Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a three-day ceasefire as a "staged show." Russia has not accepted a broader 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by Kyiv and Washington. “We are not playing games to help Putin appear less isolated during his May 9 Victory Day celebration,” Zelensky said. Nearly 20 foreign leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, are expected to attend the Moscow event. Zelensky warned that Russia might orchestrate incidents on that day and blame Ukraine.

Maruf Kamal Khan, former press secretary to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, thanked the Qatari government and royal family for providing an air ambulance for her travel to London for treatment. He credited the arrangement to the appeal made by Dr. Muhammad Yunus’ interim government. The air ambulance was equipped with advanced medical technologies and provided free of cost. “We are deeply grateful to Allah and the Qatari leadership,” he wrote.

As of now, 22,203 Bangladeshi pilgrims have reached Saudi Arabia via 54 flights for this year’s Hajj. Two deaths have been reported among the pilgrims. The latest was Fariduzzaman (57) from Kishoreganj, who passed away on May 2. Earlier, Khalilur Rahman (70) died on April 29 in Medina. The Hajj is expected to begin on June 5, subject to moon sighting.

At least 57 Palestinians have died of starvation due to Israel's over two-month-long blockade on Gaza. Qatar condemned the humanitarian crisis, calling Israel’s actions a sign of “political and moral failure.” It urged the international community to act. “The people of Gaza are enduring one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of our time. Is this what modern civilization represents?” Qatar noted that Israel has even attacked ships carrying humanitarian aid.

Following India’s earlier ban on Pakistani ships using its ports, Pakistan has reciprocated by prohibiting Indian-flagged vessels from entering Pakistani ports. The government said the move was necessary to protect national security and economic interests. Pakistani ships will also no longer dock at Indian ports. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Pakistan’s exports to India—mainly pharmaceuticals, fruits, and oilseeds—made up less than 0.0001% of India’s total imports in FY 2024-25.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have claimed another 39 lives in a single day, pushing the death toll to around 52,500. In the past 48 hours alone, 77 Palestinians have been killed and 275 injured, bringing the total number of wounded to over 118,000. Rescue workers are still unable to reach many trapped under rubble. In the second phase of the offensive, over 2,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 5,000 injured.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Hossain appealed to voters to give his party a chance in the next general election. “You’ve seen many rule this country over the past 50 years. This time, vote for Jamaat,” he said. Promising security, development, and international respect, he criticized past regimes for corruption and authoritarianism. He accused the Awami League of establishing autocracy under the guise of democracy and harassing thousands of Jamaat members through false charges. He also claimed $93 billion had been laundered abroad under AL's rule.

BNP leader Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said it would take at least five years to properly try Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. “Only an elected government can bring her to justice,” he stated. He emphasized that the BNP and Awami League are fundamentally different, not two sides of the same coin. “Some believe BNP will rule like AL once in power—that’s a misconception,” he said, adding that Hasina’s downfall has awakened the youth, who have learned how to resist injustice. He recalled an incident where his wife was shot at while distributing leaflets for a BNP rally—an act that remains unpunished.

In response to continued U.S. attacks on civilians and infrastructure in Yemen, the country has announced a sweeping ban on the transport of American crude oil through regional waters, effective from May 17. The ban covers all forms of export, re-export, transfer, loading, buying, or selling—directly or indirectly—including ship-to-ship transfers, even via third parties. Violators will be labeled as aggressors and barred from using strategic waterways such as the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, has expressed his desire to return to the British royal fold, admitting he is devastated after losing a legal battle to regain full security in the UK. Buckingham Palace stated that courts have reviewed the matter thoroughly multiple times and consistently reached the same conclusion. “I can’t imagine bringing my wife and children back to the UK under these circumstances,” Harry said. “I truly want a reunion with my family. There’s no point in continuing the fight—life is too precious.” He added that the decision to revoke his security rights as a prince still haunts him.

Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, stated that Bangladesh may withdraw from its loan agreement with the IMF if excessive conditions are imposed. Accepting all terms could further weaken the economy. If new conditions are attached to the next tranche of the $4.7 billion loan, Bangladesh will reconsider continuing the agreement.

Pakistani diplomat Mohammad Faisal accused India of reneging on its commitment to a plebiscite in Kashmir as mandated by UN resolutions. He said recognizing Kashmir as a disputed territory is essential for peace and called for a resolution through dialogue. Faisal dismissed Indian accusations regarding Pahalgam as baseless and reiterated Pakistan's demand for an impartial international investigation. He added that India currently deploys 900,000 troops in Jammu and Kashmir and maintains a belligerent stance toward Pakistan.

Former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Anwarullah Chowdhury revealed that he received death threats during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure for criticizing fascism. Before August 5, he was warned at home to stop making anti-government speeches or risk being shot by armed student activists. He condemned the establishment of BAKSAL and media censorship, crediting Ziaur Rahman for restoring press freedom. Editor Mahmudur Rahman warned of a return to fascism and growing Indian influence in Bangladesh, urging public vigilance.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan stated that there is strong public interest in learning the Quran, which should be a daily practice. He emphasized the need to use the Quran as a vehicle to influence society positively. Dr. Shamima Tasnim added that if society and the state are not governed according to Quranic principles, meaningful change is impossible. She stressed that accountability must be to Allah and that no institution can succeed without God-consciousness.

A survey by the Youth Policy Network reveals that rising essential commodity prices are forcing low-income individuals to reduce food intake. Conducted in March with over 1,000 respondents from towns and upazilas, the survey found that 99% had to skip meals due to financial hardship. Six in ten regularly skip breakfast, and many reduce meal portions. Common meals include low-cost items like biscuits, bananas, eggs, and parathas, despite low nutritional value. Respondents also expressed anger at tax hikes and called for subsidies.