Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that although the fascist regime may have fallen, fascism itself still haunts the country. “For 15 years, the regime silenced the people and turned the country into a prison,” he said. He called for a corruption-free implementation of the Teesta Mega Plan and criticized those who build lavish estates abroad, saying true patriots do not flee their homeland. Dr. Rahman emphasized Jamaat’s commitment to ensuring dignity and safety for women, and he demanded the immediate, unconditional release of former Ameer ATM Azharul Islam.

After a human chain protest on Saturday titled “Rise in Red,” technical education students announced a nationwide mass gathering on Sunday to demand their six-point charter. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Blood is burning,” “Abu Sayeed Mugdha, the war isn’t over,” “Builders of the nation, rise once again,” and “Why the attack in Cumilla? We demand answers.” On Friday, students had marched in protest wearing white shrouds around their heads, symbolizing their readiness for sacrifice.

The death toll has climbed to 80 following a deadly U.S. airstrike on Yemen’s Ras Isa oil terminal, with 171 others injured. According to U.S. Central Command, the attack aimed to prevent the Houthis from gaining access to fuel and financial resources. The first four strikes occurred while workers were on duty at the port. Notably, 70% of Yemen’s exports and 80% of its humanitarian aid are channeled through Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and As-Salif ports.

At least 148 people have died and many remain missing after a fire engulfed a passenger boat on the Congo River. According to Josephine-Pacifique Lokumu, head of a local delegation, the boat—constructed from wood—was carrying several hundred passengers. The fire is believed to have been started by cooking activities on board. Some passengers have been rescued, but search and recovery operations are still ongoing.

The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has announced that the minimum broadband speed for the Tk 500 monthly package will be raised from 5 Mbps to 10 Mbps. ISPAB President Imdadul Haque stated that the organization aims to raise the minimum speed further to 20 Mbps, which will require a license upgrade. He called for extending ISP license validity to 10 years to attract investment and urged the government to simplify the licensing process. ISPs also requested a three-year suspension of the Service Obligation Fund (SOF).

Bangladesh’s National Central Bureau of Police has submitted a three-phase application to Interpol seeking Red Notices against 12 individuals, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Others on the list include Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, former Liberation War Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, former Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, former Textiles Minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak, former Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Tariq Ahmed Siddique, Nasrul Hamid, Mohammad Ali Arafat, and former IGP Benazir Ahmed.

Speaking on the issue of noise pollution, Environmental Adviser Rizwana Hasan expressed frustration at public expectations. “Everyone sees me and says, ‘Apa, the horns are still blaring.’ You’ve been honking for 53 years, and your driver continues to honk. Why blame me?” she remarked. “My job isn’t to stop individual horns—it’s to ensure the law is enforced. A behavioral change is crucial.” She also warned of a dangerous future for the next generation, citing rising incidents of floods and cyclones. Praising the current government for involving youth, she noted that for the first time, three young advisers have been included in the advisory council and are taking on vital roles.

The BNP has scheduled a rally in the Haidarabad area of Muradnagar upazila on Saturday afternoon, while the newly formed NCP (Nationalist Citizens’ Party) plans to hold its own gathering simultaneously in the Pir Kashimpur area—roughly 7 kilometers apart. Despite growing online tension between supporters of both parties, local administration reports that neither group has submitted a formal request for rally permission. Authorities, however, do not foresee any potential for clashes given the physical distance between the events. BNP leader Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad is expected to address the BNP rally, while NCP’s rally will feature Md. Billal Hossain Master, father of party adviser Asif Mahmud.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has instructed law enforcement to prevent any future rallies by the Awami League. He said the party, ousted during the recent uprising, has been trying to re-enter politics through flash protests in Dhaka and other areas, causing public concern. Activists are also campaigning for the party to be banned and held accountable for alleged crimes against the people.

At a meeting with NCP, National Consensus Commission Vice-President Prof. Ali Riaz said there is now a real chance to build a new Bangladesh. “Our job is to prevent the return of fascist rule,” he declared. While acknowledging differing views on reform proposals, he emphasized the need to identify consensus points and develop a national charter reflecting public aspirations. He praised NCP for their role in resisting authoritarianism and called for continued commitment to state reform.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that Bangladesh’s future won’t be shaped by global leaders like Trump, Modi, or Xi, but by its own people. “We must unite like we did during the uprising,” he said, expressing confidence in the country’s potential. He also thanked Dr. Yunus for his efforts and warned that failure to resolve U.S. tariff issues could escalate problems. Fakhrul urged special focus on addressing the needs of farmers.

Russia has declined to extradite former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, despite growing pressure from Syria’s new government under President Ahmed Al-Shara to bring him back for trial over crimes against the people. Russian Ambassador to Iraq, Alparus Kutrashev, said Assad continues to reside in Moscow under the condition of avoiding media and political activities. “President Putin made the decision to grant him asylum, and that remains unchanged,” he said.

Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary General Naim Qassem stated on Friday that the group will not consider disarmament. “The term ‘disarmament’ must be erased from our vocabulary,” he said. Senior leader Wafic Safa added that any negotiations over weapons would only occur after Israel completely withdraws from southern Lebanon and releases prisoners. He also stressed that Hezbollah has already transferred control of nearly 190 out of 265 military sites south of the Litani River to the Lebanese army.

During a meeting with the National Consensus Commission, NCP convenor Nahid Islam stated that the 2024 uprising was not meant to replace one party with another but to establish a democratic system that upholds public rights through meaningful reforms. He emphasized the need for constitutional change and stronger judicial and electoral frameworks. “We must ensure no return to authoritarianism or fascism,” he added, urging the public to embrace the July Charter as a symbol of this commitment.

At least 70 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on Friday, with most victims from Gaza City and northern Gaza. The widespread assault has pushed the death toll beyond 51,000 since October 23. Despite a ceasefire agreement, Israel continues to block the entry of food and essential aid into the Gaza Strip. This marks a further violation of the second agreement and worsens the humanitarian crisis.