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.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that India has yet to provide credible evidence linking Pakistan to the recent Pahalgam attack. During a meeting with Turkey’s ambassador, Sharif expressed appreciation for President Erdogan’s continued support for Pakistan. Despite India’s “provocative behavior,” he reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to restraint and called once again for an impartial international investigation. He added that Pakistan would welcome Turkish participation in such an initiative. The Turkish envoy reaffirmed support for Pakistan and urged all regional parties to exercise restraint to preserve peace in South Asia.

The ongoing conflict between Myanmar’s military junta and the Arakan Army in Rakhine has triggered a sharp increase in Rohingya entering Bangladesh. With civilians caught in the crossfire, data suggests an average of 6,500 illegal crossings per month. Over the past 18 months, biometric registration has been completed for 115,000 new entrants, but experts estimate an additional 5,000–10,000 remain unregistered in border regions. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel, facing difficult terrain and resource limitations, are unable to contain the inflow effectively. Security experts have also raised concerns over potential cross-border corridors being exploited.

As the National Board of Revenue (NBR) prepares to split into two divisions, the Revenue and Customs cadres remain firm in their demand that the newly created senior secretary posts be reserved for them based on merit and eligibility. Both the BCS Taxation and Customs Cadre Associations have strongly advocated for this claim. The BCS Customs Cadre Association has already held an emergency general meeting. Notably, the movement is reportedly being influenced by pro-Awami League elements, with former Tax Commissioner AKM Borhan Uddin—a known political affiliate during the Awami regime—allegedly playing a leading role. However, the protesting officers insist that this justified demand must remain free from political exploitation.

To curb the trend of buying party nominations with money, Labor Adviser M. Sakhawat Hossain suggested businesspeople should be affiliated with a political party for at least three years before contesting elections. He urged the Election Commission to formalize such rules. The adviser also said efforts are underway to sell assets of closed factories to pay workers' dues. If any new owners want to take over these factories and settle outstanding payments, they will be given the opportunity. On Rana Plaza, he said the Awami League government failed entirely in handling the crisis.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, senior vice president of Islami Andolon, expelled journalist Monika Chowdhury from a press conference, stating, “Women journalists are not allowed.” Monika said she was taking photographs when she was asked to leave. Despite other reporters requesting she be allowed to stay, Faizul insisted. He explained, “As a devout Muslim, I follow my religion fully. I have the freedom to practice my faith, but must also follow state laws.” He also mentioned an upcoming court hearing on Barisal’s mayoral issue and urged supporters not to gather or obstruct court proceedings.

Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam mourned the passing of Allama Muhammad Sultan Zauq Nadvi, calling it the end of an era. “In our youth, we looked up to him for his expertise in Arabic language and literature. He spread the wisdom he received from Ali Miah.” Mahfuz emphasized the vision of a multilingual and multicultural Bangladesh. “Let our region—at the crossroads of civilizations—stand for democracy and human rights globally,” he added, calling on scholars to represent Bangladesh with dignity, like Nadvi did.

Editor of Amar Desh, Mahmudur Rahman, paid tribute to the Shapla Square victims and martyrs of the July uprising, urging Hefazat to file a genocide case against Sheikh Hasina. “Why hasn’t a case been filed yet against the fascist Hasina?” he asked. “We must file on behalf of every victim.” He also called for united action against oppression in Gaza and Kashmir. Addressing women's reform, he urged the government not to create unnecessary issues.

Al Jazeera has released a 49-minute documentary detailing enforced disappearances, killings, and the July uprising under Sheikh Hasina’s regime, as well as the future of democracy in Bangladesh. The documentary features interviews with the Chief Adviser, army officials, and victims of state repression. It also exposes atrocities like torture and forced disappearances under the authoritarian government and sheds light on the massacre during the July uprising and alleged overseas money laundering.

At the launch of the Bangladesh District and Divisional Sports Organizers Association, BNP leader and former footballer Major Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said, “I warned Shakib not to join the Awami League. Had he listened, he wouldn’t be in this situation today. He can’t even go home now.” Hafiz emphasized Shakib’s fame was enough—he didn’t need politics. Addressing cricketer Tamim Iqbal, also on stage, Hafiz said, “Be cautious about your path.” Regarding a photo with Shakib, Hafiz said, “I did nothing shameful.”

The Express Tribune reports that Indian journalist Archana Tiwari’s investigation highlighted inconsistencies in the official narrative of the Pahalgam incident. Tiwari questioned whether the alleged attack on a newlywed couple and the husband’s reported death were fabricated. A Kashmiri driver confirmed, “Yes, it’s all false. The husband is alive—it was all staged.” She further asked if videos of the widow and a traumatized child were also fake. The driver replied, “Yes, it's all political theater. How could terrorists firing from 10 kilometers away ask about the victims’ religion?”

The Indian government has imposed an immediate ban on all imports, direct or indirect, from Pakistan. Pakistani vessels are also prohibited from docking at Indian ports. A Commerce Ministry notice stated the ban was enacted in the interest of national security and public policy. The Wagah-Attari trade route was shut down after the Pahalgam attack, though limited indirect trade continued until now. The trade volume, however, was minimal.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is scheduled to return to Bangladesh from London on Monday via a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. However, cabin crew Al Kubrun Nahar Cosmic and Md. Kamrul Islam Bipan were removed from duty late at night. Intelligence reports indicate Cosmic frequently served on Sheikh Rehana's flights and allegedly used political ties to secure government benefits. She received 18 show-cause notices and was grounded multiple times. Kamrul Islam is also reportedly linked to various ruling party activities.

At a mass rally, Hefazat-e-Islam presented a 12-point demand list, which includes banning the Awami League. Other demands include dissolving the Women Reform Commission, forming a new commission with religious and female scholars, removing pluralism from the Constitution, ensuring faith in Allah, expediting tribunals for the Shapla and July massacres, and banning Awami League's activities. The group also demanded justice for the murder of Saiful in Chattogram, withdrawal of all political cases filed during the Hasina regime, justice for disappearances and killings, mandatory Islamic education at all levels, revoking the humanitarian corridor policy, halting foreign activities in the hill tracts, and officially declaring Qadianis as non-Muslims. The rally also commemorated 84 "martyrs" of Shapla Square.