U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the ongoing conflict could end if Iran accepts the proposed conditions. He made the remarks on Wednesday through his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump warned that if Tehran fails to honor an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the United States would resume attacks on Iran with greater intensity.

According to Trump’s post, if Iran complies with the conditions, the operation named “Epic Fury” would conclude, and the blockade would be lifted, reopening the Strait of Hormuz for all, including Iran. However, he cautioned that refusal to cooperate would trigger renewed bombings at a higher scale and intensity.

The statement underscores Trump’s conditional approach to ending hostilities, linking Iran’s compliance with the reopening of the strategic waterway to the cessation of U.S. military actions.

Italy’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Antonio Alessandro, has expressed interest in working with the Bangladesh Police to enhance cooperation in areas of human trafficking, smuggling, and security support. The announcement came during a courtesy meeting with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir at the Police Headquarters on Wednesday.

During the meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere, the Italian ambassador congratulated the IGP and discussed ongoing collaboration between the two sides. The IGP sought Italy’s assistance in strengthening Bangladesh Police’s cyber security capabilities and in providing training on various security-related issues. He also emphasized the importance of coordination and mutual cooperation between the police forces of both countries.

The Italian ambassador reiterated his country’s interest in supporting ongoing training programs and enhancing capacity in areas related to irregular migration, human trafficking, smuggling, and security assistance. Senior officials of the Bangladesh Police were present at the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will visit Chandpur on May 16 and Feni on May 25, according to Water Resources Minister Md. Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee. The announcement came after a meeting with the Prime Minister at the Secretariat on Wednesday morning. During these visits, the Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate canal excavation programs in both districts ahead of the monsoon season.

The minister stated that the canal excavation initiative is part of a five-year national program to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals across Bangladesh. He noted that the Prime Minister has already inaugurated similar programs in several districts, and local ministers and MPs are continuing the work in their respective areas. Due to the approaching monsoon, the current phase of the program is expected to continue through May, with plans to resume again after the rainy season in November, December, and January.

The meeting also discussed the Padma Barrage Project, with the minister confirming that its technical study and feasibility survey are nearly complete and that the government will make a decision soon.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam visited Rohingya camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on Tuesday to expedite the repatriation process. During the visit, she inspected Camp-4 and other key facilities under the Ukhiya Army Camp, observing overall operations and activities related to repatriation management.

According to the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the Director General of the Myanmar Wing Md. Tawfiq-ur-Rahman, Director Shamima Yasmin Smriti, APS Mohammad Fazlul Haque, and Assistant Secretary Zahid Hasan Sehab, accompanied the minister. RRRC Commissioner Mizanur Rahman, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rifat Asma, and several Camp-in-Charge officials were also present.

The minister later visited the women’s skill development initiatives at the Kutupalong Registered Camp, where she observed sewing training and hygiene product production activities and encouraged women to become self-reliant. Security in the camp area was reported to be satisfactory, with increased patrols and surveillance during the visit.

Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie announced that the technical and feasibility studies for the Padma Barrage Project are nearly complete. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Wednesday, he said the project will soon be presented at an Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting for discussion and decision.

The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s Office, focused on water resource management, including canal excavation, irrigation facilities for farmers during the dry season, and the Padma Barrage Project. According to the minister, the project is crucial for one-third of Bangladesh’s population, especially in North Bengal, as it aims to address dry-season water shortages, improve irrigation, maintain river navigability, and support fisheries and agriculture.

The proposed project, estimated to cost about Tk 34,497 crore, plans to build a barrage on the Padma River at Pangsha Point in Rajbari to store water for irrigation and environmental management. Discussions also covered the Teesta Project and upcoming canal excavation programs to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister in Chandpur and Feni later in May.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said that ensuring true professionalism in the media would automatically solve many of the sector’s existing problems. He emphasized the government’s commitment to guaranteeing free and accurate information for citizens and protecting them from misinformation. The minister made these remarks on Wednesday during a meeting with a delegation from the Broadcast Journalist Center (BJC) at the ministry’s conference room in the Secretariat.

During the meeting, the BJC delegation presented a PowerPoint presentation highlighting various issues and opportunities in the electronic media sector. The minister noted that while current policies remain analog, the challenges are digital, underscoring the need to modernize existing regulations to adapt to rapid technological changes. He stated that the government aims to act as a facilitator rather than impose restrictions.

Zahir Uddin Swapan also announced plans to form a Media Commission based on consensus among stakeholders to find sustainable solutions to media-related issues. He expressed hope that constructive suggestions from stakeholders would help make the commission effective.

Bangladesh’s overall inflation increased to 9.04 percent in April, up from 8.71 percent in March, according to the latest report released on Wednesday by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The rise has been attributed to the impact of ongoing tensions in the Middle East and global economic uncertainty, which have affected domestic markets.

The BBS data show that food inflation climbed to 8.39 percent in April from 8.24 percent in March, intensifying pressure on consumers as prices of essential goods continued to rise. Non-food inflation also showed an upward trend, reaching 9.57 percent compared to 9.09 percent in the previous month. Increases in housing rent, fuel, and transport costs were identified as key contributors to the non-food inflation rise.

A year-on-year comparison indicates that overall inflation in April 2025 was slightly higher at 9.17 percent, with food inflation at 8.63 percent and non-food inflation at 9.61 percent, suggesting a modest improvement in the current year’s figures despite persistent cost pressures.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has directed all district commissioners to recover and confiscate around 10,000 licensed firearms that were issued on political grounds during previous governments but have not yet been returned. He announced the directive on Wednesday after the Home Ministry session of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.

The minister said that although the interim government had set a deadline for returning licensed weapons, many remain uncollected. Field administrations have been instructed to recover these arms, take legal action against offenders, and file cases if necessary. He added that licenses issued between January 2009 and August 5, 2024, without proper policy compliance are under review for cancellation, while valid pre-2009 license holders will be allowed to reclaim their weapons.

Ahmed emphasized that curbing illegal weapons, drugs, extortion, and online gambling is a top government priority to maintain law and order. He urged coordinated efforts between police and district administrations and warned that no laxity in enforcement would be tolerated.

An Israeli military commander overseeing the occupied West Bank has stated that his forces have not carried out as many killings since 1967 as they have recently. The remark, made by Major General Avi Bluth, head of the army’s Central Command, during a closed meeting, was reported by the Israeli daily Haaretz and has triggered widespread controversy. Bluth has not denied the statement, and the Israel Defense Forces have yet to issue an official response.

According to the report, Bluth said that 42 Palestinians accused of throwing stones at vehicles were shot dead last year, describing such acts as terrorism. He acknowledged that similar actions by Jewish settlers do not face the same response, admitting there is discrimination. The report also noted that Palestinians are tried under military law, while Israeli citizens face civilian courts. Bluth further mentioned that shooting suspected border crossers below the knee is now permitted as a deterrent.

Haaretz’s editorial questioned whether the social consequences of such policies toward Palestinians have been considered. Analysts cited in the report warned that rising tensions in the West Bank could escalate into a broader conflict.

A delegation from Anhui Normal University of China, led by its president Xiong Yujie, met with Bangladesh’s Minister of Education and Primary and Mass Education Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan at the ministry office in the Secretariat on Wednesday. The meeting focused on potential collaboration in education and teacher training between the two countries.

During the meeting, Minister Milan highlighted that universities in Bangladesh, including the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), have achieved strong positions in global rankings. He emphasized the government’s current focus on technical and vocational education and training, noting that there are many opportunities for cooperation with China in this area. Xiong Yujie stated that Anhui Normal University is a leading institution in providing professional training for teachers and expressed willingness to work together to improve education quality.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Education, including Secretary Abdul Khaleque and Technical and Madrasa Education Division Secretary Md. Daud Mia, were also present at the meeting.

Thirty Democratic members of the US Congress have called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to release detailed information about Israel’s nuclear weapons program. The lawmakers, led by Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro, sent a letter stating that an effective non-proliferation policy in the Middle East cannot be achieved while maintaining official silence on Israel’s nuclear capabilities.

The letter argues that transparency is essential when shaping policies toward Iran’s civilian nuclear program or Saudi Arabia’s nuclear ambitions. The lawmakers said the United States should apply the same nuclear transparency standards to Israel as it does to other countries. They also noted that both Israel and the White House have long maintained ambiguity about whether Israel possesses nuclear weapons.

The lawmakers requested information on Israel’s possible warhead numbers, delivery systems, uranium enrichment capacity, production at the Dimona facility, and the US understanding of Israel’s military doctrine and “red lines.” They emphasized Congress’s constitutional duty to be fully informed about nuclear balance and potential tensions in the Middle East.

Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly protested remarks made by BNP Vice Chairman and Member of Parliament Barkatullah Bulu, who described the party as more dangerous than drugs. The protest was issued on Wednesday through a media statement by Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Assistant Secretary General and Secretary of the party’s Central Publicity and Media Department. Bulu made his comments on May 5 during the inauguration of a canal excavation project in Begumganj, Noakhali.

In his statement, Zubair termed Bulu’s comments as absurd, malicious, and misleading. He said Jamaat-e-Islami is an ideology-based, democratic, and welfare-oriented Islamic political organization that has long been engaged in peaceful political activities for the country’s independence, sovereignty, morality, and people’s rights. He added that such hostile remarks from a political leader are harmful to the nation’s political culture.

Zubair further emphasized that political differences may exist, but mutual respect and decency should be maintained. He urged Bulu to act responsibly and refrain from making divisive or provocative statements.

Iran’s judiciary has seized the assets of 40 individuals accused of being 'traitors' in the western province of Hamadan, according to a report by Fars News Agency. The confiscated properties reportedly belonged to influential figures linked to what authorities described as a 'network cooperating with the enemy.' Officials announced that the seized assets will be used for reconstruction efforts in war-damaged areas.

The report stated that funds from the confiscated properties will be prioritized for rebuilding hospitals, scientific centers, schools, research institutions, and public service infrastructure. Analysts cited in the report suggested that the move signals both a message of strengthened internal security and a potential alternative source of funding for post-war reconstruction.

The announcement reflects Iran’s broader effort to channel domestic resources toward recovery in conflict-affected regions while asserting control over individuals accused of undermining national interests.

Depositors affected by six liquidated non-banking financial institutions (NBFIs) held a human chain protest in front of Bangladesh Bank’s headquarters on Wednesday, demanding the immediate return of their withheld savings. Participants, numbering over a hundred, wore black cloths over their mouths to symbolize their suffering and called for urgent action to recover their money.

In a written statement, the protesters said they represent more than 12,000 depositors whose funds have been stuck for seven years, causing severe financial uncertainty, mental distress, and humanitarian crises. Many depositors are reportedly unable to afford treatment for serious illnesses such as cancer, kidney, and heart diseases, and some have already died due to lack of medical care. The statement emphasized that Bangladesh Bank, as the regulator of all scheduled banks and NBFIs, bears the highest responsibility for protecting public deposits.

The protesters urged the central bank to announce a clear and practical roadmap for returning funds by the previously declared July 2026 deadline and to prioritize repayment to affected depositors.

Over a decade after Narendra Modi first campaigned to build a Congress-free India, the country’s political landscape has shifted sharply in his favor. The Congress Party, once India’s dominant political force, has been reduced to control of only four states while Modi’s ruling coalition now governs 21. Recent elections saw key opposition leaders Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal and M.K. Stalin in Tamil Nadu lose power, leaving Modi with virtually no strong political challengers.

Analysts and critics describe this as the emergence of a one-party state under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), whose Hindu nationalist agenda contrasts sharply with Jawaharlal Nehru’s pluralist vision for India. The BJP’s disciplined organization and focus on welfare and local governance have helped it secure a series of state-level victories since 2024, despite allegations of voter suppression and electoral manipulation. In states like West Bengal and Assam, large-scale voter list revisions reportedly disenfranchised minorities.

Political observers note that Modi’s dominance has left the opposition fragmented and weak. With the next national election due in 2029, questions remain over whether Modi will seek another term or who might succeed him within the BJP.