The government has issued a directive banning the planting, extraction, and sale of eucalyptus and acacia (Akashmoni) trees to protect the environment, ecosystem, and biodiversity. According to the notification, all tree plantation initiatives—whether by government agencies, private organizations, or individuals—must now prioritize indigenous fruit-bearing, forest, and medicinal plant species. This move is aimed at fulfilling both national and international environmental commitments by avoiding aggressive, non-native tree species.

BNP leader Aminul Haque emphasized that his party stands for the country’s underprivileged population. Describing the BNP as a party of the people, he said they are committed to humanitarian efforts. During a recent event, Haque distributed cash and pedal rickshaws to five affected auto-rickshaw drivers, and financial aid to a person with disabilities. Criticizing recent actions by DNCC against unauthorized rickshaws, he said, “It’s inhumane to take away livelihoods without offering alternatives. Had the government provided other employment options, these workers would have naturally moved away from such occupations.”

Jamaat-e-Islami's Acting Secretary General ATM Masum has called on the government to engage in dialogue with Jagannath University’s students and faculty to resolve ongoing protests. He acknowledged their longstanding grievances, particularly regarding housing and other essential needs. “No past government has addressed these issues, which has forced students and teachers to take to the streets,” he said. Masum urged the authorities to resolve the matter immediately through discussions.

At the biennial Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting, the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations Country Team reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable development. The meeting emphasized the need for reforming governance, enhancing institutional capacity, and protecting human rights—especially in light of climate-related challenges and political changes. In 2024, the UN committed $215 million in development support. So far, 40 million people have gained access to social protection services, 580,000 children have benefitted from child protection programs, and 5.6 million adolescent girls have received the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention.

Angry student protesters and members of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement attacked ‘Sundor Mahal,’ the Mymensingh residence of former opposition leader Begum Roushan Ershad. Chanting slogans, they declared the property a ‘Traitor's Den.’ After political changes post-August 5, the property had reportedly been rented to a restaurant named 'Kutumbari,' which began construction at the site. Protesters claim the symbolic value of the house made it a target.

In Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area, two alleged muggers were caught by locals while attempting a robbery. One of them, Rakib (28), a resident of Bhola’s Nurabad area, died after a mob beating. The other, Milon (35), was handed over to police. ADC Jewel Rana confirmed that a regular case is being filed over the incident.

Jagannath University (JnU) Professor Dr. Roich Uddin announced that teachers and students will begin a mass hunger strike after Friday prayers, demanding justice and protection of their rights. “Despite being attacked by the police, we’ve received no response from the administration even after 35 hours,” he said.

A rally of current and former JnU members is scheduled for 10 AM on Friday at the protest site. Additionally, May 14 will be observed as a “Black Day” at JnU to protest the police attacks on teachers, students, and journalists.

Dr. Rais Uddin, General Secretary of the Jagannath University Teachers’ Association, has announced a campus shutdown until student demands are met. “We urge the government to accept our legitimate demands,” he said. “If they are accepted, we’ll return to campus within two minutes.” He warned that no force could remove them from the streets if their concerns go unheeded. “Our teachers and students are already on the streets—there’s no point in reopening the campus unless the demands are resolved.”

BNP leader Parvez Mallick has urged supporters to put aside internal conflicts and unite behind the party’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ electoral symbol. Reflecting on his long years in exile and his commitment to the neglected regions of his constituency, he expressed his desire to serve the people till his last breath. “I want to work as a servant of the people and dedicate my life to their welfare,” he said.

Rayhan Apu, convener of the ‘July Warriors’ group and a gunshot survivor, admitted that putting up their banner on an abandoned building formerly used as an Awami League office was a mistake. The building, cleaned by his group last Wednesday, was assumed to be vacant and abandoned. “We never occupied the property,” he said. “Since it was state-owned land previously leased to the Awami League, placing our banner and claiming it as our office was inappropriate.” The banner has since been removed. Apu said they would now pursue legal avenues to revoke the existing lease and apply for a new one.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has instructed police officers to remain on maximum alert to prevent any sabotage activities by banned political groups. He emphasized that the police must uphold professionalism and discipline while staying vigilant against destructive plots. The Commissioner also urged police personnel to maintain high standards in conduct, uniform, and service. Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, he directed intensified monitoring to prevent extortion, snatching, and counterfeit currency circulation at sacrificial animal markets, asserting that no criminal activity should be allowed to occur there.

The Government of Bangladesh has requested additional budgetary support and soft loans under more flexible terms from Japan, along with an extension of loan repayment periods. In response, Japan reaffirmed its commitment to support Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress. Both countries agreed to deepen political trust, prioritize development strategies, and work toward achieving a strategic partnership. The Foreign Ministry stated that Japan positively received Bangladesh's request for duty- and quota-free market access for Bangladeshi products even after LDC graduation. Discussions also included boosting market access for Bangladeshi fruits and vegetables, and further collaboration on Rohingya repatriation. Japan also pledged deeper involvement under the BIG-B initiative to ensure high-quality infrastructure in Bangladesh.

In the early hours of Thursday, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) pushed 14 individuals—5 men, 4 children, and 5 women—into Bangladesh through the barbed-wire gate at the Muraichhara border in Kulaura. A patrol team of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained them while they were wandering suspiciously. After extensive questioning, the detainees were handed over to Kulaura Police Station. According to them, they had illegally crossed into India and worked at a brick kiln in Rajasthan. Indian police detained them and later handed them over to the BSF, who pushed them back into Bangladesh the same night.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has questioned the motives behind the recent murder of Chhatra Dal leader Samya. "Why would three homeless individuals kill him?" he asked. Rizvi suggested the murder might be linked to Samya's recent Facebook post supporting the national anthem, in opposition to a protest at Shahbagh. "Those who stand for the country, its independence, and against aggression are being targeted," he said. Rizvi also criticized the university’s Vice-Chancellor for allegedly disrespecting Chhatra Dal leaders who had sought his help.

The Chief Adviser-led Council of Advisers has approved the final draft of the “National Freedom Fighters Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.” The meeting also formed a committee to revise and evaluate the draft of the “Welfare and Rehabilitation Ordinance for Families of July Uprising Martyrs and Injured Protesters, 2025.” The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs will provide secretarial support to the committee. The council also reviewed the advisory report on the “National Gene Bank Management Policy 2024” and approved the reconstruction plan for urban infrastructure under the “National Urban Policy 2025.” Additionally, it decided to update the 2011 rules under the “Sand and Soil Management Act, 2010.”