BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince stated that the party cannot take responsibility for personal remarks made by any leader outside the party framework. “Fazlur Rahman has been summoned because his comments embarrassed the party. He is a distinguished freedom fighter and a dedicated activist, and we respect him. However, his views are personal,” he said. Prince also highlighted the party’s commitment to protecting the rights of minority communities in Bangladesh. He pointed out that during past regimes, minority groups faced land dispossession and persecution, and that the philosophy of Ziaur Rahman recognized the social, cultural, and religious identity of all communities. The party pledges to ensure these communities’ political, social, and constitutional rights.

Advisor Sharmin S. Murshid has cautioned that the coming days will be challenging as the country moves toward elections. “To ensure elections, a peaceful environment must be maintained. If the environment deteriorates, holding elections will become difficult,” she said. Sharmin added that in the past, corruption and irregularities were widespread across 15 countries. “After August 5, we inherited a country where funds were unavailable, and systems were not functioning. Eliminating corruption in a short period is difficult.” She emphasized the need for patience and urged political parties to cooperate for a rule-based electoral process.

Eight members of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police were injured while trying to prevent protesting BUET students from marching toward the Jamuna area. The injured officers were admitted to Rajarbagh Central Police Hospital, with two in critical condition. Additionally, three journalists were reportedly hurt during the clash. Earlier in the afternoon, engineering students had gathered at the university’s Gol Chattar as part of their pre-announced “Long March to Dhaka” program, pressing three specific demands. When students attempted to march toward Jamuna, they clashed with police, who used batons, tear gas, sound grenades, and water cannons to disperse the crowd.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has admitted that, despite decades of resilience, a growing sense of despair now shadows him as he witnesses the moral decay around him. “I have never been disheartened in politics—I have always given people courage. But lately, despair has been following me everywhere. Because wherever I look, I see corruption and moral decline,” Fakhrul said. He pointed to rampant corruption in offices and institutions, where ordinary people are being deprived of basic services. “Sadly, even political leaders have become entangled in this corruption, causing greater damage to the nation,” he lamented. Fakhrul stressed that the expected moral transformation of society has not occurred, urging everyone to rise to the occasion to save the country. He also warned that efforts are underway to erase the memory of 1971. “The Liberation War cannot be forgotten. Those who aided Pakistan back then are the very people making grand speeches today. The nation must remain vigilant,” he cautioned.

NCP leader Sargis Alam has condemned the police crackdown on BUET students protesting for their legitimate demands, accusing the administration of crossing a dangerous line. “This administration must explain where it gets the audacity to unleash police violence and shed the blood of BUET students who are fighting for a just cause,” Sargis wrote. Reaffirming his stance against all forms of quota-based privileges, Sargis expressed solidarity with the protesting students. He also denounced those responsible for the attacks, calling the assault on students “shameful and unacceptable.”

Bangladesh is pushing for significant reforms in its energy and infrastructure sectors to boost economic stability. Policymakers highlighted sustained GDP growth, lower inflation, record remittances, and a stable currency. Key initiatives include 32 investment reforms, multimodal transport planning, renewable energy incentives, increased LNG imports, and EV charging infrastructure development. BIDA is upgrading its services and establishing international economic zones, while solar programs and battery storage systems aim to stabilize the grid. These steps signal a long-term strategic vision for sustainable growth.

South Korea has passed a law banning the use of mobile phones and smart devices during school classes, effective from the 2026 academic year. The legislation aims to reduce smartphone addiction among students, enhance focus on studies, social life, and mental development, and make nationwide restrictions mandatory. While most schools already limited phone use, the law ensures uniform enforcement, allowing exceptions only for students with disabilities. Critics, including students and some teachers, question its effectiveness and broader impact.

U.S. President Donald Trump has convened a major meeting at the White House to discuss a resolution to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff said the U.S. aims to achieve a solution within this year. Talks with Hamas are being considered, and Hamas has shown willingness to negotiate. Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Despite Trump’s campaign promise to quickly end the conflict, recent fighting and humanitarian crises in Gaza persist.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration will seek the death penalty for every murder case in Washington D.C., aiming to curb crime in the capital. He acknowledged the policy could be controversial but said he would proceed. Under Biden, the death penalty was largely suspended, but Trump plans to reinstate it. His first term saw a significant rise in federal executions. Critics worry this approach could expand, while local crime rates have recently declined.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali described the police action against engineering students outside the InterContinental Hotel as “disturbing.” Speaking briefly with students at Shahbagh around 10:15 PM on Wednesday, he said, “As the DMP Commissioner, I am deeply sorry and regretful for the unfortunate incident that took place outside the hotel.” He confirmed that a committee would be formed the following day to investigate the matter. Regarding the earlier incident in Rangpur, the commissioner stated that he had already been in touch with the Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner. A General Diary (GD) has been filed in that case, and authorities have assured that the accused will be apprehended. Meanwhile, students demanded the resignation of Ramna Zone DC Masud Alam.

Adviser Fauzul Kabir Khan has described the recent clash between engineering students and police as “unfortunate,” adding that the police will issue a formal apology. “The students’ demands are primarily related to jobs and the recruitment process. These issues involve multiple stakeholders, and decisions must be taken after thorough discussion,” Fauzul told reporters after a meeting attended by the Environmental Adviser as well. The nearly hour-long meeting, however, ended without a concrete resolution, leaving the engineering students frustrated. Protesters at Shahbagh vowed not to leave the streets until their demands are addressed, declaring they will continue their sit-in until a favorable outcome is reached.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is prepared to restart nuclear negotiations provided the United States guarantees against military strikes. He warned that past attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities failed and cannot be replaced by diplomacy alone. Araghchi emphasized Iran’s readiness for all scenarios, including potential conflict with Israel, while highlighting growing cooperation with Saudi Arabia and regional neighbors. Talks are ongoing with European signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal and the IAEA, aiming for fair and balanced negotiations.

Denmark has summoned a top U.S. diplomat following reports that several Americans attempted to covertly influence Greenland’s society and promote alignment with the United States. Danish intelligence warned of ongoing influence operations targeting the autonomous region. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stressed that any interference in internal affairs is unacceptable. The move comes amid President Trump’s repeated interest in acquiring Greenland, sparking concern in Denmark and highlighting tensions over foreign involvement in the strategically important Arctic territory.

India has suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, citing concerns over terrorism. The move comes after a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, blamed on Islamabad. Pakistan warns that any attempt to block its allocated river flows would be “equivalent to declaring war.” The treaty, signed in 1960 under World Bank mediation, governs water distribution between the countries. Experts warn India’s projects could threaten Pakistan’s irrigation-dependent agriculture, risking crop yields, food prices, and small farmers’ livelihoods.

Renovation work on the staircase leading to the Chandranath Hill temple in Sitakunda, Chattogram, will begin soon. The temple, located 1,200 feet above ground, will have its stairs upgraded, according to Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser. Any attempts to disrupt religious harmony will not be tolerated. Coordination with local officials is ongoing to resolve issues quickly. Additionally, permanent railway land has been allocated for Hindu religious institutions in Khilkhet.