Dr. Atik Mujahid, Joint Convener of the Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP), has said that the party may contest the upcoming parliamentary elections either independently or as part of an alliance, depending on necessity. Speaking to journalists in Kurigram, he emphasized the importance of local insights in identifying the region’s problems and solutions. “Journalists, being closely connected to the grassroots, can provide valuable input on the issues faced by the local population and the steps needed for resolution,” he added.

A murder suspect named Aminul Islam (22) was beaten to death by an angry mob in Bagmara, Rajshahi, after allegedly stabbing a youth named Abdur Razzak (35) to death. The incident occurred in front of police officers, six of whom — including a sub-inspector — were injured while trying to intervene. Confirming the incident, the local police chief said the situation escalated quickly, and military assistance has been requested to restore order.

Islami Chhatra Shibir has strongly condemned India’s recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it a deliberate attack on the religious freedom and property rights of Muslims. In a joint statement, Shibir’s president and secretary stated that the law opens the door for government interference in mosques, madrasas, cemeteries, and shelters donated by Muslims. The bill mandates the inclusion of two non-Muslim members in Waqf boards, which they claim undermines the religious character of the institutions. Shibir demanded the immediate repeal of the bill.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir described the sideline meeting between Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Indian PM Narendra Modi during the BIMSTEC summit as a “beacon of hope.” He emphasized that the meeting could reduce the recent bitterness in Bangladesh-India relations and potentially lead to improved ties. Fakhrul praised both leaders’ sincerity and noted that the meeting may positively influence people in both countries.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansari, expressed hope that India will support the democratic aspirations of the Bangladeshi people. Welcoming the recent meeting between Dr. Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ansari highlighted Bangladesh’s resurgence in global diplomacy. He said the country is regaining its rightful place on the international stage through a sovereign, balanced, and goal-oriented foreign policy. He called the evolving understanding with India a positive development and expressed hope for continued diplomatic progress.

BNP leader Rumeen Farhana said the fight for democratic rights is far from over. “We have yet to ensure people’s right to vote,” she stated, adding that those who became eligible voters 15 years ago have still not had the opportunity to cast their ballots. Emphasizing BNP’s commitment to democracy, she criticized attempts to delegitimize the party’s calls for elections. She also warned against internal party politics aimed at undermining activists, saying, “The people know who protested, who took to the streets, and who spoke up on talk shows despite threats.”

BNP leader Shama Obayed stated that those who left the party or remained inactive over the past 15 years should not be welcomed back without scrutiny. “Anyone who wants to rejoin must first prove themselves from the backbench,” she asserted. Criticizing the ruling Awami League, she said, “For 17 years, they have only looted development funds, while their affiliates like Chhatra League and Jubo League have engaged in extortion and plunder.” She also warned party members not to be tempted by financial offers and accused pro-Awami elements of continuing conspiracies even after Hasina’s departure.

Seventeen-year-old Hridoy Hossain, who was injured in police firing during the July uprising in Bauphal, Patuakhali, died while undergoing treatment at a local hospital. His father, Ansar Howlader, claimed the death was due to lack of adequate medical care. Hridoy, the youngest son of an autorickshaw driver, had been working as a construction laborer in Dhaka. After being shot on July 18 near Jatrabari Police Station, he was treated at Dhaka Medical for three months. Financial constraints forced his return home, where he was later admitted to the Upazila Hospital. He will be buried in his village after his funeral on Saturday. Local Jamaat leader Shafiqul Islam Masud expressed condolences.

Nadia Sultana, President of the Bangladesh Navy Family Welfare Association, visited 7-year-old Basit Khan Musa at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka. Musa was critically injured by gunfire during the July uprising and returned to Bangladesh Thursday night after five months of treatment in Singapore. Nadia inquired about his condition and discussed his medical progress with doctors, according to an ISPR press release.

Ten Bangladeshi expatriates arrested in Saudi Arabia during the July movement celebrations—following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s removal from office—have returned home. They were among 12 arrested for hosting a feast and celebration. After serving eight months in prison, the Saudi authorities deported ten of them. Due to passport and paperwork issues, two others remain detained. Upon arrival, the returnees were received at the airport by government representatives. The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare has pledged support for their rehabilitation.

During a courtesy meeting with BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey, Dr. Muhammad Yunus suggested hosting a dedicated youth summit during the next BIMSTEC conference in Dhaka, scheduled two years from now. Secretary General Pandey welcomed the proposal, calling the idea “excellent” and assuring it will be pursued with high priority. He also announced preparations are underway for a long-overdue trade ministers’ meeting — the first in 21 years. At the end of the summit, Professor Yunus officially assumed the role of BIMSTEC Chair on behalf of Bangladesh.

A new survey by the Jewish People Policy Institute, titled The Israeli Society Index, reveals that 60% of Israelis agree—albeit cautiously—that the country may be heading toward civil war.

The study also found that food insecurity is now affecting around 1.5 million Israeli settlers. The warning echoes earlier concerns raised by former Israeli Supreme Court President Aharon Barak, who had cautioned about the growing risk of internal conflict. While 27% of respondents agreed with Barak and said his warning was accurate, 33% felt his comments were somewhat exaggerated but still acknowledged the potential danger. Only 16% of Jewish respondents believe there is no risk of civil war in Israel. Meanwhile, 51% of voters said there should be no political interference in the dismissal of the intelligence chief.

At least 86 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Since the beginning of the Israeli offensive in October 2023, the total death toll has climbed to 50,609.

An additional 287 people have been injured in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of wounded to 115,063. The Gaza government’s media office has stated that including those still trapped under the rubble, the real death toll has likely exceeded 62,700. Israel launched its latest wave of surprise airstrikes on March 18, which alone resulted in 1,249 deaths and over 3,000 injuries.

Following a marathon midnight debate on Thursday, India passed the controversial Wakf Bill. On Friday, Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi filed separate petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the bill, calling it “discriminatory” and a “violation of fundamental rights” of Muslims.

In his petition, Jawed argued that the bill breaches several constitutional provisions, including Article 14 (Right to Equality), Article 25 (Freedom of Religion), Article 26 (Right to Manage Religious Affairs), Article 29 (Cultural and Educational Rights of Minorities), and Article 300A (Right to Property). He emphasized that the law unfairly limits the autonomy of Wakf institutions while maintaining broader freedoms for religious trusts of other faiths. One of the most contentious provisions of the bill mandates the inclusion of non-Muslim members in the formation of Wakf Boards and the Central Wakf Council, which critics argue undermines community self-governance.

NCP leader Zaynal Abedin Shishir declared that a new constitution has already been written in the blood of martyrs like Sadman. “This constitution will be realized through the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for a new Bangladesh,” he said.

Shishir called for a people-empowered constitution that rejects dynastic and personality-based politics. Expressing gratitude for the sacrifices of the fallen, he urged the government to ban the Awami League and ensure exemplary punishment for those in power.

He demanded greater state recognition for the martyrs, including their inclusion in textbooks and other public platforms. Before speaking, Shishir visited the grave of Shaheed Sadman to pay his respects.