Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has embarked on a three-day official visit to China, marking the first such trip since the BNP government took office two and a half months ago. Officials said the Teesta River issue will receive special attention during the talks. The visit aims to advance the long-stalled Comprehensive Management and Restoration of Teesta River Project, which Dhaka plans to implement with Chinese assistance after years of delay due to India’s objections.

The Teesta River, shared by Bangladesh and India, has long been a source of tension due to water-sharing disputes. A 2011 agreement between the two countries was never finalized, leading to recurring droughts and floods in northern Bangladesh. The proposed megaproject includes building a multipurpose barrage, dredging 102 kilometers of the river, constructing 203 kilometers of embankments, reclaiming land, and developing tourism and solar power facilities. China had earlier shown interest in financing the project, while India later expressed its own interest.

Analysts cited strategic motives behind both China’s and India’s involvement, linking Beijing’s interest to its Belt and Road Initiative. Local activists, however, remain cautious, urging the government to secure a fair water-sharing deal with India alongside the project’s implementation.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has officially announced Dr. Hafizur Rahman as its mayoral candidate for the upcoming Gazipur City Corporation election. The announcement was made by the party’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, during a leadership gathering held on Wednesday afternoon at the Shaheed Abdul Malek Auditorium of Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasa in Tongi.

During the event, Porwar described Gazipur as one of the country’s key industrial and densely populated cities, emphasizing the public’s expectation for honest, skilled, and people-oriented leadership. He stated that Dr. Rahman is widely accepted among youth and professionals and expressed confidence that his leadership would bring positive change to the city.

In his remarks, Dr. Rahman pledged to build a humane, clean, and modern city inspired by the ideals of the martyrs of July and the aspirations of the younger generation. He highlighted priorities such as ensuring workers’ rights, improving civic services, and establishing planned urban management, with a focus on resolving traffic congestion, waterlogging, waste management, and pollution issues.

Bangladesh’s opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman visited the Peace Park and Peace Museum in Hiroshima, Japan, on Wednesday as part of his ongoing Japan tour. He was accompanied by Saiful Alam Khan Milon MP, a member of Jamaat’s central executive council, and Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem Arman MP, his foreign affairs adviser. Bangladeshi teachers from Hiroshima University and PhD researchers from Bangladesh also joined the visit.

The Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum commemorate the atomic bombing of the city on August 6, 1945, when the bomb named “Little Boy” was dropped. Three days later, another bomb, “Fat Man,” was detonated over Nagasaki. By December 1945, about 140,000 people in Hiroshima and 74,000 in Nagasaki had died, with an additional 214,000 later succumbing to radiation-related illnesses.

Even in 2026, Hiroshima remains a solemn reminder of that tragedy, with the ruins of the bombed building still standing as a historical witness.

A roundtable discussion in Dhaka on Wednesday highlighted the growing threat of cybercrime in Bangladesh and called for coordinated efforts between the government and civil society to address it. The event, organized by Citizen Coalition under the theme 'Cyber Security and Future Challenges,' discussed issues such as website hacking, fake information, and the spread of counterfeit cards using mainstream media logos that mislead the public.

Rehan Asif Asad, adviser to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology, said the government is actively working on cyber security to counter online propaganda and information terrorism. He noted that the Cyber Security Act enacted by the current government remains in force, and authorities are cautious to prevent misuse of the law. He also stated that the government has not pressured the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to remove any online content.

The discussion was chaired by photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam, with participation from BTRC Chairman Emdadul Bari, UNESCO Dhaka Office Head Susan Vize, and Swedish Embassy Political Secretary Paul, among others.

The government of Bangladesh has revised passenger fares for vessels operating on domestic waterways. According to a notification issued by the Technical Assistance Branch of the Ministry of Shipping on May 5, 2026, the new fare rates have been implemented from the same day in the public interest. The revision was made under Rule 27 of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport (Routes, Permits, Schedules and Fare Determination) Regulations, 2019.

Under the new rates, the fare for the first 100 kilometers has been increased by 18 paisa per kilometer, raising the rate from Tk 2.77 to Tk 2.95 per passenger per kilometer. For distances beyond 100 kilometers, the fare has been raised by 14 paisa, from Tk 2.38 to Tk 2.52 per kilometer. The minimum passenger fare has also been increased from Tk 29 to Tk 32.

The notification, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Chhanda Pal on behalf of the President, has been circulated to all relevant departments, with instructions for publication in the Bangladesh Gazette and on the ministry’s website. The decision has been communicated to BIWTA, BIWTC, and the launch owners’ association.

The government has cancelled all activities related to the 2024 Commercially Important Person (CIP) cards. The Ministry of Commerce issued an official notification on Tuesday announcing the decision. The move halts all administrative and procedural actions connected to the issuance and use of the 2024 CIP cards.

According to the source, a similar decision had been made earlier regarding the CIP cards issued in 2023 during the tenure of the interim government. The latest cancellation continues that approach, effectively suspending the CIP card program for consecutive years.

The notice did not specify reasons for the cancellation or outline any future plans for the CIP program, leaving the status of upcoming CIP recognitions uncertain.

Ted Turner, the legendary media entrepreneur who founded CNN and revolutionized global television news, has died at the age of 87. According to a statement from Turner Enterprises, he passed away on Wednesday at his home in Atlanta, surrounded by close family members.

Born in Ohio, Turner launched the world’s first 24-hour news channel, CNN, on June 1, 1980, transforming the way news was delivered and consumed. Initially dismissed by many as unrealistic, CNN went on to become a trusted global news source, particularly after its live coverage of the 1991 Persian Gulf War, which earned Turner Time magazine’s ‘Man of the Year’ recognition.

Known as the “Mouth of the South” for his outspoken personality, Turner built a vast media empire after inheriting his family’s billboard business at age 24. He revealed in 2018 that he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a neurological disorder, and battled the illness for years. His death marks not only the passing of a pioneering entrepreneur but also the close of a defining chapter in global media history.

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.