West Bengal witnessed a dramatic political shift on May 4, 2026, as early vote counts indicated the end of Trinamool Congress’s fifteen-year rule. According to the Election Commission, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led in 192 constituencies, surpassing the majority mark, while the Trinamool Congress trailed with 97. The sweeping results triggered widespread unrest across the state, with reports of violence against ruling party workers. Security was tightened around Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat residence, and the Election Commission ordered deployment of central forces.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari attributed the victory to strategic religious polarization, claiming consolidation of Hindu votes and erosion of Trinamool’s traditional Muslim support base. Analysts cited multiple factors behind Trinamool’s decline, including dissatisfaction among minority voters over OBC certificate cancellations, discontent over Waqf property management, and administrative controversies. The exclusion of about 9.1 million names from voter rolls and corruption scandals in education and ration distribution further weakened the ruling party.

Observers noted that record voter turnout above 92 percent reflected a strong desire for change, marking a decisive end to Mamata Banerjee’s long-standing dominance in West Bengal politics.

Iran is reviewing a new peace proposal from the United States aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei. He stated that the proposal was delivered through Pakistan and is currently under examination. Baghaei told reporters that since the review is still underway, no further details can be shared at this stage.

He added that the United States often makes what Iran considers excessive and unreasonable demands, making the evaluation process difficult. Addressing reports about Iran’s nuclear program, Baghaei said most of the information circulating is speculative. He emphasized that Iran’s current priority is to achieve a complete end to the war, and decisions about future steps will be made later.

The comments reflect Iran’s cautious approach to the U.S. initiative and its focus on halting hostilities before considering broader diplomatic or nuclear-related negotiations.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for coordinated action between the United States and Iran to reopen the Hormuz Strait. Speaking at a meeting of European leaders in Armenia on Monday, he said that a joint initiative by Washington and Tehran could be the only effective solution to restore operations in the vital waterway. Macron also clarified that France would not participate in any military operation whose structure remains unclear.

According to the report, U.S. military forces are continuing security operations to safely escort commercial vessels through the Hormuz Strait. Macron added that France, together with the United Kingdom, is working to form an alliance aimed at reopening the strait once peace is restored.

The Hormuz Strait is described as one of the world’s most important maritime routes for energy transport, playing a strategic role in Middle Eastern oil exports.

The Kremlin has significantly increased security measures for Russian President Vladimir Putin amid fears of assassination and coup attempts, according to a European intelligence report obtained by CNN. The report states that heightened protection follows a series of targeted killings of senior military figures and growing concerns about internal plots. Surveillance has been installed in the homes of Putin’s close aides, and staff such as cooks, bodyguards, and photographers are now barred from using public transport. Visitors must undergo double screening, and close associates are restricted to using phones without internet access.

The report links these measures to the December killing of a top general and notes that Putin has reduced his travel, avoiding his Valdai retreat and military site visits in 2026. It also highlights economic strain and public frustration in major Russian cities due to the ongoing war. The document mentions internal Kremlin tensions, including a heated meeting between top officials and expanded powers for the Federal Protection Service.

European intelligence agencies reportedly view these developments as signs of growing mistrust and instability within Russia’s ruling elite.

The government will provide financial assistance to farmers affected by recent heavy rainfall in the haor regions. Agriculture and Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid announced that each affected farmer will receive at least Tk 7,500. He made the statement on Monday after the third session of the second day of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium. Earlier, sessions were held with the ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, and Food.

The minister said field-level agricultural officers are preparing lists of affected farmers, categorizing them for assistance that will continue from May to July. He added that the amount could increase depending on the extent of damage. The Agriculture and Disaster Management ministries are jointly compiling the lists, and funds will come from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and the Disaster Management Ministry. Rashid noted that while full compensation may not be possible, the aid aims to ease the farmers’ distress.

He also mentioned that there is no shortage of sacrificial animals in the country, border markets have been closed, and imports of cattle have been restricted. Additionally, the issue of low potato prices was discussed, with plans to expand export-oriented potato cultivation for products like French fries and chips.

Iran’s armed forces have ordered all commercial ships and tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz to coordinate their movements with Iranian military units. A military statement carried by Iranian media warned that vessels failing to comply could come under attack. The statement emphasized that the security of the strait is under the control of Iran’s armed forces and that safe navigation must occur only through coordination with them.

The warning came just hours before U.S. President Donald Trump announced an ‘escort mission’ aimed at assisting stranded ships in the area. Iran’s statement declared that it would use its full strength to maintain security in the strait and cautioned that any foreign armed forces, particularly U.S. troops, attempting to enter or approach the area would be targeted.

The development highlights renewed tension in one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, with both Iran and the United States signaling readiness to assert control over navigation and security in the region.

A United Airlines Boeing 767 arriving from Venice struck a lamppost and a delivery truck while landing in New Jersey, United States. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft, operating as Flight 169, made contact with a light post on the New Jersey Turnpike near Newark Liberty International Airport around 2 p.m. local time on Sunday. Despite the collision, the plane landed safely, and an investigation has been initiated.

According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, none of the 221 passengers or 10 crew members on board were injured. The truck driver sustained minor injuries, received treatment at a hospital, and was later released. The incident caused minor damage to the aircraft and to a southbound tractor-trailer. United Airlines stated that the involved crew members have been temporarily removed from duty as part of the investigation process.

Authorities said the FAA and other agencies will continue examining the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine the cause and ensure safety compliance.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported that maritime security risks in the Strait of Hormuz remain at a critical level due to ongoing military operations in the area. The organization has advised sailors navigating through the strait to remain vigilant and maintain communication with Omani authorities via VHF Channel 16.

UKMTO further recommended that vessels consider using Omani waters south of the Traffic Separation Scheme, where the United States has established an expanded security zone. The advisory follows an earlier incident near the coast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, where an oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile.

According to UKMTO, all crew members aboard the affected vessel were safe, and there were no reports of environmental damage resulting from the incident.

A scheduled court testimony of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his ongoing corruption case was canceled on May 4, 2026. According to Israeli media, the decision followed a message sent by Netanyahu’s defense team to the court the previous night. A statement from the court administration confirmed that the hearing would not take place after receiving an update from attorney Amit Hadad.

The court did not disclose the reason for postponing the hearing. Netanyahu had been expected to appear in court that morning to respond to corruption-related charges. If found guilty, he could face up to ten years in prison. The trial has already been delayed several times due to Israel’s ongoing conflicts with Gaza and Iran.

The latest postponement adds to the prolonged nature of the proceedings, with no new date for the testimony announced yet.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that European countries have understood Donald Trump’s message and are now ensuring the implementation of agreements related to the use of military bases. He made the remarks following Trump’s criticism that some NATO members were not contributing enough to support the United States in its conflict with Iran.

Speaking to reporters at a European Political Community summit in Armenia, Rutte acknowledged that there had been some disappointment from the U.S. side but said European nations had listened and were acting accordingly. His comments suggest a shift in NATO members’ stance following Trump’s strong message regarding military cooperation.

The development indicates that European allies are taking steps to align more closely with U.S. expectations on defense commitments, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions involving Iran.

Widespread load-shedding in Daulatkhan upazila of Bhola has caused severe disruption to students, businesses, and residents. The outages have affected ongoing SSC, Dakhil, and equivalent examinations, with power cuts even during exam hours. Evening blackouts have made it difficult for students to study, and candles are reportedly unavailable in local markets.

Residents complain that electricity often disappears even before clouds appear in the sky. On Saturday, power was out for 17 consecutive hours, and on Sunday for seven hours. The outages have halted operations in offices, banks, and businesses, while household appliances such as refrigerators and computers are being damaged. Business owners report that their work has nearly stopped, yet they still struggle to pay electricity bills on time.

The general manager of Bhola Palli Bidyut Samiti (Banglabazar) attributed the disruptions to storms and issues in the national grid line. The situation has also affected internet and mobile networks, leaving the area in near paralysis.

Members of Jamalpur 35 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) recovered 71 bottles of Indian liquor during an anti-drug operation near the Roumari Banglabazar border outpost on Sunday afternoon. The operation took place close to border pillar 1065 in the Charfulbari area. No arrests were made during the raid, and the seizure was later confirmed through a press release issued by the BGB.

According to BGB sources, the operation was conducted based on their own intelligence information. It is believed that the smugglers fled the scene after sensing the presence of the patrol team. The seized liquor was found abandoned at the site.

Lieutenant Colonel Hasanur Rahman, commanding officer of Jamalpur 35 BGB, stated that regular patrols and anti-drug drives are ongoing along the border, emphasizing the force’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics.

The construction of the 20-kilometer regional highway between Nabinagar and Ashuganj in Brahmanbaria remains unfinished after eight years. Approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in 2017, the project began on July 1, 2018, but only partial work has been completed. Heavy rainfall has worsened the condition of the unfinished road, creating large potholes and causing severe public suffering. The project’s term, set to expire in June this year, has been proposed for a two-year extension.

According to the Brahmanbaria Roads Department, land acquisition has become the main obstacle. Construction has stalled in several areas, including Krishnanagar, Birgaon, and Lalpur, where houses still occupy the road alignment. Landowners have refused to vacate their properties due to unpaid compensation. The acquisition process, covering 53 acres and 17.45 decimals of land with an estimated cost of Tk 296.62 crore, began in the 2022–23 fiscal year but remains entangled in legal disputes.

Local MP Advocate Abdul Mannan stated that efforts are underway to resolve the land acquisition complexities to expedite completion of the highway.

Multiple media outlets have reported allegations of extortion, irregularities, and abuse of power against A.H.M. Lutful Kabir, officer-in-charge of the Mongla River Police outpost in Bagerhat. Despite these reports, there has been little visible progress in the investigation, prompting concerns about its slow pace. Local residents claim that the situation on the ground remains unchanged even after repeated media coverage.

Local businessman Md. Rafiqul Islam said irregular money collection continues at the port area, causing hardship for small traders. River transport worker Alomgir Hossain added that workers face constant pressure while working at the dock, making their jobs increasingly difficult.

Inspector A.H.M. Lutful Kabir denied all allegations, calling them baseless and motivated, and stated that he performs his duties according to the law. He added that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face action. Khulna regional police superintendent Manjur Morshed confirmed that the matter is under investigation and departmental action will follow if the allegations are proven true.

The final list of candidates for the Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association Election 2026–27 has been officially released. According to the announcement, three candidates will contest for president, four for vice president, seven for secretary, two for treasurer, five for joint secretary, and nineteen for member positions. The Election Commission has barred any candidates affiliated with the banned Awami League from participating, leaving primarily two panels in the race. The election is scheduled to take place on May 13 and 14.

The nationalist lawyers’ forum-backed Blue Panel has nominated senior lawyer Mahbubuddin Khokon for president, while the Jamaat-e-Islami-backed Lawyers Council has fielded senior lawyer Abdul Baten for the same post. Other key candidates include Mohammad Ali and Barrister Maksud Ullah for secretary, and Advocate Ziaur Rahman for treasurer from the Blue Panel. The Lawyers Council has also announced candidates for all major positions.

Senior lawyer Mohammad Hossain Lipu of the NCP-backed National Lawyers Alliance withdrew his nomination for secretary, citing objections to the election commission’s composition. The Supreme Court Bar election is regarded as one of the most prestigious and politically significant events in Bangladesh’s legal community.