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.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Jahir Uddin Swapon announced that integrated measures are being taken to ensure journalists’ job security and to combat misinformation and disinformation. He made the remarks on Wednesday after the closing session of the Deputy Commissioners’ (DC) Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The minister said the government regularly holds such meetings with DCs as part of its routine program, and this session focused on strengthening information management and responsible media practices.

Swapon emphasized the need to transform the country’s traditional media ecosystem into a digital platform and urged DCs to be prepared to cooperate when the ministry introduces new capabilities. He said the government aims to make information flow more disciplined and accountable through coordination with the media.

Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana added that each district will have a designated focal person to coordinate with journalists and facilitate transparent information sharing. She said DCs have been instructed to include local journalists in coordination meetings to reduce bureaucratic barriers and promote collaboration.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the ongoing conflict could end if Iran accepts the proposed conditions. He made the remarks on Wednesday through his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump warned that if Tehran fails to honor an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the United States would resume attacks on Iran with greater intensity.

According to Trump’s post, if Iran complies with the conditions, the operation named “Epic Fury” would conclude, and the blockade would be lifted, reopening the Strait of Hormuz for all, including Iran. However, he cautioned that refusal to cooperate would trigger renewed bombings at a higher scale and intensity.

The statement underscores Trump’s conditional approach to ending hostilities, linking Iran’s compliance with the reopening of the strategic waterway to the cessation of U.S. military actions.

Italy’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Antonio Alessandro, has expressed interest in working with the Bangladesh Police to enhance cooperation in areas of human trafficking, smuggling, and security support. The announcement came during a courtesy meeting with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir at the Police Headquarters on Wednesday.

During the meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere, the Italian ambassador congratulated the IGP and discussed ongoing collaboration between the two sides. The IGP sought Italy’s assistance in strengthening Bangladesh Police’s cyber security capabilities and in providing training on various security-related issues. He also emphasized the importance of coordination and mutual cooperation between the police forces of both countries.

The Italian ambassador reiterated his country’s interest in supporting ongoing training programs and enhancing capacity in areas related to irregular migration, human trafficking, smuggling, and security assistance. Senior officials of the Bangladesh Police were present at the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will visit Chandpur on May 16 and Feni on May 25, according to Water Resources Minister Md. Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee. The announcement came after a meeting with the Prime Minister at the Secretariat on Wednesday morning. During these visits, the Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate canal excavation programs in both districts ahead of the monsoon season.

The minister stated that the canal excavation initiative is part of a five-year national program to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals across Bangladesh. He noted that the Prime Minister has already inaugurated similar programs in several districts, and local ministers and MPs are continuing the work in their respective areas. Due to the approaching monsoon, the current phase of the program is expected to continue through May, with plans to resume again after the rainy season in November, December, and January.

The meeting also discussed the Padma Barrage Project, with the minister confirming that its technical study and feasibility survey are nearly complete and that the government will make a decision soon.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam visited Rohingya camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on Tuesday to expedite the repatriation process. During the visit, she inspected Camp-4 and other key facilities under the Ukhiya Army Camp, observing overall operations and activities related to repatriation management.

According to the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the Director General of the Myanmar Wing Md. Tawfiq-ur-Rahman, Director Shamima Yasmin Smriti, APS Mohammad Fazlul Haque, and Assistant Secretary Zahid Hasan Sehab, accompanied the minister. RRRC Commissioner Mizanur Rahman, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rifat Asma, and several Camp-in-Charge officials were also present.

The minister later visited the women’s skill development initiatives at the Kutupalong Registered Camp, where she observed sewing training and hygiene product production activities and encouraged women to become self-reliant. Security in the camp area was reported to be satisfactory, with increased patrols and surveillance during the visit.