Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan announced Monday night that the country's foreign exchange reserves have reached $25.44 billion. However, according to the IMF’s BPM6 calculation, usable reserves stand at $20.07 billion. As of May 7, reserves under BPM6 were $20.29 billion, while total gross reserves were $25.67 billion. Earlier, Bangladesh had repaid $1.88 billion in dues to the Asian Clearing Union (ACU).

Israeli airstrikes continue around the clock in Gaza—midnight to dawn, morning to evening—with no sign of letting up. In the past 24 hours, Israel has struck 160 targets, killing at least 144 people. On Monday alone, 30 airstrikes were launched within a single hour. By nightfall, the day's death toll had reached 46. The Israeli military has ordered civilians to evacuate Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest city, immediately. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “Israel will take full control of Gaza. To maintain international support, limited food aid will be allowed to prevent a humanitarian disaster.”

The National Citizen Platform (NCP) criticized the arrest of actress Nusrat Faria in connection with the July massacre, calling it a mockery of justice. “Instead of apprehending those directly involved in the killings, the government is targeting individuals indiscriminately,” the NCP said. They pointed out that former President Abdul Hamid, who was accused in the incident, left the country without hindrance, while the identities of 626 individuals sheltered in military camps remain undisclosed. Despite the interim government's promise to form a second International Crimes Tribunal, no progress has been made.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed accused the interim government of deviating from democratic norms. “They become agitated when we mention elections,” he said. Ahmed alleged that some advisers are attempting to create chaos and that the Chief Adviser has been informed. “If he doesn’t act, his honor may be at risk,” he warned. He added that deep reforms are needed to prevent fascism from returning and questioned why the interim government reacts negatively to any talk of an elected government.

Press Council Chairman Justice AKM Abdul Hakim urged media professionals to remain neutral and avoid sensationalism and unethical journalism. “The media is the fourth pillar of democracy. Its core duty is to present objective, impartial news,” he said. He emphasized that journalists must act professionally, without personal bias, and follow their organization's editorial guidelines. He also warned against media trials and stressed respect for the judiciary.

BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan said the interim government must explain any delay in holding national elections. “According to UN reports, over 1,700 people died during the July uprising. Although fascism has been overthrown, democracy is yet to be restored,” he noted. Khan emphasized the need to establish a government through people’s votes and reiterated the party’s stance that no one should serve more than two terms as Prime Minister. “There can be no compromise with the Awami League while we are alive,” he added.

The US is moving forward with a new law to impose a 5% tax on all remittances sent abroad, under the proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” introduced by Donald Trump. The bill has passed the budget committee and awaits a full congressional vote. While US citizens are exempt, non-citizens—including millions of Indian workers—will be affected. India, the top recipient of US remittances, could suffer significant economic consequences, with $32.9 billion sent from the US in 2023–24 alone.

BNP leader Ishraq Hossain has apologized for a photo taken with actor Chanchal Chowdhury at an awards event held on May 16. “I was invited as a guest by a TV channel and had no prior knowledge of the attendees. I was unaware of the identity or background of the person I was photographed with,” he explained. Ishraq added that he was out of the country in 2015 and missed several sensitive developments. “I deeply regret the pain this has caused my fellow comrades. I promise to be more cautious in the future,” he said.

Professor Ali Riaz said that there is no significant disagreement among major political parties regarding the need for national consensus. He expressed hope that existing differences could be resolved through future issue-based discussions. “We aim to conclude the first phase of dialogue and begin the second phase soon, during which a draft national charter may be developed based on the feedback from political parties,” he added.

Supporters of Ishraq Hossain will continue their sit-in in front of the Nagar Bhaban on Tuesday, demanding his formal appointment as Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation. Spokesperson Moshiur Rahman warned, “If our demands are not met by tomorrow, the government will have to face the consequences. They must be ready for any situation.”

Sarjees Alam defended Adviser Asif Mahmud, criticizing Ishraque Hossain for indirectly enabling personal attacks on him. “I knew Ishraque as the son of Sadeque Hossain Khoka, and I respected him even more after he bravely rescued a party worker from Hasina’s police. But if he legitimizes a controversial mayoral election by accepting the post, it will be a permanent stain on his political career,” Sarjees wrote. He argued that even if Ishraque does not personally engage in these attacks, allowing his local supporters to do so shifts some of the blame onto him.

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain stated that the government's aggressive effort to prevent the BNP's mayoral candidate from taking office in Dhaka clearly signals how it intends to handle the upcoming national elections. He said, “This has never been about a mayoral position—it’s about exposing the corrupt ambitions of those in power under the interim government.” Ishraque accused officials of abandoning neutrality and instead serving partisan interests. He added, “Like Hasina, they have threatened judges, challenged the Election Commission, and interfered with the higher judiciary.” He concluded, “We will either win our rights or be buried under the soil. There will be no compromise on democracy or voting rights.”

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam said, “The Chief Adviser has proposed the creation of a special fund using looted money. This fund will be used both to compensate depositors and for the welfare of impoverished communities.” He further stated that the volume of recovered illicit funds is substantial, and a policy decision has been made to allocate the entire amount exclusively for the poor, without diverting it to the national budget or other sectors. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting.

Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh met with the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), Air Vice Marshal Md. Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, on Sunday. During the meeting, Singh expressed Canada’s interest in investing in Bangladesh’s airport infrastructure, particularly through the provision of soft loans. The CAAB Chairman advised the High Commissioner to submit a formal proposal and assured cooperation if the project proves feasible.