The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a historic victory in West Bengal, winning 206 of the state’s 294 assembly seats and ending the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lost her own Bhabanipur seat to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared in traditional Bengali attire in Delhi, pledging to build a “Sonar Bangla” and calling the 2026 election a triumph of good governance. Analysts cited religious polarization, anti-incumbency, and strategic campaigning as key factors behind the BJP’s success. The party’s focus on administrative failures, local issues, and Bengali cultural symbols helped counter the “outsider” label. Trinamool’s image suffered from corruption scandals, unemployment, and local-level extortion. The Election Commission faced allegations from Trinamool of voter list manipulation, which BJP described as a victory for neutrality. Post-election violence and unrest were reported across the state, prompting deployment of central forces. Discussions have begun over who will become West Bengal’s next chief minister, with several BJP leaders under consideration. The results mark a major political realignment in India, with BJP and its allies also performing strongly in Assam and Puducherry, while new forces rose in Tamil Nadu and Congress regained Kerala.

In the 2026 Indian state elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved sweeping victories in West Bengal and Assam. In West Bengal, the BJP ended Mamata Banerjee’s 15-year Trinamool Congress rule by winning 202 of 294 seats, while Trinamool secured 71. The Congress won 2 seats and the CPI(M) 1. In Assam, the BJP-led NDA returned to power for a third consecutive term, with the BJP alone winning 82 of 126 seats. The NDA also retained control in the union territory of Puducherry. In Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), made a historic debut by winning 105 seats, becoming the single largest party and positioning Vijay as a potential chief minister. The DMK and AIADMK won 58 and 46 seats respectively. In Kerala, the Congress-led UDF regained power after ending a decade of Left Democratic Front rule, securing a majority with Congress winning 63 seats and CPI(M) 26. The results mark a major political shift across several Indian states, reshaping regional power balances and leadership dynamics.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Tamim Iqbal has uncovered a major irregularity in the payment system for cleaners at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. During the Bangladesh–New Zealand third T20 match, he learned that although BCB allocates 650 taka per cleaner per day, the workers receive only 300 taka after multiple intermediaries take cuts. Tamim revealed that BCB employees themselves act as middlemen, diverting funds meant for the cleaners. According to Tamim, cleaning contracts are awarded through tenders, but instead of third-party companies hiring workers directly, BCB staff supply cleaners and retain part of their wages. The contracted company reportedly pays 500 taka per cleaner, but BCB employees keep 200 taka, leaving only 300 taka for the workers. Tamim expressed frustration that even low-paid female cleaners are being exploited by insiders. To address the issue, Tamim ordered that cleaners be paid the full 500 taka in his presence and instructed that future contracts exclude BCB’s own staff from recruitment. He also pledged strict monitoring to prevent further wage theft and ensure transparency in overtime payments.

Global oil markets experienced sharp volatility as Brent crude stabilized at $114 per barrel on Tuesday following a 6 percent surge the previous day. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude traded just below $105. The price spike coincided with escalating tensions between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, as a one-month Middle East ceasefire faced uncertainty. According to the US Central Command, American forces repelled an Iranian attack while escorting two US-flagged ships. Simultaneously, reports emerged of drone and missile strikes targeting the Fujairah oil terminal in the United Arab Emirates. The disruptions have rendered the Hormuz Strait nearly impassable, adding a “war premium” to global oil prices. US President Donald Trump warned in an interview that the conflict could persist for two to three more weeks and cautioned Iran against direct attacks on US vessels. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said progress had been made in talks but urged the US and UAE to avoid being trapped again in “quicksand.” Goldman Sachs noted that while global oil inventories remain above crisis levels, the rate of decline is concerning, with reserves potentially dropping from 101 to 98 days of demand by the end of May.

A taskforce report has revealed that six major business groups in Bangladesh allegedly embezzled and laundered large sums of money abroad during the tenure of the ousted Awami League government, causing severe financial losses to at least 28 banks. The affected banks have signed non-disclosure agreements with several multinational firms to trace and recover the siphoned funds. The groups named in the report include S Alam Group, Aramit, Sikder Group, Beximco, Orion Group, and Nasa Group. According to the report, these groups collectively hold the majority of the defaulted loans in the banking sector, with S Alam Group alone linked to loans worth over Tk 225,000 crore. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit confirmed evidence of large-scale fund transfers abroad. Following the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, the interim administration restructured an inter-agency taskforce led by the Bangladesh Bank governor to recover laundered assets. The Anti-Corruption Commission, National Board of Revenue, and police agencies are jointly investigating the financial irregularities. Civil proceedings have begun against the six groups, which account for 77 percent of total defaulted loans among 11 industrial conglomerates under scrutiny.

In Kaliakair upazila of Gazipur, large-scale illegal occupation of Bangladesh Railway land has resumed in several areas including Purba Chandra, Matikata, and Bottola. Local sources said that after an eviction drive by railway authorities on August 5, influential groups have again taken over the land and built more than a hundred new tin-shed houses along the railway tracks. Field visits revealed around 200 newly built rooms, with several individuals named as owners. Some houses are already occupied, and construction continues under the supervision of a local figure known as Refaz Doctor. Residents allege that 20 to 22 people are involved in this land-grabbing activity, posing risks to both public property and railway safety. Railway Assistant Executive Engineer Abu Bakkar Siddique confirmed that a complaint has been filed with the police and that eviction operations will begin soon. Kaliakair Upazila Nirbahi Officer AHM Fakhrul Hossain stated that no construction is permitted on railway land and that coordinated action will be taken to remove illegal structures and prosecute those responsible. Authorities have pledged swift action to reclaim the land and ensure the safety of railway operations.

In Dhamrai upazila of Dhaka, around 25 acres of Boro rice fields have been destroyed by toxic smoke and heat from nearby brick kilns. The incident affected more than a hundred marginal farmers across five villages in the Amtala Union, many of whom had cultivated rice on borrowed land or with loans. The farmers, who relied on this harvest for their annual food supply, now face severe uncertainty after the sudden loss. Local sources identified three brick kilns—Alif Bricks, Tiger Bricks, and Al Madina Bricks—situated beside the three-crop lands in Nandeswari area. Farmers claim that such damage occurs regularly due to the kilns’ heat and smoke, and they have demanded a fair investigation and compensation. Dhamrai Upazila Agriculture Officer Arifur Rahman confirmed that preliminary findings indicate the brick kilns caused the damage and said the matter has been reported to the administration. Upazila Executive Officer Al Mamun stated that discussions will be held with kiln owners and farmers to ensure proper compensation. Residents noted that similar incidents occur every year in Dhamrai, urging stronger preventive measures and timely compensation for affected farmers.

Bangladesh today observes Shapla Massacre Day, commemorating the deadly crackdown on Hefazat-e-Islam’s rally at Dhaka’s Shapla Chattar on May 5, 2013. The operation, known as “Operation Secure Shapla,” was carried out jointly by law enforcement agencies during the night, leaving an unresolved debate over the number of casualties. While the then government claimed minimal deaths, rights group Odhikar listed 61 victims. The International Crimes Tribunal’s (ICT) investigation agency has now confirmed evidence of 32 killings, citing the use of lethal weapons and sound grenades after cutting electricity. Following political changes in 2024, previously suppressed information about the incident has begun to surface. The ICT investigation agency is preparing to submit a report accusing 25 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, and ex-DMP Commissioner Benazir Ahmed. Families of victims, long silenced by fear, are now demanding justice and accountability. Hefazat-e-Islam leaders have urged current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to ensure exemplary punishment for those responsible, emphasizing that justice for the May 5 killings is essential to uphold the rule of law in Bangladesh.

Researchers from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have reported promising results from cultivating short-duration Boro rice varieties in the haor wetlands of northeastern Bangladesh. The findings were presented at a press conference held at the university’s Department of Crop Botany, led by Professor Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman Pramanik. The research, ongoing since 2020, aims to help farmers harvest rice 15 to 20 days earlier than traditional varieties, reducing losses from sudden pre-monsoon floods. According to the researchers, about 60 percent of Bangladesh’s total rice production comes from the Boro season, with 18 percent produced in haor areas. However, early floods often destroy 10 to 100 percent of crops each year. The study tested several short-duration varieties such as BRRI dhan-88, BRRI dhan-101, BRRI dhan-113, BRRI dhan-105, and BRRI dhan-25, which mature in about 145 days—two weeks earlier than the widely grown BRRI dhan-92. The researchers noted challenges including slightly lower yields, temperature sensitivity, and the need for timely planting and harvesting. They emphasized that agricultural mechanization, including rice transplanters and harvesters, is essential to ensure timely harvesting before floods.

Leaders of various political and religious organizations have demanded an impartial investigation and punishment for those responsible for the killings at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka on May 5, 2013. The demand was made in statements sent to the media on Monday, marking the anniversary of the incident. Commemorative discussions and prayer gatherings were held in the capital and other parts of the country. Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh issued a statement urging nationwide prayers and discussions in memory of the victims, calling on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to ensure justice. The group held events in several Dhaka zones, while Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s leader, the Chormonai Pir, called the killings a shameful chapter in national history and demanded recognition and compensation for the victims. He also urged the state to officially commemorate the day. Today, multiple organizations are continuing related programs, including discussions at Dhaka University and exhibitions at the National Museum. On Friday, the Shapla Smriti Sangsad will host a memorial event titled “Shaplar Shohidgantha—5 May Massacre: Remembrance and Evaluation.”

Eight rivers in Bangladesh’s northeastern region are flowing above the danger level following moderate to heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre of the Water Development Board. The forecast, issued on Monday, reported significant rainfall in Netrokona, Habiganj, and Chandpur, with water levels rising at eight points across seven rivers in three districts. The forecast noted that rivers such as the Surma-Kushiyara, Dhalai, Dhanu-Baulai, and Kalni have seen water levels increase, while the Bhugai-Kangsha and Someshwari rivers have shown slight decreases. The Meghalayan and Assamese regions of India also experienced moderate rainfall, contributing to the rising water levels. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department predicted continued moderate to heavy rainfall over the next few days, with potential thunderstorms in several divisions. The Water Development Board warned that water levels in the Surma-Kushiyara basin could continue to rise for three days, possibly causing flooding in low-lying haor areas of Sylhet and Sunamganj. Flood conditions in parts of Habiganj, Netrokona, and Kishoreganj may persist as river levels remain high.

The Election Commission (EC) has approved the gazette declaring Nusrat Tabassum, joint convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) under the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance, as a member of parliament for a reserved women's seat. Senior Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud confirmed the approval on Monday, stating that the document has been signed and will now be sent for printing. Earlier, the alliance had nominated Monira Sharmin for the same seat, but her nomination was canceled by the returning officer because she had not completed three years since leaving her job, as required by law. Her appeal to the EC was rejected, prompting her to file a petition with the High Court. The hearing was scheduled for Monday afternoon, but one of the judges declined to hear the case, and it is now expected to be heard by another bench on Tuesday. The EC stated that if the High Court issues any directive, the commission will comply by canceling or amending the gazette accordingly.

Widespread crop destruction has been reported across Bangladesh following continuous heavy rainfall, storms, and flash floods from India. Fields of ripe boro rice, soybeans, onions, garlic, and seasonal vegetables have been submerged under waist-deep water in many areas, including Sunamganj, Srimangal, Jhalokathi, Lakshmipur, and Netrokona. Thousands of farming families in the haor regions are facing severe hardship as their annual harvests are lost. Power outages and infrastructure damage have also been reported due to fallen trees and broken electric poles. In Sunamganj’s Jagannathpur, nearly half of 20,423 hectares of rice fields were still unharvested when six days of rain submerged large areas. In Srimangal, 215 hectares of ripe and semi-ripe rice were flooded due to poor drainage. Farmers in Netrokona are struggling to dry harvested rice, while in Lakshmipur’s Raipur, about 60 percent of soybean crops have been damaged. Jhalokathi and Nalchity also reported major losses of rabi crops and rice fields. Local agricultural offices are assessing damage and advising farmers to harvest mature crops quickly. Authorities have pledged to report losses and seek assistance for affected farmers.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’s Paltan Zone has expressed deep grief and anger over the killings at Shapla Chattar on May 5, 2013, and demanded a speedy and impartial trial for those responsible. The demand was made during a discussion and prayer meeting held on Monday evening at the organization’s Paltan office in Dhaka, marking the anniversary of the incident. The meeting was presided over by Mufti Salah Uddin, president of the Paltan Zone, and conducted by general secretary Mufti Imranul Bari Siraji. Several religious leaders, including Maulana Abdullah Al Masud Khan, Maulana Manjurul Haque, Maulana Makhdoom, and Maulana Abdullah Rasel, addressed the gathering. Speakers emphasized that in a just and civilized state, no citizen should lose their life through oppression or injustice. They described the Shapla incident as both a humanitarian tragedy and a question of justice and human rights. The speakers urged a full and impartial investigation, legal action against all directly or indirectly involved, and justice and compensation for the victims’ families. They stated that establishing justice would be the true way to honor the sacrifices of those who died.

Thirteen years after the May 5, 2013 operation at Dhaka’s Shapla Chattar, families of those killed continue to live in deep poverty and sorrow. The coordinated security raid, known as “Operation Secure Shapla,” left many families without their main earners. Survivors describe losing loved ones, facing social ostracism, and struggling with debt and illness. Most families have received little or no state assistance or recognition, and many remain traumatized by the events of that night. The article recounts testimonies from several families who lost relatives, detailing their economic hardship and emotional devastation. It also highlights the government’s long-standing denial of casualties, with officials claiming no one died during the operation. Human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch and Odhikar reported dozens of deaths, but official investigations were blocked and data suppressed. Media outlets were shut down during the raid, creating what witnesses called a blackout. Following the fall of the previous authoritarian government in August 2024, victims’ families now see a renewed possibility for justice and international recognition of the killings as crimes against humanity.