The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has set a target to bring 2 million new business entities under VAT registration in the 2026–27 fiscal year. The plan includes expanding VAT coverage to all upazilas, particularly in rapidly growing business areas, and incorporating temporary shops in Dhaka with high sales volumes. Businesses with annual transactions up to 3 million taka will remain exempt from mandatory VAT registration. Currently, about 795,000 businesses are registered for VAT.

NBR data shows that during a special campaign in December of the previous year, 131,000 new businesses registered for VAT, surpassing the monthly average of 8,000–10,000. Since VAT was introduced in 1991, only around 800,000 businesses have registered. Business groups have urged the government to expand VAT coverage instead of raising rates, arguing that compliant taxpayers face disproportionate burdens.

The NBR also plans to simplify and digitalize the VAT system, including mandatory online return filing, simple software for small businesses, and a possible minimum monthly VAT of 500–1,000 taka payable semiannually or annually.

Turkey publicly unveiled its first intercontinental ballistic missile, named Ildirımhan, during the International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition held in Istanbul in 2026. The missile was developed by the Research and Development Center of Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense. With a range of 6,000 kilometers and speeds between Mach 9 and Mach 25, the system significantly enhances the country’s long-range strike capability.

The Ildirımhan missile uses liquid nitrogen tetroxide as fuel and is powered by four rocket engines. Officials described it as one of the most advanced missiles ever produced in Turkey. The unveiling took place at the 2026 International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition, where leading Turkish defense companies and government institutions showcased new technologies across various sectors.

The event highlighted Turkey’s growing focus on indigenous defense technology development and its ambition to expand its strategic capabilities through advanced missile systems.

Iran and China’s relationship has become a major focus in international politics, with analysts identifying China as one of Iran’s key strategic and economic partners. China imports a significant volume of crude oil from Iran, a trade that plays a vital role in sustaining Iran’s economy. Before recent conflicts, around 13 percent of China’s seaborne oil imports came from Iran, purchased at relatively lower prices.

From Beijing’s perspective, Iran serves as an important counterbalance to U.S. influence in the Middle East. China therefore seeks a politically and economically stable Iran. To strengthen this partnership, the two countries signed a 25-year strategic cooperation agreement in 2021, covering energy, infrastructure, trade, and security sectors.

Iran, for its part, promotes the use of China’s yuan in oil transactions, supporting Beijing’s goal of expanding its influence in global trade. Overall, the Iran-China relationship is viewed as a key factor shaping the balance of global power.

In the aftermath of the 2026 Iran war, Europe has begun distancing itself from the United States’ unilateral military and political dominance, signaling a major shift in global geopolitics. European nations are pursuing a strategy of strategic hedging—balancing relations among major powers rather than aligning exclusively with Washington. This approach reflects Europe’s growing emphasis on strategic autonomy, as leaders assert that the Iran conflict is not Europe’s war and prioritize energy security and regional stability over U.S. military objectives.

The shift is visible across three main fronts: institutional distancing from U.S.-led operations, economic rebalancing through deeper engagement with China, and multi-vector diplomacy involving regional powers such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and India. Initiatives like expanding Operation Agenor and high-level visits to Beijing underscore Europe’s intent to diversify partnerships and reduce dependency on U.S. security frameworks.

Analysts describe this as the most significant transformation in Western alliance structures since 1945. Europe now seeks to redefine transatlantic relations, positioning itself as a sovereign pole within an emerging multipolar world order.

Bangladesh will participate for the first time in the Esports Nations Cup, often called the World Cup of esports, scheduled for November 2026 in Saudi Arabia. The announcement came at a press conference organized by the Bangladesh Youth Development and Electronic Sports Association (BYDESA) in Dhaka, where its president, Dr. Brigadier General (Retd.) Md. Munirul Islam, confirmed the country’s debut. Bangladesh will compete in 15 different esports titles, with a total prize pool exceeding Tk 2.2 billion, one of the largest among global esports events.

Around 150 countries are expected to take part in the tournament. Bangladesh’s 50-member team will first face Asian nations in the qualifiers, aiming to finish among the top two or three to reach the main round. Team manager Aga Rafsan said preparations are underway with that goal in mind. Coaches Farhan Islam, Md. Abid Hossain, and Nazmus Sakib stated that the national team was selected through a transparent process after 1,500 gamers registered nationwide.

The debut is being viewed as a major milestone for Bangladesh’s growing esports community.

After the Trinamool Congress lost the West Bengal election, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared she had not been defeated and would not resign. Her government’s term officially ended on May 6, but she insisted she would remain in office, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won through dishonest means. The BJP criticized her remarks, calling them inconsistent with constitutional principles.

Legal experts cited India’s Constitution, explaining that under Article 164, a chief minister holds office at the governor’s pleasure, which depends on legislative majority support. If Banerjee refuses to resign, the governor can withdraw that pleasure and dismiss the cabinet. They also noted that under Article 172, no state government can continue beyond five years. Experts said her refusal is more political than legal, as the governor can still invite the majority party to form a new government.

Constitutional scholars added that while Banerjee’s resignation is customary, her tenure automatically ends with the assembly’s term. The situation has drawn comparisons to past instances where Indian chief ministers resisted stepping down after controversies or convictions.

Depositors from five banks staged a protest in Chattogram on Wednesday morning demanding the return of their deposits. The demonstration took place around 10 a.m. at the city’s New Market intersection under the banner of the ‘Combined Islamic Bank Depositors Association’—Chattogram Division.

Participants expressed anger over remarks by a Bangladesh Bank spokesperson, calling for the withdrawal of what they described as defamatory comments. One depositor said they were becoming destitute while being unfairly labeled as wrongdoers. The association’s president, Abul Kalam Azad, warned that the movement could expand if their demands were not met, emphasizing that depositors’ money sustains bank operations.

Kotwali Police Station’s officer-in-charge Aftab Uddin said the area is a VIP zone with key installations, so protesters were asked to gather at New Market intersection but later moved to Alkaran intersection. He confirmed that adequate police were deployed to maintain security.

Global oil prices declined for a second consecutive day after U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at a possible peace agreement with Iran. According to a Reuters report, Brent crude dropped by $1.69, or 1.5 percent, to $108.18 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell by $1.67, or 1.6 percent, to $100.60. The previous day, Brent had already fallen by nearly 4 percent.

Analysts said Trump’s announcement suggested a potential easing of tensions in the Middle East. He stated that U.S. operations in the Strait of Hormuz would be temporarily suspended to ensure safe navigation and that there was a chance for an understanding with Iran, though he provided no details. Iran has not yet issued any response. Experts believe that if shipping in the Gulf normalizes, global oil supply could increase, putting downward pressure on prices, though full stability may take time.

Despite the peace signals, Trump confirmed that the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports would continue. Analysts noted that while short-term relief has returned to the market, geopolitical uncertainty remains.

Iran has announced the creation of a new administrative body to oversee maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, signaling what it calls a permanent change in the control system of the vital waterway. The newly established entity, named the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, will supervise and authorize all commercial and military vessel movements through the strait. Under the new rules, ships must coordinate in advance with Iran’s armed forces and submit voyage details by email for security clearance before passage.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that Tehran views this as a lasting administrative shift rather than a temporary measure. Iranian authorities have stated that they intend to maintain this new structure and will not withdraw from the revised control system.

Observers note that the decision adds a new dimension to global energy security and geopolitical tensions, given the Strait of Hormuz’s role as one of the world’s most critical oil transport routes.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the conclusion of the military operation in Iran, known as 'Operation Epic Fury', during a briefing at the White House on Tuesday. Responding to a question from ABC News, Rubio said the operation, which began on February 28, had achieved its objectives and was now officially over.

Rubio stated that the US defense forces had completed the mission’s goals and were now focusing on a new initiative called 'Project Freedom'. He emphasized that the United States had no plans for any new military operations in Iran and preferred to pursue peace. According to him, the US President seeks a comprehensive agreement and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to restore global stability.

He further noted that issues related to Iran’s nuclear program would be resolved through dialogue, signaling a shift from military engagement to diplomatic negotiation.

The High Court has issued a rule asking why the cancellation of Monira Sharmin’s nomination for a reserved women’s seat in the 13th National Parliament should not be declared illegal. The rule was issued on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, by a bench led by Justice Razik Al Jalil. Monira Sharmin is the joint convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and a candidate from the 11-party alliance. Senior lawyers including Barrister Mostafizur Rahman Khan, Advocate Mohammad Hossain Lipu, and Advocate Mujahidul Islam Shaheen represented the petitioner in court.

Earlier, on May 4, another High Court bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar had expressed its inability to hear the writ petition challenging the legality of the cancellation of Monira Sharmin’s nomination. The current bench’s decision to issue a rule marks a new development in the legal process surrounding her candidacy.

Further proceedings will depend on the High Court’s subsequent hearing and responses to the issued rule.

Vast haor areas across Sunamganj, Habiganj, Netrakona, and Kishoreganj have been severely affected by sudden floods and prolonged waterlogging during the boro harvest season. The flooding submerged ripe paddy fields, destroying the only annual crop for many farmers. The article questions why sustainable solutions remain elusive despite recurring disasters and highlights that the crisis extends beyond individual losses to threaten national food security.

The report explains that haor agriculture is entirely dependent on natural cycles, making it highly vulnerable to upstream water surges, untimely rains, and climate change. It stresses that the damage to boro crops could disrupt the rice market, raise prices, and increase hardship for low-income households. The author urges the government to declare the affected areas as disaster zones to enable rapid relief, debt rescheduling, and distribution of seeds, fertilizers, and cash support.

The article further calls for regional water management cooperation, institutional accountability, and a context-specific agricultural policy. It warns that without transparency and effective oversight in embankment projects, recurring failures will persist, endangering both farmers’ livelihoods and national food stability.

Amit Shah is traveling to Kolkata tonight to attend a crucial political meeting focused on selecting the new chief minister of West Bengal. According to party sources, he will serve as the chief observer in the process of electing the Bharatiya Janata Party’s legislative party leader. Mohan Charan Majhi will assist him in this task. Under BJP rules, central observers are sent to states after elections to oversee the selection of legislative leaders.

This meeting is being viewed as highly significant, as the BJP is reportedly close to forming a government in West Bengal after being in opposition. Party insiders suggest that the decision may not only finalize the legislative leader but could also effectively determine the next chief minister, since the elected leader typically assumes that role.

Earlier, current Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed speculation about her resignation, stating that her party had not been defeated. The overall political atmosphere in West Bengal remains tense amid expectations of a new government formation.

At least four people have been killed in widespread violence across West Bengal following the announcement of the state assembly election results, according to multiple Indian media reports. The clashes reportedly occurred between supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in several districts including Birbhum, South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Nadia, and Bankura.

Allegations from both parties indicate that two BJP workers were killed by TMC supporters in Howrah’s Udaypur and Rajarhat New Town, while TMC claimed that two of its workers were killed by BJP activists in Birbhum’s Nanur and Kolkata’s Beleghata. Both sides have denied responsibility. Incidents of vandalism and arson were reported in Asansol, where several TMC offices were attacked, and fires spread to nearby shops. BJP leaders denied involvement, alleging that miscreants were using their party’s name to create unrest.

India’s Chief Election Commissioner Jnaneesh Kumar has ordered strict action to control the situation, directing immediate arrests and instructing state authorities and central forces to remain on alert.

Nusrat Tabassum, leader of the National Congress Party (NCP) and candidate from the Jamaat alliance, took oath as a newly elected Member of Parliament for a reserved women's seat in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament. The oath ceremony took place on Wednesday afternoon at the Parliament building, according to the Parliament Secretariat.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed administered the oath in his office, with Barrister Md. Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan, Secretary of the Parliament Secretariat, conducting the proceedings. After taking the oath, Nusrat Tabassum signed the official oath book as per parliamentary procedure. The event was attended by the Deputy Speaker, the Chief Whip of the opposition, and senior officials of the Parliament Secretariat.

The ceremony was held in accordance with Article 148 and Schedule 3 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, as well as Rule 5 of the Rules of Procedure of the National Parliament.