Renowned actor Ilias Kanchan has launched a new political party named Janata Party Bangladesh, with the slogan “Building a Just Bangladesh.” Kanchan serves as chairman, with journalist Shawkat Mahmud as secretary general and former deputy minister Golam Sarwar Milon as vice chairman. Nearly two dozen new parties have emerged following the fall of the Hasina government.

When asked whether the US had investigated how its aid to Bangladesh is being spent, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said they take all such inquiries seriously and would consider appropriate steps. The question followed a press conference by a Bangladeshi-American group calling for accountability in foreign aid utilization.

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed over 60 Palestinians in a single day, including 12 members of one family, and injured over 150 others. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the total death toll since Israel’s assault began in October 2023 has reached 51,355, with 117,248 people injured.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is “deeply concerned” over rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, emphasized the need for maximum restraint and urged both countries to resolve issues through meaningful dialogue and mutual engagement.

Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar claimed Islamabad possesses evidence and intelligence proving that armed tourists entered Srinagar. He challenged India’s assertion of Pakistani involvement in the Pahalgam attack and urged the country to share proof with the global community. Dar also warned that Pakistan’s armed forces are prepared to respond to any Indian aggression.

Bangladesh achieved a significant diplomatic victory at the 81st session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok. Aide to the Economic Adviser was elected vice-president, while Bangladesh secured three-year terms in the governing councils of the APCICT and APDIM. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus addressed the session via video, calling for stronger regional and global cooperation.

The Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police has arrested 11 additional members of banned student and affiliate wings of the Awami League for participating in sudden flash protests across the capital. Authorities allege the suspects conspired to create public unrest and destabilize the nation through coordinated demonstrations.

Gunfire was exchanged between Indian and Pakistani forces along the Kashmir border, following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that has escalated diplomatic tensions between the two nations. According to the Indian Army, Pakistan initiated the firing at multiple locations along the Line of Control, prompting retaliation. No casualties have been reported so far. Both sides remain on high alert.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has stated that Italy will assist Bangladesh in curbing illegal immigration and human trafficking, along with enhancing police capacity. During a meeting with the Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, he noted that around 250,000 skilled Bangladeshis are currently employed in Italy. The upcoming visit of Italy’s Interior Minister is expected to increase this number and strengthen bilateral ties. The ambassador confirmed that during the visit, the minister will meet Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, as well as advisers on foreign affairs, law, and expatriates.

Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa stated that the Matarbari deep sea port will be operational by 2029. “In today’s competitive global market, we must expand our port’s capacity,” he said. He noted that trade agreements with various countries are opening new opportunities. The port is expected to handle 5 million TEUs annually in five years. Construction agreements have been signed for terminal and bay-terminal facilities at Matarbari. In the first nine months of the 2024–25 fiscal year, the port generated revenue of Tk 3,745.23 crore—10.56% higher than the same period last year, with an 8.77% surplus. He also stated that efforts to improve service quality are ongoing.

BNP leader Naharul Islam Master has been accused of threatening to abduct and kill Ekramul Haque Pipul, President of the Darshana Press Club in Chuadanga, over a news report. Naharul, a member of the Darshana Municipality BNP Coordination Committee, allegedly issued the threats after a dispute over a land issue was caught on video. Pipul was reportedly threatened over the phone while returning from the scene.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz has urged citizens to stop using illegal battery-powered rickshaws and to refrain from buying from unauthorized street vendors. “We consistently receive complaints about these two issues during public hearings,” he said. “However, the public continues to use these services, worsening the problem. If people stop using illegal rickshaws, the drivers will lose motivation.” He added that the DNCC is conducting regular drives and emphasized that public awareness is key to better urban management.

Mahathir Hasan, one of the accused in the murder of Zahidul Islam Parvez, a student at Prime Asia University and a leader of Chhatra Dal, has confessed to the crime. Earlier, on Wednesday, another suspect, Md. Al Kamal Sheikh, also gave a confessional statement in court. Parvez was fatally stabbed on April 19. According to the case statement, Mehraj and his associates attacked Parvez with sticks, knives, and machetes, leading to his death.

Islamic leader Maulana Mamunul Haque declared that the spirit of the July-August movement must be honored in shaping the nation’s politics. He demanded justice for the Shapla Chattar crackdown, the BDR mutiny, and the killings during the 2024 uprising. “There can be no acceptance of any political attempt to rehabilitate Sheikh Hasina,” he said. Mamunul further urged that the Awami League be officially declared a terrorist organization and warned that any anti-Islamic stance will be met with strong resistance.

Following months of protests and a 57-hour hunger strike, the Vice Chancellor and Pro-Vice Chancellor of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) have stepped down. While students celebrated the resignations, KUET Teachers’ Association expressed disappointment, calling it a setback for justice since the decision came without any formal investigation.