NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah has accused India of directly backing a political maneuver to reinstate the Awami League through the Jatiya Party.

In a statement, Abdullah wrote:

“It began with the so-called ‘Refined Awami League’ plan, which I exposed on March 11. That attempt at rehabilitation collapsed, but they didn’t stop. The same clique has now chosen the Jatiya Party as the vehicle to bring back the Awami League.”

He alleged that the recent attack on political leader Nurul Haque Nur was part of this strategy:

“In this India-backed game to bring back the Awami League through the Jatiya Party, our brother Nur has shed the first blood. If we fail to protest this heinous attack and fail to resist this attempt to reimpose fascism through the Jatiya Party, Bangladesh itself will once again be drenched in blood, just like our brother Nur.”

Abdullah vowed resistance, declaring:

“We will not let Nurul Haque Nur’s sacrifice go in vain. We will not allow Awami League’s return at the cost of revolutionaries’ blood, scripted by India.”

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed deep concern and condemnation over the attack on Nurul Haque Nur and more than 50 GOP activists in Bijoynagar, allegedly carried out by Jatiya Party “terrorists.” Party Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar described the assault as “shameful, unwanted, and reminiscent of fascist rule,” urging authorities to immediately arrest those responsible and ensure exemplary punishment. He called the attack a grave blow to the nation’s democratic journey.

Marking International Day of the Disappeared, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman pledged that if elected, a BNP-led government would enact laws in line with international conventions to prevent enforced disappearances. He described enforced disappearances as a “grave human rights violation” often used by authoritarian regimes against dissenters. Citing the alarming rise of such incidents under the current government, Tarique assured that “no citizen will fall victim to disappearances” under BNP’s rule.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued a statement Saturday strongly condemning the attack on Nur. He reaffirmed BNP’s respect for the right to hold peaceful political programs and stressed that his party does not support activities undermining democratic culture. Fakhrul demanded that Nur receive the best medical care available and wished him a full recovery.

Ganadhikar Parishad confirmed that Nurul Haque Nur remains in ICU following Friday night’s assault. A party status update said he has regained partial consciousness. Photos released by the party show Nur lying on a hospital bed with a bandaged nose and an oxygen mask. Earlier, Rashed Khan reported that Nur suffered a head injury and brain hemorrhage, requiring immediate transfer to intensive care. Supporters have been urged to pray for his recovery.

India and Canada have appointed new high commissioners to each other’s countries, signaling a thaw in bilateral relations. Christopher Cutter will serve as Canada’s High Commissioner to India, while Dinesh K. Patnaik will take charge as India’s High Commissioner to Canada. The appointments come after a 2023 diplomatic row over the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which led to the expulsion of top diplomats. The move reflects both nations’ intent to rebuild trust and strengthen ties.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Ukraine cannot receive security guarantees before signing a peace agreement. She emphasized that any measures must consider Russia’s security interests. Zakharova outlined that lasting peace requires Ukraine’s demilitarization, “denazification,” neutrality, nuclear-free status, and acceptance of current territorial realities. She warned Western proposals are one-sided and could escalate NATO involvement. Despite prisoner exchanges and talks, no major agreement has been reached. The U.S. aims to resolve the conflict by late 2025, with a peace proposal already on the table.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman condemned both the attack on Nurul Haque Nur and Friday’s violence in Kakrail, warning that such incidents threaten the nation’s fragile democratic transition. In a written statement, he urged all pro-democracy forces to exercise restraint and uphold the spirit of last year’s popular uprising. “Bangladesh must break free from mob culture and ongoing instability,” Tarique said, calling for unity, rule of law, and peaceful politics. He also wished Nur a speedy recovery and demanded a lawful investigation into the attack.

Across Indonesia, citizens are protesting to demand lower lawmakers’ salaries, higher labor wages, reduced taxes, and anti-corruption measures. Led by students, the movement has spread to multiple cities since Monday. The death of delivery rider Afan Kurniawan under a police vehicle during a crackdown has fueled anger nationwide. Demonstrators have clashed with police, damaged property, and set vehicles on fire. President Prabowo Subianto called for calm and ordered a full investigation, while civil rights groups condemned the police’s harsh response.

In response to Friday night’s assault on Nurul Haque Nur, the Ganadhikar Parishad has announced countrywide protests. GOP leader Rashed Khan said demonstrations will be held in all 64 districts at 12 p.m. Saturday, followed by a mass rally at 3 p.m. in front of the party’s Dhaka headquarters. He vowed continued resistance until justice is served.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Tauhid Hossain has called the Rohingya crisis Bangladesh’s most severe challenge, warning that no solution is currently in sight. Speaking at the Bengal Delta Conference 2025, he highlighted how global geopolitical shifts, from Gaza to Russia-Ukraine, influence regional stability. He noted Asia’s growing influence and stressed that the refugee population, especially children and youth, raises long-term concerns. Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s young leadership and its potential to shape a positive future.

The Dubai Court of Cassation has ruled that Islamic banks, finance institutions, and Takaful companies cannot charge fines or fees for late payments, citing Shariah principles and public order. The decision highlights a gap between traditional Shariah interpretations and legal enforcement, challenging long-standing practices in Islamic banking worldwide. For Bangladesh, this ruling signals the need to reassess contracts, align policies with international Shariah standards, strengthen customer trust, and ensure ethical and transparent implementation of Islamic finance principles.

Padma Islami Life Insurance Company Limited’s life insurance fund faced a deficit of Tk 30.77 billion as of June 30, 2025, up from Tk 27.26 billion the previous year. The second-quarter deficit was Tk 0.617 billion, while the first-half deficit reached Tk 1.457 billion. The company has not paid dividends to shareholders since 2016. Listed in 2012, it has a paid-up capital of Tk 3.888 billion, with 31.56% held by promoters and 50.10% by general investors.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has proposed increasing the retirement age for pilots on international flights from 65 to 67, citing rising global demand for air travel and a shortage of pilots. The proposal will be discussed at the UN’s ICAO General Assembly starting September 23. IATA recommends that flights with pilots over 65 must include a second pilot under 65. U.S. pilots’ unions oppose the change, citing safety concerns. ICAO previously raised the retirement age from 60 to 65 in 2006.

The European Union aims to cut car carbon dioxide emissions to zero by 2035, but auto industry leaders warn the goal is unrealistic. They cite competition from low-cost Chinese EVs, U.S. export barriers, reliance on Asian batteries, insufficient charging infrastructure, and high production costs. Automakers advocate a mix of EVs, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen vehicles, and other carbon-free fuels. Some EU members are also calling to lift the 2035 combustion engine ban, urging a policy review to meet targets realistically.