The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has uncovered evidence of corruption in the ‘Bangladesh Sustainable Recovery Emergency Preparedness and Response Project’ (B-Strong), a Tk 1,909 crore initiative under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED). Following an inspection, ACC Assistant Director Papon Kumar Saha revealed that expenses in multiple segments of the project had been inflated. The World Bank is funding this massive recovery effort aimed at mitigating losses caused by the devastating floods of 2024. Notably, each solar streetlight has been priced at Tk 72,000, despite little need for such installations. Although 60 motorcycles were proposed, the Planning Commission approved only 36. Additionally, suspiciously high costs were reported for items like computers, laptops, and educational materials — with four laptops alone budgeted at an astonishing Tk 11 lakh.

The Nationalist Lawyers’ Forum staged a protest and rally at the Supreme Court demanding the immediate arrest of former Chief Justice A.B.M. Khairul Haque. Speakers at the demonstration accused him of being a key architect in the destruction of democracy and human rights in Bangladesh. They called for his immediate arrest and trial, insisting that justice must be served to prevent future judges from following a similar path. The protesting lawyers also alleged that political favoritism and authoritarian tendencies still persist within both the higher and lower judiciary, urging the swift removal of such judges.

In a bid to make Dhaka more livable, DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz announced plans to cover the area with greenery through mass tree planting in the upcoming monsoon season. He also pledged to ensure transparency and accountability by publishing all project details on the DNCC website. Additionally, he announced a public hearing involving all birth registration authorities to resolve issues faced by citizens. The DNCC is also working on maximum automation of tax payments, allowing residents to pay taxes from home. A 20-day tax fair will commence on May 11.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed that all vehicles without valid stickers be barred from entering the Bangladesh Secretariat. A letter sent to all ministry secretaries stated that expired or stickerless vehicles will no longer be allowed entry. Authorities have urged all relevant officials to replace expired stickers with newly issued ones.

Actor Iresh Zaker has been named in a case filed over the murder of Mahfuz Alam Shrabon during the recent mass uprising in Mirpur. The victim’s brother filed the case on April 20 at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Dhaka. Police headquarters confirmed that the case was formally registered only after the court accepted the complaint. The news sparked outrage among fans and members of the entertainment industry, many of whom hailed Zaker as a key figure in the anti-discrimination movement.

Actor Siddiqur Rahman was assaulted in Dhaka’s Kakrail area around 4 p.m. on Tuesday and forcibly taken to the police station. Videos show his clothes being torn as he was beaten and marched with slogans branding him as an associate of the ruling Awami League. He was later handed over to the police, who came outside the station to receive him.

A U.S. Navy fighter jet, worth approximately $67 million, accidentally plunged into the Red Sea while deployed against Houthi forces. The aircraft fell from the USS Harry S. Truman on Monday while being towed in a hangar bay. One sailor was injured in the mishap. Fortunately, the crew quickly distanced themselves from the falling aircraft, preventing any major casualties.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that the country’s law and order situation has significantly improved due to the combined efforts of police and other forces. He paid tribute to police members who resisted Pakistani forces on March 25, 1971, and noted that the security apparatus was in disarray when the interim government assumed power last August. He blamed the past 15 years of politicization for weakening the police force and affirmed the government’s commitment to restoring public trust and effectiveness.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam clarified that no decision has been made regarding aid delivery through a humanitarian corridor into Myanmar’s Rakhine State. He emphasized that any such move will involve consultations with relevant stakeholders. The government has not engaged in discussions with the UN or any agency regarding a so-called “humanitarian corridor.” However, if the UN leads a humanitarian effort, Bangladesh is willing to provide logistical support, especially given the worsening crisis and fears of further displacement into Bangladesh.

Former Press Secretary to Khaleda Zia, Maruf Kamal Khan, stated that providing iPhones to senior press officers under the Prime Minister’s Press Wing is not excessive. He noted that during his tenure, mobile phones were allocated for official use and had to be returned upon job completion. He added that the provision of iPhones began during Sheikh Hasina’s administration under the same conditions. Given the increased responsibilities, technological reliance, and the need to manage social media alongside mainstream media, he argued that smartphones, laptops, and tablets are necessary tools for today’s press officers.

A violent clash broke out between two factions of workers at Jamuna Apparels Ltd. in Tongi on Tuesday morning. The incident involved recently laid-off workers and current employees. At least 15 workers were injured in the altercation. On April 22, the factory management terminated 114 workers and settled their dues. Since then, remaining workers have been protesting, demanding the reinstatement of those laid off. On Tuesday, around 8 a.m., when current workers resumed duties on their own, they were confronted by the terminated workers, sparking a heated argument that escalated into a physical confrontation. Police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.

The International Court of Justice has begun a five-day hearing on the humanitarian blockade preventing aid deliveries to Gaza. Though Israel has submitted written objections, it is not participating in oral arguments. Swedish lawyer Elinor Hammarskjöld stressed that international law prohibits acquisition of territory by force. Experts say Israel’s 2024 UNRWA ban violates its UN obligations.

Chief Election Commissioner Nasir Uddin announced plans to introduce limited overseas voting for expatriates in upcoming elections. He acknowledged challenges faced by other countries, including neighboring India, but affirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to at least piloting the process. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed emphasized that excluding expatriates lowers voter turnout.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) launched coordinated raids on 36 offices of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), including its headquarters, to investigate allegations of graft and irregularities. This follows an earlier crackdown on 35 sub-registrar offices, where widespread bribery and misconduct were uncovered.

Dr. Ali Riaz stated that 16 years of authoritarian rule have destroyed Bangladesh’s institutions. Speaking at a forum, he emphasized the need for a national charter to guide democratic reform and build consensus. Revolutionary Workers Party Secretary Saiful Haque echoed the call for meaningful electoral reforms and a system that prevents future autocracy.