While hostilities between India and Pakistan have paused due to U.S.-led mediation, diplomatic tensions persist. India remains firm on its decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, made at the start of the crisis. The two nations are expected to engage in talks soon, but the diplomatic standoff appears far from over.

On Mother’s Day, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman paid heartfelt tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia, calling her the “Mother of Democracy” and a beacon of women’s education. He said, “A mother is an incredible institution within a family. The future of a child is shaped by a noble mother’s teachings. Khaleda Zia’s life has been one of sacrifice and tireless struggle for democratic progress and social development.” He expressed hope that all mothers will be empowered to raise their children as capable and responsible citizens.

Despite a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump—announced on Truth Social—both nations accused each other of violations just hours after it came into effect. New Delhi claims Islamabad breached the deal with repeated attacks, prompting military retaliation. In turn, Pakistan’s foreign ministry asserted its commitment to the truce while blaming India for aggression.

Police have confirmed that Tamanna Sharmin, wife of the infamous Sajjad, has been arrested in connection with the high-profile double murder on Baklia Access Road in Chattogram. Both Sajjad and Tamanna were named in the case. Though she initially secured anticipatory bail from the High Court, she failed to surrender after the bail expired, rendering her a fugitive. Previously, Tamanna had made headlines by going live on Facebook, vowing to spend lavishly to secure Sajjad’s release. The double murder was allegedly carried out by Sajjad's associates in retaliation against those who tipped off the police.

Around 4 AM at Shahbagh, Hasnat Abdullah stated, “We view the government's decision positively. The official gazette will be issued on Monday, and we will hold a victory rally upon receiving it. For now, everyone should return home. We’ll announce our next steps after the notification is published.” Earlier, all trial proceedings involving the Awami League were suspended under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The interim government is expected to issue the formal notification on Monday.

In a rapid response to the launch of ‘Operation Sindoor,’ Bollywood production houses scrambled to cash in, with at least 15 film titles registered using the same name by Thursday. Just two days after the operation began, one production company even released a poster promoting its upcoming film. Facing backlash, director Uttam Maheshwari publicly apologized. “We had announced a movie based on ‘Operation Sindoor,’ but I sincerely regret the decision. I had no intention of hurting sentiments or inciting controversy. The film announcement was meant as a tribute to the nation, not for fame or profit,” he said. The mass registration of film titles around such a sensitive and ongoing operation has sparked debate over ethics and opportunism in the entertainment industry.

Following the interim government's decision to ban the activities of the Awami League until all its leaders' trials are concluded at the International Crimes Tribunal, Adviser Asif Mahmud issued a strong warning. He wrote that while the judicial process is still underway, a complete ban on the party is a more acceptable and permanent resolution. In line with student and public demands, the ICT law has been amended to support this approach. "Reliable information indicates that, after the ban, the war criminals are now planning to incite unrest across the country," he said. Asif called on the public to remain vigilant and alert, urging everyone to stay united in preserving peace and stability.

During a press conference held by a BNP leader at the Upazila Press Club in Patharghata, Barguna, former Chhatra Dal leader Amit Hasan Shuvo and his associates launched an attack, assaulting five individuals including journalists. Al Hadid, joint convener of the municipal Jubo Dal, said the press conference was being held to protest false reporting against Maulana Shamim Ahmed, a central committee member of the Olama Dal. The attackers stormed the venue mid-conference and began physically assaulting those present.

Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder has assured that Bangladesh has ample food reserves and will not face any food crisis in the near future. “The harvest has been excellent this year in regions including Rajshahi, Brahmanbaria, and parts of Chattogram,” he said. “We expect strong overall production.” He added that the government has taken all necessary measures for food storage. “Bangladesh is now self-sufficient in food. However, as local wheat production stands at only 1 million tons, the country still needs to import an additional 6 million tons annually to meet demand.”

A young woman has accused a former BNP lawmaker of threatening her to withdraw a rape case against a local student leader. At a press conference, the survivor stated that Ruhul Amin, convenor of the Baufal Municipal Chhatra Dal, had established a physical relationship with her under the promise of marriage. When he later backed out, she filed a rape case. Despite four months passing, police have not arrested the accused. She alleges that former MP Abul Hossain Khan summoned her and her mother to his residence and pressured them to drop the case in the presence of the new officer-in-charge, Abul Kalam Azad, and the investigating officer, SI Tofazzal. The former MP claims he only intended to mediate the matter.

In a rare medical event, a woman in Chattogram gave birth to six babies through natural delivery on Saturday afternoon. Among the newborns, five are girls and one is a boy. Doctors report that five of the infants are out of danger, while all six remain under intensive care. The mother, a resident of Eidgaon in Cox’s Bazar, had been under the supervision of Dr. Naznin Sultana Lulu for 19 weeks. “This is the first time we’ve witnessed a successful natural birth of sextuplets,” said Dr. Karishma Sultana. “We anticipated potential complications but are proud of the successful outcome.”

The Teachers-Employees Unity Council has submitted an 11-point charter of demands, calling for the nationalization of the education system. The demands include allocating 6% of the GDP to the education sector, full Eid-ul-Adha festival bonuses, housing and medical allowances, upgrading head teachers in private schools to Grade-6 pay scale, implementing a universal transfer system for MPO-listed teachers and staff, introducing pension benefits, raising the retirement age to 65, forming a teacher recruitment commission, abolishing managing committees/governing bodies, forming an education reform commission, and bringing all recognized private institutions under MPO coverage.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam stated that the unresolved questions of 1971 must finally be settled. Those who aided in war crimes must issue public apologies. Anyone who wishes to participate in Bangladeshi politics must abandon pro-Pakistan ideology, he asserted. "Pakistan carried out a genocide on this land. While Pakistan has officially apologized and is open to further apologies, their collaborators in Bangladesh have yet to express any remorse," he wrote. Mahfuz emphasized the need to stop the subtle and indirect narratives that seek to justify genocide. He warned against internal sabotage within the July coalition, calling for transparency and accountability. He also declared there would be no forgiveness for so-called “Mujibist leftists,” branding them as key architects behind enforced disappearances, killings, and the violent crackdowns during the Shapla Square and anti-Modi movements. "They acted as the brain behind those atrocities and still thrive despite their betrayal. These are the traitors of the Thirty-Sixth Division. Even now, they conspire against the July alliance from within the country. But these League loyalists and political opportunists will soon be defeated. Leaning on others for power will no longer work," he concluded.

BNP leader Aminul Haque asserted that the interim government has failed to meet public expectations in its nine months of governance. He pointed to the recent departure of Abdul Hamid, branding him an Awami League collaborator who escaped due to state negligence. "This administration was complicit in letting many of Awami League’s accomplices flee the country," he said. Haque emphasized that those who aided human rights abuses over the past 17 years, and their enablers, are also conspirators and must be held accountable. "There is no room for forgiveness. Only an elected people’s government can bring these embedded collaborators in the administration to justice," he concluded.

BNP leader Emran Saleh Prince stated that not only the BNP but all political stakeholders demand the banning and prosecution of the Awami League for genocide and crimes against humanity. "There is public concern that efforts are being made to destabilize the country and sabotage elections," he said. Calling August 5 the end of Awami League’s political chapter, he noted that nine months after its downfall, none of its leaders have shown any remorse. "They are now conspiring from across the border. They have no right to engage in politics," he added, also criticizing delays in implementing tribunal decisions and removing jurisdiction over party trials.