BNP has launched an eight-day nationwide program to mark the 44th martyrdom anniversary of party founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated on May 30, 1981, in Chattogram. Events include tributes at his grave, discussions, prayers, and distribution of food and clothes to the poor. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul highlighted Zia’s pivotal role in declaring independence in 1971 and restoring multiparty democracy. The program is being observed with full honors following the fall of the Awami League government last year.

The banking sector in Bangladesh is facing a severe crisis due to unprecedented looting under the previous Awami League government. Defaulted loans have soared to 20%, with predictions of reaching 35%. Rampant embezzlement and money laundering have led to a liquidity crisis, falling income, rising non-performing assets, and worsening capital adequacy. Eleven banks earned no returns on assets in the last quarter, while 82% of loans have become unrecoverable. Experts stress the need for urgent reforms to restore stability and confidence.

The government has suspended the export of rawhides, including wet blue leather, for three months to ensure proper utilization in local factories during Eid-ul-Azha. As per a Bangladesh Bank circular, commercial banks are barred from accepting any LCs for rawhide exports. The move aims to boost value-added leather exports by processing hides domestically. The decision follows a May 21 meeting of a special committee formed to manage Eid-related leather issues. The ban takes effect from Eid day and will remain in place for three months.

In a statement, Dhaka University’s Chhatra Shibir condemned the violent slogans raised during a leftist protest, including chants such as "Bamboo stick procession will be held, Shibir, you will die." The group denounced these threats, stating that they reflect hidden animosity and an intent to harm the Shibir. The student group also dismissed such slogans as false and inflammatory, rejecting them as part of old fascist rhetoric.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed stated that most political parties, not just BNP, are seeking elections by December of this year. He criticized the current advisory body, calling it biased and urging reforms within the committee. He mentioned that all necessary reforms could be implemented in a week to a month if there is political consensus. He also urged the government to facilitate the reforms or allow the opposition to implement them.

In a rally at Mohammadpur, NCP leader Nahid Islam urged the people to stand against extortionists and terrorists. He stated that his party aims to deliver justice and fairness to the people, focusing not on power but on serving the people. Expressing gratitude for the support of the people braving the rain to attend, Nahid emphasized that the future of Bangladesh lies in the hands of its citizens, and he pledged to work towards the aspirations of the martyrs. His supporters cheered loudly as he made these remarks.

At a roadside rally in Chorongi, Lalmonirhat, Sergis Alam urged the government to refrain from making any compromises on the country’s sovereignty. He condemned the sending of any agents across the border as a conspiracy against Bangladesh and vowed to defend the nation's sovereignty, even at the cost of his life. He stressed that Bangladesh will not be subjugated to any country, including India, and accused India of exploiting Bangladesh's funds under the guise of power projects, enriching Indian companies. Sergis also encouraged citizens to remain vigilant, calling each one a guardian of the border.

In a meeting, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasiruddin stated that the Election Commission has not yet received the verdict from the Appellate Division. Once the copy of the verdict is received, they will analyze the legal aspects and decide on the next steps. He also mentioned that the term of the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) will expire on June 1. The Election Commission issued a gazette on April 27 declaring Ishrak as the mayor after his appeal. However, his swearing-in was halted after an appeal was filed against the gazette.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie visited the injured at Sohrawardy Medical College, where four individuals who lost their eyesight during the July protests are being treated. Annie remarked that had Bangladesh had a legitimately elected government, the responsibility for these injuries could not have been avoided. He emphasized that BNP calls for elections solely in the interest of the people, and the public should understand why this is necessary. Annie criticized the current government's negligence towards the victims of the July protests, stating that although the government has ignored them, BNP will always stand by the injured. He also demanded a proper investigation into the conflict between hospital staff and the injured at the Eye Science Institute last Wednesday.

In a video message on the 44th death anniversary of Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia remarked that the democracy for which Ziaur Rahman sacrificed his life is now facing numerous obstacles. She expressed hope for the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh soon. In the discussion, Tarique Rahman stated that the government’s advisers are out of touch with the people, and the public is ready for an elected government, although the ruling party fails to acknowledge this. He added that there is no objection to reforms from political parties, but delaying them under the guise of reform is unacceptable.

On the occasion of UN Peacekeeping Day, General Walker-uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh, said that Bangladesh’s contribution to global peacekeeping has earned international recognition, and the country remains steadfastly committed to maintaining world peace. He paid tribute to 168 brave soldiers and police officers who lost their lives while serving in various peacekeeping missions. Currently, 5,180 Bangladeshi peacekeepers are deployed across nine peacekeeping missions worldwide. General Zaman also noted that 3,645 women from the Bangladesh Armed Forces and Police have successfully participated in peacekeeping missions, with 444 women currently serving in these roles.

The Government of Bangladesh has instructed Ambassador Md. Monowar Hossain to return to Dhaka immediately. Contrary to social media rumors, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that Myanmar has not declared the ambassador 'persona non grata.' A post circulating online falsely claimed that the ambassador had been expelled and asked to leave immediately. The official Facebook page of the Chief Adviser to the Government of Bangladesh blamed Awami League activists and individuals of Indian descent for spreading the misinformation. Authorities urged the public to verify facts before sharing and to refrain from spreading baseless rumors.

A Dhaka court has granted an 8-day remand for Subrata Bain in an arms case. Speaking to the press earlier, Bain said, “Write the truth. I have a family too. I’ve remained silent since 1987. In 2022, I was brought back to the country in handcuffs and held in the ‘Mirror Room,’ where I was beaten with iron rods. At 3 AM on August 5, I was dumped on the street.” He added, “I carry a weapon to survive — who wants to die?” During the hearing, Bain requested that his prayers not be missed while in custody. The court directed police to accommodate the request.

In light of a recent U.S. court decision to suspend a 37% tariff on Bangladeshi exports, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed cautious optimism in an interview with Nikkei Asia. He stated that former U.S. President Donald Trump aims to reduce trade deficits with all partners. If the U.S. proposes increased purchases of American products, Bangladesh is open to reducing imports from other countries accordingly. “We import a lot of cotton from Central Asia and India. Why not buy from the U.S. instead, to help reduce the trade imbalance?” Yunus said. He expressed hope that such measures would ultimately benefit Bangladesh.

When asked by Nikkei Asia about the reason for his resignation, the Chief Adviser stated that while he had not discussed this matter in Bangladesh, addressing it in Japan would cause major issues. According to Nikkei Asia, Dr. Yunus had told Nahid Islam that if political parties fail to agree on reforms and election deadlines, he might consider resigning. In response, Dr. Yunus remarked that discussing this matter abroad could cause significant problems, as he had not raised the issue in Bangladesh. He also highlighted that under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government, approximately $234 billion had been siphoned out of Bangladesh. Furthermore, $11-12 billion worth of funds have been identified and confiscated within Bangladesh. Dr. Yunus stressed that if such funds were recovered, they would be spent on education and healthcare, with the aim of transforming the lives of the poor and aiding young entrepreneurs.