The United States and China have agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to ensure the free flow of energy. According to a White House statement released on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached this consensus during their meeting in Beijing. The statement also noted that both leaders agreed Iran should never possess nuclear weapons.

The White House said the meeting covered economic cooperation, including expanding U.S. business access in China and increasing Chinese investment in American industries. Trump emphasized progress on stopping the flow of fentanyl precursors to the U.S. and urged China to purchase more American agricultural products. Xi reportedly expressed interest in buying more U.S. oil to reduce China’s dependence on the Hormuz route.

In a separate Chinese statement, Xi warned that mishandling the Taiwan issue could lead to conflict between the two countries, calling it the most critical matter in U.S.-China relations. China has not yet made an official comment on the White House statement.

Bangladesh’s new government is facing major challenges in finalizing the 2026–27 national budget, expected to total Tk 9.3 trillion, about 25 percent higher than the previous year. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury is scheduled to present the budget on June 11. The plan includes Tk 3 trillion for development spending, Tk 1.16 trillion for subsidies and incentives, and ambitious revenue targets of Tk 6.95 trillion despite a current shortfall exceeding Tk 1 trillion. Key allocations include large subsidies for power, LNG, fertilizer, and food, as well as funding for mega projects like the Padma Barrage and new metro rail lines.

Officials say the budget aims to balance election pledges and economic stability by expanding social safety programs such as family and farmer cards, while offering tax relief on essentials and higher taxes on luxury goods. The Annual Development Programme will rise 50 percent to Tk 3 trillion, with 39 percent in block allocations. Economists, however, warn that the revenue goals are unrealistic and that rising government spending could worsen inflation and debt pressures.

The budget’s focus on employment, investment, and welfare reflects the new administration’s attempt to revive growth amid economic stagnation and high inflation.

Police in Gurudaspur, Natore, arrested Jubo Dal leader Rezaul Karim Reza and a woman named Ruma Akter Laboni late Wednesday night on allegations of involvement in drug trading. The arrest took place at a house in the Hamlaikol area, and police later filed a case under Section 151 before sending them to jail on Thursday afternoon. Locals expressed dissatisfaction as the case was filed under a general provision rather than drug-related charges.

Rezaul Karim, aged 42, was the joint convener of the Nazirpur Union Jubo Dal. A video circulating on social media showed Ruma preparing marijuana in a cigarette while Reza counted money allegedly from drug sales. Following the incident, the district Jubo Dal expelled Rezaul from the party, citing moral degradation, breach of discipline, and actions contrary to party ideals.

A local BNP leader stated that some individuals were misusing the party’s name for drug-related activities, damaging its image. Police said no drugs were found in their possession, and no complainant came forward, leading to the Section 151 case.

A man named Faisal, aged 24, was allegedly killed by his elder brother Morshed in Goalgaw village of Cumilla Sadar Dakshin upazila on Thursday afternoon. The incident reportedly occurred after an argument between the two brothers over a disturbance caused to Morshed’s wife, who had returned home from a night shift and was resting. Police confirmed that Morshed attacked Faisal with a sharp weapon, leaving him critically injured.

Local residents took Faisal to Cumilla Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Following the incident, police launched an operation and arrested Morshed from the nearby Suagazi Bazar area. The body was sent to the hospital morgue for autopsy, and a case filing process is underway at Cumilla Sadar Dakshin Model Police Station.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the case or possible charges. The investigation is ongoing, according to police sources.

France coach Didier Deschamps has announced the final 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, leaving out Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. The team will be led by Kylian Mbappé, with Ousmane Dembélé among the key forwards. France will begin their campaign against Senegal on June 16. Mbappé, currently on 56 international goals, is just one goal behind Olivier Giroud’s national record of 57.

Deschamps told French broadcaster TF1 that the decision was not only about selecting the best players but also maintaining team balance, noting that Camavinga had endured a difficult season. Tottenham forward Randal Kolo Muani was also omitted for similar reasons. The squad includes several young talents such as Michael Olise, Désiré Doué, and Rayan Cherki, while only four members from the 2018 World Cup-winning team remain: Lucas Hernandez, N’Golo Kanté, Mbappé, and Dembélé.

With a mix of youth, experience, and pace, France aims to reclaim the World Cup title under Deschamps’ leadership.

A woman named Shikha Akter, mother of two, died from electrocution in Madarchar Paschimpara area of Bakshiganj upazila in Jamalpur on Thursday evening. According to local sources, the 22-year-old was returning home from the field with goats when she accidentally came into contact with a live illegal electric wire near the house of Manun Mia, son of the late Nayeb Ali. She was seriously injured on the spot and died on the way to Bakshiganj Upazila Health Complex.

The incident has cast a shadow of grief over the area. Locals have demanded immediate action against illegal and unsafe electrical connections that pose risks to residents. Police recovered the body after receiving information and said the incident is under investigation, with legal measures to follow.

Authorities are expected to review the safety of local electrical connections as part of the investigation into the fatal accident.

A Palestinian man was killed by Israeli forces near the village of Al-Lubban Ash-Sharqiya in the occupied West Bank. According to the Israeli military, the shooting occurred after soldiers allegedly saw three individuals throwing stones at moving vehicles. One person was killed and another was injured in the incident.

The Israeli army stated that its troops opened fire after identifying the suspects engaged in stone-throwing. The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not provide further details about the identity of the deceased or the condition of the injured person. The incident adds to ongoing tensions in the West Bank, where confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinians have been frequent.

No additional information was immediately available regarding local or official reactions to the shooting or any subsequent investigation.

A young man named Mridul Sheikh was killed and a rickshaw driver, Samiul Molla, was injured when a speeding truck ran over their rickshaw in Gopalganj on Thursday night. The accident occurred on the Gopalganj-Tekerhat road in the Bherarbazar area of Gopalganj Sadar upazila. Mridul Sheikh, son of Felan Sheikh from Khatiyagor Uttarpara village, was traveling from Ulpur to Gopalganj town when the collision took place.

According to Gopalganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Anisur Rahman, the truck hit the passenger rickshaw, killing Mridul Sheikh on the spot and seriously injuring rickshaw driver Samiul Molla. Locals rescued the victims and took them to Gopalganj Medical College Hospital, where Samiul Molla was admitted for treatment.

The report did not mention whether the truck or its driver was identified or detained following the accident.

Talks between Israel and Lebanon have become increasingly complicated due to security guarantee demands and Hezbollah’s refusal to compromise. Although a ceasefire was implemented earlier this year, cross-border attacks have continued, raising concerns about future stability. Both nations face significant challenges as they attempt to navigate unresolved issues through ongoing dialogue.

Diplomatic assessments indicate that Israel is seeking stronger security guarantees and the complete disarmament of Hezbollah, while Lebanon is emphasizing a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from its southern border. The main uncertainty arises from Hezbollah’s declaration that it will not adhere to any framework or outline resulting from the talks, posing a major obstacle to any potential agreement.

Despite these tensions, Washington and the U.S. State Department view the dialogue as a positive development. Analysts note that, given the long history of conflict between the two countries, the initiation of such discussions itself represents a significant step forward.

Amnesty International has called for an investigation into alleged war crimes by Israeli forces following the destruction of homes in southern Syria. The rights organization made the appeal after reports that Israeli military operations and shelling in the region had intensified, causing extensive damage to agricultural land and residential areas.

According to Amnesty, Israel has violated the 1974 disengagement agreement by seizing additional Syrian territory beyond the occupied Golan Heights. Local Syrian residents have accused Israeli forces of conducting frequent raids, detaining young men, and using herbicides that prevent farmers from accessing their land. These actions have prompted Amnesty to demand a formal war crimes investigation.

The call for investigation highlights growing concerns over Israel’s military activities in Syria and their impact on civilians, though no official response from Israeli authorities was mentioned in the report.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has said that the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran was achieved without any loss of life. In an interview with CBS, Obama stated that the deal successfully removed a large portion of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, with both U.S. and Israeli intelligence supporting the outcome.

Obama emphasized that the agreement was completed without firing a missile and that 97 percent of Iran’s enriched uranium was removed. He added that there was no dispute about the deal’s effectiveness and that it did not require military confrontation or the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, highlight Obama’s continued defense of the diplomatic approach taken during his administration to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities through negotiation rather than force.

Prices of most essential commodities in Dhaka’s major markets have continued to rise, increasing the cost of living for ordinary citizens. Despite the overall upward trend, the price of boiled rice has fallen by 5 to 7 taka per kilogram over the past week. Traders at Karwan Bazar, Nayabazar, and Segunbagicha reported that new rice arrivals have reduced prices of Miniket and medium-quality rice, while premium polao rice remains expensive.

Other daily necessities such as flour, edible oil, sugar, pulses, and chicken have become costlier. Eggs are now selling for 135 to 145 taka per dozen in wholesale markets and up to 160 taka in neighborhood shops. Vegetable prices have slightly eased but remain high, with most items selling above 70 taka per kilogram. Cooking gas prices have also increased by more than 600 taka in two phases, adding to household expenses.

Consumer Association of Bangladesh Vice President S.M. Nazer expressed concern over the abnormal price hikes and criticized the lack of market monitoring, urging stronger government oversight to protect low-income consumers.

Several football and cricket matches will be broadcast live on May 15, 2026, across different television and online platforms. The third T20 match of the women’s cricket series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe will air at 8:30 p.m. on FanCode and PCB’s YouTube channel. In football, multiple Bangladesh Football League matches, including Abahani vs Bashundhara Kings, Bangladesh Police vs Arambagh, Fakirerpool vs PWD Sports, Fortis vs Brothers Union, and Rahmatganj vs Mohammedan, will be shown live at 3:45 p.m. on YouTube. Additionally, the English Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool will be broadcast live at 1:00 a.m. on Star Sports and Toffee Live.

The schedule highlights a busy day for sports fans, offering a mix of domestic and international football and cricket action. Viewers will have access to both men’s and women’s competitions through a combination of television and digital streaming services.

These broadcasts provide fans with multiple viewing options and reflect the growing integration of online platforms in sports coverage in Bangladesh.

The 2026 Secondary School Certificate (SSC), Dakhil, and equivalent examinations in Bangladesh have been marred by repeated incidents of wrong question paper distribution since the exams began on April 21. Multiple centers under various education boards mistakenly handed out incorrect subjects or set codes, disrupting exams and causing distress among students and parents. The latest reported case occurred on May 10 in Dinajpur, where a physics test was conducted using the wrong set code.

Education board officials attributed the errors to negligence by teachers responsible for distributing papers, particularly confusion between regular and irregular candidates’ question sets. Several teachers and center secretaries have been relieved of duties or warned, while authorities assured that affected students would not suffer academically. The Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee and the Madrasa Education Board confirmed disciplinary measures and additional monitoring.

The exams also faced challenges from adverse weather, power outages, and rumors of question leaks, which the Education Ministry later dismissed as false. Despite these disruptions, officials stated that results would be evaluated fairly and that corrective steps were underway to prevent recurrence.

Four expatriate brothers from Rangunia in Chattogram were found dead inside a car in the Muladda area of Oman on Tuesday night. Local police suspect that a gas leak or air conditioner malfunction may have caused toxic fumes to fill the vehicle, leading to their deaths. The bodies were discovered on Wednesday morning after locals alerted authorities. The deceased were identified as Rasedul Islam, Shahedul Islam, Sirajul Islam, and Shahidul Islam.

According to family sources, the four brothers had gone out to shop for the wedding of their fifth brother, who remains in Bangladesh. One of the deceased was married with two children, while another had recently married before moving abroad. The incident has cast a shadow of grief over their family and community in Rangunia.

Omani police are awaiting medical reports to confirm whether the deaths were accidental or caused by other factors. The bodies are currently under police custody in Rustaq and are expected to be transferred to Muscat for further procedures.