Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has strongly condemned the burning of the effigy symbolizing fascism, reportedly associated with Prime Minister Hasina, at the Faculty of Fine Arts early yesterday. “Whether they belong to the soft Awami League or the so-called ‘B Team,’ everyone involved must be brought to justice swiftly,” Farooki said. He also emphasized that the upcoming rally must carry even greater significance. “This year’s initiative was the most inclusive so far. We even tried to understand the university authority’s position. But after yesterday’s incident, the presence of this symbolic demon feels more inevitable than ever. July marches on,” he added.

Popular Islamic preacher Mizanur Rahman Azhari encouraged citizens to join the ‘March for Gaza,’ organized by the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh. From early morning, crowds began pouring into Suhrawardy Udyan from Shahbagh, Doel Chattar, and Nilkhet. Azhari posted that he was en route himself, urging others to participate in solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Border Guard Bangladesh detained three Bangladeshi nationals — Parimal Shahji (33), Santosh Shahji (25), and Bipasha Sarkar (18) — at the Dharmaghar border in Brahmanbaria while they attempted to cross into India illegally. They were reportedly trying to enter Agartala via a trafficker named Kamrul Islam. Two men were seeking employment at a sweet shop, while the woman was seeking medical treatment. Mobile phones, SIM cards, Indian rupees, and Bangladeshi currency were seized from them.

Thousands are expected to gather today at Suhrawardy Udyan for the ‘March for Gaza,’ organized by the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh. The event, starting at 3 PM, will be presided over by Baitul Mukarram Khatib Maulana Abdul Malek. Organizers have completed preparations, including a stage, watchtower, power supply, and the installation of 200 loudspeakers across the venue. People began arriving since morning, waving Bangladeshi and Palestinian flags. Participants include people from all walks of life and representatives from across the political spectrum.

A new political party named “Democratic Citizens’ Force” has been launched with a slogan focused on national liberation, equality, democracy, and a prosperous Bangladesh. Chairman Dr. Abdul Malek Farazi called for leadership by capable individuals like Dr. Muhammad Yunus. He criticized past governments for serving foreign interests and vowed to pursue politics free of foreign influence. The party’s joint convenor, Sohel Hossain Khan, read the declaration. Farazi was previously associated with Gono Odhikar Parishad.

An effigy titled ‘The Face of Fascism,’ representing Sheikh Hasina, was burned early Saturday morning at Dhaka University’s Fine Arts Faculty. The artwork, created for the Pahela Baishakh rally, stood 20 feet tall and featured a terrifying female face with horns and hollow eyes. Another installation, a ‘Peace Dove,’ was also destroyed. The incident occurred during a brief lapse in security around Fajr prayer, according to Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed.

Rakib Molla (32), a leader of the Krishak Dal in Gazipur, was brutally murdered on Friday night. He was ambushed by assailants who inflicted over 20 injuries using sharp weapons on his head, neck, shoulders, and back. His nephew Ropon claimed the murder was premeditated and motivated by a longstanding feud. Rakib was serving as a joint convener of the proposed metropolitan committee of the Krishak Dal.

The Secretary-General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Kairat Sarybay, praised Bangladesh’s active role in fostering regional trust. In a meeting with the Foreign Affairs Advisor, the two sides discussed enhancing cooperation and increasing CICA’s engagement with Bangladeshi officials. The Foreign Advisor also lauded Sarybay’s efforts in transforming CICA into a comprehensive regional organization. Information Advisor Mahfuz Alam was also present at the meeting.

Md. Alam (40) was arrested in Bogura after smuggling 1,700 yaba pills inside his stomach, packed in 34 packets disguised with bananas. His accomplices, Smriti Begum and her son-in-law Md. Apel (35), were also detained. According to police, the pair are notorious drug traffickers and used Alam to smuggle pills from Teknaf. Upon arrival by bus, Apel was waiting to receive him, but law enforcement, acting on a tip-off, apprehended them.

In Konabari, Gazipur, a video showing a Jubo Dal leader using drugs was allegedly recorded and used to demand a ransom of 1 million taka. When the money was not paid, the video was made viral. The video was reportedly recorded by Imrul Sarkar, joint general secretary of the local ward Jubo Dal, and handed over to the youth wing’s secretary, Azizul Islam, who allegedly demanded the money. Azizul has denied the accusations.

Two Awami League leaders from Gangachara were arrested for allegedly inciting unrest and spreading provocative content online. Bulbul Ahmed (45), a district-level leader, and Manik (55), a union-level general secretary, were sent to jail after a court hearing. According to police, they were engaged in actions that threatened national security and public order, including preparing to commit serious offenses.

BNP leader Selima Rahman said the interim government must hold elections promptly, ideally by December, as suggested by Dr. Yunus. She criticized the Home Advisor’s claim that the people want this government to stay in power for five years. “This government has no such right—they are interim, not permanent,” she stressed. She accused the ruling party of destroying electoral institutions and turning the state into a fascist regime. “Only a government elected through fair voting can implement full-scale reforms,” she added.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Golam Porwar has urged for an immediate announcement of the election date and roadmap, following necessary reforms. He warned against fearmongering by fugitive autocrats who are using laundered money to spread anti-state propaganda. Porwar also condemned Israel’s brutality in Gaza, calling it a terrorist state worse than the barbarism of ancient times. He called for a united Muslim response to remove Israel from the world map.

Poet and political thinker Farhad Mazhar stated that a democratic state is not built merely through elections. Rather, elections often lead to the rise of plundering mafia classes. For a truly democratic state to emerge, the rise and active participation of strong communities is essential. He emphasized that when a community stands up, when a locality becomes organized, only then does the foundation of democracy take shape. Development should not be based on voting, but on the decisions of the community itself. The community understands best what is good and what is harmful. He further added, "In my society, not only Muslims but Hindus, Buddhists, Christians—people of all faiths—are included. A shrine (mazar) constantly preaches this truth. The cultural practices that occur here speak in one language—the language of humanity. There is no truth greater than human beings." Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said, “When we listen to the grief of the families of the martyrs of the July uprising, it devastates us. Remembering this pain is what inspires our journey forward.” He announced that a "July Museum" is being established to preserve the memory of the July uprising, which will offer a unique experience.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim stated that opportunistic groups have repeatedly exploited Islamic parties and scholars for political gains. “We’ve been betrayed, looted, and our people abducted and murdered. This must change,” he said. He warned political aspirants that bypassing Islami Andolon Bangladesh to gain power would no longer be possible. “We’ve suffered enough over the last 53 years. It’s time for genuine representation.” He emphasized that although the party has never had a member in parliament, it remains strong and determined.