Agriculture and Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam issued a stern warning to an LGED executive engineer over phone after farmers complained that a leaking rubber dam was putting crops at risk. “Why is there a leak in your dam? You’ll be repaired if the dam isn’t,” he warned. The advisor instructed the engineer to fix the dam within seven days and accused him of negligence and corruption.

Kolkata saw massive disruptions on Thursday as thousands participated in a protest rally organized by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind against the proposed Waqf Bill.

Held at Ramlila Maidan under the leadership of state president Siddiqullah Chowdhury, the rally drew large crowds from across West Bengal. Protesters argue that the new Waqf legislation would undermine minority property rights and endanger Muslim institutions and assets.

Demonstrations were also reported in Manipur, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and other parts of India.

Foreign and local investors attending a four-day investment summit in Dhaka were introduced to the government’s roadmap for Bangladesh in 2035. Political parties also participated. BIDA reported that the summit helped establish a long-term investment pipeline, which is expected to significantly increase foreign direct investment. According to Nahian Rahman, over 450 foreign investors attended and left with a positive impression of Bangladesh. However, it may take 18 to 24 months for these investments to materialize.

Nahid, a student from Matainkot High School, sat for his SSC exam on Thursday while his father’s body lay at home. Following the exam, he returned to his village in Bara Hargila to attend his father’s funeral. The burial, initially scheduled for the morning, was delayed until 2 PM to allow Nahid to complete his exam.

Teachers, students, and staff from Jahangirnagar University participated in a ‘March for Palestine’ to demand an end to Israel’s brutal killings in Palestine. During the march, they were briefly halted by law enforcement, but later returned to campus. Chanting slogans like ‘Palestine, Palestine,’ and ‘End the genocide in Palestine,’ a delegation led by Professor Dr. Mohammad Billal Hosain submitted a petition to the US and Saudi Arabian embassies in Dhaka and the Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Advisor.

Bangladesh’s Trade Advisor has downplayed concerns about India’s cancellation of transshipment, stating that it will not cause significant problems for Bangladesh. He mentioned that the focus should be on enhancing domestic capacity, and that India’s sudden decision would not affect Bangladesh’s trade severely. He emphasized efforts to address infrastructural issues and rising costs while working to increase commercial capabilities and overcome any obstacles.

A high-level meeting was held between Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis. The Adviser stressed the need for careful analysis of all plans and activities. She suggested that at least two or three projects should be implemented as a practical step forward, with a focus on rapid and effective climate actions, river restoration, and integrated environmental management. The discussion also covered the Climate Prosperity Plan, updated NDC, and potential collaborations with the ADB, EU, and Sweden. Rizwana Hasan highlighted the need for river recovery, canal restoration, and the implementation of the Delta Plan, urging the inclusion of mandatory public hearings in every development project to ensure transparency and public participation.

Interior Adviser Jahangir Alam expressed outrage during a visit to the Sylhet Airport Police Station after seeing a red carpet reception and decorative arrangements. He immediately ordered all decorations to be removed, criticizing such flattery as unproductive. “Despite repeated warnings, this culture of appeasement hasn’t stopped,” he remarked.

He further noted that while touring the country, he has seen the severe limitations faced by the police—lack of accommodation, insufficient vehicles, and food shortages. Many police stations and vehicles were burned during the recent unrest, and not a single new vehicle has been procured yet. However, funds have been allocated and gradual improvements are expected.

The adviser asserted that the police are not afraid and have been instructed to take strict action against anyone taking the law into their own hands. He also reported no progress in the repatriation of Sheikh Hasina, an overall improvement in law and order, and noted that the recovery of looted assets remains below expectations.

Kiak Sung, founder of the Korean Export Processing Zone (EPZ), stated that Bangladesh, currently the world’s second-largest garment exporter among single countries, is well-positioned to claim the top spot. He emphasized that achieving this goal requires strategic reforms, increased use of technology, and the development of in-house production facilities for hand-spun yarn.

Sung highlighted the importance of policy support and the need for more bonded warehouses to ensure the swift availability of raw materials. This, he said, will enable manufacturers to produce and export garments more efficiently. He also praised the Bangladesh government’s proactive response during the temporary suspension of tariff policies under the Trump-era trade regulations.

A ballistic missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi forces toward Israel reportedly fell in Saudi Arabia, according to Israeli media. Neither Saudi Arabia nor the Houthis have officially commented. Although the Houthis halted Red Sea attacks following a January ceasefire in Gaza, they resumed launching rockets at Israel in March in response to the renewed Israeli blockade and military aggression. Over 18 ballistic missiles and two drones were fired, though only 10 reportedly entered Israeli airspace.

The U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on five Iran-based companies and one individual for supporting Iran’s nuclear program. Among them are the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and the Iran Centrifuge Technology Company, which plays a crucial role in uranium enrichment. Also sanctioned is Majid Mosallat, managing director of Atbin Ista Technical and Engineering Company. Former President Donald Trump has indicated willingness to resume direct talks with Tehran, while Iran has stated such negotiations will remain indirect and held in Oman.

Israel is threatening to dismiss 970 air force personnel, including reserve pilots and regular staff, who signed a letter objecting to the Gaza military operations and demanding an end to the war. Senior commanders have contacted many signatories, offering them the chance to remain only if they withdraw their names. So far, only 25 have agreed to do so.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France may recognize Palestine as a sovereign state during a UN conference in New York this June, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia. “This is not to please anyone; I will do it because it will be the right time and part of a broader momentum. Those who support Palestine should, in return, recognize Israel,” Macron said. Palestinian Foreign Minister Versen Aghabekian Shahin welcomed the initiative, calling it a “step in the right direction to uphold Palestinian rights and pursue the two-state solution.”

Dr. Mumtazur Rahman Daud, CEO of Bangla US LLC, announced at an investment summit that the company is investing $1.6 billion (approximately Tk 2000 crore) to build an international-standard hospital in Bangladesh by 2026. The project also includes plans for a nursing university and industrial facilities, aiming to significantly enhance the country’s healthcare and industrial sectors.

Education Adviser Dr. C. R. Abrar has confirmed that SSC and equivalent exam results will be published within 60 days as per tradition. He assured that all sources of question paper leaks have been sealed. This year, over 1.92 million students are sitting for exams at 2,291 centers across the country. The exams began at 10 AM and will continue until May 13, with practicals scheduled from May 15 to 22.