Student leaders of Bangladesh’s polytechnic institutes have decided to temporarily relax their ongoing full shutdown protest program. The decision came following a joint meeting on Wednesday at the Dhaka Polytechnic Institute, organized by the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB). Attending the meeting were IDEB leaders, polytechnic teachers’ associations, principals, and faculty representatives. All parties collectively urged students to return to classrooms in the interest of technical education. In response to this “respectful appeal,” students announced a temporary suspension of the shutdown, effective immediately. However, they warned that if there is no significant progress on their six-point demand, the movement will resume with greater intensity.

Five members of a notorious robbery gang were arrested for blocking the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway in Munshiganj’s Srinagar and carrying out a robbery at gunpoint. The incident gained widespread attention after a video of the heist went viral on social media. Police recovered three locally-made firearms from the suspects during a late-night operation in Keraniganj and South Keraniganj. The arrestees are: Md. Kamal alias ‘CNG Kamal’ (40), Md. Ismail Haldar (38), Md. Ramzan Bepari (27), Md. Russell Molla (24), and Md. Limon Matobbar (20).

Authorities in Madaripur have formed a three-member investigation committee, led by a forest officer, after a century-old banyan tree was cut down by local religious leaders who deemed the tree's veneration as 'shirk' (idolatry). The committee has been instructed to submit its report within five days. For some time, people had been lighting candles, incense sticks, and leaving offerings such as cloth and sweets at the tree’s base, believing it fulfilled wishes. On Monday, religious leaders felled the tree, citing its use in non-Islamic practices as justification.

CNN, citing a top French intelligence official, reported that Pakistan shot down at least one Indian Rafale fighter jet—the first confirmed downing of this advanced French aircraft in a conflict. Pakistan claims to have downed five Indian aircraft so far, including three Rafales. India, however, denies losing any jets. Debris from a crashed aircraft displaying markings from the French manufacturer has been found in Indian-controlled Kashmir, but its origin has yet to be confirmed.

Chief Information Officer Md. Nezamul Kabir has called misinformation one of the biggest challenges of our time. He emphasized the need for information officers to enhance their fact-checking capabilities. "A certain group is deliberately spreading rumors and misinformation to disrupt social harmony," he warned. Kabir stressed the importance of public awareness to combat the harmful effects of fake news on individuals, society, and the state. He noted that the Information Department’s Rumor Prevention and Awareness Committee is actively monitoring misinformation on media and social platforms and producing regular text and video content to counter false narratives.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed concern over the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan, urging both nations to cease hostilities immediately. He offered U.S. assistance in resolving the dispute. In an earlier reaction following the airstrikes, Trump called the attack "shameful."

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has expressed deep concern over the escalating tension between India and Pakistan following recent military strikes. Speaking on Wednesday, he condemned any provocative attacks targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure. He emphasized the urgency of de-escalation and expressed support for Pakistan’s call for an investigation into the Pahalgam incident. Fidan also held a phone conversation with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, during which he warned that the attacks, which appeared to deliberately target civilians, have dangerously pushed the region closer to full-scale war.

In two separate notifications, the government has reassigned 15 high-ranking officials within the Bangladesh Police. Three Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) have been given acting responsibilities as Additional Inspectors General of Police (Addl. IGP). According to the notice, Mohammad Shibgat Ullah of the Industrial Police has been appointed acting Addl. IGP and Chief of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Gazi Jashim Uddin, previously at CID, has been transferred to Industrial Police in the same acting rank. DIG A.K.M. Awlad Hossain of the Dhaka Range has been posted to Police Telecom, and Addl. IGP Mohammad Tawfiq Mahbub Chowdhury has been appointed Principal of the Police Academy in Rajshahi's Sardah.

Energy Adviser Fauzul Kabir Khan has confirmed that despite ongoing challenges, the government has no current plans to increase gas or electricity prices. He announced that five gas wells are being tendered in Bhola to boost local production and that LNG imports will supplement supply. During Ramadan, 1,200 MW of power was allocated, with 150 MW redirected to industries. Between May and August, 100 LNG cargoes will be imported to support industrial power generation. This strategy is expected to increase gas supply to industries by 250 MMCF. In total, 50 wells will be drilled this year, with 100 more planned for next year, aiming to produce up to 500 MMCF of gas.

The Cabinet Division has issued new guidelines for government advisors and officials traveling abroad on official business. To receive travel expense reimbursements, officials must submit signed bills with supporting documents, including copies of government-approved summaries, actual transportation and accommodation bills, currency exchange details, and all relevant vouchers. The initiative aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds for foreign travel.

A sudden raid by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) at the Pabna BRTA office has confirmed long-standing allegations of systemic corruption. Officials discovered that without bribes, applicants are often failed or subjected to repeated harassment. Bribe demands reportedly range between Tk 10,000 and 12,000. Some applicants, who submitted paperwork in 2019, only received service after paying middlemen. ACC officials stated that evidence will be forwarded to the central office for further action.

Senior Assistant Police Superintendent (ASP) Palash Saha of RAB-7 in Chattogram’s Chandgaon area died by suicide in his office using his service pistol. A note found at the scene stated, “No one is responsible for my death—not my mother or wife. I am solely to blame. I couldn’t make anyone happy.” He instructed that his wife take all the gold and live well, and that his brothers take care of their mother.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved nine development projects, including the revitalization of lakes in Gulshan, Banani, and Baridhara. The total cost is estimated at Tk 3,756.20 crore, funded by government allocations, foreign aid, and institutional contributions. Other approved projects include the establishment of Rabindra University, internal container and barge terminal at Khanpur, disaster risk management, and irrigation system improvements in Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat.

The Government of Bangladesh is closely monitoring the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan and has expressed deep concern over the situation. Dhaka urged both nations to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions. The government expressed hope that diplomatic efforts would restore peace and stability in the region for the benefit of its people.

A government circular has confirmed a 10-day Eid-ul-Azha holiday for both public and private sectors. June 11 and 12 (Wednesday and Thursday) have been declared official holidays, while offices will remain open on Saturdays, May 17 and 24, to compensate. All public, semi-public, autonomous, and private offices will remain closed during the designated Eid holidays.