Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik in Tehran to discuss the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel and the latest developments in peace negotiations. During the meeting, Araghchi accused the United States of being the main obstacle to peace, citing threats, provocative rhetoric, and a lack of goodwill and honesty from Washington.

Araghchi also said that tensions in the Strait of Hormuz stem from U.S. and Israeli military aggression against Iran and the continued blockade of Iranian seaports. He added that Iran is formulating regulations for the strategic waterway in accordance with international law. Kravik emphasized the need for lasting peace and stability in the region and stated that Norway is ready to support democratic efforts and provide advice on maritime security and environmental protection.

The meeting reflected Iran’s continued criticism of U.S. policies and Norway’s diplomatic engagement in promoting regional stability.

U.S. President Donald Trump has arrived in Beijing for a three-day official visit, marking the first trip to China by a top American leader in a decade. He landed on Wednesday aboard Air Force One and is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit was originally planned for March but was postponed after U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran late February.

Discussions between Trump and Xi are expected to cover the ongoing Iran conflict, where China has been playing an increasing mediating role, though Trump stated before departure that he did not need Xi’s help on the issue. Trade, technology, and Taiwan are also expected to feature prominently in the talks. Trump wrote on Truth Social that he would urge China to further open its markets to major U.S. technology companies, whose top executives are accompanying him.

For Beijing, extending the “trade truce” agreement reached last October is a key priority, as it temporarily eased tariff tensions between the two countries. This is Trump’s first visit to Beijing since 2017, with official events planned at the Great Hall of the People and Zhongnanhai.

Former minister Abdul Latif Siddique has been exempted from personal appearance in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act with Shahbagh Police Station in Dhaka. On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, his lawyer submitted an application before Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana’s court seeking permission for representation through counsel. After the hearing, the court granted the request, allowing Siddique to be represented by his lawyer. The court also scheduled July 24 as the next date for submission of the investigation report, as the investigating officer failed to present it on the scheduled day.

According to the case details, the charges stem from an incident on August 28 of the previous year at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, where a program organized by the group “Manch 71” was disrupted by a group of individuals. Police later detained 16 people, including Siddique and journalist Panna, under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Siddique and Panna were later granted interim bail by the High Court, which was upheld by the Appellate Division.

Siddique’s lawyer confirmed that although the court accepted the exemption request, his client expressed willingness to continue attending court in person.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States does not require China's assistance to end the ongoing war with Iran. He made the remarks to reporters in Washington, D.C., before departing for Beijing. Trump asserted that the United States would win the war against Iran by any means necessary.

Trump’s three-day visit to China comes at a time when his popularity is under pressure due to the Iran war and rising inflation. During the trip, he gave mixed signals about how prominently Iran would feature in his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump said they would have a long discussion on the issue and praised Xi’s approach, but moments later downplayed Iran’s importance, claiming Tehran was already under full U.S. control.

The comments highlight uncertainty about how the Iran conflict will influence U.S.-China discussions during Trump’s visit, as both nations navigate complex diplomatic and economic tensions.

Former minister, freedom fighter, and senior Awami League politician Engineer Mosharraf Hossain passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 10:09 a.m. while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka. He was 83 years old. His eldest son, Sabedur Rahman Sumu, confirmed the death and said that arrangements were being made to bring the body to Mirsarai.

According to the report, Mosharraf Hossain had been suffering from various age-related complications and had been receiving treatment at Square Hospital in the capital for several days. He was a long-time member of the Awami League and served as a member of the party’s presidium as well as the Minister for Housing and Public Works.

His death has cast a shadow of mourning over the political arena. The family stated that details regarding his funeral and burial would be announced later.

Suvendu Adhikari took oath on Wednesday as a member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. Although he won from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur constituencies, he was sworn in as the MLA from Bhabanipur. This seat had previously been represented by Mamata Banerjee, who won it three times and served as Chief Minister. According to legislative rules, Adhikari must resign from one of the two seats he won.

Adhikari has not yet resigned from the Nandigram seat but stated that he will continue to oversee the constituency while fulfilling his duties as Bhabanipur MLA. Several other newly elected legislators, including ministers Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Khudiram Tudu, Nisith Pramanik, and Ashok Kirtania, also took their oaths on Wednesday. Additional lawmakers are scheduled to be sworn in on Thursday.

On Tuesday, BJP legislator Tapas Roy was sworn in as the pro-tem speaker by Governor R.N. Ravi at Lok Bhavan, the former Raj Bhavan. The ceremony was attended by the new Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, following parliamentary tradition.

A column published on 13 May 2026 in the Bangladeshi outlet 'Amar Desh' argues that recent discussions linking child deaths from measles to political failures are politically motivated. The writer, journalist Kakon Reza, criticizes actor Saju Khadem for a social media post about measles and accuses political opponents of using child illness and mortality to undermine the current government. The article cites a 2023 report from Prothom Alo referencing icddr,b data that 24,000 Bangladeshi children under five died of pneumonia in 2022.

The writer contends that long-ruling governments, particularly the Awami League and the Ershad regime, had decades to improve the health system but failed to establish adequate pediatric and specialized medical facilities. He contrasts this with the current administration, which he says has only recently taken office after a short interim period marked by protests and disruptions to vaccination programs.

The column concludes that blaming the new government for long-standing health sector deficiencies is a deliberate political tactic and urges focusing on solutions rather than partisan accusations.

Bangladesh and India are reassessing their bilateral relationship following political changes in Dhaka and evolving regional realities. The article argues that the two neighbors, long bound by an asymmetrical interdependence shaped by geography, trade, and security, are now navigating a new equation influenced by global power competition. India’s foreign secretary has emphasized mutual respect and people-centered ties, signaling recognition of the need for broader engagement beyond party-based alliances. Analysts describe this as a strategic recalibration after a period of mistrust between 2024 and 2026.

Bangladesh’s new government is pursuing a balanced foreign policy under its “Bangladesh First” approach, engaging simultaneously with the United States, China, and India. A recent trade deal with Washington lowering tariffs on Bangladeshi goods highlights this shift, while India remains vital for energy, connectivity, and regional stability. However, unresolved issues such as the Teesta water-sharing agreement and border incidents continue to test mutual trust.

The commentary concludes that the future of India-Bangladesh relations will depend on realism, mutual confidence, and domestic consensus in Bangladesh’s foreign policy. Sustainable stability requires both nations to prioritize pragmatic cooperation over emotional nationalism.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not think about the financial situation of ordinary Americans, emphasizing instead that his main concern is preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He made the remarks while responding to reporters’ questions about the economic impact of the ongoing war with Iran and rising inflation in the United States.

When asked whether growing inflation and economic pressure were motivating him to reach a deal with Tehran, Trump replied, “Not at all.” He reiterated that the only issue of importance to him regarding Iran is ensuring the country cannot develop nuclear arms. Another journalist questioned whether he was considering the economic strain on Americans caused by the conflict, to which Trump responded that everyone in the United States understands Iran must not possess nuclear weapons.

The war with Iran has driven up food and fuel prices, worsening daily life for ordinary Americans, according to the report.

A Jamalpur court has ordered four suspended Awami League leaders to be sent to jail after rejecting their bail petitions. The order was issued on Tuesday afternoon by Chief Judicial Magistrate Shariful Haque following a hearing. The accused are Anwar Hossain, Tajul Islam, Mostafa Mintu, and Abu Haman Pintu, who serves as the general secretary of the party’s Ward No. 5 unit.

According to court sources, the four face multiple cases, including charges of sabotage and illegal possession of weapons. They are also accused of carrying out an armed attack on a student rally during the July Revolution’s anti-discrimination movement. After remaining in hiding for an extended period, the leaders surrendered before the court and sought bail.

Jamalpur Lawyers’ Association General Secretary Rishad Rezwan Babu confirmed that the court rejected their bail applications and ordered them to be taken into custody.

Khelafat Majlis has strongly condemned Israel and India following the deaths of Bangladeshi nationals in two separate incidents. According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the party’s Amir Maulana Abdul Basit Azad and Secretary General Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader denounced the killing of two Bangladeshis in a drone attack by the Israeli Defense Forces in Lebanon on May 11, and the shooting of two others by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at Brahmanbaria on May 8.

The leaders described Israel as a destabilizing force responsible for widespread violence and oppression, accusing it of targeting even migrant Bangladeshi workers abroad. They demanded that the Bangladesh government take effective measures to ensure the safety of expatriate citizens. Regarding India, the statement alleged that the BSF’s actions were unjustified and aimed at intimidating Bangladesh. The party also criticized India for border killings, illegal push-ins, and smuggling activities that allegedly create instability along the frontier.

Khelafat Majlis urged India to immediately stop border killings, compensate the victims’ families, and build a genuinely friendly relationship with Bangladesh based on equality and mutual respect.

National Citizens Party (NCP) Office Secretary (Joint Member Secretary) Saleh Uddin Sifat is set to visit South Korea to participate as a speaker at the Gwangju Democracy Forum 2026. The event will take place in Gwangju city and is organized by the May 18 Foundation. According to NCP’s Central Election Committee Media Secretary Yasir Arafat, Sifat is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Wednesday to attend the international conference.

The forum will feature six young activists and leaders from Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Mexico, and Bangladesh. Sifat’s presentation topic is titled “From Youth Struggles to Uprising: A Generational Awakening,” focusing on how Bangladeshi youth have developed an independent political stance beyond traditional structures and mobilized for democratic transformation. He will also discuss issues of justice, institutional reform, human rights, and regional visions for South Asia.

During his South Korea visit, Sifat will also attend a meeting with members of the NCP Diaspora Alliance in Seoul, alongside NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud, who is already in Korea on a separate invitation.

The election for the 2026–27 term of the Supreme Court Bar Association began on Wednesday, May 13, and will continue through Thursday, May 14. Voting runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, with a one-hour break at noon. This year’s election introduces QR-coded ballots, voter verification, and digital vote counting. Despite the technological upgrades, enthusiasm among general lawyers appears lower than in previous years.

Three main lawyer panels are contesting the election: the BNP-backed Blue Panel, the Jamaat-backed Green Panel, and the NCP-backed Red-Green Panel. Notably, this is the first time in the association’s history that no Awami League-backed panel is participating. Fourteen executive committee positions are being contested, including president, vice presidents, secretary, treasurer, joint secretaries, and members.

Candidates from each panel expressed optimism about their chances, while some raised concerns about voter apathy and transparency. Independent candidates are also participating for several posts. The election committee, chaired by Justice Miftah Uddin Chowdhury, previously held a candidate introduction meeting, and the final list of valid candidates was announced on April 28.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the United Arab Emirates’ President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a telephone conversation to strengthen security and stability in the Middle East. The discussion took place as part of ongoing efforts to enhance coordination between the two Gulf nations.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the leaders reviewed recent regional developments and exchanged views on joint initiatives aimed at reinforcing peace and stability. The report also noted that the two sides discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The conversation underscores the continuing collaboration between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi in addressing regional challenges and maintaining strategic alignment on key security issues.

US Senator Chuck Schumer has called on Republican lawmakers to support efforts to pressure President Donald Trump to end the ongoing conflict with Iran. Amid rising fuel prices and economic strain, Schumer said that the continuation of the war is driving up living costs for ordinary Americans. In a post on social media platform X, he criticized Trump for refusing to stop the war, noting that Americans are paying more than $4.50 per gallon of gasoline.

Schumer argued that if Republicans truly care about reducing expenses and protecting US troops, they should support the Democrats’ War Powers Resolution aimed at ending the conflict with Iran. The Democratic Party has launched its seventh attempt to pass the resolution, which seeks to ensure that no president can conduct military operations for more than 60 days without congressional approval.

Previous Democratic efforts have failed due to their minority position in Congress and partisan divisions. However, with rising energy prices, military spending, and concerns over troop safety, the opposition is renewing political pressure on the administration.