At a public rally protesting India’s transboundary water policies, BNP leader Abdul Moyeen Khan stated that India has violated international agreements by building 54 illegal dams on 36 rivers shared with Bangladesh, causing severe water shortages. Azad Khan Bhasani, grandson of Maulana Bhasani, declared, “We broke the chains of West Pakistan; we will not bow to Delhi. If needed, we will fight to claim our rightful share of water.” The speakers demanded the cancellation of all unequal treaties with India and called for nationwide resistance against water aggression.

Jagannath University (JnU) Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rezaul Karim confirmed that the administration has agreed to meet all student demands, including increasing the university's operating budget and constructing temporary dormitories to address housing shortages. Work on a second campus will also begin soon. UGC Chairman Prof. S M A Fayez personally ended the hunger strike by offering water to protesting students and affirmed the government's commitment to fulfilling all demands. Dr. Rois Uddin added that police have apologized for the recent attacks on students and pledged action within seven days against those responsible.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed described the party's 31-point charter as a political epic encompassing education, health, employment, and basic rights. He accused the Awami League of having a legacy of undermining democracy and pushing for a one-party system. “Since the 2014 fraudulent election, the ruling party has institutionalized corruption,” he claimed. He added that had even half of the looted tax breaks been recovered, the national education and healthcare budgets could have been tripled. He also called for national reconciliation to restore political stability and reduce the backlog of politically motivated legal cases.

Chief Adviser Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus announced that the government is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for men and women in all aspects of the nation’s digital transformation, inspired by the spirit of the July uprising. He highlighted initiatives such as "Citizen Service" digital centers to reduce bureaucracy and ensure easier access to government services. He also outlined new training programs for women entrepreneurs and STEM education for female students. Bangladesh is set to join a satellite-based high-speed internet network to ensure uninterrupted connectivity nationwide, including in remote areas.

The 'March of Solidarity with Women' concluded at Manik Mia Avenue with a declaration that rejected using national unity as a pretext to deny women or marginalized communities their rightful place in society. The statement emphasized that issues such as land rights and environmental justice are inherently linked to women’s rights. It called on society to ensure justice for the most vulnerable, condemned derogatory remarks against the Women’s Commission, and criticized the government’s silence on the matter. The declaration demanded the establishment of women’s rights at all levels of society.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated, “We aim to restructure the state in a way that guarantees the rights of all citizens.” He criticized past governments for serving narrow personal and political interests. “Jamaat has always worked against the current,” he said, adding that their path has never been easy—especially since the 1972 ban and the judicial executions of party leaders. Rejecting revenge, he said, “Through sacrifice, we seek to bring positive change to a corrupt system. We may be oppressed, but we refuse to become oppressors.”

Advisor Asif Mahmud revealed that Malaysia has made a policy-level decision to recruit a significant number of Bangladeshi workers in the coming years. The announcement came following a meeting in Putrajaya between Dr. Asif Nazrul and senior officials from Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources. Key agenda items included ensuring fair wages and benefits for current workers and developing a transparent recruitment process for future hires. Malaysia has also pledged to safeguard workers' rights, safety, and overall welfare.

At a rally marking Farakka Long March Day, the National Revolutionary Council demanded an international investigation into the disappearance of BNP leader Ilias Ali, blaming India’s Tipaimukh dam and government collusion. They called for a white paper on 54 years of damage from India’s water projects and urged the government to seek reparations through the International Court. The group also proposed forming a Bangladesh-China-Pakistan water alliance to resist India’s water diversion plans and demanded the cancellation of Hasina-Modi agreements.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has alleged that the killing of student leader Shahriar Alam Samyo was part of a larger conspiracy. He also referred to an incident where an advisor was hit with a water bottle, calling it no less serious. Annie noted that various student marches, including one from Jagannath University, have been active in Dhaka and must be engaged in dialogue. “The interim government cannot meet all demands immediately, especially after 17 years of misrule,” he said. However, he condemned the police’s violent crackdown on student protesters, stating, “This is unacceptable in any civilized society.”

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan has suggested that if political consensus is reached by June or July, there is no obstacle to holding elections by December. He said a political government is essential to resolve the nation’s social, economic, and political crises, and the interim government must act accordingly. Khan reiterated BNP’s commitment to comprehensive reform but emphasized it is a gradual process. He questioned whether delays are being orchestrated to benefit certain parties, adding that people across Bangladesh have suffered under fascism and that the current uprising is the result of BNP’s long struggle.

Industrial and Housing Advisor Adilur Rahman Khan visited the victims of the devastating fire at Srinagar Bazar. He assured that government financial aid would be provided to those affected. The fire, which occurred late Thursday night, destroyed over a hundred shops and caused losses estimated at around Tk 30 crore. Khan reaffirmed the government's commitment to standing by the victims during their recovery.

Ben Cohen, co-founder of ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s and a prominent activist, was arrested at the U.S. Senate during a protest against the killings in Gaza. He was later released. Police charged Cohen with a misdemeanor, while six others were also detained and face more serious charges. The protest occurred during a budget hearing where Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was presenting his proposal. Cohen shouted slogans, accusing Congress of funding bombs that kill children in Gaza while cutting healthcare for the poor in the U.S.

In a diplomatic first, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone call with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of the Taliban government. While India has not formally recognized the Taliban regime, Jaishankar described the conversation as constructive. He thanked Muttaqi for condemning the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and welcomed his rejection of “false and baseless reports” aimed at straining India-Afghanistan relations. Muttaqi also urged India to issue more visas for Afghan citizens, particularly those seeking medical treatment.

A violent clash broke out between two groups in Barshapara village of Kotalipara, Gopalganj, on Friday morning over a dispute regarding a fish enclosure. At least 30 people, including a child, were injured in the conflict involving local UP member Ibrahim Fakir and Moksed Ali Fakir’s supporters. Both sides blamed each other for initiating the attack. The injured were taken to local hospitals. Police said the situation is now under control and no formal complaint has been filed yet.

Indian security forces have killed 31 Maoists during a major operation in the Karriguttalu Hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. Home Minister Amit Shah reported that over 26,000 personnel were involved in the operation, which resulted in the destruction of 214 Maoist hideouts and bunkers. Hundreds of explosives were recovered. The Naxalites have long fought for the rights of indigenous tribal populations in the region. Shah expressed satisfaction that no security personnel were injured in the operation.