A delegation from Anhui Normal University of China, led by its president Xiong Yujie, met with Bangladesh’s Minister of Education and Primary and Mass Education Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan at the ministry office in the Secretariat on Wednesday. The meeting focused on potential collaboration in education and teacher training between the two countries.

During the meeting, Minister Milan highlighted that universities in Bangladesh, including the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), have achieved strong positions in global rankings. He emphasized the government’s current focus on technical and vocational education and training, noting that there are many opportunities for cooperation with China in this area. Xiong Yujie stated that Anhui Normal University is a leading institution in providing professional training for teachers and expressed willingness to work together to improve education quality.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Education, including Secretary Abdul Khaleque and Technical and Madrasa Education Division Secretary Md. Daud Mia, were also present at the meeting.

Thirty Democratic members of the US Congress have called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to release detailed information about Israel’s nuclear weapons program. The lawmakers, led by Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro, sent a letter stating that an effective non-proliferation policy in the Middle East cannot be achieved while maintaining official silence on Israel’s nuclear capabilities.

The letter argues that transparency is essential when shaping policies toward Iran’s civilian nuclear program or Saudi Arabia’s nuclear ambitions. The lawmakers said the United States should apply the same nuclear transparency standards to Israel as it does to other countries. They also noted that both Israel and the White House have long maintained ambiguity about whether Israel possesses nuclear weapons.

The lawmakers requested information on Israel’s possible warhead numbers, delivery systems, uranium enrichment capacity, production at the Dimona facility, and the US understanding of Israel’s military doctrine and “red lines.” They emphasized Congress’s constitutional duty to be fully informed about nuclear balance and potential tensions in the Middle East.

Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly protested remarks made by BNP Vice Chairman and Member of Parliament Barkatullah Bulu, who described the party as more dangerous than drugs. The protest was issued on Wednesday through a media statement by Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Assistant Secretary General and Secretary of the party’s Central Publicity and Media Department. Bulu made his comments on May 5 during the inauguration of a canal excavation project in Begumganj, Noakhali.

In his statement, Zubair termed Bulu’s comments as absurd, malicious, and misleading. He said Jamaat-e-Islami is an ideology-based, democratic, and welfare-oriented Islamic political organization that has long been engaged in peaceful political activities for the country’s independence, sovereignty, morality, and people’s rights. He added that such hostile remarks from a political leader are harmful to the nation’s political culture.

Zubair further emphasized that political differences may exist, but mutual respect and decency should be maintained. He urged Bulu to act responsibly and refrain from making divisive or provocative statements.

Iran’s judiciary has seized the assets of 40 individuals accused of being 'traitors' in the western province of Hamadan, according to a report by Fars News Agency. The confiscated properties reportedly belonged to influential figures linked to what authorities described as a 'network cooperating with the enemy.' Officials announced that the seized assets will be used for reconstruction efforts in war-damaged areas.

The report stated that funds from the confiscated properties will be prioritized for rebuilding hospitals, scientific centers, schools, research institutions, and public service infrastructure. Analysts cited in the report suggested that the move signals both a message of strengthened internal security and a potential alternative source of funding for post-war reconstruction.

The announcement reflects Iran’s broader effort to channel domestic resources toward recovery in conflict-affected regions while asserting control over individuals accused of undermining national interests.

Depositors affected by six liquidated non-banking financial institutions (NBFIs) held a human chain protest in front of Bangladesh Bank’s headquarters on Wednesday, demanding the immediate return of their withheld savings. Participants, numbering over a hundred, wore black cloths over their mouths to symbolize their suffering and called for urgent action to recover their money.

In a written statement, the protesters said they represent more than 12,000 depositors whose funds have been stuck for seven years, causing severe financial uncertainty, mental distress, and humanitarian crises. Many depositors are reportedly unable to afford treatment for serious illnesses such as cancer, kidney, and heart diseases, and some have already died due to lack of medical care. The statement emphasized that Bangladesh Bank, as the regulator of all scheduled banks and NBFIs, bears the highest responsibility for protecting public deposits.

The protesters urged the central bank to announce a clear and practical roadmap for returning funds by the previously declared July 2026 deadline and to prioritize repayment to affected depositors.

Over a decade after Narendra Modi first campaigned to build a Congress-free India, the country’s political landscape has shifted sharply in his favor. The Congress Party, once India’s dominant political force, has been reduced to control of only four states while Modi’s ruling coalition now governs 21. Recent elections saw key opposition leaders Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal and M.K. Stalin in Tamil Nadu lose power, leaving Modi with virtually no strong political challengers.

Analysts and critics describe this as the emergence of a one-party state under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), whose Hindu nationalist agenda contrasts sharply with Jawaharlal Nehru’s pluralist vision for India. The BJP’s disciplined organization and focus on welfare and local governance have helped it secure a series of state-level victories since 2024, despite allegations of voter suppression and electoral manipulation. In states like West Bengal and Assam, large-scale voter list revisions reportedly disenfranchised minorities.

Political observers note that Modi’s dominance has left the opposition fragmented and weak. With the next national election due in 2029, questions remain over whether Modi will seek another term or who might succeed him within the BJP.

Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin stated that Bangladesh has maintained significant control over fuel prices compared to other countries. He made the remarks on Wednesday at the Annex Auditorium of Hotel Sheraton in Banani, Dhaka, after a dialogue titled ‘The Law Compass Dialogue’ organized by the Institute of Strategy and Tactics Research (ISTR) with various donor agencies. Amin said the government initially faced some crises but managed them through international negotiations, alternative sourcing, and discussions with domestic and foreign stakeholders.

He emphasized that despite global challenges, Bangladesh’s fuel supply remains stable and the country is in a strong position in the energy sector. Amin also highlighted that the government formed after the thirteenth national election is working to fulfill its electoral promises under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership. He noted that progress is being made in health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, and that the law and order situation remains stable.

Amin expressed optimism that Bangladesh will continue to move forward by turning challenges into opportunities and fostering a political culture free from misinformation.

A new shipment containing ten types of vaccines, including measles, rubella, and oral polio, has arrived in Bangladesh. Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain personally received the consignment at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Wednesday around 11:45 a.m. The shipment also includes BCG, pentavalent, PCV, and typhoid vaccines.

Following the arrival, the minister stated that 1.5 million doses of the measles vaccine had reached the country and assured that there would be no future vaccine shortages. He added that the government managed to bring the vaccines within just 24 days, calling it a historic achievement. By May 10, an additional 10 types of vaccines totaling 10.8 million doses are expected to arrive in the country.

The arrival of this shipment marks a significant step in strengthening Bangladesh’s immunization program and ensuring vaccine availability nationwide.

A mobile court in Dewanganj upazila of Jamalpur sentenced two young men to 15 days of imprisonment each for drug use near the Dewanganj Upazila Health Complex. The sentencing took place on Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Dewanganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Shah Zahurul Hossain.

The convicted individuals were identified as Saheb Ali, 25, son of Nazrul Islam from Dalbari village in Dewanganj municipality, and Shaha Ali, 28, son of Jamshed Ali from the same upazila. They were detained while consuming drugs in the area adjacent to the health complex, after which the mobile court delivered the verdict.

The case highlights local administrative efforts to curb drug use through immediate legal action under mobile court proceedings in rural areas of Jamalpur.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has directed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to strengthen surveillance along the border following the West Bengal state assembly election. He made the statement on Wednesday, May 6, after the third session of the final day of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The minister said the instruction was issued on Tuesday to ensure alertness at the border, though he did not foresee any major threat.

During the same event, the minister also instructed deputy commissioners to prepare within one month a list of politically motivated and harassing cases for possible withdrawal. He added that new laws would be introduced to curb drug abuse and online gambling. Salahuddin Ahmed further mentioned that several cases related to the anti-discrimination movement after August 5, including genocide and crimes against humanity, were under review. The government will verify these cases to identify genuine accused individuals before disposal.

The directives reflect the ministry’s focus on maintaining border security and addressing politically sensitive legal matters at the district level.

Continuous rainfall, nor'wester storms, and flash floods from upstream have caused extensive crop damage worth about Tk 340 crore in the haor regions of Habiganj district. The most affected crop is Boro paddy, the main source of livelihood for local farmers. According to the district’s Department of Agricultural Extension, over 11,000 hectares of Boro fields have been submerged, with many completely destroyed and others partially damaged.

Officials reported that Boro paddy was cultivated on 123,644 hectares this season, of which around 62 percent had been harvested before the flooding. The remaining fields were inundated by sudden rain and floodwaters, worsening the situation in Azmiriganj, Baniachong, Lakhai, Nabiganj, and Bahubal upazilas. Breaches in embankments along the Khowai and Korangi rivers have intensified the flooding, leaving vast farmlands underwater and farmers in despair.

The agricultural department has prepared a preliminary list of about 21,000 affected farmers, though locals claim the actual number is higher. Officials fear that if the water does not recede soon, the losses could increase further.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has temporarily expelled Zakir Ahmed, a district member and joint coordinator of Fulbari upazila in Dinajpur, for violating party discipline and tarnishing the party’s image. The decision was announced on Tuesday night through a notice signed by A H M Shamsul Muktadir, convener of the NCP Dinajpur district branch, and acting member secretary Imran Chowdhury Nishad.

According to the notice, serious allegations of breaching party discipline were raised against Zakir Ahmed based on media reports. After finding preliminary evidence, the party suspended him from all organizational activities. He has been instructed to submit a written explanation within three working days to the district committee explaining why he should not be permanently expelled.

The report also mentions that a businessman has filed a case against Zakir Ahmed, accusing him of involvement in abduction and the robbery of Tk 5.5 lakh.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that Bangladesh is steadily advancing under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring peace, stability, security, and sovereignty in the country. The minister made these remarks on Wednesday at a seminar organized by the Institute of Strategy and Tactics Research at Hotel Sheraton in Banani.

The seminar, focused on strengthening the economy, investment, and strategic cooperation in the current global context, brought together domestic and international experts, policymakers, and representatives from various sectors. Mirza Fakhrul highlighted that the government is working to create a sustainable and investment-friendly environment, ensuring all necessary facilities for both local and foreign investors.

He added that Bangladesh has become a promising destination for global investment through infrastructure development, progress in the energy sector, and policy reforms. The active participation of foreign delegates was seen as a reflection of international confidence in Bangladesh’s growth trajectory.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Beijing just one week before U.S. President Donald Trump’s scheduled trip to China. Analysts view the visit as a significant move in the shifting diplomatic balance between the Middle East and global powers. During the meeting in China, Araghchi held talks with his Chinese counterpart, marking the first direct meeting between the two allies’ top diplomats since the war began. Iran described the visit as an effort to ease tensions with the United States and to gain international support.

China remains one of Iran’s key economic and strategic partners, continuing to import large volumes of Iranian oil despite sanctions. U.S. officials have increased pressure on Beijing to influence Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington has imposed sanctions on Chinese refiners buying Iranian oil. In response, Beijing stated it is not obliged to comply with U.S. sanctions. Following the meeting, Araghchi said relations between Iran and China would strengthen further, calling Beijing a sincere friend of Tehran.

Trump’s upcoming visit to China on May 14–15 is expected to include talks with President Xi Jinping, and analysts suggest Iran’s diplomatic activity may add new pressure to regional and global discussions.

The leadership of the National Pension Authority, the agency implementing the Universal Pension Scheme, has changed. Dr. Md. Suratuzzaman has taken charge as the new Executive Chairman, while Sheikh Kamrul Hasan has joined as a member. The appointments were made through a notification from the Finance Division under the Ministry of Finance. Dr. Suratuzzaman, from the 15th batch of the BCS (Administration) cadre, has been appointed on a two-year contractual basis.

According to the announcement, Dr. Suratuzzaman previously served in several key administrative roles, including as Assistant Private Secretary to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He has also been involved in social activities and writing. Sheikh Kamrul Hasan, from the 15th batch of the BCS (Audit and Accounts) cadre, has been appointed as a member for one year on a contractual basis.

Hasan has held leadership positions in various financial institutions and served as Chief Accounts Officer, Finance Controller (Army), and Divisional Controller of Accounts. He also worked in senior roles in the Board of Investment, Ministry of Shipping, and Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, and served as First Secretary (Commercial) at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata.