The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) regained control of the government in the 2026 general election, securing a commanding more than two‑thirds majority in the 300‑seat Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament) after years out of power. BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, returning from years abroad, clinched victory in his constituencies and is poised to become the next prime minister. The election followed the end of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s long rule, with the ruling Awami League barred from contesting. Analysts say the result reflects popular desire for change, not a radical revolution, as BNP’s organisational strength delivered success at the polls. (PC: AP)

The United States is sending a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, from the Caribbean to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate, U.S. officials told media. The move will place two carrier strike groups in the region alongside the already‑deployed USS Abraham Lincoln, backed by destroyers and other naval assets. President Donald Trump said the deployment is a precaution in case negotiations with Tehran fail and stressed the need to reach a deal. Israeli leaders support efforts to pressure Iran on its nuclear and missile programs. The carrier is expected to take about a week to arrive. (PC: Reuters)

Senior BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, a prominent figure from Bangladesh's minority Hindu community, won his Dhaka constituency in the country's 13th national parliamentary elections on Friday. Roy's victory represents significant minority representation within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's landslide win. His success comes at a crucial time following concerns about minority safety in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina's ouster in August 2024. The election marks Bangladesh's first national vote since the mass uprising that ended Hasina's 15-year rule. Roy's win as a Hindu leader in a Muslim-majority nation underscores the BNP's attempt to project inclusive politics as it prepares to form the government after nearly two decades in opposition.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude in his first reaction after the party's landslide election victory. "I am grateful for the love you have shown me. Please pray for me," Rahman told supporters gathered outside his Gulshan residence before departing for Friday prayers at Bangladesh Navy Headquarters Mosque. He stopped his car to exchange words with well-wishers, drawing cheers from the crowd. The BNP secured a two-thirds majority, marking their return to power after two decades. Rahman is set to become prime minister, replacing interim chief Muhammad Yunus. PM Modi congratulated Rahman, expressing support for fulfilling Bangladesh's aspirations and reaffirming bilateral commitment. (PC: X)

Nikhil Gupta, accused in a failed plan to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York, has pleaded guilty in a Manhattan federal court. US prosecutors said Gupta admitted to murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges carry a maximum combined sentence of 40 years in prison. Gupta was extradited from the Czech Republic in June 2024 and had earlier pleaded not guilty. Authorities said the alleged hitman was an undercover federal agent, which exposed the plot. India has denied any role and said such actions are against government policy. A review panel was earlier set up to examine the US allegations.

The head of Dubai-based ports operator DP World has resigned after new documents showed long-term email contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem quit as chairman and chief executive with immediate effect, the company said. DP World named Essa Kazim as chairman and Yuvraj Narayan as chief executive. Reports say the files show hundreds of emails exchanged over about a decade. Being named in the documents does not itself show wrongdoing. The company has faced pressure from partners in recent days. Some investors paused new funding. The BBC said it contacted Sulayem for comment but did not receive a response. (PC: BBC)

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman thanked supporters in his first public reaction after his party’s landslide victory in Bangladesh’s national elections. He briefly spoke to well-wishers gathered outside his Gulshan residence before leaving for Friday prayers. “I am grateful for the love you have shown me. Please pray for me,” he said. According to local reports, he stopped his car, stepped out, and greeted the crowd, drawing cheers. BNP secured more than a two-thirds majority, marking its return to power after nearly two decades. Tarique Rahman is set to become prime minister, replacing interim chief Muhammad Yunus. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated him over a phone call. (PC: X)

Donald Trump has reversed a 2009 ruling that said greenhouse gases endanger public health, a decision that supported many US climate rules. The White House called it the “largest deregulation in American history” and said it would lower car costs. Officials estimate savings of about $2,400 per vehicle. Trump called the earlier rule “a disastrous Obama era policy.” Former president Barack Obama said removing it would make Americans “less safe, less healthy.” Environmental groups said they will challenge the move in court. Legal experts say the ruling has been the base for limits on vehicle, power plant and industry emissions. (PC: BBC)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has chosen his teenage daughter Kim Ju Ae as his heir, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. Lawmakers were told she has reached the stage of “successor designation” after repeated high-profile public appearances. She has been seen at missile tests, military events and state ceremonies. Officials said the assessment is based on her visibility and signs she is giving policy input. Kim Ju Ae is believed to be about 13 years old. Analysts say the move is notable in North Korea’s male-dominated power system. The agency said it will watch upcoming party events for further signals. (PC: BBC)

Russia has ordered a nationwide block on WhatsApp as part of tighter controls on foreign messaging platforms. The Kremlin said the action was taken because Meta did not follow Russian legal rules. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Meta could return if it “complies with the law and enters into dialogue.” WhatsApp said the step would push over 100 million users toward a state-backed app and called it “a backwards step.” Regulators also moved to limit Telegram, citing security concerns. Authorities are promoting the state-developed Max messenger as an alternative. Critics say the app could allow surveillance, while state media deny those claims. (PC: BBC)