Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus paid respects to the late Pope Francis upon arriving in Rome, where he was welcomed by Bangladesh’s ambassador to Italy and Vatican City. Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Mazumdar noted that Pope Francis had been an admirer of Yunus’s work, particularly his “Three Zeros” vision. The Vatican had also collaborated with Yunus on launching the “Three Zero Initiative” in Rome.

Speaking at a Shahidi rally, NCP leader Sarjis Alam criticized the government’s double standards, noting that when the Awami League perpetrated violence during events like Shapla Chattar, Pilkhana, and the July massacres, “Western perspectives” were nowhere to be found. He warned that the younger generation would not tolerate manipulation and could overthrow any regime built on their blood and sacrifices.

Billal Hossain, father of Adviser Asif Mahmud, expressed deep regret over acquiring a contractor’s license. He said, “If I had known my son would face public criticism because of me, I would never have done it.” He claimed he was unaware that headmasters were prohibited from engaging in contracting and said he issued the license only to help local unemployed youths, though he never personally used it.

JSD President ASM Abdur Rob urged the government to announce a comprehensive roadmap addressing fundamental political reforms and the national election. Stressing the need for a National Charter based on broad constitutional consensus, he warned that delays or half-hearted measures could deepen political divisions and instability.

Adviser Supradip Chakma emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of all communities and building a secular nation. Speaking at an event, he highlighted the government’s open-door policy for development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. He stressed the need for economic progress and expanding coffee and cashew nut cultivation in the region, even bringing experts from the plains if needed. Supradip called for overcoming past grievances, like the Kaptai Dam displacement, and working toward shared prosperity.

A Bangladeshi youth, Asadul Islam, was injured after being shot by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at the Akhaura border. Reports say the BSF fired several rounds at the Itna border area around 10 AM, hitting Asadul in his right eye. Locals rushed him to the hospital. Asadul, who often crossed into India illegally for work, was shot while trying to re-enter Bangladesh.

Following media reports alleging lobbying-related misconduct by Moazzem Hossain, former APS to Adviser Asif Mahmud, discussions have surged on social media. In response, Asif Mahmud has urged the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate the various accusations against Moazzem. Speaking to reporters on Friday afternoon at his official residence on Hare Road, Asif called for a transparent inquiry into the matter.

Hefazat-e-Islam organized a protest rally in Kishoreganj rejecting the Women’s Reform Commission’s proposals, calling them anti-Islamic. Speakers demanded immediate withdrawal of the proposals, warning of a nationwide uprising among devout Muslims. The rally concluded with a protest march through the town, starting and ending at the Shahidi Mosque.

At a Shahidi rally, grieving family members of those martyred in the July uprising demanded justice and a ban on the ruling Awami League. Rabiul Awal, brother of martyr Imam Hasan, questioned why victims’ families still have to run from court to court while the current government remains in power. “Reforms and elections are necessary, but justice must come first,” he said. The mother of Shaheed Saim recounted the brutal killing of her son in Jatrabari, saying, “He carried no weapon. He was murdered while protesting. I couldn’t even celebrate Eid. I demand the execution of the tyrant Hasina and a ban on Awami League.” Shahina Begum, mother of Shaheed Sajjad Hossain Sojol, said her son was burned alive on a van in Ashulia. “When I received his body, the flesh from his legs was gone.” She demanded the cancellation of the party’s registration. Tasnuva Maha, wife of Major Tanvir Haidar Noor, killed during the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, revealed her husband’s body was never recovered and said Hindi-speaking intruders were present that day, even checking her children’s bodies to determine their gender.

BNP leader Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu alleged that the highest number of land grabs targeting Hindu communities occurred during the Awami League’s tenure.
He claimed that Hindus were safest during BNP rule from 1991–1996 and 2001–2006, but have suffered since 2008.
Dulu emphasized BNP’s commitment to communal harmony and recalled personally protecting Hindu neighborhoods in Natore during recent unrest following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced in Doha that Bangladesh plans to establish an onshore LNG terminal as soon as possible to ensure adequate gas imports for industries.
He said many factories have been stalled due to gas shortages. During the Chief Adviser’s visit to Qatar, discussions were held with Qatar Energy regarding this initiative.
He also noted that Bangladesh has reduced its external debt from $3.2 billion under the previous government to $600 million under the current administration.

Two houses belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba suspects Adil Hussain Thokar and Asif Sheikh were destroyed in a blast in Kashmir on Thursday night.
Indian officials claim the two were involved in the Pehelgam attack, and that the explosion was caused by explosives stored inside their homes.
No immediate casualties have been reported. Thokar is considered one of the prime suspects, while Sheikh is also believed to be involved in planning the attack.

During an all-party meeting on Thursday, the BJP-led Indian government admitted to security lapses that led to the deadly Pehelgam attack.
Opposition leaders questioned the absence of central security forces and the delayed response time.
The government explained that local authorities had reopened the tourist zone of Baisaran without informing national security agencies.
While infrastructure challenges were cited as reasons for delayed deployment, opposition parties voiced support for further scrutiny of security protocols.

BNP Standing Committee Member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku declared that compromising with the Awami League is impossible, even if compromise with the devil were considered.
He accused the Awami League of plundering the country over the last 16 years under Sheikh Hasina’s rule.
Tuku warned that Awami League loyalists in government jobs should not be given further opportunities and called for resistance against them.

Jamaat leader Nurul Islam Bulbul said that without justice and reforms, upcoming elections will be nothing more than a change in leadership.
He urged that local government elections be held before the national polls, in line with the Chief Adviser’s commitments.
Bulbul emphasized Jamaat’s vision for a welfare state with no discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, or social class.