Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for reducing delays in project implementation to ensure faster and higher-quality completion of development work. He made the appeal on Thursday at his office in the Secretariat during a meeting with Shailesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of VA Tech Wabag Ltd, a Chennai-based multinational water technology company.

The meeting discussed water management, purification processes, and ensuring safe water standards in Bangladesh. The minister emphasized that unnecessary delays in development projects hinder the country’s progress and stressed the need to maintain quality alongside speed. He also highlighted the importance of expanding the use of modern water and wastewater treatment technologies for sustainable development.

Special attention was given to the water quality of the Buriganga River, with the minister mentioning plans to restore its vitality by eliminating pollution. Senior officials from the ministry, including Local Government Division Secretary Md. Shahidul Hasan, were present at the meeting.

Voting is underway in the United Kingdom’s local elections on Thursday, with polling stations opening at 7 a.m. The elections cover local councils in England and the semi-autonomous legislatures of Scotland and Wales. Analysts suggest the results could intensify pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Labour Party, which may face significant setbacks.

The elections are being viewed as a referendum on Starmer’s turbulent tenure as prime minister. Observers believe that poor results could accelerate his departure and signal a major shift in the country’s political landscape. The vote comes at a time when the Labour Party’s leadership is under scrutiny amid growing political uncertainty.

The outcome of these elections is expected to shape the near-term direction of British politics, potentially influencing both party leadership and policy priorities depending on the scale of Labour’s performance.

Pakistan’s military has declared that it will counter any anti-state conspiracy with maximum strength. The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday night. The statement said that such efforts would be met with even greater power, precision, and resolve than those used against India in 2025.

According to the ISPR, Pakistan is a peace-loving nation, and all efforts of its armed forces are dedicated to maintaining regional peace, stability, and security. The statement emphasized that peace for Pakistan is inseparable from respect, dignity, and sovereign equality. It also noted that the armed forces remain fully aware of evolving geopolitical and regional security dynamics, as well as the adversaries’ attempts to enhance their aggressive capabilities.

The statement further affirmed that Pakistan’s military remains steadfast in its commitment, vigilance, and determination to defend the country. It continues to invest in critical capabilities, advanced technologies, and professional excellence to meet future challenges.

A faction of Chhatra Dal activists in Kishoreganj blocked a major road on Thursday morning demanding the cancellation of the newly announced district committee. The protest took place around 11:30 a.m. at Gouranga Bazar intersection in the district town, halting traffic and causing severe congestion. The blockade lasted about half an hour before normal traffic resumed.

Former and current leaders of the district, municipal, and college units of Chhatra Dal participated in the demonstration. Municipal Chhatra Dal joint convener Mohammad Pavel Hasan alleged that the new committee was formed through a syndicate and called on the BNP chairperson to review the decision. He warned that they would not accept any committee formed in this manner and might launch tougher programs in the future.

The central Chhatra Dal had announced a five-member partial committee for the Kishoreganj district branch on May 2, sparking discontent among some activists. The previous committee, announced in May last year, was suspended after 20 days. The exclusion of former general secretary Redwanur Rahman Wakiur from the new lineup has reportedly fueled renewed controversy.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the army will be withdrawn as discipline has been restored within the police force. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Thursday, May 7, he said that with an elected and political government now in power, the police have become more active, reducing the need for the army to continue its field duties. The withdrawal will be carried out gradually, with the process and method to be decided through further discussions.

The minister also addressed the issue of stone extraction in Sylhet and Sunamganj, stating that a committee led by the Sylhet Divisional Commissioner and composed of experts has been formed. The committee will determine how, from which areas, and to what depth stones can be extracted, as well as how to preserve them while protecting the environment.

The announcement signals a shift toward normalizing internal security operations under civilian law enforcement, while also emphasizing environmental oversight in resource extraction.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said that discussions were held with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on restructuring the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to overcome its current stagnation. The meeting took place at the Cabinet Division in the Secretariat, where Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani was also present. The Prime Minister agreed in principle to host the International Anti-Corruption Conference in Bangladesh in 2028.

According to Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, the discussion focused on two main issues: implementing the government’s election manifesto and commitments on good governance and anti-corruption, and TIB’s recommendations for achieving these goals. He stated that the Prime Minister listened positively to TIB’s proposals and expressed agreement with most of them.

The biennial International Anti-Corruption Conference is scheduled this year in the Dominican Republic. If held in Bangladesh in 2028, it would mark the fourth time the event takes place in Asia, following Malaysia, Thailand, and South Korea.

Russia has tightened security ahead of its upcoming Victory Day parade amid growing concerns for President Vladimir Putin’s safety. According to reports from the Financial Times and Russia’s Important Stories, a leaked European intelligence document claims Putin spends significant time in bunkers due to fears of assassination or coup attempts. His movements and communications are heavily restricted, and his inner circle has been reduced.

The reports describe how Putin has built a highly centralized system over 25 years, positioning himself as the ultimate arbiter of Russia’s political and economic elite. This structure leaves the state vulnerable to instability if he were to suddenly disappear. Potential successors such as Alexei Dyumin, Sergei Kiriyenko, or Dmitry Patrushev are mentioned, but none appear capable of resolving the system’s dependence on Putin’s authority.

Analysts cited in the reports suggest that Putin’s sudden death could end his personal rule but not the system he created. Western governments, though familiar with his methods, might face new uncertainties as rival factions within Russia compete for control, potentially reshaping relations with the West.

The Noakhali district unit of Chhatra Dal organized a celebratory rally on Wednesday afternoon to congratulate central general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir and mark the formation of its new committee. The rally began in front of the Shaheed Bhulu Stadium in Maijdee and concluded on the road in front of Zilla School.

During a brief gathering, district Chhatra Dal president N.B.S. Russell and general secretary Ziaur Rahman Rahan, among others, addressed the participants. Speakers expressed optimism that the organization would become more dynamic under the new leadership and that activities at the grassroots level would be strengthened.

They also emphasized the need to overcome internal divisions and work in unity to prepare Chhatra Dal for future challenges.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently held a long meeting with the country’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to state media reports. The meeting, described as modest and deeply sincere, lasted about two and a half hours. Pezeshkian praised Khamenei’s demeanor and the way he conducted the discussion, calling it particularly impressive.

The state broadcaster IRIB reported that the two leaders discussed several important issues during the meeting, though no specific topics were disclosed. Pezeshkian said he was most influenced by the Supreme Leader’s perspective, humility, and sincerity, which shaped the dialogue into one based on trust, peace, empathy, and direct communication.

No further details were released about the subjects covered or any decisions made during the meeting, leaving the content of their discussions undisclosed.

Pakistan has expressed a positive outlook on reports of a potential agreement between Iran and the United States. According to a statement from its Foreign Ministry cited by Al Jazeera, Islamabad is currently acting as a mediator and therefore prefers not to disclose further details at this stage to protect ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The statement emphasized that as a mediator, Pakistan does not want to compromise the trust of either party, which is why it is withholding specific information for now. The ministry also noted that it has not yet received confirmation about where the delegations from Iran and the United States might meet. However, if the meeting takes place in Islamabad, Pakistan would consider it an honor.

The cautious approach reflects Pakistan’s intent to maintain credibility and neutrality in facilitating dialogue between the two nations while preserving the confidentiality of the process.

A Dhaka court has ordered the start of trial proceedings against former Industries Minister and Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed and two others in a corruption case involving the alleged embezzlement of Tk 1.25 crore through abuse of power. The order was issued on Thursday by Dhaka Divisional Special Judge Begum Shamima Afroz, who also set June 22 for the recording of witness testimonies.

Earlier, Tofail Ahmed’s lawyer informed the court that his client was seriously ill, suffering from memory loss and unable to participate in the proceedings. Despite this, the Anti-Corruption Commission’s lawyer argued for the formation of charges, which the court accepted. The case had been delayed due to a previous stay order from the High Court, which has now been lifted.

The case was originally filed in 2002 by then-Bureau of Anti-Corruption inspector Kazi Shamsul Islam, alleging that Tofail Ahmed misused his authority to conceal illegally obtained funds by transferring and withdrawing money through associates.

Mohsen Rezaei, former commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and current member of the Expediency Council, declared that Iran will not engage in any negotiations over its nuclear program. He emphasized that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz must remain under Iranian control and management, warning that losing control could allow enemies to use it against Iran and its people.

According to Iran’s ISNA news agency, Rezaei stated that regional countries should take responsibility for their own security and that all foreign forces, whether from the United States or Europe, must leave the region. His remarks come amid ongoing international tension over foreign military presence in the Middle East and Iran’s nuclear activities.

The statement reflects Tehran’s firm stance on maintaining sovereignty and regional influence, underscoring its resistance to external pressure and intervention.

Local government elections are being held across the United Kingdom on Thursday, viewed as a referendum on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s turbulent tenure. Analysts suggest the results could accelerate Starmer’s departure and signal a major political shift. The Labour Party faces potential heavy losses in England’s local councils and in the semi-autonomous legislatures of Scotland and Wales, driven by public frustration over the weak economy, rising living costs, and declining trust in Starmer’s leadership.

The economic crisis has deepened due to disrupted oil supplies following the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, while Starmer’s decision to appoint scandal-linked Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington has further eroded his popularity. Polls indicate Labour could lose more than half of its 2,500 council seats, as the far-right Reform UK party campaigns under the slogan “Vote Reform, Remove Starmer.”

Experts warn that a major defeat could trigger an internal revolt within Labour, with figures such as Health Minister Wes Streeting, former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham rumored as potential challengers. Meanwhile, nationalist parties in Scotland and Wales are expected to gain ground, potentially reigniting independence debates.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with Waqf Administrator Safiz Uddin Ahmed on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Prime Minister’s Office. During the courtesy meeting, the administrator presented an overview of the current activities of the Waqf Administration and the overall management of Waqf properties across the country.

The Prime Minister provided key directives on ensuring proper maintenance of Waqf properties and expanding welfare initiatives funded by their income. The meeting was also attended by Minister for Religious Affairs Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad, Member of Parliament Shamim Kaysal Linkon, and Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad.

The discussion highlighted the government’s focus on improving transparency and efficiency in Waqf property management and enhancing their contribution to public welfare programs.

Iran has toughened its position on key issues ahead of any potential negotiations, declaring firm red lines on its nuclear program and control over the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports from Tehran, the government has made clear that uranium enrichment activities are non-negotiable, and it will not transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium abroad. The move signals a more rigid approach as discussions with international counterparts are anticipated.

As a second red line, Iran has emphasized its regional military posture and sovereignty over the strategic Hormuz Strait. The country has strengthened its control over the waterway, introducing new protocols requiring all transiting vessels to coordinate with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy. Ships must now obtain transit permits and pay mandatory tolls or fees to the IRGC. Observers view these measures as Tehran’s main strategic response amid recent regional tensions.

The new regulations underscore Iran’s intent to assert authority over critical maritime routes and resist external pressure on its nuclear and defense policies.