The Bangladesh Army has issued a recruitment notice for the position of MODC soldier, with applications open until May 31, 2026. Only male candidates are eligible to apply, and the selection process will take place at Rajendrapur Cantonment (MODC Center and Records). Applicants can apply for General Duty (GD) and Clerk (CLK) trades, while children of MODC members may also apply under the MS category. Applications must be submitted online and via SMS, with a total fee of 300 taka. Candidates must be Bangladeshi citizens, unmarried, and aged between 17 and 25 years as of July 1, 2026. Minimum educational qualifications include GPA 2.00 in SSC or equivalent for GD and GPA 3.00 for CLK. Physical requirements include a height of 5 feet 6 inches, weight of 49.90 kg, and normal vision. Applicants must pass medical, physical, written, and interview tests, and be able to swim at least 35 meters. Selected candidates will undergo six months of basic military training. During training, they will receive a monthly salary of 8,800 taka, with further pay and benefits as per Joint Services Instructions after completion.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday, Trump said the ceasefire would last from Saturday to Monday, covering May 9, 10, and 11. The announcement marks a temporary halt in hostilities between the two nations. Shortly after Trump’s post, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on X that the ceasefire had taken effect as part of U.S. efforts to end the war that has continued for more than four years. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov stated that the agreement was reached during a phone conversation between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, following discussions involving U.S. and Ukrainian representatives. Ushakov added that the leaders’ recent call also touched on the historical alliance between the two countries during World War II and the possibility of a ceasefire coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day. Russia had earlier declared a two-day unilateral ceasefire for the same occasion.

Iran has called on the United Nations to strongly condemn the United States for imposing blockades on Iranian ports and attacking its oil tankers. In a letter sent last Friday to the UN Security Council and Secretary-General António Guterres, Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, described the actions as a serious and dangerous escalation threatening international peace and security. Iravani warned that US military operations in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz could have catastrophic consequences extending beyond the Middle East, holding Washington fully responsible for any fallout. The US military confirmed it had disabled two Iranian tankers that attempted to breach the blockade, which was imposed as part of efforts to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iravani urged the UN leadership to compel the United States to comply with international law and refrain from provocative actions that could further destabilize the region.

The National Citizens Party (NCP), formed by young leaders of the July uprising, has rapidly emerged as a key political force in Bangladesh. Within a year of its founding, the party has joined the opposition alliance and attracted leaders from various political and social sectors. On Friday, about 300 activists from different parties and organizations joined the NCP’s Dhaka North branch at a press conference in Banglamotor, where senior joint convener Ariful Islam Adib welcomed them. The event followed a series of mass joinings in Dhaka and Chattogram earlier in the month. Party sources said the NCP is strengthening its structure from the central to grassroots levels, forming committees and preparing to establish an advisory council of 25–30 senior figures, including academics, businesspeople, and former military officers. The party is also expanding its affiliated bodies such as youth, student, women, and labor wings, and has launched new groups for marginalized communities and expatriates. NCP leaders stated that the party aims to become a centrist alternative political force by uniting the July movement’s supporters and building a strong organizational foundation ahead of upcoming local elections.

Two Bangladeshi nationals were shot dead by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the Pathariadwar border in Gopinathpur Union of Kasba upazila, Brahmanbaria, late Friday night. The deceased were identified as Morsalin, a second-year HSC student from Dhajanagar village, and Nabi Hossain, aged 40, from Madhupur village. Their bodies were reportedly taken to GB Hospital in Agartala. Several other Bangladeshi youths were injured and taken to Comilla for treatment. According to family and local sources, a group of smugglers had taken Morsalin to the border area, where BSF opened fire, killing him instantly. Nabi Hossain, who was also present, was injured and later died at the hospital. Local residents confirmed hearing about the deaths and said BSF took the bodies across the border. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local administration officials said they had received reports of at least one death and were investigating the incident. Authorities stated that the border situation remains normal while further details are being verified.

The body of Nahida Sultana Brishti, a Bangladeshi PhD student at the University of South Florida who was killed in the United States, arrived in Dhaka on Saturday morning, May 9, 2026. Her remains reached Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport via an Emirates Airlines flight from Dubai at around 9:15 a.m. The body had been sent from Orlando International Airport on Thursday night local time on Emirates flight EK-0220 and transferred through Dubai on flight EK-0582. Earlier, Brishti’s first funeral prayer took place in Tampa on Wednesday local time. In the same incident, fellow Bangladeshi PhD student Jamil Ahmed Limon’s body had arrived in Bangladesh on May 4. Both were students at the University of South Florida and had gone missing on April 16. The following day, a friend reported their disappearance to the university authorities. Police arrested Limon’s roommate, American citizen Hisham Abughurbeh, on suspicion of involvement. On April 24, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office recovered Limon’s mutilated body from a black garbage bag near Florida’s Howard Frankland Bridge.

Global food prices have reached their highest level in three years, driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and rising crude oil prices, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The FAO reported that its food price index in April increased by 2 percent compared to the same month last year, marking the steepest rise since 2023. The organization attributed the surge to higher crude oil prices, which have boosted demand for seed oils in the biofuel industry. At the same time, concerns over reduced seed oil production in Southeast Asia have further pushed prices upward. The FAO also noted that the cost of wheat rose by 0.8 percent due to increased fertilizer prices linked to the war. The FAO warned that persistently high fertilizer costs could lead farmers to shift toward crops requiring less fertilizer, potentially reducing wheat supply and driving prices even higher in the future.

Lebanon and Israel are set to begin formal discussions in the United States, marking a shift from previous preparatory meetings. According to Al Jazeera’s Beirut correspondent Zeina Khodr, this third meeting will be regarded as the official start of negotiations between the two countries. The Lebanese delegation will be led by lawyer and former ambassador to the United States, Simon Karam, under the direction of President Joseph Aoun. Khodr reported on social media that Lebanon views this meeting as the formal launch of talks rather than a preparatory session. While Lebanon continues to emphasize the need for a meaningful ceasefire, its prime minister has confirmed that discussions will proceed even if Israel does not observe one. The U.S. State Department announced that it will facilitate these intensive discussions between the two governments on May 14 and 15, focusing on progress toward a comprehensive peace and security agreement. The talks are expected to explore ways to advance stability and diplomatic engagement between Lebanon and Israel under U.S. mediation.

A report by Amar Desh on May 9, 2026, reveals that 361 students of Dhaka University were subjected to torture by members of the banned Chhatra League between 2009 and 2023. Victims include Monir Uddin, a student of the Arabic Department, and Ehsan Rafiq, a student of Disaster Science, both of whom suffered severe physical and psychological harm. The incidents occurred in various halls, often in so-called 'guest rooms' or 'torture cells,' with victims later handed over to police instead of being hospitalized. Data compiled from organizations such as the Justice Foundation, Campus Nipeeron-Protirodh Shomaj, and Students Against Torture (SAT) indicate that over 2,000 Chhatra League leaders were involved in these acts. Despite repeated appeals, most victims have not received justice, and many perpetrators reportedly hold government or administrative positions. University authorities and law enforcement agencies have been accused of negligence and reluctance to register cases. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor A.B.M. Obaidul Islam stated that the administration is aware of past abuses and will take humanitarian steps to help affected students complete their education.

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, sharply criticized Britain and France on May 9, 2026, after both countries called for an end to Israeli settler violence and land seizures in the occupied West Bank. In a post on social media platform X, Danon described their statements as “disappointing but not surprising,” accusing them of hypocrisy. He argued that while the UK and France struggle to address domestic security challenges, they divert attention by focusing on issues in Judea and Samaria, the Israeli term for the West Bank. Danon also claimed that Jews in London and Paris fear walking the streets, yet those governments highlight “settler violence” and spread falsehoods about Israel. Since the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel has built settlements across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, now home to more than 700,000 Israeli citizens. Despite repeated UN resolutions condemning the settlements, the United States has continued to shield Israel diplomatically, often using its veto power to block sanctions.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Tamim Iqbal has revealed multiple instances of misinformation and irregularities in the last two Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) seasons, the 11th and 12th editions. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Tamim said that previous BCB administrations under Faruk Ahmed and Aminul Islam Bulbul made false claims about player payments, profits, and franchise bank guarantees. He stated that only two teams—Rangpur Riders and Dhaka Capitals—submitted proper bank guarantees, while others used pay orders or checks, which do not qualify as guarantees. Tamim further noted that the 11th BPL season was marred by match-fixing allegations against Durbar Rajshahi and unpaid player wages, leading to boycotts and disputes. Former president Faruk Ahmed later admitted that the board had failed to properly assess franchise financial capacity. The BCB also suffered heavy financial losses over the last three tournaments, totaling around 40 crore taka, despite earlier claims of profit. Tamim’s disclosures have reignited scrutiny over BPL’s governance and financial transparency, raising expectations for stricter oversight in future tournaments.

The article discusses the return of divisive and accusatory politics in Bangladesh’s new parliament, only two months after the post-uprising government took office. Expectations of a tolerant and constructive political culture have faded as parliamentary debates have again turned into partisan disputes, wasting valuable legislative time. The author observes that the old political culture remains unchanged, with only new faces and seating arrangements in parliament. The piece traces the roots of this division to the post-independence period, when political groups used the rhetoric of pro- and anti-liberation forces to discredit opponents. It highlights how successive governments have manipulated the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War for political gain, including controversies over lists of collaborators and freedom fighters. The author argues that such tactics have deepened national disunity and hindered social progress. The commentary concludes by urging all political sides to abandon the self-destructive politics of labeling and division, and instead foster tolerance and mutual respect to achieve sustainable national unity and development.

The article reports that despite former US President Donald Trump’s claims of victory in the war with Iran, the United States has suffered a humiliating defeat. Trump’s promises of avoiding new wars and being a ‘peace president’ are described as hollow, as he continues to attack world leaders who oppose his stance. Following threats to destroy Iranian civilization, Trump reportedly insulted global figures and portrayed himself as a divine figure. His vice president, JD Vance, led a 21-hour round of peace talks in Islamabad, which ended with accusations that Iran failed to meet US demands. The report says Iran rejected the US position, citing lack of trust after surprise attacks by the US and Israel during the negotiation period that killed Iranian leaders and destroyed civilian infrastructure. The article argues that Trump’s unilateral cancellation of the 2015 nuclear deal and subsequent sanctions deepened mistrust. It also references historical examples, including unfulfilled US reparations to Vietnam and broken treaties with Native American nations, to claim that Washington consistently violates its commitments. The piece concludes that the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and continued sanctions mirror past breaches of international law, reinforcing Iran’s skepticism toward American intentions.

US President Donald Trump has stated that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains effective despite recent retaliatory attacks between the two nations. His remarks came amid growing concerns that the truce could collapse following reports of strikes from both sides. Tehran has accused Washington of violating the agreement by launching attacks on Iranian positions. The United Arab Emirates reported intercepting and destroying drones and missiles fired from Iran, with explosions heard in several areas during the defensive operation. Trump told reporters that the ceasefire agreement remains intact, while Iran maintained that the US is breaching the terms through continued assaults. The renewed hostilities have raised fears of escalating tensions across the region, with observers warning that the fragile ceasefire could face further strain if the attacks persist.

Iran has sharply criticized and mocked former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat of a nuclear strike against the country. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei described Trump’s comments as a “strange contradiction,” highlighting the inconsistency between calls for peace and threats of massive bombing. Baghaei made the remarks in a post on social media platform X. In his post, Baghaei attached a clip from the 1964 American film “Dr. Strangelove,” directed by Stanley Kubrick, a satirical anti-war movie about an accidental nuclear strike on the Soviet Union and the United States’ failure to prevent it. Trump had told reporters on Thursday that if a ceasefire with Iran failed, “you will only see large-scale bombings coming out of Iran.” According to the report, Trump has made halting Tehran’s nuclear program one of the key conditions for ending the conflict with Iran.