BNP is holding a rally at 10 AM today in front of the National Press Club, demanding immediate national elections. Former local representatives and BNP-backed candidates from previous elections are participating. They argue that some factions are pushing for local elections before national ones, a move they strongly oppose. A BNP representative claimed that the country’s law-and-order situation is deteriorating and that local elections would only empower the ruling party’s “fascist forces.” Elected officials from various levels, including Upazila chairmen, vice-chairmen, and councilors, are attending the rally.

Twelve members of three related families, including four children, were found unconscious on Tuesday night in Kamalnagar, Lakshmipur, after consuming drug-laced food. The victims were rushed to a local hospital, and nine were later transferred to Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital due to critical conditions. One person has since regained consciousness. The incident occurred when the family returned home after attending a neighbor’s wedding and consumed the food they had left behind. Authorities suspect the food was intentionally drugged to take advantage of the empty house.

KUET students staged a protest at 9 PM on Tuesday against the university’s indefinite closure of residential halls. Demonstrators chanted slogans rejecting what they called an “illegal syndicate decision” and declared they would not vacate the dormitories. Some students claimed this was the first such decision since the July uprising. Protesters vowed to resist eviction, even if security forces were deployed. They remain firm on their six-point demand, including the removal of the Vice-Chancellor, accusing authorities of ignoring the plight of 150 injured students.

A massive fire at Zaman Tower in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, was brought under control at 7:35 AM after two hours of effort by firefighters. The Fire Service has confirmed that damping-down operations are ongoing. Two individuals were rescued from the building. The fire was first reported at 5:35 AM on Wednesday. Fire Service spokesperson Anwarul Islam Dolon confirmed the development but did not provide an immediate assessment of damages.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has convened a week-long conference at its base in Qatar, starting Tuesday. General Michael Kurilla gathered top CENTCOM officials at Al Udeid Air Base to discuss the current operational environment. The discussions covered regional security, military cooperation, counterterrorism efforts against Daesh, and strategic opportunities in the area. As part of strengthening U.S.-Qatar military ties, Kurilla met with Qatar’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Jassim Al Mannai, and commanders of Qatar’s Air Force and Air Defense.

A human rights report on Tuesday revealed that at least 59 Palestinian prisoners have died in Israeli jails since Israel’s military aggression in Gaza began in October 2023. Most of the deceased were residents of Gaza. The Prison Society reported that 38 of the victims were from Gaza and accused Israeli authorities of concealing their deaths. Since Israel occupied Gaza in 1957, at least 296 Palestinians have died in Israeli prisons, excluding thousands of others whose deaths have been omitted from official statistics.

Two Chhatra League activists, Rabina Oishi and Labiba Islam, have been accused of threatening fellow students who protested against drug use at Suniti-Shanti Hall of Comilla University. The students, who had raised concerns about drug consumption, were allegedly intimidated by the two activists. Rabina and Labiba reportedly warned the students that they would “deal with them” for speaking out. The incident has caused fear among the students at the hall, and the accused have denied the charges, claiming the situation was misunderstood.

BNP’s Dohar Upazila President Nazrul Islam Mesher has announced a BDT 5 lakh reward for anyone providing information leading to the capture of Amzad Hossain, former Raipara Union chairman and Awami League leader. He made this statement at a BNP gathering in Raipara, urging unity for implementing Tarique Rahman’s 31-point agenda. Several BNP, Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal leaders attended the event. The announcement has sparked political tensions in the region.

The government is actively working to control the recent surge in snatching and robbery, particularly in Dhaka. Interim Government’s Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan assured that the situation will improve soon. During a midnight press briefing at Vijay Sarani, he stated that authorities are taking strict measures, including identifying and arresting culprits. Dhaka Metropolitan Police has launched special operations with 65 checkpoints across the city. The adviser urged collective action against crime, emphasizing the government’s commitment to public security.

Eight individuals, including former local government leaders, have been arrested in Baghai, Rajshahi, in connection with a cocktail bomb explosion case. The detainees include: • Saiful Islam – Former Chairman of Monigram Union and Awami League President • Rabiul Islam – Former Chairman of Gargari Union and Awami League President • Azizul Azam – Former Chairman of Chokrajapur Union and Former Vice President of Upazila Awami League • Muktar Ali – Former Mayor of Arani Municipality and Former Organizational Secretary of the Municipal Awami League • Kobir Hossain and Jahurul Islam – Youth leaders They were presented before the Rajshahi Chief Judicial Magistrate Court seeking bail, but the judge denied their request and ordered their immediate imprisonment.

On Tuesday evening, police headquarters reported that a joint security force operation, codenamed “Devil Hunt,” has led to the arrest of 639 more individuals across the country. In the past 24 hours, a total of 1,638 suspects have been detained—639 under “Devil Hunt” and 999 based on other cases and arrest warrants. Security forces also seized various weapons, including a foreign-made pistol, a shotgun cartridge, a pistol magazine, a locally-made firearm (LG), a machete, a cleaver, and two knives.

In response to the deteriorating law and order situation across the country, authorities have intensified patrols and strengthened checkpoints to curb crimes such as murder, rape, and robbery. Following an emergency directive from the Home Affairs Adviser amid student protests, law enforcement arrested 248 individuals in Dhaka within the past 24 hours. Most of the detainees are reportedly involved in theft, robbery, extortion, and mugging. Police have found political links behind these crimes and are investigating who is backing the perpetrators.

At a public rally in Mohanpur, former Home Minister Lutfozzaman Babur warned that conspiracies have already begun ahead of the elections. “Do not be ensnared by their traps,” he stated, urging the public to be prepared to counter such plots. Babur also urged the interim government not to try holding on to power, emphasizing the need for swift elections and a timely handover to the newly elected government. Notably, Babur delivered an 11‑minute speech at his first public address in his parliamentary constituency, Mohanganj, after serving 17½ years in prison.

In connection with three separate cases filed at two police stations over the anti-discrimination student movement, ICT State Minister Junayed Ahmed was brought before a Narayanganj court. During the remand hearing, the accused—representing himself without legal counsel—claimed innocence. After considering statements from both the accused and the state, the court granted 12 days’ remand across three cases, following an application for a 21‑day remand by the police.

In Dhaka’s Uttara, angry locals caught two snatchers, beat them, and tied them upside down from a footbridge near BNS Center on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway. The incident occurred around 9 PM on Tuesday. Police later rescued them and admitted them to Kuwait Maitree Hospital. Earlier in the evening, two more snatchers were caught and beaten in Abdullahpur. Witnesses say the suspects were attempting to flee after snatching a mobile phone. The suspects admitted to being members of the “Bachchu Snatching Group.”