Thousands of primary school teachers gathered at Dhaka’s Shaheed Minar to demand the 11th-grade salary for assistant teachers and 100% promotion to head teacher. Organized by the Primary Assistant Teachers’ Organization Unity Council, the assembly included a delegation submitting a memorandum to the Chief Adviser’s residence in Jamuna. Teachers warned of stricter measures if demands are unmet. Political leaders and legal experts expressed support, emphasizing solidarity and potential legal action to ensure the government addresses the teachers’ key demands.

Japan has granted the United States permission to deploy medium-range Typhoon missiles during joint military exercises next month, prompting warnings from Russia and China. Both nations describe the move as a threat to regional stability. Russia calls it a direct strategic risk and warns of potential military responses, while China urges Japan to pursue peaceful development and caution. The Typhoon system, previously tested in the Philippines, will be stationed at Iwakuni airbase, but its actual use in upcoming exercises remains unclear.

A secret letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Indian President Droupadi Murmu helped improve India-China relations following the escalation of the U.S.-India trade war under President Trump. The letter, later shared with Prime Minister Modi, expressed Beijing’s concerns over U.S.-India agreements and suggested cooperation with a provincial official. Since June, both countries have returned to dialogue, eased trade and visa restrictions, and prepared to resume direct passenger flights. The SCO summit will mark Modi’s first China visit in seven years.

Rashed Khan, leader of Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP), has demanded the resignation of the Home Affairs Adviser following the brutal assault on Nurul Haque Nur, citing the government’s failure to maintain law and order.

“You have no moral right to stay in office. If you have any shame, resign with an apology,” Rashed said, further alleging possible involvement of security forces in the attack.

He claimed that both army and police personnel carried out the assault, with soldiers stomping on Nur’s chest. “Nur may need treatment abroad,” he added.

Rashed accused the military of acting under hidden directives and warned against attempts to manipulate the upcoming election. He also alleged that the DGFI is negotiating with the Jatiya Party to make it the official opposition, insisting: “We will not allow such conspiracies.”

On Saturday evening, the Jatiya Party office in Kakrail came under attack, with reports of vandalism and arson. Eyewitnesses said tensions escalated when a group of people marched toward the party office. After a brief standoff, some individuals reportedly began throwing bricks at the building, setting parts of it on fire.

Chairs and tables were reportedly removed from inside and also set ablaze outside. Police responded with baton charges and water cannons to control the situation. As of the latest reports, a significant deployment of law enforcement personnel remains at the scene.

Earlier in the day, Shamim Haider Patwary, a factional secretary of the Jatiya Party, held a press conference at the same office.

At a press conference, Shamim Haider Patwary, General Secretary of a faction of the National Party, revealed that several individuals attempted to set fire to the party’s offices during a torch rally yesterday. “Military and police personnel intervened in time to protect party leaders and activists from being burned,” he stated.

Patwary criticized the banning of opposing groups, saying, “No party’s principles or programs justify banning another group. A new form of mob rule is emerging in the country.” He added that the current government has yet to restore law and order and raised doubts over whether it can ensure free and fair elections. Patwary also expressed concern over the recent attack on Nur.

Turkey has announced a complete halt in economic relations with Israel, including banning Israeli aircraft from its airspace and prohibiting access to Turkish ports. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made the declaration during a special parliamentary session, condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide carried out in violation of humanitarian values. Turkey had already suspended direct trade in May 2023, but the new measures mark a total cutoff. Bilateral trade between the two countries was worth $7 billion in 2023.

As opposition groups announced a nationwide long march toward Jatiya Party (JP) offices, JP leaders and activists gathered outside their Rangpur headquarters at Pigeon Square to “defend” the premises.

Local leaders stressed that JP holds no position either in favor of or against the Awami League, warning that any attempt to storm their office would be resisted.

They also rejected allegations linking JP to the recent attack on Nurul Haque Nur, insisting the violence was carried out by the army and police. “Blaming JP is an attempt to scapegoat us,” said district student leader Arif.

Party leaders further claimed the Awami League had long tried to weaken JP, stressing there is no alliance or special relationship between the two parties.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has declared that the next national election will be held before Ramadan in 2026, stressing that “no one can stop it except Allah, the Lord of all worlds.”

Speaking on the political climate, Salahuddin said the people of Bangladesh are now election-focused, and anyone attempting to oppose the electoral process will be rejected by the public.

He emphasized that the BNP is working on constitutional and structural reforms aimed at safeguarding democracy and preventing the rise of fascism in the future. While some reforms would require constitutional amendments, he argued that the current government could already implement those that do not.

Salahuddin accused certain quarters of trying to obstruct the election under “flimsy excuses” but asserted that a strong electoral atmosphere is already in place, with candidates beginning outreach campaigns. He warned that anti-election rhetoric will only isolate those who pursue it.

In Tangail, Gana Adhikar Parishad activists have been accused of vandalizing the district Jatiya Party office during a protest march. Eyewitnesses said the rally, which began from the local Gana Adhikar office, marched through Victoria Road and later attacked the JP office in Thana Para.

Following the incident, protesters blocked the Dhaka-Tangail Jamuna Bridge Highway at the Nagar Jalpai bypass, halting traffic for about 30 minutes.

However, GOP leader Sagar denied involvement, claiming, “We did not attack their office. It was Jatiya Party activists who unjustly mobbed and attacked VP Nur. The JP still harbors remnants of dictatorship. If the attackers are not arrested immediately, we will launch a tougher movement.”

BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moin Khan condemned the attack on Nurul Haque Nur, saying, “Nur’s position on the streets is clear. People of this country cannot accept such brutality against him. We must ensure yesterday’s attack is never repeated.”

After visiting Nur at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, he reiterated that BNP believes in democracy and peaceful politics. “The fight to restore democratic governance will continue. The people’s aspirations will be fulfilled through a fair and neutral election,” he said.

Doctors confirmed that Nur has regained consciousness but remains in a critical condition. A six-member medical board has been formed for his treatment.

Following the release of the inquiry report on the Sambhal riots in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed the findings proved the violence was a “planned conspiracy” targeting Hindus.

Yogi said, “At independence, Hindus made up 45% of Sambhal’s population. Today that figure has fallen to 15%, while Muslims now make up 85%. Under SP and Congress rule, Hindus were repeatedly attacked. But under the double-engine government, appeasement is over.”

The commission reported that outside instigators were brought in to fuel unrest, with extremist groups exploiting arms and drug smuggling.

However, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi dismissed the findings, calling them politically motivated. “In a region like Sambhal, known for its multi-religious heritage, it is unfair to pin the blame solely on Muslims. If outsiders carried out the violence, where was the administration? Why does the report not highlight security failures? This report is nothing but election politics,” Owaisi said.

Human Rights Watch has accused India of abusing and forcibly displacing Rohingya refugees since May 2025. Hundreds have been arbitrarily detained, and many reportedly tortured. Authorities allegedly confiscated their belongings and UNHCR registration cards, while some were forced to swim to Myanmar’s coast. The BJP-led operation targeted Rohingyas and Bengali-speaking Muslims, reflecting the party’s portrayal of them as “illegal immigrants.” Many fled to Bangladesh, where HRW interviewed nine refugees in Cox’s Bazar who recounted harassment, confiscation of property, and forced displacement.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus personally inquired about Nurul Haque Nur’s condition over the phone at around 1:00 PM on Saturday, confirmed Gana Adhikar leader Abu Hanif.

“Nur briefed the Chief Adviser about the details of yesterday’s attack. Dr. Yunus assured that the matter will be investigated and those responsible will face consequences,” Hanif said.

Earlier on Friday night, Law Adviser and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam visited Nur at Dhaka Medical College.

Bangladesh has made progress in healthcare since independence, but government health spending remains among the lowest in Asia, just over 3% of total operational expenditure. Shortages of doctors, nurses, and medical supplies, coupled with inefficiency and mismanagement, continue to undermine service quality. Despite budget allocations and recruitment drives, public hospitals and clinics struggle to meet demand. Experts emphasize the need for strategic planning, skilled personnel, technological upgrades, and increased funding to ensure accessible, high-quality healthcare for all citizens.