Leaders of a Shibir-backed student coalition contesting the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections paid tribute to martyrs of Bangladesh’s Liberation War at Rayerbazar on Thursday.

The leaders said their panel’s journey officially begins with prayers at the mass grave site, pledging to uphold the aspirations of the martyrs of 1971 and 2024. Newly elected VP Sadiq Kayem vowed to incorporate students’ opinions in fulfilling manifesto pledges, while GS S.M. Farhad said their work would honor the sacrifices of the martyrs.

Farhad also accused Indian media of spreading “false propaganda” on the hijab issue for political agendas.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed deep shock and condemnation over the shooting death of U.S. conservative political figure Charlie Kirk.

In a statement, Rahman described the killing as “barbaric,” adding that “a democratic society should never tolerate violence against individuals for their political beliefs or activism.” He stressed that religion, ideology, or differing viewpoints cannot justify such a heinous act.

He offered condolences and prayers for Kirk’s family and loved ones. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden also expressed grief over the killing.

On Thursday morning, the Consensus Commission initiated discussions with all major political parties regarding the implementation of the July Charter.
Representatives from BNP, Jamaat, NCP, and several other parties attended. The dialogue is expected to cover issues such as ensuring free and fair elections and protecting democratic values.
The final version of the July Charter had not specified methods for its implementation, prompting the commission to hold consultations with 30 parties and alliances.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP government of economically depriving Bengal and humiliating Bengali-speaking migrant workers in other states by branding them “Bangladeshis.”
Speaking at a public rally, Banerjee said, “No one will be criminalized for their language. If speaking Bengali makes one a Bangladeshi, we will never accept that.” She added that even Adivasi women are facing NRC-related harassment.
She claimed the Centre has withheld funds for 100-day employment schemes, education, road repairs, and flood control. “We don’t need Delhi’s mercy,” she said. “Bengal will rise on its own.” Taking a dig at Prime Minister Modi, she added, “Those who divide by caste can never be true leaders. Bengal will never become Gujarat. As long as I live, I will say Joy Bangla.”

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal has accused Jahangirnagar University (JU) Shibir president Mohibur Rahman of violating electoral rules ahead of the long-awaited Jatiya Sangsad (JUCSU) elections.
According to the complaint, Mohibur entered Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall at dawn under the pretext of visiting the guestroom and then stayed inside a room for over an hour. The matter was reported to the returning officer. Chhatra Dal alleged the university administration might be giving “unfair advantages” to one side. The JUCSU and hall union polls are being held today for the first time in 33 years.

Sixteen years after the tragic Pilkhana massacre, the BDR Welfare Council claims the true masterminds remain unpunished while hundreds of innocent border guards continue to languish in prison.

Council president Md. Faizul Alam said:
“The blame was solely put on BDR members, yet various reports have revealed the involvement of others. We demand a fair investigation and capital punishment for the actual perpetrators.”

He noted that 18 special courts had dismissed 18,519 BDR members, with 350 still imprisoned. “Some have been granted bail, but many are denied under invisible pressure. If justice is not ensured, we will resume protests,” he warned.

Faizul further alleged that senior officials had suspiciously held a meeting at Pilkhana on February 22, just before the massacre:
“This clearly shows complicity. Innocent members whose careers and lives were destroyed must be reinstated with full benefits, and the guiltless must be granted bail immediately.”

A closed-door diplomatic gathering took place in Dhaka as BNP standing committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan hosted a dinner at his residence in Gulshan on Wednesday night.

According to the BNP media cell, the event was attended by the ambassadors of France, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Japan, along with the High Commissioners of Australia and Bhutan. Representatives from UNDP and the World Bank were also present.

The dinner is being widely viewed as part of BNP’s ongoing outreach to the international community amid Bangladesh’s shifting political landscape.

GOP leader Rashed Khan extended congratulations to the winners of the recent Daksu election while calling for a renewed commitment to democratic principles.

Speaking to reporters, Rashed said:
“We urge the newly elected leaders to uphold democracy and remain true to the values of the Liberation War. The notorious ‘guest room culture’ must never return to the Dhaka University campus.”

He criticized the ruling party’s influence on academic politics:
“During the Awami League era, teachers’ politics took a dangerous turn. Many became involved in corruption and patronized student organizations. We must restore integrity to teachers’ politics and ensure transparency in the recruitment of vice-chancellors and faculty members.”

Rashed also emphasized that losing candidates were not truly defeated:
“They played an important role in the mass movement. If they continue to stand by students and engage with them, they will do well in the future. It is the responsibility of all to build a beautiful campus together.”

NCP leader Sarjis Alam hailed Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor for successfully overseeing a transparent Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) election.

In a social media post, he wrote:
“Honorable Vice-Chancellor, congratulations. Standing tall against all obstacles, you have gifted Bangladesh a transparent Daksu election. For this, the nation will remain grateful to you and your team. Please do not be disheartened by the behavior of a handful of misguided individuals.”

He further added, “You are held in deep respect by all of us. At a time when post-uprising Bangladesh was in instability, you admirably fulfilled sensitive responsibilities at Dhaka University. Your leadership deserves recognition. I wish you good health and long life.”

Tensions flared in Anwara as activists of the opposition-aligned Chhatra Dal allegedly carried out a violent attack on local Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders.
According to reports, the incident took place on Wednesday afternoon, targeting Ali Hossain, president of Anwara Upazila Chhatra Shibir, and Md. Mishkatul Islam, president of Anwara Government College Chhatra Shibir.

Following the attack, Mishkatul Islam filed a formal complaint with police. The accused were named as Tarek Zia (25), organizational secretary of Anwara College Chhatra Dal, along with Mohammad Shawon (22), Mohammad Mahin (23), Md. Sifat (22), and Md. Javed (22).

Mishkat claimed the assailants first inquired about their identities, then ordered them to meet the college unit president of Chhatra Dal, Borhan Uddin. “When we refused and mentioned making phone contact, they suddenly attacked us with locally made weapons. They even threatened to kill us and hide our bodies if we went to college again,” Mishkat told reporters.

However, Borhan Uddin dismissed the allegations, saying, “We were busy with admission activities inside the college. No such incident occurred on campus.”
Dr. Mahtab, a physician, confirmed that two injured victims were treated at the hospital following the incident.

Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan’s chief, Hafiz Naeemur Rahman, on Wednesday congratulated Bangladesh’s Islami Chhatra Shibir for what he called a “historic victory” in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election. However, the congratulatory post disappeared from his page shortly afterward.
In the post, Hafiz Naeem claimed that Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba (Shibir) won the DUCSU polls by a wide margin, with its entire panel securing victory — something he described as “unprecedented in Bangladesh’s history.” He further alleged that rival panels had the backing of “India-friendly forces,” yet students chose Shibir.

BNP leader Shama Obaid Islam Rinku has declared that the people of Bangladesh, under the leadership of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, have been fighting for democracy and voting rights for the past 17 years — and that this struggle will continue until those rights are fully restored.

Speaking at a discussion in Faridpur, Rinku said, “BNP is the only party in Bangladesh where democracy remains safe. Our movement will not stop until democracy and the people’s right to vote are firmly established.”

She sharply criticized former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, claiming that she fled the country in the face of student and public protests, leaving behind her party leaders and activists as well as MPs who were elected without votes.

Rinku further added that in her constituency of Faridpur-2, her late father KM Obaidur Rahman never abandoned the people, regardless of political affiliation or religion. “As his daughter, it is my responsibility to care for everyone, no matter what faith or party they belong to,” she said.

BNP leader Nipun Roy has hailed Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas as a symbol of courage and resistance, rejecting claims that he is a covert agitator.

In a social media post, she wrote: “Sahas is not a revolutionary hiding behind a lungi. His name reflects his fearless spirit. He stood on the streets against injustice during Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule, enduring countless cases, assaults, imprisonments, and brutal remand torture.”

Nipun emphasized that Sahas was not an opportunistic leader but a nationalist who spent 16 years fighting fascism on the streets.

“Dhaka University will remember his defiant role for generations,” she concluded.

Notably, Sahas recently faced backlash for a heated exchange with the Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor, where he was seen slamming the table and raising his voice.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain confirmed that all Bangladeshis in Nepal—including members of the national football team—are safe amid the country’s ongoing unrest.

He stated that the players and other stranded nationals will be able to return home once flights between Dhaka and Kathmandu resume. “Returning via India is not an option since none of them hold Indian visas. For now, they must wait,” he explained.

Touhid also reassured that protestors had peacefully left after mistakenly entering the hotel where Bangladeshi footballers were staying. The Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu is in constant contact with those affected.

In a broader statement, he added:
“If the UN decides to deploy peacekeepers to a buffer zone along the Russia–Ukraine border, Bangladesh will respond positively. With our long peacekeeping experience, we are ready to contribute.”

Newly elected student leader Abidul Islam vowed to honor every commitment made in his election manifesto, pledging to fight for students’ rights through the university administration.

In a statement, Abid reflected on his unexpected journey in student politics, recalling how years of activism and street movements had shaped his path. He acknowledged facing negative media coverage and electoral challenges but expressed confidence that the administration would investigate irregularities fairly.

He thanked students for their support during his short 20-day campaign and promised that his political journey was only just beginning.

“Dhaka University’s student politics will see a new beginning through us,” Abid declared. “We will bring positive change to Bangladesh’s student politics, and its reflection will be seen in the next DUCSU election. Abid will never abandon you.”