A new political party, “Janatar Dal” (People’s Party), has been formed by former military and civil officials, NGO workers, and political leaders. Led by retired Brigadier General Md. Shamim Kamal, the party’s slogan is “Justice Lives On.” Kamal emphasized their goal of promoting integrity, patriotism, and transparency, pledging to make party finances publicly accessible. He stated that they intend to challenge the political status quo and move against mainstream political trends.

Employees of Rangpur City Corporation locked the main gate and besieged the offices of the Chief Executive and Accounts Department, demanding their March salaries and Eid bonuses. They alleged that despite government orders, the administrator delayed payments. Public services, including vaccination programs, were disrupted. After nearly three hours of protest, the administrator signed the payment files, leading the employees to withdraw the blockade. Protesters expressed frustration over the delay, emphasizing the hardship of celebrating Eid without salaries. Payments are set to begin on Sunday.

Azadul Islam Pannu, the missing BNP president of Nawabganj upazila, has been rescued by police after being missing for nearly two and a half months. Pannu was last seen leaving for Rajshahi on January 8, and his son filed a missing person report on January 10. BNP Secretary General Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had expressed concern over his disappearance, urging authorities to find and return him to his family. According to the police, he was discovered in Khulna and had been in hiding due to personal reasons.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), alleged that a plan is in motion to introduce a ‘Refined Awami League’ as part of an Indian-backed strategy. He claimed that key figures like Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Shirin Sharmin, and Taposh are involved. Abdullah stated that he and two others were offered a seat-sharing deal to support the initiative but rejected it. He warned against attempts to rehabilitate Awami League and called for its permanent ban, urging public resistance.

Dhaka University students erupted in protests after Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that the interim government has no plans to ban the Awami League. The statement, made during a meeting with the International Crisis Group, sparked immediate outrage. Students took to the streets late at night, chanting slogans demanding the ban of Awami League and justice for its alleged crimes. Protesters also urged Yunus to withdraw his remarks, emphasizing their strong opposition to the ruling party’s continued presence.

A joint operation involving army infantry divisions, independent brigades, and law enforcement agencies led to the arrest of 249 individuals across various regions. Conducted between March 13 and 19, 2025, the operation targeted listed criminals, extortionists, fugitives, gang members, kidnappers, human traffickers, food adulterators, juvenile gang members, and drug dealers. The arrested individuals were caught red-handed during the raids.

A tragic road accident in Pabna’s Ishwardi on Thursday claimed five lives, including a child, in a head-on collision between a passenger bus and a CNG-run auto-rickshaw. Officer-in-Charge Shahidul Islam stated that the bus was heading towards Ishwardi when it collided with the oncoming auto-rickshaw. Five people died on the spot, while another was critically injured. The bus driver and assistant fled the scene immediately after the accident, but authorities have seized the vehicle.

A case has been filed against Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and 201 others for allegedly attempting to murder madrasa student Saifuddin Mohammad Emdad. The complaint states that during a mass uprising on August 4, a group of protesters led by M.A. Hashem Razu marched from the Central Shaheed Minar to Paribagh near Hotel Intercontinental. Allegedly, members of Chhatra League, Jubo League, and Awami League blocked their path and launched an armed attack with bullets, hand bombs, petrol bombs, and explosives. The victim sustained a bullet injury to his right eye. After recording the plaintiff’s statement, the court directed the officer-in-charge of Shahbagh Police Station to submit a report within seven days regarding any existing cases related to the incident.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed that there is no reason to alter the election date, as the government is committed to holding elections on schedule. He also clarified that there are no plans to ban the ruling party. However, he stated that leaders accused of crimes, particularly murder and crimes against humanity, would be tried in Bangladeshi courts. Yunus noted that a UN fact-finding mission had reported possible war crimes during the July rebellion and that the government is considering referring cases against Awami League leaders to the International Criminal Court. He added that Dhaka is working to gather aid for Rohingya refugees and aims to raise global awareness through a UN conference. He also accused Indian media of spreading anti-Bangladesh misinformation.

On Thursday, three Bangladeshi nationals, including a child from the same family, were detained by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at the Panchagarh border for illegal entry. BGB reported that they crossed back into Bangladesh from India under cover of darkness. Upon interrogation, they revealed that they had illegally entered India through human traffickers 2.5 months ago for a fee of 20,000 BDT. They returned to Bangladesh using the same network. Authorities recovered two mobile phones, 2,300 Indian rupees, and 278 Bangladeshi taka from them. Meanwhile, two traffickers involved in the operation managed to escape.

Ali Riaz warned that efforts are being made to hinder the reform process both internally and externally. He emphasized the need for vigilance and public participation, stating that without civic engagement, pressure, and inclusion, reforms cannot progress. He also criticized the judiciary, calling it “practically destroyed” and stressed the need for a cultural shift in politics. “Without an accountable system of governance, elections will only bring the same problems,” he argued. He noted that despite constitutional secularism, religious minorities have faced persecution. While members of the Constitutional Reform Commission agreed on various issues, they were divided on retaining the state religion.

BNP leader Abdus Salam Pintu alleged that Bangladesh has been run under India’s influence for the past 15 years. He accused India of conspiring to destroy BNP, believing that weakening the party would make Bangladesh vulnerable. He called for unity against such conspiracies. Pintu further claimed that since 2020, he has been barred from seeing his family. “We have been released, but not fully free,” he stated. Reflecting on his time in prison, he recalled hearing executions from the adjacent cell and fearing his own fate. He urged the government to ensure fair and transparent elections, stating that reforms should serve the people’s rights.

Ignoring the ceasefire, Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed over 500 Palestinians, including 200 children. In retaliation, Hamas has launched rocket strikes on Israel. The Israeli military reported that air raid sirens went off after rockets were fired from Gaza. Out of three rockets launched from southern Gaza, one was intercepted, while the other two landed in open areas, causing no casualties. Additionally, Yemen’s Houthis fired a ballistic missile, disrupting flights at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Hamas’ Qassam Brigades stated that the attack was in retaliation for Israeli massacres of civilians in Gaza.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince has accused a certain group of running a deliberate misinformation campaign against BNP to serve their own interests. He asserted that such tactics would not isolate BNP from the people. He called for unity against any conspiracies aimed at destabilizing the country. “Stability cannot be achieved without elections. Reforms are an ongoing process, but delaying elections in the name of reform is unacceptable. The lack of progress in reforms even after seven months demands accountability,” he added.

The government expects the media to maintain a neutral and responsible role, said Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam. While welcoming media criticism, he emphasized that constructive criticism helps the government make better decisions. At the same time, he stressed that the media should also highlight the government’s positive initiatives. He also criticized the role of the media over the past 16 years. To ensure discipline, the government has established a Media Reform Commission, and he urged media owners, journalists, and all stakeholders to cooperate in the reform process.