A scheduled meeting between Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul and the protesting government employees was canceled due to his involvement in pressing state affairs. The meeting was set for 2 PM today. Secretariat employees have been protesting for three consecutive days demanding the repeal of the “Civil Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.” The protesters vowed to continue their movement until their demands are met.

Speaking at a street rally in Chattogram on Monday, NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah called the National Board of Revenue (NBR) a “breeding ground for corruption.” He warned that if bureaucrats obstruct reform, the public will find alternatives. Hasnat also accused the protesting Secretariat officials of having supported the previous government before August 5. He issued a stern warning: any resistance to state reform will be thwarted with the support of the people.

Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon, advisor to the BNP Chairperson, has issued a legal notice to the Local Government Ministry demanding that Ishraque Hossain be sworn in as the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation by today. Lawyer Ehsanur Rahman confirmed the move. Khokon had earlier stated that failure to administer the oath following a High Court verdict would constitute contempt of court. With the dismissal of the case, there are now no legal barriers preventing Ishraque from taking the oath, which must occur by May 26.

Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique announced that the Chief Adviser will embark on a four-day official visit to Japan from May 28 to 31, departing Dhaka late on the night of May 27. During the visit, Bangladesh and Japan are expected to sign seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Bangladesh will also seek $1 billion in budgetary support from Japan. Additionally, Japan’s Soka University will confer an honorary doctorate on Dr. Muhammad Yunus during the visit.

For the third day in a row, government employees at the Secretariat are staging protest marches demanding the repeal of the “Civil Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.” Protesters have labeled the ordinance as "repressive" and a "black law," warning that they will continue their movement until it is withdrawn. They argue that no one will accept such an ordinance, which they claim seeks to revive the controversial provisions of the now-defunct 1979 special civil service regulations—previously struck down by the Supreme Court.

The investigation committee formed by Dhaka University has submitted its report on the murder of student Shahriar Alam Samya. The report was handed over on Monday by committee head Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, to Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan. The university will take necessary actions as per established procedures. Samya was fatally stabbed at Suhrawardy Udyan on the night of May 13.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam read aloud a heartfelt letter written by Anas—a 10th-grade student martyred during a protest in Chankharpul—to his mother, at a tribunal on Sunday. In the letter, Anas wrote, “Mom, I’m going to the rally. I couldn’t hold back anymore. Sorry, Dad. I disobeyed you, but I couldn’t stay selfishly at home while others are sacrificing their lives for our future.” The letter ends with a plea for forgiveness for all his past mistakes and a request to be proud if he doesn’t return.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury emphasized the urgent need to restore democracy in Bangladesh through fair and inclusive elections. Speaking about media suppression, he said undemocratic regimes often pressure the press to maintain power. “Our unity must be rooted in restoring constitutional and democratic rights, including press freedom,” he stated. “The longer we delay this process, the deeper our national crisis will become.”

The Government of Bangladesh has signed a $270 million loan agreement with the World Bank to support the “B-Strong” initiative aimed at post-flood recovery. The funds will be used to repair damaged roads, embankments, and provide rehabilitation aid to affected communities following last year’s devastating floods. The loan includes a 5-year grace period and is repayable over 30 years. It carries a 0.75% annual service charge and 1.25% interest rate, with a 0.5% maximum commitment fee on undisbursed funds.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem declared that the conflict with Israel is far from over, accusing the Israeli government of failing to honor peace agreements. Speaking on “Resistance and Liberation Day,” he said Israel’s inability to maintain a presence in Lebanon since 1982 was a result of fierce resistance. Qassem recalled Israel’s failed attempt to impose the May 17 Agreement and emphasized that any future efforts to extend Israeli expansion into Lebanon would be futile.

Prime Minister Robert Abela of Malta has announced that his country will formally recognize the State of Palestine following an international summit on June 20. "We cannot turn a blind eye to the escalating atrocities," Abela said, calling the recognition a moral responsibility. He expressed special sorrow over the killing of nine children of Dr. Ala Al-Najjar in an Israeli attack. The Maltese government also stated its readiness to welcome Dr. Al-Najjar and his family.

NCP leader Tasnim Zara conducted street meetings across nine locations in Chattogram on Sunday, engaging with residents about their concerns and the party’s vision for the country. Sharing her experience, Zara highlighted two moments that moved her deeply. First, a young girl named Suhana, a fifth-grader, recognized her and confidently took a selfie, saying, "I know the student movement!" Zara said she dreams of a Bangladesh where girls like Suhana grow up in safety and dignity. The second moment was meeting the mother of Shaheed Omar in Boalkhali. While the mother had accepted her son’s martyrdom, the father was still struggling to cope. Omar was preparing to join Biman Bangladesh Airlines before his untimely death.

Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin has indicated that the voting method for expatriate Bangladeshis will be finalized soon, based on recommendations from technical experts. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed of the Election Commission said they aim to complete consultations and finalize the procedure by the end of the month. Discussions are ongoing around proxy voting, which would allow expatriates to vote through designated representatives—pending necessary legal and technological amendments.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) is set to host a joint investment and trade summit with China on June 1. BIDA Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury confirmed that 250 Chinese investors and business leaders—representing around 100 companies including 6–7 from the Fortune 500 list—will attend. Delegates will also include top representatives from four Chinese Chambers of Commerce. The Chinese delegation will be led by Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. A similar international investment summit was held in Dhaka in April.

Kamrul Ahsan Sadhan, Joint Secretary of the BNP’s Gulshan unit, was shot dead in a brazen attack at Gudaraghat in Middle Badda shortly after midnight on Sunday. The incident took place near the house of former commissioner Kayum. Eyewitnesses said two assailants suddenly appeared and opened fire indiscriminately. Sadhan was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Police have not yet confirmed the identity of the attackers.