Somali government forces carried out six airstrikes in the Lower Shabelle region, killing at least 82 Al-Shabaab militants and severely injuring 19 others. Somalia’s intelligence agency has warned civilians to stay away from militant hideouts as they remain prime targets for military operations.

Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin stated that the government is making every effort to ensure a smooth transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. He questioned why the private sector had remained largely silent on this issue for years. Bangladesh’s transition was originally set for 2024 but was delayed due to COVID-19 and other factors.

To celebrate Independence Day on March 26, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has ordered all children's parks under its jurisdiction to remain open for free from morning till evening. DSCC official Nuruzzaman confirmed the directive.

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman vowed that fascists would not be allowed to establish a foothold in the country. He asserted that there would be no return to electoral fraud, where votes are stolen overnight. He criticized past Awami League regimes, claiming that while many party workers suffered in poverty, members of the Sheikh family amassed enormous wealth. He also noted that, for the first time in Bangladesh’s history, a Prime Minister fled the country with her family, abandoning party members during a crisis.

A schoolgirl in Hatiya, Noakhali, attempted suicide by ingesting poison after being sexually harassed. The victim is currently under medical care. A case has been filed, naming three accused: Md. Lablu, Md. Hasan, and Rubel Uddin. According to the complaint, the girl was harassed while going to the toilet at night and had previously been subjected to repeated stalking on her way to school. Overwhelmed by shame and distress, she consumed rat poison at home that night.

Advisor Mahfuz Alam stated that in 1972 and 1975, the Awami League was installed in power by Delhi and has been controlled from there ever since. He asserted that justice and reforms must be visible before the elections. He further emphasized that if internal conflicts among political parties cease, the national parliamentary elections will take place on time. Alam also urged the factions supporting the July uprising to remain united instead of engaging in internal discord.

Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, has filed a lawsuit against the Indian government, accusing it of excessive control over online content. The controversy erupted after India’s Ministry of Home Affairs launched a new website, allowing any government office to issue notices for blocking social media posts. X has alleged that this system enables extreme censorship, giving authorities the power to suppress unfavorable content. Meanwhile, Musk is also expanding Tesla and Starlink operations in India.

Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha, warned that holding elections with the Awami League would result in widespread bloodshed in Bangladesh. He claimed that if the ruling party is allowed to contest, they will secure only a few seats and act as a manipulative opposition. According to him, the Awami League, with backing from India and Israel, would overthrow BNP from power and unleash brutal violence in the country. He declared that they would not back down from their movement unless the Awami League is banned from politics.

Adviser Asif Mahmud reassured that there is no uncertainty regarding the upcoming national elections.

“Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has repeatedly stated that elections will be held between December and February. The government will keep its word. There is no need for speculation,” he wrote.

He also warned against attempts to divide the public’s unity over banning the Awami League.

Malaysian authorities detained 51 Bangladeshi nationals at the airport for attempting to enter the country on tourist visas with fake hotel bookings and documents.

Upon interrogation, they admitted that they had planned to seek employment in Malaysia. Officials noticed suspicious behavior among a group of 67 individuals and conducted an inspection, leading to the arrests. One person attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended.

Religious Adviser A.F.M. Khalid Hossain announced that ticket syndicates for Hajj and Umrah flights will no longer be tolerated.

“There will be no syndicates controlling flight tickets, and prices will be kept within the reach of passengers. Those who artificially inflate ticket prices and exploit Hajj pilgrims will face strict action,” he warned.

Earlier, he inaugurated the Cox’s Bazar Central Model Mosque by cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

After Friday prayers, multiple organizations, including Inquilab Mancha, led a protest march at Dhaka University, demanding a ban on the Awami League.

Gathering at the Raju Memorial Sculpture, protesters chanted slogans such as “Ban Awami League,” “We will not tolerate killers in Bangladesh,” and “Down with Mujibism, long live Inquilab.”

In a video message, Adviser Asif Mahmud revealed that the Army Chief had strongly opposed the appointment of Dr. Muhammad Yunus as Chief Adviser.

“The primary veto came from the Army Chief, who questioned: ‘Why Yunus? Why not anyone else?’ He pointed out that Dr. Yunus has pending cases and is a convicted person. How can a convicted individual be the Chief Adviser of a country?”

He further added that the Army Chief also raised concerns about the Awami League, noting that despite the controversies, 30-40% of Bangladesh’s population still supports the party. “Should we ignore their opinion and appoint someone who is outright opposed to them?” he asked.

Ahmed Ali Qasemi, the Naib-e-Ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam, has warned that if any attempt is made to rehabilitate the Awami League, students and the public will resist, just as they did during the July uprising.

He also condemned an attack on Gaza, where 400 people were reportedly killed during suhoor preparations. Additionally, he criticized India for attempting to provoke Muslims by interfering with the tomb of Aurangzeb. Addressing the BJP, he said, “You are meddling in Bangladesh’s affairs and sheltering its criminals. By doing so, you have betrayed the patriotic people of this country.”

At least 20 people were injured in a violent clash in Purapara Bazar, Jhenaidah, over a dispute related to a broken toilet slab. Reports indicate that two days ago, a locally operated Nasimon (engine-driven transport) hit and damaged the toilet slab of a man named Anichur Rahman from Bhatpara village.

In retaliation, the Nasimon driver, Raju, was beaten up. When locals intervened to rescue him, they too were attacked by Anichur and his associates. To resolve the dispute, a community arbitration was scheduled at Purapara Bazar on Thursday evening. However, before the arbitration could take place, one of the groups launched a surprise attack, leading to injuries on both sides.