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.

In response to continued U.S. attacks on civilians and infrastructure in Yemen, the country has announced a sweeping ban on the transport of American crude oil through regional waters, effective from May 17. The ban covers all forms of export, re-export, transfer, loading, buying, or selling—directly or indirectly—including ship-to-ship transfers, even via third parties. Violators will be labeled as aggressors and barred from using strategic waterways such as the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, has expressed his desire to return to the British royal fold, admitting he is devastated after losing a legal battle to regain full security in the UK. Buckingham Palace stated that courts have reviewed the matter thoroughly multiple times and consistently reached the same conclusion. “I can’t imagine bringing my wife and children back to the UK under these circumstances,” Harry said. “I truly want a reunion with my family. There’s no point in continuing the fight—life is too precious.” He added that the decision to revoke his security rights as a prince still haunts him.

Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, stated that Bangladesh may withdraw from its loan agreement with the IMF if excessive conditions are imposed. Accepting all terms could further weaken the economy. If new conditions are attached to the next tranche of the $4.7 billion loan, Bangladesh will reconsider continuing the agreement.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan stated that there is strong public interest in learning the Quran, which should be a daily practice. He emphasized the need to use the Quran as a vehicle to influence society positively. Dr. Shamima Tasnim added that if society and the state are not governed according to Quranic principles, meaningful change is impossible. She stressed that accountability must be to Allah and that no institution can succeed without God-consciousness.

A survey by the Youth Policy Network reveals that rising essential commodity prices are forcing low-income individuals to reduce food intake. Conducted in March with over 1,000 respondents from towns and upazilas, the survey found that 99% had to skip meals due to financial hardship. Six in ten regularly skip breakfast, and many reduce meal portions. Common meals include low-cost items like biscuits, bananas, eggs, and parathas, despite low nutritional value. Respondents also expressed anger at tax hikes and called for subsidies.

The BCS Association has rejected the draft ordinance on revenue policy and management, calling for its immediate withdrawal. Their four main demands include: 1) Cancellation of the draft ordinance, 2) Halting the move to dissolve the NBR, 3) A decision only after discussion between the two cadres in the presence of the Finance Adviser, and 4) A general meeting to determine next steps. Officials from the Income Tax cadre allege that recommendations from white papers and advisory committees were ignored and that the draft was altered by the administration cadre to retain control.

The official Facebook page of Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs was hacked around 8:15 PM on Saturday. Hackers, believed to be from Indonesia, used the page to stream gambling content live in the Bahasa language. The ministry’s Director of Public Diplomacy, A.H.M. Masum Billah, confirmed efforts are underway to restore the page. Officials suspect Bahasa was used to obscure the hackers' true identities.