BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince has demanded an immediate election roadmap for the upcoming December polls. He warned that any delay would provoke public unrest, and the BNP would not hesitate to take to the streets with mass support. Prince criticized a political faction for calling for local government elections before the national vote, accusing them of trying to stall democracy. He also promised that a BNP-led government would implement workers’ rights, including setting the minimum wage at Tk 30,000.

On Thursday night in Fatullah, Narayanganj, armed assailants attempted to assassinate businessman Nantu Mia, owner of Afsar Karim Plaza near Pagla Bazar. Eyewitnesses report that he was shot in the stomach and arm. After receiving initial treatment at Khanpur Hospital, he was transferred to Dhaka Medical College. The attack occurred when he was getting into his private car after shopping. His driver quickly fled the scene with him towards Fatullah, while the attackers escaped towards Dhaka on a motorcycle.

Abdul Basit Azad, Amir of the Khalafat Majlis, demanded that the minimum wage for workers be set at Tk 25,000. He noted that most of the country’s development and revenue stem from the contributions of local and expatriate workers. He called for job security, an end to arbitrary terminations, and implementation of Islamic labor laws, including offering workers a stake in industrial ownership to enhance productivity and national unity.

Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Khondokar Azim Ahmed warned business owners that while securing bank loans for investment is acceptable, fleeing the country with the funds—especially to Singapore—will not be tolerated. He called on employers to ensure fair wages for workers and emphasized timely payment before the sweat of their labor dries. He highlighted the plight of agricultural, construction, and transport workers in the region, noting poor safety, extreme heat, and low pay, especially among tea workers, who earn less than Tk 200 daily.

On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, the Paikgacha Upazila Building Workers’ Union organized a rally, discussion, and prayer session. Government Secretary Md. Touhidur Rahman was the chief guest. Speaking at the event, Ziaur Rahman Foundation Director Md. Amirul Islam Kagji emphasized the need to intensify the movement for workers’ rights and to ensure they receive their fair dues.

Dr. Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North division, lashed out at those who exploit workers’ wages, labeling them as the “worst beggars and traitors.” He demanded an end to this exploitative politics. His remarks were made during a colorful rally organized by the Labour Welfare Federation, which marched through major roads of Laxmipur city and concluded at Uttar Temuhani.

Bangladeshi fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner identified 296 cases of misinformation spread online in April. The majority, 101 cases (34%), were related to national affairs, followed by 95 in politics, 38 international, 27 religious, 8 entertainment and literature, 7 education, 10 fraud-related, and 9 related to sports. The previous month saw a similar count with 298 misinformation items. Notably, 29 false claims were made about Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the highest number in any single month this year, with 83% portraying him negatively.

Protests against the suspension of the RUWA (Rajshahi University Welfare Association) executive committee election have been temporarily paused following assurances from the Vice-Chancellor. The protesters called off their sit-in program after being promised the formation of a new ad-hoc committee and the resumption of election activities by Friday. However, they warned of renewed protests if the promises are not fulfilled. The election, originally scheduled for May 10, faced delays amid allegations of constitutional violations. On Wednesday night, the Chief Election Commissioner resigned citing personal reasons. A cocktail attack at the Registrar’s residence further escalated tensions, prompting the administration to suspend the election on Thursday.

The Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, under the Ministry of Industries, awarded Geographical Indication (GI) certificates during a special event marking World Intellectual Property Day 2025. Kishoreganj Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Fouzia Khan, received the GI certificates on behalf of the district for Rata Boro rice and Austagram cheese. This recognition marks a significant milestone for Kishoreganj’s agricultural and food industries and is expected to enhance the reputation and market value of these local products.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized that artificial crises are often created to exploit laborers. “When employers truly love and respect their workers, those workers will give everything in return,” he said. Professor Mojibur Rahman added that while workers are ignored 364 days a year, true respect could turn Bangladesh into a model state. The comments were made during an event organized by the Bangladesh Workers’ Welfare Federation.

Chhatra Dal President Md. Rakibul Islam Rakib has claimed that the student movement was led solely by Chhatra Dal. He stated, “There was no presence of Shibir, no presence of Jamaat, and no trace whatsoever of the anti-discrimination groups in this movement.” He further added, “By the grace of Allah, it happened. We had tried many times before!”

Hasnat Abdullah, southern organizer of the NCP, warned the interim administration against enabling Indian aggression at the cost of local lives. He questioned whether Chinmoy’s recent bail was granted under foreign pressure and added, “Standing on the blood of Alif to open the door for Indian aggression will have dire consequences.”

Despite the significance of May Day, workers took to the streets demanding unpaid wages. Protests led to discussions between workers and factory management at the main gate. Workers said the factory had shut down on November 9, promising payments by December 28, but nothing has been paid yet. Mahmud Jeans Ltd. and Mahmud Washing Plant Ltd. claimed that although they planned to begin payments from April 28, banking complications delayed the process. They now aim to clear all dues by May 15 in coordination with the Labor Ministry.

Four fishermen, all Rohingya residents of the Jadimura Camp-27 in Teknaf, were reportedly abducted by Myanmar’s rebel group Arakan Army near Lal Dwip on the Naf River. The abducted individuals are Arafat (21), Anis Ullah (22), Mohammad Jaber (14), and Anwar Sadek. Local boatman Nur Mohammad said the rebels swooped in while the fishermen were working, though several others managed to escape. Local authorities have been informed.

Writer and activist Farhad Mazhar claimed the 1972 Constitution was imposed under Indian influence, disregarding the true spirit of the Liberation War. “It introduced Bengali nationalism, secularism, and socialism—none of which were part of the 1971 movement,” he said. Mazhar called for its repeal and a new constitution. He also criticized poet Dr. Yunus for allegedly blocking students’ attempts to declare a new national vision in July.