BNP leader Dr. Zahid Hossain stated that although many speak of reforms, history shows that BNP is the true reformist party. He credited the late President Ziaur Rahman for transitioning Bangladesh from one-party BAKSAL rule to multi-party democracy, and for initiating economic reforms. He also highlighted Begum Khaleda Zia’s shift from a presidential to a parliamentary system as a major reform. Zahid emphasized BNP’s contribution to women’s empowerment and said it is a party that never abandons its people. Despite numerous temptations and opportunities, its leadership chose to remain in Bangladesh through all adversities. He urged the government to allow citizens to exercise their democratic rights.

At 8:20 PM on Wednesday, students of Dhaka University held a torch march demanding justice for the murder of Samya. Organized under the banner of "Anti-Terror Student Unity," the march began at the base of the Raju Memorial Sculpture. Leaders and activists from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Democratic Student Alliance, and various cultural organizations participated in the demonstration. In addition to demanding justice and a safe campus, protesters also called for the resignation of the DU Vice-Chancellor and the Proctor.

BNP leader Zainul Abdin Farroque asserted that the martyrs of the July movement had one goal—to restore democracy through elections. He accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of suppressing democratic voices for the past 16 years. Farroque called for a clear electoral roadmap and reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to voting rights, not power. He also demanded justice for the police crackdowns in July and criticized the ruling party for following in the footsteps of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s one-party rule.

Eight more employees of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project have been suspended and banned from entering the project area. This follows an earlier suspension of 18 officials on May 8 over allegations of misconduct and possible sabotage. All suspended individuals have been asked to respond within 10 days explaining why punitive actions should not be taken.

Images circulating on social media claiming to show Bangladeshis celebrating Pakistan’s victory over India are misleading. Fact-checking reveals that one image is from New Year’s celebrations in Dhaka, while another is from Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Neither image is connected to recent geopolitical events.

Shaykh Ahmadullah emphasized the power of Bangladesh’s extensive mosque network, consisting of nearly 400,000 mosques and over 800,000 imams and muezzins. He argued this infrastructure could greatly assist in disaster management, public services, and social welfare, urging the government to use this manpower for national development. “It is difficult for a country to progress while ignoring such vast potential,” he concluded.

Around 1:50 PM on Wednesday, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) detained a Bangladeshi citizen who had crossed near the Dharmagarh BOP area of Thakurgaon’s Ranishankoil to cut grass. According to Lt. Col. Tanzir Ahmed, efforts are underway to secure his safe return. The BSF has reportedly assured through a flag meeting that the detainee will be released.

Islami Chhatra Shibir President Zahidul Islam condemned repeated harassment and violence against Jagannath University students during protests. He claimed even fascist regimes hadn’t dared to attack students so openly and warned that the movement would continue until demands were met. Drawing from personal experience, he highlighted the widespread landlord abuse faced by students in Old Dhaka.

Advocate Shishir Monir stated that Jamaat-e-Islami adopted the scales symbol in 1941, long before the Supreme Court of Bangladesh was established in 1972. He noted that Jamaat’s MPs were elected with public mandates and accused the judiciary of politicization for canceling the party’s registration and the caretaker government system.

Jagannath University students protesting at Kakrail have vowed not to vacate the road until they meet with the Chief Adviser. Around 10 PM, Adviser Mahfuz Alam arrived at the scene and spoke with the students, but was met with chants of “fraud” and had a water bottle thrown at him from the crowd.

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan has criticized the dissolution of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), calling it a “cosmetic reform.” He argued that while IMF’s policy suggestions are theoretically sound, they often fail to address the root causes of Bangladesh’s economic problems. He emphasized that corruption, not branding, is the real issue, noting even finance advisors have assured NBR staff that their roles won’t change—rendering the reform meaningless.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Mohammad Moin said that Sheikh Hasina's return to the country is possible under a treaty signed with India during the Awami League's tenure. He also stated that the ACC is seeking Interpol’s assistance to bring back former UK MP Tulip Siddiq, Hasina’s niece, who is also implicated in corruption charges.

A writ has been filed in the High Court seeking a stay on the tribunal ruling that declared BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation. Lawyer Advocate Kazi Akbar Ali submitted the petition on behalf of one Md. Mamunur Rashid. Earlier, two Dhaka residents had issued a legal notice requesting that no gazette be issued under Ishraque’s name and that he not be administered the oath.

Police have forcefully removed diploma nursing students from Shahbagh intersection after a six-hour-long blockade that brought traffic to a halt. The demonstrators relocated to the Central Shaheed Minar following the eviction. Around 9 PM, when law enforcement attempted to disperse the crowd, students initially resisted. A baton charge by the police injured at least 10 students, three of whom required hospitalization.

Adviser Asif Nazrul held discussions with Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia who have been victims of forced labor. During the meeting, the workers shared their long-standing grievances, to which Nazrul assured he would work toward solutions. He is scheduled to meet Malaysia’s Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong tomorrow to discuss labor market issues. “This trip focuses on labor market concerns. Many of our migrant workers are undocumented or unemployed,” he said. “They are our remittance fighters and deserve support. We will protect national interest as much as possible.” Notably, Malaysia has imposed a ban on new worker entries since June 1 of last year.