Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Dr. Habibur Rahman has said the central bank will intervene if the USD exchange rate increases excessively. “We’ve taken preemptive measures to prevent banks from inflating the rate. Any manipulation will be met with strict action,” he warned. Economist Anisuzzaman Chowdhury added, “Economic reform doesn’t require drastic changes. Countries like Japan turned their economies around in just 15 years.” He emphasized the importance of coordinated policy implementation. Notably, since allowing market-based dollar pricing two days ago, the market has remained stable with most banks trading around BDT 122 per dollar.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Apple CEO Tim Cook not to set up manufacturing plants in India. Trump reportedly told Cook, “I don’t want you to build factories in India,” citing concerns over U.S. interests and trade imbalances. He argued that India is one of the highest tariff-imposing countries in the world, making it a difficult market for American products. Trump added, “India can take care of itself. You can build in India if you want to take care of them. But I don’t want you to build there.” Trump also criticized Apple's past investments in China, saying the U.S. tolerated it for years, but further offshoring—especially to India—is not something he supports.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has said that there will be no real progress on the Ukraine conflict unless he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin face-to-face. Trump had expressed interest in traveling to Turkey for direct talks with Putin as part of his initiative to end the war in Ukraine. However, Putin did not visit Turkey on Thursday, and Trump also canceled his trip. Prior to this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had publicly invited Putin to meet in Turkey on the same day.

Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman has highlighted the crucial role of cold storage chains in strengthening the country’s agricultural economy and ensuring food security. Speaking at an event, he noted that cold storage operators are preserving mango pulp, tomatoes, carrots, meat, dates, and other perishable goods, which significantly supports the sector. He also revealed that a Korean company has shown interest in storing onions. Other speakers emphasized the importance of improving cold chain infrastructure to maintain consistent supply and reduce waste of perishable products.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, has warned that leasing the Chattogram Port to a foreign company would be a disastrous decision. “Handing over our main seaport—closely tied to national security—to foreign control is contrary to the national interest,” he said. Haque emphasized that no government accountable to its people should hand over such a vital national asset. “We support productive investment,” he clarified, “but any investment or port management deal that endangers national interests and security—no matter how appealing it may seem—must be rejected.”

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju has expressed concern over the lack of visible progress in the work of the National Consensus Commission. He stated that despite the party's initial reservations on key issues, they showed flexibility and agreed on many points in the interest of national unity after discussions with the commission. "We’ve held numerous meetings with various political parties. Still, the advancement of the commission’s efforts remains unclear," said Monju. While the AB Party had differing views on matters like a bicameral parliament, proportional representation, and the appointment process of the Chief Justice, they ultimately agreed to support these ideas out of respect for other parties and to help foster consensus.

The government has issued a directive banning the planting, extraction, and sale of eucalyptus and acacia (Akashmoni) trees to protect the environment, ecosystem, and biodiversity. According to the notification, all tree plantation initiatives—whether by government agencies, private organizations, or individuals—must now prioritize indigenous fruit-bearing, forest, and medicinal plant species. This move is aimed at fulfilling both national and international environmental commitments by avoiding aggressive, non-native tree species.

BNP leader Aminul Haque emphasized that his party stands for the country’s underprivileged population. Describing the BNP as a party of the people, he said they are committed to humanitarian efforts. During a recent event, Haque distributed cash and pedal rickshaws to five affected auto-rickshaw drivers, and financial aid to a person with disabilities. Criticizing recent actions by DNCC against unauthorized rickshaws, he said, “It’s inhumane to take away livelihoods without offering alternatives. Had the government provided other employment options, these workers would have naturally moved away from such occupations.”

Jamaat-e-Islami's Acting Secretary General ATM Masum has called on the government to engage in dialogue with Jagannath University’s students and faculty to resolve ongoing protests. He acknowledged their longstanding grievances, particularly regarding housing and other essential needs. “No past government has addressed these issues, which has forced students and teachers to take to the streets,” he said. Masum urged the authorities to resolve the matter immediately through discussions.

At the biennial Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting, the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations Country Team reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable development. The meeting emphasized the need for reforming governance, enhancing institutional capacity, and protecting human rights—especially in light of climate-related challenges and political changes. In 2024, the UN committed $215 million in development support. So far, 40 million people have gained access to social protection services, 580,000 children have benefitted from child protection programs, and 5.6 million adolescent girls have received the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention.

Angry student protesters and members of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement attacked ‘Sundor Mahal,’ the Mymensingh residence of former opposition leader Begum Roushan Ershad. Chanting slogans, they declared the property a ‘Traitor's Den.’ After political changes post-August 5, the property had reportedly been rented to a restaurant named 'Kutumbari,' which began construction at the site. Protesters claim the symbolic value of the house made it a target.

In Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area, two alleged muggers were caught by locals while attempting a robbery. One of them, Rakib (28), a resident of Bhola’s Nurabad area, died after a mob beating. The other, Milon (35), was handed over to police. ADC Jewel Rana confirmed that a regular case is being filed over the incident.

Jagannath University (JnU) Professor Dr. Roich Uddin announced that teachers and students will begin a mass hunger strike after Friday prayers, demanding justice and protection of their rights. “Despite being attacked by the police, we’ve received no response from the administration even after 35 hours,” he said. A rally of current and former JnU members is scheduled for 10 AM on Friday at the protest site. Additionally, May 14 will be observed as a “Black Day” at JnU to protest the police attacks on teachers, students, and journalists.

Dr. Rais Uddin, General Secretary of the Jagannath University Teachers’ Association, has announced a campus shutdown until student demands are met. “We urge the government to accept our legitimate demands,” he said. “If they are accepted, we’ll return to campus within two minutes.” He warned that no force could remove them from the streets if their concerns go unheeded. “Our teachers and students are already on the streets—there’s no point in reopening the campus unless the demands are resolved.”

BNP leader Parvez Mallick has urged supporters to put aside internal conflicts and unite behind the party’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ electoral symbol. Reflecting on his long years in exile and his commitment to the neglected regions of his constituency, he expressed his desire to serve the people till his last breath. “I want to work as a servant of the people and dedicate my life to their welfare,” he said.