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.

Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu has called for a re-election in Tamil Nadu, citing uncertainty over actor-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), forming a stable government. In a post on social media platform X, Vembu said the numbers do not add up for a clear majority and warned that any government formed under current conditions could face instability due to internal pressures.

Vembu suggested that imposing President’s Rule followed by a new election might be the best course of action, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement of a “no cash for votes” policy to ensure genuine voter support. He expressed confidence that Vijay would return with a strong majority if such an election were held. He also urged the DMK and AIADMK to unite if they wished to challenge Vijay, while suggesting that the BJP should contest independently even if it risks winning no seats.

Vijay’s TVK, formed just two years ago, won 108 of 234 seats in the April 23 assembly election, falling ten seats short of the 118 needed for a majority.

The 2013 Shapla Chattar incident in Dhaka remains one of Bangladesh’s most contested political and human rights events. Occurring on May 5–6, 2013, it involved a violent state operation against demonstrators, with conflicting narratives from the government, opposition, and rights groups. Then–Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina described the event as deathless, while organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Odhikar reported fatalities and demanded investigation. The article highlights how the absence of verified casualty figures and restricted media coverage reflected a structural crisis of information control and impunity.

Following political changes in 2024, a renewed investigation by the International Crimes Tribunal reportedly found evidence of some deaths. Hefazat-e-Islam leaders have filed a case against 54 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina, demanding exemplary punishment for those responsible. Analysts note that political disunity and compromises among opposition groups weakened earlier efforts for justice. The commentary argues that a transparent and credible inquiry could restore institutional trust and help the nation reconcile with its past.

The piece concludes that the Shapla Chattar tragedy continues to question the balance between state power and citizens’ rights, urging national unity for justice and reform.

West Bengal Director General of Police Siddh Nath Gupta announced that 200 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed and 433 people arrested following incidents of violence that erupted after the state assembly election results were declared on May 4. Additionally, 1,100 individuals have been detained as a preventive measure. The statement came a day after the Election Commission of India directed the state’s Chief Secretary, DGP, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to enforce a zero-tolerance policy against post-poll violence.

Gupta also clarified that some additional security previously assigned to outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee had been withdrawn, though their protocol-based security remains intact. The withdrawn personnel have been reassigned to maintain law and order across the state.

The DGP urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands and assured that police would act on complaints or initiate cases suo motu if necessary. According to the Election Commission’s directive, 500 CAPF companies remain deployed in West Bengal until further notice to prevent further unrest.

U.S. President Donald Trump expects a potential agreement with Iran within a week, according to Fox News journalist Bret Baier. Speaking during a live broadcast on Wednesday, Baier said he had recently spoken with Trump, who expressed optimism about the memorandum of understanding and described his outlook as one of cautious optimism. Trump reportedly told Baier that organizing all aspects of the deal would take about a week.

Baier explained that two main conditions are being prioritized in the proposed deal: the removal of enriched uranium from Iran and ensuring the full openness of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also stated at the White House that Iran is willing to engage in discussions and reach an agreement.

The report, citing Middle East Monitor, indicates that both sides are moving toward negotiations, though the final outcome remains uncertain.

Bangladesh has requested China's involvement and cooperation in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project. The issue was discussed as a priority during a foreign minister-level meeting between the two countries in Beijing. The joint statement released after the meeting also emphasized strengthening cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and on Rohingya repatriation.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman visited Beijing from May 5 to 7 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. During the talks, both sides discussed bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and global issues. Bangladesh expressed gratitude for China’s longstanding support and reiterated its request for Chinese participation in the Teesta project, which has been under discussion for years. Diplomatic circles view China’s potential involvement as significant for Bangladesh’s water management and regional development, though India has expressed reservations.

The joint statement further noted both countries’ commitment to enhancing political trust, aligning development strategies, and advancing their strategic cooperative partnership. They also voiced concern over the Middle East situation, calling for an immediate ceasefire and supporting diplomatic efforts for peace.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has denied any involvement or support by New Delhi in election engineering for any political party in Bangladesh. Speaking with visiting Bangladeshi journalists at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi on Monday, he said no individual issue would affect Dhaka-Delhi relations and emphasized that ties should be based on mutual respect and sensitivity to each other’s interests.

Misri stated that India has worked with whichever government was in power in Bangladesh and clarified that past cooperation with the Awami League did not amount to interference. He noted that India is reviving over 40 bilateral institutional frameworks that had become inactive during Bangladesh’s interim government period. Discussions are also underway on water-sharing issues, including the Ganges and Teesta rivers, and on strengthening regional cooperation through BIMSTEC.

He avoided commenting on Bangladesh’s request to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and said India continues to prioritize trade and connectivity. Misri also dismissed media reports about deploying animals along the border and said India is working to restore full visa services for Bangladeshi citizens soon.

India’s political landscape has shifted sharply toward one-party dominance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continues a sweeping series of electoral victories. Once-powerful opposition leaders Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal and M.K. Stalin in Tamil Nadu both lost recent elections, leaving Modi with virtually no major political challengers. The Congress Party, which once led India’s independence movement, now controls only four states, while Modi’s alliance governs 21.

The BJP’s rise follows years of organizational discipline, a business-friendly image, and a strategy of uniting Hindu voters. Critics accuse the party of using state power to manipulate elections, including voter list revisions that allegedly disenfranchised minorities. In Bihar and West Bengal, millions of names were reportedly removed from voter rolls, fueling allegations of bias. Despite opposition claims of irregularities, the BJP has dismissed all accusations.

Analysts say Modi’s dominance has reshaped India’s pluralist ideals into a more centralized, Hindu nationalist model. 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.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi has strongly condemned what he described as Iran’s 'baseless and unacceptable accusations' against the United Arab Emirates. The condemnation followed a statement from Iran’s foreign ministry alleging that the UAE was collaborating with Iran’s hostile parties.

According to a GCC statement, Al-Budaiwi said the Iranian claims were part of a provocative and tension-escalating strategy targeting regional countries. He further accused Iran of launching brutal attacks on UAE territory and of persistently distorting facts in violation of international norms and laws.

The GCC reaffirmed that its member states stand united with the UAE and fully support all measures taken by the country to safeguard its security, stability, and sovereignty.

Iran’s influential parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Galibaf mocked the United States’ military strategy against Tehran in a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. In his brief message, Galibaf altered the names of declared US military operations targeting Iran, referring to them sarcastically as “Operation Trust Me Bro” and “Operation Foxious.” He wrote that “Operation Trust Me Bro has failed” and added that it was time to “return to routine with Operation Foxious.”

The remarks were reported by Al Jazeera and shared by the online outlet Amar Desh on May 7, 2026. The post reflects Galibaf’s dismissive tone toward Washington’s approach to Iran, using humor to criticize what he described as unsuccessful US military efforts. The comments appeared amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington over regional security and military maneuvers.

No official US response or further details about the operations mentioned by Galibaf were included in the report.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has described the killing of his close aide and personal assistant Chandranath Rath in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas, as a 'cold-blooded murder'. The incident occurred on Wednesday night, May 6, when assailants on motorcycles stopped Rath’s car in the Daulatala area and opened fire before fleeing. The attack took place within 48 hours of the West Bengal Assembly election results, sparking tension in the area.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, May 7, Adhikari said the attack appeared preplanned, claiming the assailants had conducted reconnaissance before striking. He stated that the state’s Director General of Police, Siddhanath Gupta, assured him of a full investigation. Adhikari urged party workers to remain calm, emphasizing that the BJP would not take the law into its own hands and called for an impartial probe to identify the real culprits.

Adhikari also alleged that BJP workers across the state had been targeted since the election results were announced, citing incidents of shootings and stabbings in Basirhat and Baranagar. He said he had briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national leader Nitin Navin about the situation.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud held a courtesy meeting with James Stewart, Political Officer at the US Embassy in Dhaka. The meeting took place on Wednesday at the NCP’s temporary central office in Banglamotor. Discussions focused on the current overall situation in Bangladesh and emphasized strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States.

James Stewart was accompanied by Md. Iqbal Mahmud, Assistant Political Specialist at the embassy, while NCP central committee member Ayman Rahat joined Asif Mahmud. After the meeting, the NCP spokesperson showed the embassy delegation around the party office.

The meeting reflected ongoing diplomatic engagement between the US mission and political representatives in Bangladesh, highlighting mutual interest in maintaining dialogue on national and bilateral matters.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reaffirmed on Wednesday, May 6, that she will not resign from her post. Speaking at a meeting with her party’s legislators, she declared that she would rather be dismissed and called for such a day to be marked as a black day. According to NDTV, Banerjee also announced plans to approach the court seeking justice over incidents of post-election violence. She had earlier alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won through manipulation following the May 4 election results.

Her refusal to resign has created a constitutional complication, as it is customary for a chief minister to step down after elections so the majority party can form a new government. The situation has led to discussions about the possibility of her dismissal or the imposition of presidential rule in the state.

Meanwhile, reports of violence have emerged across West Bengal, with allegations that BJP supporters attacked and set fire to homes and offices of Trinamool Congress members. At least four people have reportedly died. The BJP has denied involvement, claiming that Trinamool workers disguised as BJP supporters carried out the attacks to create unrest.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the greatest asset of a state is the trust of its people. He emphasized that transparency and accountability in government and administration are essential to building this trust. Rahman made these remarks in a written speech delivered on Wednesday night at the annual gathering of the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association, held at the 'Trimoitree' conference in Agargaon, Dhaka.

He said the government seeks a people-oriented administration where citizens receive services quickly, transparently, and without harassment. While law is important, he noted that humanity carries even greater significance. Rahman urged officials to treat elderly and sick citizens with compassion, as such behavior fosters a positive perception of the state and government.

The Prime Minister added that the manifesto his party had developed for the welfare of the nation has now become the people’s manifesto, as it received public support. He called for its full implementation as the government’s responsibility.