Widespread violence has erupted across West Bengal following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) victory in the state assembly elections. Within hours of the May 4 results, clashes broke out in Kolkata and other districts, leaving at least four people dead and many injured. Reports describe streets filled with BJP flags and slogans, while residents in some areas have been forced to display party symbols to avoid attacks. Minority-dominated neighborhoods such as Metiabruz, Maheshtala, Tiljala, and Topsia have become flashpoints of unrest.

In Entally, local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Tabrez Khan switched allegiance to the BJP overnight, citing fear for his safety. Several incidents of political killings have been reported, including the death of a TMC polling agent in Beleghata and a BJP worker in Udaynarayanpur. Violence has also spread to Asansol, Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Jalpaiguri, where party offices were seized and homes destroyed. BJP leader Shamik Bhattacharya blamed the TMC for provoking clashes, while the ground situation shows widespread intimidation.

The escalating unrest has raised concerns about communal targeting and the erosion of West Bengal’s social fabric, with fears of further violence in the coming days.

In West Bengal, a significant administrative directive has been issued just before the formation of a new government. Retired bureaucrats who were appointed during Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s tenure have been barred from entering government offices. According to administrative sources, the order took effect on Wednesday, May 6, and will remain in place until the new BJP-led government formally assumes office.

NDTV reported that Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala conveyed the instruction from the state secretariat, Nabanna, to all departmental secretaries. The decision was communicated verbally across departments. Several retired officials serving as advisers or in special roles have already submitted their resignations and begun vacating government housing. The administration has also tightened document security, directing departments to safeguard important files and prevent any from leaving offices.

Financial advisers have been tasked with helping compile and secure lists of key departmental documents. Observers view these measures as an attempt to maintain administrative control and protect sensitive records amid the ongoing political transition in the state.

Eastern Refinery PLC, the country’s only oil refinery, will restart its refining operations on Thursday afternoon, according to Deputy General Manager (Operations) Mamunur Rashid Khan. He said a shipment of crude oil has arrived in the country, and if all preparations go smoothly, refining will begin after 5 p.m. The initial production target has been set at around 3,500 tons per day, with output expected to increase gradually after technical adjustments.

A vessel named MT Nainemia from Saudi Arabia has anchored at Kutubdia in Cox’s Bazar carrying 194,000 metric tons of crude oil for the refinery. Current reserves are expected to support refining operations for 20 to 25 days. The next shipment of crude oil is likely to arrive after May 20, depending on loading schedules in Saudi Arabia.

Managing Director Md. Sharif Hasnat confirmed that the refinery will begin operations at full capacity as planned, ensuring continuity of supply if the next shipment is loaded between May 10 and 12.

A major administrative error occurred during the SSC examination in Raipur, Lakshmipur, where 113 students were given the wrong set of question papers. The incident took place on Tuesday at the second venue of Raipur Government Merchants Academy under the Comilla Education Board. Students sat for the ‘Bangladesh and Global Studies’ objective test using set number 1 instead of the assigned set number 3. The issue came to light the following day, prompting the education board to issue a show-cause notice to the center secretary and head teacher, Mostafa Faruqi.

Students reported discovering the mistake only after comparing questions post-exam, leading to anxiety and mental stress. Comilla Board’s Deputy Controller of Examinations, Kabir Uddin Ahmed, described the incident as serious negligence and confirmed that departmental action has been initiated. He assured that students’ results would not be affected, as answer scripts will be evaluated according to the set used.

Local education officials said discussions with the board are ongoing and that necessary measures will be taken against those responsible. The incident has raised concerns about exam management and the need for stricter oversight and accountability.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas is recovering at Prince Court Medical Centre in Malaysia, according to party media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan on Wednesday, May 6. Citing Abbas’s wife Afroza Abbas, he said the senior politician is now out of danger, gradually regaining health, and able to communicate with family members. Based on the medical board’s advice, plans are being made for his return to Bangladesh before Eid-ul-Azha.

Family sources said Mirza Abbas is expected to appear in a video message within one to two weeks to thank supporters and seek prayers. After completing his physical therapy and medical procedures, he is likely to return home soon.

Earlier, on March 11, Abbas fell ill during iftar in Dhaka and underwent brain surgery at Evercare Hospital. He later traveled to Singapore for advanced treatment and is currently continuing his recovery in Malaysia.

The Jamaat-e-Islami-backed lawyers’ panel, Oikya Boddho Ainijibi Parishad, has announced a boycott of the 2026 Chattogram District Bar Association election, alleging irregularities, arbitrariness, and political interference. The announcement was made on Wednesday at a press conference held in the association’s auditorium, where panel leaders accused the chief election commissioner and two other commissioners of working to implement a government blueprint to influence the election.

According to the panel, candidates faced obstacles in collecting and submitting nomination forms, and some were harassed while entering the election commission office. They also alleged that the valid voter list was not published or distributed on time, and the list of valid candidates, due by May 5, was not released, casting doubt on the entire process. The panel said repeated attempts to contact the commission went unanswered.

In response, the panel formally declared its withdrawal from the election and condemned the alleged irregularities and political interference. The election is scheduled for May 21, with a five-member committee overseeing the process.

A group of seven lawyers led by Supreme Court advocate Md. Golam Kibria has sent a demand for justice notice to the Home Secretary, Foreign Secretary, and Inspector General of Police, calling for the immediate arrest of Mufassil Islam. The notice accuses him of spreading offensive, hateful, and provocative statements against Islam, the Holy Quran, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through various social media and digital platforms.

According to the notice, Mufassil Islam allegedly tore pages of the Holy Quran on his YouTube channel or social media, an act described as a severe insult to Islam and a deep offense to Muslims worldwide. The lawyers stated that these actions appear to violate sections 295A, 298, and 499 of the Penal Code 1860, as well as section 26 of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025. They warned that such acts threaten religious harmony and public order.

The notice demands his arrest, removal of all related online content, investigation under relevant laws, and measures to prevent his escape from the country. It also calls for stronger cyber monitoring to prevent similar offenses in the future.

The Ministry of Education in Bangladesh has issued a revised transfer policy for MPO-listed teachers working in private schools and colleges. The circular, signed by Additional Secretary Mizanur Rahman and approved by Secretary Abdul Khalek, introduces a provision for punishment if any teacher provides false information in transfer applications. The policy was released on Wednesday and will soon be available on the ministry’s website.

According to the new guidelines, teachers can apply for transfers after completing two years of service and may transfer up to three times in their careers. Applications must be made within government-specified periods, and priority will be given to female teachers and those living farther from desired postings. The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education will manage online applications, vacancy listings, and approvals. Transfers will not entitle teachers to travel allowances, and those facing disciplinary or criminal proceedings will be ineligible.

The policy also mandates that released teachers must join their new institutions within ten days, with all processes tracked online to ensure transparency and administrative accountability.

New fiber-optic drones used by Hezbollah are reshaping the conflict along Israel’s northern border, according to a report published on May 6, 2026. These small, inexpensive drones are capable of precise strikes and are difficult to jam, creating new tactical pressure on Israeli forces. In southern Lebanon, they have already increased operational costs and psychological strain during Israeli ground operations.

The drones are controlled through ultra-thin fiber-optic cables extending up to 30 kilometers, making them immune to radio jamming and radar detection. Each unit costs roughly 300 to 400 US dollars and can be locally produced using 3D printing and common components. Hezbollah claims to have used FPV drones in 16 of 22 attacks in April and has released footage of its own production facilities. Experts say the group aims to slow Israeli troop movements and undermine the sense of security in border areas.

Analysts note that while these drones reveal vulnerabilities in Israel’s low-altitude defenses, their range and durability remain limited. Israel is expected to respond with integrated defense measures combining early detection, camouflage, and tactical adaptation.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman set a rare example by driving his own car to an official event in Agargaon on Wednesday evening. Departing from the Secretariat around 7:30 p.m., he headed to the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar to attend a special program organized by the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association as the chief guest.

According to the report, Rahman chose to drive instead of using his designated bulletproof government vehicle with a chauffeur. His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, accompanied him in the passenger seat. The prime minister traveled through city traffic without the usual display of protocol or heavy security arrangements, drawing attention for his modest approach.

The report notes that such gestures by heads of government in modern democracies often send a positive message to citizens and help reduce the perceived distance between leadership and the public. Although Rahman has previously attended social and state events with his wife, this self-driven journey was described as an uncommon occurrence.

The Ministry of Shipping of Bangladesh has announced an increase in launch fares effective from Tuesday, May 5. The decision follows the recent rise in fuel prices. Under the new rates, fares for short-distance routes have increased by 18 paisa per kilometer to 2.95 taka, while long-distance fares have risen by 14 paisa per kilometer to 2.52 taka. The minimum fare per passenger has also been raised from 29 taka to 32 taka. The ministry issued a gazette notification confirming the changes under the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport (Routes, Permits, Schedules and Fare Determination) Regulations, 2019.

The fare adjustment comes after the government raised fuel prices on April 18, increasing diesel by 15 taka, octane by 20 taka, petrol by 19 taka, and kerosene by 18 taka per liter, effective from midnight on April 19. Following the fuel price hike, transport owners and workers held several meetings with the government to revise fares across public transport sectors.

Earlier, on April 23, the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges raised fares for diesel-run buses and minibuses by 11 paisa per kilometer, which took effect the same day.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahedur Rahman has said that the government is preparing clear policies and a code of conduct for journalism in response to the rapid expansion of online and digital media. He made the remarks in Dhaka at the closing session of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference, following a meeting of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

Dr. Rahman stated that it has become very easy to launch online-based media outlets, but there is a lack of proper guidelines. To ensure professional standards and accountability in journalism, the government is taking steps to establish a regulatory framework. He added that district commissioners proposed setting specific standards and codes of conduct for journalists to promote professionalism at the field level. The ministry is working on these measures for early implementation.

He further mentioned that the government intends to strengthen the fact-checking system through a new project integrating district-level information infrastructure. The long-inactive Information Commission will be restructured to operate independently, ensuring transparency and effective handling of information-related complaints.

Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB) arrested seven members of a criminal group known as the 'Agyan Party' from Dholai Par area in Jatrabari on Tuesday, May 5. The group allegedly drugged passengers on inter-district buses by offering food laced with sedatives or injecting them in crowded areas before stealing their belongings. The arrests followed a special DB operation based on secret information, according to a press release signed by DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) N M Nasiruddin.

Police recovered sedative-laced sweets, fast-acting anesthetic injections labeled Milam and Hypnofast, seven mobile phones suspected to be stolen, and leaflets describing their methods. The suspects reportedly targeted bus terminals and busy public areas across Dhaka and other districts. A case has been filed at Jatrabari Police Station.

On the same day, separate operations by Jatrabari and Mugda police stations led to the detention of 46 more individuals for various offenses. DMP officials said surveillance around bus terminals and cattle markets has been intensified ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, and similar drives will continue.

In West Bengal, India, police have filed 200 cases and arrested 433 people in connection with post-election violence that erupted across several districts following a political change in the state. Additionally, around 1,100 individuals have been detained as a preventive measure. The information was announced by Director General of Police Siddhnath Gupta during a press conference at the state police headquarters in Bhawani Bhavan on Wednesday. He stated that while incidents of violence occurred in recent days, no new cases were reported since Wednesday morning.

The police have warned that any attempt to intimidate others or take the law into one’s own hands will face strict legal action. Authorities have begun identifying those allegedly trying to exploit the political transition to create unrest. Gupta urged citizens to report complaints to local police stations and assured that police would file cases on their own initiative if victims were too afraid to come forward.

The state police also clarified that the additional security previously provided to Trinamool leader and outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and MP Abhishek Banerjee has been redeployed elsewhere. Central forces, comprising 500 companies, are assisting the state police, with joint control rooms operating at state and district levels.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy stated that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could return to normal once what it called “aggressors’ threats” come to an end. The statement, issued on May 6, 2026, also thanked ship owners who have been following Iran’s regulations while crossing the strategic waterway.

The IRGC noted that under a new arrangement, safe and permanent navigation through the strait would be possible once the current threats subside. The announcement came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump declared a temporary suspension of “Project Freedom,” an American initiative aimed at ensuring the security of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC’s remarks indicate a conditional openness to restoring normal maritime operations, contingent on the removal of perceived external threats and adherence to Iranian rules in the region.