Former Minister of Shipping Shahjahan Khan, who was arrested on murder charges during the recent mass protests, has said that he feels safe in jail, away from the reach of terrorists. He made the statement on Wednesday after being brought to court at 10:06 AM. When asked by journalists why he was smiling, Shahjahan replied, “I always smile, and I will continue to do so until my last breath.” When questioned about his well-being in prison, he stated, “I am doing well. At least I am safe from terrorists here.”

In an interview with Jugantor, retired Major Mizanur Rahman stated that Adviser Asif Nazrul showed no interest in seeking justice for the Pilkhana massacre. Mizanur Rahman mentioned that after August 5, when he urged Nazrul to initiate an investigation, Nazrul avoided the matter by bringing up the need for justice for students and civilians killed in July-August. He further asserted that if the BNP comes to power, justice for the massacre will be ensured. His remarks have sparked discussions on political priorities in addressing past atrocities.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will take over Greenland by any means necessary, citing national and international security concerns. Speaking before Congress, he emphasized the island’s strategic importance and mineral wealth. Trump assured Greenland’s people of their right to self-determination and welcomed them to join the U.S. However, both Denmark and Greenland have rejected any sale, maintaining Danish sovereignty. A recent survey found that 85% of Greenland’s population opposes integration with the United States.

While distributing iftar items to underprivileged people, BNP leader Aminul Haque stated that the party’s core mission is to serve the public. He criticized the ruling government for neglecting citizens over the past 17 years and focusing solely on retaining power. Haque emphasized that despite facing oppression, BNP has always stood by the people, providing support during pandemics, natural disasters, and crises.

At midnight on Tuesday, students and local protesters raided the residence of Tanvir Imam, son of HT Imam and a former MP, over allegations of hoarding illegal weapons, drugs, and large sums of money. No family members were found in the flat—only house staff and security personnel were present. About 30 minutes later, Gulshan police arrived at the scene, searched all rooms, but found no illegal items.

Chaos erupted in the Serbian Parliament as opposition MPs hurled smoke grenades and tear gas at government lawmakers during a heated session. Amid the turmoil, one MP suffered a stroke. Serbia has been witnessing massive protests for four months, with students leading the movement, later joined by farmers and laborers. The unrest intensified following the collapse of a railway station roof last year, which killed 15 people. The tragedy led to widespread allegations of government corruption, forcing Prime Minister Milos Vukevic to resign. However, the protests continue, putting President Aleksandar Vucic’s decade-long rule under serious threat.

Mawlana Yunus Ahmed, Secretary General of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, dismissed the recent debate on smoking as irrelevant. He stressed that while personal freedom is important, social capital, culture, and traditions must also be respected. Ahmed pointed out that public smoking by women has no historical precedent in Bangladesh and remains legally prohibited. However, he also opposed moral policing in an unregulated manner. He urged for national unity and focus on rebuilding the country instead of engaging in divisive debates.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Congress Party (NCP), has proposed that national elections and Constituent Assembly elections be held simultaneously. He believes this would facilitate the formation of a new governance structure and help build a new Bangladesh. He further stated that the Constituent Assembly election could help transition to a truly democratic constitution. After paying homage at the National Martyrs’ Memorial, Nahid emphasized that a new Bangladesh cannot be built under the existing constitution and governance framework.

The BNP high command has issued show-cause notices to four leaders from BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal for allegedly engaging in inappropriate and aggressive behavior toward Jamaat-e-Islami leaders at the Sujanagar Upazila TNO office in Pabna. Additionally, Shahidul Haque Shahid, General Secretary of Ward 38 BNP under Wari Thana, Dhaka South, has been served a show-cause notice following an altercation with students of Jagannath University in Dholaikhal on Monday night.

In response to Nagorik Party leader Sarjis Alam’s statement, ‘No elections before Sheikh Hasina’s trial,’ BNP leader Mirza Abbas asserted that the public will not accept any excuses for delaying national elections. He pointed out that elections will continue beyond this one and that forming a new party does not guarantee an easy path to power. Abbas stressed that BNP did not achieve its position overnight and that establishing a political party takes time. He also warned against foreign and domestic conspiracies that could harm the country by prolonging the election process.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that his party aims to establish the rule of Islam, not political power. He emphasized that Jamaat is dedicated to the victory of the Quran. Highlighting the importance of a zakat-based social system, he remarked that instead of providing mere essentials like clothes or food, zakat should be distributed in a way that empowers individuals to become self-reliant. He also underscored the significance of fasting in shaping a disciplined society.

The names of seven government primary schools in Lalmohan and Tajumuddin upazilas of Bhola have been changed. This is part of a nationwide renaming initiative affecting 29 schools, many of which were previously named after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s family members and prominent Awami League figures. Acting Upazila Education Officer Indrajit Debnath confirmed that a formal notification has been received, and headteachers have been instructed to update the school signboards accordingly.

Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Naib-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, has claimed that although the country regained its freedom on August 5, 2024, through a mass student movement, that hard-earned freedom is slipping away within just seven months. He stated that despite the sacrifices of thousands during the 1971 liberation war, Bangladesh never achieved true independence. He emphasized the urgent need for reforms in the country’s political and electoral systems, which have been plagued by corruption over the past 54 years.

A court has acquitted BNP leaders Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain and Zainul Abedin, along with 228 other party activists, in a case related to sabotage. The charges stemmed from an incident on February 8, 2018, when BNP activists allegedly vandalized vehicles and attacked a traffic police box while escorting Khaleda Zia to a special court hearing in Chawkbazar. The case alleged that approximately 1,500 BNP supporters engaged in violence, injuring several police officers. However, the court ruled in favor of acquittal due to a lack of substantial evidence.

The international peace award named after Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been canceled. This decision follows various controversies surrounding the award and criticism regarding its selection process. Further details regarding the cancellation have yet to be disclosed.