Speaking at the Nikkei Forum, Nobel Laureate and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated, “We are preparing for a free, fair, credible, and participatory general election that ensures justice, equality, freedom, and human dignity. This will usher in a peaceful and effective democratic transition.” Stressing the need to turn Asia’s interdependence into cooperation, he added, “Asia’s strength lies in the diversity of its economies, cultures, and political systems.” Dr. Yunus also expressed concern over the vast amounts spent on war while millions face hunger, and highlighted the humanitarian crises in Myanmar caused by civil war and natural disasters.

A violent clash erupted at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital between hospital staff and relatives of injured freedom fighters who were protesting alleged mistreatment and lack of proper care. Army personnel intervened and used batons to disperse the crowd. The hospital staff have since gone on strike, leading to canceled surgeries and suspended services. Protesters have been demanding better treatment for days and have even attempted suicide in desperation.

A Bangladeshi laborer, Asad Mia (50), died while illegally extracting coal in a quarry deep in India’s Meghalaya hills. His body was brought back to his village in Chanpur, Tahirpur. In the past year, at least 18 Bangladeshi workers have died under similar circumstances, often due to unsafe conditions in unregulated coal pits operated by Indian coal exporters or smugglers.

Detective Branch (DB) police in Dhaka have arrested eight individuals for running Facebook pages that advertised Hilsa fish sales to scam customers. The accused—Anas Sheikh, Kamal Sheikh, Yanur Molla, Zubair Hossain, Rubel Sheikh, Sagar Hossain, Alinoor Islam, and Shariful Islam—created pages like “Ilisher Bari Chandpur Online Shop” and “Chandpur Ilish Ghat” to lure unsuspecting buyers with flashy ads. Victims paid large sums but never received any fish. Police recovered 25 mobile phones and 70 illegal SIM cards from the suspects.

Azizul Haque, Joint Secretary General of Hefazat-e-Islam, has called for the trial of activists from the Gonojagoron Mancha, labeling them "Shahbaghis" and supporters of the 2013 Shapla Square massacre. He alleged that in 2013, anti-Islamic forces backed by India attempted to destroy Bangladesh's sovereignty and justice system through the Shahbagh movement. According to him, Hefazat thwarted this conspiracy, which led to a brutal nighttime crackdown on their rally at Shapla Chattar. Haque claimed over 84 madrasa students and teachers were martyred, and that those supporting the massacre must also be held accountable.

Due to turbulent weather conditions in the Bay of Bengal and heightened sea activity, authorities have temporarily suspended all maritime transportation to the coastal island upazila of Hatiya in Noakhali from Wednesday. Passenger and cargo movement between Hatiya and mainland areas including Chattogram, Dhaka, and Noakhali has been halted. All fishing trawlers have been instructed to return to safe harbor immediately.

At an event in Khilgaon, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said air pollution cannot be resolved overnight. “A cleaner future is only possible if we change our lifestyle and mindset,” she said. She also promised afforestation efforts in available areas through the Forest Department. Commending student-drawn murals, she noted their clarity and impact, adding, “You are the ones who must lead the way in building a better Bangladesh.”

During a meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus affirmed that Bangladesh will hold a general election by June next year, regardless of the situation. He said this election will help advance the reform agenda initiated by the interim government, which is prioritizing three key areas: reform, justice for past crimes, and conducting credible elections. He also noted significant economic progress, including banking sector stabilization, reserve rebuilding, and improved debt repayment. Taro Aso thanked Dr. Yunus for fostering political stability and underscored the importance of holding the election on time.

Sick defendants will now have access to wheelchairs at Dhaka’s Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court. On Wednesday at 9:30 AM, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Mostafizur Rahman handed over three wheelchairs to the court’s holding cell. He noted that the initiative aims to uphold international human rights and fundamental rights by facilitating easier court appearances for ailing detainees.

Government officials and employees have announced a new protest strategy demanding the repeal of the "Government Jobs (Amendment) Ordinance 2025". At a press conference at 2 PM, they declared they would observe one-hour work abstentions each day until Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus returns from Japan. Additionally, they plan to submit memorandums to three advisers and a secretary of the government.

In a rare speech from the throne, Britain’s King Charles III emphasized that the relationship between the United States and Canada is founded on mutual respect and shared interests. Speaking at the Canadian Parliament for the first time in nearly five decades, King Charles said both nations are committed to achieving transformative benefits for their people. He praised Canada’s efforts to strengthen ties with global trade partners, aligning with the values and needs of the modern world.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) clarified that the Army will not be deployed for waste management during Eid-ul-Azha or for controlling dengue mosquitoes. Instead, support will be sought from the Army's auxiliary body, Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory (BMTF). Earlier, DNCC officials had been misquoted in the media regarding army deployment, which they have now corrected.

Senior Secretary of the Land Ministry, Saleh Ahmed, said civil servants protesting the ‘Government Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025’ have presented their concerns to the Cabinet Secretary. He assured that the Chief Adviser, upon his return from Japan on May 31, will be informed of their demands. The protesters had paused their demonstration on Tuesday after meeting with designated secretaries.

The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources expressed concern over attempts by certain employees of Palli Bidyut Samity to destabilize the country under the guise of reform. In a press release, the ministry mentioned that a press statement from an unregistered group, “Bangladesh Palli Bidyut Association,” has come to their attention. The ministry clarified that this group does not represent any official entity and that the movement has no connection with dedicated Palli Bidyut officers and staff.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus arrived in Japan at 11:15 AM (Bangladesh time) on Wednesday for a four-day official visit. He had departed from Dhaka at 2:10 AM on Tuesday night. According to the Press Secretary, key issues on this visit include sending 100,000 skilled workers to Japan and attracting increased investment, especially in projects like Matarbari-Moheshkhali. Dr. Yunus is also scheduled to meet with JICA officials.