Shaon Kabi Riza (25), president of the Rupsha South Union unit of the BNP-affiliated student wing, has finally been granted bail following his altercation with police. BNP and its affiliated organizations had been vocal on social media all day Wednesday, protesting Riza’s arrest, alleged torture, and the charges filed against him. As tensions escalated, BNP supporters announced a protest for Thursday afternoon, demanding his immediate release and condemning the police’s actions. However, following Riza’s bail in two cases and directives from district BNP leaders, the protest was subsequently called off.

Inqilab Manch held a protest at Shahbagh, demanding the immediate arrest of Laki Akhter and her associates, whom they labeled as traitors. During the demonstration, they announced plans to rename Shahbagh intersection as “Khaja Salimullah Square” and install four gates at the surrounding roads. These gates will be named after executed war criminals Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, Abdul Quader Molla, and Mir Quasem Ali.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has reiterated his party’s commitment to building a just and corruption-free Bangladesh based on Quranic principles. Expressing deep sorrow over Asiya Khatun’s tragic death, he prayed for her and called for exemplary punishment for the perpetrators. He attributed such crimes to the absence of Islamic governance and moral discipline in society.

BNP leader Barkatullah Bulu has called for exposing those financially supporting Sheikh Hasina. He claimed that massive funds were being used to safeguard her, with individuals allegedly donating millions, providing vehicles, helicopters, and other resources. Bulu urged journalists to uncover and report on the financial backing of the newly emerged political party and the expenditures aimed at countering BNP.

Students and activists at Dhaka University organized a torchlight procession demanding justice for Asiya Khatun, the young girl who was raped and murdered in Magura. The march started from Raju Memorial Sculpture, passing through Nilkhet, Victory ‘71 Hall, and finally heading toward the Shaheed Minar. Earlier, Asiya succumbed to her injuries at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka.

An investigation into the attacks on student protesters at Dhaka University between July 15 and August 5 has identified 122 banned Chhatra League members involved in the violence. The report, submitted by Associate Professor Kazi Mahfuzul Islam Supon to Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, also highlighted that 70 teachers labeled students as Jamaat, Shibir, Chhatra Dal, or Razakar sympathizers during the unrest. Once approved by the syndicate, necessary actions will be taken against the identified individuals, including filing cases against those who are not affiliated with educational institutions.

Following a mass uprising, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India. The Bangladeshi government sent a diplomatic request under the extradition treaty for her return. However, nearly three months have passed without a response from India, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Rafiqul Islam. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, in a recent interview with an international media outlet, warned that Sheikh Hasina’s statements from India could pose a threat to Bangladesh.

BNP leader Mirza Abbas has warned that no political decisions in Bangladesh will be made while disregarding BNP. Criticizing certain leaders, he noted that while some were busy taking pictures, they were absent from the movement. He urged caution to ensure that the sacrifices of those who struggled for the cause are not wasted. Abbas also condemned ongoing misinformation campaigns and attempts to align BNP with the Awami League. Expressing sorrow over the Magura child abuse case, he strongly condemned the incident and extended his condolences.

Asiya Khatun, a young girl who was raped and killed in Magura, was laid to rest after her funeral prayers. She was buried in her ancestral village of Sonaikundi in Sreepur. Meanwhile, an enraged mob set fire to the house of the accused at around 7:45 PM. Earlier, her body was transported from the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka to her village by helicopter.

Over the last 13 months, 2,601 Bangladeshi nationals have been apprehended at the India-Bangladesh border, according to India’s Home Ministry. These individuals were caught attempting to enter India illegally. From January 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, the Border Security Force (BSF) detained them during border crossings. The ministry also stated that India has intensified border surveillance by increasing the number of security personnel and deploying advanced technology, including handheld thermal imagers, night vision devices, UAVs, CCTV cameras, infrared sensors, and an integrated border management system along the Dhubri border in Assam.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that discussions on reforms will continue, but a decision must be made regarding the parliamentary elections. He urged the interim government to announce a clear roadmap for the national elections as soon as possible, in line with public demand. He emphasized the need for preparation, noting that the Election Commission is responsible for conducting the elections and is already working toward the upcoming December polls.

Out of 37 political parties, seven have so far submitted their opinions on the five reform commissions’ recommendations, according to the National Consensus Commission. The seven parties are the LDP, Khelafat Majlish, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, Zaker Party, Bhasani Anusari Parishad, NDM, and Amjanatar Dal. In an official statement, the commission noted that the key recommendations were sent to all 37 political parties in tabular form on March 6, requesting their feedback within the deadline. As of Thursday, seven parties have responded, while 16 others have requested additional time to submit their full opinions. The commission is also following up with the remaining parties for their input.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince has accused the ruling Awami League of engaging in a deep conspiracy against Bangladesh. He stated that Sheikh Hasina’s fascist government has been overthrown by a mass uprising, forcing her to flee the country. Prince further alleged that fugitive Awami League leaders are now attempting to destabilize Bangladesh’s political landscape by making misleading, false, and provocative statements in foreign media. He emphasized that Sheikh Hasina and her associates will be brought back to the country to face justice—not as political leaders, but for their alleged crimes, including genocide, power usurpation, corruption, and plundering.

A fire broke out in a rented unit of the residence of Interior Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury in the DOHS area of Baridhara. The fire originated in the kitchen of the fifth floor, which is rented to a business entity. Fire service officials confirmed that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. Upon receiving the alert, fire service personnel swiftly arrived at the scene and extinguished the flames without difficulty. The fire was completely doused by 7:24 PM, and fortunately, no casualties were reported.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has taken full responsibility for his administration’s controversial “war on drugs.” In a video message posted on Facebook, Duterte stated, “No matter what happened in the past, I stand by our law enforcement and military. I will protect you. I take full responsibility for everything.” His statement comes after he was arrested in Manila and extradited to The Hague to face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC). He is accused of orchestrating the extrajudicial killings of thousands of suspected drug dealers and users during his presidency.