Asif Mahmood, Adviser for Local Government, Youth, and Sports, has criticized fascist forces for denying the existence of the “Ayanaghor” secret detention center. Despite global awareness of “Ayanaghor,” he remarked that these forces are shamelessly attempting to deny it. Speaking at the Youth Festival at Dhaka University, he recalled his experience of being imprisoned and stated that the genocide during the July coup has already been internationally documented. He further added that both nationally and internationally, a fascist genocidal force, which maintained power through enforced disappearances and killings, will be forever recognized as the enemy of the people.

The government will provide 50 lakh families with 30 kg of rice at Tk 15 per kg during Ramadan to ensure price stability. Additionally, 1 crore families will receive 100,000 metric tons of rice as an Eid-ul-Fitr gift. Advisor Ali Imam Majumdar stated that Bangladesh has a stockpile of 1.3 million metric tons of food, and there is no risk of a food crisis. To prevent food smuggling into Myanmar amid its crisis, law enforcement has been instructed to tighten border surveillance.

For the eighth consecutive day, recommended candidates for assistant teacher positions in government primary schools continued their protest at Shahbagh, demanding the immediate recruitment of 6,531 teachers in Dhaka and Chattogram divisions as part of the third phase of hiring. In a symbolic demonstration of their frustration, the protesters wore funeral shrouds.

According to the protesting teachers, candidates from the first two phases, recommended under the 2023 recruitment rules, were appointed nearly a year ago. However, the recruitment of 6,531 recommended candidates from the third phase in Dhaka and Chattogram divisions was put on hold for six months due to a court-issued stay order. The delay reportedly stems from a legal challenge over the quota system.

Aspiring assistant teachers for government primary schools staged a road blockade at Shahbagh in Dhaka, demanding the reinstatement of their canceled appointments. On Thursday afternoon, police used water cannons to disperse the protesters, taking several individuals into custody for questioning. Eyewitnesses reported that the demonstration caused severe traffic congestion. Police initially tried to negotiate, but after the protesters refused to leave, authorities used water cannons to break up the gathering. The job seekers, who had previously been recommended based on merit, questioned why they needed to protest for their rightful appointments. They also expressed disappointment in government advisors for not supporting them.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence. The U.S. Senate confirmed her nomination on Wednesday with a 52-48 vote. Gabbard’s appointment is seen as a significant victory for Trump, as she has been one of the most controversial figures in his cabinet. At 43 years old, she becomes the 14th Trump nominee confirmed since January 20. Gabbard will oversee 18 intelligence agencies and serve as the President’s top intelligence advisor. Trump remarked that she would focus on strengthening the intelligence community to ensure the safety, security, and freedom of the American people.

The body of missing schoolboy Roman Sheikh was recovered 23 days after his disappearance. His abduction had led to violent protests, including the vandalism of a local police station. On Thursday afternoon, police found his body stuffed in a sack in a pond in the Sixgaon area of Srinagar Upazila. Earlier that morning, a foul odor near the home of the suspect, Siam, drew a crowd. Upon discovering the corpse, enraged locals vandalized Siam’s house and set it on fire. According to police reports, the body was tied to a concrete pillar and bricks and concealed beneath water hyacinths in an attempt to hide it.

Parbatipur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Fatema Khatun faced strong protests from local activists of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the Citizen Committee over allegations of corruption and irregularities. Following a human chain demonstration at the local Shaheed Minar, protesters marched to the UNO office, chanting slogans of "Fake, Fake," and demanded her removal. Under intense pressure, the UNO eventually left her office. Protesters claimed that despite receiving three transfer orders, she remained in Parbatipur due to "invisible influences." She was given a two-hour ultimatum to leave the upazila, but she insisted that she could not leave without an official release order.

The U.S. Senate website announced on Wednesday that Paul Kapoor, an Indian-American diplomat, has been nominated for the position of Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs. The nomination, made by the Trump administration, is pending Senate approval.

If confirmed, Kapoor will oversee U.S. relations with countries in South and Central Asia. He is widely recognized as an expert on India and Pakistan and has previously served as a faculty member at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. Additionally, he has worked as a visiting professor at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution.

After previously refusing to release Israeli hostages due to allegations that Israel was not honoring the ceasefire agreement, Hamas has now changed its stance. According to a report by The Times of Israel, the Palestinian resistance group has announced plans to release three Israeli hostages on Saturday.

This decision came a day after a Hamas delegation, led by senior official Khalil al-Hayya, arrived in Cairo for negotiations with mediators. Hamas stated that Egyptian and Qatari mediators have assured them of efforts to remove obstacles hindering the flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

The government has issued a gazette renaming 13 public universities that previously carried the names of Sheikh Hasina and her family members. The decision follows her departure from the country amid a mass uprising. The ordinance, signed by the Law Ministry, cites the need to avoid confusion caused by similar university names. The renamed institutions include universities in Netrokona, Kishoreganj, Naogaon, Meherpur, and other districts. The President enacted the changes under constitutional authority, as parliament is currently dissolved.

The Dhaka Bar Association has formally requested the Chief Justice to take legal action against Cyber Tribunal Judge Nure Alam, citing misconduct. The complaint accuses the judge of rude behavior, intimidation, and making unjust remarks during hearings. The Bar Association also claims the judge ignored a proposal to discuss the matter with the Bar Council. When questioned, the judge allegedly responded, “Am I employed by the Dhaka Bar Council?” The Bar Association has urged the Chief Justice to take appropriate action.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure security forces operate impartially and uphold the rule of law in curbing violence. Referring to recent mass arrests, HRW warned against repeating past mistakes. The statement also highlighted the importance of political and economic reforms, stressing that justice and accountability are essential for national reconciliation. The organization also condemned the recent attacks on protesting students in Gazipur and acts of vandalism across the country, emphasizing that peaceful protest is a fundamental right.

During the high-level “AI Action Summit” held in Paris, world leaders discussed the future of artificial intelligence (AI), policy frameworks, and ethical use. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized Europe’s commitment to AI development while ensuring environmental sustainability. While 60 countries, including India, signed the AI governance declaration, both the United States and the United Kingdom refused to sign, raising questions about their stance on AI regulations.

Content creator Nuruzzaman Kafi has filed a case over an arson attack on his home. The case was lodged at Kalapara Police Station on Wednesday at 11:30 PM against unidentified individuals. According to Kafi, the attack was retaliation for his active role in exposing alleged government abuses. The police have launched an investigation. Prior to the incident, attackers locked the outer door of Kafi’s father’s house and set it on fire, but residents managed to escape before the flames spread.

Following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that the two leaders agreed to initiate discussions on a ceasefire in Ukraine. "It's time to end this ridiculous war," Trump posted. BBC reports that both sides have committed to negotiations, though specific terms remain undisclosed.