Advisor Asif Mahmud announced that the government has begun a crackdown on online gambling. Over 1,000 mobile banking accounts linked to gambling activities are being frozen. He urged citizens to report any suspicious bank or gambling-related accounts. Mahmud added that online gambling is prohibited under Section 20 of the new Cybersecurity Ordinance and all activities related to it are now banned in the interest of public safety. He also said preparations have been made to remove all sacrificial waste within 12 hours after Eid.

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced Monday night that entry to the Secretariat will remain closed to visitors on Tuesday due to unavoidable reasons. The announcement comes amid continued protests by government employees inside and outside the Secretariat, now in their third consecutive day, against the newly approved "Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025."

Environmental Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasized that resolving human-elephant conflict in the Garo Hills requires patience and behavioral change. “Elephants lived in the hills before humans. We won’t survive if we continue destroying forests and harming elephants,” she said. Rizwana criticized the Forest Department for planting invasive eucalyptus and acacia trees, which disrupted the ecosystem. She called for removing these trees and planting species better suited to the habitat of elephants.

Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam told a delegation from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom that Bangladesh offers maximum religious freedom to its citizens, with no discrimination based on faith. He emphasized that the government ensures equal rights for all communities and actively supports religious festivals. He also noted that there have been no recent incidents of minority persecution, and dismissed ongoing international allegations as politically motivated propaganda. Alam expressed concern that some individuals from minority groups continue to align themselves with the Awami League, calling it regrettable.

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a notification inviting applications from retired officials who were denied promotions between 2009 and August 4, 2024. Eligible individuals must apply through their respective ministries by June 16. The notification clarifies that those who have previously submitted applications need not reapply. This follows similar measures for 764 officials from the administration cadre. However, officials in other cadres with third-grade or higher positions are ineligible.

The NBR Reform Unity Council has demanded the immediate removal of National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan by Thursday, May 29. At a press conference, council leaders cited a severe loss of trust and confidence in his leadership. Their ongoing protests began after the government issued the "Revenue Policy and Management Ordinance 2025" on May 12, effectively dividing the NBR. The council continues to demand repeal of the ordinance dissolving the current NBR.

A leave-to-appeal has been filed seeking a suspension of the Election Tribunal’s verdict and the Election Commission’s gazette that declared Ishraq Hossain as mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation. Senior counsel Mohammad Hossain stated that the petition might be heard in the chamber court today or tomorrow. Earlier on May 22, the High Court rejected a writ petition challenging the same verdict and gazette.

Advisor Asif Nazrul stated on Facebook that formal judicial proceedings have commenced in the case involving crimes against humanity during the July uprising. He noted that the reformation of the International Crimes Tribunal eight months ago made this trial process visible. Investigation and prosecution offices have since been restructured, and a formal charge sheet has been submitted and accepted by the tribunal. Nazrul confirmed that hearings in Sheikh Hasina's case, as the chief accused, are set to begin soon. He expressed hope that the verdict would be delivered within the tenure of the interim government, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to justice for genocide.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued a public notice through national newspapers summoning Sheikh Hasina, who reportedly fled in the face of a mass uprising, to appear before the tribunal on June 3 at 10:00 AM. According to ICT investigators, forensic analysis of an audio clip—where a voice is heard claiming to have received a "license to kill 227 people"—confirmed the voice to be that of Sheikh Hasina. Following this, the tribunal instructed publication of the notice in two major national dailies, charging her with contempt of court.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam wrote in a personal reflection that some of the harshest criticism he now faces comes from members of an older political group—many of whom were once his allies during Sheikh Hasina’s regime. “For 15 years, I was labeled many things by the Awami League and its supporters. But now, a new group calls me a traitor due to my recent press remarks,” he said. “Still, I am here, cherishing each moment granted by Allah. If I get the time and live long enough, I may write about these turbulent times. If not, I’ll have no regrets.”

A scheduled meeting between Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul and the protesting government employees was canceled due to his involvement in pressing state affairs. The meeting was set for 2 PM today. Secretariat employees have been protesting for three consecutive days demanding the repeal of the “Civil Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.” The protesters vowed to continue their movement until their demands are met.

Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique announced that the Chief Adviser will embark on a four-day official visit to Japan from May 28 to 31, departing Dhaka late on the night of May 27. During the visit, Bangladesh and Japan are expected to sign seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Bangladesh will also seek $1 billion in budgetary support from Japan. Additionally, Japan’s Soka University will confer an honorary doctorate on Dr. Muhammad Yunus during the visit.

For the third day in a row, government employees at the Secretariat are staging protest marches demanding the repeal of the “Civil Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.” Protesters have labeled the ordinance as "repressive" and a "black law," warning that they will continue their movement until it is withdrawn. They argue that no one will accept such an ordinance, which they claim seeks to revive the controversial provisions of the now-defunct 1979 special civil service regulations—previously struck down by the Supreme Court.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem declared that the conflict with Israel is far from over, accusing the Israeli government of failing to honor peace agreements. Speaking on “Resistance and Liberation Day,” he said Israel’s inability to maintain a presence in Lebanon since 1982 was a result of fierce resistance. Qassem recalled Israel’s failed attempt to impose the May 17 Agreement and emphasized that any future efforts to extend Israeli expansion into Lebanon would be futile.

Prime Minister Robert Abela of Malta has announced that his country will formally recognize the State of Palestine following an international summit on June 20. "We cannot turn a blind eye to the escalating atrocities," Abela said, calling the recognition a moral responsibility. He expressed special sorrow over the killing of nine children of Dr. Ala Al-Najjar in an Israeli attack. The Maltese government also stated its readiness to welcome Dr. Al-Najjar and his family.