Mohammad Akram Hossain, a 25-year-old from Ashuganj, died while fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war after joining the Russian army. His family received the news on Friday through a call from one of his fellow fighters. Akram had learned welding and moved to Russia with hopes of improving his family’s financial condition and securing his future. For eight months, he worked as a welder in a Chinese company in Russia. However, about two and a half months ago, he was lured by a broker into joining the Russian military as a contract soldier and took part in the war in Ukraine, which ultimately led to his death. According to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), the government is in contact with the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment to bring back his body.

At a press briefing on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that tariffs on Chinese goods might be reduced. “I don’t want tariffs to be too high, because at some point, people won’t be able to buy,” he said. Trump emphasized the importance of consumer access and signaled openness to easing tariffs. While the U.S. initially imposed sweeping tariffs earlier in April, China remained an exception—with tariffs on Chinese goods eventually rising to 145%. In retaliation, China raised tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%. Trump added that Beijing had reached out multiple times regarding the issue and expressed confidence that a “very good deal” between the two countries is on the horizon.

Violent clashes erupted in Chattogram between Chhatra Dal and anti-discrimination student activists. Protesters from both groups held separate rallies, accusing each other of betrayal and violence. Khan Talat Mahmud Rafi of the anti-discrimination group said, “We are now forced to stand against our former allies.” Chhatra Dal’s joint convener Sabir Ahmed countered, claiming that the dispute originated from internal issues at Mostafa Hakim Degree College, which were politicized by their opponents. Two activists were critically injured in the clash.

Fazle Bari Masud, a leader of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, stated that the public demands structural reforms before any election. He warned that prioritizing elections without reform is akin to betraying the martyrs of the 2024 uprising. “Elections without reform will only bring another wave of fascism,” he said. He urged political parties not to ignore the people’s desire for change, criticizing those pushing elections to appease external powers.

A delegation from the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) met with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to discuss the upcoming national election. The discussion covered international election monitoring and the need for a free and fair electoral process. ANFREL is an umbrella organization promoting electoral integrity across Asia, with 27 member groups from 17 countries, including Bangladesh.

Monir Haidar, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, has claimed that political protection has allowed rampant corruption and mismanagement in the health sector. “It’s not just the officials’ fault—the entire system is politically compromised,” he said. He emphasized that democracy must be about transparency and accountability, not just elections. “In the civilized world, elections are merely an entry point to democracy; the real essence lies in good governance,” he said.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has demanded swift and visible trials for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her family, and political patrons. He stressed the urgency of electoral and structural reforms. Annie accused the government of using armed groups and looted weapons to suppress opposition activities, especially before the August 5 movement. He urged party members to stay alert and push forward organizational activities.

Mosharraf Hossain, also known as ‘Minoti Mosharraf,’ alleged to be a ‘cashier’ for former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, has been placed on a three-day remand in connection with the 2015 attack on Begum Khaleda Zia’s motorcade. The attack occurred during BNP’s mayoral campaign for Tabith Awal in the Dhaka North City Corporation election. The case was filed in August 2024.

BNP leader Selima Rahman accused certain factions of trying to delay the upcoming election under the guise of “reform,” warning that such moves resemble the return of one-party BAKSAL rule. She emphasized the need to restore democracy and voting rights, urging all political forces to unite under a nationalist vision. She also called on BNP activists to spread Tarique Rahman’s 31-point plan for structural reform to every household across the country.

Environmental activist and adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasized the deep connection between sustainable development and cultural heritage. “Preserving heritage means protecting the environment,” she said. Praising Mahin Khan’s exhibition of eco-friendly traditional attire, she added, “This is not just art—it’s a roadmap to a sustainable future.” The exhibition also featured cultural festivities including music, a fashion show, and Pohela Boishakh celebrations.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) will meet with the National Consensus Commission on Saturday at 10:30 AM. The NCP delegation will be led by convener Nahid Islam. The party’s joint secretary Mushfiq-us-Salehin confirmed the meeting on Friday. Earlier, the NCP had formally requested a 90-day extension for the party registration process with the Election Commission.

A tragic incident unfolded in Kaliakoir, Gazipur, where 23-year-old Idris Ali consumed toxic chemicals at his workplace and died by suicide. Employed in the carton section of Montrims Ltd, Idris had not been made permanent even after a year of work. In a final Facebook post, he expressed frustration over being overlooked while others secured permanent roles in months. Naming two officials, he wrote, “They think they’re made of gold and we’re made of dirt. I’m ending it today.”

A protest march under the banner of “Student People” was held in Uttara demanding a ban on the Awami League. Participants called for the immediate arrest of those who earlier marched in the area under the AL banner. They chanted slogans against Sheikh Hasina and her party and issued a 24-hour ultimatum to detain the ruling party’s local demonstrators. A similar rally was held in Jatrabari led by Harunur Rashid Munna, General Secretary of the local AL unit.

National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman has said the government is actively engaging with all stakeholders to ensure Rakhine becomes a safe zone for Rohingya repatriation. He hopes the process will begin before the upcoming Eid. Speaking after a visit to a Rohingya camp where he met and prayed with residents, he urged them to advocate for repatriation on international platforms. Commenting on a Rakhine cultural event, Dr. Khalil noted that Bangladesh is a land of diverse faiths and traditions. He also hailed Myanmar’s agreement to repatriate 180,000 Rohingyas as a diplomatic success.

BNP leader Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas stated that had the July 24 movement failed, the fascist Sheikh Hasina regime would have erased all opposition. He emphasized that the ideals of the July Revolution must guide the vision for a future Bangladesh. Over 2,000 people lost their lives in that struggle, the majority being impoverished workers. “Their blood ensured the revolution’s success,” he said. Biswas added that Bangladeshis have never been subservient to India, but Sheikh Hasina forcibly aligned the nation under Indian dominance. He called for unity among the 73.5 million workers in Bangladesh to build a labor-friendly nation.