Iran’s military spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia stated on Wednesday in Mashhad that Iran will not allow any country to transport U.S. weapons through the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized the strategic importance of the waterway, noting that it is currently under the control of Iran’s armed forces.

According to Akraminia, the western part of the strait is controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy, while the eastern part is under the Iranian Navy. He described this coordinated control as a key factor in strengthening Iran’s surveillance and dominance over the region. The spokesman also claimed that such control could generate revenue nearly double Iran’s oil income.

Akraminia warned foreign powers that Iran would prevent any attempt to move American weapons through the strait and added that most of the weapons previously stored in regional bases had already been destroyed.

Police in Teknaf have arrested Shaker Majhi, identified as the main suspect behind a human trafficking operation linked to a trawler sinking in the Andaman Sea while attempting to smuggle people to Malaysia. The arrest took place on Wednesday evening in the Mundar Deil area of Teknaf’s Sabrang Union following an hour-long operation based on secret intelligence and technological assistance. Shaker Majhi, aged 42, is the son of Kabir Ahmed from the same locality.

According to Teknaf Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam, the detainee is considered one of the top human traffickers in the region. Local reports and social media discussions have long identified him as the key figure behind the Andaman Sea boat tragedy. Police confirmed that he faces a total of 11 cases involving human trafficking, drugs, weapons, and smuggling.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the ongoing investigation or potential additional arrests related to the case.

Inter Miami secured a dramatic 5-3 win over FC Cincinnati in an eight-goal Major League Soccer clash at TQL Stadium on May 14, 2026. Lionel Messi was at the heart of the victory, scoring twice, providing one assist, and inspiring a comeback after Miami trailed 3-2 until the 64th minute. His first goal came in the 24th minute from a defensive error, setting the tone for a night dominated by his brilliance.

Cincinnati fought back strongly to take the lead, but Messi’s influence turned the match around. He netted his second goal in the 55th minute from a Luis Suárez pass before Miami sealed the win with three late goals. An 89th-minute effort from Messi was initially thought to be his hat-trick but was later ruled an own goal. The Argentine now has 12 goals this MLS season, ranking second among top scorers, and his career totals stand at 910 goals and 411 assists.

The performance reinforced Messi’s enduring impact in American soccer and his continued dominance despite advancing age.

Iran has issued a strong warning to the United Arab Emirates after reports claimed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the country during the ongoing war between Iran and Israel. Tel Aviv asserted that Netanyahu met UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, though Abu Dhabi denied the visit took place. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the alleged meeting, calling cooperation with Israel an unforgivable act.

In a post on social media platform X, Araghchi said hostility toward the Iranian people was a foolish gamble and warned that those conspiring with Israel to create division would be held accountable. Netanyahu’s office stated that the meeting occurred in Al Ain near the Omani border on March 26, lasting several hours, according to a source cited by Reuters.

The reports surfaced amid claims by The Wall Street Journal that the UAE secretly carried out multiple attacks against Iran during U.S. and Israeli offensives, further heightening regional tensions.

Liberation War Affairs Minister and BNP Vice Chairman Ahmed Azam Khan visited injured fighters from the July 24 uprising who are currently receiving medical treatment in Bangkok. On Tuesday, May 12, he met with doctors at Vejthani International Hospital to inquire about the physical condition of the wounded individuals.

During his visit, the minister also discussed ensuring that the injured fighters receive all necessary medical services. He expressed his wishes for their speedy recovery while reviewing their ongoing treatment arrangements.

The visit highlights the government’s continued attention to those injured during the July uprising, reflecting ongoing concern for their health and rehabilitation.

In Beijing, Chinese authorities extended a lavish red-carpet welcome to U.S. President Donald Trump, drawing global attention for its grandeur and symbolism. The reception included a military parade and children waving flags, underscoring the importance China placed on the visit. Vice President Han Zheng, who holds a largely ceremonial role, greeted Trump at the airport, reflecting the high-profile nature of the occasion. The meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping brought together two contrasting leadership styles—Trump’s outspoken approach and Xi’s measured demeanor.

Analysts cited in the report said China’s elaborate hospitality was a calculated diplomatic gesture aimed at pleasing Trump and signaling goodwill amid ongoing trade and geopolitical tensions. The event took place at the Great Hall of the People, China’s political center, where state visits are used to project the depth of bilateral relations.

Beijing’s objective, according to the report, was to demonstrate to the world that relations with Trump are thawing and that both sides are moving toward a more stable future.

Former minister Dr. Dipu Moni, journalist Mozammel Babu, and journalist Farzana Rupa were presented before a tribunal in Dhaka on Thursday morning in connection with a case alleging crimes against humanity. The case relates to killings during Hefazat-e-Islam’s mass rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel on May 5, 2013. Prosecutor Gazi M H Tamim stated that Dipu Moni, then foreign minister, had internationally described the incident as a law enforcement operation against unruly groups, while Mozammel Babu and Farzana Rupa allegedly broadcast provocative statements through Ekattor Television.

At the time of the incident, Mozammel Babu was the managing director of Ekattor TV and Farzana Rupa was its chief reporter. Six other accused, including former state minister for home Shamsul Haque Tuku and several former senior police officials, are currently in jail in connection with the same case. The complaint was originally filed by Hefazat-e-Islam leader Azizul Haque on behalf of leaders Junaid Al Habib and Maulana Mamunul Haque, accusing 21 individuals in total.

The tribunal proceedings mark a continuation of legal actions surrounding the 2013 Shapla Chattar incident, which remains a politically sensitive issue in Bangladesh.

A young man from Ghosalkandi village in Rajoir upazila of Madaripur district has died in Libya after being tortured by a human trafficking gang that had promised to send him to Italy. The victim, identified as Tashir Fakir, reportedly paid around 4.8 million taka to traffickers but was held captive and tortured after arriving in Libya. His death was confirmed on Wednesday, bringing grief to his family and community.

Relatives alleged that a local broker named Rafiqul Islam Bagha from the nearby Purba Shormongol village lured Tashir with promises of work in Italy. After his capture in Libya, the traffickers extorted additional money from his family through threats and videos of abuse. Despite being hospitalized in Libya, he died in the ICU. The family claims the traffickers tried to hide his body after his death.

Following the incident, the accused broker and his family reportedly fled their home. Local residents expressed anger and demanded justice, while the victim’s wife and daughter appealed for help to repatriate his body and support the family.

A Bangladeshi man named Md. Khademul, aged 25, was shot dead by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) near the Amjhol border in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat district. The incident occurred early Thursday morning near the Bonchowki Border Outpost area. Khademul, son of Amzad Hossain from Uttar Amjhol village, was reportedly hit by pellets fired by a BSF patrol team from the Paglamari camp of the 78th Battalion.

According to local sources, several Bangladeshi traders had approached the barbed wire fence about 150 yards inside Indian territory near border pillar 905/6-S when the BSF opened fire. Khademul sustained injuries to his face, chest, and head. He managed to return to the Bangladeshi side and was taken to a clinic in Rangpur, where he later died while receiving treatment.

Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Imam, commanding officer of the 15 BGB Battalion in Lalmonirhat, confirmed the incident. No further details about official responses or diplomatic communication were reported in the source.

US President Donald Trump’s visit to China included his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who had previously been sanctioned twice by Beijing. The trip, reported on May 14, 2026, was described as unprecedented because Rubio’s participation came despite those sanctions. To bypass the restrictions, official travel documents reportedly used an alternate spelling of Rubio’s name, allowing him to enter China.

The sanctions were originally imposed when Rubio served as a US senator and spoke strongly in favor of human rights in China. In response, the Chinese government had targeted him with two rounds of sanctions. Before he assumed office as Secretary of State in January 2025, Chinese state media had already begun using a different spelling of his name.

On Tuesday, Chinese authorities stated that Rubio would not be barred from entering the country, clarifying that the sanctions were related to his past actions as a senator rather than his current diplomatic role.

Police in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar recovered the body of a young man named Mahmud from Hail Haor on Wednesday night. The body was found floating in the water near Rajapur area around 8 p.m. Mahmud, son of Askor Ali from Sirajnagar’s Boxbari area, lived with his family in Noagaon of Sreemangal.

According to local sources, Mahmud went to Hail Haor on Wednesday morning to catch fish but did not return home for several hours. His family became worried and began searching with the help of locals. Later, residents spotted his body floating in the haor and informed the police.

Sreemangal police recovered the body and took it to the police station. The officer-in-charge, Zahidul Islam Munna, said the incident is under investigation and necessary legal steps will be taken.

During a meeting in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump expressed strong optimism about the future of relations between the United States and China. At the start of the meeting, Trump stated with confidence that ties between the two countries would become better than ever before. He also praised the American delegation accompanying him, noting that it included representatives from some of the largest US companies.

Addressing Xi Jinping, Trump said it was an honor to be with him and to be his friend, adding that he believed the relationship between the two nations would improve significantly from now on. Trump further mentioned that the summit was being widely discussed across the United States and that he looked forward to engaging in discussions with Xi on various issues.

The meeting marked the beginning of high-level talks between the two leaders, with both sides signaling interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation, according to the report sourced from Al Jazeera.

Advance ticket sales for intercity trains ahead of Eid-ul-Azha began on Wednesday morning, drawing massive demand within minutes. According to railway sources, nearly 6 million online hits were recorded within the first 30 minutes of sales, and most tickets for the western region—including Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Khulna divisions—were sold out within an hour. The railway reported a total of 31,240 seats across 43 trains, with 15,266 in the western region and 15,974 in the eastern region. Ticket sales for eastern routes started later in the day.

The railway authority announced that tickets for May 24 to 27 journeys would be sold from Thursday to Sunday, with each passenger allowed to purchase up to four tickets once. Tickets are non-refundable, and 10 special trains will operate for Eid. Additionally, 25 percent of seats will be sold as standing tickets at counters on the day of travel. Return tickets will be available from May 21 to 25.

Officials advised passengers to use the official “Rail Sheba” app to avoid fraud, warning that some individuals were offering fake ticket services through social media.

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation at the start of his formal meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing on May 14, 2026. Xi stated that the shared interests between China and the United States are far greater than their differences. Welcoming Trump, he expressed his pleasure at hosting him in Beijing and noted that a stable relationship between the two nations benefits the entire world. Xi also said he looked forward to discussing major global issues with the U.S. president.

According to analysts cited in the report, Xi’s remarks signal a positive gesture toward stabilizing bilateral relations despite existing tensions and geopolitical challenges between the two countries. The meeting is viewed as an important step in maintaining dialogue and cooperation at a time of strained ties.

The report, sourced from Al Jazeera, highlights that the tone of the meeting suggested a willingness from both sides to focus on common ground rather than conflict.

Bangladesh secured a historic Test victory over Pakistan in Dhaka, with both pace and spin bowlers sharing all 20 wickets. On the final day’s last session, pacer Nahid Rana’s fiery spell of four wickets for ten runs in 4.5 overs dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup. The match showcased a rare balance in Bangladesh’s bowling, as pacers and spinners each claimed ten wickets, a feat unseen in the past decade.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto praised the team’s bowling partnership, noting that confidence in their five-bowler attack led to the bold declaration at 240 for nine, setting Pakistan a target of 268. Mehidy Hasan Miraz took five wickets in the first innings, while Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed contributed crucial breakthroughs. Shanto highlighted Rana’s reverse swing delivery that bowled Mohammad Rizwan as a turning point.

The victory symbolized Bangladesh’s evolution from a spin-dependent side to one capable of combining pace and spin effectively. The Dhaka Test was portrayed as a reflection of a new, confident Bangladesh team ready to challenge opponents with both skill and aggression.