India has conducted a full-scale military exercise titled Teesta Prahar in the Teesta Field Firing Range of West Bengal, located near the strategically sensitive Siliguri Corridor—popularly known as the ‘Chicken’s Neck’. The operation was held from May 8 to May 10 as part of the country's wartime preparedness strategy. According to an Indian Army spokesperson based in Guwahati, the exercise demonstrated the military's "joint combat strategy" and readiness in the challenging riverine terrain of the Teesta basin. Officially released videos and images show the use of artillery tanks, helicopters, surface-to-air missiles, and advanced drones during the operation.

Rayhan Apu, convener of the ‘July Warriors’ group and a gunshot survivor, admitted that putting up their banner on an abandoned building formerly used as an Awami League office was a mistake. The building, cleaned by his group last Wednesday, was assumed to be vacant and abandoned. “We never occupied the property,” he said. “Since it was state-owned land previously leased to the Awami League, placing our banner and claiming it as our office was inappropriate.” The banner has since been removed. Apu said they would now pursue legal avenues to revoke the existing lease and apply for a new one.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has instructed police officers to remain on maximum alert to prevent any sabotage activities by banned political groups. He emphasized that the police must uphold professionalism and discipline while staying vigilant against destructive plots. The Commissioner also urged police personnel to maintain high standards in conduct, uniform, and service. Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, he directed intensified monitoring to prevent extortion, snatching, and counterfeit currency circulation at sacrificial animal markets, asserting that no criminal activity should be allowed to occur there.

The Government of Bangladesh has requested additional budgetary support and soft loans under more flexible terms from Japan, along with an extension of loan repayment periods. In response, Japan reaffirmed its commitment to support Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress. Both countries agreed to deepen political trust, prioritize development strategies, and work toward achieving a strategic partnership. The Foreign Ministry stated that Japan positively received Bangladesh's request for duty- and quota-free market access for Bangladeshi products even after LDC graduation. Discussions also included boosting market access for Bangladeshi fruits and vegetables, and further collaboration on Rohingya repatriation. Japan also pledged deeper involvement under the BIG-B initiative to ensure high-quality infrastructure in Bangladesh.

In the early hours of Thursday, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) pushed 14 individuals—5 men, 4 children, and 5 women—into Bangladesh through the barbed-wire gate at the Muraichhara border in Kulaura. A patrol team of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained them while they were wandering suspiciously. After extensive questioning, the detainees were handed over to Kulaura Police Station. According to them, they had illegally crossed into India and worked at a brick kiln in Rajasthan. Indian police detained them and later handed them over to the BSF, who pushed them back into Bangladesh the same night.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has questioned the motives behind the recent murder of Chhatra Dal leader Samya. "Why would three homeless individuals kill him?" he asked. Rizvi suggested the murder might be linked to Samya's recent Facebook post supporting the national anthem, in opposition to a protest at Shahbagh. "Those who stand for the country, its independence, and against aggression are being targeted," he said. Rizvi also criticized the university’s Vice-Chancellor for allegedly disrespecting Chhatra Dal leaders who had sought his help.

The Chief Adviser-led Council of Advisers has approved the final draft of the “National Freedom Fighters Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.” The meeting also formed a committee to revise and evaluate the draft of the “Welfare and Rehabilitation Ordinance for Families of July Uprising Martyrs and Injured Protesters, 2025.” The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs will provide secretarial support to the committee. The council also reviewed the advisory report on the “National Gene Bank Management Policy 2024” and approved the reconstruction plan for urban infrastructure under the “National Urban Policy 2025.” Additionally, it decided to update the 2011 rules under the “Sand and Soil Management Act, 2010.”

Fayez Ahmad Tayyab, Assistant to the Chief Adviser, warned telecom operators to reduce internet prices or face strict action. "We’ll bring up issues like dues, licensing, and performance reviews during bilateral talks if prices aren’t reduced," he said. The BTRC has already initiated discussions and regulatory measures. "We don’t want to block anyone’s path, but affordable, quality internet must be ensured for the public," Tayyab stated. BTRC Chairman Emdadul Bari added that lowering internet costs is not solely a BTRC issue but a challenge for the entire ecosystem.

Sarjis Alam has criticized the delay in addressing the legitimate demands of Jagannath University (JnU) students. "Why is there such reluctance to act?" he asked in a statement. Highlighting the lack of residential halls, especially for female students, Sarjis questioned why spaces occupied by Awami League-affiliated groups around the campus haven't been reclaimed. He urged the authorities to prioritize the construction of a permanent campus and expedite its approval by ECNEC. "Let Jagannath University function as a real university, not in name only," he added.

Gana Odhikar Parishad leader Rashed Khan has accused adviser Mahfuz Alam of orchestrating the division within the national unity forged during the recent mass uprising. “We condemned the bottle attack on Mahfuz Alam. But have you heard the leaked audio? It reflects his mindset. Under his directive, attacks were carried out on Jagannath University (JnU) teachers and female students,” Rashed said. He further criticized the selective outrage: “You’re only focused on the bottle incident, while ignoring the violence against students and teachers. If you have integrity, condemn both.” Rashed concluded, “This proves that the assaults were carried out under the instructions of such advisers.” It is worth noting that Mahfuz Alam has issued an apology for the comments in his leaked audio.

BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas has claimed that the government dreads the idea of elections because they know BNP would win. "Even mentioning the word 'election' seems like a sin now," he said at a rally. He also alleged that Tk 900 billion has been laundered from the country in the last eight months. "BNP is not in power—so who is extorting money and smuggling funds abroad? It’s the ruling party people," Abbas stated. He cautioned BNP supporters against assuming the party is already enjoying good times. "Our Acting Chairman hasn’t even returned to the country yet," he added.

Media Adviser Mahfuz Alam assured British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke that the government is not interfering in media operations. He said several reforms have been undertaken based on the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission. An ordinance addressing journalists' responsibilities and protection is also under consideration. Mahfuz highlighted the government’s production and broadcast of documentaries on the July Uprising and said more content will be released by August 5. The British envoy praised Bangladesh for its improvement in this year’s World Press Freedom Index.

In a video message, Expatriate Welfare Adviser Asif Nazrul confirmed that Malaysia has finalized a list of 7,926 Bangladeshi workers from a pool of 17,000 who were previously unable to migrate. He held official meetings with Malaysia’s Home and Human Resource Ministers and informal talks with the Trade Minister. "These workers will soon be able to travel and start working in Malaysia," he said. Nazrul added that Malaysia could recruit between 100,000 to 150,000 foreign workers in the coming months, with Bangladesh receiving top priority. He also mentioned efforts to legalize undocumented Bangladeshis and introduce multiple-entry visas.

Twenty-seven individuals accused under the Explosives Control Act in the 2009 BDR mutiny case were released on bail from Kashimpur Central Jail. Earlier, the court had granted bail to 40 defendants, including these 27. Previously, 178 individuals acquitted of murder charges had also secured bail under the explosives case, bringing the total number of bailed individuals to 218. Former BDR members and their families expressed joy following the release.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has accused the Awami League of betraying national interests by allowing India to operate the Farakka Barrage. Speaking on the 49th anniversary of Maulana Bhashani's historic long march towards Farakka, Fakhrul said the protest aimed to ensure Bangladesh's rightful share of Ganges river water. "Back then, the Awami League government ignored public sentiment and allowed India to start test operations at the barrage, which has now turned into a death trap for Bangladesh," he said. Fakhrul added that unilateral water withdrawal from 54 transboundary rivers and the construction of multiple dams have turned the northwest region of the country into a near-desert.