The Dhaka University Students’ Rights Council has announced that Rashed Khan, the General Secretary candidate in the 2019 DUCSU elections, will attend today’s meeting of the inquiry committee formed to investigate alleged vote rigging. The session is scheduled for 12:30 PM.

Earlier, Rashed Khan submitted a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor demanding punishment for teachers accused of siding with authoritarian practices, and cancellation of DUCSU posts held by banned Chhatra League leaders. He alleged that widespread irregularities and fraud in the 2019 election—facilitated by then VC Akhtaruzzaman—led to Golam Rabbani being declared General Secretary.

Md. Nazmul Islam, Joint Convener of the Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangshad (Bagchas) Jahangirnagar University unit, has resigned through a Facebook post.

Following his announcement, Nazmul was seen distributing sweets at the university’s Bottola area.

In his post, he wrote:
“I, Md. Nazmul Islam, Joint Convener of Bagchas Jahangirnagar University branch, am resigning from my position.”

He added that he would explain the reasons behind his resignation at a press conference on Thursday.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Helal Uddin has warned that holding national elections without improving law and order and ensuring reforms will prevent a fair voting environment. He stressed that the global community will not accept a “mockery” of elections that lack credibility, inclusiveness, and neutrality.

Helal insisted that equal opportunities, security, and a level playing field for all political parties and candidates must be guaranteed before the polls. Without such measures, he warned, both candidates and voters may face insecurity.

“If the interim government fails to present the nation with a credible, free, and impartial election, it will have to answer to the people,” Helal declared.

He also highlighted that 71% of citizens prefer the Proportional Representation (PR) system but alleged that invisible pressures are preventing the government from adopting it. He urged immediate announcement of elections under the PR system.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has warned of multiple conspiracies surrounding the upcoming elections, stressing that stronger unity is key to overcoming them.
Visiting families of students and teachers injured in the Milestone tragedy, Annie delivered financial aid on behalf of Tarique Rahman.
He criticized the government’s limited role in helping victims, questioning why an investigation committee has yet to produce results after a month.
“On Sheikh Hasina’s orders, Uttara was turned into a death zone during the uprising. BNP is not just about rallies—we are committed to rebuilding the nation and will continue to fight for the people,” Annie said.

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuz Alam has announced that the ministry will extend full cooperation in improving the quality of films produced with government grants.
Speaking at a cheque handover ceremony, he said the ministry will also arrange workshops on film development. “This year’s grant selections were made with maximum transparency, and the stories represent diverse themes,” he added.
He emphasized that all state-funded films will be archived in the Bangladesh Film Archive and screened under its management.
Mahfuz expressed regret that many filmmakers failed to complete projects within deadlines and urged timely delivery.
At the event, the government disbursed Tk 1.8 crore in first installments for 12 full-length films (Tk 15 lakh each) and Tk 1.2 crore for 20 short films (Tk 6 lakh each).

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has warned that the party’s struggle is far from over, as democracy is yet to be fully restored.
Speaking on Thursday, he said, “To regain democracy, we may have to cross more dangerous paths ahead. Our leaders, activists, and nationalist forces are prepared.”
He alleged ongoing conspiracies and “master plans” to obstruct free and fair elections.
Rizvi credited Tarique Rahman for organizing the ongoing student-people movement and recalled Ziaur Rahman’s role in restoring multiparty democracy after the “dark age of Baksal.” He blamed international conspiracies for Zia’s assassination in 1981, calling it a blow to Bangladesh’s security and freedom.

BNP leader Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has claimed that nearly 450 BNP activists have been martyred in the party’s movement.
Speaking on Wednesday, he said, “Under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the fall of fascism came at the cost of countless sacrifices.”
Tuku accused Sheikh Hasina of destroying electoral democracy, stealing people’s rights through midnight voting, and establishing a “robber government” that has now collapsed.
“They abducted and killed our leaders, tortured our chairperson in jail for six years. We are not in politics for power but to restore people’s rights,” he added.

BNP leader Khairul Kabir Khokon has criticized the idea of imposing the PR system on the Bangladeshi public, calling it unnecessary and ineffective.

Khokon asserted that no external force can stop the elections announced for February. He warned that those attempting to manipulate the election for personal gain would not succeed, emphasizing that the public is eager to vote for BNP. Reflecting on Bangladesh’s democratic journey, he paid tribute to the sacrifices of countless martyrs, praying for their eternal peace and expressing deep respect.

U.S. President Donald Trump has described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “war hero,” despite the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes in Gaza. In a radio interview, Trump dismissed attempts to hold Netanyahu accountable, claimed credit for past hostage releases, and boasted about ordering airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He also accused Democrats, particularly Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, of siding with Palestinians. Gaza authorities report over 62,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdul Halim has said that the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system is being deliberately misinterpreted. He argued that the system enhances the value of every voter and eliminates the practice of nomination trade.
Highlighting that around 90 countries currently use PR elections, he reiterated Jamaat’s demand for its adoption in Bangladesh.
Halim also urged for unity ahead of the next national polls, saying, “We must ensure the victory of the patriotic alliance.” He further clarified that if Jamaat comes to power, no one would be forced to wear the burqa, but social decency and women’s workplace rights would be safeguarded. Additionally, he demanded legal recognition of the July Charter.

Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Special Assistant to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Chief Coordinator of the Labour Party, has been admitted to a private hospital in Dhaka after falling ill.
His son, Nipun Biswas, said on Wednesday that his father began to feel unwell on Monday while traveling from Pabna to Dhaka. He was immediately admitted under the care of Dr. Abdul Malek with respiratory complications caused by lung issues, leading to breathing difficulties and sleep problems.
Doctors have started treatment following urgent tests, and his condition is now stable. Additional tests, including chikungunya screening, have been prescribed.
Nipun added that physicians have strictly restricted visitors except family members. “We request everyone to keep him in their prayers,” he said. Meanwhile, Labour Party’s publicity secretary Manjurul Islam announced that prayer gatherings are being organized nationwide for Shimul Biswas’s recovery.

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has sharply declined 212 days into his second term, with a net rating of minus 15 percent. Only 40% of Americans are satisfied, while 55% are dissatisfied. Confidence in his foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine, is falling. Economic expectations and immigration support have also weakened. Regional disparities show lowest approval in Democrat-leaning states. White and male voters remain most supportive, while younger, minority, and highly educated groups oppose him, including some traditional Republican seniors.

Ali Imam Majumdar, Food Adviser to the interim government, stated that rice prices are stable due to imports and the Food-Friendly Program. The government has halted rice purchases, increased warehouse releases, and allowed private imports to boost supply. Currently, 5.5 million families receive subsidized rice, and legal action will be taken against illegal hoarding. Record rice collection has been achieved this Boro season, and further imports are underway to ensure prices remain manageable and within the public’s purchasing power.

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, doubling the previous 25% rate, aiming to pressure Russia to end the Ukraine conflict. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is creating international pressure, including sanctions, to expedite peace. He recently met Ukrainian President Zelensky and hinted at a possible tripartite dialogue with Putin. European leaders have shown support, while the U.S. continues efforts to facilitate direct Russia-Ukraine talks for a long-term resolution.

A group of young Israeli settlers has attempted to establish a new settlement in Syria’s Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, specifically in Quneitra province. This area falls under the 1974 disengagement agreement. Videos shared on social media show the settlers crossing the security barrier and pouring concrete in the village of Bir Ajam. The planned settlement was named “Neve Habashan.” Reports also note that since the Assad regime weakened, Israel has increased military posts and patrols in Quneitra and has carried out attacks across various Syrian provinces.