The new political party emerging from the February 28 mass uprising is set to launch soon, but key figures from the National Citizens’ Committee—Joint Convener Ali Ahsan Zunaid and Joint Member Secretary Rafe Salman Rifat—will not be part of it. They announced their withdrawal via Facebook on Tuesday. Currently, both are visiting China under an invitation from the Chinese Communist Party, led by BNP’s Moin Khan, which has caused friction within the committee. Though they informed party leaders of their decision a week ago, they chose not to make it public earlier for the sake of broader unity. They wished the new party success, urging it to move forward free from political taboos.

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas announced on Tuesday that it has reached an agreement with Israel regarding the release of four Israeli hostages and over 600 Palestinian prisoners. According to the statement, Palestinian prisoners will be released in exchange for the bodies of deceased Israeli hostages. The deal also includes the release of a number of Palestinian women and children. Israel has requested that the bodies of the hostages be transferred via the Red Cross through Egypt. In the previous exchange agreement, Hamas released Israeli hostages, but Israel failed to release the promised 600 Palestinian prisoners.

Ambassador Mushfiqur Fazal Ansari has described Nahid’s resignation as a “historic moment” not just for political transformation but for achieving peace, stability, and unity. In a Facebook post, he praised Nahid Islam’s decision, stating, “Like the oppressed people of Bangladesh, I also hope for a future where pluralism, democracy, and the rule of law prevail.” He also criticized Sheikh Hasina’s leadership and welcomed the emergence of a new political party, urging it to prioritize public interest.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has formed two new committees to enhance its organizational activities. The newly established units are the “Information Research and Communication Cell” and the “Animal and Fisheries Resources Cell.” In separate press statements, the group’s conveners and secretaries confirmed the developments. The Information Research and Communication Cell, headed by Meherab Hossain Sifat, consists of 20 members, while the Animal and Fisheries Resources Cell, led by S.M. Faizullah, has 10 members.

Jamaat-e-Islami and Gano Adhikar Parishad held a closed-door meeting on Tuesday night at Jamaat’s central office in Moghbazar. Abu Hanif, media coordinator for Gano Adhikar Parishad, confirmed the meeting via a press statement. Spokesperson Faruk Hasan stated that the two parties discussed working together to shape the future of Bangladesh. They agreed to continue street demonstrations until the ruling Awami League is removed and held accountable for alleged human rights violations. The meeting was attended by key leaders, including Shafiqur Rahman, Mia Ghulam Parwar, Nurul Haque Nur, and Faruk Hasan.

Lieutenant Jahangir Alam, the Home Affairs Adviser, conducted an unannounced inspection of police patrol operations across Dhaka in the early hours of Wednesday. He visited key security checkpoints in areas such as Banani, Vijay Sarani, Manik Mia Avenue, and Kalabagan. During the inspection, he interacted with on-duty officers and provided guidance on maintaining public safety and law enforcement efficiency.

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.