Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’s Paltan Zone has expressed deep grief and anger over the killings at Shapla Chattar on May 5, 2013, and demanded a speedy and impartial trial for those responsible. The demand was made during a discussion and prayer meeting held on Monday evening at the organization’s Paltan office in Dhaka, marking the anniversary of the incident.

The meeting was presided over by Mufti Salah Uddin, president of the Paltan Zone, and conducted by general secretary Mufti Imranul Bari Siraji. Several religious leaders, including Maulana Abdullah Al Masud Khan, Maulana Manjurul Haque, Maulana Makhdoom, and Maulana Abdullah Rasel, addressed the gathering. Speakers emphasized that in a just and civilized state, no citizen should lose their life through oppression or injustice. They described the Shapla incident as both a humanitarian tragedy and a question of justice and human rights.

The speakers urged a full and impartial investigation, legal action against all directly or indirectly involved, and justice and compensation for the victims’ families. They stated that establishing justice would be the true way to honor the sacrifices of those who died.

Thirteen years after the May 5, 2013 operation at Dhaka’s Shapla Chattar, families of those killed continue to live in deep poverty and sorrow. The coordinated security raid, known as “Operation Secure Shapla,” left many families without their main earners. Survivors describe losing loved ones, facing social ostracism, and struggling with debt and illness. Most families have received little or no state assistance or recognition, and many remain traumatized by the events of that night.

The article recounts testimonies from several families who lost relatives, detailing their economic hardship and emotional devastation. It also highlights the government’s long-standing denial of casualties, with officials claiming no one died during the operation. Human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch and Odhikar reported dozens of deaths, but official investigations were blocked and data suppressed. Media outlets were shut down during the raid, creating what witnesses called a blackout.

Following the fall of the previous authoritarian government in August 2024, victims’ families now see a renewed possibility for justice and international recognition of the killings as crimes against humanity.

US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Iran, saying the country would be wiped off the map if it attacks American ships operating under 'Project Freedom' in the Strait of Hormuz. He made the remarks during an interview on Fox News, emphasizing that the United States would respond decisively to any aggression against its naval forces.

Trump stated that he believes Iran has become much more flexible in peace negotiations. He also highlighted the importance of increasing US military presence in the region, suggesting that American forces are well-equipped and ready to act if necessary.

According to Trump, the United States now possesses a vast arsenal of advanced weapons and ammunition, along with a global network of military bases filled with equipment. He reiterated that the US is prepared to use all available resources if required. The comments were reported by Al Jazeera.

Rangpur Metropolitan Police arrested Nur Alam, the removed and fugitive chairman of Kalyani Union Parishad in Pirgacha upazila, during a raid in the Mahiganj area on Monday night. Alam, aged 56, is known as a close associate and protégé of former commerce minister Tipu Munshi. Police said he faces multiple murder and attempted murder cases linked to anti-discrimination student protests. He is scheduled to be presented before court on Tuesday.

Following his arrest, residents of Kalyani Union expressed relief, with reports of people distributing sweets late at night. Locals accused Alam of ruling the area through fear for a decade under the former minister’s influence. Community leaders and victims alleged that he misused power to embezzle millions of taka, illegally sold government trees, and extorted money through fabricated cases and police harassment.

Local representatives described the arrest as a major political development in Pirgacha. Citizens urged the Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate Alam’s alleged decade-long corruption, land grabbing, and illicit wealth accumulation to ensure exemplary punishment.

A free health care camp was inaugurated at Hafiz Ibrahim College in Borhanuddin, Bhola, with the goal of bringing modern medical services to marginalized and underprivileged communities. The event took place on Monday and was inaugurated by Alhaj Hafiz Ibrahim, the Member of Parliament for Bhola-2. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives in ensuring access to healthcare for rural people and pledged to continue similar programs in the future, including efforts to bring renowned doctors to provide free treatment locally.

Acting Principal Zakaria Azam of Hafiz Ibrahim College welcomed the initiative, describing it as a vital humanitarian effort to support disadvantaged groups. He expressed hope that such activities would continue in the coming years. On the opening day, around 2,600 underprivileged individuals received free medical services from 10 to 12 experienced doctors. Additionally, more than 1,000 poor patients received free medicines distributed by the organizers.

The day-long camp was organized by Square Pharmaceuticals as part of its outreach to provide essential healthcare to rural communities.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called for ensuring justice for all perpetrators, including Hasina, involved in the July massacre. He made the demand while addressing a citizens’ reception organized by the Islamic Mission Japan at Kaminakazato Takinogawa Hall in Tokyo on Monday afternoon. Rahman emphasized that the sacrifices made by Bangladeshis in 1947, 1971, and 2024 must be honored through building a corruption-free state.

Addressing expatriates, Rahman urged them to enhance their knowledge and skills to contribute to national progress and strengthen the economy through remittances. He expressed gratitude to expatriate voters, noting that 65 percent supported Jamaat in the 13th national election, and pledged to uphold their rights both in parliament and on the streets. He also advised Bangladeshis in Japan to respect local laws and preserve their cultural roots.

Other speakers, including MPs Saiful Alam Khan Milon and Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem Arman, highlighted the importance of expatriate participation in advancing Bangladesh’s ongoing movement and protecting their rights abroad.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of large-scale electoral fraud after the party took a strong lead in the state elections. Speaking to reporters on May 4, 2026, Banerjee alleged that the BJP had 'stolen more than 100 seats' and that the Election Commission had turned into a 'BJP commission'. She claimed that repeated complaints were ignored by authorities.

Banerjee further alleged that the BJP’s victory was unethical and that the Prime Minister and Home Minister were complicit in manipulating the Election Commission. She accused officials of coercion, abuse, and arresting counting agents, vowing to continue the political fight. As of 8:30 p.m., the BJP had won 136 seats and was leading in 72 more, while the Trinamool Congress had secured 49 seats and was ahead in 30, according to BBC Bangla.

The allegations have heightened political tension in West Bengal as counting continues and official results are awaited.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, stated that citizens must not be held hostage by extortionists, mafias, and terrorists. Speaking on Monday at a meeting of party organizers from the Dhaka-12 constituency at Segunbagicha’s Sanghati Auditorium, he emphasized the need to dismantle criminal syndicates across the country to ensure the safety of people’s lives and property. He said protecting citizens’ livelihoods should be a top priority for the elected government.

Haque warned that criminals often operate under political and administrative protection, and in some cases maintain unholy ties with members of law enforcement agencies. He stressed that such collusion must end if extortion, terrorism, and illegal occupation are to be stopped. He also noted that no political identity should shield criminals from accountability.

Party leaders at the meeting called for strengthening political and social resistance alongside administrative measures against extortionists and violent offenders.

The High Court has issued a rule asking why each of the 208 expatriate July movement fighters should not receive compensation of 2.5 million taka. The order was given on Monday by a bench led by Justice Fatema Nazib. The court directed the secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and other concerned authorities to respond to the rule. Barrister H. M. Sanjid Siddiqui represented the petitioners during the hearing.

According to Barrister Siddiqui, among the 208 individuals, 57 workers were convicted in the United Arab Emirates during the July movement. The government has officially recognized all 208 individuals, including those 57 workers, as July fighters. The case centers on their imprisonment and suffering abroad due to their involvement in the movement.

The High Court’s directive initiates a process to determine whether the recognized July fighters are entitled to state compensation for their hardships, pending responses from the relevant ministries.

A major fire broke out in a petroleum industrial area of the United Arab Emirates following a drone attack attributed to Iran, according to the Fujairah Media Office. The incident occurred shortly after the UAE’s defense ministry reported that four missiles had been launched from Iran, three of which were intercepted while one fell into the sea. The fire spread rapidly across the facility, prompting emergency efforts to bring it under control.

Fujairah, a key hub in the global energy supply network, is seen as strategically vital, and the attack has raised concerns about potential impacts on international energy markets. Local authorities are working to contain the blaze, but no immediate details on casualties or the extent of damage have been released.

Security analysts cited in the report warned that the escalating attacks could further intensify tensions across the Gulf region, potentially pushing regional conflicts to a new level.

A mobile court in Kishoreganj upazila of Nilphamari fined the manager of Hossain Filling Station Tk 50,000 for providing less fuel than the standard measure. The penalty was imposed on Monday afternoon after it was found that the station was delivering 80 milliliters less per liter of fuel. The manager, identified as Arif Hossain, aged 28, was held responsible for the irregularity.

The mobile court was conducted by Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Arifur Rahman. The action was taken as part of a local inspection drive to ensure fair trade practices at fuel stations. The court’s decision aimed to address consumer complaints and uphold measurement accuracy in fuel distribution.

Authorities indicated that such drives would continue to prevent similar malpractice and protect consumer rights in the region.

Nearly 4,000 members of the Warriors of July, a group formed by participants of the July uprising, are set to join the National Citizen Party (NCP). Leaders from both the NCP and the Warriors of July confirmed the development. The joining ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at the NCP headquarters, where senior leaders of the Warriors of July will formally enroll in the party.

Ahead of the event, Warriors of July leaders met with NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan. The meeting was attended by the organization’s president Md. Salman Hossain, general secretary Hasibul Hasan Jisan, and other senior officials. Salman stated that the decision was made collectively, citing limited progress in achieving their goals as an independent group. He said the move aims to realize the aspirations of the July uprising and the July Charter.

NCP spokesperson Bhuiyan described the inclusion of the July fighters as a positive development, emphasizing that people from diverse backgrounds are choosing the NCP to pursue politics focused on national interests.

Fatema Thahliya of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) won the Perambra assembly constituency in Kerala, a traditional Left stronghold, defeating LDF convenor and veteran CPI(M) leader Ramakrishnan. The 34-year-old secured 63,999 votes, winning by a margin of 4,700. With this victory, she became the first woman legislator in IUML’s history.

Born in Peruvayal, Kozhikode district, Thahliya began her political journey through student politics, leading the Muslim Students Federation before serving as a councillor in Kozhikode Corporation. She currently serves as the state secretary of the Muslim Youth League. A lawyer by profession, she holds degrees from Government Law Colleges in Kozhikode and Thrissur and practices at the Calicut District Court.

Her campaign faced intense online harassment and cyberattacks, particularly targeting her identity as a hijab-wearing Muslim woman. Despite the challenges and controversies, including communal polarization allegations during the campaign, her victory is seen as signaling a new political equation in Kerala’s landscape.

Five people, including three members of the same family, were killed in a road accident on the Sunamganj-Sylhet highway at Jalalpur in Chhatak upazila on Monday afternoon. The victims were identified as Yusuf Ali of Tior Jalal village in Tahirpur upazila, his daughters Nilufa Akter and Keya Moni, and his nephew-in-law Md. Shahab Uddin. The identity of the CNG driver, who also died, was not known. The collision occurred when a Rifat Paribahan bus traveling from Sylhet to Sunamganj suddenly changed lanes and hit the CNG-run autorickshaw coming from the opposite direction.

According to highway police, the autorickshaw was severely damaged and thrown off the road, while the bus overturned into a roadside ditch. Yusuf Ali and the CNG driver died on the spot, and the other three victims succumbed to their injuries later at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital. The bus driver fled immediately after the accident. Sunamganj Additional Superintendent of Police (Media) Sujan Sarkar said the incident is under investigation and legal action will follow.

Traffic on the highway was briefly disrupted but later returned to normal, police confirmed.

After a series of procedural and legal developments, Nusrat Tabassum, the Jamaat alliance candidate and joint convener of the NCP, has been declared elected unopposed to a reserved women’s seat in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament. The returning officer and Election Commission joint secretary Md Moin Uddin Khan confirmed the announcement on Monday, noting that the gazette publication process is underway.

Earlier, Nusrat’s nomination was initially rejected for being submitted 19 minutes after the deadline on April 21, following speculation that another alliance candidate, Monira Sharmin, might be disqualified due to her recent retirement from a state-owned bank. When Monira’s nomination was later canceled during scrutiny on April 23, Nusrat filed a writ petition with the High Court, which directed that her nomination be accepted and reviewed. On May 2, the returning officer declared her nomination valid and published her name as a qualified candidate on May 3.

With this decision, Nusrat becomes the 50th member elected to the reserved women’s seats, completing the allocation of 50 positions in the 13th Parliament.