The Ministry of Education has issued separate notifications removing KUET Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammad Masood and Pro-VC Professor SK Shariful Alam. The decision, approved by the President and Chancellor, comes after prolonged student protests and hunger strikes demanding their ouster. They have been instructed to return to their respective departments.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince highlighted the role of mosques beyond prayer, calling them platforms for education, community activities, and collective crisis management. He urged support for mosque construction and promised that if BNP returns to power, it would actively support mosques, madrasas, and religious institutions, while promoting religious values and culture.

At a protest rally, Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader criticized the Women’s Reform Commission, claiming that around 10 of its proposals directly contradict Quranic teachings. These include proposals to abolish Muslim inheritance laws, establish a uniform family law across all religions, allow wives to accuse husbands of marital rape, and recognize sex workers as laborers. He demanded the immediate dissolution of the commission in the interest of Islam, national integrity, and women’s welfare.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, warned that delays in reforms and elections could lead to further instability and squander collective national achievements. He emphasized the necessity of a strong political government and called for elections to be held before the end of the year if there is genuine political will.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi expressed concern that although there has been some relief, the “voices of fascism” are occasionally resurfacing, posing significant danger. He criticized the government for not shutting down businesses run by Sheikh Hasina’s associates, suggesting that the administration instead manages or takes over these enterprises to protect workers. Rizvi also questioned why Justice Khairul Haque has not been arrested for actions that allegedly paved the way for authoritarianism.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus paid respects to the late Pope Francis upon arriving in Rome, where he was welcomed by Bangladesh’s ambassador to Italy and Vatican City. Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Mazumdar noted that Pope Francis had been an admirer of Yunus’s work, particularly his “Three Zeros” vision. The Vatican had also collaborated with Yunus on launching the “Three Zero Initiative” in Rome.

Speaking at a Shahidi rally, NCP leader Sarjis Alam criticized the government’s double standards, noting that when the Awami League perpetrated violence during events like Shapla Chattar, Pilkhana, and the July massacres, “Western perspectives” were nowhere to be found. He warned that the younger generation would not tolerate manipulation and could overthrow any regime built on their blood and sacrifices.

Billal Hossain, father of Adviser Asif Mahmud, expressed deep regret over acquiring a contractor’s license. He said, “If I had known my son would face public criticism because of me, I would never have done it.” He claimed he was unaware that headmasters were prohibited from engaging in contracting and said he issued the license only to help local unemployed youths, though he never personally used it.

JSD President ASM Abdur Rob urged the government to announce a comprehensive roadmap addressing fundamental political reforms and the national election. Stressing the need for a National Charter based on broad constitutional consensus, he warned that delays or half-hearted measures could deepen political divisions and instability.

Adviser Supradip Chakma emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of all communities and building a secular nation. Speaking at an event, he highlighted the government’s open-door policy for development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. He stressed the need for economic progress and expanding coffee and cashew nut cultivation in the region, even bringing experts from the plains if needed. Supradip called for overcoming past grievances, like the Kaptai Dam displacement, and working toward shared prosperity.

A Bangladeshi youth, Asadul Islam, was injured after being shot by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at the Akhaura border. Reports say the BSF fired several rounds at the Itna border area around 10 AM, hitting Asadul in his right eye. Locals rushed him to the hospital. Asadul, who often crossed into India illegally for work, was shot while trying to re-enter Bangladesh.

Following media reports alleging lobbying-related misconduct by Moazzem Hossain, former APS to Adviser Asif Mahmud, discussions have surged on social media. In response, Asif Mahmud has urged the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate the various accusations against Moazzem. Speaking to reporters on Friday afternoon at his official residence on Hare Road, Asif called for a transparent inquiry into the matter.

Hefazat-e-Islam organized a protest rally in Kishoreganj rejecting the Women’s Reform Commission’s proposals, calling them anti-Islamic. Speakers demanded immediate withdrawal of the proposals, warning of a nationwide uprising among devout Muslims. The rally concluded with a protest march through the town, starting and ending at the Shahidi Mosque.

At a Shahidi rally, grieving family members of those martyred in the July uprising demanded justice and a ban on the ruling Awami League. Rabiul Awal, brother of martyr Imam Hasan, questioned why victims’ families still have to run from court to court while the current government remains in power. “Reforms and elections are necessary, but justice must come first,” he said. The mother of Shaheed Saim recounted the brutal killing of her son in Jatrabari, saying, “He carried no weapon. He was murdered while protesting. I couldn’t even celebrate Eid. I demand the execution of the tyrant Hasina and a ban on Awami League.” Shahina Begum, mother of Shaheed Sajjad Hossain Sojol, said her son was burned alive on a van in Ashulia. “When I received his body, the flesh from his legs was gone.” She demanded the cancellation of the party’s registration. Tasnuva Maha, wife of Major Tanvir Haidar Noor, killed during the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, revealed her husband’s body was never recovered and said Hindi-speaking intruders were present that day, even checking her children’s bodies to determine their gender.

BNP leader Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu alleged that the highest number of land grabs targeting Hindu communities occurred during the Awami League’s tenure.
He claimed that Hindus were safest during BNP rule from 1991–1996 and 2001–2006, but have suffered since 2008.
Dulu emphasized BNP’s commitment to communal harmony and recalled personally protecting Hindu neighborhoods in Natore during recent unrest following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.