Gano Adhikar Parishad President and former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur has stated that without justice for those killed during popular uprisings and comprehensive reform of the state system, national elections cannot be legitimate. Speaking at a roadside rally in Cox’s Bazar’s Chakaria on Friday, he reiterated his call for adopting a proportional representation (PR) system in national elections, which he believes would prevent any single party from dominating power.

Nur condemned the current government for its alleged repression, extortion, and political killings, vowing that such actions will not be tolerated in a “New Bangladesh.” He also criticized the BNP, referencing extortion and the killing of a businessman allegedly by Chhatra Dal members. “People no longer want to see such criminal acts,” he said, warning that students and the public will be forced to return to the streets if necessary.

Starting in 2026, the United States will introduce a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee on most non-immigrant visas, significantly raising costs for applicants from Bangladesh and other countries. This fee applies to tourist, student, and work visas, increasing total expenses to nearly $472 for a B-1/B-2 visa. Refunds are possible under strict conditions, such as timely departure or legal status changes. The fee aims to encourage lawful behavior and is part of broader immigration reforms, including a new tax on remittances.

Khelafat Majlis has announced candidates for 19 parliamentary seats in the Sylhet division for the upcoming general elections, contesting under the electoral symbol ‘Wall Clock.’ The list was unveiled by the party’s advisor, Principal Muhammad Masud Khan, at a press conference in Sylhet city on Friday. Earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami had released candidates for the same seats. The Khelafat nominees include branch leaders from home and abroad, religious scholars, and lawyers. The party stated its aim to promote a politics based on morality and ideals.

More than 2,000 senior officials at NASA are resigning amid proposed budget cuts, risking a major loss of expertise crucial for upcoming space missions. The departures, including scientists, engineers, and mission planners, may disrupt plans for sending humans to the Moon and Mars. Layoffs are ongoing across NASA’s centers, with Goddard, Johnson, and Kennedy centers most affected. Experts warn this could weaken U.S. leadership in space exploration, especially as complex missions approach. The workforce may shrink to its smallest since the 1960s.

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has officially begun surrendering weapons in northern Iraq, signaling the end of its nearly 40-year armed struggle against Turkey. A ceremony in Sulaymaniyah marked the symbolic start, with members burning their weapons. Turkish President Erdoğan welcomed the move as a turning point. The process follows a peace appeal by jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. Over 40,000 people died in the conflict, which affected Turkey and neighboring countries including Iraq, Syria, and Iran.

BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy has said that the party’s goal is not merely to return to power but to restore democracy in the country. Speaking at an event organized by JASAS in the capital, he stated that even though BNP is not currently in power, various parties have united against it — a sign, he claimed, that BNP’s return to power is imminent. He called for free and fair elections and challenged rival parties to contest all 300 constituencies. He also urged leaders of the anti-discrimination movement to ensure no new inequalities emerge after achieving victory.

The Dhaka University unit of Chhatra Dal staged a protest march Friday night condemning the brutal murder of businessman Lal Chand, also known as Sohag, in the capital's Mitford area. The demonstration began at TSC and ended with a brief rally where student leaders demanded the swift prosecution of those involved in the killing. They warned that failure to deliver justice promptly would lead to more intense programs in the coming days.
At the same time, the Dhaka University unit of Islami Andolan held a separate protest at Raju Sculpture, denouncing extortion and acts of violence on campus.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman condemned the public stoning death of Mohammad Sohag, a young businessman, near Mitford Hospital. In a Facebook post, he expressed shock and sorrow, criticizing the lack of societal resistance to such crimes. He urged citizens to rise against injustice and criminal activities, warning that silence today may lead to greater tragedies tomorrow. He called on the public to overcome fear and build collective resistance to protect innocent lives from violence and extortion.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed deep concern and outrage over the brutal murder of businessman Mohammad Sohag in front of Mitford Hospital in Dhaka.

In a statement, he strongly condemned the killing, describing it as more than just a tragic loss of life — a stark reflection of the alarming breakdown of law and order and a failure of state security.

"Our party's philosophy, values, and political stance have no connection with violence or barbarism," he said. "Whoever is responsible must not be above the law. No one should be allowed to escape justice, regardless of their identity."

Mirza Fakhrul called for a swift, impartial, and credible investigation into the incident and demanded exemplary punishment for the perpetrators. He also warned that a culture of impunity could plunge society further into darkness.

The Central Chhatra Dal has expelled Apu Das, Secretary of the Chawk Bazar Thana unit, for life following the murder of scrap dealer Sohag in Dhaka’s Mitford area. In a statement issued on Friday, the party cited violations of organizational discipline as the reason for his expulsion from all positions, including his primary membership. The statement also directed party members to sever ties with him and urged law enforcement agencies to take appropriate action.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed deep concern and outrage over the brutal murder of businessman Mohammad Sohag in front of Mitford Hospital. Condemning the incident, he stated that it reflects a serious breakdown in state security and the rule of law. “Terrorism and barbarism have no place in our party’s ideology or politics,” he said, demanding a swift, impartial, and credible investigation. He warned that a culture of impunity would plunge society into darkness.

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has initiated the disarmament process after four decades of armed struggle against Turkey. Starting with a symbolic ceremony in northern Iraq, 20 to 30 PKK fighters destroyed their weapons, signaling an end to long-standing violence. This voluntary move towards democratic politics was welcomed by Turkish President Erdoğan as a positive regional change. The conflict, which began in 1984, has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced many Kurds. PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan emphasized democracy as the only path forward.

A leaked audio, verified by the BBC, reveals Sheikh Hasina ordered lethal force against protesters during last year's uprising. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, claimed the audio was from the 2016 Holey Artisan attack, but references in the clip contradicted him. After intense public criticism and mockery on social media, Joy deleted his post. Journalists and citizens accused him of lying and acknowledged the voice in the audio as Hasina's. The incident has reignited debates over state violence and accountability.

Maruf Kamal Khan, former press secretary to the BNP chairperson, has urged the party’s leadership to take a tougher stance following the brutal murder of businessman Md. Sohag in Old Dhaka. Sohag was killed with a stone near Mitford Hospital on Wednesday evening. Two suspects, including a Jubo Dal leader accused of extortion, have been detained. Expressing outrage on Facebook, Maruf Kamal called the act barbaric and urged both the BNP leadership and authorities to stop such violent incidents immediately.

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist recently freed from a Louisiana immigration detention center, has filed a $20 million lawsuit against the Trump administration. He alleges wrongful imprisonment, biased treatment, and defamation as an anti-Semite due to his role in pro-Palestinian campus protests. After 104 days in detention, a federal judge ruled his deportation unconstitutional. Khalil demands compensation, a formal apology, and policy changes. He plans to share any damages with others affected by the administration’s crackdown on Palestinian activists.