Chattogram City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain said that uninterrupted water flow in canals and drains was crucial to preventing waterlogging across the city despite days of heavy rainfall. “This is a significant achievement,” he stated. “With well-planned action, we can keep the city waterlogging-free in the future too.” He acknowledged that short-term flooding can occur during extreme downpours but emphasized that a functioning drainage system can prevent major disruptions. The mayor also noted the urgent need for proper equipment to maintain the city’s 1,600 km of drains and 57 canals, stating that effective waste management is essential.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam has announced that the much-anticipated July Charter is expected to be adopted very soon. “Representatives from 28 political parties have already participated,” he said. Another meeting is scheduled for this week, which may involve leaders from multiple parties sitting together. “It is possible that individual leaders from various parties will hold joint discussions,” he added. The Chief Adviser delivered a four-minute speech addressed to all political parties, formally concluding the first phase of the talks and inaugurating the second phase, thanking all for their participation.

Islami Chhatra Shibir leader SM Farhad accused certain vested groups of conspiring to delay the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections to serve hidden agendas. He warned that if the university administration cooperates with such forces, students will launch another “July Movement” against them. Meanwhile, the university has reported progress in election preparations, currently at phase seven, which includes forming the election commission. Three faculty members have been preliminarily selected.

Heavy upstream rainfall and mountain runoff have caused water levels in the Teesta River to surge, flooding large areas of farmland. The authorities have opened all gates of the Teesta Barrage in response. Many peanut fields have been submerged, and farmers are struggling to harvest crops by boat. One farmer, Anarul Islam, said his 150-acre peanut farm is now largely underwater, with only one-third of the crop harvested so far.

Following a meeting with the Chief Adviser, NCP convener Nahid Islam insisted that the July Charter must be finalized and published within 30 working days, before August 5. He said an electoral roadmap should only be announced after the charter is in effect. He also called for a restructured Election Commission to ensure free and fair polls.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed asserted that national elections can be held by December and necessary reforms completed within a month. He said key reforms, especially those related to the electoral process, can be implemented through executive orders, ordinances, or office directives without amending the Constitution. He emphasized that consensus-driven reforms should be documented in a political charter, which would be reflected in BNP’s election manifesto and serve as a public commitment.

More than 200 patients have been admitted to the Lalpur Upazila Health Complex in the last three days with diarrhea. Most are workers from the Ishwardi Export Processing Zone (EPZ). Patients expressed frustration as the hospital lacked sufficient government-supplied medicine, forcing them to buy drugs from outside. The outbreak reportedly began after workers consumed food and water at the EPZ last Thursday.

Following a meeting with the Consensus Commission, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Syed Abdullah Taher stated that all political parties reiterated their trust in Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. “We expect a credible election under his leadership,” he said. Taher urged that election dates be set between December and April, excluding the weather-challenged months of May and June. He emphasized the importance of allowing expatriates to vote and called for immediate electoral reforms, aiming for a unified “July Charter” to be signed by all parties by July.

At least 50 people, including police officers, were injured in violent clashes between law enforcement and workers of Bashundhara Garments Ltd. in Savar on Monday. The workers had blocked the Dhaka-Aricha highway and the Hemayetpur-Singair regional road starting at 9 a.m., demanding three months of unpaid wages. Police dispersed the protesters around 3 p.m. using tear gas and water cannons, sparking multiple rounds of clashes. Although the highway was cleared, workers continued to block the regional road. Police confirmed that wage payments had been repeatedly delayed by the management.

As part of preparations for trade dialogue with the United States, the 2025-26 budget proposes full import duty waivers on 110 items and reduced tariffs on many more. Economic Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed stated that the proposal includes withdrawing supplementary duties on 9 items and reducing them on 442 others. Exempted goods include various yarns, nuclear reactor parts, boilers, hydraulic turbines, gas turbines, milking machines, and other dairy farm equipment. The move aims to address the nearly $6 billion trade deficit with the US.

The Ministry of Law has announced the transfer of 30 district and sessions judges as per recommendations from the Supreme Court. In a separate directive, 38 additional district judges and 162 assistant and senior assistant judges were also transferred, while 12 officials received promotions. The ministry stated that these changes are in the public interest and will take immediate effect.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury criticized the proposed budget for FY 2025-26, calling it a continuation of the previous government's approach. He argued that the budget should have been aligned with actual revenue income, which it fails to do. “The budget size should have been more conservative,” he said, adding that its implementation will be difficult for the current government. BNP will officially respond to the budget on June 4. Khasru emphasized that budgets based on real revenue allow for more liquidity in the private sector, boost investment, reduce interest rates, and lower dependency on foreign loans.

Local leaders of the BNP and Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have expressed regret over the recent attack, vandalism, and arson at the residence of Jatiya Party leader GM Quader. Earlier, they were summoned to a military camp at Rangpur Stadium by Brigadier General Humayun Kaiyum of the 72nd Infantry Brigade. Four accused individuals from both groups appeared at the camp and pledged not to engage in further acts that could disrupt law and order. Authorities warned of strict action to maintain peace in Rangpur.

At the launch of the Law Reporters Forum’s annual publication Projonmo 24, Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed affirmed that judicial reforms are actively underway. He acknowledged the media's role in supporting these reforms and expressed hope that this cooperation would continue. The event was attended by Supreme Court officials, including Appellate Division Registrar Md. Hasanuzzaman and Special Officer Moazzem Hossain.

The ‘July Unity’ platform has announced a “March to the Secretariat” on Tuesday, protesting the interim government’s failure to remove 44 bureaucrats allegedly loyal to Sheikh Hasina. They accused these officials of opposing legislative reforms and inciting unrest within government institutions. The group claims these actions conflict with the spirit of the July movement and accused external forces, including India, of backing a “civilian coup” strategy.