Detective Branch (DB) police in Dhaka have arrested eight individuals for running Facebook pages that advertised Hilsa fish sales to scam customers. The accused—Anas Sheikh, Kamal Sheikh, Yanur Molla, Zubair Hossain, Rubel Sheikh, Sagar Hossain, Alinoor Islam, and Shariful Islam—created pages like “Ilisher Bari Chandpur Online Shop” and “Chandpur Ilish Ghat” to lure unsuspecting buyers with flashy ads. Victims paid large sums but never received any fish. Police recovered 25 mobile phones and 70 illegal SIM cards from the suspects.

To ensure transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections in Bangladesh, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a three-year project in collaboration with the Economic Relations Division and the Election Commission. Signed on Wednesday, the 2025–2027 project will be implemented in two phases: the first focusing on urgent electoral support, including technical preparation and voter outreach, and the second on post-election democratic institution strengthening and electoral reform.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, President of Nagorik Oikya, stated that Bangladeshis want free and fair local government elections and warned against power vacuums at the grassroots. Criticizing local political leaders for engaging in extortion and land grabbing, Manna said if politics can run without extortion in Europe and America, it can in Bangladesh too. Regarding the current situation in Myanmar's Rakhine State, he warned that the absence of authority and the creation of a humanitarian corridor could lead to instability. He urged the government to remain vigilant about ongoing protest movements and to respect legitimate public demands.

Azizul Haque, Joint Secretary General of Hefazat-e-Islam, has called for the trial of activists from the Gonojagoron Mancha, labeling them "Shahbaghis" and supporters of the 2013 Shapla Square massacre. He alleged that in 2013, anti-Islamic forces backed by India attempted to destroy Bangladesh's sovereignty and justice system through the Shahbagh movement. According to him, Hefazat thwarted this conspiracy, which led to a brutal nighttime crackdown on their rally at Shapla Chattar. Haque claimed over 84 madrasa students and teachers were martyred, and that those supporting the massacre must also be held accountable.

Due to turbulent weather conditions in the Bay of Bengal and heightened sea activity, authorities have temporarily suspended all maritime transportation to the coastal island upazila of Hatiya in Noakhali from Wednesday. Passenger and cargo movement between Hatiya and mainland areas including Chattogram, Dhaka, and Noakhali has been halted. All fishing trawlers have been instructed to return to safe harbor immediately.

Barely after tensions had cooled following the push-in of Indian nationals by the BSF at Kurigram’s Boraibari border, the BSF has now flown five drones illegally into Bangladeshi airspace. This has sparked panic among border residents. Former MP Ruhul Amin recalled the deadly BSF attack in this same area back in April 2001, leaving locals anxious and fearful. The appearance of Indian drones on Tuesday and Wednesday is a clear violation of international border laws.

BNP leader Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain accused the government of plotting both domestically and internationally to delay the upcoming general election. Speaking at a Nayapaltan rally, he said the current regime has already served ten months but has taken no meaningful steps to restore voting rights and democracy. “If the election is delayed further, we will confront this conspiracy with the power of our youth,” he declared, calling for prompt electoral reforms and an election before December.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said Bangladesh’s active participation in UN peacekeeping missions showcases the country’s unwavering commitment to global peace and stability. “Bangladesh believes in a culture of peace, tolerance, and humanity,” he noted on the occasion of International Peacekeepers’ Day. He expressed hope that Bangladeshi peacekeepers will continue to uphold the nation’s image through professionalism, courage, and integrity.

Speaking at a Nayapaltan rally, BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said there is no justification for delaying the election in the name of reform or justice. He recalled Khaleda Zia’s Vision 2030 and Tarique Rahman’s 27-point reform plan, urging the government to let the people decide through the ballot. "If not for August 5, many in government would be abroad, and we would be either jailed or facing execution," he said, stressing that BNP, not the current regime, can ensure real justice.

British High Commissioner Sarah Cook met with Nahid Islam, Convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP), and Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Zara on Wednesday. According to the British High Commission, the meeting focused on the UK’s continued support for Bangladesh and discussed pathways toward a democratic, inclusive, and prosperous future. The UK reiterated its commitment to working with Bangladesh to promote democratic values, ensure good governance, and foster socio-economic development.

At an event in Khilgaon, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said air pollution cannot be resolved overnight. “A cleaner future is only possible if we change our lifestyle and mindset,” she said. She also promised afforestation efforts in available areas through the Forest Department. Commending student-drawn murals, she noted their clarity and impact, adding, “You are the ones who must lead the way in building a better Bangladesh.”

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman stated during a rally at Nayapaltan that a national election must be held by December to reflect the people's will through a representative government. He warned that discussions of minor and major reforms are being used to delay the election. "People are beginning to suspect that certain elements inside and outside the government have ulterior motives behind these delays," he said.

The Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh has announced a five-day closure for newspapers during Eid-ul-Azha, from June 5 to June 9. No editions will be published from June 6 to June 10. Meanwhile, the government has declared a 10-day Eid holiday (June 5–14), conditional upon working two extra days.

The government is working with four prominent international organizations to recover assets allegedly laundered by Sheikh Hasina and her family during the Awami League’s tenure. These agencies include the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR), the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC), the International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR), and the U.S. Department of Justice. According to officials, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit is collecting data to identify and recover the funds, and investigations are underway wherever evidence surfaces.

Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder reported that the country's food situation is currently very satisfactory, with a stockpile of 1.5 million tons—300,000 tons more than the previous year. He noted that food reserves are in constant flux due to ongoing consumption and replenishment. "If the upcoming Aman harvest is successful, we may not need to import rice this year," he stated. Last year, significant imports were necessary, but strong Boro yields this season offer hope for self-sufficiency.