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.

Contrary to reports, KUET Pro-VC Sheikh Shariful Alam has not resigned. Instead, he submitted a letter to the Education Adviser, requesting a halt to any dismissal process pending further investigation. A ministry official acknowledged that discussions on removing the VC and Pro-VC are ongoing.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Muhammad Mashud and Pro-VC Prof. S.K. Shariful Alam of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology have resigned. The Education Ministry confirmed receiving their resignation letters. The decision comes after a prolonged hunger strike by students demanding justice for unfair expulsions. The university had previously revoked disciplinary actions against 37 students, though a criminal case filed by an outsider remains unresolved.

Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, said the body aims to formulate a national charter through broad consultation. He noted that the absence of democracy in the past 53 years has fostered authoritarianism. “We seek a democratic state where no one has to sacrifice their life for freedom again,” he stated. A meeting with the Aam Jonota Party followed his remarks.

Speaking at Qatar University, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus warned that modern civilization is heading toward self-destruction, generating waste at an unsustainable pace. Addressing the “Three Zeros” forum — zero carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment — Yunus emphasized the need for a radical global shift. He later met Qatar’s Prime Minister to discuss bilateral cooperation.

Adviser Asif Mahmud disclosed that his father’s locally issued contractor license has been canceled following a media inquiry. Asif confirmed the license’s existence but acknowledged the conflict of interest, as he holds a governmental position. “My father didn’t understand the implications. No work was undertaken using the license. I apologize on his behalf,” he wrote in a statement.

British MP Shaukat Adam was barred from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque via an Israeli-controlled gate during a visit to Jerusalem. Adam, an independent MP from Leicester South, and Andrew George, a Liberal Democrat MP from St Ives, were part of a delegation touring Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and East Jerusalem. Eyewitnesses reported that Adam was singled out and denied access because of his Muslim identity.