Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over recent attacks, arson, and intimidation targeting Muslim communities in India’s West Bengal and Assam amid ongoing political tensions. In a joint statement issued on Friday, the group’s Amir Allama Shah Muhibullah Babunagari and Secretary General Allama Sheikh Sajidur Rahman said the violence against minority Muslims following election results violates human rights, religious freedom, and democratic values. The statement accused extremist supporters of India’s ruling party of involvement in the violence, citing media and local sources. It also criticized BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s recent remarks about Muslim voters, saying such comments fuel anti-Muslim sentiment and indirectly encourage attackers. The Hefazat leaders urged the Bangladesh government to formally condemn the incidents and take diplomatic steps to ensure the safety of Muslims in India. They further called on international human rights organizations, the OIC, and the global community to closely monitor the human rights situation of Indian Muslims and take necessary actions to uphold peace and communal harmony in South Asia.

Turkey has unveiled its first intercontinental ballistic missile, named 'Yildirimhan', during the International Saha Expo in Istanbul, which began on May 5 and runs until May 9. The missile, developed by the country's Defense Ministry’s research and development center, features the monogram of Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I and the emblem of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Defense Minister Yasar Güler stated that it is Turkey’s first liquid-fueled missile with hypersonic characteristics and the longest-range missile produced domestically. According to a chart displayed beside the missile, Yildirimhan has a maximum range of 6,000 kilometers, is powered by four rocket engines, and can travel at speeds 25 times faster than sound using liquid nitrogen tetroxide fuel. The unveiling follows Turkey’s recent advances in missile and drone technology, including the Typhoon Block Four ballistic missile introduced last year. Turkey has signed multiple international agreements restricting the production and export of long-range ballistic missiles. Experts note that some countries may understate missile ranges to avoid sanctions, as seen in recent uses of medium-range missiles by Russia and Iran.

Fifteen individuals, including Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, have been awarded the newly introduced 'Uncompromising National Leader Begum Khaleda Zia Memorial Gold Medal 2026'. The announcement was made in a press release issued on Friday. Other recipients include Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, Prime Minister’s advisers Ismail Jobiullah and Mahdi Amin, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, BSS Managing Director and Chief Editor Kamal Uddin Sabuj, organizer Sanjida Islam Tuli, BCB President Tamim Iqbal, writer Dr. Mahbub Hasan, poet Abdul Hai Shikdar, journalist Ashraf Kaiser, industrialist Dr. Abul Kashem Haider, businessman Abdul Haque, and Fatema Begum, personal assistant to Begum Zia. According to the release, the award has been launched by the New York-based Bangladesh Probashi Nagorik Committee, Inc. in memory of the late former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. It will be presented annually to distinguished individuals contributing to the nation’s development.

Bangladesh’s opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman met Japan’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Shimada Tomoki on Friday at 5:30 p.m. local time. Senior officials from Japan’s foreign ministry attended the meeting. At the outset, Shimada congratulated Dr. Rahman on being elected as a Member of Parliament and appointed as the Leader of the Opposition following Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election. The discussion covered the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan, focusing on expanding trade, investment, infrastructure, human resource development, education, health, and technology cooperation. Both sides emphasized strengthening and diversifying bilateral relations. Dr. Rahman requested Japan’s support in establishing a specialized cancer hospital in Bangladesh. Japan praised Bangladesh’s economic progress, social development, and role in regional stability, expressing hope to continue supporting the country’s development and democratic journey. Dr. Rahman conveyed gratitude for Japan’s longstanding development assistance and highlighted its contributions to infrastructure, communication, power, and human resource development, expressing optimism for deeper economic and diplomatic ties.

India’s Home Minister Amit Shah has officially announced Suvendu Adhikari as the new Chief Minister of West Bengal. The announcement came after a meeting of 207 newly elected BJP legislators at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in New Town on Friday. During the meeting, Adhikari was unanimously chosen as the leader of the BJP legislative party, paving the way for him to form the next state government. Amit Shah served as the chief observer at the meeting, with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi acting as assistant observer. Shah stated that eight proposals were submitted for the leadership position, all naming Suvendu Adhikari, and no alternative names were proposed. Adhikari is expected to meet Governor R. N. Ravi to present letters of support and formally claim the right to form the government. The swearing-in ceremony for the new government is scheduled for Saturday at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground. Adhikari’s selection follows his consecutive electoral victories over former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, which strengthened his position within the BJP.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed met Pakistan’s Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi on May 8, 2026, at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and focused on issues of mutual interest, particularly regional security and strengthening law enforcement capacities. Both ministers emphasized shared interests in addressing regional security challenges and agreed to enhance coordination and judicial cooperation between their law enforcement agencies. The discussion covered intelligence sharing to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, protection of trafficking victims, and awareness programs. The importance of a Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (MLAR) agreement was highlighted to facilitate faster exchange of information and evidence in criminal investigations. The ministers also discussed effective extradition mechanisms to prevent criminals from evading justice across borders, as well as expanding training in modern policing and cybercrime investigation. Bangladesh called for increased international support for the safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees, with Pakistan expected to play a constructive role. Both sides expressed optimism about continuing such bilateral cooperation in the future.

BNP’s newly elected Member of Parliament Nilofar Chowdhury Moni has clarified her earlier remark that ‘extortion is better than zakat’. She explained her statement during a recent private television talk show where Jamaat MP Mardia Momtaz was also present. Moni said her earlier comment came in response to a Jamaat leader’s harsh criticism of the BNP, labeling it as corrupt and extortionist. Moni elaborated that extortion is a punishable crime, but once punishment is served, the matter ends. In contrast, she argued, zakat funds are being misused when wealthy individuals or political groups use them for political purposes instead of helping the poor, as prescribed in Islam. She questioned how zakat money collected from salaries and businesses is being spent on hospitals, banks, and transport ventures benefiting the affluent. She further emphasized that zakat is a duty for the rich and a right for the poor, not a charitable favor. Her clarification aimed to highlight the misuse of religious funds rather than justify extortion.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scored a century and Mominul Haque narrowly missed his own as Bangladesh ended the first day of the Mirpur Test against Pakistan strongly on May 8, 2026. After early setbacks, the hosts reached 301 for 4 in 85 overs at stumps, with Mushfiqur Rahim unbeaten on 48 and Liton Das on 8. Najmul’s 101 off 130 balls and Mominul’s 91 guided Bangladesh out of early trouble after losing two wickets within the first 25 balls. Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali struck early, removing openers Mahmudul Hasan and Shadman Islam. Afridi also reached the milestone of 100 wickets in the World Test Championship. However, a 170-run third-wicket partnership between Najmul and Mominul turned the tide in Bangladesh’s favor. Najmul’s century featured 12 fours and 2 sixes before he was dismissed lbw by Mohammad Abbas. Despite Mominul’s dismissal late in the day, Bangladesh’s strong batting display placed them in control heading into the second day, with the middle order well set to build on the solid foundation.

Suvendu Adhikari has been announced as the next Chief Minister of West Bengal. The decision was made on Friday after a meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s 207 winning candidates, presided over by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Shah declared Adhikari as the leader of the BJP legislative party, confirming him as the state’s new Chief Minister. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground. The selection process took place at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in New Town under the supervision of Amit Shah, the chief observer, and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the assistant observer. Shah stated that eight proposals were received, all naming Adhikari, and no alternative name was submitted. Following the meeting, Adhikari is expected to meet Governor R.N. Ravi to formally request permission to form the government. Adhikari’s selection was widely anticipated within the party, as he had previously defeated Mamata Banerjee twice in electoral contests, including in Nandigram in 2021 and again in Bhabanipur by a larger margin.

The Bangladesh government has declared a seven-day holiday for government officials and employees on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. According to the 2026 academic calendar, schools and colleges will remain closed for 16 consecutive days, while madrasas will have a 21-day break. The information was released through a Cabinet Division press statement. The notice stated that Saturday, May 23, will not be a holiday, and all government employees must attend work that day. Although the government office schedule has been adjusted, the academic institutions’ holiday schedule remains unchanged. For primary, lower secondary, and secondary levels, the summer and Eid holidays will run from May 24 to June 4, with weekends extending the total to 16 days. Colleges will follow a similar pattern, while madrasas will remain closed from May 24 to June 11, totaling 21 days including weekends. These extended holidays align with the national academic calendar and are intended to accommodate both the religious festival and the summer vacation period.

South Indian film star Thalapathy Vijay is on the verge of making political history in Tamil Nadu, as strong indications suggest he will become the state’s next Chief Minister with coalition support. In last month’s assembly election, his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), contested for the first time and won 108 of 234 seats, ending the 62-year dominance of the DMK and AIADMK. However, lacking the 118-seat majority required to form a government, a tense political standoff followed. Governor R. V. Arlekar insisted that Vijay must prove his majority before being invited to form the government. After several rounds of talks, the Congress broke ties with the DMK and offered support for five seats, on the condition that TVK would not ally with communal parties like the BJP. TVK then secured backing from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), CPI(M), and CPI, bringing the coalition’s total to exactly 118 seats. According to reports, each coalition partner may receive representation in the new cabinet. Supporters gathered outside Vijay’s Chennai residence on Friday evening, chanting in celebration as the political uncertainty appeared to settle.

Several days of continuous rainfall in Rampal upazila of Bagerhat have caused harvested paddy left in the fields to sprout prematurely. Farmers are facing severe losses as the unseasonal rain has soaked the crops, making it difficult to dry and store them properly. Many are worried they will not recover their production costs, with some unable to bring their harvest home before it began to germinate. Local farmers explained that the rain began suddenly at the end of the harvesting season, leaving them no time to collect their crops. In many areas, cut paddy remains submerged under water, and seedlings are emerging from the ears. Some farmers are attempting to dry the wet paddy beside roads, but threshing remains impossible until it fully dries. Labor shortages have further delayed harvesting, worsening the damage. Rampal’s agriculture officer, Md. Insad Ibne Amin, advised farmers to collect and store their paddy in dry places and said that a list of affected farmers is being prepared for possible assistance. Farmers have urged the government to ensure emergency financial support to overcome the crisis.

President Md. Shahabuddin is scheduled to travel to the United Kingdom on Saturday for a medical check-up. According to the President’s Press Wing, the visit follows medical advice for a follow-up examination after a previous surgery. The health tests will be conducted at a specialized hospital in Cambridge. The President will depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a commercial flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines bound for London. He will be accompanied by his wife Dr. Rebecca Sultana, family members, his physician, and officials from Bangabhaban. The President is expected to return to Bangladesh on May 18 on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight after completing his medical examinations. The report also notes that President Shahabuddin underwent cardiac bypass surgery in Singapore on October 18, 2023, which this visit is intended to follow up on.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan stated that education will serve as the bridge between China and Bangladesh. He said the goal is to further strengthen the connection between the two nations, with education as its core element. The minister made these remarks on Friday at a roundtable titled ‘China-Bangladesh Round Table on Governance Experience Exchange,’ organized by the Center for China Studies (CCS) at a hotel in Dhaka. He highlighted that Bangladesh and China share a long-standing relationship, which was emphasized by late President Ziaur Rahman. According to the minister, this relationship will play a vital role in shaping the future of Bangladesh, particularly in improving the education sector where China can contribute significantly. He added that Bangladesh, being a densely populated country, must transform its population into a skilled human resource. The minister stressed the importance of focusing on technical education and enhancing joint cooperation with China in education and technical sectors to develop globally competent human resources.

Former Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Tazul Islam, stated that Islamic scholars and Muslims are the true bearers and protectors of Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty. He made this remark on Friday while speaking at a discussion organized by Shapla Smriti Sangsad to commemorate and evaluate the May 5 massacre. During his speech, Tazul Islam argued that the May 5 killings were not intended to suppress the rise of Islam but were instead an attempt by what he called a fascist government to remove faith from the nation’s culture. He said the goal was to create an environment where people would fear expressing their religious identity, such as wearing caps or keeping beards. He further warned that if Muslims do not take an active role in protecting their beliefs and values, the country may face repeated confrontations similar to the Shapla Chattar incident.