Nahid Islam, leader of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), stated that the Liberation War is one of the fundamental pillars of the state. He said NCP’s vision is rooted in the ideals of equality, justice, and dignity from the Liberation War and the July Uprising. He emphasized the party’s inclusive ideology that respects religious belief, rejects both Islamophobia and religious extremism, and aims for a democratic state based on civilizational identity rather than ethnicity or religion. He added that the party will work for women’s rightful share in inheritance laws and stands firmly against Hindutva and fascist systems, advocating for state reform and a new constitution.

Supporters of Ishraq Hossain are staging a blockade at Dhaka South City Corporation headquarters, demanding his official swearing-in as mayor. The protest began even before the scheduled time of 11 AM, with demonstrators blocking the main entrance and nearby areas including Bangabazar and Golap Shah Mazar, bringing city services to a standstill.

Facing intense pressure from the United States and widespread international criticism, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has allowed humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israeli authorities stated that the move, based on IDF recommendations, is essential for the ongoing war effort and aims to prevent a worsening hunger crisis in Gaza, which could jeopardize Israel’s objectives. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will ensure the aid does not fall into Hamas’ hands.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud announced that the Awami League's registration has been suspended. Unless the decision is reversed, the party will not be eligible to contest in upcoming elections. When asked about the legitimacy of an election without the Awami League, he said, "The time to answer that question has not yet come." He assured that the Election Commission is fully prepared to hold elections within the timeline set by the Chief Adviser.

BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman stated, “We’ve reached a pivotal point where we must rebuild the country together, regardless of our differences. We may disagree on various matters, but we must unite to ensure national security, create employment, and elevate Bangladesh’s global standing.” He reiterated BNP’s demand for national elections by December, stating that many party members have sacrificed their lives and faced abductions and torture for this cause. Tarique also announced plans to establish a sports institute like BKSP in every division and proposed ward-level playgrounds in Dhaka. Additionally, he emphasized integrating sports and a second or third language into the school curriculum. Speaking emotionally, he said everything one could be proud of in a younger brother was present in Koko.

A farmer named Golam Hossain, also known as Batul (52), from Singra, Natore, committed suicide after reportedly losing a significant sum in online gambling. His body was found hanging from a mango tree near his home. Local UP member Dulal confirmed that Batul had recently become addicted to online gambling. Following a domestic dispute with his wife, who left for her parents’ home, Batul ended his life, likely driven by anger and frustration from financial loss and family conflict.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah criticized the current government, alleging selective justice. He claimed that while those involved in serious crimes have been allowed to leave the country safely, others like actress Nusrat Faria are being arrested to create an illusion of justice. "You gave state assistance to help Shirin Sharmin get her passport at home. The second tribunal hasn’t started even in May, despite being scheduled for January. And the list of 626? Where are they now?" he asked. “This isn’t justice; this is Hasina-style distraction.”

Joe Biden, former President of the United States, has been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bones, according to his personal office. The diagnosis followed symptoms of increased urination. Tests revealed a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating an aggressive form of cancer. However, doctors noted the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which may offer avenues for effective treatment.

Israeli forces killed at least 151 Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday, with around 70 deaths reported in northern Gaza and Gaza City alone. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 53,000 people have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began on October 7, 2023. More than 120,000 people have been injured. The second phase of the assault, ongoing for nearly two months, has already claimed over 3,000 lives and left more than 8,000 injured.

India has imposed restrictions on the import of several items, including processed foods and garments, from Bangladesh via land ports. Last year, Bangladeshi exports to India totaled $1.57 billion. Currently, 36 trucks carrying garments are stranded at Benapole port, awaiting clearance. Indian authorities now require these products to enter only via sea routes to Kolkata. Discussions are ongoing to allow import of items already covered under Letters of Credit (LC) or Telegraphic Transfers (TT). Bangladeshi exporters warn that if sea transport is the only option, exports to India may come to a halt.

A Dhaka court has sent actress Nusrat Faria to jail in connection with an attempted murder case filed at Bhatara Police Station during recent mass protests. The court, presided over by Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque, scheduled a bail hearing for May 22. Faria was detained at the airport while trying to travel to Thailand and was later handed over to police after interrogation by the Detective Branch.

Sayed Abdullah M. Taher of Jamaat-e-Islami stated that individuals facing charges for crimes against humanity during the Liberation War should be disqualified from elections once a charge sheet is filed, even before a conviction. He acknowledged that traditionally, disqualification requires a conviction with over two years of imprisonment, but emphasized that special wartime offenses warrant a stricter approach. “We’ve agreed that filing of the charge sheet alone should be considered,” he said, citing the 1973 war crimes law.

According to Bangladesh Bank, overseas credit card spending by Bangladeshis fell to Tk 361 crore in March — a 6.25% drop from February’s Tk 503 crore. Spending in India saw a sharp 72.26% year-on-year decline, falling to Tk 27.6 crore from Tk 106 crore in March 2023. Meanwhile, spending rose in the US (Tk 57.4 crore), UK (Tk 36 crore), and Saudi Arabia (Tk 35 crore). Domestic credit card transactions jumped 26.52% in March, reaching Tk 3,755 crore compared to February.

UGC member Mohammad Tanzimuddin has announced that the seven government colleges affiliated with Dhaka University will remain under the supervision of the University Grants Commission until the new university begins operations. Professor AKM Elias, recently retired principal of Dhaka College, has been appointed interim administrator. The interim administrative office will be based at Dhaka College. Reportedly, faculty-based campuses may be established — for example, Government Titumir College may host the Faculty of Business Studies.

The Teachers’ Association at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) has declared a suspension of all administrative duties. They have warned that if the individuals responsible for the recent clash and assault on faculty members are not brought to justice by 12 PM Monday, they will stage a sit-in protest in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s office. Previously, teachers had already suspended all academic activities indefinitely to demand punishment for those involved in the assault. The latest decision was made during a general meeting of the association held on Sunday in the administrative building, which continued from 10 AM to 1 PM.