Marking International Day of the Disappeared, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman pledged that if elected, a BNP-led government would enact laws in line with international conventions to prevent enforced disappearances. He described enforced disappearances as a “grave human rights violation” often used by authoritarian regimes against dissenters. Citing the alarming rise of such incidents under the current government, Tarique assured that “no citizen will fall victim to disappearances” under BNP’s rule.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued a statement Saturday strongly condemning the attack on Nur. He reaffirmed BNP’s respect for the right to hold peaceful political programs and stressed that his party does not support activities undermining democratic culture. Fakhrul demanded that Nur receive the best medical care available and wished him a full recovery.

Ganadhikar Parishad confirmed that Nurul Haque Nur remains in ICU following Friday night’s assault. A party status update said he has regained partial consciousness. Photos released by the party show Nur lying on a hospital bed with a bandaged nose and an oxygen mask. Earlier, Rashed Khan reported that Nur suffered a head injury and brain hemorrhage, requiring immediate transfer to intensive care. Supporters have been urged to pray for his recovery.

India and Canada have appointed new high commissioners to each other’s countries, signaling a thaw in bilateral relations. Christopher Cutter will serve as Canada’s High Commissioner to India, while Dinesh K. Patnaik will take charge as India’s High Commissioner to Canada. The appointments come after a 2023 diplomatic row over the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which led to the expulsion of top diplomats. The move reflects both nations’ intent to rebuild trust and strengthen ties.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman condemned both the attack on Nurul Haque Nur and Friday’s violence in Kakrail, warning that such incidents threaten the nation’s fragile democratic transition. In a written statement, he urged all pro-democracy forces to exercise restraint and uphold the spirit of last year’s popular uprising. “Bangladesh must break free from mob culture and ongoing instability,” Tarique said, calling for unity, rule of law, and peaceful politics. He also wished Nur a speedy recovery and demanded a lawful investigation into the attack.

Across Indonesia, citizens are protesting to demand lower lawmakers’ salaries, higher labor wages, reduced taxes, and anti-corruption measures. Led by students, the movement has spread to multiple cities since Monday. The death of delivery rider Afan Kurniawan under a police vehicle during a crackdown has fueled anger nationwide. Demonstrators have clashed with police, damaged property, and set vehicles on fire. President Prabowo Subianto called for calm and ordered a full investigation, while civil rights groups condemned the police’s harsh response.

In response to Friday night’s assault on Nurul Haque Nur, the Ganadhikar Parishad has announced countrywide protests. GOP leader Rashed Khan said demonstrations will be held in all 64 districts at 12 p.m. Saturday, followed by a mass rally at 3 p.m. in front of the party’s Dhaka headquarters. He vowed continued resistance until justice is served.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Tauhid Hossain has called the Rohingya crisis Bangladesh’s most severe challenge, warning that no solution is currently in sight. Speaking at the Bengal Delta Conference 2025, he highlighted how global geopolitical shifts, from Gaza to Russia-Ukraine, influence regional stability. He noted Asia’s growing influence and stressed that the refugee population, especially children and youth, raises long-term concerns. Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s young leadership and its potential to shape a positive future.

The Dubai Court of Cassation has ruled that Islamic banks, finance institutions, and Takaful companies cannot charge fines or fees for late payments, citing Shariah principles and public order. The decision highlights a gap between traditional Shariah interpretations and legal enforcement, challenging long-standing practices in Islamic banking worldwide. For Bangladesh, this ruling signals the need to reassess contracts, align policies with international Shariah standards, strengthen customer trust, and ensure ethical and transparent implementation of Islamic finance principles.

The European Union aims to cut car carbon dioxide emissions to zero by 2035, but auto industry leaders warn the goal is unrealistic. They cite competition from low-cost Chinese EVs, U.S. export barriers, reliance on Asian batteries, insufficient charging infrastructure, and high production costs. Automakers advocate a mix of EVs, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen vehicles, and other carbon-free fuels. Some EU members are also calling to lift the 2035 combustion engine ban, urging a policy review to meet targets realistically.

Dr. Kamal Hossain, Emeritus President of Gono Forum, called for unity among all democratic forces, warning that partisan domination in previous governments destroyed constitutional and financial institutions, undermining democracy.

He urged interim authorities to implement necessary reforms and credible elections. Meanwhile, ZM Zahid Hossain raised concerns over a 200-crore transaction related to an adviser position and the immense wealth of senior officials, noting the lack of accountability even during law enforcement operations. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding free speech and maintaining the dignity of respected figures like Dr. Yunus.

BNP leader Aminul Haque highlighted the severe shortage of sports facilities across Bangladesh, stressing the importance of physical activity for youth development. He promised that under a BNP government, sports would be mandatory in every school and college.

Additionally, vacant land in wards, police stations, and sub-districts would be preserved and converted into playgrounds, with walking tracks for the elderly. Aminul cited the need to curb mobile phone overuse and enhance children’s physical and mental health. He said party chairperson Tarique Rahman has pledged to improve sports infrastructure nationwide and promote a drug-free Bangladesh through active sports programs.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Student Front (Chhatra Dal) issued a strong statement denouncing the attack on Nurul Haque Nur and GOP leaders. They said Friday’s assault in Bijoynagar—allegedly carried out by Jatiya Party activists with support from security forces—left both Nur and GOP General Secretary Rashed Khan critically injured. Chhatra Dal described the incident as an “unprecedented and barbaric attack on the frontline leaders of the anti-fascist movement,” warning that such unchecked actions by law enforcement are unacceptable in post-uprising Bangladesh.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, emphasized the need to form a government composed entirely of honest individuals. “The people should not send corrupt individuals to parliament,” he stated.

Manna praised former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia as a good leader who did not siphon national funds abroad, contrasting her tenure with alleged financial misconduct during Sheikh Hasina’s rule. At the same event, LDP General Secretary Redowan Ahmed criticized the Jamaat party for its historical collaboration with Pakistani forces and continued harassment of freedom fighters. He argued that proportional representation elections would be illogical and legally unacceptable in Bangladesh, citing Nepal’s frequent government changes under such a system.

Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the Chief Adviser, visited Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) to see VP Nurul Haque Nur, who was injured during clashes between the National Party and the Gana Odhikar Parishad, followed by police action.

Alam arrived at the hospital’s emergency department around 11:15 PM on Friday. Earlier in the evening, tensions had erupted between party supporters. Several individuals, including Nur, were first taken to a private hospital but were later transferred to DMCH for advanced treatment.