Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahedur Rahman has said that the government is preparing clear policies and a code of conduct for journalism in response to the rapid expansion of online and digital media. He made the remarks in Dhaka at the closing session of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference, following a meeting of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

Dr. Rahman stated that it has become very easy to launch online-based media outlets, but there is a lack of proper guidelines. To ensure professional standards and accountability in journalism, the government is taking steps to establish a regulatory framework. He added that district commissioners proposed setting specific standards and codes of conduct for journalists to promote professionalism at the field level. The ministry is working on these measures for early implementation.

He further mentioned that the government intends to strengthen the fact-checking system through a new project integrating district-level information infrastructure. The long-inactive Information Commission will be restructured to operate independently, ensuring transparency and effective handling of information-related complaints.

In West Bengal, India, police have filed 200 cases and arrested 433 people in connection with post-election violence that erupted across several districts following a political change in the state. Additionally, around 1,100 individuals have been detained as a preventive measure. The information was announced by Director General of Police Siddhnath Gupta during a press conference at the state police headquarters in Bhawani Bhavan on Wednesday. He stated that while incidents of violence occurred in recent days, no new cases were reported since Wednesday morning.

The police have warned that any attempt to intimidate others or take the law into one’s own hands will face strict legal action. Authorities have begun identifying those allegedly trying to exploit the political transition to create unrest. Gupta urged citizens to report complaints to local police stations and assured that police would file cases on their own initiative if victims were too afraid to come forward.

The state police also clarified that the additional security previously provided to Trinamool leader and outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and MP Abhishek Banerjee has been redeployed elsewhere. Central forces, comprising 500 companies, are assisting the state police, with joint control rooms operating at state and district levels.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Jahir Uddin Swapon announced that integrated measures are being taken to ensure journalists’ job security and to combat misinformation and disinformation. He made the remarks on Wednesday after the closing session of the Deputy Commissioners’ (DC) Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The minister said the government regularly holds such meetings with DCs as part of its routine program, and this session focused on strengthening information management and responsible media practices.

Swapon emphasized the need to transform the country’s traditional media ecosystem into a digital platform and urged DCs to be prepared to cooperate when the ministry introduces new capabilities. He said the government aims to make information flow more disciplined and accountable through coordination with the media.

Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana added that each district will have a designated focal person to coordinate with journalists and facilitate transparent information sharing. She said DCs have been instructed to include local journalists in coordination meetings to reduce bureaucratic barriers and promote collaboration.

Italy’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Antonio Alessandro, has expressed interest in working with the Bangladesh Police to enhance cooperation in areas of human trafficking, smuggling, and security support. The announcement came during a courtesy meeting with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir at the Police Headquarters on Wednesday.

During the meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere, the Italian ambassador congratulated the IGP and discussed ongoing collaboration between the two sides. The IGP sought Italy’s assistance in strengthening Bangladesh Police’s cyber security capabilities and in providing training on various security-related issues. He also emphasized the importance of coordination and mutual cooperation between the police forces of both countries.

The Italian ambassador reiterated his country’s interest in supporting ongoing training programs and enhancing capacity in areas related to irregular migration, human trafficking, smuggling, and security assistance. Senior officials of the Bangladesh Police were present at the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will visit Chandpur on May 16 and Feni on May 25, according to Water Resources Minister Md. Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee. The announcement came after a meeting with the Prime Minister at the Secretariat on Wednesday morning. During these visits, the Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate canal excavation programs in both districts ahead of the monsoon season.

The minister stated that the canal excavation initiative is part of a five-year national program to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals across Bangladesh. He noted that the Prime Minister has already inaugurated similar programs in several districts, and local ministers and MPs are continuing the work in their respective areas. Due to the approaching monsoon, the current phase of the program is expected to continue through May, with plans to resume again after the rainy season in November, December, and January.

The meeting also discussed the Padma Barrage Project, with the minister confirming that its technical study and feasibility survey are nearly complete and that the government will make a decision soon.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam visited Rohingya camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on Tuesday to expedite the repatriation process. During the visit, she inspected Camp-4 and other key facilities under the Ukhiya Army Camp, observing overall operations and activities related to repatriation management.

According to the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the Director General of the Myanmar Wing Md. Tawfiq-ur-Rahman, Director Shamima Yasmin Smriti, APS Mohammad Fazlul Haque, and Assistant Secretary Zahid Hasan Sehab, accompanied the minister. RRRC Commissioner Mizanur Rahman, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rifat Asma, and several Camp-in-Charge officials were also present.

The minister later visited the women’s skill development initiatives at the Kutupalong Registered Camp, where she observed sewing training and hygiene product production activities and encouraged women to become self-reliant. Security in the camp area was reported to be satisfactory, with increased patrols and surveillance during the visit.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said that ensuring true professionalism in the media would automatically solve many of the sector’s existing problems. He emphasized the government’s commitment to guaranteeing free and accurate information for citizens and protecting them from misinformation. The minister made these remarks on Wednesday during a meeting with a delegation from the Broadcast Journalist Center (BJC) at the ministry’s conference room in the Secretariat.

During the meeting, the BJC delegation presented a PowerPoint presentation highlighting various issues and opportunities in the electronic media sector. The minister noted that while current policies remain analog, the challenges are digital, underscoring the need to modernize existing regulations to adapt to rapid technological changes. He stated that the government aims to act as a facilitator rather than impose restrictions.

Zahir Uddin Swapan also announced plans to form a Media Commission based on consensus among stakeholders to find sustainable solutions to media-related issues. He expressed hope that constructive suggestions from stakeholders would help make the commission effective.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has directed all district commissioners to recover and confiscate around 10,000 licensed firearms that were issued on political grounds during previous governments but have not yet been returned. He announced the directive on Wednesday after the Home Ministry session of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.

The minister said that although the interim government had set a deadline for returning licensed weapons, many remain uncollected. Field administrations have been instructed to recover these arms, take legal action against offenders, and file cases if necessary. He added that licenses issued between January 2009 and August 5, 2024, without proper policy compliance are under review for cancellation, while valid pre-2009 license holders will be allowed to reclaim their weapons.

Ahmed emphasized that curbing illegal weapons, drugs, extortion, and online gambling is a top government priority to maintain law and order. He urged coordinated efforts between police and district administrations and warned that no laxity in enforcement would be tolerated.

Thirty Democratic members of the US Congress have called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to release detailed information about Israel’s nuclear weapons program. The lawmakers, led by Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro, sent a letter stating that an effective non-proliferation policy in the Middle East cannot be achieved while maintaining official silence on Israel’s nuclear capabilities.

The letter argues that transparency is essential when shaping policies toward Iran’s civilian nuclear program or Saudi Arabia’s nuclear ambitions. The lawmakers said the United States should apply the same nuclear transparency standards to Israel as it does to other countries. They also noted that both Israel and the White House have long maintained ambiguity about whether Israel possesses nuclear weapons.

The lawmakers requested information on Israel’s possible warhead numbers, delivery systems, uranium enrichment capacity, production at the Dimona facility, and the US understanding of Israel’s military doctrine and “red lines.” They emphasized Congress’s constitutional duty to be fully informed about nuclear balance and potential tensions in the Middle East.

Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly protested remarks made by BNP Vice Chairman and Member of Parliament Barkatullah Bulu, who described the party as more dangerous than drugs. The protest was issued on Wednesday through a media statement by Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Assistant Secretary General and Secretary of the party’s Central Publicity and Media Department. Bulu made his comments on May 5 during the inauguration of a canal excavation project in Begumganj, Noakhali.

In his statement, Zubair termed Bulu’s comments as absurd, malicious, and misleading. He said Jamaat-e-Islami is an ideology-based, democratic, and welfare-oriented Islamic political organization that has long been engaged in peaceful political activities for the country’s independence, sovereignty, morality, and people’s rights. He added that such hostile remarks from a political leader are harmful to the nation’s political culture.

Zubair further emphasized that political differences may exist, but mutual respect and decency should be maintained. He urged Bulu to act responsibly and refrain from making divisive or provocative statements.

Iran’s judiciary has seized the assets of 40 individuals accused of being 'traitors' in the western province of Hamadan, according to a report by Fars News Agency. The confiscated properties reportedly belonged to influential figures linked to what authorities described as a 'network cooperating with the enemy.' Officials announced that the seized assets will be used for reconstruction efforts in war-damaged areas.

The report stated that funds from the confiscated properties will be prioritized for rebuilding hospitals, scientific centers, schools, research institutions, and public service infrastructure. Analysts cited in the report suggested that the move signals both a message of strengthened internal security and a potential alternative source of funding for post-war reconstruction.

The announcement reflects Iran’s broader effort to channel domestic resources toward recovery in conflict-affected regions while asserting control over individuals accused of undermining national interests.

Over a decade after Narendra Modi first campaigned to build a Congress-free India, the country’s political landscape has shifted sharply in his favor. The Congress Party, once India’s dominant political force, has been reduced to control of only four states while Modi’s ruling coalition now governs 21. Recent elections saw key opposition leaders Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal and M.K. Stalin in Tamil Nadu lose power, leaving Modi with virtually no strong political challengers.

Analysts and critics describe this as the emergence of a one-party state under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), whose Hindu nationalist agenda contrasts sharply with Jawaharlal Nehru’s pluralist vision for India. The BJP’s disciplined organization and focus on welfare and local governance have helped it secure a series of state-level victories since 2024, despite allegations of voter suppression and electoral manipulation. In states like West Bengal and Assam, large-scale voter list revisions reportedly disenfranchised minorities.

Political observers note that Modi’s dominance has left the opposition fragmented and weak. 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.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has directed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to strengthen surveillance along the border following the West Bengal state assembly election. He made the statement on Wednesday, May 6, after the third session of the final day of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The minister said the instruction was issued on Tuesday to ensure alertness at the border, though he did not foresee any major threat.

During the same event, the minister also instructed deputy commissioners to prepare within one month a list of politically motivated and harassing cases for possible withdrawal. He added that new laws would be introduced to curb drug abuse and online gambling. Salahuddin Ahmed further mentioned that several cases related to the anti-discrimination movement after August 5, including genocide and crimes against humanity, were under review. The government will verify these cases to identify genuine accused individuals before disposal.

The directives reflect the ministry’s focus on maintaining border security and addressing politically sensitive legal matters at the district level.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has temporarily expelled Zakir Ahmed, a district member and joint coordinator of Fulbari upazila in Dinajpur, for violating party discipline and tarnishing the party’s image. The decision was announced on Tuesday night through a notice signed by A H M Shamsul Muktadir, convener of the NCP Dinajpur district branch, and acting member secretary Imran Chowdhury Nishad.

According to the notice, serious allegations of breaching party discipline were raised against Zakir Ahmed based on media reports. After finding preliminary evidence, the party suspended him from all organizational activities. He has been instructed to submit a written explanation within three working days to the district committee explaining why he should not be permanently expelled.

The report also mentions that a businessman has filed a case against Zakir Ahmed, accusing him of involvement in abduction and the robbery of Tk 5.5 lakh.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that Bangladesh is steadily advancing under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring peace, stability, security, and sovereignty in the country. The minister made these remarks on Wednesday at a seminar organized by the Institute of Strategy and Tactics Research at Hotel Sheraton in Banani.

The seminar, focused on strengthening the economy, investment, and strategic cooperation in the current global context, brought together domestic and international experts, policymakers, and representatives from various sectors. Mirza Fakhrul highlighted that the government is working to create a sustainable and investment-friendly environment, ensuring all necessary facilities for both local and foreign investors.

He added that Bangladesh has become a promising destination for global investment through infrastructure development, progress in the energy sector, and policy reforms. The active participation of foreign delegates was seen as a reflection of international confidence in Bangladesh’s growth trajectory.