National Citizen Party (NCP) leader and Member of Parliament for Cumilla-4, Hasnat Abdullah, has said that it is now unclear who makes decisions within the government. Speaking on Sunday at the NCP’s national convention on energy, economy, human rights, reform, and referendum at the Diploma Engineers Institute in Dhaka, he remarked that during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, decision-making authority was clear, but now multiple power centers appear to exist within the government.

Abdullah criticized the government for moving away from public expectations and accused it of hypocrisy in handling reforms and elections. He said that necessary structural reforms in the judiciary, bureaucracy, and law enforcement have not been implemented, and that the long-term use of police as a political tool has undermined institutional trust. He warned that excessive control by the government could lead to alienation and frustration among citizens.

On energy policy, Abdullah emphasized the need to expand renewable energy to ensure national energy security. He concluded that transparency, accountability, and strong, independent institutions are essential for genuine reform and fulfilling citizens’ aspirations for change.

Iran has submitted a new 14-point proposal to the United States aimed at permanently ending their ongoing conflict and stabilizing the current war situation. According to semi-official outlet Nour News, Tehran’s plan seeks to resolve bilateral disputes within 30 days, emphasizing not only a ceasefire but also a lasting peace framework. The proposal was presented as a counter to Washington’s earlier nine-point plan.

Key elements of Iran’s proposal include lifting U.S. sanctions on Tehran, ending the naval blockade against Iran, withdrawing American military forces from the Middle East, and halting all hostile military actions. The plan also calls for broader regional de-escalation, including a demand to stop Israel’s military operations in Lebanon.

Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s rejection of a previous Iranian offer last week, diplomatic engagement continues under a fragile three-week ceasefire. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently met with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi, as Oman continues to play a mediating role between Tehran and Washington.

Bangladesh Bank has reported that the country's total foreign exchange reserves have increased to 35,204.76 million, or 35.20 billion, US dollars as of May 3, 2026. The information was confirmed by Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and Spokesperson of the central bank. According to the latest data, the gross reserve stood at 35,204.76 million dollars, while under the IMF’s BPM6 calculation method, the reserve amounted to 30,512.29 million dollars.

The previous record on April 23 showed the gross reserve at 35,117.50 million dollars and the BPM6-based reserve at 30,484.01 million dollars. The central bank clarified that net reserves are calculated following the IMF’s BPM6 methodology, which deducts short-term liabilities from total reserves to determine the actual amount.

The increase marks a continuation of reserve growth following earlier declines, reflecting a modest improvement in the country's external financial position according to the central bank’s latest figures.

National Citizens Party convener and Member of Parliament Nahid Islam has termed the first session of the current parliament a failure. Speaking on Sunday, May 3, at the Freedom Fighters Hall of the Diploma Engineers Institute in Dhaka, he said the session was supposed to discuss how various reform proposals would be implemented, but the government instead ran the parliament on its own terms. He warned that if this continues, taking to the streets with public support would become their only option.

The remarks came during the final session of the National Convention on Energy, Economy, Human Rights, Reform, and Referendum, organized by the party’s Reform Implementation Committee. Other panelists included leaders from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, and AB Party. Nahid Islam emphasized the need for constitutional reforms, including establishing an upper house, ensuring referendums on constitutional changes, depoliticizing institutions, and forming a caretaker government through consensus.

He argued that sustainable democracy requires gradual reform and warned that constitutional amendments driven by partisan interests could undermine stability. He reiterated that democratic aspirations have been pursued for 54 years and must now be realized through inclusive governance.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast that May will experience normal rainfall, following April’s 75 percent above-average precipitation. The long-term outlook indicates that rainfall may decrease during June and July due to less active monsoon winds. The department also expects intermittent rain until May 10, with temperatures remaining normal before gradually rising. A heatwave is likely to begin around May 15 and last six to seven days.

Meteorologist Kazi Zebun Nesa explained that early western low pressure and the upward movement of southern winds caused heavy cloud formation over the Sylhet and Chattogram hill regions, leading to higher-than-usual rainfall before the monsoon. The forecast also mentions one to two low-pressure systems in May, with a low chance of cyclone formation, and five to six nor’westers, including two to three severe ones.

April recorded the highest rainfall in Barishal division, 169 percent above normal, while Dhaka saw about 80 percent more rain. The department noted that this year’s heatwaves were shorter and less intense than in 2023 and 2024.

The United States is experiencing a sharp rise in fuel prices as the ongoing war with Iran disrupts global oil supplies. According to data released on Saturday, the average price of gasoline in the country has climbed to $4.45 per gallon, marking an increase of 34 cents in just one week. Since the conflict began on February 28, gasoline prices have risen by $1.47 per gallon. California has recorded the highest average price at $6.10 per gallon.

Diesel prices have also surged significantly, reaching a national average of $5.64 per gallon, up from $3.76 on the day the war began. The steep increase has raised concerns across the transportation sector, which heavily depends on diesel fuel.

Analysts warn that if tensions in the Middle East persist, the energy market could face further instability, leading to higher transportation costs, increased commodity prices, and greater pressure on consumers’ living expenses.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has strongly condemned and protested remarks made by BNP leader and reserved seat MP Nilofar Chowdhury Moni regarding zakat, describing them as disrespectful. In a statement released to the media on Sunday, Hefazat’s Secretary General Allama Sajedur Rahman said zakat is a fundamental act of worship in Islam that promotes equality, compassion, and poverty alleviation. He stated that mocking or ridiculing such a sacred command is unacceptable and has hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims.

The Hefazat leader emphasized that freedom of expression does not grant anyone the right to insult religious beliefs or practices. He warned that such comments could create confusion, hostility, and unrest in society. Rahman urged the BNP leader to act responsibly by retracting her statement and publicly apologizing to Muslims.

He further called on all individuals to maintain restraint, respect, and responsibility when discussing religious matters to preserve social harmony and peace. Earlier, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir and Khatme Nabuwat had also issued condemnations.

The United States is reportedly making key decisions regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran without direct coordination with Tel Aviv, leaving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu increasingly sidelined. Initially, Netanyahu believed Israel was conducting a major military campaign against a regional power with U.S. backing, but analysts now say Washington’s influence dominates Israel’s military and diplomatic choices.

Experts cited the Lebanon ceasefire as a major example of this shift, claiming the decision was driven by U.S. President Donald Trump rather than Netanyahu’s preference. The prolonged conflict is raising concerns about escalating military costs, economic strain, and humanitarian damage, all of which are affecting Israel’s domestic politics.

As uncertainty and losses mount, Netanyahu’s political standing appears to be weakening, with opinion polls indicating a decline in his public support.

Environmental and haor-based organizations have warned that the recent crop losses in Bangladesh’s haor region pose a grave threat to national food security. At a press conference held on Sunday at the National Press Club, they stated that around 75,000 hectares of Boro paddy fields were submerged after crop protection embankments collapsed, while hailstorms damaged another 800 hectares. The groups jointly organized the event under the banners of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), the Environment and Haor Development Organization, and Nagorik Udyog.

Speakers including BAPA President Professor Nur Mohammad Talukdar and Environment and Haor Development Organization President Kashmir Reza said farmers in the haor areas are facing severe humanitarian distress. Continuous rainfall from mid-March to late April has prevented harvested paddy from drying, causing rot and loss. ALRD Executive Director Shamsul Huda warned that the crisis will affect farmers’ livelihoods, debt repayment, education, and health, while livestock feed shortages are forcing distress sales.

The organizations presented a 15-point demand, including year-round food and cash aid for affected families, strict action against corruption in embankment projects, scientific research and long-term planning, and direct government purchase of at least one million tons of paddy from haor farmers.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid announced that Bangladesh has sufficient livestock for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, eliminating the need for imports. Speaking at a press conference at the ministry in Dhaka on Sunday, he said more than 12.4 million cattle, buffaloes, goats, and sheep are ready across the country. The minister assured that animal prices will remain at a reasonable level.

He stated that, as in previous years, no cattle imports will be allowed, and leases for border markets have been suspended in advance. Across the country, over 3,600 cattle markets will operate, including 27 in Dhaka—16 under the North City Corporation and 11 under the South. Markets will be set up only in designated areas to avoid traffic disruption. No import permits will be issued for fattening injections, and online cattle sales will remain free of fees.

Veterinary teams will be deployed at every market under the Department of Livestock Services, and law enforcement agencies have been instructed to prevent extortion during cattle transport by road and river.

The Bangladesh government has ordered the compulsory retirement of 17 senior police officials, including 16 Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) and one Additional DIG. The decision was announced on Sunday, May 3, 2026, through a circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The circular was signed by Senior Secretary Manjur Morshed Chowdhury and stated that the officers would receive retirement benefits as per existing regulations. The order takes immediate effect in the public interest.

According to the ministry’s announcement, the retirement decision applies to officers at the DIG level, a senior rank within the Bangladesh Police. The circular did not specify the reasons behind the move beyond citing public interest. The decision marks a significant administrative action within the country’s law enforcement structure.

The order’s immediate enforcement indicates the government’s intent to implement the change without delay, though no further details were provided regarding replacements or future postings.

Bangladesh Khelafat Chhatra Majlis has announced that it will organize the first-ever exhibition based on the events of May 5, 2013, at Shapla Chattar. The exhibition, titled 'Shapla Massacre', will take place on May 5 and 6 at the Nalinikanta Bhattasali Exhibition Gallery of the Bangladesh National Museum in Dhaka. It will feature photographs, eyewitness accounts, official documents, news reports, and tributes to those who lost their lives.

The event will also include a documentary screening and a brief discussion session. The exhibition will be inaugurated at 3 p.m. on May 5 by Maulana Muhammad Mamunul Haque, Amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis. Family members of the deceased and injured individuals are expected to attend the opening ceremony.

According to the organizers, the exhibition aims to document and present the historical events surrounding the 2013 Shapla Chattar incident through verified materials and testimonies.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain announced that 81 percent of measles vaccinations have been completed across Bangladesh, leading to significant control over the disease. He stated that antibody formation is progressing well and that full vaccination coverage is expected within a few days. The minister made these remarks on Sunday during a session with deputy commissioners at the District Commissioners’ Conference.

During the session, district commissioners highlighted various problems in health complexes nationwide. The minister directed that ambulance services in all upazila health complexes must remain operational and that efforts should be made to curb the influence of brokers in hospitals. He also mentioned ongoing drives against counterfeit medicines.

Additionally, the minister emphasized cleanliness to prevent dengue outbreaks and instructed that sufficient stocks of anti-venom and rabies vaccines be maintained across the country. Plans were also discussed to ensure healthcare services reach citizens more effectively, including the recruitment of ten Ansar members for each upazila health complex.

BNP National Executive Committee member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan has said that the opposition must be allowed freedom of expression in parliament. He emphasized that members of parliament should be able to speak freely and engage in debates, noting that not everyone in the world will speak the same language or share the same opinions. He contrasted democratic practices with one-party systems, saying emotional speech may not always be properly reflected in parliamentary language.

He made these remarks on Sunday afternoon while addressing the 27th batch orientation ceremony at Gushulia International Medical College in Tongi, Gazipur, where he was the chief guest. The event was inaugurated by M A Mubin Khan, managing director of International Medicare Limited and chairman of the college’s governing body. The college principal, Professor A. M. Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury, presided over the ceremony, which was also attended by BNP central executive member Shamim Ahmed and others.

During the event, 130 new students were welcomed with flowers and aprons, and Dr. Abdul Moin Khan planted a neem sapling on the campus.

Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam announced that the investigation into the May 5, 2013 Shapla Chattar killings in Dhaka is nearing completion. Speaking to journalists at his office on Sunday, he said that about 90 percent of the investigation has been completed and the report is expected to be submitted within the current month. He added that around 20 to 25 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, may be named as accused, though full details will remain undisclosed for now to protect the investigation.

The case, filed at the International Crimes Tribunal as a miscellaneous case, accuses several individuals of crimes against humanity related to the Shapla Chattar massacre. Nine people, including Sheikh Hasina, were initially listed as accused, with four currently in custody: former state minister for home Shamsul Haque Tuku, former IGP A.K.M. Shahidul Haque, retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan, and former DIG Molla Nazrul Islam. The remaining accused, including former home minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, activist Imran H. Sarker, and former police chiefs Hasan Mahmud Khandker and Benazir Ahmed, are reportedly absconding.