Journalist Elias Hossain has released a 1-hour-28-minute documentary on the gruesome BDR headquarters massacre at Pilkhana. The documentary presents evidence allegedly implicating Sheikh Hasina and several Awami League leaders. Former State Minister for Home Affairs, Sohel Taj, was also accused of involvement, but he denied the claims, stating that he was in London at the time and had no knowledge of the incident. In the documentary, Brigadier General Hasan Nasir challenged the claims against Sohel Taj, demanding concrete evidence and condemning the allegations as misinformation.

Reza Kibria stated that discussions with India are necessary regarding Sheikh Hasina’s return. He emphasized that maintaining a strong bilateral relationship requires India to send Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh. “Her trial is crucial for our country and its people,” he said, accusing her of ordering the killings of thousands of children, hundreds of BDR personnel, and figures like his father. “It is unacceptable that she should evade justice,” he asserted, predicting that the Awami League will eventually cease to exist.

Abrar Faiyaz, a student of BUET and younger brother of the late Abrar Fahad, stated on Facebook that lawyer Shishir Monir has reached out to their family. He mentioned that the High Court’s verdict is expected within 10 to 12 days. He urged people not to engage in debates over guilt or innocence that could influence the trial. Earlier, reports surfaced that Shishir Monir was representing the defense in the high-profile case, sparking controversy. Following the backlash, Shishir Monir has announced he will no longer be handling the case.

At a press conference held at Dhaka University’s Modhur Canteen on Thursday afternoon, the newly formed Bangladesh Democratic Student Parliament announced its leadership structure. A three-member inquiry committee has been formed to investigate whether Wednesday’s events surrounding the organization’s launch were premeditated. Notably, Rifat Rashid is not part of the new central committee. He previously held the position of Senior Joint Secretary but has now resigned. During the press conference, a 205-member convening committee was announced, which includes a significant number of students from universities outside Dhaka University.

The BNP-backed panel faced a devastating defeat in the Kushtia Bar Association elections. Their candidates for both the President and General Secretary positions lost. Awami League-backed candidate Advocate Md. Harunur Rashid won the presidency, while BNP’s rebel candidate Advocate S.M. Shatil Mahmud secured the General Secretary position. Out of 17 positions, Awami League and rebel candidates secured victories in 11 seats.

Speaking at BNP’s extended meeting, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir declared, “We have defeated fascism. We have ousted Sheikh Hasina.” He accused certain groups of conspiring against the democratic transformation envisioned by BNP’s founder, Ziaur Rahman. Fakhrul lamented that despite public hopes for democracy, clear directions remain elusive. He also criticized attempts to rename historical institutions and reiterated BNP’s sacrifices for a liberal democratic Bangladesh.

A new political party for students, named the National Citizens Party, has been officially announced. The party made the declaration on Thursday, along with the appointment of its top six leaders.

Nahid Islam has been named as the Convener, while Akhtar Hossain will serve as the Member Secretary. Nasiruddin Patwari has been appointed as the Chief Coordinator. Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah will lead the northern and southern regions, respectively, as Chief Organizers. Additionally, Shamanta Sharmin has been appointed as the Joint Member Secretary.

This leadership committee is expected to remain in place until the national elections. Reports suggest that key frontline activists from the July movement have secured significant positions in the new party, with women also being given important roles.

Following widespread criticism on social media, Supreme Court lawyer Shishir Monir has stepped down from representing the accused in the Abrar Fahad murder case. In a statement, he clarified that although the High Court hearing has concluded, he will not pursue an appeal on behalf of any of the convicts. He expressed his willingness to meet Abrar’s family, hoping for an amicable resolution.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General, Professor Mia Golam Parwar, has stated that elections should only be held after necessary reforms, rather than on a fixed timeline. “We don’t have the money or muscle to rig votes; those who do are pushing for early elections,” he said. He dismissed claims that Jamaat wants to delay elections and insisted that the party rejects elections like those of 2014, 2018, and 2024. He also hinted at ongoing discussions for unity among Islamic political groups.

BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has called on all citizens to remain vigilant against efforts to disrupt national unity and the upcoming elections. He accused those who once sought to make Bangladesh a puppet state of creating confusion regarding the government and local elections. Remembering BNP’s founder, Ziaur Rahman, and honoring those who sacrificed their lives in past movements, including the July martyrs, he portrayed BNP as a party committed to continuous reform.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has alleged that fascists and their allies are conspiring to reverse the achievements of the mass uprising. She urged for unity to thwart these conspiracies. Emphasizing the need for immediate electoral reforms, she paid tribute to the July martyrs and extended sympathies to the injured. Calling for national unity, she affirmed that despite being in the UK for medical treatment, she remains committed to the people’s cause.

Speakers at a discussion on justice and sovereignty have alleged that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was the mastermind behind the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, executed under Indian directives. They claimed that the strength of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) posed a challenge to India, leading to the elimination of its officers. Citing testimonies and evidence from victims’ families, they accused Indian-trained forces and ruling party affiliates of involvement. The discussion also called for the trial of Hasina, Sheikh Selim, Sheikh Taposh, Mirza Azam, and others. Retired Major Mohsin stated that he was dismissed for questioning Hasina’s silence on the massacre, while activist Tasnuva labeled Hasina as the orchestrator of the attack.

BNP’s extended meeting has commenced with the recitation of the Quran, attended by 4,000 leaders and activists from across the country. The meeting, held at the LD Hall and surrounding grounds of the National Parliament, is being presided over virtually by BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman. The main agenda includes finalizing organizational strategies and election preparations. BNP aims to incorporate grassroots opinions into its action plan, and the meeting is expected to reveal potential election candidates. Party leaders and activists consider this gathering highly significant.

A petrol bomb attack targeted the BNP’s Upazila office in Alfadanga, Faridpur, at 2:00 AM on Tuesday night. Police recovered four unexploded bombs from the scene. According to authorities, unidentified attackers threw petrol bombs from a distance, setting part of the office on fire. Fire service personnel quickly brought the blaze under control and secured the remaining explosives. Local BNP leaders have called for justice, urging law enforcement to apprehend those responsible. Police stated that they are reviewing CCTV footage and will take action accordingly.

As part of its political restructuring, the National Citizen Committee has dissolved all its subcommittees and executive bodies, retaining only four key positions. Spokesperson Shamanta Sharmin announced that the committee's general meeting decided to retain only the Convenor, Member Secretary, Chief Organizer, and Spokesperson roles. The committee was formed on August 5, following the government's downfall. The current leadership includes Convenor Nasiruddin Patwari, Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Chief Organizer Sarjis Alam, and Spokesperson Shamanta Sharmin. Members who do not join the new party will retain their positions, while those who do will lose their membership. The four remaining leaders will oversee the formation of a new forum within the next 15 days.