Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser, has been invited to the launch event of the new political party, the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), which is being formed by young leaders of the recent mass uprising. On Thursday afternoon, a delegation led by coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud delivered the invitation letter to the Chief Adviser’s office. In a Facebook post, Masud wrote, “I handed over the invitation for the post-2024 new political party’s launch event and took his blessings.” Reports indicate that Nahid Islam has been appointed as the party’s convenor, while Akhtar Hossain will serve as the member secretary.

On Thursday morning, immigration police at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport arrested an Awami League leader from Habiganj while he was attempting to flee to Saudi Arabia. The arrested individual, Md. Amzad Ali (70), is the Senior Vice President of the Sadar Upazila Awami League. According to the police, an investigation revealed that Ali was involved in an attack on students and protesters during an anti-discrimination movement in Habiganj on August 2 last year.

At a conference for upazila and thana-level leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Rangpur-Dinajpur region, held at Model College Auditorium in Rangpur on Thursday, Jamaat’s central Assistant Secretary General, Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, accused the Awami League of inflating voter rolls with two crore fake voters over the past 16 years. He stressed the need to cancel these fraudulent voter lists and conduct local government elections as soon as possible based on a transparent and accurate voter registration process.

At a regional Jamaat-e-Islami conference in Rangpur-Dinajpur, Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, Jamaat’s central assistant secretary-general, demanded local government elections before national polls. He alleged that the Awami League manipulated voter lists over 16 years, adding two crore fake voters, and insisted on a transparent electoral roll before holding local government elections.

Under the ongoing ‘Operation Devil Hunt,’ law enforcement arrested 42 Awami League and Chhatra League activists in Chattogram within 24 hours. ADC (Public Relations) Mahmudah Begum confirmed that the arrests were made on charges of inciting unrest, attacking student protesters, and violating laws under special powers, anti-terrorism, and penal codes. The accused have been sent to jail.

Rajshahi University administration has announced the roadmap for the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RAKSU) election, with voting expected in the third or fourth week of June.
• Until March 28: Teachers and students can submit recommendations on the draft RAKSU regulations.
• April 13: Finalization of election code of conduct.
• April 28: Publication of the draft voter list, with objections accepted until April 30.
• May 13: Final voter list published.
• May 15-19: Nomination papers will be distributed and submitted.
• May 20: Scrutiny and verification of nominations.
• May 22: Preliminary candidate list announced.
• May 25: Deadline for withdrawal.
• May 27: Final candidate list published.

Journalist Elias Hossain has released an investigative video linking Sohel Taj to the Pilkhana massacre. Sohel Taj has denied the allegations, claiming that he was in London at the time.

In response, Elias Hossain stated, “Even if you departed from Dhaka, there is no record of your arrival in any foreign country. Show your passport stamps proving your arrival in London, and then we will accept that you were abroad during the incident.”

Reacting to this, Sohel Taj said, “I have already stated that I am willing to cooperate with the investigation commission. However, it is not appropriate to disclose such information publicly.” He further suggested that Elias might be misled by false information.

A case has been filed against over 100 Awami League and banned Chhatra League activists in Gopalganj for allegedly cutting down trees and blocking the Dhaka-Khulna Highway to obstruct traffic. The police have named 50 individuals in the case, while 55 others remain unidentified. The accused include Lebu Molya, President of Dhaka Metropolitan (North) Muktijoddha Projonmo League; Azad Hossain Mridha, President of the local Chhatra League; General Secretary Masum Sheikh; Maheshpur UP Chairman Lutfar Rahman Luthu; and former Kashiani Sadar UP Chairman Md. Moshiur Rahman Khan.

BNP Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu issued an apology via BNP’s media cell on Wednesday for his comment suggesting that people should perform Wudu before mentioning Tarique Rahman’s name. He admitted that the remark was made “unintentionally.” Previously, Bulu had criticized those questioning Tarique Rahman’s leadership, arguing that the son of former President Ziaur Rahman is a worthy leader. However, his ablution comment sparked backlash among BNP supporters, prompting his apology.

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.