Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has accused Nurul Haque Nur of causing disruption at their office after allegedly pressuring officials to award a contract to a preferred contractor. DNCC says Nur phoned Additional Chief Engineer Mohammad Arifur Rahman on May 18, threatening to lock down the office if his demands weren't met.

In response, Nur and the Gano Adhikar Parishad denied the allegations, claiming the real issue was the administration's refusal to award a contract to the highest bidder—one of their members—without demanding a commission. They further alleged that DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz is linked to the banned outfit Hizb ut-Tahrir and is unfit to hold such a sensitive post.

Bangladesh Bank is set to release newly designed paper currency ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, featuring graffiti drawn by students during and after the historic July Mass Uprising. The redesigned notes also highlight iconic national landmarks, replacing the traditional portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Key features include:

৳20 note: Image of Kantajew Temple in Dinajpur

৳50 note: Famine artwork by the legendary artist Zainul Abedin

৳100 note: Images of the Sundarbans, featuring deer and the Bengal tiger

৳500 note: Historic Ahsan Manzil in Old Dhaka

৳1,000 note: Illustrations of Bangabhaban and the National Martyrs' Memorial

৳5 note: Portraits of July revolution martyrs Abu Saeed and Mugdha

৳10 note: Symbol of youth unity and Baitul Mukarram National Mosque

The initiative is being praised for capturing the spirit of youth activism and national heritage.

Police have arrested three more suspects in connection with the murder of Shahriar Alam Samyo, a Dhaka University student and Chhatra Dal leader. The arrests were made on Tuesday night, though the suspects’ identities have not yet been disclosed. Earlier, three individuals were arrested on May 14 in the same case. Samyo, a student of the Institute of Education and Research (2018–19 session), was stabbed to death at Suhrawardy Udyan.

Dr. Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, announced that mango exports to China mark a new milestone in Bangladesh’s agricultural trade. On May 28, the first shipment—about 50 tons—is scheduled to be sent. The government is also working to export jackfruit and other fruits. He added that farmers are receiving support through various projects and incentives to meet international standards. A centralized management information system is being introduced for all agencies under the ministry, and a long-term plan is in place to ensure safe and nutritious food for all by 2050.

Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan commented that India’s restrictions on importing certain Bangladeshi goods via land routes may temporarily harm businesses, but in the long run, it opens a door for increased self-reliance. In another post, he noted that Starlink could revolutionize Bangladesh’s telecom sector, particularly by delivering high-speed internet to remote regions currently beyond the reach of optical fiber networks.

Speaking at a protest rally in Kakrail, Ishraq Hossain said, “The Election Commission is a sovereign institution—its decisions must be respected.” Expressing disappointment, he said that even after forming a new party, parts of the group remain aligned with the current regime, preventing a truly neutral government. He accused the government of conspiring to obstruct BNP’s participation in elections and interfering with the judiciary. “Can we expect fair elections under such a regime? Do we want another authoritarian government?” he asked, demanding the resignation of advisers Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan and Mahfuz Alam.

Professor ASM Amanullah, Vice-Chancellor of the National University, was assaulted in Gazipur after stepping out of his car near the campus. The attackers were candidates of the 2022 undergraduate (pass) examinations demanding auto-pass. The VC sustained minor injuries, while several security personnel were also hurt while trying to protect him. The university is preparing to file a case with Gacha Police Station and noted this wasn’t the first such incident.

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has sharply increased prices of key commodities just before Eid-ul-Azha. The new prices reflect a BDT 35 hike per liter of oil, BDT 20 per kilogram of lentils, and BDT 15 per kilogram of sugar. From Thursday, subsidized sales to low-income families holding smart family cards will begin. The new rates are:

Oil: BDT 135 per liter (previously BDT 100)

Lentils: BDT 80 per kg (up from BDT 60)

Sugar: BDT 85 per kg (up from BDT 70)
In addition to cardholders, general consumers will also be able to purchase Eid essentials from special TCB trucks operating nationwide.

In a major eviction drive in the Goran-Chatbari ponding area of Mirpur, the Water Development Board (WDB), with support from police and the army, cleared illegal structures from 100 acres of government-acquired land. Authorities stated that such operations will continue to reclaim occupied WDB lands.

BNP leader Abdus Salam has demanded that Ishraque Hossain be immediately installed as mayor. “For the past seven days, Dhaka city BNP leaders have been demanding that Ishraque assume the mayoral role. Why is the government pushing the country toward uncertainty over a simple matter?” he asked. “A few advisers should not cause the government to fail,” he warned. “The court has ruled, the Election Commission has published the gazette. So whose interest is being hurt by Ishraque assuming office?” Salam said the EC gazette is still valid, questioning why the mayoral handover has not happened. He also slammed plans to lease Chattogram port to foreign companies and establish a humanitarian corridor for the Rohingya, calling them betrayals of national sovereignty.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain has confirmed that Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen is voluntarily stepping down. “He has chosen to vacate the position himself. His duties will be reassigned, and the change will take effect within a day or two,” Hossain said. He also indicated that Sufiur Rahman, Special Assistant for Foreign Affairs to the Chief Adviser, may also see changes in his role. Although Secretary Masud’s term was set to end on December 12, 2026, he is reportedly opting for early leave despite being offered a diplomatic post abroad by the interim government.

The Ministry of Education has issued a directive requiring all educational institutions in Bangladesh to begin daily assemblies with a patriotic oath. The purpose is to instill nationalism and moral values among students. The official oath reads:
“I pledge to devote myself to serving humanity, to remain loyal to my country, to always strive to uphold the unity and solidarity of the nation, to refrain from wrongdoing and corruption, and never to condone them. O Almighty God/Creator, grant me the strength to serve Bangladesh and help transform it into an ideal, just, and strong nation. Ameen.”

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin announced that this year’s prices for sacrificial animal hides will be set higher than last year to ensure better management and prevent syndicate manipulation. He made the remarks ahead of Thursday’s official pricing meeting. The government, he said, is actively working to disrupt any monopolistic control over leather collection and storage. As part of the management effort, free salt will be distributed to orphanages and madrasas to assist in leather preservation during Eid.

Officials under the NBR Reform Unity Council have declared an indefinite non-cooperation campaign to press for four key demands, including the repeal of the newly enacted revenue ordinance and sustainable revenue reforms. They plan to submit a formal memorandum to the Chief Adviser tomorrow. In a statement, they expressed dissatisfaction with Tuesday’s meeting with the Finance Adviser and other officials, claiming their demands were ignored. The other two demands include the immediate removal of the current NBR chairman and the public disclosure of recommendations made by the Revenue Reform Advisory Committee via an official website.

Bagchas convener Abu Bakr Mojumder has issued a three-point demand: no national election should be held before student union elections; all vice-chancellors, proctors, and administrative officials appointed or nominated through Mirza Fakhrul Islam and Wahiduddin Mahmud must resign before Eid-ul-Adha; and a clear roadmap for student union elections across educational institutions and campuses must be declared. He warned that if these demands are not met, the movement will escalate beyond campuses to the streets. “A national election will not take place before student union elections,” he asserted.