Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has been elected president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), defeating Cyprus’s ambassador Andreas Kakouris in a closely contested secret ballot. The election, held on Tuesday, saw Rahman secure 99 votes, eight more than his rival, out of 190 total ballots cast. No votes were invalid or abstained. Under UN rules, the presidency rotates annually among five regional groups, and this term fell to the Asia-Pacific group. Rahman will serve a one-year term beginning on September 8. His presidency coincides with the upcoming process to select a successor to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose term ends later this year. Rahman, a career diplomat who joined Bangladesh’s foreign service in 1979, became foreign minister in February after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party won the first election following the 2024 student-led uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina. He previously served as national security adviser and high representative on Rohingya affairs. Outgoing UNGA president Annalena Baerbock highlighted growing pressure on multilateralism, noting that the Assembly’s leadership role has become increasingly critical amid global challenges.

An albino buffalo named Donald Trump has become the main attraction at Bangladesh’s National Zoo since last week. The 700-kilogram animal, known for its golden hair, drew nationwide attention after a viral social media video compared its tuft of hair to that of the U.S. president. Originally sold for sacrifice during the upcoming Eid al-Adha festival, the buffalo was moved to the zoo on government orders citing security concerns. Visitors have been gathering in large numbers despite the heat to see the animal, taking photos and videos near its enclosure. Local media reported that the zoo initially displayed a signboard reading “Donald Trump,” which was later removed. The zoo curator was dismissed on Saturday, though no official reason was given. Some visitors criticized naming the animal after a world leader, calling it disrespectful, while others viewed it as a harmless curiosity. The buffalo’s buyer was refunded after the Home Minister ordered police to take the animal into custody. The buffalo’s popularity continues to grow, with visitors traveling from across the country to witness the unusual attraction firsthand.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has denied involvement in the recent attack on Kuwait International Airport, instead blaming a malfunction in the U.S.-made Patriot missile defense system for the damage. IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi stated that investigations showed the force’s aerospace division did not fire at the airport terminal. He claimed that a Patriot missile malfunctioned after failing to intercept an Iranian missile, causing destruction at the passenger terminal. The IRGC said the attack on U.S. facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain was retaliation for an overnight American strike on its communications tower on Qeshm Island. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) rejected Iran’s explanation, calling it false. In a statement on social media, CENTCOM asserted that the airport damage was not caused by any U.S. defense system and accused Iran of deliberately targeting the civilian airport using drones. The conflicting claims have heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, with both sides trading blame over the incident’s cause and intent.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran’s disputes with the United States and Israel will only end once Israeli attacks in Lebanon stop. In an interview with an Arab media outlet, Araghchi emphasized that any ceasefire agreement must include Lebanon. He further said that ending the conflict requires the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, where Israel has been conducting attacks since early March. Meanwhile, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire, contingent upon Hezbollah completely halting its rocket fire. According to a joint statement, both sides also agreed, following U.S.-led talks in Washington, to establish “pilot zones” where Lebanon’s armed forces will have exclusive security and administrative control, with no presence of non-state armed groups. The developments highlight ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the Lebanon-Israel border amid regional tensions, with Iran linking broader peace prospects to the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has decided to remove the requirement for candidates to submit pledges in the upcoming local government elections. The decision, discussed in a recent EC meeting, is part of a broader revision of election regulations. The commission believes the presence or absence of such pledges does not significantly affect candidacy eligibility. Preparations are underway to begin the local government elections, likely starting with Union Parishad polls in October 2026. According to EC sources, the draft regulations are expected to be finalized by June 10 and sent to the government for approval within the month. The new proposals include raising deposits for various positions: Union Parishad chairmen from 5,000 to 20,000 taka, members from 1,000 to 10,000 taka, and municipal and city corporation posts with proportional increases. The EC also plans to adjust campaign spending limits for certain posts. Local Government State Minister Mir Shah Alam stated that a detailed election roadmap will be announced after budget allocations are confirmed. Most local government bodies are currently run by administrators, and the EC has developed election calendar software to streamline scheduling and data management.

During a congressional hearing on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to confirm whether Israel possesses nuclear weapons when questioned by Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro. Rubio stated that most countries believe Israel has such weapons but refused to disclose Washington’s official position, suggesting the matter be discussed privately. He acknowledged that avoiding public discussion of Israel’s nuclear capability has long been a feature of US foreign policy. Castro pressed for a clear answer, arguing that the issue is crucial given US involvement alongside Israel in conflict with Iran. He expressed concern that the US government may lack essential information about Israel’s nuclear limits and decision-making. Rubio responded that the question was fair and said he was willing to address it in a classified setting, noting the need to balance competing interests. The report also noted that Israel has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has never officially confirmed possessing nuclear weapons, though some Israeli officials have hinted at their existence.

A five-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in the Modonhat area of Dighapatia Union under Natore Sadar upazila on Tuesday evening. The accused, identified as 48-year-old Shariful Islam, allegedly lured the child into a nearby cornfield with food and assaulted her. Locals said the child was threatened with a sharp weapon to keep silent. When her family noticed unusual behavior, she revealed the incident, and she was later hospitalized due to excessive bleeding. The incident became known on Wednesday night, prompting angry residents to capture Shariful from his home, beat him, and hand him over to the police. The victim’s father, a day laborer, demanded exemplary punishment for the accused. Natore Police Station Officer-in-Charge Monsur Rahman confirmed the arrest and said legal action would follow based on the family’s complaint. Police have taken the accused into custody, and further legal procedures are underway according to the report.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire under specific conditions, according to a joint statement issued by both sides. The agreement requires Hezbollah to completely stop its shelling before the ceasefire can take effect. The announcement followed U.S.-led negotiations held in Washington, where both countries also agreed to establish 'pilot zones' under Lebanese Armed Forces control. In these designated areas, Lebanon’s national military will have sole responsibility for security and administration, with no presence of non-state armed groups. The joint statement further noted that additional discussions are scheduled for later this month to work toward a comprehensive agreement. The talks and conditional ceasefire mark a step toward reducing cross-border tensions, though the final implementation depends on Hezbollah’s compliance and the outcome of the upcoming negotiations.

Police in Ghatail upazila recovered the body of Jubo Dal activist Mintu Khan, aged 45, from Kauntar Beel around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, four days after he went missing. Mintu, son of Majid Master from Amuabaid village, had been missing since Sunday morning after leaving his home. He was known as a former Chhatra Dal worker and an active member of the local Jubo Dal. According to Ghatail Police Station Officer-in-Charge Moksedur Rahman, the body was sent to Tangail morgue for autopsy. Police detained five suspects the same night for questioning in connection with the incident. The report also notes that Majid Master, Mintu’s father, is a well-known BNP leader in the hilly area of Ghatail. Further details about the cause of death or motive behind the incident were not disclosed in the report.

The ongoing Iran war has sharply undermined the United Arab Emirates’ two-decade effort to position itself as a nimble, indispensable middle power in the Gulf. Despite extensive investments in ports, militias, and global partnerships, recent Iranian attacks on U.S. bases and infrastructure in the region have revealed the structural weaknesses behind Abu Dhabi’s self-image as a resilient and militarily capable state. UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash publicly criticized regional partners for turning into mediators instead of steadfast allies, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s frustration at its inability to rally neighbors against Iran. Commentators such as Tarek Al-Otaiba and Ambassador Yousef Al-Otaiba have called for stronger collective action, but Iran’s military superiority and the lack of regional unity have left the UAE exposed. The country’s reliance on networks, sovereign wealth, and private security firms has proven ineffective against direct military threats. The article concludes that the UAE’s security depends on embracing a cooperative Gulf security framework with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. It warns that the illusion of exceptional safety is unsustainable and that Abu Dhabi must accept shared vulnerability as the foundation of regional stability.

Global oil prices declined following reports that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon had strengthened. Investors interpreted the development as a sign of renewed diplomatic momentum toward resolving the broader conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. As of 12:15 a.m. GMT on Wednesday, Brent crude futures dropped by 67 cents, or 0.69 percent, to trade at 97.14 dollars per barrel. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell by 62 cents, or 0.65 percent, to 95.40 dollars per barrel. The decline reflected market optimism about reduced geopolitical risks in the Middle East. The ceasefire understanding was reached after talks in Washington mediated by the United States. Both Israel and Lebanon agreed to implement the truce, though they emphasized that Hezbollah must completely halt its attacks for the agreement to hold.

India is preparing to purchase military drones worth more than $2 billion from domestic manufacturers this year, marking the country’s largest drone acquisition program to date. The plan, currently in an advanced stage, was confirmed by the Drone Federation of India (DFI), which works closely with the government. DFI president Smitt Shah said the drones could be delivered within 18 to 24 months under a fast-track procurement process to meet urgent operational needs. The Indian defense ministry has not yet commented on the plan. The initiative follows last year’s border clashes with Pakistan, during which both sides used drones extensively for the first time. The conflicts in Ukraine and Iran have also accelerated global drone adoption, highlighting their cost-effectiveness and tactical advantages. India’s defense ministry had earlier approved a $24.85 billion proposal for aircraft, missile systems, and armed drones, though spending details were not specified. Analysts say drones have become central to India’s military planning, with over 600 domestic firms now producing drones and components. The government’s policy support and procurement clarity are driving investment and partnerships across major defense groups and startups.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened immediately after a deal is signed with Tehran. Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump said he intends to keep the effort to reopen the strategic waterway separate from the ongoing war in Lebanon. He emphasized that the reopening would happen quickly. The report noted that Israeli forces continue heavy attacks across southern Lebanon, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the military operation there will proceed as planned. Trump also told reporters that Washington is interested in taking control of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, saying he wants to obtain it. According to Trump, only the United States and China possess the necessary equipment to extract the material, and he added that the U.S. would go and retrieve it. The remarks were reported by Middle East Eye.

US President Donald Trump has again emphasized Washington’s interest in taking control of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Speaking at the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump said he wanted to obtain the material, adding that only the United States and China possess the necessary equipment to recover it. He told reporters that the US would go and bring it back. On the same day, the US House of Representatives passed a war powers bill aimed at limiting President Trump’s authority to conduct military operations against Iran. The proposal, introduced by Democrats, was approved by a vote of 215 to 208 in Washington. The developments highlight renewed tensions between the US administration and Iran, as well as growing congressional efforts to restrict unilateral military action by the president.

Police in Haimchar, Chandpur, have arrested seven people, including five women and two teenagers, in connection with the killing of Omar Faruk, who was found with his throat slit. The arrests were made following a murder case filed by the victim’s father, Abdul Khalek Rarhi, under relevant sections of the Penal Code. The detainees were sent to court on Wednesday afternoon. According to Haimchar Police Station, the arrests were carried out under the direction of Officer-in-Charge Nazmul Hasan and led by Sub-Inspector Priolal Ghosh. The women arrested are Akhi Akter, Nazma Begum, Laki Begum, Sonia Begum, and Toymunnesa, all residents of Chhoto Laxmipur village in Uttar Algi Durgapur Union. The two teenage suspects are named Jumman and Abdullah. Police said operations are continuing to identify and apprehend others involved in the brutal killing.