Following coordinated attacks on eight Iranian cities early Friday, Israel has reportedly launched a fresh round of airstrikes targeting Shiraz and Tabriz. Additionally, fresh strikes have hit the Natanz nuclear facility, according to Iranian media reports. Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported multiple explosions near Tabriz Airport, while state television confirmed new blasts in East Azerbaijan province minutes before the latest update. Israel has yet to issue an official statement on this fresh offensive.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tareque Rahman held a formal meeting with Nobel laureate and interim government Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Friday at the Dorchester Hotel in London. Following an exchange of pleasantries, Tareque presented Dr. Yunus with two thoughtful books and a pen. The gifted books include Greta Thunberg’s “No One is Too Small to Make a Difference” and “Nature Matters: Vital Poems from the Global Majority”, edited by Mona Arshi and Karen McCarthy Woolf, reflecting themes of global justice and environmental awareness.

The indefinite ban on public entry to the ancestral estate of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj has been lifted. Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nazrul Islam officially reopened the site, which holds historical and cultural significance tied to the poet. Visitors can now enter the premises by purchasing a ticket for 30 Taka. The site had been closed since June 11 following an incident of vandalism and assault, prompting authorities to restrict access by placing a notice on the main gate.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman termed his one-on-one meeting with Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus in London as “historic.” He said both former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and Dr. Yunus would offer direction to the nation. The meeting took place at the Dorchester Hotel, where Dr. Yunus is staying during a four-day visit. Senior BNP leaders and advisors were present before the private discussion. The closed-door meeting lasted about an hour, where Tarique expressed consensus with Dr. Yunus on various issues.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that acting chairman Tarique Rahman faces no legal or political barrier to return to Bangladesh and may do so at his convenience. Speaking after a meeting with Dr. Muhammad Yunus in London, Khasru said all political and electoral matters were discussed. He emphasized BNP's ongoing commitment to unity and reform beyond elections. The meeting did not address the NCP’s election stance. National Security Adviser Dr. Khalil and Press Secretary Shafiqul were also present.

At least 40 people were injured in a violent clash between residents of Majhbari and Bankura villages in Kotalipara upazila of Gopalganj. Police fired several rounds of blank shots to bring the situation under control. The conflict reportedly began when Riazul of Bankura village took money from Faruk Hossain of Riyazul Kandi village for a scrap business but failed to repay it on time. Faruk then informed his father-in-law, Alinur Daria, a resident of Majhbari village. When Alinur and his supporters went to Riazul’s house to demand the repayment, an argument broke out between the two parties. Matters escalated around 9:30 AM when an announcement was made through the mosque loudspeaker, calling villagers to gather. A violent clash ensued between the two groups, leaving around 40 people injured. Police had to fire multiple rounds of blank shots to disperse the crowd and restore order.

Iran has accused Israel of assassinating six of its nuclear scientists and launching an attack on the Natanz nuclear facility. Tehran claims that this assault has further reinforced the necessity of continuing its uranium enrichment and missile development programs. In a strongly worded statement, Iran said, “One cannot negotiate with a predatory state like Israel using anything but the language of power.” Iranian officials also stated that the world now has a clearer understanding of why Iran is determined to advance its uranium enrichment, nuclear technology, and missile capabilities. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Israel’s attack did not cause any damage to the nuclear facilities in the city of Isfahan.

Following the much-anticipated meeting between Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman stated that there is no disagreement regarding the election date. Speaking to reporters, he said, “We don’t see any problem regarding the election date. Both sides have made this clear in the joint statement. We now hope that the Election Commission will announce the date soon.” He further noted that the joint statement also addressed the issues of reforms and justice. “We are reasonably confident that we will see progress on these matters before the election,” he added.

As Iran closes its airspace following escalating hostilities with Israel, flights to neighboring Iraq are also being canceled one after another. Qatar Airport’s flight information boards show numerous cancellations of flights to both Iran and Iraq. For security reasons, several airlines are avoiding Iraqi airspace altogether. The development follows threats from Iran-backed militias in Iraq, who warned that if Iran faces attacks from the U.S. or Israel, American bases in Iraq will become “legitimate targets.” The Iraqi government is reportedly engaging in talks with these groups to prevent further escalation.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry has condemned Israel’s recent actions, saying they prove that Israel has no intention of resolving conflicts through diplomatic means. Ankara warned that such aggression could drag Israel into a wider conflict. Calling for an immediate halt to the attacks, Turkey labeled the actions as provocative violations of international law. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has also issued a strong condemnation, stating, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly condemns the blatant Israeli aggression against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermines its sovereignty and security.”

The next general election could be held in the week leading up to Ramadan 2026, provided there is sufficient progress on reforms and justice by that time, said the Chief Adviser. In a joint statement issued after a meeting between the Chief Adviser and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, it was stated that the meeting was "fruitful." During the meeting, Tarique Rahman proposed that the election be held before Ramadan next year, a position also supported by Begum Khaleda Zia. In response, the Chief Adviser reaffirmed his earlier announcement that the election would be held by the first half of April 2026. However, if preparations are completed in time, the polls could be organized even in the week prior to Ramadan. The Chief Adviser emphasized that achieving significant progress on reforms and accountability measures will be essential within that timeframe. Tarique Rahman welcomed the Chief Adviser’s position and expressed his gratitude on behalf of the party.

Former President Abdul Hamid has said that many of the challenges facing the country today are the result of mistakes made over the past 16 years. “This is perhaps the punishment for our past errors,” he remarked. Recalling his statement as Speaker of Parliament in 2012, he said, “I warned that if a government becomes autocratic, the people will not tolerate it for long.” Hamid also stated that if the now practically banned Awami League wishes to return to mainstream politics, they must rectify their past mistakes. His brother-in-law Naushad Khan added that Abdul Hamid is now leading a fully family-oriented life with no political involvement.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman met Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus in London, proposing that Bangladesh’s next national election be held before Ramadan 2026. Khaleda Zia also supports this timeframe. In response, Yunus said he has already announced plans for an April 2026 election, with the possibility of holding it just before Ramadan if reforms and judicial progress are sufficient. Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the meeting and thanked each other for the constructive discussion.

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has met with Dr. Khalilur Rahman, National Security Adviser of the interim government, in London. The meeting took place at a local hotel on Friday afternoon (local time), confirmed Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.

Amid escalating tensions between BNP and Gono Adhikar Parishad, local authorities have imposed Section 144 in the municipal areas of Galachipa and Dashmina in Patuakhali. The restrictions took effect from 8 a.m. Friday and will remain in force for 48 hours. Meanwhile, BNP staged protest programs accusing supporters of Nurul Haque Nur, President of Gono Adhikar Parishad, of attacking BNP’s local office in Charbishwas Union and assaulting party members.