The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has summoned former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to appear on May 8 for questioning regarding alleged embezzlement in various airport development projects under her administration. Summons were also issued to former State Minister Md. Mahbub Ali—already in custody—and former Secretary Mokammel Haque, who is reportedly absconding. Hasina is currently in India, and notices have been sent to her residences in Dhanmondi and Gopalganj.

Following discussions with the National Consensus Commission, Professor Ali Riaz stressed the need for political parties to find common ground on fundamental national matters, despite differing political ideologies. “Dialogue is not enough if limited to the commission; parties must engage each other and work collectively toward a national charter,” he stated.

In a meeting with Canadian trade envoy Paul Thoppil, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus called for expanded bilateral economic cooperation and increased investment. Thoppil said, “We believe in Bangladesh’s economic potential. That’s why we’ve brought our business leaders here.” Dr. Yunus emphasized that the current reform phase is like recovering from a 15-year-long earthquake, and international support is crucial for continued progress.

Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organizer of the National Consensus Party (NCP), urged citizens to unite in defense of national sovereignty following India’s attack on Pakistan. Advisor Asif Mahmud also called for solidarity and national cohesion. As the India-Pakistan conflict escalates, Pakistan has declared a state of emergency in Punjab province due to rising casualties.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed that the decision to cancel the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan will not be reversed. Blaming Pakistan for recent attacks in Kashmir, Modi said, “India's waters will now serve only Indian interests.” He added, “Previously, water under India’s rights was flowing outside the country. That will no longer happen. These waters will be preserved and utilized solely for India’s progress.”

Despite paying $1.883 billion to the Asian Clearing Union for March-April imports, Bangladesh’s actual foreign reserves remain above $20 billion, according to the central bank. Gross reserves stood at $22.06 billion at the start of the day but dropped to $20.18 billion by day’s end. Total gross reserves, by central bank calculation, exceed $25 billion. Notably, reserves peaked at $48.06 billion in August 2022 before plummeting due to capital flight allegedly enabled by the ruling regime.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over military operations conducted across the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border by India. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stated that the Secretary-General has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum military restraint. He warned that the world cannot afford a military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has labeled India’s missile strikes on Pakistan-administered territory as “shameful.” Speaking to reporters, he remarked, “Anyone familiar with the history could sense this was coming. These two countries have been in conflict for decades, even centuries. Still, I hope this ends quickly.” India’s early morning missile assault on Wednesday led to the deaths of two civilians and left several others injured. In response, Pakistan downed two Indian aircraft later the same day.

Political analyst Dr. Ali Riaz has stated that efforts are underway to conclude the first round of political dialogue by May 15. The Election Commission aims to begin the second phase of discussions promptly. He noted that alongside the Commission’s proposals, the reform blueprint proposed by the National Citizen Party is also under consideration. "These frameworks may shape the second round of talks. The overarching goal is to draft a national charter through consistent formal and informal dialogue to guide a democratic and accountable Bangladesh."

Two individuals were caught impersonating candidates during the SSC Vocational exam at Shreepur Pilot Girls’ High School in Gazipur. Junaid Ahmed Sagar (22) and Mamun (21) were sitting for the exam on behalf of other students. The hall supervisor caught them during the test. Police have detained the suspects and are processing legal action.

The Public Administration Ministry is introducing new transfer rules that allow for the transfer of non-cadre field officials to the Secretariat and vice versa. This move has sparked outrage among Secretariat staff, who fear it will permanently block their promotion opportunities. The Bangladesh Secretariat Employees’ Council has warned of potential protests. They allege that the ministry formed a committee to merge non-cadre staff into a unified recruitment structure, effectively eliminating the career progression path for Secretariat employees.

National Security Adviser Khondaker Khalilur Rahman stated that Bangladesh insists on the inclusion of Rohingyas at all levels of the new administration in Rakhine. He warned that failure to do so would amount to ethnic cleansing, which Bangladesh cannot accept. He added that meaningful dialogue with Myanmar depends on their response to these demands, stressing that ignoring them would jeopardize future cooperation.

Legal adviser Asif Nazrul clarified that the Women Reform Commission’s proposals reflect the views of the commission alone, not official government policy. He acknowledged that such reform bodies often generate dissent and that while most disagreements have been respectful, some reactions have been hostile and degrading to women and the nation. He emphasized that any major reform will only be implemented through political consensus.

A 100-year-old banyan tree in Madaripur was felled after being labeled an object of shirk (idolatry), sparking public outrage. The tree, located near the Kumar River, had long been a site for offerings by both Muslims and Hindus. Locals had planned a Baishakh fair and Baul music event under the tree, but protests led to its cancellation. On Monday morning, a group of local clerics and villagers cut the tree down. Authorities have inspected the incident and promised action.

The Advisory Council has approved amendments to the law governing the redrawing of parliamentary constituencies. Legal adviser Asif Nazrul said the previous fascist regime arbitrarily set boundaries for political gain. The new amendments, proposed by the Election Commission, allow boundary redistricting to begin within days of the ordinance's gazette notification. Nazrul also noted sweeping reforms in civil case proceedings—such as banning indefinite postponements and mandating that written statements submitted in court be final and binding.