Actor C. Joseph Thalapathy Vijay’s party, TVK, has secured a legislative majority in Tamil Nadu, ending a period of political uncertainty. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) have extended unconditional support, bringing the alliance’s total to 120 seats, surpassing the 118-seat threshold required to form a government. This development clears the way for the state’s first coalition government and strengthens Vijay’s prospects of being sworn in as Chief Minister. Both VCK and IUML hold two seats each, and their backing has resolved the post-election uncertainty over majority formation. Celebrations reportedly began at the TVK headquarters following the announcement. In a letter to Governor R. N. Ravi, VCK President Thol Thirumavalavan confirmed his party’s unconditional support, citing the need for a stable and democratic government for the people of Tamil Nadu. Vijay is expected to submit letters of support from all 118 alliance legislators to the Governor, after which he may receive an official invitation to form the government.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, has called on citizens to join the party’s movement to realize the ideals and unfinished work of former Jamaat chief and ex-minister Maulana Matiur Rahman Nizami. In a statement issued to the media on Saturday ahead of Nizami’s execution anniversary, he paid deep respect to Nizami’s contributions and described him as a visionary Islamic thinker and principled political leader. Dr. Rahman highlighted Nizami’s lifelong efforts to establish an Islamic welfare state through democratic means, his leadership in promoting Islamic education, and his role in securing government recognition for Qawmi madrasa education. He also recalled Nizami’s service as Minister of Agriculture and Industry, noting his integrity and leadership in revitalizing the industrial sector. The Jamaat leader further mentioned Nizami’s international recognition, including his inclusion in global surveys of influential Muslim figures, and his authorship of numerous books. Dr. Rahman concluded by praying for Nizami’s acceptance as a martyr and his highest place in paradise.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis chief Maulana Mamunul Haque has expressed deep concern and condemnation over reports of persecution, eviction drives, and communal violence targeting Muslims in India’s West Bengal and Assam. During the party’s central executive council meeting on Saturday, he announced a protest march in Dhaka on Sunday to denounce what he described as ongoing killings of Muslims in India. Haque said attacks on Muslim homes, businesses, mosques, and Eidgahs in districts such as Darjeeling, Uttar Dinajpur, and Murshidabad were alarming, and that eviction operations in Assam violated human rights. He accused the Indian government and administration of worsening the situation and urged the United Nations, the OIC, the Muslim world, and the Bangladesh government to take diplomatic action. The meeting also discussed instability in the Middle East involving Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran, calling for lasting peace and unity among Muslim nations. Party leaders further criticized the Bangladeshi government for ignoring the February 12 referendum results and urged nationwide mobilization to implement the verdict.

The Alumni Association of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at the University of Dhaka has formed a new executive committee for the 2026–2028 term. The election took place on Friday, May 8, at the university’s Teacher-Student Centre (TSC), where members cast their votes from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Ilias Khan, advisory editor of Times of Bangladesh, was elected president, while Shahnaz Sharmin Rinvi, editor of Swadhin Media, became general secretary. The results were announced around midnight by Chief Election Commissioner Mahfuzur Rahman, who also serves as the Prime Minister’s speechwriter. The committee includes several vice presidents, joint secretaries, and other office bearers from diverse professional backgrounds, including journalism, academia, public administration, and corporate sectors. Among them are Tariqul Islam Khan of Petrobangla, Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Md. Nurul Karim Bhuiyan, and Prime Bank executive Sharmin Akhter. The election commission was composed of senior media professionals such as Zahid Newaz Khan of Channel i and Abu Saleh Akon of Dhaka Reporters Unity. The newly elected committee is expected to lead alumni activities and strengthen professional and academic collaboration among graduates of the department.

On Saturday, hours after Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of West Bengal, Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee called for a broad political alliance against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking at her Kalighat residence during a Rabindra Jayanti event, she urged left, far-left, national, student, youth, and volunteer organizations to unite against what she described as an environment of terror and repression in the state. Banerjee emphasized that political differences should be set aside to focus on a collective fight against the BJP. She alleged that administrative obstacles were placed against the ‘Desh Bachao Ganatantrik Mancha’ program and even her own event at Kalighat, claiming that permissions were denied and logistical support was blocked. Despite this, she said the program was completed through their own efforts. Banerjee also accused BJP supporters of spreading violence and intimidation across the state, targeting Trinamool workers and even her family members. The recent assembly election results gave the BJP a clear majority with 207 out of 293 seats, while Trinamool Congress secured 80 seats. Other parties, including Congress, CPM, ISF, and AJUP, won minor representation.

Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) has recognized its top researchers based on publication output, H-index, and international research impact. The honors were presented at the opening of the three-day 'BAU Research Progress Workshop 2024–2025' held at the Syed Nazrul Islam Conference Hall. Five researchers received the 'Global Research Impact Recognition Award 2025', while twelve others were honored in senior and junior faculty categories. Professor Dr. Ahmad Khairul Hasan received the inaugural 'BAU Research Leadership Award 2025' for contributions in research leadership and international collaboration. Journalist Md. Aman Ullah was awarded the 'Agricultural Journalism Award 2026' for his work in agricultural reporting. Six farmers were also recognized with the 'Professor Dr. Ashraf Ali Khan Memorial Agricultural Award 2026' for innovation in mechanization, seed preservation, integrated farming, and sustainable energy initiatives. The event was organized by the BAU Research System (BAURES) and attended by the university’s vice-chancellor, British Council Bangladesh’s country director, and FAO’s Bangladesh representative. The workshop features 21 technical sessions and six poster sessions, showcasing results from 539 research projects, with awards for the best presenters in each category.

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.

The government of Bangladesh has announced a major initiative to introduce e-ticketing and a central box office system across the country’s cinema halls. The Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) has prepared a development project proposal worth about Tk 50 crore to bring all theatres under a central server. The plan aims to ensure transparency and modern management in the film industry, which has long suffered from irregularities. BFDC Managing Director Masuma Tani said that producers and directors have long demanded e-ticketing to prevent financial losses and revenue ambiguity. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has already given policy approval, with State Minister Yasser Khan Chowdhury expressing support. The ministry has instructed that the proposal be submitted before Eid-ul-Azha, emphasizing cost efficiency in implementation. BFDC has held several meetings with cinema owners, producers, directors, and online streaming platforms, most of whom support the central box office plan. Once the proposal is submitted, it will be reviewed internally by the ministry and then sent to the Planning Commission for final approval before nationwide rollout.

Pakistan mounted a strong response on the second day of the Mirpur Test against Bangladesh, reaching 179 for one at stumps after 46 overs. Debutant Azan Awais remained unbeaten on 85, forming a solid partnership with fellow newcomer Abdullah Fazal, who was not out on 37. The visitors still trail by 234 runs after Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 413. Bangladesh began the day at 301 for four, aiming to cross the 400-run mark. Mushfiqur Rahim, celebrating his birthday, scored 71 before being bowled by Shaheen Afridi, while Liton Das contributed 33. Mohammad Abbas led Pakistan’s bowling attack with five wickets for 92 runs, supported by Afridi’s three wickets. A late cameo from Taskin Ahmed, who hit 28 off 19 balls, helped Bangladesh surpass 400. Pakistan’s openers Imam-ul-Haq and Awais provided a steady start, adding 106 runs before Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed Imam for 45. Despite an early blow to Awais from a Nahid Rana bouncer, he returned to bat confidently, guiding Pakistan into a competitive position heading into the third day.

Police recovered the body of an unidentified woman on Saturday morning in Uttar Ranipur village of Dakkhin Maizpara Union, Dobaura upazila, near the Mymensingh border. Locals found the body in front of a shop and informed police, who took it to the station. Residents said the woman had been seen entering the area from the Indian border several days earlier and had been wandering around local homes and roads since then. Union Parishad Chairman Humayun Ahmed said police arrived promptly and took necessary action. He and locals suspected the woman might have been mentally unstable and had stayed in the area for several days. However, her identity remains unknown. Officer-in-Charge Md Shafiqul Islam stated that no visible injury marks were found on the body. The body has been sent to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for autopsy. Police have sought assistance from the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), which will collect fingerprints to help confirm the woman’s identity and determine the cause of death.

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.

Police in Maheshpur, Jhenaidah, arrested an Awami League leader who had previously been barred from political activities in connection with a rape case. The arrest took place on Saturday afternoon at Khalishpur Bazar, according to local police officials. Maheshpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mehedi Hasan confirmed that the detainee, Sajjadul Islam Sajjad, serves as the president of the Maheshpur Upazila unit of the Awami League. He was taken into custody following a case filed against him under allegations of violence against a woman. No further details about the case or subsequent legal proceedings were provided in the report.

Brazil has begun preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the five-time champions set to submit a 55-man preliminary squad to FIFA by May 11. According to Brazilian outlet Globo Sports, the list will feature experienced forward Neymar Jr. alongside emerging talent Estevao Willian. Under FIFA rules, teams must submit a preliminary list of 35 to 55 players before finalizing a 23 to 26-man squad by June 1. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to finalize Brazil’s World Cup squad on May 18. He has indicated that Neymar will be included if he regains full fitness after a long injury layoff. Estevao Willian, who is recovering from a hamstring injury ahead of his move to Chelsea, is also under consideration, with Endrick or Rayan as potential alternatives if he fails to recover in time. Brazil’s preparations have been hit by injuries to Real Madrid players Eder Militao and Rodrygo, both ruled out of the World Cup. Their absence is seen as a significant setback to Ancelotti’s plans.

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.