Adviser Asif Mahmud confirmed that legal complexities are preventing Ishraq Hossain from being sworn in as mayor. Until these issues are resolved, no final decision can be made. On Facebook, Asif explained that the Election Tribunal issued a verdict violating a High Court ruling that deemed the petition amendment illegal. Since the Election Commission did not participate in the hearing or appeal the decision, the judgment went uncontested. Ignoring legal notices and bypassing the Law Ministry’s opinion, the EC issued a gazette late at night. A writ petition has since been filed against the EC and the Local Government Division. Meanwhile, in a similar Barisal case, the tribunal dismissed the petition based on the same High Court ruling, exposing inconsistencies in the tribunal’s decisions. He questioned the legality and tenure of the mayor's position in light of these developments.

Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki described the arrest of actress Nusraat Faria as an embarrassing incident. He stated that the government's job is to ensure justice for the real perpetrators of the July massacre and that no one should be arrested without clear initial evidence. Farooki noted that although the case against Faria has existed for a while, he was not aware of any move to arrest her before the investigation concluded. He hinted that the arrest at the airport might have been a result of overreaction following public anger related to former President Abdul Hamid’s departure. “Similar incidents, like one involving Andalib Partha’s wife, are unacceptable,” he added. Farooki expressed confidence that Faria will receive legal remedy.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is scheduled to visit Dhaka in the last week of August. Both countries are making final preparations to ensure a successful state visit. Earlier this month, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi visited Bangladesh and emphasized the importance of legal migration pathways. PM Meloni previously met Interim Government Chief Professor Muhammad Yunus during the 79th UN General Assembly session.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam said actress Nusraat Faria was arrested because a case had been filed against her. However, investigations are ongoing, and she will be released if found innocent. He confirmed that security forces have been instructed to ensure that only the real perpetrators of the July massacre are arrested and that no innocent individuals suffer. The adviser also noted that cattle trucks for Eid-ul-Adha must unload only within designated markets. Additionally, 75 Ansar personnel will be stationed at each cattle market, and bulk movement of goods will be restricted three days before and after Eid.

A Bangladeshi youth, Md. Shamsu Mia (25), was shot by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at the Bishwambharpur border in Sunamganj. According to the BGB, Shamsu and four others illegally crossed into India early Monday to smuggle goods. Due to a curfew on the Indian side, BSF troops opened fire, injuring Shamsu in the left shoulder. He was rescued and brought back to Bangladesh by his companions and is currently in hiding after receiving medical treatment.

Nahid Islam, leader of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), stated that the Liberation War is one of the fundamental pillars of the state. He said NCP’s vision is rooted in the ideals of equality, justice, and dignity from the Liberation War and the July Uprising. He emphasized the party’s inclusive ideology that respects religious belief, rejects both Islamophobia and religious extremism, and aims for a democratic state based on civilizational identity rather than ethnicity or religion. He added that the party will work for women’s rightful share in inheritance laws and stands firmly against Hindutva and fascist systems, advocating for state reform and a new constitution.

Supporters of Ishraq Hossain are staging a blockade at Dhaka South City Corporation headquarters, demanding his official swearing-in as mayor. The protest began even before the scheduled time of 11 AM, with demonstrators blocking the main entrance and nearby areas including Bangabazar and Golap Shah Mazar, bringing city services to a standstill.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud announced that the Awami League's registration has been suspended. Unless the decision is reversed, the party will not be eligible to contest in upcoming elections. When asked about the legitimacy of an election without the Awami League, he said, "The time to answer that question has not yet come." He assured that the Election Commission is fully prepared to hold elections within the timeline set by the Chief Adviser.

BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman stated, “We’ve reached a pivotal point where we must rebuild the country together, regardless of our differences. We may disagree on various matters, but we must unite to ensure national security, create employment, and elevate Bangladesh’s global standing.” He reiterated BNP’s demand for national elections by December, stating that many party members have sacrificed their lives and faced abductions and torture for this cause. Tarique also announced plans to establish a sports institute like BKSP in every division and proposed ward-level playgrounds in Dhaka. Additionally, he emphasized integrating sports and a second or third language into the school curriculum. Speaking emotionally, he said everything one could be proud of in a younger brother was present in Koko.

A farmer named Golam Hossain, also known as Batul (52), from Singra, Natore, committed suicide after reportedly losing a significant sum in online gambling. His body was found hanging from a mango tree near his home. Local UP member Dulal confirmed that Batul had recently become addicted to online gambling. Following a domestic dispute with his wife, who left for her parents’ home, Batul ended his life, likely driven by anger and frustration from financial loss and family conflict.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah criticized the current government, alleging selective justice. He claimed that while those involved in serious crimes have been allowed to leave the country safely, others like actress Nusrat Faria are being arrested to create an illusion of justice. "You gave state assistance to help Shirin Sharmin get her passport at home. The second tribunal hasn’t started even in May, despite being scheduled for January. And the list of 626? Where are they now?" he asked. “This isn’t justice; this is Hasina-style distraction.”

India has imposed restrictions on the import of several items, including processed foods and garments, from Bangladesh via land ports. Last year, Bangladeshi exports to India totaled $1.57 billion. Currently, 36 trucks carrying garments are stranded at Benapole port, awaiting clearance. Indian authorities now require these products to enter only via sea routes to Kolkata. Discussions are ongoing to allow import of items already covered under Letters of Credit (LC) or Telegraphic Transfers (TT). Bangladeshi exporters warn that if sea transport is the only option, exports to India may come to a halt.

A Dhaka court has sent actress Nusrat Faria to jail in connection with an attempted murder case filed at Bhatara Police Station during recent mass protests. The court, presided over by Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque, scheduled a bail hearing for May 22. Faria was detained at the airport while trying to travel to Thailand and was later handed over to police after interrogation by the Detective Branch.

Sayed Abdullah M. Taher of Jamaat-e-Islami stated that individuals facing charges for crimes against humanity during the Liberation War should be disqualified from elections once a charge sheet is filed, even before a conviction. He acknowledged that traditionally, disqualification requires a conviction with over two years of imprisonment, but emphasized that special wartime offenses warrant a stricter approach. “We’ve agreed that filing of the charge sheet alone should be considered,” he said, citing the 1973 war crimes law.

According to Bangladesh Bank, overseas credit card spending by Bangladeshis fell to Tk 361 crore in March — a 6.25% drop from February’s Tk 503 crore. Spending in India saw a sharp 72.26% year-on-year decline, falling to Tk 27.6 crore from Tk 106 crore in March 2023. Meanwhile, spending rose in the US (Tk 57.4 crore), UK (Tk 36 crore), and Saudi Arabia (Tk 35 crore). Domestic credit card transactions jumped 26.52% in March, reaching Tk 3,755 crore compared to February.