Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reaffirmed that Iran will continue to fulfill its historical responsibility to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz. He made the statement on social media platform X following a meeting with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, assuring that friendly nations can rely on Iran for the safety of commercial shipping through the vital waterway. Araghchi said the meeting between the two ministers included productive discussions on several important bilateral issues, during which he clarified Iran’s stance on the security of the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that Iran remains committed to protecting the strait and maintaining the safety of maritime trade. The Strait of Hormuz is described as one of the most strategically significant sea routes in the Middle East, crucial for global energy and trade flows, with a large number of oil and cargo vessels passing through daily.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, stated that the judiciary must remain free from political interference to ensure a genuine democratic transition. Speaking on Friday, May 15, 2026, at a representative meeting of the Democratic Lawyers’ Solidarity in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, he emphasized that the best governments are those that guarantee full judicial independence. He warned that without a balanced relationship among the executive, parliament, and judiciary, a liberal democratic system cannot function effectively. Haque identified political influence in judicial appointments as a major problem, noting that such practices often create psychological pressure on judges and hinder fair justice. He called for freeing judges from such pressures and ensuring that the judiciary operates independently of political, social, and economic forces. He added that public trust in the judiciary depends on whether marginalized people receive justice. Haque also expressed hope that the newly elected government would soon take steps to reform the judicial system in line with the July Charter and public expectations. The meeting, chaired by senior lawyer Advocate Mahbubul Karim Tipu, also formed a 21-member convening committee for the Democratic Lawyers’ Solidarity and approved its draft declaration and constitution.

China has called for dialogue between the United States and Iran to defuse ongoing tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Beijing emphasized the need to swiftly restore normal operations in the vital waterway. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that resolving the crisis depends on establishing a lasting and comprehensive ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, according to comments published by the state news agency Xinhua. Wang Yi noted that President Xi Jinping had told US President Donald Trump that force cannot solve problems and that dialogue is the only correct path. He added that while solutions through talks may not come overnight, once the door to dialogue is opened, it should not be closed again. Wang also said China remains actively engaged in promoting peace in the Middle East and will continue its role in ending conflicts and restoring stability in the region. The Strait of Hormuz is crucial for global energy supplies, and recent tensions there have raised international concern. China’s diplomatic appeal is being viewed as a significant move in this context.

Saiful Alam Khan Milon, a central executive member of Jamaat-e-Islami and Member of Parliament for Dhaka-12, visited injured July fighters undergoing treatment at Vejthani International Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. Milon, who was in Thailand on personal business, met the patients on Friday to check their physical and overall condition and wished them a speedy recovery. He stated that around 57 injured July fighters are receiving treatment there, many of whom were shot in Mirpur, Jatrabari, Rangpur, and other areas of Dhaka. Several have undergone up to 15 or 16 surgeries, with some suffering paralysis in limbs or waist. Milon noted that the hospital is providing adequate treatment but that a large amount of medical expenses remains unpaid. He added that the families of the injured are in severe distress, as the government’s assistance of 20,000 taka per person is insufficient. He urged the government to take humanitarian steps for their rehabilitation and continued treatment. The injured fighters reportedly expressed frustration over the non-implementation of the July Charter and referendum verdict. Earlier, on May 9, opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman also visited the same hospital and called for ensuring the best possible medical care for the injured.

Mujibur Rahman Manju, chairman of the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), said that if the growing distance between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami turns into open conflict, it would politically benefit the ruling Awami League. He made the remarks on Friday, May 15, in Chattogram while addressing a city-level AB Party organizers’ gathering as the chief guest. Manju recalled that the BNP had formed a government in 1991 with Jamaat’s support, but later their relations deteriorated over student organization influence in educational institutions, leading to violent clashes. He noted that although the two parties reunited in 2001 to share power and political movements, they now appear to be heading toward confrontation again. He warned that escalating tensions, along with internal disputes within the ruling BNP, could worsen law and order across the country. The AB Party chairman also expressed concern that the past practice of using police as a partisan force might return. He urged the government to strengthen the judiciary and the Anti-Corruption Commission, warning that failure to do so could create more complex political challenges ahead.

Maulana Mujaffar Ahmad Jubayer, an imam from Feni who was proven innocent through DNA testing after serving jail time in a rape case, has lost his mental stability and is now receiving treatment at a psychiatric hospital in Dhaka. The incident occurred last Thursday when he became aggressive at a relative’s home, prompting police intervention and his transfer to the National Institute of Mental Health. Due to the absence of an ID and legal guardian, he was later admitted to a specialized hospital in Adabor. According to the report, Jubayer’s mental breakdown followed prolonged social humiliation and legal struggles despite being cleared of all charges. The case against him began in November 2024 when a student’s family accused him of rape, leading to his arrest and loss of employment. A forensic investigation later revealed he was falsely implicated, and the girl’s brother was identified as the real perpetrator. Days before his illness, Jubayer held a press conference demanding reinstatement, punishment for conspirators, and compensation for his losses. Political leaders expressed solidarity with his demands.

Popular Bangladeshi content creator and actress Karina Kaiser has passed away in Chennai, India, after suffering from severe liver-related complications. She was taken to Chennai for advanced treatment and was under care at the Christian Medical College (CMC) Hospital in Vellore. Her father, former national footballer Kaiser Hamid, confirmed her death. Doctors reportedly tried their best to save her after her blood pressure dropped suddenly during antibiotic treatment on Friday. According to family sources, Karina initially developed a fever that later turned into a severe infection. She was diagnosed with liver failure caused by complications from hepatitis A and E. After her condition worsened, she was moved to intensive care and placed on life support at a private hospital in Dhaka before being flown to India by air ambulance. Karina Kaiser was well known among young audiences for her creative social media content and acting performances. She had recently been focusing on acting and scriptwriting. Her untimely death has cast a shadow of grief over the entertainment community and her admirers.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched a large-scale campaign against companies violating labor laws. As part of the ongoing operation, more than 7,200 work visas have been canceled, and several government services for the offending firms have been temporarily suspended. According to ministry data, nearly 250,000 inspections were carried out in the private sector during the first three months of 2026, uncovering about 168,000 labor law violations. Through digital monitoring and smart surveillance, authorities analyzed around 91,000 suspicious activities and confirmed 13,509 serious employment-related irregularities. The implicated companies were removed from the “Nitaqat” program, while affected workers were referred to the Human Resources Development Fund “Hadaf” for new legal employment opportunities. Around 230,000 warning notices were issued, and 3,522 recruitment offices were charged with rule violations. The ministry also intensified online enforcement, shutting down 238 social media accounts promoting illegal domestic work services and conducting over 54,000 preemptive investigations to prevent human trafficking. It reported resolving about 97 percent of 15,563 citizen complaints received during the campaign.

A 25-year-old man named Enamul Haque died after being struck by lightning while fishing in the Maska Haor area of Kendua upazila, Netrakona. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026. Enamul, son of Bokul Mia from Maska village, was seriously injured when lightning struck during sudden rainfall. Locals and family members rescued him and took him to Kendua Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival. According to hospital staff, Enamul had already died before reaching the hospital. Kendua Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mehedi Maksud confirmed the incident, stating that the death had been officially recorded and necessary legal procedures were underway. The unexpected death cast a pall of grief over the local community. Residents and relatives expressed deep sorrow, and the atmosphere in the area became heavy with mourning.

Pakistan has been fined and penalized following its 104-run defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test of the series held in Mirpur. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that the team bowled eight overs short of the required quota, resulting in a 40 percent fine on the players’ match fees and a deduction of eight points from the World Test Championship standings. The on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough, Kumar Dharmasena, Alauddin Palekar, and Gazi Sohel reported the slow over rate. Match referee Jeff Crowe called for a hearing, but Pakistan captain Shan Masood accepted the charge, making the hearing unnecessary. The penalties were imposed under ICC Test Championship bylaw 16.11.2 and Code of Conduct clause 2.22, which specify one-point deduction and a five percent fine per over short. The decision underscores ICC’s strict enforcement of over-rate regulations, directly affecting Pakistan’s standing in the ongoing Test Championship.

Global financial markets reacted negatively after the recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping failed to produce any concrete agreements. The discussions included vague talks on agricultural purchases and limited commitments from China on oil imports. Although there were hints about easing restrictions on microchip sales to China, no major trade deal was reached. Trump also confirmed that tariff issues were not discussed, and no firm decision was made on reopening the strategic Hormuz Strait. Investor uncertainty increased following the inconclusive talks. On Friday morning, Dow Jones futures dropped more than 300 points, or about 0.6 percent, while S&P 500 futures fell 1 percent and Nasdaq futures declined 1.4 percent. Continued uncertainty around the Hormuz Strait pushed Brent crude oil prices up nearly 3 percent to above $108 per barrel. Analysts said the lack of clear outcomes weakened investor confidence and heightened inflation concerns, prompting greater caution in global markets.

A political controversy erupted during Barcelona’s championship parade in May 2026 when young Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal was seen waving a Palestinian flag amid celebrations in the city. The event, attended by around 750,000 fans, followed Barcelona’s 2–0 victory over Real Madrid that secured their second consecutive La Liga title. Yamal’s gesture, alongside a playful jab at Real Madrid, drew international attention. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reacted sharply on social media, accusing Yamal of inciting hatred and arguing that displaying the Palestinian flag sent the wrong message while Israel was at war with Hamas. Katz referenced the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, alleging atrocities against Jewish civilians. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez swiftly defended Yamal, calling Katz’s remarks misguided and asserting that showing solidarity with Palestinians reflected the feelings of many Spaniards. Spain’s government has long criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza, and public sympathy for Palestinians remains strong across Spanish society and sports. Yamal’s act has since inspired widespread support online, with many praising his humanitarian stance.

Ahmad Abdul Kaiyum, Assistant Secretary General of Islami Andolon Bangladesh and president of its Dhaka South unit, has said that the persecution of Muslims in West Bengal reflects the extremism of Hindutva ideology. He made the remarks on Friday during the party’s regular monthly meeting at its Purana Paltan office in Dhaka. Kaiyum stated that Muslims worldwide practice their faith peacefully, but since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in West Bengal, Muslims there no longer feel safe in their homeland. He alleged that after Narendra Modi assumed power, BJP leaders and activists have engaged in anti-Muslim actions, including denying Muslims the right to pray in mosques and turning places of worship into battlegrounds. Kaiyum called on the United Nations to take effective measures to stop what he described as inhumane acts by the BJP. He also urged Muslim world leaders to demand punishment for Modi and called for direct intervention by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to end the persecution of Muslims in India. The meeting was conducted by city secretary Abdul Awal Majumdar and attended by several senior party officials.

U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed Iran’s latest proposal regarding its nuclear program, calling it unacceptable. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said the first sentence of Iran’s proposal could not be accepted, claiming Tehran had previously agreed to completely halt its nuclear activities but has now backtracked. He added that Iran had once agreed to abandon enriched uranium or nuclear dust but later reversed that decision, though he expressed hope that Tehran would eventually agree again. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the issue of uranium enrichment is not currently on the negotiation agenda, according to semi-official Tasnim News Agency, adding that it will be discussed in the next phase. Iran maintains that it does not seek to build nuclear weapons but continues to refuse relinquishing its stockpile of enriched uranium. Trump also commented on the ongoing truce, saying it lasted about a month and was made possible by the effectiveness of U.S. blockades. Earlier on Friday, he hinted on social media that military operations against Iran could resume, suggesting renewed tensions despite the fragile ceasefire.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that Bangladesh is facing many problems along its borders and that new challenges are emerging. He expressed hope for divine assistance to confront these issues with courage. Rahman made the remarks on Friday afternoon while addressing a gathering of dignitaries in Rangpur. During his speech, Rahman emphasized his party’s commitment to the country, saying that they love Bangladesh and wish to contribute to its betterment. He stated that they have not left the country because of their devotion to it and expressed belief that the nation will eventually change for the better. He also urged his followers to fulfill their responsibilities properly, suggesting that being in the opposition might be a divine test that they must overcome. Earlier in the day, Rahman arrived in Rangpur for a one-day visit and received a guard of honor from the metropolitan police at the Circuit House.