The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing) has scheduled an emergency press conference on Friday, March 7, to address contemporary issues. According to a late-night press release by Chhatra Dal’s Office Secretary Md. Jahangir Alam, the conference will take place at 3:00 PM at the third-floor conference room of BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan. The student wing is expected to discuss pressing political and organizational matters.

The Jessore district BNP has suspended all positions held by Sharsha Upazila BNP Vice President Ruhul Kuddus following allegations of misappropriating rice from the government’s food-friendly program. In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Kuddus tearfully denied the accusations, claiming he had no involvement in the incident. He alleged that internal conflicts within the party led to a conspiracy against him, resulting in disciplinary action without any investigation. The allegations surfaced after reports that 155 sacks of rice were looted while being transported.

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal has formed a two-member investigation committee to probe the recent clash between students and NCP’s chief organizer, Sarjis Alam, near North South University. In a statement, the student wing announced that Senior Vice President Abu Afsan Mohammad Yahya and Vice President Zahir Rayhan Ahmed would lead the investigation. The committee has been instructed to submit a written report to the central leadership within 48 hours. The incident, which occurred on the 5th of this month, has drawn significant attention and concern among students and activists.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has accused a certain group of inciting chaos across the country under the guise of mob justice. Speaking on Thursday afternoon, Haque claimed that these individuals are taking the law into their own hands, engaging in unethical activities under the cover of night. “This disorder is unacceptable. It is eroding public trust in the legal system, and the government must take responsibility,” he asserted. Haque also criticized the economic situation, stating that even buying a lemon has become a struggle due to rising prices, which he blamed on an “Awami League syndicate.” He called for an immediate election to restore stability in the country.

Since its establishment in 1957, the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) has played a crucial role in cinema development. However, in recent years, progress has stalled, with critics alleging that the institution has been more focused on politics and commercial ventures than on cinema’s growth. Industry insiders accuse successive administrations under the ruling Awami League of failing to take meaningful steps to advance the industry. In 2018, the government launched a high-rise complex project on 94 katha (1.55 acres) of BFDC land, instead of prioritizing the improvement of theaters, which producers argue should have been the primary focus. The recent appointment of Masuma Rahman Tani as the new managing director has sparked controversy, with critics accusing her of being aligned with authoritarian interests.

Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) has dismissed four faculty and staff members for their opposition to the July student uprising. The RUET syndicate made this decision based on evidence that these individuals took a stance against the student movement, were involved in suppressing protests, and remained absent from their duties.

Those dismissed include Siddhartha Shankar Saha, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and a leader of the Rajshahi city unit of the Swechasebak League; Naeem Rahman Nibir, an assistant engineer in the engineering division and a former president of the RUET Chhatra League; and Md. Mahidul Islam, a data processor in the Department of Physics and former president of the RUET Employees’ Association. Additionally, Harun-or-Rashid, an assistant engineer in the Planning and Development Department and a former convenor of the RUET Chhatra League, has also been relieved of his duties.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has claimed that some advisors in the interim government harbor hostility toward the BNP. He stated, “Dr. Muhammad Yunus, an internationally respected figure, is now the head of the government. The people of this country expect a positive approach from him. However, I believe there are some anti-BNP advisors within the interim government. Whenever BNP recommends someone for a position, they seem to feel embarrassed and envious.”

Rizvi also criticized those who, according to him, have forgotten the sacrifices of BNP leaders in the fight against fascism and the struggles of Begum Khaleda Zia. He further remarked that if the rule of law were upheld in the country, mob culture would not have flourished. He added that necessary reforms should be carried out by an elected government.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed his desire to collaborate more closely with international development partners after attending an iftar event with foreign diplomats in Dhaka. He stated, “The path ahead is clear – a swift return to democracy through a free and fair election.” The gathering was attended by British High Commissioner Sarah Cook, former U.S. Deputy Head of Mission John Danilovich, Pakistani High Commissioner Syed Ahmed Maroof, Turkish Ambassador Ramis Sen, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma, UN Resident Coordinator Gwen Lewis, and EU Ambassador Michael Miller.

The Central Committee of the Bangladesh Democratic Student Council has suspended Kazi Mazharul Islam’s membership for spreading false information and inciting mob unrest. In an urgent notice on Thursday, the council directed him to provide a valid explanation within one working day as to why he should not be permanently expelled. Recently, Mazharul had posted in support of an accused individual involved in the harassment of a Dhaka University student.

Participating in the ‘People’s Iftar’ event on Thursday, Nahid Islam expressed concerns over rising social unrest and law enforcement challenges. “We must let the police do their job. No one should take the law into their own hands,” he said. Nahid emphasized unity, stating, “We stood together on the streets, and we will shape the future together. Through collective struggle, we will build a better Bangladesh.” He also urged the government to ensure stable commodity prices, a hassle-free Eid shopping experience, safe travels, and secure roads during the festive season.

Nahid Islam, convenor of the National Consensus Party (NCP), told Reuters in an interview that holding elections this year is not possible due to inadequate security measures. He stated, “Over the past seven months, we had hoped for political, legal, and governance reforms, but expectations have not been met.” While the Chief Adviser has suggested elections could take place by year-end, Nahid stressed that before any election, a unanimous agreement among all political parties based on the July Declaration is essential.

After showing signs of recovery, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was discharged from Gulshan’s United Hospital on Thursday afternoon and returned home. Later in the evening, he is set to attend an Iftar reception at The Westin Dhaka, organized by the party in honor of foreign diplomats. Fakhrul was admitted to the hospital on March 1 after suddenly feeling unwell. He was under the care of cardiology consultant Professor N.A.M. Momenuzzaman during his stay.

At least 20 leaders and activists from Nurul Haque’s party have joined the NCP. Nurul Haque claims these leaders were enticed with various promises, including offers of 100 million taka and parliamentary positions. However, NCP’s senior joint convenor, Samanta Sharmin, has dismissed these allegations as entirely false. Additionally, Nur accused NCP of influencing student advisors to resign, raising concerns about its political tactics. Meanwhile, NCP leader Abdul Hannan Masud stated that Nur himself is considering dissolving his party to join a new political platform.

During the July uprising, a group of pro-Awami League artists formed a WhatsApp group called ‘Alo Asbei’ to express their support for Sheikh Hasina. After screenshots from the group were leaked on August 5, many assumed the group had been shut down. However, actress Sohana Saba recently revealed that auto-invites from the group are still being sent out. She has called for public assistance to stop this. The group’s administrators included former MP-actor Ferdous, Riaz, Saju Khadem, and Shamima Tusti, while other members included Zayed Khan, Simon Sadiq, Sujata, Aruna Biswas, Nipun, Shomi Kaiser, Azizul Hakim, Rokeya Prachi, Sweety, Hridi Haque, Ashna Habib Bhabna, Jyotika Jyoti, Sohana Saba, Chandan Reza, Shuvro Dev, Mushfiqur Rahman Gulzar, S.A. Haque Olik, and Khorshed Alam Khasru, among others.

Lutfuzzaman Babar has been granted bail in a bribery case involving Tk 2.1 billion, allegedly taken to exonerate Safiat Sobhan Sanvir, a director of Bashundhara Group, in the Sabbir murder case.

The court has set March 18 for arguments against eight accused, including BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Lutfuzzaman Babar. Other accused in the case include Tarique Rahman’s former APS Mia Nur Uddin Apu, Kazi Salimul Haque Kamal, Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, Safiat Sobhan, Sadat Sobhan, and Abu Sufian.