Following Syed Jamil Ahmed’s resignation, Cultural Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has strongly refuted his claims, calling some of them outright falsehoods.

“Jamil is a talented artist, and I have written extensively in praise of his work,” Farooki stated. “However, being skilled in art and being professionally competent are not the same.”

While expressing his respect for Jamil, Farooki insisted that many of the allegations were not entirely true. “Some of what he said is completely false, and some of it stems from frustration over his inability to manage certain situations,” he added.

Farooki also hinted that he would write a detailed response addressing the allegations in full.

Syed Jamil Ahmed has announced his resignation as the Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, citing bureaucratic complications and interference from the Ministry of Culture and its advisors.

He stated that prolonged bureaucratic delays, the appointment of the academy’s secretary as the focal person—hindering his official responsibilities—the slashing of budgets, the disappearance of important files, and internal disruptions instigated by certain officials all contributed to an environment unsuitable for artistic work. Additionally, he claimed that he faced resistance when attempting to use the term “Adivasi” (Indigenous).

“These issues, along with the activities of corrupt groups within the institution, have forced me to step down,” Jamil said in his resignation statement.

The pro-BNP teachers' organization, "Sada Dal," has strongly condemned the assault on Dhaka University professor Adib Shahriar Zaman. The professor was allegedly beaten by the driver and assistant of a Mirpur Super Link (Route 36) bus.

In a statement, the group expressed deep concern over the incident and solidarity with the victim. They reported that the professor was attacked in front of a large crowd after he protested against prolonged stops for passenger collection, which caused delays for university admission test candidates.

Sada Dal demanded strict legal action against those responsible and urged the university authorities to ensure justice.

Aminul Haque, convener of the BNP’s Dhaka Metropolitan North unit, has claimed that six months after the fall of the authoritarian regime, the country remains in ruins due to 17 years of misrule. He emphasized the need for a people’s government to rebuild state institutions and restore national stability.

"We have repeatedly called for an interim government to undertake crucial state reforms. Only an elected government can establish true democracy in Bangladesh," Haque stated. He urged the authorities to hold elections as soon as possible to pave the way for national reconstruction.

Masud, the alleged mastermind behind the recent attack on police officers and the escape of a detainee, has been arrested in Rajbari. The incident occurred on Friday around 5:30 PM when members of the District Detective Police were assaulted, leading to the escape of a suspect.

According to police sources, Masud is a notorious drug dealer and top-tier criminal. The Additional Superintendent of Police confirmed that Masud orchestrated the attack and has 13 cases filed against him, including charges of murder, arms possession, and drug trafficking. His wife also has five pending cases.

Earlier, police had apprehended Farid Sheikh with 310 yaba pills and four bottles of phensedyl. However, when officers attempted to transport him, his family members—both men and women—launched a coordinated attack, enabling his escape.

The newly established Ukhiya Battalion (64 BGB) of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has officially commenced operations with a flag-raising ceremony. The inauguration took place at the Cox’s Bazar Battalion training ground, with Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury presiding over the event. BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui was also present.

Speaking to reporters, the Home Affairs Advisor highlighted that ongoing conflicts inside Myanmar have heightened tensions along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. Establishing a new battalion in the region was a timely necessity. He expressed hope that the battalion would play a crucial role in ensuring public safety and national security.

Malaysia’s Immigration Department has arrested 96 undocumented migrants, including Bangladeshis, during a raid in Selangor. According to an official statement, authorities screened 135 foreigners during the operation, detaining 96 individuals aged between 20 and 69. The arrested individuals include nationals from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Indonesia. The detainees have been placed at the KLIA Immigration Depot for further processing.

A Bangladeshi national, Al-Amin Mia (30), was shot dead by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) near the zero line of the Kasba border in Brahmanbaria on Friday night. According to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) sources, Al-Amin had approached the border at around 9 PM when BSF troops opened fire, leaving him injured. The BSF later took him to Bishalgarh Hospital in India, where he succumbed to his injuries. The BGB has sent a protest letter demanding a flag meeting and the immediate repatriation of Al-Amin’s body.

In Sylhet, street vendors staged a road blockade at Zindabazar from 8 PM to 10 PM on Friday, protesting against alleged extortion by a Jubo Dal leader and the abduction of two fellow vendors. The protest turned violent when police rescued the abducted vendors, as angry demonstrators attacked the officers. Later, Sylhet Metropolitan BNP Secretary Imdad Hossain intervened and announced the suspension of the accused Jubo Dal city unit leader, Joydeep Choudhury Madhab, within 24 hours. Following this assurance, the protesters ended the blockade.

The Bangladesh cricket team has returned home after a disappointing campaign in the Champions Trophy. The squad failed to win a single match, securing just one point due to rain. The team landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11 PM on Friday. With no time for rest, the players will soon participate in the upcoming Dhaka Premier League (DPL). Earlier in the tournament, Bangladesh suffered a heavy defeat against India due to top-order batting failures, preventing them from putting up a strong total. Despite the bowlers’ efforts, the team struggled in subsequent matches as well, failing to reach a competitive score.

At around 11 PM on Friday, a group of armed robbers launched an attack in Rajarchar, Shariatpur, injuring four people in random gunfire. As locals resisted, two of the robbers were caught while attempting to flee. Enraged residents then beat them to death. Shariatpur Sadar Hospital’s on-duty doctor, Muntasir, confirmed the deaths. Superintendent of Police Nazrul Islam stated that seven suspects were assaulted by locals during the robbery attempt. Law enforcement responded swiftly, rescuing the injured and seizing firearms and a speedboat from the scene. Authorities are now preparing legal actions.

Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has indicated that dedicated, people-friendly, and clean-image leaders will be prioritized for party nominations in the upcoming national elections. He also urged party members to maintain discipline and prepare for the election strategically. BNP’s leadership has emphasized unity and the urgent need to resolve internal conflicts for the greater interest of the party and the nation. The high command has reassured members that controversial and opportunistic figures will have no place in the electoral process. Speakers at an extended meeting also warned against the influence of ‘hybrid leaders’ infiltrating the party.

Barkat Ullah Bulu, Vice Chairman of the BNP, made a fiery statement in Chandina, Cumilla, on Friday, claiming that even if Sheikh Hasina were executed 31 times, it would not be enough to deliver justice for the innocent lives lost under her rule. He accused Sheikh Hasina and her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, of betraying the people of Bangladesh and being responsible for mass killings and enforced disappearances. Bulu further alleged that Hasina has siphoned off Tk 270 billion and fled to India. He declared that her trial would take place on Bangladeshi soil. Additionally, he reiterated BNP’s long-standing claim that Ziaur Rahman was the true proclaimer of independence, while Mujib surrendered to Pakistan.

Starting Friday morning, 287 temporary workers of Dinajpur’s Barapukuria coal mine have launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding permanent employment. Since February 23, they had been observing a work stoppage as part of a nationwide movement led by the Central Outsourcing Workers’ Welfare Council. Their five-point demands include eliminating wage discrimination, implementing annual increments, receiving Baishakhi allowances, overtime and festival bonuses, as well as paid casual and maternity leave. Seeing no visible progress on their demands, they have escalated their protest. The workers allege that despite serving for 15-20 years, they remain temporary employees, facing discrimination in salaries and benefits.

At an extended meeting of the Public Rights Council in Kakrail on Friday, Nurul Haque Nur declared, "Enough is enough! We won’t stay silent anymore." He criticized the government for failing to hold accountable those involved in mass killings over the past six months and demanded proper healthcare for the injured. Nur emphasized the need for national unity to move forward, warning against power-hungry individuals.