The United Kingdom is set to hold local elections on Thursday, which analysts say could present a serious political challenge for the ruling Labour Party. Led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, this will be the government’s first major electoral test since its landslide victory in the 2024 general election. Millions of voters across Scotland, England, and Wales are expected to participate.

Polls suggest Labour may lose a significant number of seats, potentially raising questions about Starmer’s leadership, though replacing him appears unlikely for now. Analysts note that Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, and the Green Party could make notable gains as voter disillusionment with traditional parties grows. In Wales, Labour’s century-long dominance is reportedly under threat, while in Scotland, the Scottish National Party could strengthen its position.

Experts attribute Labour’s difficulties to unpopular government decisions, weak communication, and voter frustration over rising living costs and economic pressures. Although internal discussions about leadership have reportedly begun, major changes within the party are not yet expected.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared that Europe will not submit to a transactional, inward-looking, and rigid global system. Speaking at the opening session of the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan, Armenia, on Monday, Carney said he believes a renewed international order could emerge from Europe itself. He became the first non-European leader to attend the EPC summit, which was seen as a strategic move to highlight Armenia’s independence from Russian influence.

The meeting took place amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and renewed doubts about the United States’ commitment to NATO following President Donald Trump’s announcement to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that many alliances are under strain, while French President Emmanuel Macron said European nations are increasing defense spending and developing their own solutions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that Europe must be part of any future negotiations with Russia.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte both emphasized the need to strengthen Europe’s defense pillar within NATO, acknowledging shifting dynamics in transatlantic relations.

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher has called on district commissioners (DCs) to assist in evicting illegal land occupations, maintaining canals to prevent waterlogging, managing parks and playgrounds, and supporting tree plantation programs. He made the request during the DC Conference held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, according to the ministry’s public relations office.

The minister noted that agencies under his ministry have long worked as key partners with district administrations in implementing various government initiatives related to infrastructure, housing, and urban management. He thanked the DCs for their cooperation and highlighted ongoing projects such as dormitory and studio apartment construction for government employees, integrated office buildings, and renovation of old structures. He also urged collective efforts to implement the new government procurement policy.

Taher emphasized that DCs play a vital role in resolving ownership of abandoned properties, ensuring availability of khas land for housing, and supporting the operations of RAJUK and other urban development authorities. He called for patriotic and coordinated work to strengthen field administration and overcome institutional inefficiencies.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Aminul Islam announced that the identities of 58 people killed during the May 5, 2013, Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel have been confirmed. He stated on Tuesday that information suggests involvement of 30 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in connection with the killings that occurred across Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Chattogram.

Earlier, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, claimed on social media that at least 58 people, including seven security personnel, were killed during the two days of violence surrounding the Hefazat rally. He recounted his participation in an investigation with former BBC correspondent Mark Dummett, which involved reviewing hospital records, meeting victims’ families, and collecting burial evidence.

Majumder said he had long avoided taking credit for the investigation due to security concerns but expressed satisfaction that his work continues to be referenced by fellow journalists.

The Spanish government has announced a major initiative under its 2026 Regularization Project to grant legal residency and work rights to eligible irregular migrants living in the country. The program aims to integrate undocumented workers into Spain’s formal economy, allowing them to live and work legally. Participants will gain access to employment opportunities, social security registration, and the national healthcare system on par with regular citizens.

Under the plan, legalized migrants will also be able to travel visa-free within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, the permit will remain a national authorization, meaning it will not allow permanent residence, employment, or free healthcare in other EU member states. Migrants wishing to stay long-term elsewhere in the EU must apply under that country’s immigration laws.

Similar policy shifts are emerging across Europe. Italy plans to issue work permits to 500,000 non-EU citizens between 2026 and 2028 to address labor shortages, while Germany is focusing on recruiting skilled workers and caregivers.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman may visit either India or China in June, with discussions on the Teesta mega project expected during the China trip. He made the remarks on Tuesday, May 5, while speaking to journalists at the state guesthouse Padma in Dhaka.

Addressing concerns about possible push-in incidents from India, the minister said that if any such event occurs following a change of power in West Bengal, Bangladesh will take countermeasures. He also mentioned that China’s foreign minister has invited him to visit Beijing for extensive talks on strengthening bilateral relations. On trade matters, he noted that discussions on a trade agreement with the United States are positive and that Bangladesh is ahead of some other countries in this regard.

The foreign minister added that the prime minister has special commitments to friendly nations such as China and India, and officials are currently coordinating schedules to finalize the details of the upcoming visits.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’s Baridhara zone organized a memorial discussion and prayer session on Monday night in Dhaka’s Baridhara madrasa to honor those killed in the May 5, 2013 Shapla Chattar incident. The event was marked by solemnity and emotion, drawing a large number of scholars, students, and devout Muslims. The prayer was led by the organization’s central Naib-e-Ameer Allama Abdul Hamid Madhupuri, who prayed for the souls of the deceased and for national peace and unity in serving Islam.

Speakers at the discussion included central leaders such as Joint Secretary General Mufti Monir Hossain Kasemi, International Affairs Secretary Maulana Dr. Shoaib Ahmed, Assistant Organizational Secretary Mufti Jaber Kasemi, and Finance Secretary Mufti Zakir Hossain Kasemi. They described the 2013 Shapla Chattar event as a tragic chapter in the nation’s history and demanded a fair and impartial investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

Presided over by Baridhara zone president Mufti Amjad Hossain Helali, the program concluded with special prayers for the welfare of the country, unity of the Muslim community, and forgiveness for all martyrs.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman has sent a gift for Muslima, the two-year-old daughter of truck driver Hannan, who was killed in a mob attack triggered by a rumor in Faridpur’s Boalmari upazila. On Tuesday around 11:30 a.m., local officials delivered the Prime Minister’s gift to Hannan’s home in Satair village. Upazila Nirbahi Officer S M Rokibul Hasan Roki handed over cash and dry food to Hannan’s father, Shahid Sheikh, on behalf of the Prime Minister. The chairman of Satair Union Parishad, Rafiul Alam Mintu, also provided assistance and promised monthly support.

Officials including the upazila social services officer and the project implementation officer were present during the handover. The incident that led to Hannan’s death occurred on May 1 in Bilnalia village of Nagarkanda upazila, where he was beaten to death following a rumor. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer said the Prime Minister took notice of the matter and directed the district administration to provide immediate help. Discussions have been held with the family regarding Muslima’s upbringing, and government support will continue in the future.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan said his ministry is working to ensure that the benefits of Bangladesh’s Liberation War reach the people. He made the remarks on Tuesday after the second session of the third day of the Deputy Commissioners’ (DC) Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The minister emphasized that his ministry has been working for freedom fighters both in opposition and in government and will continue to do so.

Khan discussed with district administrators the contributions of freedom fighters and citizens during the war, as well as ongoing and future ministry activities. He recalled that the Liberation War Affairs Ministry was established in 2001 under former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to preserve the legacy of the war. State Minister Israq Hossain said district administrators provided advice on improving project implementation and that cooperation with field administration would accelerate progress.

Hossain added that genuine freedom fighters’ lists and housing projects are underway, and past corruption in these projects will be investigated to prevent recurrence.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman announced that Bangladesh’s local government elections will take place toward the end of this year. He stated that the process will be conducted in phases and is expected to take about one year to complete. Rahman made the remarks on Tuesday around 11:30 a.m.

During his statement, Rahman also mentioned that farmers affected in the haor region will receive a one-time payment of 7,500 taka each. Addressing concerns about the measles vaccination program, he said the interim government had no dishonest intent regarding the vaccine, but the reasons for the delay in administering it should be investigated.

The announcement outlines the government’s upcoming electoral timeline and its immediate relief measures for affected farmers, while also signaling an internal review of the vaccination delay.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has officially published a gazette declaring Nusrat Tabassum, joint convener of the NCP under the Jamaat-led alliance, as a Member of Parliament for a reserved women’s seat in the 13th National Parliament. The announcement was confirmed on Tuesday, May 5, by Returning Officer and EC Joint Secretary Md. Moin Uddin Khan.

Earlier, the nomination of another NCP candidate, Monira Sharmin, had been rejected due to complications related to government employment. Nusrat Tabassum’s nomination was initially not accepted because it was submitted 19 minutes after the deadline on April 21. She later sought legal remedy, and the court instructed the Election Commission to accept her nomination and proceed according to law. Following verification, the EC declared her nomination valid on May 2.

Meanwhile, Monira Sharmin filed a writ petition challenging the rejection of her nomination and requested that the gazette not be issued until the court hearing concluded. However, on May 4, a High Court bench expressed inability to hear the petition due to a conflict of interest and referred it to another bench.

Bangladeshi political parties are actively discussing the implications of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) victory in the West Bengal state elections, which ended Mamata Banerjee’s long tenure. Many are curious about how the new BJP-led government might influence bilateral issues such as Teesta River water sharing, border management, and cross-border migration. The discussions reflect both curiosity and concern over potential shifts in regional dynamics.

The report notes that relations between Bangladesh and India had been strained following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024, though recent efforts from both sides have aimed to improve ties. Some Bangladeshi parties expressed concern over remarks made by Indian politicians about Bangladesh during the campaign, while others emphasized maintaining stable relations regardless of political changes in India. Foreign Minister of State Shama Obaid stated that Bangladesh’s approach to unresolved bilateral issues would remain consistent, irrespective of who governs West Bengal.

Party representatives offered varied perspectives: some warned of rising communalism, while others viewed the election as India’s internal matter. Overall, the focus remains on ensuring continued dialogue and cooperation between the two neighbors.

Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Bangladesh has issued a statement demanding justice for the killings that occurred on May 5, 2013, at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka’s Motijheel area. The joint statement, released to the media on Tuesday, was signed by the party’s president Shaikhul Hadis Maulana Ubaydullah Faruq and secretary general Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi. The leaders described the incident as a tragic and shameful chapter in the nation’s history, recalling the loss of many innocent lives and injuries to numerous others.

The statement emphasized that a culture of impunity is unacceptable in any civilized society and that the state bears the responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens. The Jamiat leaders called for the arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible for the Shapla Chattar killings. They also urged the formation of an independent and internationally credible commission to investigate the incident and publish its findings promptly.

The leaders expressed deep respect for those killed, conveyed condolences to their families, and urged effective measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

On May 5, 2026, survivors of the 2013 Shapla Square operation in Dhaka shared their ongoing struggles and memories of that night. The crackdown followed a mass gathering called by Hefazat-e-Islam, when security forces reportedly opened fire after lights were cut off. Many participants were injured or killed, though no official death toll has ever been confirmed. Survivors like Rashedul Islam Siraji, Mohammad Nure Alam, and Nasir Uddin Ahmed described lifelong disabilities, financial hardship, and emotional trauma stemming from the events.

Rashedul lost a leg after being shot and now runs a small grocery shop under heavy debt. Nure Alam lost an eye and suffered paralysis, struggling to support his family as a security guard. Nasir Uddin still carries the physical and financial scars of a bullet wound that ended his education and left him indebted for years. All three expressed frustration that neither the government nor Hefazat-e-Islam has provided recognition, rehabilitation, or compensation for the injured.

The survivors’ accounts highlight enduring pain and a continuing call for official acknowledgment of the Shapla Square violence and its victims.

Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. A.K.M. Shamsul Islam, adviser to the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces Division, stated that district commissioners have been instructed to help transform the armed forces into a more people-oriented institution. He made the remarks on Tuesday after the first session of the third day of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.

According to the adviser, the conference discussed the demands, work plans, and related matters of the armed forces, with district commissioners being briefed on their expected roles. He said the government aims to ensure the armed forces operate with accountability and public engagement, reflecting the philosophy of late President Ziaur Rahman. The discussions also covered how district commissioners could contribute to strengthening professionalism and patriotism within the military.

Shamsul Islam added that the meeting reviewed ways to enhance cooperation and mutual trust among the armed forces, district commissioners, and civil administration, particularly regarding their roles during elections.