BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is expected to return to Bangladesh next month following improvements in her health. Tareque Rahman’s wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and Koko’s wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman may also accompany her. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain confirmed that preparations for a special air ambulance from Qatar are underway following a formal request from the BNP.

The Chittagong University branch of Chhatra Shibir has proposed amendments to the constitution of the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU). The proposal includes three new clauses under Section 2 to promote democratic, religious, and humanitarian values rooted in Bangladesh’s liberation and democratic movements. They also proposed expanding the executive council from 10 to 21 members and reducing the unilateral authority of the president, who will continue to be the university’s vice chancellor by default.

BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan stated that no system in the world is foolproof; otherwise, there would be no need for reform or revolution. He supported a voting process for expatriates that is logical, efficient, and cost-effective for the majority. He also questioned the accuracy of claims that 2.9 million Bangladeshis reside in India, citing the lack of official government data and reliance on YouTube sources.

Assistant Inspector General Enamul Haque Sagar reported that 1,339 individuals were arrested during a nationwide police crackdown on April 28. Among them, 799 were wanted in cases or had outstanding warrants, while 540 were arrested in connection with other incidents. Authorities also recovered illegal firearms including pistols, revolvers, and ammunition. The operation will continue.

A Dhaka court has set May 12 as the new date for submitting an arrest report against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and 16 others in a corruption case involving RAJUK plot allocations. Police were supposed to file the report today but failed to do so, prompting the court to extend the deadline.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman has urged the nation to commemorate International Workers’ Day on May 1, highlighting the historical sacrifices made by laborers in Chicago in 1886. He noted that the struggle for workers’ rights is ongoing, with many still forced to protest for their fair wages. Rahman cited Islamic teachings advocating timely payment to workers and emphasized that human-made ideologies have failed to fully address workers’ issues.

CBC reports that Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party has won the Canadian election, overcoming early predictions of a major loss. A surge in nationalist sentiment followed provocative statements by U.S. President Trump, who threatened Canadian sovereignty and suggested turning Canada into America’s 51st state. The resignation of Justin Trudeau helped the Liberals regain momentum.

The Gano Adhikar Parishad has proposed reducing the minimum age for parliamentary candidates to 23 and shortening the term of parliament to four years. They are also calling for a national referendum on constitutional amendments. Leader Nurul Haque highlighted additional proposals, including extending maternity leave for women and halving their work hours for up to two years. The party suggests members of parliament be allowed to vote freely on all issues except constitutional amendments, budget bills, and confidence motions.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul claimed that past elections only resulted in changes in political power without establishing people’s rights. He asserted that Jamaat-e-Islami has been persistently oppressed despite not holding state power and highlighted the party’s longstanding efforts in social welfare, regardless of political or religious affiliation.

Leaders and activists protested in Chattogram demanding justice for Maulana Muhammad Rais Uddin, a student organization leader allegedly tortured and killed. They issued a 72-hour ultimatum to identify and arrest the perpetrators, warning of nationwide protests if demands are not met.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar stated that since August 5, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has shot and killed 16 Bangladeshis and injured 48 others. Condemning the killing of Mohammad Obaidul from Maheshpur, he urged the Bangladesh government to take strong diplomatic measures to stop such incidents and demanded India cease border killings if it desires good relations.

BNP leader Amir Khosru said that Bangladeshis did not fight and sacrifice to hand over the country’s leadership to a ‘superman.’ He questioned the narrative that democracy must wait for a savior, emphasizing instead the people’s right to vote. Khosru highlighted that nearly 50 parties have clearly demanded elections before December and called for immediate electoral reforms and setting an election roadmap.

Lawyer Md. Moniruzzaman has issued a legal notice urging authorities to halt the gazette notification and swearing-in of BNP leader Ishraq Hossain as mayor. He argues the decision was made hastily and without proper procedure. “We expected the Election Commission to challenge the tribunal’s ruling, but they didn’t. Instead, a revised gazette was issued without consulting the Law Ministry,” he stated. He further claimed that the mayoral term had already ended and the post was declared vacant by ordinance, rendering the tribunal’s order ineffective.

Khelafat Majlis leader Maulana Mamunul Haque called for building unity from the grassroots level to defend Islam and the nation’s dignity. Speaking to party workers in Sherpur, Bogura, after returning from a visit to Rangpur, he said, “Victory is assured through the power of faith. We must stand tall against injustice, despite hardships and obstacles.”

Jagannath University students locked their department gates in protest after Akram Hossain, a participant in the July Movement, was assaulted and handed over to police by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) activists, who accused him of attacking them during his first year. Akram denied political affiliations, stating he was once taken to rallies by senior members but never formally involved with Chhatra League and had actively participated in the July Uprising.