NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah criticized the current government, alleging selective justice. He claimed that while those involved in serious crimes have been allowed to leave the country safely, others like actress Nusrat Faria are being arrested to create an illusion of justice. "You gave state assistance to help Shirin Sharmin get her passport at home. The second tribunal hasn’t started even in May, despite being scheduled for January. And the list of 626? Where are they now?" he asked. “This isn’t justice; this is Hasina-style distraction.”

Joe Biden, former President of the United States, has been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bones, according to his personal office. The diagnosis followed symptoms of increased urination. Tests revealed a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating an aggressive form of cancer. However, doctors noted the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which may offer avenues for effective treatment.

Israeli forces killed at least 151 Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday, with around 70 deaths reported in northern Gaza and Gaza City alone. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 53,000 people have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began on October 7, 2023. More than 120,000 people have been injured. The second phase of the assault, ongoing for nearly two months, has already claimed over 3,000 lives and left more than 8,000 injured.

India has imposed restrictions on the import of several items, including processed foods and garments, from Bangladesh via land ports. Last year, Bangladeshi exports to India totaled $1.57 billion. Currently, 36 trucks carrying garments are stranded at Benapole port, awaiting clearance. Indian authorities now require these products to enter only via sea routes to Kolkata. Discussions are ongoing to allow import of items already covered under Letters of Credit (LC) or Telegraphic Transfers (TT). Bangladeshi exporters warn that if sea transport is the only option, exports to India may come to a halt.

A Dhaka court has sent actress Nusrat Faria to jail in connection with an attempted murder case filed at Bhatara Police Station during recent mass protests. The court, presided over by Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque, scheduled a bail hearing for May 22. Faria was detained at the airport while trying to travel to Thailand and was later handed over to police after interrogation by the Detective Branch.

Sayed Abdullah M. Taher of Jamaat-e-Islami stated that individuals facing charges for crimes against humanity during the Liberation War should be disqualified from elections once a charge sheet is filed, even before a conviction. He acknowledged that traditionally, disqualification requires a conviction with over two years of imprisonment, but emphasized that special wartime offenses warrant a stricter approach. “We’ve agreed that filing of the charge sheet alone should be considered,” he said, citing the 1973 war crimes law.

According to Bangladesh Bank, overseas credit card spending by Bangladeshis fell to Tk 361 crore in March — a 6.25% drop from February’s Tk 503 crore. Spending in India saw a sharp 72.26% year-on-year decline, falling to Tk 27.6 crore from Tk 106 crore in March 2023. Meanwhile, spending rose in the US (Tk 57.4 crore), UK (Tk 36 crore), and Saudi Arabia (Tk 35 crore). Domestic credit card transactions jumped 26.52% in March, reaching Tk 3,755 crore compared to February.

UGC member Mohammad Tanzimuddin has announced that the seven government colleges affiliated with Dhaka University will remain under the supervision of the University Grants Commission until the new university begins operations. Professor AKM Elias, recently retired principal of Dhaka College, has been appointed interim administrator. The interim administrative office will be based at Dhaka College. Reportedly, faculty-based campuses may be established — for example, Government Titumir College may host the Faculty of Business Studies.

The Teachers’ Association at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) has declared a suspension of all administrative duties. They have warned that if the individuals responsible for the recent clash and assault on faculty members are not brought to justice by 12 PM Monday, they will stage a sit-in protest in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s office. Previously, teachers had already suspended all academic activities indefinitely to demand punishment for those involved in the assault. The latest decision was made during a general meeting of the association held on Sunday in the administrative building, which continued from 10 AM to 1 PM.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has emphasized the importance of prayer in shaping individuals, families, and the nation. He stated that Islam is a complete and universal way of life, and Allah has commanded Muslims to fully submit to its teachings. Rahman stressed that both worldly and spiritual success depends on adherence to Islamic principles at all levels—personal, familial, societal, and national. Highlighting the significance of the Asr prayer, he noted that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave it special importance. Rahman added that prayer is a divine ordinance and one of the foremost criteria for accountability on the Day of Judgment.

Several dismissed or relieved former members of the Bangladesh Army held a protest outside the National Press Club, demanding reinstatement, revocation of punishments, and financial compensation. A team from the military attended the gathering to hear their concerns. The representatives assured the protesters that the demands would be assessed and addressed according to existing military regulations. They also urged the petitioners to send their claims directly rather than through third parties. According to the army, as of May 14, a total of 802 such petitions had been received, with 106 already resolved. The ISPR later reported that some protesters expressed anger toward the returning delegation, prompting a stricter stance from law enforcement agencies.

The Gazipur Press Club staged a protest in Kapasia condemning recent attacks on journalists. Police have arrested two individuals, including the president of the local BNP-affiliated volunteer wing, in connection with the incident. A central BNP leader visited the press club to express regret. Kazi Saydul Alam Babul, the party’s Dhaka divisional organizing secretary, stated, “The BNP does not condone the misconduct of any individual and stands firmly for press freedom.”

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur has said that repatriating laundered money through legal processes could take four to five years. However, overseas assets can be frozen within a year. He added that funds recovered from absconding money launderers will be used for public welfare and poverty alleviation, with a dedicated fund being set up for this purpose. "Everything will be done in accordance with the law," said Mansur. "If necessary, the law will be amended to facilitate this."

According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) 2024 quarterly labor force survey, the number of unemployed people in the country has increased by 160,000 compared to 2023. The total now stands at 2.62 million, up from 2.46 million. Male unemployment rose to 1.8 million from 1.64 million, while female unemployment remained unchanged at 820,000. The BBS defines unemployed individuals as those who did not work for at least one hour in the past week but were actively seeking paid work within the last 30 days.

Police have rescued a 65-year-old domestic worker, Mariam Bibi, who had been confined for five years in the Faridpur apartment of one Abdul Kader. She was reportedly subjected to abuse and completely cut off from contact with her family. Her son appealed to the court, which ordered her rescue. Mariam is now under police protection at Kotwali Police Station and will be produced in court on Monday.