Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman may visit either India or China in June, with discussions on the Teesta mega project expected during the China trip. He made the remarks on Tuesday, May 5, while speaking to journalists at the state guesthouse Padma in Dhaka.

Addressing concerns about possible push-in incidents from India, the minister said that if any such event occurs following a change of power in West Bengal, Bangladesh will take countermeasures. He also mentioned that China’s foreign minister has invited him to visit Beijing for extensive talks on strengthening bilateral relations. On trade matters, he noted that discussions on a trade agreement with the United States are positive and that Bangladesh is ahead of some other countries in this regard.

The foreign minister added that the prime minister has special commitments to friendly nations such as China and India, and officials are currently coordinating schedules to finalize the details of the upcoming visits.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’s Baridhara zone organized a memorial discussion and prayer session on Monday night in Dhaka’s Baridhara madrasa to honor those killed in the May 5, 2013 Shapla Chattar incident. The event was marked by solemnity and emotion, drawing a large number of scholars, students, and devout Muslims. The prayer was led by the organization’s central Naib-e-Ameer Allama Abdul Hamid Madhupuri, who prayed for the souls of the deceased and for national peace and unity in serving Islam.

Speakers at the discussion included central leaders such as Joint Secretary General Mufti Monir Hossain Kasemi, International Affairs Secretary Maulana Dr. Shoaib Ahmed, Assistant Organizational Secretary Mufti Jaber Kasemi, and Finance Secretary Mufti Zakir Hossain Kasemi. They described the 2013 Shapla Chattar event as a tragic chapter in the nation’s history and demanded a fair and impartial investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

Presided over by Baridhara zone president Mufti Amjad Hossain Helali, the program concluded with special prayers for the welfare of the country, unity of the Muslim community, and forgiveness for all martyrs.

Israeli forces carried out multiple overnight raids across several areas of the occupied West Bank, according to a report by the Palestinian news agency Wafa. The operations took place late Monday night, targeting villages including Zorat al-Shama, Wadi al-Nis, and Umm Salmuna, where soldiers searched several Palestinian homes.

A separate Wafa report stated that Israeli military units also conducted raids in several villages and towns in the western part of Ramallah. Local sources reported the use of tear gas and stun grenades during the operations, though no casualties or arrests were confirmed.

The report added that such raids are a regular occurrence in the West Bank, often carried out without prior warrants under the pretext of searching for wanted individuals. These actions frequently lead to confrontations with local residents.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman has sent a gift for Muslima, the two-year-old daughter of truck driver Hannan, who was killed in a mob attack triggered by a rumor in Faridpur’s Boalmari upazila. On Tuesday around 11:30 a.m., local officials delivered the Prime Minister’s gift to Hannan’s home in Satair village. Upazila Nirbahi Officer S M Rokibul Hasan Roki handed over cash and dry food to Hannan’s father, Shahid Sheikh, on behalf of the Prime Minister. The chairman of Satair Union Parishad, Rafiul Alam Mintu, also provided assistance and promised monthly support.

Officials including the upazila social services officer and the project implementation officer were present during the handover. The incident that led to Hannan’s death occurred on May 1 in Bilnalia village of Nagarkanda upazila, where he was beaten to death following a rumor. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer said the Prime Minister took notice of the matter and directed the district administration to provide immediate help. Discussions have been held with the family regarding Muslima’s upbringing, and government support will continue in the future.

At least 21 people were killed and 61 injured in a massive explosion at a fireworks manufacturing plant in central China’s Hunan province. The blast occurred at 4:43 p.m. on Monday at the Liuyang Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company in Liuyang city, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Videos shared on social media showed multiple explosions and thick plumes of smoke rising from the mountainous rural area.

CCTV’s drone footage the following day revealed widespread devastation, with collapsed buildings and smoke still visible as over 480 rescuers worked to clear debris. Authorities established a three-kilometer security perimeter and evacuated nearby residents. The factory’s owners and management have been detained while investigators examine the cause of the explosion. President Xi Jinping ordered swift medical treatment for the injured, rescue efforts for the missing, and strict action against those responsible.

Liuyang is one of China’s main fireworks production hubs, accounting for about 60 percent of national output and 70 percent of exports. Industrial accidents remain frequent in China due to weak safety enforcement, with several similar explosions reported in recent years.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said that the dominance of the United States and its allies in the Strait of Hormuz is coming to an end. In a social media post, he accused Washington of endangering regional maritime and energy transport security by violating ceasefire terms and imposing blockades. Ghalibaf warned that a new balance of power is emerging in the strait and suggested that the current situation is becoming intolerable for the U.S.

His remarks came after the United States imposed a naval blockade on all Iranian ports and maritime routes on April 13. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new naval mission called “Project Freedom” aimed at reopening the strategically vital waterway, which is largely under Iranian control. Under the plan, U.S. warships will escort commercial vessels through the passage.

According to Ghalibaf, such actions by Washington could further destabilize the region, though he indicated that Iran would remain firm in its stance.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan said his ministry is working to ensure that the benefits of Bangladesh’s Liberation War reach the people. He made the remarks on Tuesday after the second session of the third day of the Deputy Commissioners’ (DC) Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The minister emphasized that his ministry has been working for freedom fighters both in opposition and in government and will continue to do so.

Khan discussed with district administrators the contributions of freedom fighters and citizens during the war, as well as ongoing and future ministry activities. He recalled that the Liberation War Affairs Ministry was established in 2001 under former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to preserve the legacy of the war. State Minister Israq Hossain said district administrators provided advice on improving project implementation and that cooperation with field administration would accelerate progress.

Hossain added that genuine freedom fighters’ lists and housing projects are underway, and past corruption in these projects will be investigated to prevent recurrence.

Local health authorities in Gaza reported that the death toll from Israeli attacks has reached 72,612. On Tuesday morning, an Israeli drone strike in the Al-Ayoun area of Gaza City killed at least one person and left several others seriously injured, who were taken to hospitals for treatment. The Palestinian news agency Wafa confirmed the attack, citing medical sources.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the total number of injured since the Israeli offensive began in October 2023 has risen to at least 172,457. The ministry also warned that thousands of people may still be trapped under the rubble. Despite a fragile ceasefire that took effect on October 11, 2025, reports of near-daily Israeli strikes continue to emerge.

Palestinians accuse Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire through drone and air attacks, while Israeli forces claim they are targeting only specific objectives. The growing civilian casualties are deepening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has arrested two individuals for attempting to attack and rob tourists at a resort in the Sundarbans area of Bagerhat. The arrests followed an incident on May 4, 2026, when a group of assailants tried to break into the Sundari Eco Resort near Dhangmari canal in Khulna’s Dacope area. Resort authorities noticed the intrusion and chased the suspects, who fled the scene. The Coast Guard launched a special operation later that day based on CCTV footage and intelligence surveillance.

During the operation, two suspects identified as Rajon Sardar, 25, and Ratan Sardar, 14, both residents of Dacope, were detained near the Dhangmari canal. Preliminary questioning revealed their involvement in theft and robbery activities over an extended period. The detainees were handed over to Dacope police for further legal action.

According to the Coast Guard, similar operations will continue to maintain law and order and ensure public safety in coastal and riverine areas.

European Council President Antonio Costa has condemned Iran’s missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates, expressing solidarity with the country. In a message posted on social media platform X, Costa described Tehran’s assault on Abu Dhabi’s civilian infrastructure as unjustified and unacceptable. He reaffirmed the European Union’s full support for UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed and the Emirati people.

Costa called for an immediate end to violations of sovereignty and international law, urging Iran to return to the negotiating table to help preserve the fragile ceasefire in the region involving the United States and Israel. He emphasized that Iran must engage in constructive dialogue to maintain peace in the Middle East.

The European Union, Costa added, remains committed to working with regional and international partners to de-escalate tensions, reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, and pursue a lasting diplomatic resolution to the crisis.

The technology desk of Amader Desh published a detailed guide on May 5, 2026, outlining essential steps for safe and long-lasting air conditioner use. The report warns that lack of proper care and maintenance can make air conditioners hazardous, potentially leading to explosions in extreme cases. It emphasizes that regular servicing, cleaning, and inspection are vital to prevent such incidents.

The article advises users to have their air conditioners serviced by professional technicians two to three times a year to detect faults early. It highlights the importance of keeping filters clean every two to four weeks, checking electrical connections to avoid short circuits, and ensuring stable voltage through a stabilizer. The guide also recommends keeping the outdoor unit free from dust and debris, checking for refrigerant gas leaks, avoiding continuous operation, and using only genuine parts from trusted brands.

These maintenance practices, according to the report, can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and extend the lifespan of air conditioning units, ensuring safer household use.

The Israeli military has issued a new evacuation order for residents of two towns in southern Lebanon, Jabshit and Sarafand. According to the directive, civilians must immediately leave the area and move to open zones at least 1,000 meters away. The order was reported by Al Jazeera on May 5, 2026.

The Israeli military stated that anyone remaining in the area, particularly near Hezbollah members, facilities, or military activities, would be putting their lives at risk. The move comes amid ongoing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, where recent military actions and warnings have heightened fears of further escalation.

Observers expect that this latest evacuation order could further increase instability and tension in the border region, though no additional details were provided in the report.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman announced that Bangladesh’s local government elections will take place toward the end of this year. He stated that the process will be conducted in phases and is expected to take about one year to complete. Rahman made the remarks on Tuesday around 11:30 a.m.

During his statement, Rahman also mentioned that farmers affected in the haor region will receive a one-time payment of 7,500 taka each. Addressing concerns about the measles vaccination program, he said the interim government had no dishonest intent regarding the vaccine, but the reasons for the delay in administering it should be investigated.

The announcement outlines the government’s upcoming electoral timeline and its immediate relief measures for affected farmers, while also signaling an internal review of the vaccination delay.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has officially published a gazette declaring Nusrat Tabassum, joint convener of the NCP under the Jamaat-led alliance, as a Member of Parliament for a reserved women’s seat in the 13th National Parliament. The announcement was confirmed on Tuesday, May 5, by Returning Officer and EC Joint Secretary Md. Moin Uddin Khan.

Earlier, the nomination of another NCP candidate, Monira Sharmin, had been rejected due to complications related to government employment. Nusrat Tabassum’s nomination was initially not accepted because it was submitted 19 minutes after the deadline on April 21. She later sought legal remedy, and the court instructed the Election Commission to accept her nomination and proceed according to law. Following verification, the EC declared her nomination valid on May 2.

Meanwhile, Monira Sharmin filed a writ petition challenging the rejection of her nomination and requested that the gazette not be issued until the court hearing concluded. However, on May 4, a High Court bench expressed inability to hear the petition due to a conflict of interest and referred it to another bench.

Bangladeshi political parties are actively discussing the implications of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) victory in the West Bengal state elections, which ended Mamata Banerjee’s long tenure. Many are curious about how the new BJP-led government might influence bilateral issues such as Teesta River water sharing, border management, and cross-border migration. The discussions reflect both curiosity and concern over potential shifts in regional dynamics.

The report notes that relations between Bangladesh and India had been strained following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024, though recent efforts from both sides have aimed to improve ties. Some Bangladeshi parties expressed concern over remarks made by Indian politicians about Bangladesh during the campaign, while others emphasized maintaining stable relations regardless of political changes in India. Foreign Minister of State Shama Obaid stated that Bangladesh’s approach to unresolved bilateral issues would remain consistent, irrespective of who governs West Bengal.

Party representatives offered varied perspectives: some warned of rising communalism, while others viewed the election as India’s internal matter. Overall, the focus remains on ensuring continued dialogue and cooperation between the two neighbors.