Dr. A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and former MP, stated that no government can gain public confidence by disregarding the outcome of a referendum. He made the remarks on Friday morning while addressing a gathering of Jamaat’s upazila and thana-level leaders from the Sylhet region. The event was chaired by Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair and attended by senior Jamaat leaders from Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj.

Azad said the nation had hoped for change following the student and public uprising of August 5, 2024, but the new government had betrayed that hope by nullifying the referendum and ignoring the July Charter. He accused the authorities of moving toward a new form of fascism and warned that such actions would have consequences. He reaffirmed Jamaat’s commitment to building a humane and discrimination-free Bangladesh in line with the aspirations of those who were martyred or injured during the uprising.

Azad also emphasized that the Islamic movement has always faced oppression and sacrifice, asserting that Jamaat’s leadership remains undeterred despite past conspiracies and injustices.

The Trump administration has approved the sale of advanced air defense missiles and related military services worth about $17.1 billion to Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, even as U.S. missile stockpiles decline due to the ongoing Iran war. The U.S. State Department formally notified Congress of the deal last Friday but did not publicly announce it that day. The total approved arms sales reached $25.7 billion, with $8.64 billion in new emergency sales and the remainder expanding previous agreements.

The package extends earlier deals from 2019 and 2024 and includes Patriot interceptor missiles valued at roughly $4 million each. Kuwait’s share amounts to $9.3 billion, the UAE’s to $6.25 billion, and Bahrain’s to $1.625 billion. Meanwhile, Qatar has placed an additional $4 billion order for about 1,000 Patriot missiles. Since the Iran conflict began in late February, the U.S. has used over 1,300 interceptors, while Gulf partners have launched about 600.

Pentagon officials warn that rising foreign sales could strain U.S. readiness, as current production exceeds only 600 interceptors annually. Critics in Congress argue the administration is bypassing oversight by invoking emergency powers for rapid arms transfers.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Rabindranath Tagore was not only a poet but also a philosopher. He made the remarks on Friday at Patishar in Naogaon while addressing a program marking the 165th birth anniversary of the world poet. Fakhrul described Tagore as a creative personality whose works span all branches of literature and said that those who label him as communal lack understanding.

He highlighted that Tagore had initiated agricultural bank activities in Patishar to improve the lives of farmers and introduced modern agricultural concepts. Fakhrul added that the current government continues to work for the development of agriculture and farmers in line with Tagore’s vision. The event was organized by the Naogaon district administration with support from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and chaired by Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr. A N M Bazlur Rashid.

The program included speeches from several ministers and cultural performances by artists from local Shilpakala Academies. The Patishar area took on a festive atmosphere as visitors and Rabindra enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the poet’s birth anniversary.

Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon announced that work is ongoing to implement Bangladesh’s new curriculum by 2028. Speaking as chief guest at the annual general meeting of the Bangladesh Publishers and Booksellers Association and a seminar at Bangla Academy, he said a committee of experts is revising and updating textbooks. He emphasized improving paper quality and printing standards to ensure enjoyable learning and said the ministry will act to stop teachers from preparing exam questions based on note and guidebooks.

Milon highlighted the government’s focus on expanding digital technology use, including distributing tablets to teachers and eventually students, to reduce reliance on traditional guidebooks. He stated that quality supplementary books will replace note-guides, ensuring publishers and sellers are not harmed. He also encouraged the publication of internationally competitive books and noted that Bangladesh could become a major book-exporting country due to its cost-effective, high-quality printing capacity.

Other speakers, including state ministers for local government and liberation war affairs, discussed greater collaboration among ministries in organizing the national book fair and supporting the publishing sector. Industry representatives urged the government to recognize publishing and printing as a full-fledged industry and provide policy and financial support.

Saudi Arabia recorded a budget deficit of 125.7 billion riyals (about 33.5 billion dollars) in the first quarter of 2026, marking its largest shortfall since 2018. The deficit nearly doubled compared with the same period last year, according to data from the Saudi Ministry of Finance cited by Bloomberg. The shortfall was attributed to the economic impact of the Hormuz Strait closure and accelerated government spending.

The ministry reported that to mitigate supply risks from the Hormuz disruption, the government advanced infrastructure and food import expenditures. It also invested heavily in expanding Red Sea coastal ports and increased spending on transport and logistics projects to strengthen alternative trade routes.

Analysts noted that amid regional tensions and uncertainty in energy transport, Saudi Arabia prioritized economic security through early preparedness, though this approach has immediately strained the national budget.

India’s Home Minister Amit Shah has formally announced Suvendu Adhikari as the new Chief Minister of West Bengal. The decision came after the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) major victory in the state assembly election, with Adhikari unanimously chosen as the parliamentary party leader during a meeting of 207 newly elected legislators at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in New Town.

Adhikari, who left the Trinamool Congress to join the BJP in 2020, has been a prominent and often controversial figure in West Bengal politics. Since 2024, several of his statements about Bangladesh have drawn attention and debate over India-Bangladesh relations. He has accused Bangladesh of minority persecution, threatened to halt border trade, and criticized the country’s military capability. His remarks also included calls for international intervention in Bangladesh’s political situation and comparisons to Israel’s actions in Gaza.

By late 2025, Adhikari’s rhetoric intensified, including threats to block exports and protests targeting the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission. His comments have continued to stir political tension between the neighboring countries.

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.