Popular Hindi television actor Aly Goni revealed in a podcast that he faced discrimination while searching for a home due to his Muslim identity. “As a Kashmiri, I’ve never experienced bias in the entertainment industry, but I have when looking for a house,” he said. Goni shared that he and his partner Jasmine were denied rentals by several landlords who outright said, "We don't rent to Muslims." Most of these individuals were older, he added.

Political analyst Professor Ali Riaz stated that the Consensus Commission is progressing with the aim of ensuring that no individual, including the Prime Minister, can rise above the law or consolidate unchecked power. He emphasized the need for structural reforms to establish an accountable state. Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Babul, Convener of the Bhasani Janashakti Party, added that they envision a reformed and rebuilt Bangladesh through systemic change.

The Bhasani Janashakti Party has called for constitutional recognition of four pivotal figures in Bangladesh’s history: Maulana Bhasani, A.K. Fazlul Huq, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Ziaur Rahman. Additionally, they have submitted a proposal to the National Consensus Commission demanding similar recognition for freedom fighters and the martyrs of the July Uprising. The party’s proposal also includes reforms such as setting the minimum age for election candidates at 25, fixing the presidential and parliamentary terms at five years, and limiting caretaker governments to a three-month tenure.

The US Consulate in Lahore issued an advisory urging American staff to seek shelter or evacuate areas near the city’s main airport, as local authorities began evacuating neighborhoods near conflict zones. The consulate stressed the need for vigilance and security precautions as regional tensions between India and Pakistan escalate.

In connection with former President Abdul Hamid’s departure from the country, an Additional Superintendent of Immigration Police has been withdrawn for negligence. Additionally, a case investigator from Kishoreganj Sadar Police Station and an SB officer have been suspended. Hamid reportedly left the country via the airport late last night, despite an active case filed against him.

Tensions flared at the Bangladesh-India border near Naljuri Khasia Haor in Gowainghat as locals obstructed Indian BSF personnel during a joint survey. The incident occurred when BSF members allegedly crossed into Bangladeshi territory. Local residents protested their presence, and the situation escalated until both the public and BGB forced the BSF to retreat. The atmosphere is now under control, but locals accused the BSF of attempting to occupy the area’s playground.

Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam stated on Facebook that legal provisions are being introduced to ensure the Awami League is held accountable as a political entity. He wrote, “The fascist League will face justice. Tribunal-2 is being formed to expedite the trials.” In a previous post, he hinted at the helplessness of student representatives and said that not all actions are government-driven—many are rooted in the establishment.

Pakistan’s military claims it shot down 25 Israeli-made Heron drones deployed by India during a recent confrontation. The Pakistani armed forces say they fully utilized both “soft-kill” and “hard-kill” capabilities. The retaliatory strike, according to Pakistan, resulted in the destruction of five Indian fighter jets and casualties among Indian troops. The military has begun collecting debris from the downed drones across various regions and asserts its full readiness to respond to any further aggression.

The government has extended the special executive magistracy powers of armed forces officers ranked Captain and above for another 60 days, effective from May 14. A notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration confirmed the decision. Initially granted on September 17 last year, the powers have been extended multiple times since. Under several sections of the Criminal Procedure Code, these empowered officers can now take legal action on specific criminal matters.

BIDA Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud bin Harun has announced plans to establish a free trade zone over 400 acres in Anwara Upazila of Chattogram. He described the initiative as a “game-changer” for Bangladesh’s economy. He further revealed a potential $800 million investment in the Chattogram Port Container Terminal. "Our annual FDI barely exceeds $700 million. If a single project can bring in $800 million, it would be a significant boost to our economy," he said. He emphasized Chattogram’s central role in national development, declaring, “Dhaka is our political capital, but Chattogram is destined to become the commercial capital.”

Sharif Usman Hadi of the Inqilab Mancha demanded that student advisers Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan resign within three days for their alleged role in Abdul Hamid’s release. He warned of mass protests against the interim government, declaring, “Either the fascist League will be banned, or the interim regime will fall.” He added that those who resist resigning would face public disgrace. Activist Tajnuva Zabeen also joined in calling for their resignation.

Interior Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury vowed to resign if those involved in former President Abdul Hamid’s clandestine departure from the country are not held accountable. Speaking at a meeting in Dinajpur, he reassured that the nation’s borders are secure and that there is no threat to farmers or public safety.

NCP leader Hannan Masud claimed that former President Abdul Hamid was briefly detained at the airport but released following a phone call from "Chuppu’s office," referring to the current President. He questioned whether July revolutionaries would continue supporting the interim government after such incidents and called for either the removal of the President or the banning of the Awami League.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that individuals who once supported the Awami League but are now disillusioned by its misrule, corruption, and money laundering are welcome to join the BNP. He invited professionals, teachers, farmers, and workers who align with BNP’s ideals to come forward. Rizvi also announced a nationwide drive from May 15 to July 15 aiming to recruit over 10 million new primary members.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam observed that while the government is held accountable for national affairs, real power often lies with other centers of influence within the establishment—especially in the judiciary, administration, and police. He warned that student representation is being systematically reduced, with only two student reps in a body of thirty. Mahfuz called for unity, honesty, and idealism among students, and stressed the need to eliminate outdated political actors to ensure fair student participation in state affairs.