A closed-door diplomatic gathering took place in Dhaka as BNP standing committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan hosted a dinner at his residence in Gulshan on Wednesday night. According to the BNP media cell, the event was attended by the ambassadors of France, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Japan, along with the High Commissioners of Australia and Bhutan. Representatives from UNDP and the World Bank were also present. The dinner is being widely viewed as part of BNP’s ongoing outreach to the international community amid Bangladesh’s shifting political landscape.

Tension rose along Bangladesh’s southern waters after the Arakan Army reportedly abducted 40 fishermen along with five fishing trawlers near Saint Martin’s Island. The identities and nationalities of the abducted fishermen—whether Bangladeshi or Rohingya—could not be confirmed. According to reports from local media in Rakhine State, the Arakan Army claimed the operation was aimed at curbing illegal fishing in their maritime territory, despite repeated efforts by Bangladesh’s border security forces to prevent such activities. The abducted fishermen were reportedly handed over to relevant authorities under the Arakan Army’s coast guard laws.

GOP leader Rashed Khan extended congratulations to the winners of the recent Daksu election while calling for a renewed commitment to democratic principles. Speaking to reporters, Rashed said: “We urge the newly elected leaders to uphold democracy and remain true to the values of the Liberation War. The notorious ‘guest room culture’ must never return to the Dhaka University campus.” He criticized the ruling party’s influence on academic politics: “During the Awami League era, teachers’ politics took a dangerous turn. Many became involved in corruption and patronized student organizations. We must restore integrity to teachers’ politics and ensure transparency in the recruitment of vice-chancellors and faculty members.” Rashed also emphasized that losing candidates were not truly defeated: “They played an important role in the mass movement. If they continue to stand by students and engage with them, they will do well in the future. It is the responsibility of all to build a beautiful campus together.”

NCP leader Sarjis Alam hailed Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor for successfully overseeing a transparent Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) election. In a social media post, he wrote: “Honorable Vice-Chancellor, congratulations. Standing tall against all obstacles, you have gifted Bangladesh a transparent Daksu election. For this, the nation will remain grateful to you and your team. Please do not be disheartened by the behavior of a handful of misguided individuals.” He further added, “You are held in deep respect by all of us. At a time when post-uprising Bangladesh was in instability, you admirably fulfilled sensitive responsibilities at Dhaka University. Your leadership deserves recognition. I wish you good health and long life.”

Tensions flared in Anwara as activists of the opposition-aligned Chhatra Dal allegedly carried out a violent attack on local Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders. According to reports, the incident took place on Wednesday afternoon, targeting Ali Hossain, president of Anwara Upazila Chhatra Shibir, and Md. Mishkatul Islam, president of Anwara Government College Chhatra Shibir. Following the attack, Mishkatul Islam filed a formal complaint with police. The accused were named as Tarek Zia (25), organizational secretary of Anwara College Chhatra Dal, along with Mohammad Shawon (22), Mohammad Mahin (23), Md. Sifat (22), and Md. Javed (22). Mishkat claimed the assailants first inquired about their identities, then ordered them to meet the college unit president of Chhatra Dal, Borhan Uddin. “When we refused and mentioned making phone contact, they suddenly attacked us with locally made weapons. They even threatened to kill us and hide our bodies if we went to college again,” Mishkat told reporters. However, Borhan Uddin dismissed the allegations, saying, “We were busy with admission activities inside the college. No such incident occurred on campus.” Dr. Mahtab, a physician, confirmed that two injured victims were treated at the hospital following the incident.

BNP leader Shama Obaid Islam Rinku has declared that the people of Bangladesh, under the leadership of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, have been fighting for democracy and voting rights for the past 17 years — and that this struggle will continue until those rights are fully restored. Speaking at a discussion in Faridpur, Rinku said, “BNP is the only party in Bangladesh where democracy remains safe. Our movement will not stop until democracy and the people’s right to vote are firmly established.” She sharply criticized former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, claiming that she fled the country in the face of student and public protests, leaving behind her party leaders and activists as well as MPs who were elected without votes. Rinku further added that in her constituency of Faridpur-2, her late father KM Obaidur Rahman never abandoned the people, regardless of political affiliation or religion. “As his daughter, it is my responsibility to care for everyone, no matter what faith or party they belong to,” she said.

BNP leader Nipun Roy has hailed Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas as a symbol of courage and resistance, rejecting claims that he is a covert agitator. In a social media post, she wrote: “Sahas is not a revolutionary hiding behind a lungi. His name reflects his fearless spirit. He stood on the streets against injustice during Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule, enduring countless cases, assaults, imprisonments, and brutal remand torture.” Nipun emphasized that Sahas was not an opportunistic leader but a nationalist who spent 16 years fighting fascism on the streets. “Dhaka University will remember his defiant role for generations,” she concluded. Notably, Sahas recently faced backlash for a heated exchange with the Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor, where he was seen slamming the table and raising his voice.

Adviser Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain has issued a stern warning against corruption and irregularities within the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA). Speaking at a scholarship awarding ceremony for children of BIWTA officials, Dr. Sakhawat said, “One corrupt member tarnishes the reputation of the entire institution and its workforce.” He urged officials to uphold integrity while honoring students who received merit-based scholarships.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain confirmed that all Bangladeshis in Nepal—including members of the national football team—are safe amid the country’s ongoing unrest. He stated that the players and other stranded nationals will be able to return home once flights between Dhaka and Kathmandu resume. “Returning via India is not an option since none of them hold Indian visas. For now, they must wait,” he explained. Touhid also reassured that protestors had peacefully left after mistakenly entering the hotel where Bangladeshi footballers were staying. The Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu is in constant contact with those affected. In a broader statement, he added: “If the UN decides to deploy peacekeepers to a buffer zone along the Russia–Ukraine border, Bangladesh will respond positively. With our long peacekeeping experience, we are ready to contribute.”

The High Court has ordered a halt to the construction of the elevated expressway through Panthakunja Park, adjacent to Hotel Sonargaon, and parts of Hatirjheel. The court also directed that Panthakunja Park be reopened to the public. The ruling came following a writ petition filed by nine environmental activists, including Amirul Rajib, Anu Muhammad, and Gitiara Nasrin, challenging the construction works.

Newly elected student leader Abidul Islam vowed to honor every commitment made in his election manifesto, pledging to fight for students’ rights through the university administration. In a statement, Abid reflected on his unexpected journey in student politics, recalling how years of activism and street movements had shaped his path. He acknowledged facing negative media coverage and electoral challenges but expressed confidence that the administration would investigate irregularities fairly. He thanked students for their support during his short 20-day campaign and promised that his political journey was only just beginning. “Dhaka University’s student politics will see a new beginning through us,” Abid declared. “We will bring positive change to Bangladesh’s student politics, and its reflection will be seen in the next DUCSU election. Abid will never abandon you.”

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has congratulated the winners of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) elections and all those involved in organizing the polls. He expressed hope that the elected student leaders would serve as representatives of the broader student community, rising above partisan identities. Rahman also praised the festive and peaceful environment of the election and thanked the interim government, university authorities, law enforcement, journalists, and others who ensured free and fair polls. He further expressed condolences over the sudden death of Channel S journalist Tariqul Islam Shibli, who passed away while on election duty, praying for his departed soul and offering sympathy to his family.

Two young men were beaten to death and two others injured by locals in Mohammadpur early Wednesday on suspicion of being muggers. The incident took place near the Nabinghar bridge area. The deceased were identified as Hanif and Sabuj, while Sharif and Jewel remain hospitalized. Witnesses said a group of muggers armed with sharp weapons had attempted robberies in the area late Tuesday night. When they returned around 4 a.m. for another attempt, residents surrounded them and administered a mob beating. Police rescued four injured men and took them to a hospital, where doctors declared two dead.

The 9th meeting of the National Training Council was held under the chairmanship of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. The council decided to shorten the duration of basic training for cadre officers from six months to four months, comprising three months of institutional training and one month of field-level training. The maximum age limit for enrolling in master’s and PhD courses has been raised from 45 to 47 years. Adviser Yunus emphasized the need to evaluate all government training centers, introduce ranking systems, and ensure regular monitoring. He also proposed forming an independent unit to systematically assess research institutions and maintain data on officials who receive foreign training. The meeting also approved renaming the “Sanjeeboni Training” program to “Skills Renewal Training,” alongside introducing new initiatives to promote integrity, ethics, and anti-corruption values among public servants. An executive committee, chaired by the Finance Adviser, was also formed.

Two senior officials of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) have been temporarily suspended over allegations of taking bribes in exchange for awarding fuel supply contracts. According to a press release from the Ministry of Shipping, Additional Director (Marine) Md. Abdur Rahim and Deputy Director Md. Obaidul Karim Khan of BIWTA’s Vessel Preservation and Operations Department were suspended on the instructions of the Adviser for Shipping. A probe committee has been formed to investigate the incident, with authorities vowing to take departmental action against those involved. Instructions have also been issued to pursue legal measures against any other individuals linked to the corruption.