Students of Eden Mohila College in Dhaka staged a protest late on May 9, demanding a ban on student politics on campus. The demonstration began around midnight, with participants chanting slogans against political activities and attempting to break open the college’s main gate. Witnesses and police reported that students from several dormitories gathered near the main entrance, broke locks on multiple gates, and tried to burn a banner outside the campus. The banner reportedly contained the name of a student leader aspiring for a political post.

Protesters argued that political influence and party activities were disrupting the academic environment, calling for a completely politics-free campus. They painted slogans in black on the main gate demanding a “completely politics-free Eden campus.” One student said the protest was triggered after earlier slogans calling for a politics-free campus were erased from the gate.

Lalbagh Police confirmed that the protest lasted several hours before students returned to their dormitories around 2 a.m. The central general secretary of the student wing involved responded online, asserting that participation in student politics is a fundamental right and criticizing attempts to suppress it.

One passenger was killed and four others, including the driver, were injured when a CNG-run autorickshaw lost control and collided with a roller vehicle in Brahmanbaria. The accident occurred around 11 a.m. on Sunday at the Urshiura area along the Comilla–Sylhet highway. The deceased was identified as Romana, daughter of Baru Mia from Tetua village in Kasba upazila. The injured were Tohin from Sadar upazila, Hasina Begum and Halima from Kasba, and Pankaj Chakraborty from Debidwar, Comilla.

According to local residents, the autorickshaw was traveling from Kasba toward the district town when it lost control and hit the roller vehicle, leaving five people seriously injured. Locals took the victims to Brahmanbaria General Hospital, where one passenger died during treatment. Police from Sarail Khatihata Highway Station were dispatched to the scene following the incident.

Authorities have not yet provided further details about the cause of the accident or the condition of the injured.

A mobile court in Bhangura upazila of Pabna sentenced a factory owner named Sakayat to one year in jail and fined him two lakh taka for producing fake milk. His associate, Suman Ali, received a six-month prison sentence. The two were detained on Saturday night from a factory in Shahanagar village, where the operation took place under the supervision of Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Md Arifuzzaman.

During the raid, authorities seized 73 kilograms of jelly and 700 liters of fake milk, which were later destroyed in public. Sanitary Inspector Nurul Islam was also present during the operation. The convicted individuals were identified as residents of Chatmohar and Shahanagar villages in Pabna district.

The Upazila Nirbahi Officer stated that both the fake milk and its ingredients were confiscated and destroyed to prevent further distribution.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the government will fulfill the logical demands of the police force, considering financial capacity and priorities. He made the statement on Sunday at the Rajarbagh Police Auditorium in Dhaka during the 'Prime Minister’s Special Welfare Meeting' marking Police Week 2026. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended as chief guest, while senior officials from the Home Ministry and police also spoke at the event.

The minister said that some retiring police members will receive honorary promotions based on service records, and the government is considering overtime allowances for officers from inspector to constable ranks. He also emphasized improving physical and mental healthcare for police personnel by upgrading central and divisional police hospitals and constructing new facilities if needed. The government aims to address housing and infrastructure issues through land acquisition and funding support.

Salahuddin Ahmed added that visible improvements in law and order have occurred in the past two months, with special drives underway against criminals and drug traffickers. He said a committee has been formed to draft updated laws against cybercrime, online gambling, and money laundering, and existing laws will be revised to curb mob culture.

Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Sylhet has undergone major reforms over the past 18 months, improving research, infrastructure, administration, and student services. The university restored discipline after years of unrest, introduced transparent hall seat allocations, and reduced political influence in residential facilities. A new online system now requires updated faculty profiles for research grants, and postgraduate students are receiving research funding for the first time.

SUST has signed academic and research exchange agreements with universities in China and Malaysia and is expanding cooperation with institutions in Europe, Canada, and the United States. Digital initiatives include a smart recruitment system, online academic services, and an institutional repository for publications. A large development project worth about Tk 1,000 crore is progressing, covering new halls, academic buildings, and other facilities, with 35 percent of work completed.

Vice-Chancellor Professor A.M. Sarwar Uddin Chowdhury said the university is focusing on restoring stability, reducing inequality, and strengthening research and infrastructure development.

A four-hour blockade on the Dinajpur-Dhaka-Rangpur highway was withdrawn on Sunday following discussions between local authorities and transport leaders. The blockade began around 7 a.m. in protest against alleged extortion on the road and was suspended at 11 a.m. after an agreement was reached. Dinajpur municipality administrator Md. Riaz Uddin later issued an official order announcing the temporary suspension of revenue collection activities at the municipal truck terminal.

The decision came after mediation by Syed Jahangir Alam, the Member of Parliament for Dinajpur Sadar constituency, who facilitated talks between the municipal administration and the Truck Workers-Owners Unity Council. During the meeting, the municipal authorities assured that toll collection within the municipal area would be halted, prompting the protesters to suspend their program.

Truck Workers-Owners Unity Council General Secretary Sadakatul Babi Sada stated that the blockade was lifted based on the assurance to stop toll collection temporarily, warning that tougher actions could follow if a permanent solution is not reached.

Leading retail company Shwapno has extended long-term financial assistance to 12-year-old Samia Akter from Pohnkucha Paschim Para in Bagmara Dakshin Union of Lalmai upazila, Cumilla. The company recently handed her a cheque of 5,000 taka at a local event. Under the arrangement, Samia will receive 5,000 taka monthly under the supervision of the local chairman to support her education and daily needs. Shwapno authorities announced a total donation of 480,000 taka for her future.

A senior Shwapno official said the initiative reflects the company’s belief that small efforts can bring major changes in someone’s life. Local residents described the support as a significant relief for a struggling family and expressed hope that the regular assistance would help shape Samia’s future.

Shwapno has long been involved in social and humanitarian activities. Company representatives stated that similar support programs for underprivileged and vulnerable individuals will continue in the future.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on police officers to perform their duties with maximum sincerity and capability to ensure the peace and security of the nation’s citizens. He made the remarks on Sunday morning at the inauguration of Police Week 2026 held at the Rajarbagh Police Lines field in Dhaka. The Prime Minister emphasized that the safety of people’s lives and property largely depends on the police and urged them to renew their commitment to protecting the country’s independence and democracy.

He recalled the sacrifices of police officers during the Liberation War, paying tribute to those who were killed in the 1971 attack on Rajarbagh Police Lines. Rahman praised the professionalism of police members during the 13th National Parliamentary Election and their contributions to UN peacekeeping missions. He also highlighted the international recognition of Bangladeshi female police officers and called for humane behavior toward citizens.

The Prime Minister noted that questions remain about certain aspects of the Liberation War’s history and suggested that researchers further study the political decisions of 1971. He concluded by congratulating parade participants and wishing success for Police Week 2026.

The High Court has rejected the bail petition of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jote, in the case concerning the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram. The bench of Justice K M Zahid Sarwar and Justice Sheikh Abu Taher issued the order on Sunday. The court also set Monday for delivering orders on bail petitions in four other cases filed against Chinmoy Das.

Earlier, on May 7, the High Court concluded hearings on bail rules in five separate cases, including the murder case, and scheduled Sunday for the verdict. Lawyer Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya represented Chinmoy Das during the hearing. Chinmoy was arrested in five cases after being granted bail in a sedition case on April 30 of the previous year.

The sedition case was filed on October 31, 2024, by BNP leader Firoz Khan, accusing Chinmoy and 18 others of insulting the national flag. Following his arrest, a violent clash erupted at the Chattogram court premises on November 26, 2025, after his bail was denied, leading to the killing of lawyer Alif.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the government will avoid loan-dependent mega projects and instead focus on eliminating unnecessary initiatives to ensure balanced national development. He made the remarks on Sunday, May 10, at the inauguration of the second phase of the PKSF and World Bank joint project ‘RAISE’ in Agargaon, Dhaka.

The minister emphasized that the government is working to ensure economic democratization by bringing marginalized groups under financial support. He stated that those excluded from the mainstream economy must be integrated, as participation in economic activities is a citizen’s right. He added that democracy should not be limited to politics but must also extend to the economy, underscoring the government’s commitment to democratizing economic opportunities.

The announcement signals a shift toward inclusive growth policies, prioritizing financial empowerment and sustainable development over debt-driven infrastructure expansion.

Truck workers in Dinajpur blocked the Dinajpur-Dhaka-Rangpur highway on Sunday morning, protesting alleged extortion in the name of municipal toll collection. The demonstration was organized by the Dinajpur Truck Owners-Workers Joint Council and took place at several key entry points of the city, including Government College Mor, Terminal Road, and Kanchan Bridge. The blockade disrupted bus services and caused severe suffering for passengers.

According to union leaders, extortion has been ongoing for about a month under the guise of municipal toll collection on various city roads. They demanded an immediate end to the practice and vowed to continue the blockade until the issue is resolved. The president of the Dinajpur Truck Owners Group claimed that despite verbal objections to the municipal authorities, the illegal toll collection had not stopped.

Dinajpur Kotwali Police Station’s officer-in-charge stated that discussions were underway to resolve the problem.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, according to a statement released by the US State Department on Saturday. The meeting underscored Qatar’s role as a key mediator for Washington, which is currently awaiting Tehran’s response to a peace proposal.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Rubio praised Qatar’s partnership on various issues during the talks. The two leaders discussed US cooperation in Qatar’s defense sector and emphasized the importance of continued coordination to address threats and ensure stability and security across the Middle East.

The report highlighted Qatar’s growing diplomatic significance in regional affairs, particularly in facilitating dialogue between the United States and other Middle Eastern actors.

Thalapathy Vijay, officially named Chandrasekhar Joseph Vijay, took oath as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday morning at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. Governor R.N. Arlekar administered the oath. In his first address, Vijay described himself as an ordinary man without royal lineage and promised to serve the people sincerely. He pledged not to make false promises and to build an era of genuine secularism and social justice, asking citizens for time to evaluate his work.

Vijay emphasized that he would be the sole center of power, signaling that his government would not operate under coalition pressure. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), secured 108 seats in the recent state election and formed a coalition government with support from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), reaching 120 seats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Vijay and assured cooperation between the central and state governments.

Vijay also declared assets worth 624 crore rupees in his election affidavit and said he would consider publishing a white paper on the state’s financial status to ensure transparency.

Bangladesh has fallen behind India and Vietnam in global export capacity rankings due to high trade costs, slow port operations, and weak logistics infrastructure. The issue was highlighted at a roundtable titled “Integrated Port and Logistics Sector Development for Trade-Driven Bangladesh,” organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in Dhaka. Experts said customs complexities, transport delays, and lack of modern supply systems are eroding Bangladesh’s competitiveness in international markets.

According to the discussion, Bangladesh ranks 88th in the global logistics capability index, compared to India’s 38th and Vietnam’s 43rd. In customs efficiency, Bangladesh stands 101st, while India and Vietnam are 47th and 43rd respectively. The country’s infrastructure ranking is 108th, and its position in international shipment is 91st. Experts, including Dr. M Masrur Reaz of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, noted that inefficient logistics and high business costs are limiting the nation’s trade potential.

Speakers urged rapid implementation of a national logistics policy, modernization of port management, and greater private sector involvement. They emphasized adopting AI, blockchain, and digital customs systems to reduce clearance times and improve export competitiveness.

By the end of 2025, a total of 352,000 Russian soldiers had been killed in the war in Ukraine, according to figures released on Saturday by Russian media outlets Meduza and Mediazona. The conflict has become Europe’s deadliest since the Second World War.

The report noted that the figure does not include those killed in 2026, nor does it cover foreign fighters or members of militia groups formed in occupied Ukrainian territories who fought on Russia’s side. Earlier, the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated that by the end of 2025, about 325,000 Russian and 140,000 Ukrainian soldiers had died in the conflict.

The report also stated that Russia is continuing efforts to maintain troop levels on the battlefield, including recruiting fighters from Africa and other regions and enlisting university students to strengthen its expanding drone forces.