UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy informed the Israeli Ambassador that due to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israeli obstruction of aid, the UK is suspending all new free trade discussions with Israel. Lammy described the starvation of millions in Gaza as “horrific and heartbreaking” and warned that continued blockades would prompt the UK to take even stronger measures.

The Election Commission (EC) will now facilitate campaign opportunities for all parliamentary candidates, including organizing joint platforms for manifesto announcements and allowing banners, posters, and leaflets in electoral areas—at candidates’ own expense. The revised draft code of conduct also includes guidelines for social media campaigning. Candidates or their representatives must submit names, accounts, and IDs to returning officers before conducting online campaigns. Any personal character attacks will be penalized under the Cyber Security Act or Digital Security Act.

Islami Front Secretary General Abdus Samad has warned that the people of Chattogram will not tolerate foreign powers establishing control over the port under the guise of foreign investment, likening it to the East India Company’s historical colonization. He expressed concern that if Bangladesh supports the Arakan Army or provides a corridor through Rakhine, it could be dragged into a dangerous conflict. Samad noted that Rakhine is an area of strategic interest for China, India, and Russia.

Continuous rainfall and upstream water flow from the hills are causing the Someshwari River in Durgapur, Netrakona to rise rapidly. Heavy rain in India’s Meghalaya region has led to near-overflow conditions along both banks of the river. Residents of Gaokandia and Kullagara unions say the approaching Eid-ul-Azha lacks any festive spirit due to the looming flood threat. If the rain continues, more low-lying areas are likely to be submerged. Many agricultural lands, including vegetable gardens and ripened paddy fields in Gaokandia, Kullagara, Bakaljora, and Durgapur Sadar unions, are already underwater.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an operation at Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) over allegations of corruption and irregularities in promotions. The investigation was triggered after Rupak Chandra Dash, who had failed the examination for Assistant Engineer (Electrical), was controversially promoted to the position of Sub-Assistant Engineer. Once the incident came to light, the promotion was revoked. The involvement of CCC Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain—whose signature appears on all related documents—has raised public concerns over the transparency of the administration. The ACC has collected relevant records and statements from the mayor, CEO, and secretary and is expected to submit a full report soon.

Following the recent blockade in Dhaka’s Kakrail area by workers of TNZ Garments demanding overdue wages, the Ministry of Labour held an emergency meeting and reached five critical decisions:
1. The workers’ dues will be paid within seven working days through the sale of the owner’s house and the company’s washing plant.
2. Labour leaders will withdraw their siege of the Labour Building.
3. As the TNZ Group owner is currently abroad, the government will initiate a red alert through Interpol for his return.
4. A travel ban has been imposed on directors and management personnel associated with TNZ.
5. The company’s finance director will remain under government custody until workers’ payments are cleared.

Adviser Sharmin S. Murshid has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for women in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. She called for more effective activities from the Department of Social Services and the Department of Cooperatives in these areas. Murshid emphasized that the government is working for the welfare of marginalized women and urged all officials to actively contribute to establishing women’s rights across society.

Indian authorities have arrested 11 individuals on charges of spying for Pakistan. According to officials, nine of the suspects were detained from the northern states of Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Punjab Police Chief Gaurav Yadav stated on Monday that two of those arrested were involved in leaking sensitive military information. These individuals were allegedly involved in sharing classified intelligence related to a planned New Delhi strike deep inside Pakistani territory on the night of May 6–7. In Haryana, a travel blogger was also arrested last week on similar charges. Among the other detainees are a student, a security guard, and a businessman.

In 2024, Bangladesh and Pakistan ranked among the top countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates. Citizens of Comoros faced the worst rejection rate at 62.8%, with 1,754 out of 2,853 applications denied. Bangladeshi applicants fared poorly as well—out of 39,345 applications, 20,957 were rejected, marking a rejection rate of 54.9%, up from 42.8% in 2023. Pakistani citizens filed 78,362 applications in 2024, of which 35,139 were rejected—a rejection rate of 47.5%.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus chaired a high-level security meeting on board the Jamuna, focusing on the country’s law and order situation. Key participants included Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Army Chief Gen. Wakar-uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, and Air Force Chief Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan. Senior security officials presented detailed reports on the current situation.

Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur International Airport authorities (AKPS) deported 112 individuals, including Bangladeshis, for failing to meet entry requirements. The deportees did not report to immigration even six hours after landing. While the exact number of Bangladeshis was not disclosed, authorities stated that many appeared to deliberately avoid immigration counters, raising suspicions about their intentions. Among those deported were also citizens of India and Pakistan.

The Economic Affairs Advisory Council has turned down a proposal to purchase 25 new vehicles for use by advisers, ministers, and officials of equivalent rank. The Ministry of Public Administration had requested policy approval, which was not granted. The decision came during a meeting chaired by Economic Affairs Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed at the Cabinet Division conference room.

Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud has identified elite-driven land grabbing as a significant factor contributing to poverty in Bangladesh. He explained that flaws in the legal system often leave victims destitute when attempting to reclaim their land. "Poverty isn't just about income—lack of access to justice plays a critical role," he said. Dr. Mahmud also noted that ineffective policing can further contribute to poverty, as lawlessness disproportionately affects the poor. Reflecting on the political situation, he said the ongoing restructuring following the recent uprising signals hope, and expressed optimism that a democratic government will soon take charge through upcoming elections.

Following a rise in administrative disorder after the fall of the Hasina government, the Ministry of Public Administration has drafted an amendment to the Government Service Act 2018. The amendment aims to bypass lengthy procedures and allow for swift dismissal of civil servants for negligence or misconduct. Cases must be resolved within 25 working days from the date charges are framed. Currently, disciplinary actions can take up to five years. The draft has already been finalized.

The High Court has concluded the hearing on a writ petition challenging the delay in administering the oath to BNP’s Ishraq Hossain as Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). The bench of Justices Md. Akram Hossain Chowdhury and Debashish Roy Chowdhury has scheduled the verdict for Wednesday. On March 27, an election tribunal declared Ishraq the lawful mayor and directed the Election Commission to publish the official gazette within 10 days, which was done on April 27.