Former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque was arrested by Detective Branch (DB) police from his Dhanmondi residence at 8 a.m. on Thursday. Haque, Bangladesh’s 19th Chief Justice, is known for several controversial verdicts, including the abolition of the caretaker government system.

The Nationalist Lawyers Forum, affiliated with the BNP, had recently demanded his arrest and trial. Multiple cases were filed against him following the fall of the previous government, including one for allegedly altering a constitutional verdict. After his arrest, he was taken to the DB headquarters.

Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the Election Commission has introduced the new International Observers and Foreign Media Policy 2025, replacing the 2023 version. Foreign observers will have 30 days to apply via email, fax, or through diplomatic channels.

Approved applicants will be listed and forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa processing. The Chief Election Commissioner stated that biased observers will not be allowed, emphasizing the appointment of only experienced and credible personnel.

The death toll from the plane crash near Milestone School and College in Uttara has climbed to 29, with most of the victims being students. According to Senior Assistant Secretary Fayez Ahmed, 69 people remain hospitalized, including 12 in intensive care. Six unidentified bodies are still in the morgue.

Patients are being treated at various hospitals including the National Burn Institute, CMH, Dhaka Medical College, and Kuwait-Maitree Hospital. An investigation committee, led by school authorities, has been formed to compile a verified casualty list and report within three days.

Following the July 21 plane crash, discussions with Singapore regarding treatment options caused delays in decision-making, said Education Adviser Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar. He clarified that the decision to postpone exams was made after thorough consultation among advisers, considering administrative constraints such as question paper distribution.

On public calls for his resignation, he responded that such decisions fall under the authority of the Chief Adviser. While denying any post-incident chaos, he acknowledged that student demands—especially from Milestone School—are valid.

The Bangladesh Navy has rescued 18 fishermen who were stranded for four days after their trawler Habiba suffered engine failure in the deep sea near Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar. The naval ship Shahid Farid conducted the rescue on Tuesday, providing the fishermen with food, water, and medical assistance. The crew expressed gratitude to the Navy. The trawler has since been escorted safely to Kutubdia.

During a meeting with representatives from 13 political parties and alliances at the state guesthouse, Interim Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus warned of a resurgence of anti-democratic conspiracies less than a year after the July uprising. He stressed the need for greater unity among political parties to resist fascism. Party leaders in attendance called for stronger law enforcement measures and demanded an all-party dialogue before the next election. They also expressed support for reforms, justice, and an inclusive electoral process.

The Bangladesh Air Force has paid tribute to Maherin Chowdhury, the courageous teacher who lost her life while saving students during the Uttara plane crash. On July 23, an Air Force delegation laid floral wreaths at her grave in Jaldi, Nilphamari. They prayed for her departed soul and offered condolences to her family. Maherin saved at least 20 students before sustaining fatal injuries in the incident.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan met with Interim Government’s Chief Advisor, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, on Wednesday afternoon at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The courtesy call was confirmed by the press wing of the Chief Advisor.

A case has been filed against 1,200 individuals for vandalism and attempted murder at the Secretariat. According to the complaint, on July 22, during a student-led "March to Education Ministry" protest following the Milestone School plane crash, demonstrators broke through police barricades, damaged the Secretariat gate, and attacked security personnel. The charges include destruction of public property and attempted murder. A court has ordered an investigation report by August 28.

A team of specialist doctors and nurses from India’s Ram Manohar Lohia and Safdarjung Hospitals have arrived in Dhaka to assist with the treatment of victims from the recent fighter jet crash at Milestone School in Uttara. The team landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Wednesday night. India's Ministry of External Affairs stated that critically injured patients may be transferred to India for further treatment if necessary. A specialist doctor from Singapore had also arrived earlier. So far, 32 people have died in the incident, with over 150 injured—eight of them critically.

The Election Commission (EC) has issued new guidelines for journalists covering parliamentary and local elections. According to the new policy, live broadcasting from polling stations and taking photographs inside secret voting booths will be prohibited. Accredited journalists will be allowed to collect information and images with permission from the presiding officer but may not stay inside the polling booth for more than 10 minutes. Additionally, multiple media outlets cannot enter the booth simultaneously. Live coverage must be conducted from outside the polling station. These regulations will take effect starting from the 2025 elections.

After winning the primary in the New York mayoral race on a progressive platform, Muslim candidate Zohran Mamdani is facing coordinated attacks from Hindutva groups. These groups have targeted him over his Muslim identity, criticism of Indian PM Modi, and his progressive stances. Hate speech online includes labels like "jihadi zombie" and slogans such as "New York will become Pakistan." Some Indian-American communities have joined the smear campaign, but Mamdani retains strong support from diverse religious and ethnic coalitions. Experts view the attacks as part of a broader global fascist push and consider Mamdani's candidacy a symbol of political resistance.

Professor Nasir Uddin, Director of the National Burn Institute, confirmed that 8 of the 44 people admitted after the Uttara Milestone School and College plane crash are in critical condition. A medical board led by a Singaporean specialist is overseeing the treatment of 13 others with severe injuries. Although treatment protocols have been adjusted under international guidance, no decision has been made to transfer patients abroad in the next 48 hours.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed deep condolences over the Uttara plane crash in Dhaka that claimed several lives. He specifically praised Maherin Chowdhury, a brave teacher who saved 20 children during the incident. Expressing solidarity with Bangladesh, Anwar stated, “I will write to Professor Muhammad Yunus to convey my sympathy. We grieve for every life lost and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families.”

Mohammad Iqbal Hossain, former Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Wari Division, has been temporarily suspended following backlash over his viral comment, “Shoot one, they’ll die,” made during a mass protest. A government circular states that he has been absent from duty since August 28 of last year, which constitutes desertion. He had been attached to the Khulna DIG office. During suspension, he will receive subsistence allowance.