The United Nations Refugee Agency has reported that two separate boat accidents off the coast of Myanmar’s Rakhine State have left 427 Rohingya people missing. On May 9, a motorized boat carrying 267 Rohingyas capsized after setting off from the Arakan coast, with only 66 survivors. On May 10, another wooden motorboat carrying 247 people also sank shortly after departure; only 21 passengers survived. The intended destinations of the vessels remain unknown.

Adviser Asif Mahmud has stated that attempts are being made to create a misleading perception about him for political purposes. Addressing the recent rumors and allegations involving his former Assistant Personal Secretary (APS), he clarified that he himself had formally requested the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to launch an investigation.

Mahmud emphasized that in post-July Uprising Bangladesh, there is a national commitment to hold anyone involved in corruption accountable, regardless of their identity. He highlighted that the impartiality and professionalism of constitutional institutions are key indicators of progress in the new Bangladesh.

He further noted that he has instructed all concerned, including the relevant ministry, to fully cooperate with the investigation regarding his former APS.

n a statement issued by the Press Wing of the Chief Adviser, it was revealed that an unscheduled meeting of the Advisory Council took place on Saturday following the ECNEC session. The meeting focused on upcoming elections, judicial reforms, and the broader reform agenda.

According to the statement, the Council discussed how various unreasonable demands, politically motivated statements, and actions outside the bounds of authority are disrupting the normal administrative environment and sowing doubt among the public. The Council expressed concern that such activities are hindering progress and stability.

The Press Wing emphasized the need for broader national unity to safeguard the country’s stability, ensure a fair electoral process, uphold justice, and move forward with vital reforms—all essential to prevent any future authoritarian resurgence. The government, it stated, is open to hearing political parties’ positions and will clarify its own stance accordingly.

Despite facing numerous challenges, the government remains committed to serving the public interest, inspired by the expectations of the July uprising. However, if any attempts are made to obstruct governance, reform efforts, justice, or fair elections to the extent that it becomes impossible to fulfill its responsibilities, the government will inform the public and take necessary steps.

According to sources from the Chief Adviser’s Office, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will meet with representatives of all political parties on Sunday amid the ongoing political developments. Each party that supported the July uprising has been invited to send one representative to the meeting. Additionally, separate meetings are scheduled for Saturday night with representatives from the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. The BNP delegation is expected to meet with the Chief Adviser at 7:30 PM, followed by the Jamaat delegation at 8:30 PM.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has announced that newly printed currency notes will be introduced ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. The new notes will feature historic landmarks of Bangladesh, with no portraits of individuals. Printing of the new Tk 20 note is nearly complete and is expected to be handed over to Bangladesh Bank next week. Printing of Tk 50 and Tk 1,000 denominations will follow shortly. The central bank will decide on the official release date. Dr. Mansur also addressed efforts to repatriate laundered money, stating that international pressure following media reports has led to the freezing of illicit funds, marking a significant first step in the recovery process.

Following the Advisory Council meeting, Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud confirmed that Chief Adviser Professor Yunus has no plans to resign. “He didn’t say he would step down. This responsibility is a significant one, and we cannot abandon it,” Mahmud said. He noted that while challenges exist, the advisers have identified them and are committed to overcoming the obstacles to fulfill their duties. The meeting was held without the presence of any bureaucrats or government officials—only advisers attended.

Following today’s ECNEC meeting, the Advisory Council met under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, with 19 advisers in attendance. Adviser Rizwana Hasan stated, “We discussed reform-related matters, and who is saying what and where. There was no discussion on the Chief Adviser’s resignation.” Advisers Tawhid Hossain and Asif Mahmud declined to comment on the meeting.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has imposed a travel ban on Moazzem Hossain, former assistant personal secretary to Adviser Asif Mahmud, and decided to block his national ID. He is accused of amassing hundreds of millions in illicit wealth through influence peddling and tender manipulation during his tenure. Although Moazzem has denied the allegations, calling them “baseless,” the ACC stated further investigation is needed.

A U.S. court has temporarily suspended the Trump administration’s policy to block foreign student admissions at Harvard University. The decision came after Harvard challenged the administration in court, alleging that the policy was part of a broader agenda to undermine academic independence. With the court’s intervention, foreign students can now continue to apply for admission without restrictions.

In light of escalating tensions, both India and Pakistan have extended their airspace bans on each other’s aircraft. Pakistan announced that its airspace will remain closed to all Indian aircraft, including military planes, until 4:59 AM local time on June 24. India responded by extending its own ban on all Pakistan-registered, operated, owned, or leased aircraft, including military ones, until June 23.

Hefazat-e-Islam held a protest rally in Sylhet demanding the dissolution of the Women’s Reform Commission, justice for the Shapla and July massacres, the withdrawal of all false cases against Hefazat leaders and activists, and an end to Muslim genocide in Palestine and India. The rally was presided over by Shaykh Mawlana Mojduddin Ahmad, Principal of Jamea Nuria Islamia Madrasah and Hefazat’s central advisor. Following the rally, a protest march was held throughout Sylhet city, ending at Chowhatta Point.

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in response to its decision to revoke the university’s right to admit foreign students. The lawsuit claims the move is a “clear violation of the law.” The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently announced that Harvard must stop admitting international students and transfer those already enrolled or risk their loss of legal status. Observers link the decision to backlash over Harvard students’ protests in support of Palestine and condemnation of Israeli actions.

Delhi Police claim to have arrested 121 Bangladeshi nationals during a week-long operation in New Delhi. According to authorities, the detainees had illegally crossed the border and had been working as laborers for at least three years. They have been sent to detention centers, and deportation procedures are underway. The operation also led to the arrest of five Indian nationals accused of providing shelter and assisting in the creation of fake identity documents.

The Ministry of Finance has issued a circular announcing an increase in the daily wage for temporary laborers working in government offices. Effective July 1, the maximum daily wage will rise to Tk 800, up from the previous range of Tk 575–600.

In Dhaka and Chattogram City Corporation areas, workers will now earn Tk 800 daily—an increase from the earlier Tk 600 for skilled workers and Tk 575 for unskilled labor. In divisional capitals and other city corporations, the new wage has been set at Tk 750, up from Tk 550–600. For district and sub-district levels, the wage for unskilled laborers will now be Tk 700, compared to the earlier rates of Tk 500–550.

Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Economic Adviser to the government, has expressed concern over increasing public criticism. "Many call us incompetent—that’s fine. Criticism is a part of democracy. But such statements damage our image internationally and create negative impressions," he said.

He added, "There’s been talk of various tax exemptions. Once the budget is released, we’ll face tough questions. It’s not easy to determine what’s socially or publicly acceptable. Still, the IMF couldn’t impose everything they wanted—we’ve reached a workable solution."

Banking expert Masrur Arefin noted, "While there haven’t been major breakthroughs in the past nine months, we’ve succeeded in stopping widespread irregularities and money laundering in the banking sector. That itself is a significant achievement. However, political uncertainty is again on the rise."