Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has strongly condemned and protested the killing of two Bangladeshi citizens by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) near the Kasba border in Brahmanbaria. In a joint statement issued on Saturday, central president Nurul Islam and secretary general Sibgatullah expressed deep concern over the incident, identifying one victim as college student Md. Mursalin and the other as Nabi Hossain. The organization described the repeated killings of Bangladeshi nationals by BSF as tragic and alarming, calling such acts a violation of international law and human rights.

The statement noted that BSF shootings along the Bangladesh-India border have been recurring for years without effective resolution, raising serious concerns about civilian safety. Citing reports from human rights groups and media, Shibir said hundreds of Bangladeshis have been killed over the past decade despite repeated protests and diplomatic discussions. The group demanded a fair and transparent investigation into the latest incident and accountability for those responsible.

Shibir also urged the Bangladesh government to take a stronger diplomatic stance to prevent future border killings and extended condolences to the victims’ families.

Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar stated that his party does not intend to use any national crisis as a means to gain political power. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while exchanging views with journalists at the Manab Kalyan Parishad hall in Pirganj, Thakurgaon. Parwar also commented that the BNP’s ‘yes’ vote signified acceptance of all reforms, including the note of dissent, yet the party was unwilling to acknowledge this. He added that such actions would not bring any fundamental change and that authoritarian governance would persist.

Parwar further mentioned that during the energy crisis, Jamaat’s Amir had proposed forming a joint committee of government and opposition parties to discuss solutions. A meeting of that committee was held, and reports suggested that the crisis eased afterward. He said this demonstrated Jamaat’s commitment to resolving national issues rather than prolonging them, emphasizing that the party prioritizes national development over political gain.

District Jamaat Amir Belal Uddin Pradhan and district Imam Association President Fazle Rabbi were also present at the event.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader and Jessore-4 Member of Parliament Professor Golam Rasul has called on the government to implement the verdict of the recent referendum. Speaking as the chief guest at a Rukon conference held on Saturday afternoon at the Jamaat office in Chowgacha upazila, he questioned why uncertainty was being created over the referendum’s validity when no previous referendums in the country had ever been annulled.

Rasul stated that implementing the referendum’s verdict would permanently block the path of autocracy and ensure timely national elections. He added that despite achieving a new form of independence through great sacrifice, the people had yet to experience true freedom. He emphasized that a corruption-free Bangladesh would guarantee the liberation of ordinary citizens.

The event was chaired by Chowgacha Upazila Jamaat chief Maulana Golam Morshed and attended by local MP Dr. Mosleh Uddin Farid, who highlighted ongoing development initiatives in Chowgacha and Jhikargacha. Golam Rasul also announced Jamaat’s chairman candidates for ten union councils in the upazila.

Rakib Hossain Baizid, a former leader of the banned Chhatra League, has been promoted to the Cumilla Metropolitan Chhatra Dal committee as joint organizing secretary. The appointment was part of a 193-member committee approved on May 1 by central Chhatra Dal president Rakibul Islam Rakib and general secretary Nasir Uddin. Allegations have surfaced that several other banned Chhatra League activists were also included in the new committee.

Rakib previously served as joint general secretary of the Baukshar Union Chhatra League in Barura upazila in 2021. He told Amader Desh that he left the Chhatra League after that period and joined the Chhatra Dal. The new committee also includes Irfan Kaif Kasfi and Sohel Rana Shuvo, both identified as former banned Chhatra League leaders.

When contacted, newly appointed Cumilla Metropolitan Chhatra Dal general secretary Faiyaz Rashid Prim did not respond to phone calls. Committee president Nahiduzzaman Rana dismissed the allegations, calling them false and conspiratorial, and said he was looking into the matter.

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid stated that the BNP government has deep faith in farmers and is committed to their economic prosperity. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while visiting Medi Haor in Nasirnagar upazila of Brahmanbaria. The minister noted that 75 percent of the country's population is involved in agriculture and that losing crops after hard labor is a painful experience. Later in the day, he was scheduled to inaugurate a relief program distributing 30 kilograms of rice to affected farmers.

He added that paddy procurement quotas have been set at the district level and that in the future, paddy will be purchased directly from farmers at the union level through public announcements to ensure fair prices. Regarding the Kishoreganj all-weather road, he said a high-level committee is investigating whether it obstructs water flow and will take necessary measures if problems are found.

According to the agriculture department, 11,000 hectares of Boro paddy were cultivated in Nasirnagar this season, of which 305 hectares worth about Tk 13 crore were submerged by floodwaters.

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry announced the arrest of 41 individuals accused of having ties with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The state-run Bahrain News Agency confirmed the report on May 9, 2026. The arrests come amid a broader crackdown by Bahraini authorities on people allegedly connected to Iran.

According to the ministry, several dozen individuals have also had their citizenship revoked for allegedly supporting attacks on Bahrain by Iran. The arrested persons are accused of showing sympathy toward Iran and conspiring with foreign powers. The ministry stated that these individuals collaborated with foreign entities and expressed support for Iran.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, indicates that the arrests are part of Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to counter perceived Iranian influence within the country.

A group of activists from the banned Chhatra League staged a flash procession on the Ramganj-Dhaka highway in Lakshmipur’s Ramganj on Friday night. The participants demanded the unconditional release of Awami League leaders and activists. Police later arrested one participant, identified as Nazmul Islam Mohon, from Udaypur village in Bholakot Union the same night.

Ramganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Firoz Uddin Chowdhury confirmed the arrest on Saturday afternoon. The report did not mention any further details about the procession’s duration, the number of participants, or whether additional arrests were made.

Authorities have not disclosed what actions will follow the arrest or whether further investigations are underway.

According to a CNN report citing multiple intelligence sources, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is playing a key role in shaping the country’s war strategy alongside senior officials. The report, based on U.S. intelligence assessments, indicates that Khamenei may also be guiding how Iran conducts discussions with the United States to end the conflict. The exact distribution of power within Iran’s divided administration remains unclear.

The report notes that Khamenei was seriously injured in an early attack that killed his father and several top military leaders, sparking speculation about his health and leadership role. He was declared Iran’s new Supreme Leader shortly after the attack, but U.S. intelligence agencies have not confirmed his current status. Sources suggest Khamenei avoids electronic communication, relying instead on direct meetings or messengers.

Mazaher Hosseini, head of protocol in the Supreme Leader’s office, stated on Friday that Khamenei is recovering from his injuries and is in good health, urging the public to remain patient amid circulating rumors.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that one battle has ended and another has begun, referring to the effort to fulfill promises made to the people. He made the remarks on Saturday, May 9, at a meeting with grassroots leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organizations at the Krishibid Institute auditorium in Dhaka.

Rahman emphasized that the government cannot succeed without the support and coordination of the party. He called on party members to engage in a “new struggle” to implement all commitments made before the election. Referring to the February 12 election, he said that 52 percent of voters supported the BNP’s manifesto, which has now become the manifesto of the government and the people of Bangladesh.

He reiterated the government’s pledge to ensure good governance, quality education, and public safety. The meeting was attended by senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other members of the party’s standing committee.

India has initiated efforts to normalize relations with Turkey after nearly a year of diplomatic stagnation. The move follows a period of heightened tension triggered by Turkey’s verbal support for Pakistan during the April Kashmir conflict, which led to media hostility, tourism boycotts, and trade disruptions. India recently invited Turkey to the 12th round of bilateral talks, attended by Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Beris Ekinci and Indian Foreign Ministry Secretary C.B. George. Both sides expressed interest in maintaining constructive dialogue.

The thaw comes after strained ties caused by India’s cancellation of security clearance for Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services and Air India’s decision to reduce reliance on Turkish Technic. Despite political friction, bilateral trade remained relatively strong, totaling $7.5 billion in 2025, mostly in India’s favor. Turkey’s decision to avoid retaliatory measures helped reopen diplomatic channels.

Officials from both countries now see potential cooperation in new connectivity projects, including the Middle Corridor linking Asia and Europe. However, differences remain over Kashmir, where Turkey continues to support Pakistan’s stance, though recent diplomatic gestures suggest a cautious softening of tone.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has accused the government of showing discrimination both in respecting the referendum outcome and in implementing development projects. Speaking at Saidpur Airport on Saturday morning, he said the government supported the 'yes' vote before the election but is now ignoring the referendum’s verdict while claiming to implement the July Charter. He criticized the concentration of multiple major projects—such as a city corporation, new upazila, university, and international airport—in a single area instead of distributing them based on broader national importance.

Porwar stated that Jamaat does not oppose development initiatives but rejects favoritism toward ruling party lawmakers in project allocation. He also alleged that the government is suppressing media freedom and targeting journalists critical of its actions. Regarding the proposed internationalization of Saidpur Airport, he said it is vital for the socio-economic progress of the northern region and reflects a long-standing public demand.

He warned that ignoring such regional aspirations could harm national welfare and criticized the BNP for mishandling public interest issues, which he said could backfire politically.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman held a meeting with district and metropolitan presidents and general secretaries of the party’s three affiliated organizations—Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal—on Saturday, May 9, at the Krishibid Institute auditorium in Dhaka. The meeting began at 10 a.m., and Rahman joined virtually at 11 a.m. Party sources said this was his first major organizational meeting with grassroots leaders since assuming the office of Prime Minister.

Leaders from various districts and metropolitan units of the three organizations attended the event. The discussions were expected to focus on maintaining party discipline, strengthening organizational activities, resolving internal conflicts at the local level, and reestablishing the chain of command. Party sources indicated that Rahman would call on grassroots leaders to work more actively and in unity to implement upcoming political programs.

Ahead of the meeting, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and the Prime Minister’s political adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi inspected the venue on Friday and told reporters that Rahman would outline plans to enhance the party’s organizational dynamism.

Taiwan’s legislature has approved a special fund of $25 billion to purchase weapons from the United States. The bill passed after months of debate over defense and security spending. The package includes high mobility artillery rocket systems, self-propelled howitzers, missiles, drones, and Javelin anti-armor missiles. It also contains a provision allowing for additional future spending on U.S. arms purchases.

The approved amount is about $15 billion less than what the ruling Democratic Progressive Party proposed last November. In the 113-seat legislature, the bill passed by a 59-0 vote, with 48 lawmakers from the ruling party abstaining. The decision comes as Taiwan seeks to strengthen its defense capabilities amid growing tensions with China.

China claims Taiwan as its territory and has repeatedly threatened to take control of the island by force if necessary. The United States, Taiwan’s main arms supplier, continues to provide significant military and political support. Last year, the Trump administration approved a record $11 billion in arms sales to Taiwan.

An FIR has been filed against TVK leader Vijay Thalapathy in Tamil Nadu following allegations that he submitted a fake letter of support from the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam’s (AMMK) sole legislator to claim majority status. The complaint was lodged by AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran, who accused Vijay of presenting a forged document to the governor to prove his party’s majority. Vijay’s party had earlier claimed to have the backing of 118 legislators but failed to provide written proof.

Vijay’s party, TVK, denied the allegations, asserting that AMMK legislator S. Kamaraj personally signed the support letter and that Dhinakaran had approved it. The controversy comes as Tamil Nadu remains without a clear government five days after election results, with no party securing an outright majority.

While Vijay’s party won the most seats, both the DMK and AIADMK are also maneuvering to form a government, with AIADMK reportedly seeking DMK’s support. The legal dispute adds further uncertainty to the ongoing political deadlock in the state.

Opposition Leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP visited the injured July fighters undergoing treatment at Vejthani International Hospital in Bangkok on Saturday, May 9, 2026. During the visit, he met with the seriously injured individuals, inquired about their medical progress, and urged doctors and officials to ensure the best possible care for them.

Dr. Rahman praised the courage, sacrifice, and contributions of the July fighters and prayed for their full and speedy recovery. The hospitalized fighters, in turn, called on the opposition leader to take effective steps toward implementing the July Charter and the referendum verdict.

He was accompanied on the visit by his foreign affairs adviser, Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem Arman MP.