The National Citizen Party (NCP) has named Akhtar Hossain as its candidate for the Rangpur-4 (Pirgacha-Kaunia) constituency. The announcement was made by party convener Nahid Islam during a late-night street rally at Kaunia Bus Stand as part of the "Desh Gorbo July Padayatra" campaign.

Highlighting Hossain’s deep connection to the area, Chief Coordinator Hasnat Abdullah introduced him as a “son of the soil” and expressed hope that under his leadership, Pirgacha and Kaunia would experience inclusive development and progress.

A fire broke out early Wednesday morning at a chemical warehouse in Mamun Plaza, Tikatuli, Dhaka. The blaze started around 5:00 AM and was brought under control by 7:00 AM after a two-hour effort by seven units of the Fire Service. Authorities were alerted promptly, and no casualties have been reported so far. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and officials stated that more information will be shared following a detailed investigation.

At least 40–45 people were reportedly injured in a police crackdown on activists from the National Citizens Party (NCP) and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement inside the premises of Patiya Police Station in Chattogram. The incident occurred Tuesday night when protesters tried to hand over a student leader from Rangamati affiliated with the ruling student league. Police allegedly refused to arrest him, triggering tension and a clash. NCP leaders claim the police, led by Officer-in-Charge Abu Zayed, used batons on demonstrators. Among the injured were Ridwan Siddiqui and Saidur Rahman. OC Zayed stated that the protesters became violent inside the station, leading to escalation. The NCP has announced a sit-in protest in front of the station on Wednesday.

Japanese companies have expressed interest in hiring skilled workers from Bangladesh, according to Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Japan, Md. Daud Ali. Speaking at a meeting with the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ambassador Ali emphasized the potential for cooperation in trade, investment, and human resource development. The chamber’s president, Koji Mochida, along with other representatives, welcomed the prospects of stronger bilateral ties and indicated their eagerness to employ Bangladeshi talent.

The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has announced a reduction in broadband internet package prices. The Tk 700 package will now be available for Tk 500, effective from July 1. ISPAB stated that, as the average speed provided is now 10 Mbps, the previous 5 Mbps package has been discontinued. ISPAB President Aminul Hakim mentioned that if the government withdraws the SOF (Shared Office Facility fees) and revenue-sharing requirements, service providers will be able to offer speeds up to 20 Mbps in the future. He also expressed concerns over consumers’ reluctance to pay VAT.

The government has ordered the release of 56 inmates serving life sentences, who have been in prison for more than 20 years, including remission periods. Assistant Inspector General of Prisons Jannatul Farhad said on Tuesday that under Rule 569 of the Jail Code and Section 401(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the remaining sentences of these prisoners have been pardoned. This measure, commonly referred to as the “Twenty Years Rule,” allows for their early release after completing two decades behind bars.

Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Adviser to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, has remarked that the promises made during the July uprising and subsequent movement have not been fulfilled. Speaking at a discussion and prayer event at the Dhakeshwari Temple, he noted that widespread inequality still persists in the country. However, he added that the government continues its efforts to build a society free of discrimination. “Every citizen is equal in the eyes of the state, as minorities, too, have sacrificed their lives,” he said, calling on all to remain united against injustice.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that without mutual cooperation, neither the state nor society can sustain itself — warning that such a void could lead to the rise of fascism.

Speaking at an event commemorating the sacrifices of youth during the July Movement, Rizvi emphasized that democracy thrives on dialogue, dissent, and the freedom to express differing opinions. He stated that it is only through mutual cooperation that democratic values within both the state and society can be preserved and strengthened.

Reflecting on the spirit of the July Movement, Rizvi said the united call of the youth continues to inspire today’s democratic struggles. He also made an emotional appeal by referencing the phrase “Pani lagbe pani” (We need water), suggesting that even in such simple words lies a powerful epic.

Rizvi added, “We must build a platform for national unity so that no more bright young lives — like Mugdha, Abu Saeed, or Wasim Akram — are lost. It’s time to come together before more dreams are shattered.”

BNP leader Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad has alleged a coordinated campaign of propaganda and conspiracy against the BNP. Speaking during a visit to Muradnagar to console the family of a rape victim, he emphasized the need for unity and vigilance, particularly in ensuring the safety of minority communities.

"Minorities are a trust in our care," Kaykobad stated, urging BNP activists and the public to stand together to protect them. He also called for strict punishment of the perpetrators involved in the Muradnagar incident but claimed no BNP member was involved.

Kaykobad criticized attempts to link the BNP to the crime, calling them politically motivated and destined to fail. Reaffirming the party’s legacy, he said, “BNP is the party of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman. It cannot be destroyed.”

He also questioned the legitimacy of the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system being discussed, claiming that those who support it lack public support, and thus their opinions hold no value.

Police have submitted a chargesheet naming Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari — former organizer of ISKCON and spokesperson of the Sanatani Jagaran Jote — as the prime accused in the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram. A total of 38 individuals have been charged, while police have requested the release of four others from the case.

The incident traces back to November 25 last year, when Chinmoy was arrested in a sedition case. The following day, during his court appearance, his followers violently clashed with law enforcement in the court premises. The unrest escalated, spreading from Laldighi to Kotwali. During this chaos, Alif was brutally hacked to death near the Bundel Sevak Colony.

On November 29, the victim’s father filed a case naming 31 individuals — all reportedly followers of Chinmoy. The police investigation has since expanded, leading to the current chargesheet implicating 38 people.

Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, a leader of the Islamic movement, stated that the majority of political parties in the country have reached consensus on adopting the Proportional Representation (PR) system for elections. He said this system would ensure political stability as well as inclusive representation.

Karim explained that the PR system increases parliamentary participation of smaller parties, prevents dominance by a single party, and fosters an environment of mutual dialogue and collective decision-making. He emphasized that this approach helps decentralize power, counters autocracy, and enhances diversity and accountability.

Addressing divisions within the Muslim world and crises in Muslim societies, he urged for unity among Islamic scholars (Ulama), warning that disunity allows oppressive forces to rise. Karim stressed that differences should never become a cause for division.

In Lalmati Upazila of Comilla, allegations of irregularities have surfaced regarding the appointment of Open Market Sale (OMS) dealers for food products. In protest, leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement forcibly broke the old lock on the Upazila Food Controller’s office and installed a new one.

The controversy arose following the announcement of dealer appointments after application screening. While some candidates were excluded, the protesting students claimed the process lacked transparency. The Upazila Food Controller clarified that there were valid reasons for excluding certain applicants but acknowledged the students had locked the office without full knowledge of the matter.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Himadri Khisa assured that the recruitment process had been conducted transparently. He confirmed that the food department and the Upazila administration have launched an investigation and promised strict action if any wrongdoing is found.

In Tangail’s Kalihati area, Mridul Hasan, president of the college branch of the student wing, was arrested for attempting to supply cheating materials during the HSC examination at Shajahan Siraj College.

The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon during the English first paper exam when Mridul was caught trying to deliver unauthorized assistance. Executive Magistrate and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mohammad Sifat bin Sadek apprehended him on the spot and handed him over to the police.

College Principal Md. Mojibur Rahman confirmed the arrest and stated that instructions have been issued to take appropriate action. Further steps will be decided after consultation with senior faculty members.

Fatema Tuz Johra, mother of martyr Abdullah Bin Zahid who died during the popular uprising, accused the interim government and its advisers of completely neglecting them despite Abdullah’s ultimate sacrifice for power. She revealed that within 14 days of Abdullah’s death, her younger son was diagnosed with cancer and later her husband suffered a fatal brain stroke. During these difficult times, only the BNP family stood by them and provided medical assistance for her younger son. She further claimed that despite calling Serjis and Hasnat 100 times, they never answered their phones.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecasted continuous rainfall with thunderstorms for the next five days across various regions. A low-pressure system over Jharkhand and an active monsoon over the country and the northern Bay of Bengal are contributing to the weather pattern. Most divisions, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, and Sylhet, are likely to experience light to moderate rain with gusty winds. Heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur in isolated areas. Temperatures will remain mostly unchanged, with a slight drop in some regions.