A Feni court has framed charges against former Feni-2 MP Nizam Uddin Hazari, former Feni-3 MP Masud Uddin Chowdhury, and 122 others in the murder case of tomtom driver Md. Sabuj during the July uprising in Mahipal. The order was issued on Tuesday afternoon by Senior District and Sessions Judge Md. Sirajuddoula Kutubi, marking the beginning of the first trial related to the Mahipal killing.

According to court sources, Sabuj was shot dead on August 4, 2024, during an anti-discrimination student and public movement allegedly involving leaders of the Awami League and its affiliates. His brother Md. Yusuf filed the case on August 13, 2024, naming 65 individuals and 300–400 unidentified persons. On December 9, a charge sheet was submitted against 124 accused, including 59 identified through investigation. Arrest warrants were later issued for 71 fugitives.

So far, 44 suspects have been arrested, including five named in the original complaint and 39 others identified later. Seven of them have been interrogated under remand.

The International Crimes Tribunal has delivered verdicts in several July Revolution cases, including the Abu Sayeed murder and Chankharpul massacre, sentencing 13 people to death and 10 to life imprisonment. However, the simultaneous release of influential Awami League leaders on bail and the government’s directive to review post-August 2024 cases have raised public doubts about the impartiality of the judicial process. UN Special Rapporteur Dr. Alice Jill Edwards emphasized the need for transparency and neutrality in these trials.

Political and civil society figures have voiced skepticism about recent changes in the tribunal’s leadership. The replacement of Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam with Md. Aminul Islam has been criticized by some as potentially weakening accountability for high-ranking officials, though the new prosecutor pledged to ensure fair trials. The Home Ministry’s order to re-examine certain cases has further fueled debate over whether justice is being compromised for political convenience.

With 21 cases still under trial and 457 accused, victims and observers remain uncertain whether the ongoing judicial process will deliver justice or deepen mistrust in the system.

Police’s Detective Branch (DB) arrested two individuals in Keraniganj, Dhaka, for possessing counterfeit money and equipment used to produce fake currency. The arrests were announced on Tuesday morning at a press conference held at the Dhaka District South Detective Police office by Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops) Md. Tarikul Islam. The detainees were identified as Md. Kawser and Kamal Hossain.

According to the briefing, acting on a tip-off that counterfeiters were targeting upcoming Eid-ul-Azha cattle markets, a DB team led by Officer-in-Charge Shafiqul Islam Suman conducted a raid at a five-story building in Vangna Mujibnagar, Keraniganj. Kawser was arrested first, followed by house owner Kamal Hossain based on his information. Police recovered counterfeit notes worth eight lakh taka—six lakh from Kawser and two lakh from Kamal.

Authorities also seized printers, special paper, ink, hand sealers, and dies used for producing fake currency. The operation was carried out under the direction of Dhaka District Superintendent of Police Md. Mizanur Rahman.

The Justice and Democracy Party (JDP) held a program at Shahbagh, Dhaka, demanding swift trials for the Shapla Chattar killings and the blogger murder cases. During a brief speech before the “White Panjabi March” on Tuesday night, JDP convener Naeem Ahmad urged leftist groups such as CPB, BSD, Chhatra Union, and Chhatra Front to apologize for their alleged roles in creating the backdrop for the Shapla massacre.

Ahmad claimed that the 2013 Shahbagh Gonojagoron Mancha was state-sponsored to prolong the then government’s rule, later turning into an anti-Islamic and fascist movement. He alleged that Imran H Sarker, the platform’s spokesperson, worked as a “covert Chhatra League” member, citing a remark by Awami League leader Nuh-ul-Alam Lenin. Ahmad also said that leftist organizations and allies of Sheikh Hasina’s coalition supported this political trend, enabling a prolonged authoritarian rule.

The JDP demanded the publication of an official list of those killed at Shapla Chattar, completion of all genocide trials, and strong measures against extremism and anti-religious activities. The march began at Shahbagh and ended at Dhaka University’s TSC area, joined by JDP, National Student Forum members, and general participants.

Raw jute exports from Bangladesh have remained suspended for eight consecutive months, causing widespread frustration among farmers, exporters, and workers. The government initially imposed the restriction to protect jute mills from raw material shortages, but the ban has persisted far longer than expected. Only 18 companies with prior telegraphic transfers have been allowed to export 6,377 tons of jute, mostly to India. The Bangladesh Jute Association (BJA) reports that the interim government’s September 2025 directive made raw jute a conditional export item, effectively halting exports.

BJA Chairman Khandaker Alamgir Kabir said the ban has disrupted the sector, leaving exporters burdened with rent, loan interest, and wages despite no income. Farmers and suppliers are suffering losses as mill owners have reduced purchase prices, while around 100,000 workers have become jobless. Kabir alleged that the former textile and jute adviser imposed the ban unilaterally to benefit mill owners, many of whom he is linked to. Business leaders have repeatedly urged the government to lift the ban, warning that continued restrictions could discourage jute cultivation.

Exporters have requested the new government to withdraw the letter of credit restrictions to resume normal trade operations.

A joint operation by RAB and police in Fatullah, Narayanganj, led to the arrest of ten suspects and the seizure of a large quantity of drugs, local weapons, and cash. The raid began on Tuesday evening following an earlier attack on RAB officers. Law enforcers targeted the hideout of alleged drug dealers Rashed and Rasel in the Deobhog area, where they recovered yaba tablets, cannabis, homemade weapons, and over one million taka in cash. The identities of the detainees were not immediately disclosed.

Earlier that day, three members of RAB-11’s intelligence team were attacked by drug traders while gathering information in the Boalia canal area. The officers—Mahi, Ibrahim, and Najibul—were injured, with Najibul later transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment. The incident prompted RAB-11 Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel H. M. Sajjad Hossain to visit the injured officers and lead a follow-up operation in the area.

RAB officials stated that a formal briefing on the operation and arrests would be provided later.

BNP Vice Chairman and Noakhali-3 MP Barkat Ullah Bulu has demanded justice for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho. Speaking on Tuesday, May 5, at the inauguration of a canal excavation project in Pauranbibi Bazar of Begumganj upazila, Bulu said those responsible for the murder of the young nationalist leader must be brought to justice.

The event was chaired by Begumganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Kayesur Rahman and attended by officials from the Water Development Board, local BNP leaders, and residents. During his speech, Bulu also cited a remark attributed to the son of Jamaat-e-Islami founder Maulana Abul Ala Maududi, describing the party as dangerously addictive. He claimed that no member of Maududi’s family is involved with Jamaat-e-Islami.

Bulu further discussed the history of canal excavation in Begumganj, crediting former President Ziaur Rahman for initiating the work and blaming later interruptions for agricultural setbacks. He said BNP leader Tarique Rahman has revived the program and urged people to remain alert against conspirators while pledging continued development under Tarique’s leadership.

Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, Member of Parliament for Patuakhali-2 (Bauphal), stated that the recent election in India’s West Bengal will have no impact on Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Tuesday evening during a meeting with Hindu community leaders at the Banglabazar office of Bauphal Upazila Jamaat. Masud emphasized that elections in neighboring countries are internal matters and that Bangladesh’s communal harmony will remain unchanged.

During his address, Masud discussed local issues including drug control, theft prevention, and community cooperation. He said that while drug problems have not been fully eradicated, political protection for drug dealers has been eliminated. He also mentioned that community involvement is essential to curb both drug abuse and theft, and that related legal complexities will be raised in the national parliament.

Masud urged all communities to work together for social stability and assured that Bangladesh will determine its own path without external influence. He encouraged constructive criticism from local leaders to ensure accountability and progress.

Jagannath University (JnU) administration has issued a stern warning against any form of harassment or ragging of new students on university buses. In a notice signed by Transport Administrator Dr. Tarek Bin Atik on May 5, the administration declared that any senior student or so-called 'bus committee' member found exerting influence or harassing newcomers will face exemplary punishment. The university emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward such misconduct.

According to the notice, classes for the 2025–26 academic year began on May 3, and the administration took this precautionary step to ensure a safe and fear-free environment for new students using university transport. The statement clarified that any such behavior would be treated as a disciplinary and punishable offense under university regulations.

University sources said the directive was issued under the vice-chancellor’s instruction to guarantee a secure transport environment for freshmen. General students have welcomed the administration’s timely and firm initiative.

Student Jamiat Bangladesh organized a protest march in Dhaka on Tuesday evening demanding justice for those involved in the 2013 Shapla Chattar killings. The organization called for the formation of an independent, neutral, and credible investigation commission to ensure the final punishment of those responsible. The march was led by the group’s central president Ridwan Mazhari.

Several central and metropolitan leaders of Student Jamiat Bangladesh participated in the demonstration, including vice presidents, secretaries, and campus representatives from various units across Dhaka. The event reflected the organization’s continued call for accountability regarding the 2013 incident at Shapla Chattar.

The demand for an impartial investigation highlights ongoing concerns within sections of the student organization about unresolved issues surrounding the 2013 killings and the need for transparent judicial action.

A workshop on disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities was held in Khulna with financial support from the Government of Japan and the World Food Programme (WFP), and implemented by the organization Sushilon. The event took place on Tuesday at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Khulna’s Deputy Director (Local Government) and Acting Deputy Commissioner Md. Ariful Islam attended as chief guest, while other officials from the district administration, WFP, and local organizations participated.

During the experience-sharing session, the guests emphasized strengthening future DRR initiatives through greater public participation and extending project timelines. They also highlighted the need to incorporate local contexts into planning and to enhance the capacity of Union Disaster Management Committees (UDMCs). Participants included government officials, engineers from LGED and the Water Development Board, UDMC members, contractors, journalists, and Sushilon staff.

Sushilon has been implementing various initiatives under the DRR program to improve the disaster resilience of coastal communities in Khulna. The project is executed at the field level by UDMCs with technical support from the Upazila Taskforce Committee.

BNP Vice Chairman and Noakhali-4 MP Md. Shahjahan said that collective effort from farmers and all stakeholders can bring success in agriculture. He made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing the agricultural partner congress discussion organized by the Department of Agricultural Extension at the Sadar Upazila Parishad auditorium in Noakhali. The event was chaired by Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Humayra Islam, with the keynote presented by Agricultural Officer Mosharreful Hasan.

Other speakers included Upazila Engineer Monsur Ahmed, former BNP leaders Salim Ullah Bahar Hiron and Jasim Uddin, and journalist Liaquat Ali Khan. The session was conducted by Assistant Plant Protection Officer Shafiqul Islam Patowary, with participation from farmers, journalists, public representatives, and agricultural officials.

Shahjahan emphasized cautious use of chemicals and pesticides, noting that overreliance on technology has increased agricultural losses. He described past BNP governments as farmer-friendly and said current leadership under Tarique Rahman continues that approach, ensuring fair access to fertilizers, seeds, and agricultural inputs.

Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) has unveiled a series of major initiatives to transform the campus into a modern, safe, and world-class smart institution. The decisions were announced at a special meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Mashud, attended by student representatives from various departments. Plans include establishing a permanent police camp on campus, stricter control over outsider entry, and time restrictions for residents. A unique ID card system will be introduced to access all university services, and a coded answer sheet system will ensure transparency in examinations.

The new academic curriculum, featuring revised grading and midterm exams, will take effect from the 2025 batch. To address housing shortages, two ten-story residential halls—one for female and one for male students—will be completed within the next one and a half years. Long-term plans include constructing three new academic buildings for the EEE, CE, and ME departments. The administration also announced increased budgets for research and study tours, and initiatives to improve campus life with new restaurants, a pharmacy, and a salon near the auditorium.

The Vice-Chancellor urged students to maintain discipline and promptly report any suspicious activities to the administration.

Female students of Government Titumir College in Mohakhali took to the streets late on Tuesday night, chanting slogans and demanding an end to student politics in residential halls. The protest erupted after reports spread that three students faced expulsion for criticizing a newly announced committee of the student wing of a political party. Although the college administration did not confirm the expulsions, the rumors intensified unrest among students.

Participants said they wanted a safe and neutral residential environment, free from political control. They argued that political dominance restricts freedom of expression and fosters fear. The protest followed internal disputes within the student organization, but this time, general students—mostly women—led the demonstration beyond party lines.

College authorities have not issued an official statement but are reportedly monitoring the situation and consulting with teachers and hall officials. While the situation is currently under control, students warned of larger movements if no visible steps are taken to stop hall politics or if the expulsion rumors prove true.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has established a 'Global Diaspora Cell' to reinforce its organizational foundation among expatriate and migrant Bangladeshis. The announcement was made on Tuesday through a press release issued under the direction of NCP Convenor Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain. Joint Member Secretary Alauddin Mohammad has been appointed as the head of the new cell, with several other NCP leaders named as members.

According to the party’s central committee, the newly formed Global Diaspora Cell will oversee the activities of the 'NCP Diaspora Alliance', which already has committees in 26 countries. The alliance previously played a significant role in promoting the 'Yes' campaign during the last national referendum and in raising financial contributions for the party.

Alauddin Mohammad, who also serves as deputy head of NCP’s International Relations Cell, recently resigned from his position as convenor of Dhaka Metropolitan South NCP, which the party described as an example of selfless politics. He has now been tasked with expanding NCP’s presence among expatriates.