At a seminar in Tokyo, NBCC Chairman Mikio Kesagayama announced Japan’s readiness to welcome 100,000 Bangladeshi workers over the next five years. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, present at the seminar, said the government will do everything necessary to create employment opportunities for Bangladeshis in Japan. Yunus witnessed the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding. Watami Group President Miki Watanabe added that their school in Bangladesh currently trains 1,500 students annually, with plans to double that number.

NCP leader Abdul Hannan Masud stated that the Appellate Division’s observation—that the Election Commission acted with bias and failed in its constitutional duties—invalidates any national election held under the current EC after July. Masud demanded the commission's resignation, accusing it of betraying the public by serving a particular group rather than the nation. The Appellate Division had earlier said that the EC should decide whether Ishraq Hossain should be sworn in as mayor.

NCP leader Tasnim Zara shared her experience of participating in over 25 rallies in Chattogram over three days. “Everywhere we went, the crowd kept growing,” she said. She recalled seeing a young boy, around seven or eight, watching from a building balcony in Bahaddarhat. “When I said we want to build a country where this child can grow up safely and fulfill his potential, his family lifted him up and the crowd applauded.” She announced that she is resuming her campaign today with a road rally in Mohammadpur alongside convener Nahid Islam.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against any actions that could derail ongoing nuclear negotiations between the Trump administration and Iran. "I told him this is not the right time," said Trump. "We are making good progress with Iran, and I believe they are willing to reach a deal. If we succeed, many lives could be saved."

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that all types of visitor entry at the Secretariat will be suspended on Mondays and Thursdays indefinitely. In a circular issued by the Public Security Division on Wednesday, authorities were instructed to take necessary actions based on the decision made at the Advisory Council meeting.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has suspended all launch services on internal river routes from Barisal River Port due to adverse weather. Launch operations on the Daulatdia-Paturia route have also been halted temporarily. Services will resume once the weather improves. As of Thursday morning, strong winds and moderate rainfall prompted Signal No. 3 for Payra Port and Signal No. 2 for Barisal River Port.

Government employees opposing the "Government Jobs (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025" observed a one-hour work stoppage today. In a press conference, they announced plans to submit memorandums to three advisers on Sunday—Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder, Roads Adviser Dr. Fauzul Kabir Khan, and Environment Adviser Rizwana Hasan. On Monday, they plan to meet Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam and Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud. The Unity Forum also urged continuation of work stoppages at divisional commissioner and DC offices nationwide.

Supporters of BNP leader Ishraq Hossain gathered again outside Nagar Bhaban demanding he be officially handed over the mayoral duties of Dhaka South City Corporation. Protesters claim that Advisor Asif is conspiring to prevent Ishraq from taking the oath. They announced they will continue their sit-in until the oath is administered. The protest began on the 14th of this month, with a 48-hour pause in between.

The Appellate Division has stated that the Election Commission (EC) will decide whether BNP leader Ishraq Hossain will be sworn in as the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation. A full bench of seven judges, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, delivered this observation on Thursday while disposing of a related petition. Earlier, the High Court had dismissed a writ seeking the cancellation of the EC’s gazette and court ruling that declared Ishraq as mayor.

Following the Chattogram incident, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the party will not take responsibility for any actions taken outside official policy or discipline. “No leniency will be shown to anyone violating party discipline—regardless of their position,” he wrote. He urged all members to strictly adhere to the party’s decisions and ethos, warning that disciplinary actions will be taken in any instance of deviation.

SM Farhad, President of Dhaka University’s Islami Chhatra Shibir unit, demanded the immediate arrest and trial of those responsible for attacking a woman during a protest in Chattogram. In a Facebook post, he warned, “Undemocratic behavior will not be tolerated in post-July Bangladesh.” The incident occurred during a human chain organized by the Democratic Student Alliance in front of Chattogram Press Club protesting the acquittal of Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam. At least 8 to 10 activists were injured, including a woman who was kicked, a moment that has since gone viral on social media.

Artist Farzana Wahid Sayan has announced her decision to sever ties with the newly formed political party NCP, citing their celebration of ATM Azharul Islam’s acquittal and alignment with Jamaat-e-Islami. In a social media post, she criticized the party’s alliance with Jamaat and silence over the controversial transfer of Nadira Yasmin. She wrote, “I am officially boycotting the new party from today.”

The US Court of International Trade in New York has suspended tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on imports from several countries. The court ruled that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing retaliatory tariffs. The decision follows two lawsuits filed over the issue. In response, the Trump administration has filed a notice of appeal.

An unexpected explosion occurred around 7:40 PM Wednesday behind the Diamond Harbour police station in West Bengal, where confiscated gunpowder was being stored. Fire services quickly brought the situation under control, and no casualties or significant damage were reported. Authorities believe rain may have prevented a major disaster, though the cause of the ignition remains unclear.

Elon Musk has announced the end of his term as a “special government employee,” a role he assumed under the Trump administration in January to head the Office of Government Efficiency (DoGE). “I believe this cost-cutting agency can become integral across the government,” said Musk. Thanking President Donald Trump for entrusting him with this responsibility, Musk stated he is stepping down as his official tenure ends. He expressed hope that the agency would grow stronger over time.