21/05/2026
Crowds in Bangladesh are flocking to snap photographs with an unlikely social media star - an albino buffalo with flowing blond hair nicknamed "Donald Trump" due to be sacrificed within days.
Owner Zia Uddin Mridha, 38, said his brother named the 700 kilogramme (1,500 pound) bull over its flowing helmet of hair resembling the signature look of the US president.
"My younger brother picked this name because of the buffalo's extraordinary hair," he told AFP at his farm in Narayanganj, just outside the capital Dhaka.
Mridha said a constant stream of curious visitors -- social media fans, onlookers and children - have come throughout May, eager to see the internet sensation.
He watched as men poured a cool bucket of water over the bull's head, running a pink brush through its blond combover, neatly tucked between sweeping curved horns.
20/05/2026
Modi and Meloni Share a Warm Moment.
20/05/2026
A new pay structure is set to take effect from July 1 for government officials and employees, pensioners, and MPO-enlisted teachers and staff. The government has decided to introduce the new pay scale based on the recommendations of the committee led by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani.
20/05/2026
Barishal, Bangladesh May 20 —
A faction of Chhatra Dal has unleashed a reign of terror on the Dhaka-Kuakata and Bhola-Barishal highways adjacent to Barishal University (BU), with incidents of extortion, intimidation and assault targeting transport workers and fish fry traders in the dead of night, sources confirmed.
Several leaders of the university's Chhatra Dal unit have repeatedly been named in connection with the incidents.
Allegations have surfaced that extortion on the highway is growing by the day under the patronage of top leaders of the organisation's newly announced committee. Traders and sources familiar with the matter confirmed that the racket operates under the shelter of university unit president Md Mosharraf Hossain, general secretary Arif Hossain Shanto and organising secretary Md Mizanur Rahman — with a share of the extorted money allegedly finding its way into their pockets.
According to the accounts of victims, at around 5am last Tuesday (May 19), a vehicle carrying shrimp fry from Patuakhali was chased from Barishal Zero Point and forcibly stopped on the Bhola Road near the university. The driver and his assistant were then taken to an under-construction building at a marine academy nearby, where they were beaten. The extortionists subsequently called the cargo owner by phone and demanded Tk 5 lakh in ransom.
Left with no alternative, the victims transferred a total of Tk 94,900 across three bKash mobile banking accounts before their vehicle was released. Multiple screenshots of the bKash transactions have been obtained by this correspondent.
20/05/2026
U.S. President Donald Trump has once again warned Iran of fresh military strikes, saying Washington could deal a major blow to Tehran within days if no swift agreement is reached.
Speaking Tuesday (May 19) local time, Trump said he was “an hour away” from ordering a new attack but postponed the decision after Iran submitted a new peace proposal through Pakistani mediation, The Guardian reported.
Trump indicated that the situation could become clear within two to three days, and suggested that a new move could be taken on Friday, Saturday or Sunday if talks fail.
Tensions between the United States and Iran have taken a new turn. The Trump administration says it will not allow Iran the opportunity to develop a new nuclear weapon. Iran, meanwhile, says its proposal includes a ceasefire, lifting of sanctions and a reduction of U.S. forces in the region.
Analysts say both sides want to avoid an all-out war but neither is willing to make significant political concessions, leaving the situation effectively stalemated.
Iran has adopted a hardline stance in response to U.S. threats. A military spokesman warned that any new U.S. strike would open a “new front” against Washington, and Tehran said it would maintain control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for global energy trade, and rising tensions there have pushed up international oil prices.
Disruptions to shipping have raised concerns about global fuel supplies. Higher oil prices risk feeding global inflation and deepening fears of an economic downturn.
Human rights groups say numerous political prisoners in Iran have been sentenced to death and thousands detained since the outbreak of conflict, prompting growing international concern.
19/05/2026
World Bank to provide $350 million loan to Bangladesh to bolster energy sector security. The organization approved this loan under the 'Energy Sector Security Enhancement Project.'
This information was disclosed in a press release on Monday.
19/05/2026
BJP Gov't Decides to Stop Allowances for Imams and Priests in West Bengal
19/05/2026
Five Killed in Shooting at Islamic Center in California, Police Probe Hate Crime Motive
At least five people were killed in a shooting at an Islamic center in , including two suspected attackers, according to local authorities.
Police said the two young suspects involved in the attack were also found dead, with investigators believing they may have taken their own lives following the assault.
, chief of the , confirmed that the attack targeted an Islamic center and said the incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
“This is every community’s worst nightmare,” Wahl said, adding that security has since been reinforced and that no children inside the center were harmed during the attack.
City officials also confirmed that one of the victims was a security guard. Following the shooting, authorities established a reunification center for affected families.
17/05/2026
Content Creator and Actress Karina Kayser Dies in Chennai; Multiple Funeral Prayers Held in Dhaka
Popular Bangladeshi content creator and actress has passed away while undergoing treatment in Chennai, India, after suffering from liver complications and several other health issues.
Her body was flown back to from Chennai on a flight on Sunday afternoon.
According to family sources, multiple funeral prayers were arranged in the capital following the arrival of her body. The first funeral prayer was held after Maghrib at , followed by a second prayer at .
A third funeral prayer is scheduled to take place at , where fans, colleagues, and admirers will be given an opportunity to pay their final respects.
Family members also confirmed that a fourth funeral prayer will be held Monday morning in Abdullahpur of Gazaria Upazila, Munshiganj, before her burial at the family graveyard.
Karina rose to prominence through her vibrant social media presence and relatable lifestyle content, earning widespread popularity among young audiences. In recent years, she also gained recognition for her performances in OTT productions and television dramas. Alongside acting, she worked as a screenwriter and was known for projects including the web series and the film .
Her untimely death has cast a shadow of grief across Bangladesh’s cultural and entertainment community, with fellow artists, filmmakers, and fans expressing condolences online.
Filmmaker and former adviser paid tribute to Karina in an emotional Facebook post, remembering her warmth, humour, and support for people in difficult times. He described her as a “delightful presence” and said Bangladesh would remember her contributions.
17/05/2026
Keir Starmer Reportedly Preparing to Resign as UK Prime Minister Amid Mounting Political Pressure
is reportedly preparing to step down as Prime Minister amid deepening political turmoil in , according to a report published Sunday by the citing multiple sources close to the British leader.
Quoting a member of the UK cabinet, the report claims Starmer is ready to resign — but intends to do so “on his own terms.” The source reportedly said the British Prime Minister has realised that the current political chaos can no longer be sustained and now wants to leave office “with dignity” and at a time of his choosing. An official timeline for his departure is expected to be announced soon.
The government is currently facing growing public dissatisfaction, with controversy surrounding the appointment of and alleged links to disgraced financier further intensifying criticism of the administration.
The pressure on Starmer has also increased following Labour’s poor performance in recent local elections, fuelling growing calls for his resignation within political circles.
The latest setback came after former Health Secretary resigned from Starmer’s cabinet and announced on Saturday that he would challenge Starmer for the Labour leadership. Analysts view the move as a clear signal that Streeting is positioning himself in the race to become Britain’s next Prime Minister.
Streeting has also publicly urged Starmer to set a clear “timeline” for his departure from office.