandatory rural service for teachers during their careers and exploring the recruitment of para-teachers in remote areas. The government is also emphasizing moral and lifelong education, publishing research-based materials for teachers, and introducing digital tools such as projectors in over 65,000 schools to enhance classroom learning.

Hossain added that Bangladesh has raised its foundational literacy and numeracy rate from 32 to nearly 50 percent in 18 months, aiming for 70 percent this year and over 90 percent next year to align with global standards. These measures are intended to create skilled, ethical, and globally aware citizens through a more equitable and technology-driven education system.

Observers report that the ongoing war in Iran is now directly affecting ordinary citizens’ livelihoods and the national economy. The U.S. naval blockade has disrupted import operations at Iranian ports, compounding the broader impact of the conflict. Analysts note that psychological stress, repeated clashes, and uncertainty are undermining market stability and increasing pressure on household expenses.

The conflict has also led to an attack on a major Iranian steel plant, disrupting supply chains and creating shortages in sectors such as household appliances and automobiles. As a result, prices of various goods are rising rapidly, reducing consumers’ purchasing power.

Despite these challenges, a sense of resistance and solidarity is emerging across cities, with gatherings held to express unity since the war began. Overall, the situation reflects a mix of anxiety, uncertainty, and social resilience, according to observers.

Israel’s air force has claimed responsibility for more than 1,100 airstrikes in Lebanon since the start of a ceasefire arrangement with Hezbollah. According to the Israeli military, over 350 Hezbollah members have been killed, and numerous buildings, arsenals, and other infrastructure used by the group have been destroyed. The strikes have continued despite the ceasefire, which was supposed to take effect on April 16.

The conflict began on March 2 when Israel launched a full-scale war in Lebanon. Since then, at least 2,852 people have been killed, and more than one million have been displaced across the country. Although a ceasefire is officially in place, both Israel and Hezbollah continue to exchange attacks, showing no signs of de-escalation.

The ongoing violence has left Lebanon in a state of humanitarian crisis, with no visible improvement in conditions despite the declared truce.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched an attack on Iran earlier last month. According to the report, the strike targeted an oil refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island and took place during a ceasefire declared by U.S. President Donald Trump following five weeks of air raids. The newspaper cited an unnamed source claiming that the United States quietly supported the UAE’s action.

Another unidentified source told the publication that Washington also backed other Gulf states interested in joining the conflict. However, AFP noted that it could not independently verify the UAE’s involvement, and the Wall Street Journal did not specify the exact date or time of the attack.

Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported that hours after the Lavan Island strike, missile and drone attacks hit the UAE and Kuwait, further straining the fragile ceasefire. The U.S. Energy Information Administration previously identified Lavan as Iran’s tenth-largest refinery, processing about 60,000 barrels of crude oil daily as of 2020.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has arrested Md. Zahidul Islam, also known as Major Jahangir, the leader of the 'Major Jahangir Bahini', during an operation in the Sundarbans. The arrest took place early Tuesday night near Kalir Khal, adjacent to the Adachai Forest Office in Dakop upazila, as part of 'Operation Mangrove Shield'. Two single-barrel guns and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered during the raid.

Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon, the Coast Guard’s media officer, confirmed the arrest and stated that the operation was carried out under the direct instruction of the Home Minister. The Coast Guard has been maintaining a strict stance against all active forest bandits in the Sundarbans through ongoing operations titled 'Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans' and 'Operation Mangrove Shield'.

The arrest marks a continuation of the government’s intensified efforts to eliminate piracy and restore security in the Sundarbans region.

South Korea will participate in a high-level multinational defense ministers’ meeting focused on ensuring security in the Hormuz Strait. The decision follows a recent attack on a South Korean-operated cargo vessel in the strategic waterway. The meeting, co-chaired by the United Kingdom and France, is scheduled to take place virtually, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.

The South Korean Ministry of National Defense confirmed that Major General Woo Kyung-suk will represent the country at the conference. Discussions are expected to center on maintaining maritime safety and ensuring the smooth passage of vessels through the strait. The move reflects Seoul’s effort to reassess its strategic position in the region following the incident.

The meeting underscores growing international concern over maritime security in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, where disruptions could have significant global trade implications.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the government is taking steps to strengthen Bangladesh’s stock market, investment environment, and overall financial sector. He made the remarks on Tuesday, May 12, at a hotel in Dhaka during the announcement of the inaugural fund of Bangladesh Start-up Investment Company. The minister noted that foreign investors have shown interest in entering the Bangladeshi market.

He emphasized that the government will not interfere in the financial sector and that there will be no political influence in the allocation of investments. The statement reflects the government’s intention to promote transparency and investor confidence in the country’s financial system.

The announcement comes amid broader efforts to attract foreign investment and ensure a stable financial environment, as highlighted by the minister during the event.

Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia carried out a drone attack on Kyiv early Tuesday, shortly after the end of a three-day temporary ceasefire between the two countries. Kyiv’s military administration chief, Timur Takachenko, stated on Telegram that Russian drones were present in the city’s airspace and urged residents to remain in safe locations until further notice. This was the first time air raid sirens sounded in the capital since the ceasefire began on Friday.

The Kyiv regional military administration called on residents to stay in shelters and confirmed that Ukraine’s air defense systems were active in the area. The ceasefire had been announced by U.S. President Donald Trump last Friday, ahead of Russia’s World War II victory celebrations, with hopes it could mark the beginning of an end to the ongoing conflict.

During the ceasefire period, both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of attacks on civilians. The truce officially lasted from May 9 to May 11, according to Trump’s announcement.