Jamaat Ameer emphasized that the mass uprising in July brought a new wave of freedom, but three key preconditions must be met before holding elections—reform, justice, and coexistence. “Without fulfilling these, elections will be as flawed as before,” he warned. Jamaat has already submitted a reform proposal to the Consensus Commission and insists that meaningful change is essential to honor the sacrifices made.

Secretary of the National Sports Council Md. Aminul Islam announced that commercial establishments within Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium will not have their leases renewed after 2026. “The stadium will be free of commercial use,” he stated. The council has already issued letters to remove two shops blocking the main entrance. Officials also noted that street-level business activities were obstructing pedestrian movement and damaging the stadium’s aesthetics.

Mohammad Shahe Alam Murad, former General Secretary of Dhaka South Awami League, was arrested in Uttara on Thursday. He had led a sudden flash protest march from Baitul Mukarram to Bangabandhu Avenue on April 6. Since the mass uprising, many ruling party leaders have been arrested, while others have fled abroad, allegedly plotting further unrest.

After visiting the torched home of artist Manbendra Ghosh, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North leader Maulana Delwar Hossain blamed the remnants of a fascist regime for continuing efforts to disrupt Bangladesh’s communal harmony. “Though the head of the fascist regime has fled, many accomplices remain, and they are behind such attacks,” he stated. He urged vigilance and called for justice against those responsible for the arson, demanding exemplary punishment and rehabilitation for the affected family.

At Dhaka’s Sheraton Hotel, Destiny Group CEO Mohammad Rafiqul Amin announced the formation of a new political party—Bangladesh A-Am Janata Party. Amin will serve as the party’s convener, while Fatima Tasnim was named member secretary. Amin said that despite 54 years since independence, people still struggle with deprivation and inequality. The new party aims to unite citizens to remove autocracy and secure basic and political rights. Fatima Tasnim added that without political awareness, the country risks falling back into autocratic rule. “We have ousted the Awami autocrats, and we will not allow any future dictatorship,” she said.

At a meeting with the National Consensus Commission, BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan stated that the current opportunity to rebuild the country must be utilized. He described the struggle to reform the state as a rare historical phenomenon. Khan emphasized that past victories could not be sustained, but this time, cooperation with the commission and government could ensure lasting success. He warned against overreaching in pursuit of change, lest it dampen people’s desire for transformation. He said BNP’s reform agenda is not just a demand—it’s a commitment. “Everything must happen with public consent,” he added. Though a consensus charter wasn’t reached in July, he noted that BNP has its 31-point reform proposal. Commission Vice-Chair Prof. Ali Riaz reaffirmed their goal of formulating a national charter to establish a sustainable democratic system.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has criticized star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan’s decision to join the Awami League, calling it a betrayal rather than a mere mistake. In a Facebook post, he wrote that Shakib made this choice at a time when the AL leadership was facing serious human rights allegations. “His silence over the violence and killings in Magura—his hometown—by ruling party supporters is particularly disturbing,” Alam said. He added that Shakib’s move reflects either deep political naivety or opportunism for personal gain, neither of which absolves him. “Shakib may be the most talented cricketer Bangladesh has ever produced, but that does not grant him impunity.”

In a horrific incident, a teenage girl was raped overnight on a parked bus in Chattogram’s Chandgaon area on April 15. The culprits include the bus driver Lokman (26) and helper Hanif (26), both of whom have been arrested. The supervisor, Mobarak Hossain, remains at large. The arrested individuals confessed to the crime. The victim has been admitted to the One-Stop Crisis Centre at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

A BBC investigation has uncovered a secret “Ayna Ghar” near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, where Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem was reportedly held and tortured for eight years. He was blindfolded most of the time and could hear planes landing, helping investigators locate the facility. After demolishing a recently constructed wall behind a large building, they discovered a narrow, pitch-dark corridor leading to multiple small, windowless rooms. One of these cramped, poorly ventilated cells was used to detain Quasem. The smell and suffocation suggest inhumane conditions.

Six individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the arson attack on the village home of artist Manabendra Ghosh, known for his work in festival processions. The suspects include Al Amin alias Tamal (22), finance secretary of the banned local BCL unit, joint secretary Mainuddin Ahmed Pias (22), Mir Maruf, Aminur Rahman (24), local AL ward secretary Babul Hossain (54), and Chhatra League leader Khan Mohammad Rafi alias Season (18). Notably, Season posted “Mission Complete” on Facebook on the night of the arson. A press conference will be held today at the Chief Adviser’s office regarding the incident.

Model Meghna Alam has been shown arrested in a fraud case filed with Dhanmondi Police Station, alleging that she lured foreign diplomats into romantic traps using attractive women. She was presented in court on Thursday, where the investigating officer sought permission to officially show her arrested. Magistrate Masum Mia granted the request following a hearing. Meghna was detained by the Detective Branch (DB) from her Bashundhara residence on the night of April 9.

For the first time in 15 years, Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to hold foreign secretary-level talks today. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday. Discussions will focus on trade, investment, connectivity—especially air links—defense, education, agriculture, fisheries, culture, and sports. Regional and multilateral cooperation through platforms like SAARC, OIC, and D-8 will also be addressed. The last such meeting was held in Islamabad in 2010. Amna Baloch will also pay courtesy visits to Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Students from both public and private polytechnic institutes had announced a rail blockade today to press home their six-point demands. However, the protest has been temporarily suspended until 11 AM, said Jubayer Patwary, a representative of the Technical Student Movement. The suspension comes as a meeting is scheduled with the Ministry of Education. If the meeting yields positive results, the blockade will be called off. Otherwise, students will announce fresh demonstrations.

In a violation of international border law, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) attempted to construct a barbed-wire fence along the Bangladesh-India border. However, the initiative was halted after intervention from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local residents. The BGB has since increased its surveillance in the area.

The incident occurred near the Bhabanipur border in Durga Union of Durgapur upazila, Netrakona district. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rezwanul Kabir stated that the issue may persist unless proper roads are constructed on the Bangladesh side. Ongoing bridge and road construction in the area has been complicated by disputes over sand extraction from the nearby river. With the monsoon approaching, local authorities plan to consult contractors and explore alternative routes to ensure safe passage for residents.

Students from Ta’mirul Millat Kamil Madrasa organized a protest in Tongi condemning the ongoing genocide by Israeli occupying forces in Palestine. The rally began at the madrasa’s main gate and marched through key areas of the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, including Ershadnagar, Hossain Market, and College Gate, before concluding with a brief gathering near Asia Petrol Pump.

The protest was led by Student Parliament Vice President Iqbal Kabir and General Secretary Saidur Rahman. Vice Principal Maulana Mizanur Rahman addressed the rally as the chief guest, urging the international Muslim community to unite and take decisive action for the establishment of a free and independent Palestine.