During a meeting with RF Kennedy Human Rights President Kerry Kennedy, Prof. Ali Riaz stated that the National Consensus Commission — formed to reform the state — aims to unite all parties to draft a national charter for building a stronger democratic and accountable state. “This charter will provide a clear roadmap for Bangladesh’s future,” he said. After the meeting, a press release confirmed that Kerry Kennedy expressed satisfaction with the commission’s efforts and wished it success. Prof. Riaz noted that initial discussions with political parties will conclude soon, after which a second phase of dialogue will begin.

Despite heightened security along the border, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) forcibly pushed 44 individuals into Bangladesh early Wednesday near the Barlekha border in Moulvibazar. The BGB, with help from local residents and a Union Parishad chairman, apprehended the individuals just before they reached Shahbazpur Bazaar. Previously, on May 6 and 7, the BSF had pushed in over 100 people, of whom 59 were detained by the BGB.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur announced that the country is set to receive $3.5 billion in loans from the World Bank, IMF, and Asian Development Bank by June. Bangladesh has agreed to a more flexible exchange rate, prompting the IMF to release two pending tranches of a $4.7 billion loan simultaneously. “Remittances are strong, reserves are stable, and the balance of payments has improved. This is the ideal time to move toward a market-based exchange rate,” said Mansur.

Following the killing of a Dhaka University student named Samyo, authorities from DU and Suhrawardy Udyan have made seven significant decisions. Adviser Asif Mahmud announced that the back gate behind the Raju Sculpture will be permanently closed. Other decisions include the eviction of illegal vendors from the park, a crackdown on drug activity, and a joint operation involving the Ministry of Public Works, City Corporation, DMP, and the Department of Narcotics Control. A committee will be formed for regular monitoring and enforcement. The park will be equipped with proper lighting and CCTV surveillance, a dedicated police box will be established, Suhrawardy Udyan will adopt a structured management system like Ramna Park, and public entry will be restricted after 8 PM. These actions will be implemented immediately.

The “March to Jamuna” protest by Jagannath University students faced a violent crackdown by police, who used tear gas, sound grenades, and batons. More than 100 individuals, including students, faculty members, and journalists, were injured — at least 38 are receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The protesters, who have put forth a three-point demand, declared they will not leave Kakrail or halt their sit-in until their demands are met.

The Supreme Court has concluded hearings on Jamaat-e-Islami’s appeal to regain its political registration and party symbol. The final verdict will be delivered on June 1. A full bench of seven justices, headed by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, presided over the hearing, which began Tuesday morning and was adjourned to Wednesday.

Nursing students have blocked the road at Shahbagh demanding that the “Diploma in Nursing Science and Midwifery” and “Diploma in Midwifery” be recognized as equivalent to a bachelor's degree. The students have been protesting for several days and held a rally earlier today in front of the Bangladesh Nursing and Midwifery Council in Dhaka. They issued a one-hour ultimatum for authorities to meet their demands. When no assurance came, they moved to Shahbagh and began a road blockade.

Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus has emphasized the strategic importance of Chattogram Port, calling it the "heartbeat of the economy." He stated, “No new economic path can be forged without this port. It's not an unfamiliar place to me — I grew up here and have been trying since day one to transform it.” Stressing the need to turn Chattogram into a world-class port, he added, “We must reform the economy, and the port is our key asset. Without it, we can’t step into a new economic era.” Dr. Yunus compared the economy to a diseased heart, saying, “No blood can circulate unless the heart — the port — is strong. Top global ports have been consulted, and even landlocked Nepal relies on our port. Many countries have 20 to 30 terminals like this. Unless we strengthen ours, it won’t last long.”

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus officially inaugurated construction of a new road-rail bridge over the Karnaphuli River at Kalurghat in Chattogram. Bridge Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan stated that the long-awaited bridge fulfills a major demand of the people of South Chattogram, including Boalkhali residents. Construction is expected to be completed by 2029, with the bridge opening in 2030. “This bridge holds many memories for me,” said Dr. Yunus. “Its completion will bring immense relief to the people of Chattogram.”

Photos shared by Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam show Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem breaking down in tears inside the ruins of the notorious "Aynaghar" (Mirror House), where he was detained for nearly eight years. Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy and niece of John F. Kennedy, hugged and comforted him. Kennedy, a vocal critic of Sheikh Hasina’s alleged human rights violations, is president of the RFK Human Rights Center. Aynaghar is widely reported to be a torture cell for enforced disappearances under the current regime.

Jagannath University students marching toward Jamuna with a three-point demand were met with police resistance at Kakrail. Tear gas and sound grenades were used to disperse the crowd. A teacher at the scene reported that at least 50 students were injured, alongside several police personnel. The students vow to continue protesting until their demands are met:

Housing stipends for 70% of students starting FY 2025–26.

Full approval of the proposed university budget without cuts.

Immediate approval and implementation of the second campus project under priority development plans.

Adviser Asif Mahmud wrote in a statement that Shahriar Samyo was a familiar face in all student movements for just causes since 2019. “From his first year, Samyo was a gentle soul who stood against injustice,” he said. Three suspects have so far been arrested. Asif emphasized that beyond individuals, crime rings and the unsafe environment of Suhrawardy Udyan must also be held accountable. “The park was supposed to be a place of peace, but illegal shops and drug activities turned it into a danger zone. We’re working with DU, the Public Works Ministry, and the police to restore safety,” he added.

Fayez Ahmed Tayyab confirmed that the government has begun taking steps to shut down all online platforms of the Awami League, including those of its affiliated and allied organizations. The National Cyber Security Agency has issued directives to BTRC to block websites and social media accounts (Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Telegram, and X). This follows a ban on all political activities of the party until judicial proceedings are completed.

At its fifth convocation ceremony, Chittagong University awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) degree to Nobel Laureate and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. A total of 22,560 graduates participated in the ceremony. Additionally, 22 researchers were awarded PhDs and 17 received MPhil degrees. Keynote addresses were delivered by Education Adviser Prof. Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar and UGC Chairman Prof. Dr. S. M. A. Faiz.

Anwaruzzaman Sagar, elder brother of the slain DU student Shahriar Samyo, broke down in tears while speaking before the funeral. “Samyo was 16 years younger than me. He lost our mother in eighth grade, and I’ve protected him since then. I sent him to the highest institution with big dreams. Never imagined I’d lose him like this,” said Sagar, calling on the university authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into his brother’s death.