In violence-hit Nepal, army helicopters were seen rescuing government ministers and their families on Thursday, with dramatic footage showing them dangling in harnesses as they were airlifted over a hotel in Kathmandu. The country has been rocked by mass protests led by Gen-Z demonstrators who stormed parliament, torched the house of Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, and attacked the residence of Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel. Videos show Finance Minister Paudel being chased and kicked on the street. Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and her husband, former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, also came under attack at their home. Footage showed the former PM bloodied before army personnel rescued him. Riots spread even to prisons, but the army quickly intervened and relocated inmates. Troops have been patrolling Kathmandu streets, enforcing stay-at-home orders as unrest continues.

Nahid Islam, convener of the Nationalist Chhatra Parishad (NCP), congratulated the newly elected DUCSU leaders, calling the election “a positive stride for democratic practice.” He said the participatory and competitive polls allowed students to choose their representatives freely and expressed hope that DUCSU will become a true platform for student aspirations. Nahid urged the new leadership to foster a democratic, academic, and violence-free environment at Dhaka University. He also extended best wishes to candidates who contested but did not win, stressing that healthy competition strengthens future leadership. He further called for regular student union elections across all universities and colleges.

Hafizur Rahman Sohan, central vice-president of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), was detained Thursday morning during Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) elections. Sohan, a former English department student (2006–07 session), was found in a room of Rabindranath Tagore Hall. He claimed he had arrived the previous night and stayed due to illness, though without permission. Hall Provost Prof. Shafiqul Islam said former students residing in halls during elections violates conduct rules, and Sohan was handed over to the university’s proctorial team. Proctor Prof. A.K.M. Rashidul Alam confirmed disciplinary action would follow.

For the third consecutive day, locals in Faridpur have blocked major highways protesting the inclusion of Algi and Hamirdi unions under Constituency-2 instead of Constituency-4. The blockade has disrupted traffic on key routes including Dhaka-Khulna, Dhaka-Barishal, and Jashore-Bhanga-Barishal highways. Protesters set up blockades at eight different points, halting transport across 21 districts. Yesterday, demonstrators had staged a similar blockade from morning until evening before lifting it.

Consensus Commission Vice-President Dr. Ali Riaz has said Bangladesh’s future trajectory hinges on the success of the ongoing reform process, which requires cooperation from all stakeholders. Speaking on Thursday, he confirmed that the commission has been holding dialogues with political parties regarding the implementation of the “July National Charter 2025.” He emphasized that the commission will not impose decisions but will base them on consensus. Dr. Riaz noted that while there were some dissenting opinions, most political parties reached broad agreement. The commission has also consulted experts to refine recommendations.

Leaders of a Shibir-backed student coalition contesting the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections paid tribute to martyrs of Bangladesh’s Liberation War at Rayerbazar on Thursday. The leaders said their panel’s journey officially begins with prayers at the mass grave site, pledging to uphold the aspirations of the martyrs of 1971 and 2024. Newly elected VP Sadiq Kayem vowed to incorporate students’ opinions in fulfilling manifesto pledges, while GS S.M. Farhad said their work would honor the sacrifices of the martyrs. Farhad also accused Indian media of spreading “false propaganda” on the hijab issue for political agendas.

Bangladesh’s national football team, stranded in Nepal amid political unrest, is set to return home today, according to the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF). Following a Gen-Z–led uprising in Nepal that sparked curfews and violent protests, the players, including captain Jamal Bhuyan, were confined to their hotel. Bangladesh Embassy officials and the army coordinated to ensure the team’s safe departure once Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport reopened. Despite uncertainty, players kept up fitness routines. Midfielder Sohel Rana said, “The situation is calmer now. We’re staying in touch with our families, and BFF is working hard to bring us home.”

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed deep shock and condemnation over the shooting death of U.S. conservative political figure Charlie Kirk. In a statement, Rahman described the killing as “barbaric,” adding that “a democratic society should never tolerate violence against individuals for their political beliefs or activism.” He stressed that religion, ideology, or differing viewpoints cannot justify such a heinous act. He offered condolences and prayers for Kirk’s family and loved ones. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden also expressed grief over the killing.

Israeli airstrikes on Yemen’s capital Sana’a and Al-Jawf province have left at least 35 people dead and 131 injured, according to Yemen’s health ministry. Officials fear the death toll could rise as many remain trapped under rubble. The strikes damaged residential buildings in Sana’a’s Al-Tahrir area, a medical center, and a government compound in Al-Hazm. Rescue workers are battling flames and attempting to pull survivors from the debris. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said surface-to-air missiles were used to repel the attacks, forcing several Israeli aircraft to retreat before deploying their weapons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the strikes were retaliation for Houthi drone attacks on Ramon Airport.

On Thursday morning, the Consensus Commission initiated discussions with all major political parties regarding the implementation of the July Charter. Representatives from BNP, Jamaat, NCP, and several other parties attended. The dialogue is expected to cover issues such as ensuring free and fair elections and protecting democratic values. The final version of the July Charter had not specified methods for its implementation, prompting the commission to hold consultations with 30 parties and alliances.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP government of economically depriving Bengal and humiliating Bengali-speaking migrant workers in other states by branding them “Bangladeshis.” Speaking at a public rally, Banerjee said, “No one will be criminalized for their language. If speaking Bengali makes one a Bangladeshi, we will never accept that.” She added that even Adivasi women are facing NRC-related harassment. She claimed the Centre has withheld funds for 100-day employment schemes, education, road repairs, and flood control. “We don’t need Delhi’s mercy,” she said. “Bengal will rise on its own.” Taking a dig at Prime Minister Modi, she added, “Those who divide by caste can never be true leaders. Bengal will never become Gujarat. As long as I live, I will say Joy Bangla.”

At least 72 more Palestinians were killed in Gaza within the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll from Israeli attacks to over 64,600. In western Gaza City, Israeli shelling struck tents of displaced families, killing at least 15 people from two families. In Sheikh Radwan, one person was killed when troops opened fire on a gathering of Palestinians. Airstrikes also targeted an apartment in Bureij refugee camp, while a drone attack killed a child in Deir al-Balah. Anadolu reported that the relentless bombardment has reduced Gaza to rubble, with residents facing catastrophic hunger.

Charlie Kirk, a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, was shot dead Wednesday during a student event at the University of Utah. The 31-year-old activist was addressing students when a sniper opened fire from a nearby rooftop. He was rushed to hospital but later died. Just seconds before the shooting, Kirk had been asked about gun violence in the U.S. A suspect was initially detained but later released. President Biden extended condolences, calling the killing a “tragedy.”

In Nepal, Gen-Z protesters have proposed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as prime minister of an interim government. The decision was announced after a six-hour virtual meeting on Wednesday, led by the army chief and attended by young activists from across the country. Protesters demanded justice for demonstrators killed on government orders, including the arrest and prosecution of senior leaders. Local media reported that Karki has responded positively to the request to lead an interim administration.

The Jatiya Sangsad (JAKSU) elections began Thursday morning at 9 am and will continue until 5 pm. Ballot boxes and materials were delivered to polling centers earlier, with polling agents assuming their responsibilities. This year’s election has 11,843 registered voters. Ten candidates are vying for the vice president’s post, though Amartya Roy’s candidacy remains disputed. Nine are contesting for general secretary, while AGS positions include 10 male and six female candidates. Multiple candidates are competing for the remaining 21 posts. Security measures have been tightened to ensure smooth voting.