BNP leader Barkat Ullah Bulu praised former President Ziaur Rahman, saying that after Hazrat Umar (RA), he was the most upright and capable Muslim head of state. Bulu emphasized that the BNP is a liberal democratic party that respects opposing views and upholds multi-party democracy. “Our leader, the martyred president, believed in pluralistic democracy. BNP consistently advocates and practices democratic principles. For long periods, we were denied political and democratic rights,” he said.
Highlighting reform, Bulu stressed that no attempt to delay national parliamentary elections under the guise of reforms would be tolerated by the public. He also noted that former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia never compromised with injustice in her political career, and upcoming elections will be no exception. Bulu underscored that the Bangladesh Army has always acted as a force for independence, citing student movements against inequality as a notable example.

Bangladesh Chhatra Dal (JCD) President Rakibul Islam Rakib has revealed that Dhaka University teachers have admitted certain groups, including Islami Chhatra Shibir, are covertly controlling socio-cultural organizations—similar to tactics allegedly used by Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL).

Rakib said the DU administration will form a committee to determine the nature of student politics in residential halls, seeking opinions from 23 student organizations and the wider student body.

He emphasized that ending clandestine political operations will be included in the reform framework and demanded justice for alleged BCL-linked violence. He also accused the “Dhaka University Parliament” Facebook group of engaging in harassment and defamation against female students, faculty members, and movement leaders.

The DU administration has reportedly committed to providing updates by Saturday on banning secret politics, finalizing hall-level political structures, and advancing cases against BCL members.

Wahidur Rahman Majumdar, Joint Convener of BNP’s Chauddagram unit in Cumilla, has stirred debate after calling for a change to the popular slogan “My Vote, My Choice” to “My Vote Will Go to BNP.”

In a local rally, Wahidur declared, “In Chauddagram, we will no longer implement the old slogan. My vote will go to BNP, to the paddy sheaf.”

His remarks drew immediate criticism from party leadership. Chauddagram BNP Convener Kamrul Huda suggested Wahidur may have spoken emotionally, while Cumilla South BNP Convener Zakaria Taher Suman reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the people’s right to vote freely, stating they will investigate the statement.

BNP leader Hummam Quader Chowdhury has claimed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina could have executed his father, Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, with a single bullet, but instead sought to dismantle his political legacy.

Speaking on the controversial International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Hummam said,
"We fought for years to prove whether the ICT was truly a court at all."
He accused officials of shifting positions—telling locals it was an international tribunal to avoid following domestic law, yet calling it domestic when foreigners questioned the lack of international standards.

Hummam labelled the tribunal as politically motivated and demanded justice for those responsible for his father’s execution.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has alleged that former party Nayeb-e-Ameer, Allama Delwar Hossain Sayedee, died on August 14, 2023, in the prison cell of PG Hospital due to medical negligence.

In a statement, he accused doctors and hospital authorities of failing to provide proper treatment and claimed that Sayedee’s family members were denied the chance to see him in his final hours. He further alleged that authorities barred funeral prayers in Dhaka despite demands from thousands of followers, leading to the burial taking place in Pirojpur instead.

Rahman paid tribute to Sayedee’s “lifetime of service,” prayed for his death to be accepted as martyrdom, and vowed to continue his mission.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz has instructed officers to open fire instantly if anyone draws a weapon—whether a firearm or a sharp blade—before an attack occurs.

The directive, issued via wireless communication on Tuesday night, followed an incident in Ishaan Mistry Ghat where SI Abu Saeed Rana was injured in an attack allegedly carried out by Awami League members. Despite being armed with shotguns, two constables present at the scene did not use them.

Commissioner Aziz stressed that reliance on rubber bullets is insufficient, urging full use of government-issued ammunition. Citing sections 96 to 106 of the Penal Code, he emphasized that police officers have the legal right to self-defense, stating:
"Shoot the moment a weapon is drawn—aim for the head, chest, or back if necessary. Ensure optimal use of government bullets."

Palestinian Ambassador Yusuf Ramadan has announced that Palestinian students will no longer study at universities funded by Israel or its allied nations. He alleged that even the architectural design of the Asian University for Women was done by an Israeli national, prompting the decision to boycott the institution.

According to the ambassador, the interim government has revoked visas for the concerned university at Palestine’s request. He also revealed that the previous Education Minister, Dr. Dipu Moni, had initiated a project to enroll Palestinian women in the Asian University for Women. Ambassador Yusuf expressed gratitude to the current administration for withdrawing from that initiative.

A lighter vessel named Chandtara-8, carrying 18,500 bags of cement, sank in the Meghna River near Chandpur’s Dokanghar area early Thursday.

The ship’s master, Mamun Sheikh, said the vessel had been anchored overnight alongside another ship, Jaman. As both set off around 4:30 a.m., strong currents caused a collision, tipping Chandtara-8 and sending it under with its cargo. All eight crew members were rescued by local fishermen. BIWTA has been informed and will conduct a salvage operation, police said.

The government has appointed five Dhaka University professors as Senate members for a three-year term, representing the academic community.

The appointees are Professor (Retd.) Dr. Sadrul Amin (English), Professor Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan (Islamic History & Culture), Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan (Marketing), Professor Dr. Kamrul Hasan (Physics), and Professor Dr. Samina Luthfa (Sociology). The appointments were confirmed by the Ministry of Education.

The Election Commission will unveil the roadmap for the 13th National Parliamentary Election next week, Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed.

While the content and methodology of the roadmap remain under discussion, Ahmed noted that talks are ongoing about facilitating expatriate voting. So far, 318 applications to observe the election have been received, which are currently being vetted.

Two construction workers died and two others were injured while cleaning a septic tank in Pabna’s Bera upazila on Thursday.

The deceased, Sajibul Islam (25) and Mostakin (30), fell unconscious after inhaling toxic gas inside a tank at Tahaj Uddin’s home in Dakshinpara village. Two other workers—Rabiul and Samrat—were similarly affected while attempting rescue. All four were taken to the upazila health complex, where doctors pronounced Sajib and Mostakin dead. Police confirmed that an unnatural death case will be filed.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed met with US Chargé d’Affaires Tracy Ann Jacobson to discuss bilateral judicial cooperation, human rights protection, and the rule of law.

Jacobson congratulated Ahmed on completing his first year in office, praising initiatives such as announcing a judicial reform roadmap, issuing 12 directives for transparency in court services, passing a law for higher court judge appointments via the Supreme Judicial Appointment Council, and strengthening lower court capacity. She reaffirmed US commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s judicial independence.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir President Zahidul Islam declared that their panel for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election will include women students and members from all religious communities.

He criticized the past 16 years of student politics for creating an atmosphere of fear, which has driven many to call for a ban on campus politics—something Shibir respects but seeks to change. Shibir aims to replace “fear-based politics” with a healthy, student-friendly approach, Zahidul added, urging all student groups to avoid smear campaigns and focus on constructive agendas.

Legal Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul announced that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Reform Commission’s proposed laws will be enacted within one to two months.

The proposals, considered crucial for overhauling the ACC, were discussed in detail with ACC Chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen earlier in the day. Nazrul stressed that the reforms are a priority for the interim administration.

The interim government has formed a probe committee to investigate intelligence surveillance equipment purchased during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure—examining procurement sources, costs, and usage. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam confirmed that Special Assistant Faiz Ahmed Tayyeb will lead the inquiry.

A separate committee will investigate the purchase of lethal police weaponry under the previous administration. Alam added that the current government is focused on public welfare after what he described as the “misrule and brutality” of the previous regime.

He also reported fruitful discussions during the Chief Adviser’s Malaysia visit, which strengthened bilateral ties and secured agreement to provide Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia with equal social benefits as local workers.