Bangladesh’s power grid is on the brink as electricity supply has plummeted to nearly 50% of national demand. From Chattogram to Rangpur, residents are facing unprecedented load shedding due to the Middle East conflict's impact on fuel prices and local generation capacity.
A coalition of 11 political parties has launched a second phase of nationwide programs, demanding the government honor what they call the "people's referendum verdict." The movement includes a major rally in the capital this Saturday, followed by divisional and district-level protests throughout May.
In a massive show of legal dissent, over 900 practitioners from the Supreme Court and beyond have condemned the newly passed bill banning the Awami League. The group warns that bypassing due process and the "Principle of Natural Justice" sets a dangerous precedent for Bangladesh's political future.
Senior journalist Anis Alamgir has criticized the decision to ban the Awami League, calling it a move that contradicts democratic principles. He argued that the party’s fate should be decided at the ballot box, noting its historical ties to independence and a significant voter base.
The Bangladeshi diaspora in New York celebrated Pahela Baishakh with a unique blend of literature and art. Organized by Shobdoguchchho and Woodhaven Library, the event featured renowned poets, international musicians, and local students to honor Bengali heritage.