Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud has identified elite-driven land grabbing as a significant factor contributing to poverty in Bangladesh. He explained that flaws in the legal system often leave victims destitute when attempting to reclaim their land. "Poverty isn't just about income—lack of access to justice plays a critical role," he said. Dr. Mahmud also noted that ineffective policing can further contribute to poverty, as lawlessness disproportionately affects the poor. Reflecting on the political situation, he said the ongoing restructuring following the recent uprising signals hope, and expressed optimism that a democratic government will soon take charge through upcoming elections.

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has warned that dishonest enterprises are manipulating the market by forming cartels and undercutting prices to drive small businesses into ruin. "These actions are destroying fair competition and must be punished," he said. He also called for strict measures against businesses that exploit consumers and evade taxes and VAT. The adviser pointed out that like many institutions, the Competition Commission was also rendered ineffective, limiting its impact on consumers. On a positive note, he mentioned that recent policy reforms have led to improvements in remittances and exports.

A Norwegian delegation led by State Secretary Steine Renate Håheim met with Bangladesh's environmental adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Tuesday. Hasan reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to protecting its rivers and forests, noting that a significant portion of climate funds is allocated for this purpose. “Our goal is to restore ecological balance through reforestation and land recovery,” she said. The progress of small cold storage construction for farmers was also discussed. Concerns over shipbreaking workers' safety, waste management, and pollution were raised. Håheim expressed Norway’s interest in investing in renewable energy and eco-friendly projects in Bangladesh. “We are eager to collaborate for sustainable development,” she said.

BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan stressed that restoring democracy is now a pressing need. “There are political and social forces that want to delay the democratic process for their own interests,” he said. He reiterated that BNP has no objections to holding local elections under a caretaker government but emphasized that such a government must also oversee the national elections first. “It's not technically feasible otherwise,” he said. He also called for justice against those who aided the authoritarian regime and demanded both reform and swift national elections.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir warned that a dark shadow has fallen over Bangladesh's path to democracy. “A conspiracy is underway to delay elections and distance the people from the process through a renewed politics of division,” he said. “Institutions are being turned against each other. The government is deliberately creating internal discord.” He urged BNP members to remain vigilant and stand firm against all conspiracies. “We must not let the country’s independence and sovereignty be compromised,” he added.

Braving heavy rain, members of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal blocked Shahbagh intersection demanding the arrest of those responsible for the murder of Samya. Protesters shouted slogans such as "Why is the killer free while my brother lies in a grave?" and "We want justice!" Samya was fatally stabbed near Suhrawardy Udyan on May 13 around 11 PM while riding a motorcycle. He was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Following a rise in administrative disorder after the fall of the Hasina government, the Ministry of Public Administration has drafted an amendment to the Government Service Act 2018. The amendment aims to bypass lengthy procedures and allow for swift dismissal of civil servants for negligence or misconduct. Cases must be resolved within 25 working days from the date charges are framed. Currently, disciplinary actions can take up to five years. The draft has already been finalized.

The High Court has concluded the hearing on a writ petition challenging the delay in administering the oath to BNP’s Ishraq Hossain as Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). The bench of Justices Md. Akram Hossain Chowdhury and Debashish Roy Chowdhury has scheduled the verdict for Wednesday. On March 27, an election tribunal declared Ishraq the lawful mayor and directed the Election Commission to publish the official gazette within 10 days, which was done on April 27.

Islami Chhatra Shibir has condemned attacks by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on Polytechnic Institute students. On May 18, several JCD members allegedly checked the phone of student Rakibul Islam and issued threats. Later that night, 8–10 individuals identifying themselves as 2023–24 session students forcibly took Rakibul from his dorm room, held him captive, and brutally tortured him. They also recorded photos and videos of him in a compromised state and threatened to leak them. Similar attacks reportedly occurred in Cox’s Bazar, where JCD, along with outsiders, targeted polytechnic students. Chhatra Shibir demanded immediate justice.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Advocate Tureen Afroz, stated that courtrooms have been equipped with digital technology to handle trials related to crimes against humanity committed in July–August. Any stage of the trial can be broadcast live or recorded for media and social media with court approval. Meanwhile, the High Court has issued a rule asking why important public interest and constitutional cases should not be broadcast live from the Supreme Court.

BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu criticized India, saying, “If India were truly a civilized country, it wouldn't block visas or transit facilities to Bangladesh, nor would it kill civilians at the border or withhold Teesta River water.” He accused India and the ruling Awami League of perpetuating a culture of political vengeance. “Even after being elected, Ishraq was not allowed to assume office as mayor. Despite a court ruling in his favor, he still hasn't been sworn in.” He expressed concern over growing distrust in the country's political direction and called on Nobel laureate Dr. Yunus to facilitate a fair election. “If Dr. Yunus fails, we urge the Supreme Court to restore the democratic framework,” he added.

Adviser Asif Mahmud stated that personal attacks against him are futile, as the legal dispute must be resolved in court. “We have sought the opinion of the Ministry of Law regarding the complexities involved. Since they are the experts, we will reach a decision based on their input,” he said. He clarified that the matter of Ishraq becoming mayor is not his individual decision, but one handled by the government. “And when the government takes action, it does so institutionally, not personally,” he added.

In a humanitarian gesture, senior BNP leader Tarique Rahman has reached out to the family of Rakibul Hasan, a protester injured in the 2024 uprising. Representatives from the "We Are BNP Family" initiative visited Rakibul’s home to inquire about his health and convey Rahman's message of solidarity and support. They also assured the family of assistance if needed. BNP leader Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi was present during the visit.

The Co-op, one of the UK’s largest retail chains, has voted to boycott all Israeli products in response to ongoing atrocities in Gaza. If implemented, it will become the first major UK retailer to fully sever trade ties with Israel. The proposal passed with 73% support among employees, urging the board to take a morally courageous stand. A company spokesperson stated that Co-op continuously reviews its policies to align with the values and principles of its members.

Base Fashions Limited, a ready-made garment factory in Tongi’s Satish area, has been shut down indefinitely following worker unrest. Tensions escalated after a worker was dismissed on May 18, prompting laborers to go on strike. In response, management posted a notice at the factory gate announcing the closure without prior warning. Workers blocked the Gazipura–Satish road in protest and later gathered in front of the factory as police moved them from the road. The factory employs around 800 workers.