‘United Peoples Bangladesh’ (UP Bangladesh) is set to formally launch on May 9 with the announcement of its convening committee at the Central Shaheed Minar. The event will be attended by families of martyrs and wounded participants from the July uprising. Chief organizer Ali Ahsan Junayed stated that the platform aims to transform the existing political culture of Bangladesh, promoting ethical leadership, justice, and social security. He added that the movement would work toward restoring social contracts based on religious values, strengthening communal harmony and mutual respect. UP Bangladesh also calls for justice for the Pilkhana massacre, the Shapla Chattar crackdown, and the July genocide, alongside a ban on the fascist Awami League and economic empowerment of affected families.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued special directives regarding the return of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Citizens have been requested to remain on sidewalks, not on the roads, from Gulshan-Banani to the airport between Tuesday morning and noon. The public is urged to use alternative routes, including roads through Dhaka Cantonment. Train services on the Dhaka–Joydevpur route are recommended as alternatives. Hajj pilgrims, international travelers, and SSC examinees have been advised to allow ample travel time. Welcoming participants will not be permitted to join Khaleda Zia’s motorcade with personal vehicles.

On Monday, Italian Interior Minister Mr. Matteo Piantedosi met with Bangladesh's Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury at the Secretariat. Following the meeting, the adviser stated that Italy has expressed a keen interest in recruiting workers from Bangladesh through official, legal channels. He emphasized the importance of proper procedures, noting that some individuals misuse visas from countries like Saudi Arabia or Libya to enter Italy illegally. “They have requested that workers travel to Italy with valid Italian visas directly from Bangladesh,” he said.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that Indian Rafale fighter jets were forced to retreat due to Pakistan's electronic jamming systems. This marks the first time Pakistan has publicly acknowledged the use of electronic warfare to counter Rafale aircraft. According to Pakistani defense sources, the incident occurred between the night of April 29 and 30. The Rafale, procured from France, is currently India’s most advanced fighter jet.

Russia has offered to help de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22. In a phone conversation with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s readiness to support a political resolution. Lavrov had earlier held similar discussions with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, urging both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue.

Zubaida Rahman is set to stay at her father’s residence, ‘Mahbub Bhaban’, in Dhanmondi upon her return to Bangladesh. Security preparations have already been made, including CCTV installations and increased surveillance. Media Cell member Atikur Rahman Rumon confirmed that utmost importance is being given to her safety. Members of the Civil Security Force (CSF) and police will be deployed for her protection. Tarique Rahman has reportedly instructed that local residents should not be inconvenienced due to the enhanced security. Separate transport arrangements have also been made for her movements.

Rashed Khan, a leader of Gano Adhikar Parishad, has criticized the interim government, stating that its only visible achievement is increased sympathy toward the ruling Awami League. “Their dummy MPs are getting bail, arrests are not happening, and the party itself hasn’t been banned despite allegations of genocide under international tribunal laws,” he said. He also blamed the government for creating social unrest by mishandling the Women's Reform Commission proposals, and raised concerns about deteriorating law and order and controversial corridor agreements.

A claim circulating online alleges that Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has resigned. However, Rumor Scanner’s investigation confirms that the claim is entirely false and baseless. The misinformation originated from a fake news article published on a free Blogspot domain, lacking any credible evidence. The source of the false report has been identified as a free domain website named sadhinnews247.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed two cases against former Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president and ex-MP Nazmul Hasan Papon and his wife. The cases involve suspicious financial transactions amounting to around Tk 800 crore and undisclosed assets worth Tk 32 crore. The ACC stated that concrete evidence has been found in both instances.

Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has returned home after a two-day official visit to Qatar. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Army Chief held courtesy meetings and discussions with several high-ranking Qatari officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Minister of Interior, Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces, and Deputy Chief of Internal Security.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal has assured that there is no possibility of vote-rigging at night in the upcoming elections. Speaking in Mymensingh, he said, “That era is over and will not return.” He noted that election officials across the country have taken oaths to remain neutral, especially during the month of Ramadan. Addressing criticism over the commission’s stance on reform proposals, he said political recommendations are being cautiously avoided. On the issue of swearing in Ishraq Hossain, he clarified it falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Local Government, not the Election Commission.

European Union Ambassador Charles Whiteley has stated that the timing of Bangladesh’s national election is solely the country’s decision. However, he emphasized the importance of completing necessary electoral reforms beforehand. The EU has no intention of exerting pressure, he clarified. “We hope political parties and the interim government will work together on reforms,” he said. The EU is also willing to assist with the election process. Regarding the July uprising, he stressed the need for transparent investigations and humanitarian aid for all victims, regardless of affiliation.

The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kalabagan Police Station, Moktaruzzaman, and Sub-Inspector (SI) Belal Hossain have been temporarily withdrawn following allegations of an unlawful home raid and extortion. According to complainant Abdul Wadud, a group of police officers led by SI Belal, along with 15 to 20 unidentified individuals, forcefully entered his home on the night of April 29. The intruders reportedly behaved aggressively and demanded Tk 10 crore, threatening to implicate him in a false case.

Employees of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) gathered in protest to demand the restoration of autonomy and other 11 key demands. A delegation presented a petition to the Chief Adviser, which included demands for immediate permanent appointments to vacant posts, halting ministry interference in BAEC’s work, and ensuring an environment conducive to research and respect for scientific work. They also called for the restoration of the commission's authority to approve higher education and training nominations and requested a pay raise for top scientists in line with public university professors.

Haji Selim was brought to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court at 10:10 AM on Monday for arrest in a case. While in the courtroom, Haji Selim was seen holding a newspaper. When a police officer tried to take the newspaper from him, he screamed at the officer. After some mediation by his lawyer, he calmed down. During the hearing, the court approved the request for his arrest in one of the cases, and he was escorted to the detention center, where he again argued with the police.