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.

Ukraine launched a large-scale overnight attack using 183 drones and two ballistic missiles on various Russian targets, including Novorossiysk port in the Black Sea. The attack damaged a grain terminal and several residential buildings, injuring at least five people, including two children. Novorossiysk’s mayor declared a state of emergency following the assault.

Islamic Arabic University is determined to enhance the quality of madrasa education and eliminate session delays, said Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shamsul Alam during a visit to an exam center. He urged cooperation from students, teachers, and guardians to ensure a cheating-free environment during exams. The 2023 Kamil postgraduate exams have already commenced.

Food adviser Ali Imam Majumder noted that rice prices are now becoming more affordable, but emphasized that prices shouldn't drop excessively, to ensure farmers receive fair value. “Fair pricing will encourage production,” he said. Highlighting a bumper Boro harvest, he discussed improvements in storage infrastructure, including the conversion of the Narayanganj port warehouse into a silo. Majumder also mentioned that Bangladesh consumes 7 million tons of wheat annually, while domestic production remains at just 1 million tons—making imports essential.

Islamist leader Maulana Mamunul Haque has demanded that all pending cases against Hefazat-e-Islam leaders and activists be withdrawn within two months. He criticized Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus for not honoring previous commitments made during their meetings. "Have you forgotten that just a few months ago you were frequenting the court premises advocating for justice?" Mamunul asked. He also condemned the Women’s Reform Commission, accusing it of insulting the Quran and Islamic values, and warned of consequences if state action isn’t taken.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on May 5. Although BNP initially announced her return via a Biman Bangladesh Airlines commercial flight, it has now been confirmed that she will instead travel in a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar. BNP’s media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan said the exact arrival time is yet to be finalized.

Following the Pahalgam attack, cross-border firing was reported near the Tutmar Gali post in India-controlled Kashmir and the Lepa sector in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Though no casualties have been confirmed, local residents—particularly in Karnah, Kupwara—have begun rebuilding underground bunkers at their own expense. The activity reflects renewed fears on both sides of the Line of Control, as memories of past destruction resurface among civilians.