Chinese President Xi Jinping’s sweeping purge of military elites became evident during a recent legislative session, where only a handful of generals attended compared to about 40 a year earlier. Xi signaled that the campaign to reform the armed forces is ongoing, stressing that no one with divided loyalty to the Communist Party can remain in the military. He acknowledged for the first time one of the most severe political crises of his 13-year rule, losing confidence in the very commanders he had built up over the past decade.

The crisis threatens Xi’s major achievement of transforming China’s military into a formidable force with new aircraft carriers, hypersonic missiles, and a growing nuclear arsenal. The purge intensified earlier this year with the downfall of top commander Zhang Youxia, once considered a trusted ally. Analysts cited in the report say Xi’s actions reveal his deep suspicion of disloyalty and corruption, as well as the tension between ensuring loyalty and preparing for war.

The restructuring has tightened Xi’s control over the armed forces, reinforcing his belief in personally selecting the right commanders to ensure both modernization and unwavering allegiance.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, spokesperson of the National Citizen Party (NCP), is traveling to South Korea to attend the World Human Rights Cities Forum 2026 in Gwangju. He is scheduled to leave tonight and return to Bangladesh on May 19. During the visit, he will participate in sessions focused on international human rights, civil rights, and democracy.

In addition to the forum, Bhuiyan will meet with members of the Bangladeshi community living in South Korea to discuss their challenges, opportunities, and contributions to the expatriate society. He will also take part in several organizational meetings, representative discussions, and community engagement activities organized by the NCP Diaspora Alliance’s South Korea chapter.

The visit aims to strengthen NCP’s international engagement and foster dialogue on human rights and diaspora issues through direct interaction with expatriate Bangladeshis and global participants.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has upheld the bail of former Narayanganj City Corporation mayor Selina Hayat Ivy in ten cases, potentially clearing the way for her release. The decision came on Sunday, May 10, 2026, when the court, led by the Chief Justice, rejected a state appeal against a previous High Court order. The cases against Ivy include charges related to murder and other allegations.

Senior advocate Md. Motahar Hossain Saju represented Ivy during the hearing. She was arrested on May 9 of the previous year from her residence in Deovog, Narayanganj, and was later shown arrested in multiple cases. The High Court had earlier granted her bail in five cases, which was stayed by the Appellate Division. Subsequently, she was shown arrested in five additional cases, and on February 26, a High Court bench granted her bail in those as well.

Selina Hayat Ivy previously served as mayor of Narayanganj Municipality from 2003 to 2011 and later won three consecutive elections as mayor of the newly formed Narayanganj City Corporation.

State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan has urged maximum caution in river transport of passengers, sacrificial animals, and cargo ahead of Eid-ul-Azha and the monsoon season. Speaking at the 'Naval Safety Week' event at the Ladies Club in Eskaton, Dhaka, on Sunday, he emphasized that all vessels must maintain proper fitness and route permits. He warned that any negligence in monitoring would result in strict action against those responsible.

The minister noted that while major river accidents in Bangladesh have decreased compared to previous years, continued progress requires greater responsibility from vessel owners, workers, and relevant departments. He criticized the practice of artificially preparing ships for inspection and directed officials to conduct regular field visits. He also prohibited the operation of risky vessels during the turbulent monsoon period.

Expressing concern over unfit trawlers and speedboats operating on smaller routes during Eid, Ahsan called on the river police and coast guard to strengthen surveillance. He stressed that saving time should never come at the cost of human lives and highlighted the need for modern vessels to address challenges such as river narrowing and emerging shoals.

Thalapathy Vijay, officially named Chandrasekhar Joseph Vijay, was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10, 2026, at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Governor R.N. Arlekar administered the oath. In an emotional speech, Vijay reflected on his humble background, saying he understood poverty and hunger and had faced many hardships. He pledged to prioritize education, healthcare, and water access, and to support farmers and fishers.

Vijay stated that the state had inherited a debt burden of nearly 10 trillion rupees from the DMK administration, but assured that not a single rupee of public funds would be wasted or misused. He promised a new era of secularism and social justice, thanking Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Praveen Chakraborty, and leftist allies for their support.

After the ceremony, Vijay’s first directives included free electricity up to 200 units, a special task force against drugs, and a dedicated force and helpline for women’s safety. His coalition, formed with Congress, CPI, CPM, VCK, and IUML, holds 120 seats and must prove its majority in the assembly by May 13.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara carried out a major government reshuffle on Saturday, removing several ministers and officials, including his own brother. According to the state news agency SANA, former Homs governor Abdul Rahman Badruddin al-Ama was appointed as Secretary-General of the Presidency, replacing Shara’s brother, Maher al-Shara. Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa and Agriculture Minister Amjad Badr were also dismissed, with Khaled Fawaz Jarour and Basel Hafez al-Suwaidan appointed as their successors respectively.

The report noted that Khaled Fawaz Jarour previously headed the Faculty of Media at Damascus University. The reasons behind the reshuffle have not yet been disclosed. The move follows the 2025 formation of Syria’s interim cabinet, which came after long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad was ousted in 2024 and was reportedly dominated by Shara’s close associates.

In addition to the ministerial changes, President Shara appointed new governors in several provinces, including Homs, Quneitra, Latakia, and Deir Ezzor.

Farhad Hossain has made history by being elected as the first Bangladeshi-origin mayor of the London Borough of Newham Council. Representing the Labour Party, he won the election held in London, with results announced on Friday afternoon. Hossain secured 25,538 votes, defeating his nearest rival, Mohammad Mirza, who received 20,234 votes. After his victory, Hossain thanked his supporters and dedicated the win to the entire community, pledging to work for people of all backgrounds.

Hossain has long been active in community and social initiatives, earning recognition among local residents through his involvement in various public service activities. His campaign focused on improving local services, fostering community harmony, and increasing youth participation in civic affairs.

Many members of the Bangladeshi diaspora believe that Hossain’s achievement will inspire greater participation of the younger generation of British Bangladeshis in mainstream UK politics.

Prime Minister’s adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed stated that India must stop border killings if it wants a lasting friendship with Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Sunday, May 10, during the 45th National Council of the Institute of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh in Dhaka. Rizvi questioned why Bangladeshis are repeatedly shot at the border and referred to a recent incident in Brahmanbaria where two people were killed. He said such actions are not desired by the Indian people and that continued bloodshed will not foster good relations.

Rizvi emphasized that to build a permanent and friendly relationship, Delhi must abandon its violent approach. He also praised diploma engineers, describing them as builders of the nation’s structure, and urged them to continue their work despite criticism. He added that the elected government values those contributing to national development and production.

The remarks came amid ongoing protests and calls from other political groups for effective diplomatic measures to stop border killings, reflecting growing concern over the issue.

Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that the government is determined to ensure smooth travel for homebound passengers during the upcoming Eid holidays. He emphasized that coordinated preparations are being made across road, rail, and waterways to guarantee safe and comfortable journeys. The minister made these remarks on Sunday, May 10, at an event marking Maritime Safety Week 2026 at the Ladies Club in Eskaton, Dhaka.

He highlighted that Bangladesh’s economy remains largely labor-dependent, with garment workers, expatriate laborers, and domestic workers all contributing significantly to national development. The minister also noted that the country’s extensive 16,000-kilometer network of waterways is one of its greatest natural assets.

The government’s focus on integrated transport management aims to minimize disruptions during the Eid travel rush, particularly in the river transport sector, where strict monitoring has been promised.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under growing pressure from within his Labour Party following a severe electoral setback. After a major defeat in local elections, Labour MPs and senior ministers have warned Starmer to act swiftly to reverse the party’s decline. Trade unions that continue to fund the party have also urged him to provide concrete commitments for change. Millions of voters expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s performance during its 22 months in power, and even close allies have publicly voiced concern.

According to BBC reports, Starmer plans to deliver a speech on Monday promising closer ties with the European Union and outlining Labour-friendly policy proposals. However, it remains uncertain whether his address will include any dramatic measures capable of shifting public sentiment. Party insiders say the focus should be on governing more effectively and demonstrating visible improvements in people’s lives.

Support for Starmer has fallen sharply nationwide, and calls for his resignation are increasing among MPs. With no clear alternative leader emerging, questions persist about whether he can recover his authority and stabilize the government.

Actor-turned-politician Chandrasekhar Joseph Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, signed several public welfare orders immediately after taking oath as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday. His first directives included providing up to 200 units of electricity free of cost, forming a special task force to combat drug abuse, and establishing a dedicated force and helpline to ensure women’s safety. In his emotional address, Vijay pledged to focus on education, health, and water, and to care for farmers and fishermen.

Vijay reflected on his humble background, noting that he was not from a royal family and had faced many hardships before reaching this position. He also highlighted the state’s heavy debt burden of nearly 10 trillion rupees inherited from the DMK era, promising that no public funds would be wasted or misused. Expressing gratitude to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Praveen Chakraborty, and leftist allies, he vowed to usher in a new era of secularism and social justice.

Vijay’s party, TVK, emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats but secured a majority of 120 seats through coalition support. His government must prove its majority in the assembly by May 13.

Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) in Rangpur has come under scrutiny as students allege that the university’s ban on political activities, declared in October 2024, remains largely unimplemented. The 108th syndicate meeting had unanimously prohibited all political activities by students, teachers, officers, and staff, warning of lifetime expulsion for violations. Despite this, reports suggest that political events, committee formations, and gatherings continue on campus, with allegations of administrative participation in partisan programs.

Students claim that the ban exists only on paper, pointing to the administration’s silence and alleged involvement in political activities. They argue that the prohibition was introduced after the July uprising and the death of student Abu Sayeed to prevent future violence and ensure a peaceful academic environment. However, the persistence of political programs and the absence of disciplinary action have raised doubts about the administration’s commitment.

The delay in holding the long-expected student union elections has further fueled frustration. Students have repeatedly urged the election commission to announce a new schedule, but no progress has been made, deepening uncertainty on campus.

Students of Eden Mohila College in Dhaka staged a protest late on May 9, demanding a ban on student politics on campus. The demonstration began around midnight, with participants chanting slogans against political activities and attempting to break open the college’s main gate. Witnesses and police reported that students from several dormitories gathered near the main entrance, broke locks on multiple gates, and tried to burn a banner outside the campus. The banner reportedly contained the name of a student leader aspiring for a political post.

Protesters argued that political influence and party activities were disrupting the academic environment, calling for a completely politics-free campus. They painted slogans in black on the main gate demanding a “completely politics-free Eden campus.” One student said the protest was triggered after earlier slogans calling for a politics-free campus were erased from the gate.

Lalbagh Police confirmed that the protest lasted several hours before students returned to their dormitories around 2 a.m. The central general secretary of the student wing involved responded online, asserting that participation in student politics is a fundamental right and criticizing attempts to suppress it.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the government will fulfill the logical demands of the police force, considering financial capacity and priorities. He made the statement on Sunday at the Rajarbagh Police Auditorium in Dhaka during the 'Prime Minister’s Special Welfare Meeting' marking Police Week 2026. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended as chief guest, while senior officials from the Home Ministry and police also spoke at the event.

The minister said that some retiring police members will receive honorary promotions based on service records, and the government is considering overtime allowances for officers from inspector to constable ranks. He also emphasized improving physical and mental healthcare for police personnel by upgrading central and divisional police hospitals and constructing new facilities if needed. The government aims to address housing and infrastructure issues through land acquisition and funding support.

Salahuddin Ahmed added that visible improvements in law and order have occurred in the past two months, with special drives underway against criminals and drug traffickers. He said a committee has been formed to draft updated laws against cybercrime, online gambling, and money laundering, and existing laws will be revised to curb mob culture.

A four-hour blockade on the Dinajpur-Dhaka-Rangpur highway was withdrawn on Sunday following discussions between local authorities and transport leaders. The blockade began around 7 a.m. in protest against alleged extortion on the road and was suspended at 11 a.m. after an agreement was reached. Dinajpur municipality administrator Md. Riaz Uddin later issued an official order announcing the temporary suspension of revenue collection activities at the municipal truck terminal.

The decision came after mediation by Syed Jahangir Alam, the Member of Parliament for Dinajpur Sadar constituency, who facilitated talks between the municipal administration and the Truck Workers-Owners Unity Council. During the meeting, the municipal authorities assured that toll collection within the municipal area would be halted, prompting the protesters to suspend their program.

Truck Workers-Owners Unity Council General Secretary Sadakatul Babi Sada stated that the blockade was lifted based on the assurance to stop toll collection temporarily, warning that tougher actions could follow if a permanent solution is not reached.