The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) handed over 24 detained Bangladeshis to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Friday night, following a thwarted plan of push-in across the border. The handover took place during a flag meeting between the BGB and BSF at the Balatari border in Phulbari upazila of Kurigram. After the handover, BGB ensured the safe return of the individuals to their families. According to sources, BGB had received intelligence suggesting a potential push-in attempt by BSF. In response, BGB warned BSF that any repatriation must follow proper identification procedures and only confirmed Bangladeshi citizens would be accepted. Nationals of other countries would not be allowed entry under any circumstances. This transfer followed that agreement.

Following the Advisory Council meeting, Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud confirmed that Chief Adviser Professor Yunus has no plans to resign. “He didn’t say he would step down. This responsibility is a significant one, and we cannot abandon it,” Mahmud said. He noted that while challenges exist, the advisers have identified them and are committed to overcoming the obstacles to fulfill their duties. The meeting was held without the presence of any bureaucrats or government officials—only advisers attended.

Following today’s ECNEC meeting, the Advisory Council met under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, with 19 advisers in attendance. Adviser Rizwana Hasan stated, “We discussed reform-related matters, and who is saying what and where. There was no discussion on the Chief Adviser’s resignation.” Advisers Tawhid Hossain and Asif Mahmud declined to comment on the meeting.

Adviser for Liberation War Affairs, Faruq-e-Azam, expressed deep sorrow at the death of Md. Hasan, the latest martyr of the July Uprising. “His sacrifice will be remembered forever with deep respect,” he said. Hasan’s body is expected to arrive in Dhaka from Thailand at 6 PM on Saturday. Adviser Faruq-e-Azam, along with the martyr’s family, will be present at the airport. As per his mother’s wish, Hasan will be buried in Subarnachar, Noakhali.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam clarified that the two student advisers currently in the interim government have no affiliation with the NCP. “They joined as representatives of the public uprising, not as NCP members,” he said. NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain added, “We’re beginning to see signs of a repeat of the January 11 era. The public’s expectations of reform, justice, and fair elections are fading amid rising confusion.” He emphasized that the government must consult political parties before making key decisions.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has imposed a travel ban on Moazzem Hossain, former assistant personal secretary to Adviser Asif Mahmud, and decided to block his national ID. He is accused of amassing hundreds of millions in illicit wealth through influence peddling and tender manipulation during his tenure. Although Moazzem has denied the allegations, calling them “baseless,” the ACC stated further investigation is needed.

Supreme Court lawyer Md. Jasim Uddin has issued a legal notice to NCP leader Sarjis Alam for making derogatory remarks about the High Court. The notice demands a written and public apology, including a press conference. In a Facebook post, Alam had said, “If High Court rulings can be obtained by mob pressure, then what’s the point of having a High Court?”

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has said, “The Chief Adviser has expressed his intention to hold national elections between December of this year and June of the next. We want to place our trust in his words.” He added that they are not trying to pressure the Chief Adviser, as he is supported by all political parties and must be assisted by all sides. “We urge him to convene an all-party dialogue to avoid further national uncertainty,” he said.

Mufti Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, said that the nation has been crushed under a brutal dictatorship for the past 15 years, a direct result of 54 years of political instability. He described the July 2024 uprising as a blood-stained turning point that offers a historic opportunity to rebuild the country. Mufti Karim urged all stakeholders to act responsibly and not squander this chance for reform. He called on political parties to move beyond their own demands and abandon the confrontational culture of pressuring governments, instead working collaboratively for the nation’s future.

Hefazat-e-Islam held a protest rally in Sylhet demanding the dissolution of the Women’s Reform Commission, justice for the Shapla and July massacres, the withdrawal of all false cases against Hefazat leaders and activists, and an end to Muslim genocide in Palestine and India. The rally was presided over by Shaykh Mawlana Mojduddin Ahmad, Principal of Jamea Nuria Islamia Madrasah and Hefazat’s central advisor. Following the rally, a protest march was held throughout Sylhet city, ending at Chowhatta Point.

Mohammad Hasan, a 23-year-old Hafiz of the Qur’an injured during the July uprising, passed away Thursday night while receiving treatment in Thailand. Sadiq Qayem, a student leader from Shibir, announced that his funeral prayer (janaza) will take place at 9 PM on Saturday (May 24) at the Central Shaheed Minar. He called on people to attend the janaza, describing it as both a humanitarian duty and a spiritual commitment. Sadiq vowed that the perpetrators behind the July massacre would be brought to justice at any cost, Insha’Allah.

BNP leader Aminul Haque criticized elements within the current advisory government, claiming that some individuals have become intoxicated with power. He blamed this for the political disorder witnessed in recent months. Aminul recalled BNP’s 17-year struggle against dictatorship, stating that it was not for the kind of disarray now unfolding. He warned against conspiracies targeting Bangladesh’s democracy and said the people are ready to resist them. He accused certain advisers of delaying elections under the guise of reform and justice. Haque reiterated that true democracy can only be achieved by implementing the BNP’s 31-point agenda.

Musaddiq Ali Ibn Mohammad, leader of the July Unity bloc, accused India of attempting to divide the nation following the July uprising. He said that although Sheikh Hasina fled, her loyalists still hold key positions in the country. Frustrated by these developments, Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus had considered resigning. Musaddiq announced a protest rally at Shahbagh on Sunday, May 25, to resist alleged Indian conspiracies and revive the unity forged during the July uprising. A nationwide campaign will continue until May 30, and he warned that if the “July Declaration” is not issued within 30 working days, the advisory council and political parties will be held accountable.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher urged the government to announce the election roadmap within the December–June timeframe as previously promised. He stressed that a free and fair election is the only viable solution to the nation’s current crisis. Dr. Taher noted the recent political tensions and claimed that dialogues with stakeholders have helped reduce the heat. He emphasized the need to maintain the interim government and conduct a credible election under Dr. Yunus’s leadership. He warned that Jamaat will make no compromises on the demand for fair elections and that all efforts should now be directed toward restoring public confidence and countering misinformation.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim of the Islami Andolan said that rumors of Dr. Yunus’s resignation have surfaced, but he reminded the Chief Adviser that it was not his choice to assume the role—it was the will of the people. Therefore, Yunus has no right to resign without public mandate. Faizul Karim asserted that Yunus was appointed to deliver peace, justice, and fair elections, and that his staying or leaving is a matter of national interest. He cautioned against any decision that would appear to appease Indian interests, urging Dr. Yunus to remain committed to national reform.