The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued a public notice through national newspapers summoning Sheikh Hasina, who reportedly fled in the face of a mass uprising, to appear before the tribunal on June 3 at 10:00 AM. According to ICT investigators, forensic analysis of an audio clip—where a voice is heard claiming to have received a "license to kill 227 people"—confirmed the voice to be that of Sheikh Hasina. Following this, the tribunal instructed publication of the notice in two major national dailies, charging her with contempt of court.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam wrote in a personal reflection that some of the harshest criticism he now faces comes from members of an older political group—many of whom were once his allies during Sheikh Hasina’s regime. “For 15 years, I was labeled many things by the Awami League and its supporters. But now, a new group calls me a traitor due to my recent press remarks,” he said. “Still, I am here, cherishing each moment granted by Allah. If I get the time and live long enough, I may write about these turbulent times. If not, I’ll have no regrets.”

Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has called for abandoning unnecessary and overly expensive development projects in favor of initiatives that directly benefit the public. He emphasized the need for ethical, transparent, and need-based development planning, noting that unqualified contractors often receive projects without delivering expected outcomes. He stressed the importance of thorough audits and feasibility assessments to ensure meaningful progress in the country's socio-economic landscape.

In a recent interview, Obaidul Quader revealed that he stayed in Bangladesh for nearly three months after Sheikh Hasina fled to India amid the uprising. “I wanted to see if something could be done from inside,” he said, referring to the growing dissatisfaction among workers, especially in the garment sector. “I tried to connect with them, but one by one, we were being arrested.” Quader claimed he was implicated in 212 murder cases and eventually fled, hiding in a neighbor’s bathroom on August 5 before being allowed a safe exit by protesting students who later took selfies with him.

The Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources reported a 21% increase in gas supply to industrial sectors in the first four months of this year compared to the same period in 2024. The ministry further stated that an additional 150 million cubic feet of gas will be supplied daily starting May 28. Petrobangla has also taken note of misleading statements by some industrial associations regarding gas supply, asserting that the government remains committed to improving industrial energy provisions.

Tension flared in Alfadanga, Faridpur, as two rival BNP factions called for meetings at the same location. In response, local authorities imposed Section 144 to prevent clashes. Supporters from the Nasir and Jhunu groups had started to gather near the Chowrasta area, prompting the police to disperse them. With the risk of confrontation looming, the restriction was imposed to maintain law and order.

A scheduled meeting between Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul and the protesting government employees was canceled due to his involvement in pressing state affairs. The meeting was set for 2 PM today. Secretariat employees have been protesting for three consecutive days demanding the repeal of the “Civil Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.” The protesters vowed to continue their movement until their demands are met.

Speaking at a street rally in Chattogram on Monday, NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah called the National Board of Revenue (NBR) a “breeding ground for corruption.” He warned that if bureaucrats obstruct reform, the public will find alternatives. Hasnat also accused the protesting Secretariat officials of having supported the previous government before August 5. He issued a stern warning: any resistance to state reform will be thwarted with the support of the people.

Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon, advisor to the BNP Chairperson, has issued a legal notice to the Local Government Ministry demanding that Ishraque Hossain be sworn in as the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation by today. Lawyer Ehsanur Rahman confirmed the move. Khokon had earlier stated that failure to administer the oath following a High Court verdict would constitute contempt of court. With the dismissal of the case, there are now no legal barriers preventing Ishraque from taking the oath, which must occur by May 26.

Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique announced that the Chief Adviser will embark on a four-day official visit to Japan from May 28 to 31, departing Dhaka late on the night of May 27. During the visit, Bangladesh and Japan are expected to sign seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Bangladesh will also seek $1 billion in budgetary support from Japan. Additionally, Japan’s Soka University will confer an honorary doctorate on Dr. Muhammad Yunus during the visit.

For the third day in a row, government employees at the Secretariat are staging protest marches demanding the repeal of the “Civil Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.” Protesters have labeled the ordinance as "repressive" and a "black law," warning that they will continue their movement until it is withdrawn. They argue that no one will accept such an ordinance, which they claim seeks to revive the controversial provisions of the now-defunct 1979 special civil service regulations—previously struck down by the Supreme Court.

The investigation committee formed by Dhaka University has submitted its report on the murder of student Shahriar Alam Samya. The report was handed over on Monday by committee head Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, to Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan. The university will take necessary actions as per established procedures. Samya was fatally stabbed at Suhrawardy Udyan on the night of May 13.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam read aloud a heartfelt letter written by Anas—a 10th-grade student martyred during a protest in Chankharpul—to his mother, at a tribunal on Sunday. In the letter, Anas wrote, “Mom, I’m going to the rally. I couldn’t hold back anymore. Sorry, Dad. I disobeyed you, but I couldn’t stay selfishly at home while others are sacrificing their lives for our future.” The letter ends with a plea for forgiveness for all his past mistakes and a request to be proud if he doesn’t return.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury emphasized the urgent need to restore democracy in Bangladesh through fair and inclusive elections. Speaking about media suppression, he said undemocratic regimes often pressure the press to maintain power. “Our unity must be rooted in restoring constitutional and democratic rights, including press freedom,” he stated. “The longer we delay this process, the deeper our national crisis will become.”

The Government of Bangladesh has signed a $270 million loan agreement with the World Bank to support the “B-Strong” initiative aimed at post-flood recovery. The funds will be used to repair damaged roads, embankments, and provide rehabilitation aid to affected communities following last year’s devastating floods. The loan includes a 5-year grace period and is repayable over 30 years. It carries a 0.75% annual service charge and 1.25% interest rate, with a 0.5% maximum commitment fee on undisbursed funds.