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.

Seven women-led organizations have issued a 20-point demand to ensure safety and dignity for female migrant workers. Key demands include mandatory training on rights and safety before deployment, 24/7 help desks at embassies, rehabilitation and legal support for victims of abuse, equal pay with male counterparts, a digital reporting app, and stricter monitoring of recruitment agencies. Domestically, they called for safe rest areas, hygienic toilets, maternity benefits, compulsory welfare officers in factories, and child daycare centers in workplaces with 50+ female workers.

Journalists Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi were murdered, not victims of suicide, according to a progress report submitted to the High Court. The taskforce revealed that two individuals were involved, with Sagar killed first, followed by Runi. Both were in bed with their child before the attack. Due to unclear DNA evidence, the killers remain unidentified. No signs of marital discord, theft, or professional rivalry were found. The murder weapons—a knife and a cleaver from the kitchen—were used while the victims were still alive.

The BCS Association has rejected the draft ordinance on revenue policy and management, calling for its immediate withdrawal. Their four main demands include: 1) Cancellation of the draft ordinance, 2) Halting the move to dissolve the NBR, 3) A decision only after discussion between the two cadres in the presence of the Finance Adviser, and 4) A general meeting to determine next steps. Officials from the Income Tax cadre allege that recommendations from white papers and advisory committees were ignored and that the draft was altered by the administration cadre to retain control.

The official Facebook page of Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs was hacked around 8:15 PM on Saturday. Hackers, believed to be from Indonesia, used the page to stream gambling content live in the Bahasa language. The ministry’s Director of Public Diplomacy, A.H.M. Masum Billah, confirmed efforts are underway to restore the page. Officials suspect Bahasa was used to obscure the hackers' true identities.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that supporters will line the road from the airport intersection to Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, ‘Firoza’, to greet her upon return. The former Prime Minister will arrive in a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar, accompanied by her two daughters-in-law. Although earlier reports suggested a May 5 return, she will now arrive on May 6. BNP has coordinated efforts to ensure an orderly and respectful welcome.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that supporters will line the road from the airport intersection to Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, ‘Firoza’, to greet her upon return. The former Prime Minister will arrive in a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar, accompanied by her two daughters-in-law. Although earlier reports suggested a May 5 return, she will now arrive on May 6. BNP has coordinated efforts to ensure an orderly and respectful welcome.