Iran has announced the creation of a new administrative body to oversee maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, signaling what it calls a permanent change in the control system of the vital waterway. The newly established entity, named the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, will supervise and authorize all commercial and military vessel movements through the strait. Under the new rules, ships must coordinate in advance with Iran’s armed forces and submit voyage details by email for security clearance before passage. Analysts cited in the report suggest that Tehran views this as a lasting administrative shift rather than a temporary measure. Iranian authorities have stated that they intend to maintain this new structure and will not withdraw from the revised control system. Observers note that the decision adds a new dimension to global energy security and geopolitical tensions, given the Strait of Hormuz’s role as one of the world’s most critical oil transport routes.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the conclusion of the military operation in Iran, known as 'Operation Epic Fury', during a briefing at the White House on Tuesday. Responding to a question from ABC News, Rubio said the operation, which began on February 28, had achieved its objectives and was now officially over. Rubio stated that the US defense forces had completed the mission’s goals and were now focusing on a new initiative called 'Project Freedom'. He emphasized that the United States had no plans for any new military operations in Iran and preferred to pursue peace. According to him, the US President seeks a comprehensive agreement and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to restore global stability. He further noted that issues related to Iran’s nuclear program would be resolved through dialogue, signaling a shift from military engagement to diplomatic negotiation.

The High Court has issued a rule asking why the cancellation of Monira Sharmin’s nomination for a reserved women’s seat in the 13th National Parliament should not be declared illegal. The rule was issued on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, by a bench led by Justice Razik Al Jalil. Monira Sharmin is the joint convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and a candidate from the 11-party alliance. Senior lawyers including Barrister Mostafizur Rahman Khan, Advocate Mohammad Hossain Lipu, and Advocate Mujahidul Islam Shaheen represented the petitioner in court. Earlier, on May 4, another High Court bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar had expressed its inability to hear the writ petition challenging the legality of the cancellation of Monira Sharmin’s nomination. The current bench’s decision to issue a rule marks a new development in the legal process surrounding her candidacy. Further proceedings will depend on the High Court’s subsequent hearing and responses to the issued rule.

Vast haor areas across Sunamganj, Habiganj, Netrakona, and Kishoreganj have been severely affected by sudden floods and prolonged waterlogging during the boro harvest season. The flooding submerged ripe paddy fields, destroying the only annual crop for many farmers. The article questions why sustainable solutions remain elusive despite recurring disasters and highlights that the crisis extends beyond individual losses to threaten national food security. The report explains that haor agriculture is entirely dependent on natural cycles, making it highly vulnerable to upstream water surges, untimely rains, and climate change. It stresses that the damage to boro crops could disrupt the rice market, raise prices, and increase hardship for low-income households. The author urges the government to declare the affected areas as disaster zones to enable rapid relief, debt rescheduling, and distribution of seeds, fertilizers, and cash support. The article further calls for regional water management cooperation, institutional accountability, and a context-specific agricultural policy. It warns that without transparency and effective oversight in embankment projects, recurring failures will persist, endangering both farmers’ livelihoods and national food stability.

Amit Shah is traveling to Kolkata tonight to attend a crucial political meeting focused on selecting the new chief minister of West Bengal. According to party sources, he will serve as the chief observer in the process of electing the Bharatiya Janata Party’s legislative party leader. Mohan Charan Majhi will assist him in this task. Under BJP rules, central observers are sent to states after elections to oversee the selection of legislative leaders. This meeting is being viewed as highly significant, as the BJP is reportedly close to forming a government in West Bengal after being in opposition. Party insiders suggest that the decision may not only finalize the legislative leader but could also effectively determine the next chief minister, since the elected leader typically assumes that role. Earlier, current Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed speculation about her resignation, stating that her party had not been defeated. The overall political atmosphere in West Bengal remains tense amid expectations of a new government formation.

At least four people have been killed in widespread violence across West Bengal following the announcement of the state assembly election results, according to multiple Indian media reports. The clashes reportedly occurred between supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in several districts including Birbhum, South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Nadia, and Bankura. Allegations from both parties indicate that two BJP workers were killed by TMC supporters in Howrah’s Udaypur and Rajarhat New Town, while TMC claimed that two of its workers were killed by BJP activists in Birbhum’s Nanur and Kolkata’s Beleghata. Both sides have denied responsibility. Incidents of vandalism and arson were reported in Asansol, where several TMC offices were attacked, and fires spread to nearby shops. BJP leaders denied involvement, alleging that miscreants were using their party’s name to create unrest. India’s Chief Election Commissioner Jnaneesh Kumar has ordered strict action to control the situation, directing immediate arrests and instructing state authorities and central forces to remain on alert.

Nusrat Tabassum, leader of the National Congress Party (NCP) and candidate from the Jamaat alliance, took oath as a newly elected Member of Parliament for a reserved women's seat in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament. The oath ceremony took place on Wednesday afternoon at the Parliament building, according to the Parliament Secretariat. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed administered the oath in his office, with Barrister Md. Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan, Secretary of the Parliament Secretariat, conducting the proceedings. After taking the oath, Nusrat Tabassum signed the official oath book as per parliamentary procedure. The event was attended by the Deputy Speaker, the Chief Whip of the opposition, and senior officials of the Parliament Secretariat. The ceremony was held in accordance with Article 148 and Schedule 3 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, as well as Rule 5 of the Rules of Procedure of the National Parliament.

Former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Abdul Jalil Mondal has expressed his intention to become a state witness in the murder case linked to the 2013 Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka’s Motijheel area. Following his request, he also applied for bail. The hearing took place on Wednesday, May 6, before a three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-1, chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder. After the hearing, the court rejected his bail plea. The murder case was filed on May 5 of the previous year against twelve individuals, including Abdul Jalil Mondal, who is listed as the second accused. According to Detective Branch sources, Mondal previously held several key positions in the Bangladesh Police, including Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police during the Shapla Chattar incident, and Additional Director General (Administration) of the Rapid Action Battalion. The court’s decision leaves Mondal in custody as legal proceedings continue in one of the most high-profile cases stemming from the 2013 Hefazat-e-Islam rally.

The Narayanganj district unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled Salauddin, general secretary of the party’s Ward No. 1 unit in Siddhirganj, from all party positions. The decision was announced in a press release issued on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, by district BNP convener Professor Mamun Mahmud. Salauddin had been arrested in connection with an extortion case filed at Siddhirganj Police Station. According to the statement, Salauddin was expelled for engaging in extortion, disorderly conduct, and activities that violated party discipline and principles. Copies of the expulsion notice were also sent to BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and the party’s Dhaka divisional organizing secretary. The case against Salauddin was filed on April 26, 2026, after a businessman accused him of demanding money and assault. Police later arrested him and sent him to jail through the court. Local media and social platforms have previously reported allegations of criminal activities involving him.

China has declared the ongoing war by the United States and Israel against Iran as illegal. The statement came from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting in Beijing with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Wang said China is ready to continue efforts to de-escalate tensions and emphasized that a comprehensive ceasefire is essential. He noted that the region is at a critical juncture and that direct talks between the parties are necessary. Araghchi thanked China for its firm stance and for condemning the actions of the United States and Israel. He described the war against Iran as a shameless act of aggression and a grave violation of international law. The Iranian minister added that Tehran would make every effort to protect its legitimate rights and interests in negotiations and would only accept a fair agreement. The meeting underscored Beijing’s continued alignment with Tehran amid heightened regional tensions and calls for diplomatic resolution.

Post-election violence has continued across West Bengal two days after the announcement of assembly election results. Reports from Tuesday night indicate multiple incidents of vandalism and arson targeting Trinamool Congress offices in the Asansol industrial area. Party offices were attacked and set on fire at Asansol Court More, while similar incidents occurred in Rupnarayanpur, Kumarpur, Kulti, Raniganj, Jamuria, Barabani, and Burnpur. Some offices were also painted saffron. The Bharatiya Janata Party has denied involvement, with newly elected BJP legislators stating that no party workers were connected to the violence. In response, Chief Election Commissioner Jnanesh Kumar announced strict measures to curb the unrest. He ordered immediate arrests of anyone found involved in vandalism or attacks and advised the state’s Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Kolkata Police Commissioner, and the Director General of Central Armed Forces to remain vigilant. The Election Commission’s directive signals heightened enforcement efforts to restore order amid ongoing political tensions in the state.

A Dhaka court has postponed the hearing on charge framing against Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, daughter of Sheikh Rehana, and former RAJUK assistant legal adviser Sardar Mosharraf Hossain in a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The case involves allegations of illegally acquiring a flat in Gulshan-2. The hearing, originally scheduled for Wednesday, was deferred to June 28 as the presiding judge was occupied with other matters. According to the case, the accused allegedly misused their authority to take possession of a flat from Eastern Housing Limited without payment and later registered it under their names. The ACC filed the case on April 15 of the previous year, and the court accepted the charge sheet on February 18, issuing arrest warrants against both accused. Subsequently, the ACC sought and received court approval to request an Interpol red notice for Tulip’s arrest. Earlier, Tulip Rizwana Siddiq had been sentenced to six years in prison in three separate cases related to alleged fraud in RAJUK plot allocations.

The United States has announced the closure of its consulate in Peshawar, the capital of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. According to a statement from the U.S. State Department on Tuesday, the consulate’s operations will be wound down gradually. The decision was attributed to growing concerns over the safety of diplomatic personnel and the need for more efficient management of resources. The State Department confirmed that all diplomatic functions and responsibilities related to the province will be transferred to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. The United States will continue to maintain its other missions in Karachi and Lahore. The statement emphasized that the move reflects Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security of its diplomatic staff and the effective use of its assets. The Peshawar consulate has long served as a key diplomatic post near the Afghan border. The announcement comes at a time when Pakistan is playing a central role in efforts to facilitate peace talks between Washington and Tehran.

The United Arab Emirates’ decision last week to withdraw from OPEC has intensified tensions with Saudi Arabia, signaling the collapse of a once close partnership. The move challenges Saudi Arabia’s long-standing dominance over the oil producers’ group and reflects Abu Dhabi’s frustration with production limits it viewed as restrictive. The rift now extends beyond oil, affecting regional politics, economic competition, and security alignments. Once aligned under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the two nations jointly fought in Yemen and isolated Qatar. Today, they back opposing sides in Yemen and Sudan, pursue conflicting energy strategies, and compete for global investment. Saudi Arabia’s push to make Riyadh a business hub has directly challenged Dubai’s regional dominance, while both countries invest heavily in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy. Despite the growing rivalry, both governments still describe their relationship as strategically important. Recent Saudi support for the UAE following an Iranian attack underscores that cooperation persists, even as Abu Dhabi’s OPEC exit highlights enduring tensions likely to shape Gulf geopolitics in the years ahead.

The crude oil carrier MT Ninemiya entered Chattogram waters on Wednesday, heading to the Kutubdia channel anchorage before noon. According to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), customs formalities will be completed there, and lightering will begin before evening to transport the crude oil to the Eastern Refinery jetty. Two lighter tankers were dispatched early Wednesday, and unloading at the refinery depot is expected to finish by night. Preparations are underway to restart all refinery units on Thursday morning. BPC sources said Eastern Refinery, the country’s only state-owned oil refinery, imports crude oil from Saudi Arabia for processing and marketing through BPC. The Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) handles crude transport. Due to a two-month supply disruption, two of the refinery’s three main units were shut down. The refinery is now preparing to resume full operations after 22 days of closure. BSC officials explained that shipping through the Hormuz Strait was suspended due to war, prompting Bangladesh to use Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port as an alternative route. The refinery used the downtime to repair two major units, which are now expected to increase production capacity.