Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has passed a bill establishing special military courts to try Palestinians accused of involvement in the October 7, 2023 attacks in southern Israel. According to The Times of Israel, the new law allows these courts to impose the death penalty on those found guilty. The legislation reportedly received support from both the ruling coalition and opposition parties.

Under the new law, the special courts will have authority to adjust or modify existing legal procedures, including rules of evidence and testimony. The measure is intended to expedite trials for Palestinians detained after the October 7 attacks, which killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 250 hostages. Israeli forces have since arrested around 300 Palestinians linked to the incident, who remain in custody.

Reports suggest that the law aims to ensure faster and more decisive judicial proceedings for those accused of genocide or mass killings during the attacks.

A commentary published on May 12, 2026, argues that Pakistan’s ongoing mediation efforts to end the Middle East conflict are unlikely to bring lasting peace or stability. The article claims Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs continued conflict to maintain power and avoid imprisonment in a corruption case, while U.S. President Donald Trump relies on Netanyahu’s support to protect his own political position. It suggests that both leaders are using the conflict to serve personal and political interests rather than pursuing genuine peace.

The piece further contends that Gulf states have realized the risks of aligning too closely with the United States, citing a Saudi official’s remarks about Washington’s lack of support during an Iranian attack. It asserts that the root of the region’s instability lies in Zionist ideology and historical injustices against Palestinians. The author argues that transforming Israel into a normal, non-racial state could have prevented decades of war and displacement.

The commentary concludes that Netanyahu’s focus on prolonging war and undermining democratic institutions threatens both Israeli democracy and regional peace, calling for addressing these leadership issues at their roots.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has alleged that market instability in Bangladesh is being fueled by middlemen and extortion rackets. Speaking to reporters after visiting the Mirpur-1 wholesale vegetable market in Dhaka on Tuesday morning, he said traders face silent extortion and occupation of market stalls but are afraid to speak out. He called for breaking the syndicates responsible for manipulating prices and pledged to continue the fight both inside and outside parliament.

Dr. Rahman stated that both consumers and farmers are suffering because of these syndicates, as farmers do not receive fair prices for their produce while consumers pay inflated rates. He cited examples of politically connected individuals renting government-allotted market spaces at exorbitant rates. The opposition leader urged traders to resist extortion and assured them of his support if they face retaliation for exposing such practices.

He also appealed to journalists to highlight the hardships of ordinary people to raise social awareness and help curb the influence of extortionists and corrupt networks.

A major administrative reshuffle has begun at Dhaka University following the assumption of office by the new government. Within a short period, several key positions have changed hands, starting with the resignation of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan. The changes have extended to the posts of Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Proctor, and Assistant Proctor, creating what insiders describe as an atmosphere of uncertainty within the university administration.

Administrative sources said the restructuring is not limited to personnel changes but is part of forming a new power structure. Concerns have emerged over potential political influence in the process. After Dr. Khan’s resignation, Professor Dr. A.B.M. Obaidul Islam was appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor. Subsequent changes included the replacement of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha and the resignation of Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed, followed by Assistant Proctor Shehrin Amin Monami.

Some faculty and officials expressed concern that the appointments could lead to political polarization within the university. However, the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor denied these allegations, stating that all resignations were voluntary and that experience and competence, not political affiliation, guide appointments.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Pakistan of secretly conducting a digital campaign aimed at undermining the long-standing alliance between the United States and Israel. In an interview aired on May 10 on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” Netanyahu claimed that Pakistan and several other countries are using bot farms and fake social media accounts to wage an organized information war. He described this as a hidden digital battlefield running parallel to ongoing military conflicts.

Netanyahu said the campaign’s goal is to erode American sympathy for Israel, particularly among younger audiences, by manipulating online narratives. He cited examples of fake messages appearing to come from American users but allegedly traced back to Pakistan. The Israeli leader emphasized that Israel is fighting on multiple fronts, including what he called the “eighth battlefield” of media and social networks.

The report noted that Pakistan has no diplomatic relations with Israel and has been a vocal critic of Israeli actions in Gaza and Iran. Netanyahu’s remarks come amid heightened tensions and shifting dynamics in US-Israel relations.

Senior officials and legal groups in Bangladesh have accused judges appointed during Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule of aiding political repression and violating human rights. Following Hasina’s fall and flight after the July uprising, police and administrative officers faced accountability, but no action has been taken against the judges allegedly involved. The Bangladesh Administrative Association and Police Service Association questioned the judges’ “informal immunity,” while the Nationalist Lawyers Forum claimed that thousands were victims of extrajudicial killings and disappearances under Hasina’s regime.

Lawyers and ministry officials alleged that many judges were politically aligned with the Awami League and participated in politically motivated trials, including those against opposition leaders Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, and Zubaida Rahman. Reports described late-night hearings and verdicts delivered by candlelight to ensure convictions before the 2024 election. The Law Minister, Advocate Asaduzzaman, acknowledged judicial failures and supported punishing judges who backed Hasina’s “fascism.”

According to ministry data, 1,841 of 2,185 lower court judges were appointed during the Awami League era, raising concerns about politicized recruitment and the erosion of judicial neutrality.

The newly formed BJP-led West Bengal government, headed by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has decided to hand over land to the Border Security Force (BSF) within 45 days to complete barbed-wire fencing along the Bangladesh border. The decision was taken at the first cabinet meeting held two days after the new government took office. Adhikari said the move was necessary to protect West Bengal’s security and prevent demographic changes in border areas.

Dhaka has strongly objected to the unilateral decision, warning that Bangladesh neither fears border fences nor will tolerate actions that could destabilize the country. Foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir stated that Bangladesh would discuss the matter with the appropriate Indian authorities and cautioned against any repeat of past border violence. According to international norms and the 1974 Mujib-Indira Agreement, no country may build permanent structures within 150 yards of the zero line without mutual consent.

The development has sparked debate in West Bengal, where critics argue that the new government is prioritizing divisive border politics over governance and development. The absence of ministerial portfolio allocations has further fueled concerns about internal discord within the ruling party.

Most Americans are holding President Donald Trump responsible for the ongoing war with Iran and the resulting severe economic situation, according to a report from Al Jazeera’s Washington correspondent Mike Hanna. The report states that Trump has denied being under any pressure, saying there is no need for immediate action and that he prefers to proceed cautiously. He has claimed that oil prices will fall and the economy will recover once the war ends.

However, there is no clear indication of when the conflict might conclude, leaving ordinary Americans deeply concerned as living costs continue to surge. Rising fuel and diesel prices have driven up transportation costs, pushing essential goods beyond the reach of many households.

Public opinion increasingly links the economic crisis to the war initiated under Trump’s leadership, creating a significant political risk for him and the Republican Party as most Americans now directly blame the president for both the conflict and the deteriorating economy.

Opposition Leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman met with residents and homeowners’ associations in Mirpur to address the ongoing water crisis in Dhaka-15. The meeting took place on Monday night at a local institution, with representatives from Manipur, Kazipara, Ibrahimpur, and Kafrul attending. Residents described the shortage as so severe that daily life had become nearly impossible, with even drinking and bathing water unavailable. They alleged that an artificial crisis might have been created after the February 12 election for ulterior motives.

Dr. Rahman listened to the grievances and pledged to take all necessary steps to resolve the issue, assuring continued support for the community. He stated that he had already discussed the matter with the Managing Director of WASA and raised it in the National Parliament. According to him, the Prime Minister personally assured that she would play a special role in resolving the problem.

Several central and local Jamaat leaders, along with community representatives from different Mirpur neighborhoods, were present at the meeting.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure to announce a timeline for his resignation after failing to quell a growing rebellion within the Labour Party. By Monday evening, at least 60 Labour MPs had publicly urged him to set a clear date to step down, citing his inability to convince voters of his leadership strength ahead of the next general election. The Guardian reported that supporters of Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting, both seen as potential leadership rivals, have joined the opposition camp.

Earlier on Monday, Starmer declared in a speech that he would not resign and vowed to prove his critics wrong, emphasizing the need to confront the threat posed by Reform UK. However, his statement did little to calm the unrest. Several MPs, including Chris Curtis and Paulette Hamilton, argued that Starmer’s unpopularity and poor local election results have eroded public trust. Three junior frontbench officials also resigned, urging him to step aside.

Some Labour MPs, however, warned that changing leadership amid economic instability could benefit Nigel Farage’s party. The crisis marks one of the most difficult moments of Starmer’s political career.

Islami Oikya Jote organized a protest rally and gathering in Dhaka on Monday afternoon condemning reported attacks and persecution of Muslims in West Bengal, India. The demonstration, held at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram, was presided over by the alliance’s chairman, Maulana Abdul Kadir. Participants denounced incidents of violence, including assaults on madrasas and mosques, border killings, and destruction of homes.

During the rally, the party’s secretary general, Mufti Sakhawat Hossain, criticized the Indian government for failing to protect its citizens and accused it of inciting extremist groups. He urged Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to summon the Indian High Commissioner to protest the alleged abuses and express solidarity with Bangladeshi religious scholars and citizens. He warned that if no action was taken, a long march toward India would be announced soon.

Other senior leaders, including Maulana Abul Kashem, Maulana Junaid Gulzar, and Maulana Belal Hossain, also addressed the gathering. The rally concluded with prayers after marching from Baitul Mukarram’s north gate through Bijoynagar intersection.

Four leaders of the BNP, Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal have been expelled following an attack on teachers at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) who were protesting against the vice-chancellor. The expulsions were announced on Monday afternoon through separate letters and press releases issued by the central leadership of the respective organizations.

According to the announcements, Bashir Uddin, treasurer of Dumki Upazila BNP, was expelled for alleged involvement in violence and breach of party discipline. Ahsan Faruk and Sultan Shawkat, joint conveners of the upazila Jubo Dal, were expelled for disciplinary violations, while Musa Farazi, joint convener of the upazila Swechchhasebak Dal, was removed for similar reasons. The central bodies also urged authorities to take legal action against the accused.

Earlier that morning, teachers demanding the removal of Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam over alleged irregularities were attacked by a group led by expelled Jubo Dal leader Ripon Sharif, leaving at least ten teachers injured. Police said no written complaint had yet been received but promised legal action once filed.

U.S. President Donald Trump described the ongoing ceasefire with Iran as extremely fragile, saying it is effectively on life support. Speaking on May 11, 2026, he compared the situation to a patient with only a one percent chance of survival, underscoring his pessimism about the truce’s durability.

Trump also sharply criticized Iran’s response to Washington’s peace plan, calling Tehran’s proposal foolish and laughable. He asserted that no one would accept such a plan, signaling deep dissatisfaction with Iran’s approach to negotiations.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that Trump’s remarks could further heighten tensions between Washington and Tehran. Despite continuing diplomatic efforts to preserve the ceasefire, both sides’ hardened positions have left the situation uncertain and unstable.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’s Amir Allama Shah Muhibullah Babunagari has warned that India’s territorial integrity could be at risk if violence against Muslims in West Bengal is not stopped immediately. Speaking at a meeting in Hathazari, Chattogram, on May 11, 2026, he described the post-election attacks on Muslims as contrary to democratic values. The event was chaired by Mufti Mohammad Ali Kasemi, with Maulana Emran Sikder and Maulana Kamrul Islam jointly conducting the session.

Babunagari cited media and local reports alleging that extremist supporters of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were involved in the violence. He condemned attacks based on religious identity as unacceptable in any civilized, democratic, and pluralistic society. He also blamed BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s provocative remarks for inciting anti-Muslim sentiment and indirectly encouraging the attackers.

The Hefazat chief urged the Bangladesh government to formally condemn the incidents and take diplomatic steps to ensure the safety of India’s Muslim minority. He announced a protest rally and demonstration in Chattogram city next Friday to denounce the killings.

National Chhatra Shakti organized a human chain at Dhaka University on Monday, May 11, 2026, protesting child deaths from measles, mismanagement in vaccination, and killings of Bangladeshis along the border. The demonstration took place near the Raju Memorial Sculpture at the TSC area, where participants carried placards and chanted slogans demanding government accountability for health sector failures and border violence.

Speakers, including Dhaka University unit president Tahmid Al Muddassir Chowdhury, criticized the government for failing to meet public expectations four months into its term. They alleged mismanagement in vaccine distribution, shortages of medical supplies, and a weak stance on border tensions with India. Chowdhury called for an independent commission to investigate the measles outbreak and urged the declaration of a health emergency.

Other student leaders echoed concerns over foreign policy, accusing the government of following a submissive approach. They demanded urgent reforms in the health sector, effective measures to stop border killings, and national unity to protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty.