Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently held a long meeting with the country’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to state media reports. The meeting, described as modest and deeply sincere, lasted about two and a half hours. Pezeshkian praised Khamenei’s demeanor and the way he conducted the discussion, calling it particularly impressive. The state broadcaster IRIB reported that the two leaders discussed several important issues during the meeting, though no specific topics were disclosed. Pezeshkian said he was most influenced by the Supreme Leader’s perspective, humility, and sincerity, which shaped the dialogue into one based on trust, peace, empathy, and direct communication. No further details were released about the subjects covered or any decisions made during the meeting, leaving the content of their discussions undisclosed.

Jahangirnagar University’s branch of the student organization Chhatra Dal has launched a live bus tracking system to make student transportation easier, safer, and more efficient. The system was inaugurated on Thursday near the Murad Chattar area by Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan. Initially introduced as a pilot project on two university buses, the technology will later be expanded to all buses. Through the app, students can view the real-time location of buses on their mobile phones. The system also provides notifications about bus arrival times at specific stops and alerts in case of delays. Student leaders said the initiative fulfills a long-standing demand from students for live bus tracking. They emphasized that the project aims to improve time management and ensure a more comfortable and secure commuting experience for students. Vice-Chancellor Ahsan praised the initiative as a timely, technology-driven effort to reduce transportation difficulties and commended the student group for taking a student-oriented approach.

A Jamaat-e-Islami leader was hacked to death in Bagerhat’s Chitalmari upazila on Thursday morning following a dispute over buying juice. The victim, Mujahid Molla, was the president of Jamaat’s Ward No. 3 and a resident of Hijla village. According to local sources, an argument broke out between Mujahid and a man named Baizid at a shop, which escalated into a violent clash. Baizid allegedly attacked Mujahid with a sharp scissor, leaving him critically injured. Locals took Mujahid to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Chitalmari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Nazrul Islam said that after the incident, locals vandalized Baizid’s house and beat him. Police later detained Baizid and visited the scene. The body is being sent for autopsy, and legal proceedings are underway. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the killing, and police presence has been strengthened in the area to prevent further unrest.

A protest rally demanding justice for the murder of activist Shahid Osman Hadi was held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in front of the main gate of Barishal University. Hadi’s sister, Sharif Masuma Hadi, speaking at the event organized by general students, declared that they came not to mourn but to demand justice, vowing not to return home without it. She alleged that the killers fled to India with assistance and urged the state to reveal who planned and facilitated the escape. Masuma Hadi described her brother as a voice for justice and equality, beyond political affiliation, and said the movement for justice would spread nationwide from Barishal. Inqilab Moncho member secretary Ifthekhar Sayem criticized the delay in the investigation, noting that the report had been postponed 13 times, calling for an end to the culture of impunity. Other speakers included Hadi’s relatives and student leaders from various organizations. The rally concluded with a protest march around the campus, where participants chanted slogans demanding justice for Hadi’s killing.

The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for killing Ahmad Balout, the head of Hezbollah’s Radwan Unit, in an airstrike carried out in southern Beirut on Wednesday. According to a statement from the Israeli army, the attack also killed Muhammad Ali Bazi, head of intelligence for Hezbollah’s Nasser Unit, and Hussein Hassan Romani, an air defense monitoring officer. The report, citing Al Jazeera, noted that Iran played a key role in the formation of Hezbollah in 1982 and has continued to work closely with the group over subsequent decades. Despite an existing ceasefire, Israel has continued its attacks in Lebanon, while Hezbollah has launched retaliatory strikes. The ongoing hostilities underscore the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the persistent tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in the region.

Pakistan has expressed a positive outlook on reports of a potential agreement between Iran and the United States. According to a statement from its Foreign Ministry cited by Al Jazeera, Islamabad is currently acting as a mediator and therefore prefers not to disclose further details at this stage to protect ongoing diplomatic efforts. The statement emphasized that as a mediator, Pakistan does not want to compromise the trust of either party, which is why it is withholding specific information for now. The ministry also noted that it has not yet received confirmation about where the delegations from Iran and the United States might meet. However, if the meeting takes place in Islamabad, Pakistan would consider it an honor. The cautious approach reflects Pakistan’s intent to maintain credibility and neutrality in facilitating dialogue between the two nations while preserving the confidentiality of the process.

A Dhaka court has ordered the start of trial proceedings against former Industries Minister and Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed and two others in a corruption case involving the alleged embezzlement of Tk 1.25 crore through abuse of power. The order was issued on Thursday by Dhaka Divisional Special Judge Begum Shamima Afroz, who also set June 22 for the recording of witness testimonies. Earlier, Tofail Ahmed’s lawyer informed the court that his client was seriously ill, suffering from memory loss and unable to participate in the proceedings. Despite this, the Anti-Corruption Commission’s lawyer argued for the formation of charges, which the court accepted. The case had been delayed due to a previous stay order from the High Court, which has now been lifted. The case was originally filed in 2002 by then-Bureau of Anti-Corruption inspector Kazi Shamsul Islam, alleging that Tofail Ahmed misused his authority to conceal illegally obtained funds by transferring and withdrawing money through associates.

U.S. President Donald Trump has abruptly suspended the announced 'Project Freedom', which aimed to assist shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The decision followed strong opposition from Gulf allies, particularly Saudi Arabia, which revoked U.S. access to the Prince Sultan Air Base and its airspace. NBC News reported the suspension citing two American officials. According to the report, Saudi Arabia became disappointed after Trump publicly announced the operation plan on social media and informed Washington that it would not support the initiative. Additionally, a U.S. official confirmed that Kuwait also closed its bases and airspace to American forces. The suspension of 'Project Freedom' marks a setback for U.S. efforts to reopen the strategic waterway amid regional tensions, reflecting strained cooperation with key Gulf partners.

Electricity and Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku stated that no final decision has been made regarding an increase in electricity prices. He announced that solar power will be made more accessible to create alternative energy sources. The minister made these remarks on Thursday while inaugurating the 'Power, Energy and Infrastructure Expo' at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center. Mahmud noted that Bangladesh remains far behind in renewable energy compared to neighboring countries such as India and Pakistan, which have expanded solar and wind power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the government to prioritize solar and wind energy development. Meanwhile, the government is considering raising electricity prices following a recent fuel price hike. The Power Division has given policy approval to the proposal, and the Power Development Board has suggested a 17 to 21 percent increase at the wholesale level. The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission has formed a technical committee to review the proposal.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Dhaka has issued a production warrant against journalists Farzana Rupa and Mozammel Babu in a case related to alleged crimes against humanity during the Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmood with Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, ordered their appearance on May 14, 2026. The prosecution, represented by Gazi M H Tamim, sought the warrant against former minister Dr Dipu Moni, Farzana Rupa, and Mozammel Babu, citing their alleged roles in spreading provocative or misleading information during and after the May 5, 2013 incident. The tribunal also set June 7, 2026, as the date for submission of the investigation report. Six other accused, including former state minister Shamsul Hoque Tuku and former police officials, are currently in custody in connection with the same case, which remains under investigation.

Police in Araihazar, Narayanganj, have arrested Judge Mia, a 55-year-old fugitive convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was detained on Tuesday night in the Brahmandi area of the upazila. Judge Mia, son of Nayeb Ali from Bara Monohordi, was convicted under Penal Code sections 302 and 201 in case number 10(4) 1999 filed with Araihazar Police Station. According to police, the arrest was made based on secret information. After the court sentenced him to life imprisonment, Judge Mia had been absconding for many years. Case records show that in April 1999, he killed his newly married wife, Rehena, and dumped her body in a pond belonging to Zainal Haji in the Uzan Gobindi area of the upazila. Police confirmed that the arrested convict has been sent to jail through the court following his capture.

Mohsen Rezaei, former commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and current member of the Expediency Council, declared that Iran will not engage in any negotiations over its nuclear program. He emphasized that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz must remain under Iranian control and management, warning that losing control could allow enemies to use it against Iran and its people. According to Iran’s ISNA news agency, Rezaei stated that regional countries should take responsibility for their own security and that all foreign forces, whether from the United States or Europe, must leave the region. His remarks come amid ongoing international tension over foreign military presence in the Middle East and Iran’s nuclear activities. The statement reflects Tehran’s firm stance on maintaining sovereignty and regional influence, underscoring its resistance to external pressure and intervention.

Ted Turner, the founder of CNN and a pioneering figure in global television news, has died at the age of 87. Turner Enterprises announced that he passed away on Wednesday while surrounded by his family. Turner, who was born in Ohio and later became a prominent businessman in Atlanta, was widely known for his outspoken personality and transformative impact on broadcast journalism through the creation of the 24-hour news channel CNN. Beyond CNN, Turner built a vast media empire that included popular film and cartoon channels as well as ownership of professional sports teams such as the Atlanta Braves. His innovative approach reshaped how audiences consumed news and entertainment, establishing a model that influenced generations of media organizations worldwide. The announcement of his death marks the end of an era for modern television and global news broadcasting, as Turner’s legacy continues to define the landscape of real-time journalism and media entrepreneurship.

A case application has been filed against former Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, former interim government law adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul, and 14 others over the deaths of students in a plane crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara, Dhaka. The application was submitted on Thursday, May 7, 2026, to the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam’s court by Ushaimong Marma, father of a deceased student. The court recorded the plaintiff’s statement and kept the order pending, according to the plaintiff’s lawyer A.K.M. Sharif Uddin. The complaint alleges that the accused failed to perform their official duties properly and allowed a mechanically faulty F-7 fighter jet to conduct training flights over densely populated Dhaka, leading to a deadly crash. It also accuses them of negligence in rescue operations, failure to provide compensation, and permitting unsafe school buildings. The crash on July 21, 2025, killed 36 people, including 28 students, and injured around 200 others. The plaintiff claims that despite public promises of compensation, no payments have been made to victims’ families. The accused are alleged to be jointly and individually responsible for the tragedy and subsequent failures in accountability and rehabilitation.

Local government elections are being held across the United Kingdom on Thursday, viewed as a referendum on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s turbulent tenure. Analysts suggest the results could accelerate Starmer’s departure and signal a major political shift. The Labour Party faces potential heavy losses in England’s local councils and in the semi-autonomous legislatures of Scotland and Wales, driven by public frustration over the weak economy, rising living costs, and declining trust in Starmer’s leadership. The economic crisis has deepened due to disrupted oil supplies following the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, while Starmer’s decision to appoint scandal-linked Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington has further eroded his popularity. Polls indicate Labour could lose more than half of its 2,500 council seats, as the far-right Reform UK party campaigns under the slogan “Vote Reform, Remove Starmer.” Experts warn that a major defeat could trigger an internal revolt within Labour, with figures such as Health Minister Wes Streeting, former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham rumored as potential challengers. Meanwhile, nationalist parties in Scotland and Wales are expected to gain ground, potentially reigniting independence debates.