India has strongly condemned the latest report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), calling it “biased and politically motivated.” The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that USCIRF should be declared an “internationally discredited entity” due to its prejudiced assessments. The report accuses India of discriminating against religious minorities and alleges that India’s foreign intelligence agency, RAW, has attempted to assassinate Khalistani separatists abroad. The report also calls for sanctions against RAW.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to seize portions of Gaza, stating that if Hamas continues to refuse the release of hostages, Israel will intensify military operations, which may include territorial occupation. Currently, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, of whom Israel believes 25 are still alive. Hamas has warned that if Israel attempts to rescue the hostages by force, they will “return them in coffins.” Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinians in northern Gaza staged protests against Hamas, chanting slogans such as “End the war” and “Hamas, get out.”

The United States has expressed interest in enhancing Bangladesh’s military capabilities. Deputy Commanding General Lt. Gen. Joel P. visited Bangladesh on March 24-25 to discuss how US military equipment could open new possibilities for Bangladesh. During meetings with Army Chief Gen. Waqar-Uz-Zaman and senior military officials, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to longstanding US-Bangladesh defense relations. Discussions also covered mutual security interests and ongoing military cooperation, including the upcoming “Tiger Lightning” exercise this summer. Additionally, talks explored potential purchases of US-made defense equipment to strengthen Bangladesh’s military.

Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board has ruled that Jamaat-e-Islami is not a terrorist organization, rejecting accusations made by the Canadian government. The ruling comes after a two-year legal battle following a 2022 report by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which had deemed an individual named Rahman inadmissible due to his affiliation with Jamaat-e-Islami. CBSA had claimed Jamaat was linked to terrorism. However, the tribunal dismissed these allegations, citing expert testimonies from international security analysts who defended Jamaat-e-Islami.

Renowned folk artist and Ekushey Padak recipient Sushama Das has passed away at the age of 95. She breathed her last at her Sylhet residence on Wednesday afternoon after suffering from age-related illnesses. Her death has cast a shadow over Sylhet’s cultural community. Later that evening, her body was brought to the Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar for public tribute. Sushama Das had performed alongside legendary Baul artists such as Shah Abdul Karim, Durbin Shah, Ali Hossain Sarkar, and Kamal Pasha. Honored with the Ekushey Padak in 2017 for her contributions to folk music, she had also received numerous other accolades.

NCP Chief Organizer Hasnat Abdullah claimed that ongoing conspiracies against Bangladesh persist. “We will overcome all these challenges,” he vowed. He criticized the treatment of madrasa institutions as secondary and accused the government of consistently sidelining Islamic scholars, leading to their political persecution and imprisonment. However, he noted that people now have freedom of speech. Referring to events after August 5, he claimed Bangladesh had been transformed into a model of communal harmony. Despite internal and external conspiracies, he urged patience among devout Muslims and expressed hope that Debidwar would become known as an NCP stronghold.

NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari declared that the upcoming “ballot revolution” would be won by the youth. “We will enter parliament, no matter what,” he asserted, emphasizing that young people are now focused on parliamentary representation. He warned that any group attempting to obstruct this path would face strong resistance. Patwari further stated that the upcoming election would see the nomination of mosque imams and respected community figures—candidates who previously couldn’t afford to contest elections. He reiterated that the party’s struggle is now focused on banning the ruling Awami League and revoking its registration with the Election Commission.

Chittagong University has dismissed two faculty members and a technician. Assistant Mechanical Engineer Hadi Md. Rashid from the Science Workshop was removed for involvement in recruitment irregularities. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Shantanu Debbarman (Economics) and Assistant Professor Rifat Darina Kamal (Public Administration) were dismissed for traveling abroad without permission. According to Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Dr. Shamim Uddin Khan, there is no chance of reinstatement. Notably, the two dismissed faculty members did not respond to official communications, signaling their acceptance of the decision.

The Secretary-General of Khelafat Majlis, Ahmad Abdul Kader, has emphasized the need to maintain national unity to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty. He stated that to honor the sacrifices of millions who laid down their lives in 1971, the fundamental goals of independence—equality, human dignity, and social justice—must be ensured. He further added that following the mass uprising of 2024, which led to the fall of the fascist Hasina regime, there is now an opportunity to secure people’s rights. The country must swiftly undergo necessary reforms and proceed towards a free and fair national election to build a stable, prosperous, and thriving Bangladesh.

Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Abu Hanif has stressed the importance of preserving the national unity that emerged through the July mass uprising. He acknowledged that cracks have appeared in this unity and warned against any statements or actions that could further damage it. “Defeated forces are actively trying to sabotage the unity of the people,” he stated. Hanif accused the Awami League of committing enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and political oppression over the past 15 years. He claimed that following the July-August movement, the party fled in the face of public outrage and has been politically ostracized by the people. Hanif also alleged that as Eid approaches, the Awami League is plotting subversive activities while the public remains preoccupied with celebrations. He further warned against any attempts to create a divide between the Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising, stating, “We do not want to pit 1971 against 2024.”

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to law, justice, and human rights, Bangladesh’s Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Oxford University. In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice, Robert Hanning, the Warden of Wadham College, stated, “It is with great pleasure that I inform you that the Governing Body of Wadham College has decided to award you an Honorary Fellowship. I hope you will accept this honor.”

President Md. Shahabuddin hosted a reception and Iftar gathering on the occasion of Independence Day. Following Iftar, attendees performed the Maghrib prayer under a temporary shed at the venue, led by the Army Chief as the Imam. Notably, President Md. Shahabuddin was seen praying while seated on a chair behind the Imam. Among the worshippers were Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, Home Secretary Nasimul Gani, and other invited guests.

On the occasion of Shab-e-Qadr, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman extended his greetings to the nation and prayed for its well-being. He remarked that devout Muslims spend the holy month of Ramadan engaging in fasting and self-purification, culminating in the blessed night of Shab-e-Qadr, which brings immense divine mercy. “On this sacred night, believers immerse themselves in worship, offering voluntary prayers, reciting the Holy Quran, and making supplications,” he stated. He also prayed for the welfare of the country, the progress and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah, and for divine mercy to be showered upon everyone. “Ameen,” he concluded.

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution outlining the framework, methods, format, and organization of a high-level conference addressing the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minority groups in Myanmar. The resolution passed without opposition, though 10 countries abstained from voting. Sponsored by Malaysia and Finland, the resolution was adopted on Wednesday, as confirmed by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing. Russia had proposed several amendments, which Bangladesh did not accept. Following a voting initiative by the General Assembly President, the resolution was passed with 141 votes in favor.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince has alleged that there are deliberate efforts to create a false opposition between the Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising. He stated that while 1971 and 2024 are distinct events, neither should be undermined. “The Liberation War was a struggle to free the country from colonial shackles, while the 2024 mass uprising was a movement to liberate an independent country from fascist rule,” he said. Prince highlighted that the spirit of 1971 also fueled the November 7, 1975 movement, as well as the uprisings of 1990 and 2024. Any attempt to diminish the Liberation War is tantamount to denying independence itself, he added. BNP believes that a roadmap for elections must be announced soon, and national elections should be held within this year to rescue the country from chaos and conspiracy.