Tensions flared at the Bangladesh-India border near Naljuri Khasia Haor in Gowainghat as locals obstructed Indian BSF personnel during a joint survey. The incident occurred when BSF members allegedly crossed into Bangladeshi territory. Local residents protested their presence, and the situation escalated until both the public and BGB forced the BSF to retreat. The atmosphere is now under control, but locals accused the BSF of attempting to occupy the area’s playground.

Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam stated on Facebook that legal provisions are being introduced to ensure the Awami League is held accountable as a political entity. He wrote, “The fascist League will face justice. Tribunal-2 is being formed to expedite the trials.” In a previous post, he hinted at the helplessness of student representatives and said that not all actions are government-driven—many are rooted in the establishment.

Pakistan’s military claims it shot down 25 Israeli-made Heron drones deployed by India during a recent confrontation. The Pakistani armed forces say they fully utilized both “soft-kill” and “hard-kill” capabilities. The retaliatory strike, according to Pakistan, resulted in the destruction of five Indian fighter jets and casualties among Indian troops. The military has begun collecting debris from the downed drones across various regions and asserts its full readiness to respond to any further aggression.

The government has extended the special executive magistracy powers of armed forces officers ranked Captain and above for another 60 days, effective from May 14. A notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration confirmed the decision. Initially granted on September 17 last year, the powers have been extended multiple times since. Under several sections of the Criminal Procedure Code, these empowered officers can now take legal action on specific criminal matters.

BIDA Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud bin Harun has announced plans to establish a free trade zone over 400 acres in Anwara Upazila of Chattogram. He described the initiative as a “game-changer” for Bangladesh’s economy. He further revealed a potential $800 million investment in the Chattogram Port Container Terminal. "Our annual FDI barely exceeds $700 million. If a single project can bring in $800 million, it would be a significant boost to our economy," he said. He emphasized Chattogram’s central role in national development, declaring, “Dhaka is our political capital, but Chattogram is destined to become the commercial capital.”

Sharif Usman Hadi of the Inqilab Mancha demanded that student advisers Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan resign within three days for their alleged role in Abdul Hamid’s release. He warned of mass protests against the interim government, declaring, “Either the fascist League will be banned, or the interim regime will fall.” He added that those who resist resigning would face public disgrace. Activist Tajnuva Zabeen also joined in calling for their resignation.

Interior Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury vowed to resign if those involved in former President Abdul Hamid’s clandestine departure from the country are not held accountable. Speaking at a meeting in Dinajpur, he reassured that the nation’s borders are secure and that there is no threat to farmers or public safety.

NCP leader Hannan Masud claimed that former President Abdul Hamid was briefly detained at the airport but released following a phone call from "Chuppu’s office," referring to the current President. He questioned whether July revolutionaries would continue supporting the interim government after such incidents and called for either the removal of the President or the banning of the Awami League.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that individuals who once supported the Awami League but are now disillusioned by its misrule, corruption, and money laundering are welcome to join the BNP. He invited professionals, teachers, farmers, and workers who align with BNP’s ideals to come forward. Rizvi also announced a nationwide drive from May 15 to July 15 aiming to recruit over 10 million new primary members.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam observed that while the government is held accountable for national affairs, real power often lies with other centers of influence within the establishment—especially in the judiciary, administration, and police. He warned that student representation is being systematically reduced, with only two student reps in a body of thirty. Mahfuz called for unity, honesty, and idealism among students, and stressed the need to eliminate outdated political actors to ensure fair student participation in state affairs.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen emphasized that Bangladesh must remain free from foreign interference and make independent decisions on domestic matters. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s sovereignty and mentioned an upcoming visit from China’s Commerce Minister along with a large delegation of investors—the largest ever from China to Bangladesh. He stated that peace and internal stability are essential for progress and that reforms are Bangladesh’s internal affair, distancing China from Western-style political commentary.

Sarjis Alam alleged that people are being extorted before and after being implicated in fabricated legal cases. “Money is demanded to avoid being named in cases, and again to have names removed,” he wrote. He also claimed that members of the ruling Awami League and its affiliated wings are sheltering criminals in exchange for money or manpower. “A portion of the police force still colludes with these political operatives,” he added, urging authorities to abandon such corrupt practices before public outrage grows.

During the appeal hearing for convicted Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam, defense counsel Mohammad Shishir Monir stated that the International Crimes Tribunal was biased and pre-planned. He argued that top Jamaat leaders were unjustly executed and credited divine intervention for Azhar’s survival. He further alleged that individuals linked to the cases—such as Aman Azmi, Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, and Humam Quader Chowdhury—were forcibly disappeared and held in secret detention.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman condemned the recent incident involving 102 Indians being forcibly pushed into Bangladesh by BSF personnel. “This unlawful act is creating chaos and disorder at our borders,” he said. Urging national unity, he called on the government to show no weakness and to reject all forms of aggression. National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman had earlier termed the push-in “unacceptable,” stating that entry should only be allowed through formal channels if the individuals are indeed Bangladeshi citizens.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah has alleged that Indian intelligence agencies and its High Commission have held at least 23 meetings with various levels of the Bangladeshi government, military, and private sectors this month alone. He accused the Indian side of influencing internal matters to facilitate a potential reorganization of the Awami League, claiming delays in trials are being used to avoid banning the party. “If justice doesn’t include holding the Awami League accountable for war crimes, we reject that agenda,” he declared.