At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Pakistan has condemned India’s “illegal occupation” of Jammu and Kashmir and its continued suppression of Kashmiri self-determination. Pakistani Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar highlighted his country’s commitment to human rights, citing over 70 new laws passed in the past decade. He also called for an update on the UN’s Kashmir report and condemned ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza.

A new political party for students, named the National Citizens Party, has been officially announced. The party made the declaration on Thursday, along with the appointment of its top six leaders.

Nahid Islam has been named as the Convener, while Akhtar Hossain will serve as the Member Secretary. Nasiruddin Patwari has been appointed as the Chief Coordinator. Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah will lead the northern and southern regions, respectively, as Chief Organizers. Additionally, Shamanta Sharmin has been appointed as the Joint Member Secretary.

This leadership committee is expected to remain in place until the national elections. Reports suggest that key frontline activists from the July movement have secured significant positions in the new party, with women also being given important roles.

UN Middle East envoy Sigrid Kaag has warned that the window for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine is closing. Speaking at a conference, she emphasized that peace, security, and dignity in the region depend on this solution. Kaag expressed concern over Israel’s recent military expansion in the West Bank. Meanwhile, US envoy Dorothy Shea reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to fully implementing existing agreements, while also highlighting that Hamas continues to hold 63 hostages, including five Americans. Both US and Israeli representatives insisted that Hamas must be eradicated for lasting peace.

Gaza spokesperson Major Mahmoud Basel has reported that over 700 bodies have been recovered from different parts of the Gaza Strip. Many of the bodies bear severe trauma, making identification difficult. Due to a lack of forensic facilities, authorities are struggling to verify the victims’ identities. Basel also noted that more than 10,000 bodies remain trapped under rubble, with rescue operations hampered by inadequate equipment.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police have arrested 21 individuals in a joint security operation named “Devil Hunt.” The arrests were made between Wednesday morning and Thursday 7 AM across different areas, including Basan, Kashimpur, and Tongi. Authorities revealed that a total of 348 individuals have been detained in the ongoing operation.

Following widespread criticism on social media, Supreme Court lawyer Shishir Monir has stepped down from representing the accused in the Abrar Fahad murder case. In a statement, he clarified that although the High Court hearing has concluded, he will not pursue an appeal on behalf of any of the convicts. He expressed his willingness to meet Abrar’s family, hoping for an amicable resolution.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General, Professor Mia Golam Parwar, has stated that elections should only be held after necessary reforms, rather than on a fixed timeline. “We don’t have the money or muscle to rig votes; those who do are pushing for early elections,” he said. He dismissed claims that Jamaat wants to delay elections and insisted that the party rejects elections like those of 2014, 2018, and 2024. He also hinted at ongoing discussions for unity among Islamic political groups.

Protesters injured in the July uprising have been staging a sit-in for 26 consecutive hours in front of the Chief Adviser’s Office, demanding equal rights in government quotas. Around 30 demonstrators remained at the site, chanting slogans whenever government vehicles appeared. Their primary demand is the removal of discrimination in quota policies, advocating for a two-category system.

Supreme Court lawyer Shishir Monir has come under criticism for representing convicts in the Abrar Fahad murder case. In a Facebook post, Howard University Assistant Professor Dr. Mirza Galib explained that Shishir Monir’s chamber reviewed the evidence and rejected cases for five of the 12 death row convicts, believing them to be innocent. He took up cases for two convicts, arguing they deserved life imprisonment instead of the death penalty. Monir has stated that if credible legal experts provide contrary evidence, he will withdraw from the case.

BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has called on all citizens to remain vigilant against efforts to disrupt national unity and the upcoming elections. He accused those who once sought to make Bangladesh a puppet state of creating confusion regarding the government and local elections. Remembering BNP’s founder, Ziaur Rahman, and honoring those who sacrificed their lives in past movements, including the July martyrs, he portrayed BNP as a party committed to continuous reform.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has alleged that fascists and their allies are conspiring to reverse the achievements of the mass uprising. She urged for unity to thwart these conspiracies. Emphasizing the need for immediate electoral reforms, she paid tribute to the July martyrs and extended sympathies to the injured. Calling for national unity, she affirmed that despite being in the UK for medical treatment, she remains committed to the people’s cause.

Speakers at a discussion on justice and sovereignty have alleged that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was the mastermind behind the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, executed under Indian directives. They claimed that the strength of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) posed a challenge to India, leading to the elimination of its officers. Citing testimonies and evidence from victims’ families, they accused Indian-trained forces and ruling party affiliates of involvement. The discussion also called for the trial of Hasina, Sheikh Selim, Sheikh Taposh, Mirza Azam, and others. Retired Major Mohsin stated that he was dismissed for questioning Hasina’s silence on the massacre, while activist Tasnuva labeled Hasina as the orchestrator of the attack.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported a sharp increase in Iran’s uranium stockpile, bringing it closer to weapons-grade enrichment. According to the agency’s latest findings, Iran’s uranium is now enriched to nearly 90%, with some reserves reaching 60% purity, causing alarm among Western nations. While the United States is considering additional sanctions, the IAEA warns that time for diplomatic intervention is running out. Experts believe Iran’s current stockpile is sufficient to produce at least six nuclear bombs.

BNP’s extended meeting has commenced with the recitation of the Quran, attended by 4,000 leaders and activists from across the country. The meeting, held at the LD Hall and surrounding grounds of the National Parliament, is being presided over virtually by BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman. The main agenda includes finalizing organizational strategies and election preparations. BNP aims to incorporate grassroots opinions into its action plan, and the meeting is expected to reveal potential election candidates. Party leaders and activists consider this gathering highly significant.

As part of the final phase of a ceasefire agreement, Hamas has handed over the bodies of four Israeli detainees to the Red Cross. In return, the first bus carrying 620 Palestinian prisoners arrived in Ramallah, West Bank. Reports indicate that six Palestinian children died from cold exposure due to a lack of proper shelter in Gaza. Meanwhile, former mediators have likened Israel’s actions in Palestine to South Africa’s apartheid regime. The United Nations has urged Israel to allow the establishment of tents and shelters for displaced Palestinians.