In a fresh diplomatic row, India and Pakistan have expelled each other’s diplomats on charges of engaging in activities inconsistent with their diplomatic status. Pakistan’s foreign office stated that an Indian diplomat posted in Islamabad was asked to leave the country within 24 hours. In response, India declared a Pakistani diplomat in New Delhi persona non grata on similar grounds and also ordered him to leave within 24 hours. Neither side disclosed specific details of the allegations.

At the second board meeting of the Public Procurement Authority (BPPPA), Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud said the government is firmly committed to achieving 100% coverage of the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system in public procurement. BPPPA CEO Mirza Ashfaqul Rahman noted that currently, 65% of public procurement by value is conducted via e-GP. The adviser instructed the CEO to strategically plan resources and activities to achieve full implementation.

Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defense Muhammad Zahid Kamal announced the formation of a 60-member special force for rapid earthquake rescue operations. Additionally, 20-member special teams will be deployed in each divisional city. He said the force’s command structure will be independent to ensure resilience, even if headquarters are impacted by a disaster. In case of a major earthquake in Chattogram, for instance, the local special team and the central team from Dhaka would be deployed immediately. Currently, Dhaka has 18–20 fire stations, of which 8–10 could be damaged in a major quake, making these special teams essential.

During a meeting with Russian Ambassador Alexander Khazin, Food Security Adviser Ali Imam Majumder assured that Bangladesh currently has adequate food grain reserves. He noted that Bangladesh imports a significant portion of its wheat and fertilizer from Russia. While the country requires 7 million tons of wheat annually, local production accounts for only 1 million tons, necessitating the import of the remaining 6 million. He emphasized the need for enhanced bilateral cooperation in economic, educational, scientific, and technological sectors.

Former actress Naznin Akter Happy has filed a case under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, accusing her husband of abuse and multiple secret marriages—nine in total. Her lawyer revealed that she married Mufti Talha Islam, son of the late MP Mufti Shahidul Islam from Narail, seven years ago. Talha allegedly subjected Happy and their child to physical and emotional abuse, often reacting violently to minor disagreements. Happy stated she had repeatedly asked for a divorce but was met with further brutality. Two nights ago, following the filing of the case, Talha allegedly raided her home with associates and took business assets worth Tk 5–6 million. She also claims to be receiving threats to withdraw the case.

BNP leader Dr. Zahid Hossain stated that although many speak of reforms, history shows that BNP is the true reformist party. He credited the late President Ziaur Rahman for transitioning Bangladesh from one-party BAKSAL rule to multi-party democracy, and for initiating economic reforms. He also highlighted Begum Khaleda Zia’s shift from a presidential to a parliamentary system as a major reform. Zahid emphasized BNP’s contribution to women’s empowerment and said it is a party that never abandons its people. Despite numerous temptations and opportunities, its leadership chose to remain in Bangladesh through all adversities. He urged the government to allow citizens to exercise their democratic rights.

At 8:20 PM on Wednesday, students of Dhaka University held a torch march demanding justice for the murder of Samya. Organized under the banner of "Anti-Terror Student Unity," the march began at the base of the Raju Memorial Sculpture. Leaders and activists from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Democratic Student Alliance, and various cultural organizations participated in the demonstration. In addition to demanding justice and a safe campus, protesters also called for the resignation of the DU Vice-Chancellor and the Proctor.

BNP leader Zainul Abdin Farroque asserted that the martyrs of the July movement had one goal—to restore democracy through elections. He accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of suppressing democratic voices for the past 16 years. Farroque called for a clear electoral roadmap and reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to voting rights, not power. He also demanded justice for the police crackdowns in July and criticized the ruling party for following in the footsteps of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s one-party rule.

Eight more employees of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project have been suspended and banned from entering the project area. This follows an earlier suspension of 18 officials on May 8 over allegations of misconduct and possible sabotage. All suspended individuals have been asked to respond within 10 days explaining why punitive actions should not be taken.

Images circulating on social media claiming to show Bangladeshis celebrating Pakistan’s victory over India are misleading. Fact-checking reveals that one image is from New Year’s celebrations in Dhaka, while another is from Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Neither image is connected to recent geopolitical events.

Shaykh Ahmadullah emphasized the power of Bangladesh’s extensive mosque network, consisting of nearly 400,000 mosques and over 800,000 imams and muezzins. He argued this infrastructure could greatly assist in disaster management, public services, and social welfare, urging the government to use this manpower for national development. “It is difficult for a country to progress while ignoring such vast potential,” he concluded.

Around 1:50 PM on Wednesday, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) detained a Bangladeshi citizen who had crossed near the Dharmagarh BOP area of Thakurgaon’s Ranishankoil to cut grass. According to Lt. Col. Tanzir Ahmed, efforts are underway to secure his safe return. The BSF has reportedly assured through a flag meeting that the detainee will be released.

At least 70 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza within 24 hours, including 50 in northern Gaza’s Jabalia city and refugee camp. Among the victims were 22 children and 15 women, according to the Indonesian Hospital. Disturbing footage shows piles of bodies at the site. The Israeli military claims it is reviewing the strikes on civilian areas.

Islami Chhatra Shibir President Zahidul Islam condemned repeated harassment and violence against Jagannath University students during protests. He claimed even fascist regimes hadn’t dared to attack students so openly and warned that the movement would continue until demands were met. Drawing from personal experience, he highlighted the widespread landlord abuse faced by students in Old Dhaka.

Advocate Shishir Monir stated that Jamaat-e-Islami adopted the scales symbol in 1941, long before the Supreme Court of Bangladesh was established in 1972. He noted that Jamaat’s MPs were elected with public mandates and accused the judiciary of politicization for canceling the party’s registration and the caretaker government system.