Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Khondokar Azim Ahmed warned business owners that while securing bank loans for investment is acceptable, fleeing the country with the funds—especially to Singapore—will not be tolerated. He called on employers to ensure fair wages for workers and emphasized timely payment before the sweat of their labor dries. He highlighted the plight of agricultural, construction, and transport workers in the region, noting poor safety, extreme heat, and low pay, especially among tea workers, who earn less than Tk 200 daily.

On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, the Paikgacha Upazila Building Workers’ Union organized a rally, discussion, and prayer session. Government Secretary Md. Touhidur Rahman was the chief guest. Speaking at the event, Ziaur Rahman Foundation Director Md. Amirul Islam Kagji emphasized the need to intensify the movement for workers’ rights and to ensure they receive their fair dues.

Dr. Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North division, lashed out at those who exploit workers’ wages, labeling them as the “worst beggars and traitors.” He demanded an end to this exploitative politics. His remarks were made during a colorful rally organized by the Labour Welfare Federation, which marched through major roads of Laxmipur city and concluded at Uttar Temuhani.

Bangladeshi fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner identified 296 cases of misinformation spread online in April. The majority, 101 cases (34%), were related to national affairs, followed by 95 in politics, 38 international, 27 religious, 8 entertainment and literature, 7 education, 10 fraud-related, and 9 related to sports. The previous month saw a similar count with 298 misinformation items. Notably, 29 false claims were made about Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the highest number in any single month this year, with 83% portraying him negatively.

Protests against the suspension of the RUWA (Rajshahi University Welfare Association) executive committee election have been temporarily paused following assurances from the Vice-Chancellor. The protesters called off their sit-in program after being promised the formation of a new ad-hoc committee and the resumption of election activities by Friday. However, they warned of renewed protests if the promises are not fulfilled. The election, originally scheduled for May 10, faced delays amid allegations of constitutional violations. On Wednesday night, the Chief Election Commissioner resigned citing personal reasons. A cocktail attack at the Registrar’s residence further escalated tensions, prompting the administration to suspend the election on Thursday.

The Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, under the Ministry of Industries, awarded Geographical Indication (GI) certificates during a special event marking World Intellectual Property Day 2025. Kishoreganj Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Fouzia Khan, received the GI certificates on behalf of the district for Rata Boro rice and Austagram cheese. This recognition marks a significant milestone for Kishoreganj’s agricultural and food industries and is expected to enhance the reputation and market value of these local products.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized that artificial crises are often created to exploit laborers. “When employers truly love and respect their workers, those workers will give everything in return,” he said. Professor Mojibur Rahman added that while workers are ignored 364 days a year, true respect could turn Bangladesh into a model state. The comments were made during an event organized by the Bangladesh Workers’ Welfare Federation.

In a defiant protest in Quetta, Hindu lawmaker Sanjay Kumar of the Pakistan People’s Party condemned Indian allegations of Pakistani involvement in the Pahalgam attack. Leading a demonstration, he declared, “If India dares to attack, more than 10 million Pakistani Hindus will stand with our army.” Demonstrators held placards denouncing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed solidarity with Pakistan’s military.

Indian authorities claim the four militants responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people, are still hiding in South Kashmir’s dense forests. According to NDTV, these militants are believed to be self-sufficient in supplies, which has helped them avoid detection—suggesting no ongoing support from across the border.

Indian outrage has surged over Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir’s remarks about Kashmir. Speaking on April 17 to expatriates, Munir called Kashmir Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and vowed to support its people’s struggle. Linking this with the April 22 Pahalgam attack, Indian commentators are drawing connections despite no conclusive evidence. Munir previously claimed Pakistan would fight ten wars if necessary over Kashmir.

Chhatra Dal President Md. Rakibul Islam Rakib has claimed that the student movement was led solely by Chhatra Dal. He stated, “There was no presence of Shibir, no presence of Jamaat, and no trace whatsoever of the anti-discrimination groups in this movement.” He further added, “By the grace of Allah, it happened. We had tried many times before!”

Hasnat Abdullah, southern organizer of the NCP, warned the interim administration against enabling Indian aggression at the cost of local lives. He questioned whether Chinmoy’s recent bail was granted under foreign pressure and added, “Standing on the blood of Alif to open the door for Indian aggression will have dire consequences.”

Despite the significance of May Day, workers took to the streets demanding unpaid wages. Protests led to discussions between workers and factory management at the main gate. Workers said the factory had shut down on November 9, promising payments by December 28, but nothing has been paid yet. Mahmud Jeans Ltd. and Mahmud Washing Plant Ltd. claimed that although they planned to begin payments from April 28, banking complications delayed the process. They now aim to clear all dues by May 15 in coordination with the Labor Ministry.

India’s Supreme Court refused to hear a petition demanding a judicial probe into the recent Pahalgam attack, citing concerns over armed forces’ morale. The bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh, advised petitioners to consider the national interest, saying, “Don’t file petitions that demoralize security forces.” Meanwhile, Pakistan has labeled the attack a “false flag operation.”

Four fishermen, all Rohingya residents of the Jadimura Camp-27 in Teknaf, were reportedly abducted by Myanmar’s rebel group Arakan Army near Lal Dwip on the Naf River. The abducted individuals are Arafat (21), Anis Ullah (22), Mohammad Jaber (14), and Anwar Sadek. Local boatman Nur Mohammad said the rebels swooped in while the fishermen were working, though several others managed to escape. Local authorities have been informed.