Hefazat Secretary General Sajedur Rahman has said that those accusing the organization of misogyny in relation to the effigy of Sheikh Hasina are nothing but allies of the Awami League, enemies of the July Revolution. He claims the incident was a result of public anger toward Hasina, calling her a fascist responsible for mass killings. Rahman mentioned the hanging of Hasina's effigy in front of the Raju sculpture on May 1st as an act of protest by July's fighters, which was reported on a platform named 'The Dacca.' He emphasized that Hefazat works towards women's respect, dignity, and rights, and that those who seek to suppress the group are behind the misogynistic campaigns against them.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has instructed the formation of a high-level committee to ensure proper management of sacrificial animal hides during Eid-ul-Azha. The committee, led by the Trade Adviser, will also oversee livestock transport, humane treatment at markets, and efficient waste disposal. The adviser emphasized the need to eliminate syndicates and ensure tanners use ETPs properly to protect the environment and guarantee fair prices for hides.

Amid rising tensions over Kashmir, India has halted the flow of water from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River into Pakistan. Delhi is also considering similar action at the Kishanganga Dam. This move follows a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people and prompted India to suspend long-standing water-sharing agreements.

Adviser Farida Akhtar has stated that an estimated 12,447,337 sacrificial animals will be available across the country for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. Of these, around 2,068,135 animals are expected to be in surplus. She detailed that the total includes 5.6 million cattle and buffaloes, 6.8 million goats and sheep, and approximately 5,512 other livestock. Farida Akhtar assured that the supply exceeds demand, even if demand increases unexpectedly. She added that the government is closely monitoring the market to ensure price stability and protect farmers' earnings, with measures in place to counter extortion.

Umama Fatema, spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, declared that politics in Bangladesh cannot be mainstreamed without addressing women's rights and opportunities. Criticizing political tokenism, she wrote, “Now I see arbitrations on women's rights, just after they were told to sit quietly post-July.” She defended the Women’s Reform Commission’s report and criticized calls to scrap it altogether. “If women’s issues are ignored, all other reform reports should also be considered void,” she argued.

The High Court has suspended the lease notification for setting up a cattle market in Aftabnagar for Eid-ul-Azha. The decision follows a petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Yunus Ali Akand, who argued that hosting a market in a residential area would cause severe odor and environmental pollution. The notification had listed 11 potential market locations, including Aftabnagar.

Barrister Abdur Razzaq, former Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami and a senior lawyer at the Bangladesh Supreme Court, has passed away. He died on Sunday at 4:10 PM after a long battle with cancer. He also served as the chief adviser of the Amar Bangladesh Party. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un.

Indian politician Asaduddin Owaisi condemned comments by former BDR Commission chief Fazlur Rahman, who suggested Bangladesh should consider occupying India’s northeast if war breaks out between India and Pakistan, and even seek military cooperation with China. In response, Owaisi said, “You must remember that as an independent nation, your very existence is indebted to India.” He criticized Pakistan, calling it a failed nation that will never allow India peace, but maintained that India will always remain the stronger power.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain stated that Rohingyas must eventually return to Myanmar, but only when their safety is guaranteed. “We have yet to find an effective solution to the security crisis. There are two essential elements to repatriation: rights and security. Without these, the Rohingyas will not go back,” he said. Hossain further remarked that expecting repatriation without resolving these issues is unrealistic. “Can we send them back to the same place they fled to escape persecution?” he asked rhetorically. He expressed skepticism about achieving tangible results through bilateral talks with Myanmar and emphasized the need for a comprehensive roadmap involving the Arakan Army, Myanmar’s junta, and the National Unity Government.

National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman clarified that the government has not signed any agreement regarding a “humanitarian corridor” in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. He emphasized that misinformation is circulating and assured that any decisions involving Bangladesh’s sovereignty and regional diplomacy will be made with transparency.

The University of New South Wales in Sydney has confirmed in writing that former International Crimes Tribunal prosecutor Barrister Turin Afroz never completed a PhD with them. The state informed the Supreme Court that there is no record of her enrollment under that name. Barrister Anik R. Haque accused her of abusing power during her tenure, claiming she once had her own mother evicted from their home—though the court later restored her mother’s residence.

A Dhaka court has ordered a seven-day probe into alleged corruption within the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s prosecution unit following a media exposé titled “Secret Bribe Operation Led by Police Official.” A three-member investigative committee has been formed, comprising Joint Metropolitan Judge Humayun Kabir, Magistrate Minhazur Rahman, and Assistant Police Commissioner Rashed Hossain Parag.

Ahead of a meeting with the 12-party alliance, political analyst Prof. Ali Riaz emphasized the need for broader national consensus beyond just a commission. “You, the political actors, must engage with your allies and other forces to build unity,” he said. “While total agreement may not be possible, we must find common ground on fundamental national issues.” He added that the second phase of talks will begin mid-May, and a national charter will be drafted based on agreed principles.

As of now, 22,203 Bangladeshi pilgrims have reached Saudi Arabia via 54 flights for this year’s Hajj. Two deaths have been reported among the pilgrims. The latest was Fariduzzaman (57) from Kishoreganj, who passed away on May 2. Earlier, Khalilur Rahman (70) died on April 29 in Medina. The Hajj is expected to begin on June 5, subject to moon sighting.

Following India’s earlier ban on Pakistani ships using its ports, Pakistan has reciprocated by prohibiting Indian-flagged vessels from entering Pakistani ports. The government said the move was necessary to protect national security and economic interests. Pakistani ships will also no longer dock at Indian ports. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Pakistan’s exports to India—mainly pharmaceuticals, fruits, and oilseeds—made up less than 0.0001% of India’s total imports in FY 2024-25.