BNP leader Aminul Haque emphasized that the upcoming election would be more competitive and challenging than ever before, with a significant portion of voters coming from the youth. He stressed the importance of engaging with their mindset. Haque highlighted that the BNP’s 31-point framework focuses on education, healthcare, and economic reforms, including unemployment benefits for educated youth, correcting distorted history, and ensuring universal healthcare. He urged party members to avoid internal conflicts and prioritize the greater good.

At Central Women’s University convocation, Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul urged young people to work with dedication for the country, not just personal gain. He highlighted how historic movements like the July Revolution led to the fall of oppressive rulers and the birth of new nations. Nazrul encouraged students studying abroad to eventually return and contribute to their homeland’s development.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Fayzul Karim criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that Muslims in India are facing brutal persecution, with even their burial grounds being seized by the government. Addressing Modi directly, he warned, “You have forgotten the history of India, but Muslims have not. If they awaken, your throne will be shattered.” He further remarked that simply rejecting the Women’s Commission proposal is not enough; those responsible must face legal action, or the public will spit on Modi’s so-called ‘development’ just as they do on fascist regimes. Fayzul also called for reforms before any elections are held.

The Yemeni Armed Forces have struck the Israeli-occupied Nevatim Airbase using a hypersonic missile. Spokesman Yahya Saree stated that the attack was carried out in solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza and as a reaction to U.S. support for Israeli aggression. A “Palestine-2” hypersonic missile was deployed, successfully hitting its target, while Israel’s defense systems failed to intercept it.

At least 406 people were injured following a massive explosion on Saturday afternoon at Shahid Rajaei Port in Iran’s Hormozgan Province. Al Jazeera reported that the port primarily handles container shipments and also houses oil tanks and petrochemical facilities. Preliminary investigations suggest that negligence in the storage of flammable materials caused the explosion. Notably, five years ago, the port was the alleged target of a cyberattack blamed on Israel.

The Ex-Forces Association expressed hope that the death sentences handed down by the trial court for those convicted in the murder of Major (Retd.) Sinha Md. Rashed Khan will be upheld by the higher court and demanded the execution within one week of the verdict. The association highlighted that Pradeep Kumar Das, who served as an Officer-in-Charge, was responsible for at least 145 extrajudicial killings under the guise of “crossfire” and had amassed significant wealth through this practice. They also noted that in 2004, while stationed in Chattogram, Pradeep was suspended for attempting to seize a woman’s property. The association expressed satisfaction with the progress of the case.

Malaysian immigration authorities have detained 49 illegal immigrants, including seven Bangladeshis, in a recent operation. The detainees include six Indonesians, 14 from Myanmar, four Nepalese, nine Indians, five Pakistanis, and two each from Nigeria and Yemen. All detainees have been placed in the Lenggeng Immigration Depot for investigation and further action.

Battery-operated auto-rickshaw drivers staged a roadblock protest on Saturday morning in Kasba, protesting against extortion practices. The blockade was lifted following assurances from the Upazila administration. According to reports, the municipality had leased two auto-rickshaw stands in Kasba, with the leaseholders collecting 15 taka from each rickshaw daily. Drivers have been opposing this collection since last year. Multiple meetings have been held between the drivers and officials including UNO and municipal administrator Mohammad Shamiul Islam.

At the convocation ceremony of Central Women’s University, Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan called on students to actively resist the encroachment of wetlands and forests, as well as combat plastic pollution, noise pollution, deforestation, and the climate crisis. She emphasized that education is not just about earning degrees but about a deep commitment to truth, justice, and environmental protection. She urged students to apply their education not just for earning a livelihood but to drive social change, nation-building, and to stand by marginalized communities. Rizwana highlighted that women are the most affected by climate change, framing the environmental struggle as inherently a feminist movement.

The Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, Manjur Kabir Bhuiyan, announced that all preparations have been completed for the first cargo flight from Sylhet, making it Bangladesh’s second airport for cargo operations after Dhaka. A chartered Airbus A330-300 operated by Gallistair Aviation will depart Sunday evening for Spain, carrying 60 tons of ready-made garments. Ground handling services for the flight will be provided by Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Cargo check-in, security, and all related arrangements have been finalized. Chief guest Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin will attend the inauguration ceremony of this first cargo flight.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has opposed the National Consensus Commission’s proposal to reduce the terms of Parliament and the Presidency to four years, insisting that the current five-year terms should remain unchanged. However, the party expressed support for the proposal to introduce a bicameral (two-chamber) Parliament. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher stated that discussions are ongoing regarding the formation, nature, and process of a bicameral legislature. He added that the talks, focusing on constitutional reforms, have been quite productive and indicated that further discussions are expected.

Adviser Asif Mahmud has stated that there is no reason to assume he will join a new political party. “When I decide to formally enter politics, I will choose the best option available for myself,” he said. Asif Mahmud clarified that he has not made any decisions yet. Following his leadership role during the July uprising, there is a growing public expectation that he and his associates will work for the country’s long-term interests. However, he emphasized that the time to commit to any political party has not yet arrived. Meanwhile, on Friday, Asif Mahmud appeared for the entrance exam to enroll in the Master’s program at North South University.

Adviser Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan assured that power outages during the upcoming summer would remain within manageable limits. “We have projected a demand of 18,000 MW and are confident we can meet it,” he said during a seminar on overcoming the energy crisis. He pointed out that electricity supply during Ramadan was also largely satisfactory.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi accused the ruling Awami League of plotting acts of violence using embezzled public funds. Urging students to stand up against corruption on campuses, Rizvi also called for the trial of judges he accused of aiding Sheikh Hasina’s alleged authoritarianism. “If Hitler’s collaborators could be tried, so should Hasina’s judicial allies,” he said, demanding the announcement of an immediate election roadmap and accountability for corruption allegations against government officials.

In light of escalating tensions following the deadly attack in Pahalgam, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has offered to mediate between Pakistan and India. In a message, Araghchi said, “India and Pakistan are our fraternal neighbors with whom we share centuries-old cultural ties. We are committed to fostering understanding between the two nations during these difficult times.”