Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin stated that the Election Commission will not wait for reforms suggested by the Consensus Commission. “We’re preparing for elections with the powers we currently have,” he said. Australian High Commissioner Susan Reilly assured full support for free and fair elections, including assistance with voter list updates and international observation.

Contrary to reports, KUET Pro-VC Sheikh Shariful Alam has not resigned. Instead, he submitted a letter to the Education Adviser, requesting a halt to any dismissal process pending further investigation. A ministry official acknowledged that discussions on removing the VC and Pro-VC are ongoing.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Muhammad Mashud and Pro-VC Prof. S.K. Shariful Alam of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology have resigned. The Education Ministry confirmed receiving their resignation letters. The decision comes after a prolonged hunger strike by students demanding justice for unfair expulsions. The university had previously revoked disciplinary actions against 37 students, though a criminal case filed by an outsider remains unresolved.

Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, said the body aims to formulate a national charter through broad consultation. He noted that the absence of democracy in the past 53 years has fostered authoritarianism. “We seek a democratic state where no one has to sacrifice their life for freedom again,” he stated. A meeting with the Aam Jonota Party followed his remarks.

Speaking at Qatar University, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus warned that modern civilization is heading toward self-destruction, generating waste at an unsustainable pace. Addressing the “Three Zeros” forum — zero carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment — Yunus emphasized the need for a radical global shift. He later met Qatar’s Prime Minister to discuss bilateral cooperation.

Adviser Asif Mahmud disclosed that his father’s locally issued contractor license has been canceled following a media inquiry. Asif confirmed the license’s existence but acknowledged the conflict of interest, as he holds a governmental position. “My father didn’t understand the implications. No work was undertaken using the license. I apologize on his behalf,” he wrote in a statement.

British MP Shaukat Adam was barred from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque via an Israeli-controlled gate during a visit to Jerusalem. Adam, an independent MP from Leicester South, and Andrew George, a Liberal Democrat MP from St Ives, were part of a delegation touring Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and East Jerusalem. Eyewitnesses reported that Adam was singled out and denied access because of his Muslim identity.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have claimed 45 more lives in the past 24 hours, pushing the death toll to over 51,305. More than 117,096 people have been injured since the conflict began. Rescue workers are still struggling to reach victims trapped under rubble. According to the UN, 85% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, and 60% of infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.

Reacting to Ukrainian President Zelensky’s statement rejecting recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Donald Trump criticized the stance. “No one’s asking him to cede Crimea. If he wanted to fight for it, why didn’t he do it 11 years ago when it was handed over without a shot?” Trump questioned. He added that peace was within reach, but Zelensky’s provocations are making it difficult to end the war.

During a rally toward the Indian High Commission demanding the repeal of the Wakf Amendment Bill and an end to Muslim persecution, Hefazat leader Mamunul Haque issued a stern warning. “No government can survive in Bangladesh if it stands against Islam,” he said, cautioning leaders not to bring upon themselves a fate similar to Prime Minister Hasina’s by aligning with anti-Islamic forces. He threatened a long march to Delhi if the demands are not met and condemned both Israel’s assault on Gaza and India’s Modi government for attempting to eradicate Muslims.

In a meeting with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus proposed establishing a dedicated Special Economic Zone for Qatari investors. He suggested that Qatari businesses could invest in defense equipment manufacturing and other sectors. Yunus emphasized Bangladesh’s vision to become a global manufacturing and economic hub, highlighting enhancements in port capacities and investment services. He added that industries set up in Bangladesh can freely export goods abroad.

At a rally in front of the Press Club, Mahbub Alam, Joint Convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP), asserted that elections are not possible without comprehensive institutional reforms and the repeal of repressive laws stemming from 15 years of looting, violence, and fascist rule. He emphasized that these reforms are essential to ensure voting rights. “Without reforms, we’ll witness another era of politics dominated by muscle and money,” he said. Other speakers criticized efforts to rehabilitate the Awami League through repeated election calls. They demanded justice and a ban on the party, stressing, “We want a Second Republic. Don’t make elections and reforms adversaries.”

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Bangladesh will see an increase in dollar inflows during the current fiscal year, which is expected to ease pressure on the country’s current account deficit. According to the IMF, the growing size of the country’s GDP will contribute to an improvement in foreign currency inflows, helping to narrow the deficit in external accounts.

The report also notes that this improvement trend may continue into the next fiscal year, with the deficit likely remaining stable. Due to a dollar crisis, Bangladesh’s current account deficit had previously surged to 4% of GDP in the 2021–22 fiscal year. However, it decreased to 2.6% in 2022–23, and further declined to just 1.4% of GDP in the 2023–24 fiscal year.

The Cabinet Division has issued a notification declaring three days of national mourning from Thursday to Saturday following the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and the sovereign of Vatican City.

During this period, national flags will be flown at half-mast on all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, and educational establishments, as well as in all private buildings and Bangladeshi missions abroad.

Special prayers will also be held for the departed soul of the Pope, honoring his memory and legacy.

Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan said his first action after taking office was to eliminate quota-based allocations. “We aim to build a practical, livable Dhaka,” he said. He emphasized improving connectivity with nearby districts to allow easier access for commuters. Reflecting on Dhaka’s expansion, he lamented the destruction of the once-rich Bhawal forest, stressing the need to avoid unplanned urban sprawl.