In a recent directive, the Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance has increased the festival allowance for MPO-listed teachers at non-government educational institutions. Teachers will now receive 50% of their basic salary as a festival bonus, up from the previous 25%. The circular also noted that any future irregularities in disbursement will be the responsibility of the respective bill-paying authorities. The allowance will take effect from the date of the administrative ministry’s order.

At a recent seminar, Adviser Farida Akhter stated that the local livestock industry has seen a strong resurgence. Women farmers and entrepreneurs are now raising cattle and goats at home, significantly reducing dependency on foreign imports during Eid-ul-Adha. She estimated that this year’s Qurbani-related economic activity will surpass Tk 1 trillion. To support the leather sector, the government has announced free salt distribution for rawhide preservation and fixed prices to prevent exploitation. If necessary, rawhides will be preserved for export.

To bring government services closer to the public, the initiative Citizen Services Bangladesh has launched under the slogan "All Services at One Address." The platform was inaugurated on May 26 by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Service centers have already been set up in Gulshan, Uttara, and Nilkhet. Professor Yunus emphasized that this platform will play a pivotal role in curbing exploitation by brokers, minimizing public harassment, and ensuring hassle-free services. He added that it aims to foster healthy competition among ministries and enable automatic birth registration for every newborn as a foundational step to citizenship.

Speaking at a seminar, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Economic Adviser to the government, affirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability in financial services. He emphasized that sustainable development rests on three pillars: accountability, transparency, and ethical governance. “These are not abstract concepts, but practical necessities,” he stated. He noted that monitoring, auditing, and implementation practices help turn policy documents into real, tangible benefits for the people.

Mohammad Alim Akhter Khan, Director General of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, said there is no interference from higher authorities in the agency’s operations. “So far, I have not been pressured by any superior to act in a certain way,” he stated. He further assured that officials have been instructed to perform their duties independently. “If an official makes a mistake, the accused may submit a formal complaint, and I will personally investigate,” he added. Khan also revealed that even large corporations have been summoned and fined for violating consumer rights.

Following the recent attack in Pahalgam, Muslims in Kashmir are living in fear. Homes are being demolished, travelers harassed, and men with beards and skullcaps are being labeled as “terrorists” without evidence. Farooq Ahmed, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir, said his brother Mohammad Iqbal was killed in a madrasa during India-Pakistan border clashes on May 7. “Several Indian media outlets falsely labeled Iqbal a terrorist without any proof,” Farooq said. Police later contradicted those claims in an official statement. Manisha Pandey, Executive Editor of NewsLaundry, condemned the media’s coverage, calling the baseless allegations “heartbreaking and dangerous.”

Professor Ali Riaz stated that the National Consensus Commission will begin its second round of talks with political parties in June, aiming to draft a 'National Charter'. “The Commission’s role is to engage with stakeholders, build consensus, and outline reform policies in a national document,” he explained. “Political parties have shown strong support for these reforms, indicating their commitment. We believe they can determine a path for implementation.” He noted, however, that enforcement of the charter would be the responsibility of the interim government and other stakeholders.

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.