Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansari, expressed hope that India will support the democratic aspirations of the Bangladeshi people. Welcoming the recent meeting between Dr. Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ansari highlighted Bangladesh’s resurgence in global diplomacy. He said the country is regaining its rightful place on the international stage through a sovereign, balanced, and goal-oriented foreign policy. He called the evolving understanding with India a positive development and expressed hope for continued diplomatic progress.

BNP leader Rumeen Farhana said the fight for democratic rights is far from over. “We have yet to ensure people’s right to vote,” she stated, adding that those who became eligible voters 15 years ago have still not had the opportunity to cast their ballots. Emphasizing BNP’s commitment to democracy, she criticized attempts to delegitimize the party’s calls for elections. She also warned against internal party politics aimed at undermining activists, saying, “The people know who protested, who took to the streets, and who spoke up on talk shows despite threats.”

BNP leader Shama Obayed stated that those who left the party or remained inactive over the past 15 years should not be welcomed back without scrutiny. “Anyone who wants to rejoin must first prove themselves from the backbench,” she asserted. Criticizing the ruling Awami League, she said, “For 17 years, they have only looted development funds, while their affiliates like Chhatra League and Jubo League have engaged in extortion and plunder.” She also warned party members not to be tempted by financial offers and accused pro-Awami elements of continuing conspiracies even after Hasina’s departure.

Seventeen-year-old Hridoy Hossain, who was injured in police firing during the July uprising in Bauphal, Patuakhali, died while undergoing treatment at a local hospital. His father, Ansar Howlader, claimed the death was due to lack of adequate medical care. Hridoy, the youngest son of an autorickshaw driver, had been working as a construction laborer in Dhaka. After being shot on July 18 near Jatrabari Police Station, he was treated at Dhaka Medical for three months. Financial constraints forced his return home, where he was later admitted to the Upazila Hospital. He will be buried in his village after his funeral on Saturday. Local Jamaat leader Shafiqul Islam Masud expressed condolences.

Nadia Sultana, President of the Bangladesh Navy Family Welfare Association, visited 7-year-old Basit Khan Musa at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka. Musa was critically injured by gunfire during the July uprising and returned to Bangladesh Thursday night after five months of treatment in Singapore. Nadia inquired about his condition and discussed his medical progress with doctors, according to an ISPR press release.

Ten Bangladeshi expatriates arrested in Saudi Arabia during the July movement celebrations—following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s removal from office—have returned home. They were among 12 arrested for hosting a feast and celebration. After serving eight months in prison, the Saudi authorities deported ten of them. Due to passport and paperwork issues, two others remain detained. Upon arrival, the returnees were received at the airport by government representatives. The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare has pledged support for their rehabilitation.

During a courtesy meeting with BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey, Dr. Muhammad Yunus suggested hosting a dedicated youth summit during the next BIMSTEC conference in Dhaka, scheduled two years from now. Secretary General Pandey welcomed the proposal, calling the idea “excellent” and assuring it will be pursued with high priority. He also announced preparations are underway for a long-overdue trade ministers’ meeting — the first in 21 years. At the end of the summit, Professor Yunus officially assumed the role of BIMSTEC Chair on behalf of Bangladesh.

A new survey by the Jewish People Policy Institute, titled The Israeli Society Index, reveals that 60% of Israelis agree—albeit cautiously—that the country may be heading toward civil war. The study also found that food insecurity is now affecting around 1.5 million Israeli settlers. The warning echoes earlier concerns raised by former Israeli Supreme Court President Aharon Barak, who had cautioned about the growing risk of internal conflict. While 27% of respondents agreed with Barak and said his warning was accurate, 33% felt his comments were somewhat exaggerated but still acknowledged the potential danger. Only 16% of Jewish respondents believe there is no risk of civil war in Israel. Meanwhile, 51% of voters said there should be no political interference in the dismissal of the intelligence chief.

At least 86 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Since the beginning of the Israeli offensive in October 2023, the total death toll has climbed to 50,609. An additional 287 people have been injured in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of wounded to 115,063. The Gaza government’s media office has stated that including those still trapped under the rubble, the real death toll has likely exceeded 62,700. Israel launched its latest wave of surprise airstrikes on March 18, which alone resulted in 1,249 deaths and over 3,000 injuries.

Following a marathon midnight debate on Thursday, India passed the controversial Wakf Bill. On Friday, Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi filed separate petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the bill, calling it “discriminatory” and a “violation of fundamental rights” of Muslims. In his petition, Jawed argued that the bill breaches several constitutional provisions, including Article 14 (Right to Equality), Article 25 (Freedom of Religion), Article 26 (Right to Manage Religious Affairs), Article 29 (Cultural and Educational Rights of Minorities), and Article 300A (Right to Property). He emphasized that the law unfairly limits the autonomy of Wakf institutions while maintaining broader freedoms for religious trusts of other faiths. One of the most contentious provisions of the bill mandates the inclusion of non-Muslim members in the formation of Wakf Boards and the Central Wakf Council, which critics argue undermines community self-governance.

NCP leader Zaynal Abedin Shishir declared that a new constitution has already been written in the blood of martyrs like Sadman. “This constitution will be realized through the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for a new Bangladesh,” he said. Shishir called for a people-empowered constitution that rejects dynastic and personality-based politics. Expressing gratitude for the sacrifices of the fallen, he urged the government to ban the Awami League and ensure exemplary punishment for those in power. He demanded greater state recognition for the martyrs, including their inclusion in textbooks and other public platforms. Before speaking, Shishir visited the grave of Shaheed Sadman to pay his respects.

BNP leader Mirza Abbas has called the meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highly significant and necessary. “The government had been trying to make it happen. It was needed, and it finally happened,” he remarked. Abbas urged India to “immediately send Sheikh Hasina back” so that she can face trial, calling her a “fascist” whose prosecution is imperative. He also demanded the rightful share of Teesta River water for Bangladesh and called for necessary renovations of the Teesta Barrage to be undertaken by Bangladesh, with no compromises on national interests. Responding to critics, Abbas clarified BNP’s stance on reform. “Some say reform talk irritates BNP. That’s not true. We support reform—alongside elections. We just reject any reform that undermines the people’s rights,” he said.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has returned to Dhaka after attending the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. He landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at approximately 10:05 PM Bangladesh time on Friday aboard a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. Earlier, he departed Bangkok at 8:45 PM local time. Dr. Yunus was seen off at the airport by Jiraporn Sindhuprai, Minister attached to the Thai Prime Minister’s Office.

Speaking after Friday prayers in Rangpur, National Citizens’ Party (NCP) leader Sarjis Alam announced that the newly formed party is working toward fielding candidates in all 300 constituencies in the upcoming national election. He stated, “For over a decade, politics has moved away from the people. We aim to restore that connection and represent citizens in Parliament.” Alam criticized regional disparities in budget allocation over the past 16 years, noting that while South Bengal has seen significant investment, North Bengal has primarily been a contributor. “We expect the next government to address these imbalances,” he said. He acknowledged the challenges of nominating candidates nationwide as a one-month-old party but affirmed their commitment to the goal. On foreign relations, Alam emphasized the need to shift from a one-sided policy with India to a relationship built on mutual respect and equality.

In a recent post, Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam asserted that Islamic extremism has never seen a significant rise in Bangladesh — and there is no indication that it will in the future. He criticized some Western journalists for drawing unfounded parallels between Bangladesh and conflict-ridden nations like Afghanistan, Pakistan, or Syria due to a lack of nuanced understanding of Bangladeshi society. Highlighting key incidents — such as the 1994 exile of Taslima Nasrin, the 2004 attack on author Humayun Azad, the 2005 nationwide bombings, and the rise of Bangla Bhai — he emphasized that despite these, no widespread resurgence of Islamist extremism has taken place. Between 2013 and 2016, Bangladesh faced a spate of targeted attacks on atheist bloggers, secular and LGBTQ activists, and even foreign nationals — nearly 20 lives were lost. Yet, society at large remained largely resilient and unchanged. Alam, who admits to once falling into the same narrative trap, stressed that the social and familial diversity of Bangladesh serves as a strong defense against extremism. “This diversity,” he said, “will keep Bangladesh from straying down the wrong path.”