Russian President Vladimir Putin met with recently freed hostage Alexander Trufanov and his family in the Kremlin. He attributed Trufanov’s release to Russia’s longstanding relationship with the Palestinian people and expressed hope for more such humanitarian successes. Putin publicly thanked Hamas’ political leadership for heeding Russia’s request and facilitating the release.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the party disagrees with 16 out of 66 reform proposals submitted regarding elections. “We fully support 25 and partially agree with another 25,” he said. Consensus Commission Vice Chair Dr. Ali Riaz reiterated that the goal is to develop a national charter through political consensus and establish long-term democratic stability. He praised BNP’s contribution to democratic discourse.

Following a meeting with Additional Secretary Rehana Yasmin of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division, Polytechnic student representatives expressed disappointment over the lack of solutions. “The meeting was fruitless,” said a student spokesperson. They announced plans for tougher nationwide action across all polytechnic institutes, while committing to minimize public disruption during protests.

Jamaat Ameer emphasized that the mass uprising in July brought a new wave of freedom, but three key preconditions must be met before holding elections—reform, justice, and coexistence. “Without fulfilling these, elections will be as flawed as before,” he warned. Jamaat has already submitted a reform proposal to the Consensus Commission and insists that meaningful change is essential to honor the sacrifices made.

Secretary of the National Sports Council Md. Aminul Islam announced that commercial establishments within Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium will not have their leases renewed after 2026. “The stadium will be free of commercial use,” he stated. The council has already issued letters to remove two shops blocking the main entrance. Officials also noted that street-level business activities were obstructing pedestrian movement and damaging the stadium’s aesthetics.

Mohammad Shahe Alam Murad, former General Secretary of Dhaka South Awami League, was arrested in Uttara on Thursday. He had led a sudden flash protest march from Baitul Mukarram to Bangabandhu Avenue on April 6. Since the mass uprising, many ruling party leaders have been arrested, while others have fled abroad, allegedly plotting further unrest.

After visiting the torched home of artist Manbendra Ghosh, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North leader Maulana Delwar Hossain blamed the remnants of a fascist regime for continuing efforts to disrupt Bangladesh’s communal harmony. “Though the head of the fascist regime has fled, many accomplices remain, and they are behind such attacks,” he stated. He urged vigilance and called for justice against those responsible for the arson, demanding exemplary punishment and rehabilitation for the affected family.

At Dhaka’s Sheraton Hotel, Destiny Group CEO Mohammad Rafiqul Amin announced the formation of a new political party—Bangladesh A-Am Janata Party. Amin will serve as the party’s convener, while Fatima Tasnim was named member secretary. Amin said that despite 54 years since independence, people still struggle with deprivation and inequality. The new party aims to unite citizens to remove autocracy and secure basic and political rights. Fatima Tasnim added that without political awareness, the country risks falling back into autocratic rule. “We have ousted the Awami autocrats, and we will not allow any future dictatorship,” she said.

Steve Witkoff, envoy for former U.S. President Donald Trump, stated that Iran must halt its nuclear enrichment and weapons program to secure a deal with a potential future Trump administration. “Any deal with Iran must be a Trump deal,” Witkoff emphasized, adding that the agreement must establish a framework for lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East. In response, Iran’s Foreign Minister noted conflicting messages from the U.S. and said such contradictions hinder effective negotiations. “If the Americans present a constructive position, I am optimistic about a potential agreement. If contradictions continue, the process will become increasingly difficult,” he added.

At a meeting with the National Consensus Commission, BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan stated that the current opportunity to rebuild the country must be utilized. He described the struggle to reform the state as a rare historical phenomenon. Khan emphasized that past victories could not be sustained, but this time, cooperation with the commission and government could ensure lasting success. He warned against overreaching in pursuit of change, lest it dampen people’s desire for transformation. He said BNP’s reform agenda is not just a demand—it’s a commitment. “Everything must happen with public consent,” he added. Though a consensus charter wasn’t reached in July, he noted that BNP has its 31-point reform proposal. Commission Vice-Chair Prof. Ali Riaz reaffirmed their goal of formulating a national charter to establish a sustainable democratic system.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has criticized star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan’s decision to join the Awami League, calling it a betrayal rather than a mere mistake. In a Facebook post, he wrote that Shakib made this choice at a time when the AL leadership was facing serious human rights allegations. “His silence over the violence and killings in Magura—his hometown—by ruling party supporters is particularly disturbing,” Alam said. He added that Shakib’s move reflects either deep political naivety or opportunism for personal gain, neither of which absolves him. “Shakib may be the most talented cricketer Bangladesh has ever produced, but that does not grant him impunity.”

In a horrific incident, a teenage girl was raped overnight on a parked bus in Chattogram’s Chandgaon area on April 15. The culprits include the bus driver Lokman (26) and helper Hanif (26), both of whom have been arrested. The supervisor, Mobarak Hossain, remains at large. The arrested individuals confessed to the crime. The victim has been admitted to the One-Stop Crisis Centre at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

A BBC investigation has uncovered a secret “Ayna Ghar” near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, where Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem was reportedly held and tortured for eight years. He was blindfolded most of the time and could hear planes landing, helping investigators locate the facility. After demolishing a recently constructed wall behind a large building, they discovered a narrow, pitch-dark corridor leading to multiple small, windowless rooms. One of these cramped, poorly ventilated cells was used to detain Quasem. The smell and suffocation suggest inhumane conditions.

Six individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the arson attack on the village home of artist Manabendra Ghosh, known for his work in festival processions. The suspects include Al Amin alias Tamal (22), finance secretary of the banned local BCL unit, joint secretary Mainuddin Ahmed Pias (22), Mir Maruf, Aminur Rahman (24), local AL ward secretary Babul Hossain (54), and Chhatra League leader Khan Mohammad Rafi alias Season (18). Notably, Season posted “Mission Complete” on Facebook on the night of the arson. A press conference will be held today at the Chief Adviser’s office regarding the incident.

Model Meghna Alam has been shown arrested in a fraud case filed with Dhanmondi Police Station, alleging that she lured foreign diplomats into romantic traps using attractive women. She was presented in court on Thursday, where the investigating officer sought permission to officially show her arrested. Magistrate Masum Mia granted the request following a hearing. Meghna was detained by the Detective Branch (DB) from her Bashundhara residence on the night of April 9.