Environment Adviser Rizwana Hasan announced that 12,000 acres of forest land in Cox’s Bazar, previously allocated to various agencies, will be returned to the Forest Department. Efforts are underway to free rivers, forests, and beaches from encroachment. So far, 700 acres have been reclaimed, and lands allocated to private parties and sports academies are being recovered.

Due to slowing economic activity, the World Bank warns that an additional 3 million Bangladeshis may fall below the poverty line in 2025. According to its “Bangladesh Development Update,” the rate of extreme poverty—defined as living on less than $2.15 per day—could rise from 5% in 2022 to 9.3% by next year. The overall poverty rate may jump from 18.7% to 22.9%.

Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Mohammad Humayun Kabir Pallab has served a legal notice against NCP senior joint secretary Dr. Tasnim Zara and Dr. Jahangir Kabir for allegedly promoting obscenity online. The notice demands immediate government action to curb such content across platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Likee.

Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bokhari termed the Pahalgam attack a ‘false flag’ operation. Warning India against any misadventure, she stated that Pakistan is fully prepared for retaliation. “Last time we served tea; this time we may not be so polite,” she said, asserting that Pakistan knows how to respond appropriately.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in Bihar’s Madhubani, condemned the Pahalgam attack and vowed to identify and punish all terrorists and their supporters. Expressing the nation’s grief, he thanked global leaders and citizens who stood in solidarity with India during this difficult time.

In response to India’s five-step action following the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan’s National Security Committee announced the suspension of visas for Indian citizens, closure of airspace to Indian flights, and a halt to all bilateral trade. Islamabad also rejected India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that any attempt to divert water would be considered an act of war.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi accused the government of undermining democratic institutions. He claimed ruling party leaders, even as accused, mock the judiciary and ignore law enforcement. He alleged their arrogance aims to discredit the interim administration. Rizvi also criticized the lenient treatment of Awami League leaders in court, calling it a dangerous return of fascism.

Amid rising tensions, India has summoned the senior-most Pakistani diplomat stationed in New Delhi following a deadly militant attack in Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 people. The Indian government blamed the deteriorating security situation on Pakistan, signaling a worsening of diplomatic ties. In the aftermath of the attack, fierce gunfights broke out between Indian security forces and separatist militants in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. One Indian soldier was reported killed during a raid based on intelligence inputs.

On the final day of his four-day visit to Qatar, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. He is also scheduled to meet the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Earlier, Dr. Yunus engaged with top Qatari investors and invited them to invest in Bangladesh.

Five students from Chittagong University (CU), abducted in Khagrachari, have been released after nine days. The Hill Students Council (Chhatra Parishad), affiliated with the Parbatya Chattogram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), had blamed the UPDF from the beginning—an allegation UPDF consistently denied. CU students and progressive groups staged protests demanding their release. Under mounting public pressure, the abductors eventually freed the students in phases.

In a surprising political development, four individuals from the Sanatan (Hindu) community have joined the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party in Pirojpur. The new members are: Palash Kanti Mondal (47), a schoolteacher from Pottashi village in Pottashi Union of Indurkani; Robin Dakuya (35) and Ratan Biswas (42) from Indurkani village in the Indurkani Sadar Union; and Bimal Bapari (50) from Kalaia village. Their decision was announced following a public outreach event held in Indurkani on Wednesday evening.

Bangladesh has signed two financing agreements with the World Bank totaling $850 million. Of this, $650 million is allocated for the Bay Terminal Marine Infrastructure Development Project and $200 million for a social protection enhancement initiative. These projects will run until 2031 and 2030 respectively.

Food and Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumder said the government will monitor rice markets to prevent syndicates from exploiting farmers. “Farmers must receive fair prices,” he stated, adding that previous harvest seasons were free of syndicate interference. “We aim to ensure a smooth system again this season.”

A taskforce has been formed to investigate irregularities in Bangladesh’s ICT sector and prepare a white paper. Economist Dr. Niaz Asadullah will lead the taskforce, which includes law, tech, and media experts. The report is expected by June 21.

Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin stated that the Election Commission will not wait for reforms suggested by the Consensus Commission. “We’re preparing for elections with the powers we currently have,” he said. Australian High Commissioner Susan Reilly assured full support for free and fair elections, including assistance with voter list updates and international observation.