Advisor Asif Mahmud revealed that Malaysia has made a policy-level decision to recruit a significant number of Bangladeshi workers in the coming years. The announcement came following a meeting in Putrajaya between Dr. Asif Nazrul and senior officials from Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources. Key agenda items included ensuring fair wages and benefits for current workers and developing a transparent recruitment process for future hires. Malaysia has also pledged to safeguard workers' rights, safety, and overall welfare.

At a rally marking Farakka Long March Day, the National Revolutionary Council demanded an international investigation into the disappearance of BNP leader Ilias Ali, blaming India’s Tipaimukh dam and government collusion. They called for a white paper on 54 years of damage from India’s water projects and urged the government to seek reparations through the International Court. The group also proposed forming a Bangladesh-China-Pakistan water alliance to resist India’s water diversion plans and demanded the cancellation of Hasina-Modi agreements.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has alleged that the killing of student leader Shahriar Alam Samyo was part of a larger conspiracy. He also referred to an incident where an advisor was hit with a water bottle, calling it no less serious. Annie noted that various student marches, including one from Jagannath University, have been active in Dhaka and must be engaged in dialogue. “The interim government cannot meet all demands immediately, especially after 17 years of misrule,” he said. However, he condemned the police’s violent crackdown on student protesters, stating, “This is unacceptable in any civilized society.”

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan has suggested that if political consensus is reached by June or July, there is no obstacle to holding elections by December. He said a political government is essential to resolve the nation’s social, economic, and political crises, and the interim government must act accordingly. Khan reiterated BNP’s commitment to comprehensive reform but emphasized it is a gradual process. He questioned whether delays are being orchestrated to benefit certain parties, adding that people across Bangladesh have suffered under fascism and that the current uprising is the result of BNP’s long struggle.

Industrial and Housing Advisor Adilur Rahman Khan visited the victims of the devastating fire at Srinagar Bazar. He assured that government financial aid would be provided to those affected. The fire, which occurred late Thursday night, destroyed over a hundred shops and caused losses estimated at around Tk 30 crore. Khan reaffirmed the government's commitment to standing by the victims during their recovery.

Ben Cohen, co-founder of ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s and a prominent activist, was arrested at the U.S. Senate during a protest against the killings in Gaza. He was later released. Police charged Cohen with a misdemeanor, while six others were also detained and face more serious charges. The protest occurred during a budget hearing where Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was presenting his proposal. Cohen shouted slogans, accusing Congress of funding bombs that kill children in Gaza while cutting healthcare for the poor in the U.S.

In a diplomatic first, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone call with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of the Taliban government. While India has not formally recognized the Taliban regime, Jaishankar described the conversation as constructive. He thanked Muttaqi for condemning the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and welcomed his rejection of “false and baseless reports” aimed at straining India-Afghanistan relations. Muttaqi also urged India to issue more visas for Afghan citizens, particularly those seeking medical treatment.

A violent clash broke out between two groups in Barshapara village of Kotalipara, Gopalganj, on Friday morning over a dispute regarding a fish enclosure. At least 30 people, including a child, were injured in the conflict involving local UP member Ibrahim Fakir and Moksed Ali Fakir’s supporters. Both sides blamed each other for initiating the attack. The injured were taken to local hospitals. Police said the situation is now under control and no formal complaint has been filed yet.

Indian security forces have killed 31 Maoists during a major operation in the Karriguttalu Hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. Home Minister Amit Shah reported that over 26,000 personnel were involved in the operation, which resulted in the destruction of 214 Maoist hideouts and bunkers. Hundreds of explosives were recovered. The Naxalites have long fought for the rights of indigenous tribal populations in the region. Shah expressed satisfaction that no security personnel were injured in the operation.

Current and former students and teachers of Jagannath University have begun a sit-in protest at Kakrail intersection to press home their three-point demand. The gathering started around 10 a.m. near the northeastern side of the Kakrail Mosque, with a mass hunger strike planned after Friday prayers. Former Jagannath University student and Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shahin Ahmed Khan urged the interim government to promptly accept the demands. Maksudur Rahman, former VP of the Jagannath University Chhatra Dal, stated that these are longstanding and legitimate demands.

The government has restructured a committee to oversee the proper management of Qurbani-related matters, appointing Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin as its convener. The committee includes advisers for home, industry, roads, environment, local government, livestock, religion, and information, among others. Key responsibilities include ensuring proper collection and preservation of animal hides, maintaining an adequate supply of salt, and guaranteeing fair pricing. The committee will also issue guidelines for efficient waste management during Eid, humane animal transportation, and protection of funds generated from hide sales for the benefit of religious institutions.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has expressed deep concern over what it calls a continuous smear campaign against the organization, urging an end to the practice of blaming Shibir without evidence or investigation. In a statement, the group claimed it has consistently promoted truth, justice, and principled politics since its inception. Shibir leaders condemned the misuse of their logo, flag, and images of past and present leaders to spread misleading and vulgar content targeting political and social figures. “A section is engaged in politically motivated disinformation about Shibir, leading some to make negative remarks based on false impressions,” the statement read. The organization emphasized that it does not believe in the politics of lies or propaganda. Referring to a recent comment by an advisor blaming Shibir without proof, the group said, “Such behavior is unbecoming of someone in a state-responsible position. If one cannot rise above personal vendettas, they should step down voluntarily.”

AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju said, “Participating in elections is a key way for political parties to gain public recognition. But elections mean victory—there’s little space for the defeated.” He noted that competing against long-established parties is a significant challenge for new leaders seeking public trust. He urged the government to form a hearing committee to evaluate logical demands and help restore public confidence. “The administration still lacks control, and if this continues, they won’t be able to properly carry out reforms or elections,” he said, expressing growing public skepticism.

As of now, 47,420 pilgrims from Bangladesh have arrived in Saudi Arabia for Hajj. Among them, 4,583 traveled under government arrangements, and 42,837 under private management, across 119 flights. A total of 86,678 visas have been issued. Sadly, seven pilgrims—six men and one woman—have passed away during the pilgrimage so far.

ABM Rowshan Kabir reported that shortly after takeoff from Cox’s Bazar Airport, one of the aircraft’s rear wheels fell off. An engineering team was stationed near the runway at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport as the flight was declared an emergency. Experts confirmed the aircraft could land safely even with one rear wheel missing. The plane later made an emergency landing in Dhaka without incident. The runway was temporarily closed, with ambulances and fire service vehicles on standby.