While the Awami League remains banned from public activities across Bangladesh, its programs continue openly in Barguna. There, the party organizes leaflet distributions and Eid gifts, even staging protests demanding the return of Sheikh Hasina from India. In Gopalganj, however, public rallies by the party have faced backlash.

Border Guard Bangladesh seized 99 crude bombs and 40 petrol bombs during a raid at Chakpara in the Shibganj border area. Two suspects fled upon seeing BGB forces. Officials believe the explosives were intended to destabilize the country’s security situation. The seized items will be handed over to local police.

Spain has cancelled a $7.5 million arms deal with Israeli firm IMI Systems due to pressure from left-wing coalition partners. The move comes after prior criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza, and follows a February deal to purchase 15 million rounds of ammunition, which the government has now scrapped.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the Pahalgam attack during a phone call with Indian PM Narendra Modi, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, while Islamabad has rejected the allegations as a “false flag operation.”

At the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York, Secretary Abdul Khaleque reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to fully implement the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord. He also highlighted the region’s unique land management system and reiterated the government’s dedication to protecting constitutional and indigenous rights.

Chief Adviser Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus has left Qatar for the Vatican to attend Pope Francis’s funeral. He departed Doha at 12:25 PM Bangladesh time and is expected to arrive in Rome at 2:15 PM local time. The Bangladeshi ambassadors to Italy and the Vatican will receive him upon arrival.

Shahana Khatun, 40, died after a C-section at Dr. Ratan Clinic in Rajbari, although her newborn son survived. The operation, conducted under Dr. Raisul Islam, turned critical due to complications from eclampsia. After transferring her to Faridpur Medical College, she passed away. A settlement was reached for Tk 4 lakh after negotiations with the clinic.

Renowned actor Ilias Kanchan has launched a new political party named Janata Party Bangladesh, with the slogan “Building a Just Bangladesh.” Kanchan serves as chairman, with journalist Shawkat Mahmud as secretary general and former deputy minister Golam Sarwar Milon as vice chairman. Nearly two dozen new parties have emerged following the fall of the Hasina government.

When asked whether the US had investigated how its aid to Bangladesh is being spent, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said they take all such inquiries seriously and would consider appropriate steps. The question followed a press conference by a Bangladeshi-American group calling for accountability in foreign aid utilization.

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed over 60 Palestinians in a single day, including 12 members of one family, and injured over 150 others. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the total death toll since Israel’s assault began in October 2023 has reached 51,355, with 117,248 people injured.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is “deeply concerned” over rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, emphasized the need for maximum restraint and urged both countries to resolve issues through meaningful dialogue and mutual engagement.

Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar claimed Islamabad possesses evidence and intelligence proving that armed tourists entered Srinagar. He challenged India’s assertion of Pakistani involvement in the Pahalgam attack and urged the country to share proof with the global community. Dar also warned that Pakistan’s armed forces are prepared to respond to any Indian aggression.

Bangladesh achieved a significant diplomatic victory at the 81st session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok. Aide to the Economic Adviser was elected vice-president, while Bangladesh secured three-year terms in the governing councils of the APCICT and APDIM. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus addressed the session via video, calling for stronger regional and global cooperation.

The Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police has arrested 11 additional members of banned student and affiliate wings of the Awami League for participating in sudden flash protests across the capital. Authorities allege the suspects conspired to create public unrest and destabilize the nation through coordinated demonstrations.

Gunfire was exchanged between Indian and Pakistani forces along the Kashmir border, following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that has escalated diplomatic tensions between the two nations. According to the Indian Army, Pakistan initiated the firing at multiple locations along the Line of Control, prompting retaliation. No casualties have been reported so far. Both sides remain on high alert.