Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam clarified that while Bangladesh welcomes investments from global corporations in Chattogram Port's terminals, the port itself is not being handed over to any entity. He confirmed foreign investors have already pledged $3 billion. On national elections, he stated that the polls will be held by June 30 next year, emphasizing the current interim government's mandate includes reform, justice, and elections—unlike previous ones limited to electoral duties.

At least 79 Palestinians were killed and over 200 injured in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza in a single day. The total death toll has now surpassed 53,900, with over 122,059 people reported injured. Rescue workers are unable to reach many of the dead bodies still trapped under rubble or lying in the streets due to ongoing security threats. Including those presumed dead but unrecovered, the estimated death toll has reached 61,700.

The African Union has called for a permanent ceasefire in Libya following deadly clashes in Tripoli and protests demanding Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh’s resignation. At least eight people were killed in recent fighting between government forces and a rival militia group. The Libyan defense ministry stated it is working toward a peace agreement. Tensions escalated after the Prime Minister ordered the disbandment of several armed groups but excluded the powerful 444 Brigade, sparking unrest and violence.

Russia launched a large-scale overnight air assault on Ukraine, firing 14 ballistic missiles and 250 drones, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. Although most of the threats were intercepted—6 missiles and 245 drones—several large explosions still occurred. CNN reports that 13 people were killed: 4 in Donetsk, 5 in Kherson and Odesa, and 4 in Kharkiv. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have downed 94 Ukrainian drones. Notably, both countries also completed the largest prisoner exchange of the war, swapping over 1,400 detainees in two phases.

Mehedi Hasan, General Secretary of the JnU Debating Society and a student representative to the Public Administration Reform Commission, was reportedly attacked by members of the pro-Awami League volunteer wing, Swechchhasebak League. The incident occurred near Mehedi’s neighborhood, where he confronted individuals allegedly involved in drug activities. According to Mehedi, the group surrounded him and launched a sudden attack using sharp weapons. Police have since detained a local president of the Swechchhasebak League in connection with the assault.

On the 126th birth anniversary of Bangladesh's national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman paid tribute to the revolutionary bard. In his message, Rahman described Nazrul as “a fearless fighter for justice, equality, and humanity” and “an uncompromising opponent of imperialism and oppression.” He noted that Nazrul’s poetry and songs inspired Bangladesh’s liberation struggle and continue to fuel patriotism. “Even under royal persecution, he never wavered from his commitment to truth and beauty,” Rahman said.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has accused certain advisers in the current government of illegally amassing wealth through corruption and using it to benefit their families. “These corrupt advisers must resign; the public no longer wants to see them in power,” he said. While acknowledging the chief adviser’s reputation, he emphasized that only the people of Bangladesh have the right to decide who governs next. He reiterated BNP’s call for a free, fair, and impartial election to restore a people’s government.

Hasnat Abdullah stated, “After reclaiming power from fascist forces at the cost of so much blood and sacrifice, our foremost duty was to ensure justice for the fallen. Yet, mysteriously, that process has stalled.” In a strongly-worded message, he accused the interim government of delaying justice and said, “The regime cannot move forward without prosecuting Hasina, and even Asif Nazrul must answer for his complicity.” Remembering fallen comrade Shahid Hasan, he added, “Each funeral is a new oath. We will neither forget nor stop.”

In Kamalnagar, Lakshmipur, local supporters of the ruling Awami League forcibly snatched party leader Ashraf Uddin Rajon Raju from police custody while he was still handcuffed. ASI Pradip Chandra Das had arrested Raju on Saturday when a large crowd of men and women gathered and started protesting. Amid the chaos, the demonstrators freed Raju, who then fled the scene. Kamalnagar’s OC Mohammad Touhidul Islam later arrived and helped safely escort the besieged officers from the area.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz announced that homes in Gulshan, Banani, and surrounding areas that discharge sewage directly into lakes and water bodies will be marked with red paint. He emphasized that every home must have a septic tank as per RAJUK regulations. The DNCC will also begin a post-Eid eviction drive to clear illegal encroachments from roads and sidewalks. Additionally, waste management responsibilities in areas like Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, and Niketan will be reassigned to local housing societies.

A torchlight procession demanding justice for the murder of Dhaka University student and Chhatra Dal leader Shahriar Alam Samya was held by a coalition of leftist student organizations and anti-violence student activists. Protesters called for the resignation of the university’s Vice Chancellor and Proctor, chanting slogans like "Justice for Samya," "Two murders in nine months – VC and Proctor must go," and "Our brother is in the grave, why are the killers still free?" Earlier on Saturday, the university administration issued a statement promising swift resolution of the case.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has frozen 35 bank accounts linked to journalist Munni Saha and her affiliates, totaling Tk 181.6 million. According to CID’s Special Superintendent of Police (Media), Jasim Uddin Khan, the accounts belong to Saha, her husband Kabir Hossain, and their associated individuals and organizations. The CID alleges that the couple misused their journalistic platform to illegally earn money through influence, fraud, and extortion. The illicit funds were reportedly laundered through these accounts. The freeze follows an investigation by the CID’s Financial Crime Unit.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam announced that formal charges have been prepared in a war crimes case involving atrocities committed in Dhaka’s Chan Kharpul area during the July uprising. The charges are expected to be submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal on Sunday, marking the first formal case since the tribunal’s restructuring after the uprising. Tajul also revealed that the investigation has concluded in the Ashulia murder case, where six bodies were reportedly burned after the killings. The final report is expected to be submitted to the prosecution on Sunday.

GOP President Nurul Haque Nur said his party does not call for the resignation of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus but urged the removal of controversial advisers to restore democratic integrity. Nur claimed that internal divisions have emerged within the July alliance and that Yunus has grown impatient with student protesters. “While we demand justice for the massacre, structural reforms, and fair elections, there has been no clear stance on the election itself,” he added. Nur criticized decisions like offering transit corridors without consulting political parties and emphasized the need for a clear electoral roadmap to overcome the crisis.

The National Coordination Party (NCP) has submitted five demands to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. According to convener Nahid Islam, these include: issuing the July Declaration by the set deadline, declaring all elections held during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure void, completing the rehabilitation of July’s martyrs and wounded, restructuring the Election Commission, and ensuring justice for the July massacre along with announcing a roadmap for national elections.