Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has announced that newly printed currency notes will be introduced ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. The new notes will feature historic landmarks of Bangladesh, with no portraits of individuals. Printing of the new Tk 20 note is nearly complete and is expected to be handed over to Bangladesh Bank next week. Printing of Tk 50 and Tk 1,000 denominations will follow shortly. The central bank will decide on the official release date. Dr. Mansur also addressed efforts to repatriate laundered money, stating that international pressure following media reports has led to the freezing of illicit funds, marking a significant first step in the recovery process.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) handed over 24 detained Bangladeshis to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Friday night, following a thwarted plan of push-in across the border. The handover took place during a flag meeting between the BGB and BSF at the Balatari border in Phulbari upazila of Kurigram. After the handover, BGB ensured the safe return of the individuals to their families. According to sources, BGB had received intelligence suggesting a potential push-in attempt by BSF. In response, BGB warned BSF that any repatriation must follow proper identification procedures and only confirmed Bangladeshi citizens would be accepted. Nationals of other countries would not be allowed entry under any circumstances. This transfer followed that agreement.

Following the Advisory Council meeting, Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud confirmed that Chief Adviser Professor Yunus has no plans to resign. “He didn’t say he would step down. This responsibility is a significant one, and we cannot abandon it,” Mahmud said. He noted that while challenges exist, the advisers have identified them and are committed to overcoming the obstacles to fulfill their duties. The meeting was held without the presence of any bureaucrats or government officials—only advisers attended.

Following today’s ECNEC meeting, the Advisory Council met under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, with 19 advisers in attendance. Adviser Rizwana Hasan stated, “We discussed reform-related matters, and who is saying what and where. There was no discussion on the Chief Adviser’s resignation.” Advisers Tawhid Hossain and Asif Mahmud declined to comment on the meeting.

Adviser for Liberation War Affairs, Faruq-e-Azam, expressed deep sorrow at the death of Md. Hasan, the latest martyr of the July Uprising. “His sacrifice will be remembered forever with deep respect,” he said. Hasan’s body is expected to arrive in Dhaka from Thailand at 6 PM on Saturday. Adviser Faruq-e-Azam, along with the martyr’s family, will be present at the airport. As per his mother’s wish, Hasan will be buried in Subarnachar, Noakhali.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam clarified that the two student advisers currently in the interim government have no affiliation with the NCP. “They joined as representatives of the public uprising, not as NCP members,” he said. NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain added, “We’re beginning to see signs of a repeat of the January 11 era. The public’s expectations of reform, justice, and fair elections are fading amid rising confusion.” He emphasized that the government must consult political parties before making key decisions.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has imposed a travel ban on Moazzem Hossain, former assistant personal secretary to Adviser Asif Mahmud, and decided to block his national ID. He is accused of amassing hundreds of millions in illicit wealth through influence peddling and tender manipulation during his tenure. Although Moazzem has denied the allegations, calling them “baseless,” the ACC stated further investigation is needed.

Supreme Court lawyer Md. Jasim Uddin has issued a legal notice to NCP leader Sarjis Alam for making derogatory remarks about the High Court. The notice demands a written and public apology, including a press conference. In a Facebook post, Alam had said, “If High Court rulings can be obtained by mob pressure, then what’s the point of having a High Court?”

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has said, “The Chief Adviser has expressed his intention to hold national elections between December of this year and June of the next. We want to place our trust in his words.” He added that they are not trying to pressure the Chief Adviser, as he is supported by all political parties and must be assisted by all sides. “We urge him to convene an all-party dialogue to avoid further national uncertainty,” he said.

A U.S. court has temporarily suspended the Trump administration’s policy to block foreign student admissions at Harvard University. The decision came after Harvard challenged the administration in court, alleging that the policy was part of a broader agenda to undermine academic independence. With the court’s intervention, foreign students can now continue to apply for admission without restrictions.

In light of escalating tensions, both India and Pakistan have extended their airspace bans on each other’s aircraft. Pakistan announced that its airspace will remain closed to all Indian aircraft, including military planes, until 4:59 AM local time on June 24. India responded by extending its own ban on all Pakistan-registered, operated, owned, or leased aircraft, including military ones, until June 23.

The Gaza Health Ministry has reported that at least 76 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours due to Israeli airstrikes across various parts of the Gaza Strip. “The death toll is likely to rise as the bombardment continues,” the ministry stated. Witnesses claim that Israeli forces are attacking civilian areas with impunity, including refugee camps. In Jabalia refugee camp alone, around 50 people are feared dead or missing. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, “The Gaza crisis has entered its most brutal phase.” He added that no aid has reached northern Gaza and that only a symbolic amount of relief is being allowed into the besieged region.

Mufti Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, said that the nation has been crushed under a brutal dictatorship for the past 15 years, a direct result of 54 years of political instability. He described the July 2024 uprising as a blood-stained turning point that offers a historic opportunity to rebuild the country. Mufti Karim urged all stakeholders to act responsibly and not squander this chance for reform. He called on political parties to move beyond their own demands and abandon the confrontational culture of pressuring governments, instead working collaboratively for the nation’s future.

Hefazat-e-Islam held a protest rally in Sylhet demanding the dissolution of the Women’s Reform Commission, justice for the Shapla and July massacres, the withdrawal of all false cases against Hefazat leaders and activists, and an end to Muslim genocide in Palestine and India. The rally was presided over by Shaykh Mawlana Mojduddin Ahmad, Principal of Jamea Nuria Islamia Madrasah and Hefazat’s central advisor. Following the rally, a protest march was held throughout Sylhet city, ending at Chowhatta Point.

Mohammad Hasan, a 23-year-old Hafiz of the Qur’an injured during the July uprising, passed away Thursday night while receiving treatment in Thailand. Sadiq Qayem, a student leader from Shibir, announced that his funeral prayer (janaza) will take place at 9 PM on Saturday (May 24) at the Central Shaheed Minar. He called on people to attend the janaza, describing it as both a humanitarian duty and a spiritual commitment. Sadiq vowed that the perpetrators behind the July massacre would be brought to justice at any cost, Insha’Allah.