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.

Over a thousand political leaders, including professionals, have joined the Gono Odhikar Parishad. Leaders Nurul Haque Nur and Md. Rashed Khan welcomed the newcomers with flowers. The party presented three key demands: 1) Prosecution of genocide and a ban on the Awami League, 2) A national charter and necessary state reforms through consensus, and 3) A roadmap for elections without delay. They also demanded the cancellation of the humanitarian corridor decision and the women's reform commission. The party called for the reversal of any decisions that undermine national sovereignty or conflict with religious values.

Retired Major Hafiz Uddin Ahmed accused advisers in the interim government of blocking democratic progress. “For 17 years, we fought for a fair election, and still there’s no sign of one,” he said. He added that knowledgeable insiders believe elections won’t happen in the next few years. Hafiz accused the interim administration of playing games with state governance and recalled a February meeting with four advisers and the Chief Adviser, where they were promised elections by December.

BNP Vice Chairman Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad criticized proposed reforms by the interim government, saying, “Reforms benefit the rich, not the poor. Will reforms get you a job or feed your family?” He urged the government to abandon these plans and hold elections immediately, asserting that the people are waiting to vote.

BNP leader Sultan Salahuddin Tukku asserted that any use of Bangladesh’s territory—such as for regional corridors—requires the people’s consent. He called for a national consensus among all parties before any such decision. “Ownership of this country lies with its people,” he said, adding that past elections had deprived over 36 million new voters of their rights. Tukku also expressed joy over Khaleda Zia’s return.

Citing security warnings, Hindustan Times reported that Indian intelligence agencies had alerted local authorities about a potential attack in Kashmir ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Srinagar on April 19. The visit was cancelled four days prior due to "weather concerns." The attack on April 22 occurred in the Pahalgam region, about 90 km from Srinagar.

BNP leader Dr. Abdul Moin Khan stressed that a caretaker government must remain transitional and cannot replace elected authority. “The interim government must honor the people’s trust and ensure fundamental rights, including the right to vote,” he said. He reiterated BNP’s previous 31-point reform proposal and emphasized the need for national consensus to protect democratic values.