At a press conference on Thursday, Adviser M. Sakhawat Hossain announced that the Bangladeshi government will cover BEXIMCO’s employee salaries and benefits through the state treasury, allocating ৳5.25 billion (Tk 525.46 crore). On Wednesday, 14 BEXIMCO subsidiaries were officially shut down. The financial support includes ৳3.25 billion from the Finance Division and an additional ৳2 billion as a loan from the Ministry of Labour’s central fund to BEXIMCO Group.

Journalist Elias Hossain has released an investigative video linking Sohel Taj to the Pilkhana massacre. Sohel Taj has denied the allegations, claiming that he was in London at the time.

In response, Elias Hossain stated, “Even if you departed from Dhaka, there is no record of your arrival in any foreign country. Show your passport stamps proving your arrival in London, and then we will accept that you were abroad during the incident.”

Reacting to this, Sohel Taj said, “I have already stated that I am willing to cooperate with the investigation commission. However, it is not appropriate to disclose such information publicly.” He further suggested that Elias might be misled by false information.

Bangladesh will play their final match of the Champions Trophy against Pakistan today. Rumors have surfaced that this could be the final ODI appearance for senior players Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah. When asked about the speculation, assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin dismissed the rumors, saying, “I have no knowledge of this. If you’ve heard it, you can write it in your papers.” Addressing whether the duo should be given a farewell match, he stated, “It’s not about being given an opportunity; players must earn their place in the XI.”

A case has been filed against over 100 Awami League and banned Chhatra League activists in Gopalganj for allegedly cutting down trees and blocking the Dhaka-Khulna Highway to obstruct traffic. The police have named 50 individuals in the case, while 55 others remain unidentified. The accused include Lebu Molya, President of Dhaka Metropolitan (North) Muktijoddha Projonmo League; Azad Hossain Mridha, President of the local Chhatra League; General Secretary Masum Sheikh; Maheshpur UP Chairman Lutfar Rahman Luthu; and former Kashiani Sadar UP Chairman Md. Moshiur Rahman Khan.

BNP Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu issued an apology via BNP’s media cell on Wednesday for his comment suggesting that people should perform Wudu before mentioning Tarique Rahman’s name. He admitted that the remark was made “unintentionally.” Previously, Bulu had criticized those questioning Tarique Rahman’s leadership, arguing that the son of former President Ziaur Rahman is a worthy leader. However, his ablution comment sparked backlash among BNP supporters, prompting his apology.

Journalist Elias Hossain has released a 1-hour-28-minute documentary on the gruesome BDR headquarters massacre at Pilkhana. The documentary presents evidence allegedly implicating Sheikh Hasina and several Awami League leaders. Former State Minister for Home Affairs, Sohel Taj, was also accused of involvement, but he denied the claims, stating that he was in London at the time and had no knowledge of the incident. In the documentary, Brigadier General Hasan Nasir challenged the claims against Sohel Taj, demanding concrete evidence and condemning the allegations as misinformation.

At a special ceremony on Wednesday at Rajshahi Cantonment, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman was officially inducted as the seventh ‘Colonel of the Regiment’ for the Bangladesh Infantry Regiment. As per tradition, he was conferred with the Colonel rank insignia. In his speech, the Army Chief highlighted the regiment’s rapid rise since its establishment on January 1, 2021, attributing its success to hard work, strategic planning, and patriotic dedication. He noted that the regiment earned the rare honor of a national flag in 2011 and expressed confidence that its members would continue their service with unwavering commitment.

Reza Kibria stated that discussions with India are necessary regarding Sheikh Hasina’s return. He emphasized that maintaining a strong bilateral relationship requires India to send Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh. “Her trial is crucial for our country and its people,” he said, accusing her of ordering the killings of thousands of children, hundreds of BDR personnel, and figures like his father. “It is unacceptable that she should evade justice,” he asserted, predicting that the Awami League will eventually cease to exist.

Retired Brigadier General M. Sakhawat Hossain stated that the Army Chief is a highly esteemed figure leading an entire force and does not make uninformed statements. “The interpretation is up to you,” he said, adding that he knows the Army Chief as a straightforward man who speaks his mind. “I have a lot of respect for him,” Sakhawat emphasized. However, he declined to interpret the Chief’s remarks, saying, “Only he can explain what he meant.”

On Thursday at 11 AM, auto-rickshaw owners and drivers staged a protest at the Board Bazar area of the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway in Gazipur. They demanded an end to extortion and the establishment of designated parking areas for CNG-run auto-rickshaws. The demonstration caused a severe traffic jam but was later withdrawn following police assurances. Protesters stated that the lack of designated parking forces them to negotiate fares while driving, leading to risky passenger pickups. They also claimed that minor delays result in harassment from traffic police, including fines and vehicle impoundment. The protesters urged authorities to establish official parking zones for their livelihood.

The Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Police Cadre has promoted 102 officers to the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police. The Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification on Wednesday confirming the promotions. The promoted officers have been instructed to report to the Senior Secretary of the Public Security Division through the appropriate channels. The order takes immediate effect in the public interest.

On Thursday morning, Election Commissioner Masud Abdur Rahman emphasized that the primary focus is on the national parliamentary elections, which the Chief Adviser and other responsible officials have stated will be held by December. He clarified that local elections are not currently under consideration and that no government directives have been issued regarding local election reforms. He also explained that conducting local elections in phases could take up to a year, making it impossible to hold the parliamentary elections within December or January. He further noted that for a December election, the election schedule must be announced by October or November.

Abrar Faiyaz, a student of BUET and younger brother of the late Abrar Fahad, stated on Facebook that lawyer Shishir Monir has reached out to their family. He mentioned that the High Court’s verdict is expected within 10 to 12 days. He urged people not to engage in debates over guilt or innocence that could influence the trial. Earlier, reports surfaced that Shishir Monir was representing the defense in the high-profile case, sparking controversy. Following the backlash, Shishir Monir has announced he will no longer be handling the case.

At a press conference held at Dhaka University’s Modhur Canteen on Thursday afternoon, the newly formed Bangladesh Democratic Student Parliament announced its leadership structure. A three-member inquiry committee has been formed to investigate whether Wednesday’s events surrounding the organization’s launch were premeditated. Notably, Rifat Rashid is not part of the new central committee. He previously held the position of Senior Joint Secretary but has now resigned. During the press conference, a 205-member convening committee was announced, which includes a significant number of students from universities outside Dhaka University.

The BNP-backed panel faced a devastating defeat in the Kushtia Bar Association elections. Their candidates for both the President and General Secretary positions lost. Awami League-backed candidate Advocate Md. Harunur Rashid won the presidency, while BNP’s rebel candidate Advocate S.M. Shatil Mahmud secured the General Secretary position. Out of 17 positions, Awami League and rebel candidates secured victories in 11 seats.