Special Assistant Fayez Ahmed Tayeb has warned of security breaches where one-time passwords (OTPs) from Facebook and banking accounts are being intercepted. “SMS messages containing OTPs and passwords must pass through secure channels. Without regulation, personal security is at risk,” he cautioned. Currently, mobile operators handle international SMS traffic, but the BTRC’s proposed licensing system will make separate licenses mandatory for international SMS services. This, Tayeb argued, will ensure 100% revenue collection and improved security. He added that in the future, OTP codes will be delivered via mobile authenticator apps instead of SMS, reducing reliance on vulnerable text-based systems.

Turkey has announced a complete halt in economic relations with Israel, including banning Israeli aircraft from its airspace and prohibiting access to Turkish ports. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made the declaration during a special parliamentary session, condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide carried out in violation of humanitarian values. Turkey had already suspended direct trade in May 2023, but the new measures mark a total cutoff. Bilateral trade between the two countries was worth $7 billion in 2023.

Amid tensions over U.S. tariff hikes, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has declared that “national interest comes above all else—India has no permanent friends or enemies.” Speaking on defense growth, Singh said India does not view any country as an enemy but will not compromise its people’s interests. He highlighted India’s defense export boom—from less than ₹700 crore in 2014 to ₹24,000 crore today—signaling the country’s rise from a buyer to a major supplier. “Under self-reliance, India now builds all its warships domestically, and the Navy has pledged not to buy from abroad,” he added. The statement comes as former U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian products.

As opposition groups announced a nationwide long march toward Jatiya Party (JP) offices, JP leaders and activists gathered outside their Rangpur headquarters at Pigeon Square to “defend” the premises. Local leaders stressed that JP holds no position either in favor of or against the Awami League, warning that any attempt to storm their office would be resisted. They also rejected allegations linking JP to the recent attack on Nurul Haque Nur, insisting the violence was carried out by the army and police. “Blaming JP is an attempt to scapegoat us,” said district student leader Arif. Party leaders further claimed the Awami League had long tried to weaken JP, stressing there is no alliance or special relationship between the two parties.

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman has described the attack on Nurul Haque Nur as “heinous, condemnable, and criminal,” stressing that it was part of a deep-rooted conspiracy rather than an isolated event. He also revisited historical grievances, accusing the Jatiya Party of betraying the people between 1982 and 1990 and assisting the Awami League during the July uprising. “If the Awami League can be banned, why not the Jatiya Party?” he asked. While acknowledging public anger, he said law enforcement agencies were working to control mob incidents as swiftly as possible.

The interim government has strongly condemned the violent attack on Gano Adhikar Parishad chief and July Movement leader Nurul Haque Nur, describing it as a heinous assault on democracy itself. In an official statement, the government urged all political and social forces that took part in the July uprising to unite in defending the people’s democratic gains and thwarting any anti-people conspiracies. “This attack is not just on Nur, but on the spirit of the democratic struggle for justice and accountability,” the statement read, assuring a “full, impartial, and high-priority investigation.” The interim administration pledged that no perpetrator—regardless of rank or influence—would escape justice. It reiterated that the national elections will be held in early February 2026, vowing: “The will of the people will prevail, and no dark force will be allowed to obstruct our march toward democracy.”

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has announced that BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will hold a meeting with the Chief Adviser on Sunday to discuss the political situation and upcoming elections. He also confirmed that the attack on Gano Adhikar Parishad leader Nurul Haque Nur will be subject to a judicial probe, with assurances of maximum medical care. Alam stated that an “election-friendly environment” now exists and reaffirmed that the national polls will be held in the first half of February 2026. “No force or conspiracy can stop it,” he said.

Leaders of the Diploma Engineering Struggle Council have accused engineering university students of trying to weaken their own professional standing by pressing a “so-called three-point demand.” They alleged that the movement was designed to embarrass the government, warning that fulfilling the demands would jeopardize more than 500 polytechnic institutes nationwide. According to the leaders, the agitating students are rejecting government circulars issued in 1978 and 1994. Instead of joining the protests, diploma professionals are calling for the implementation of their own seven-point demand. Currently, BSc engineers from BUET and other universities are campaigning to stop diploma engineers from using the title “Engineer,” while diploma engineers are demanding safeguards against BSc engineers being appointed to sub-assistant engineer positions.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has declared that the next national election will be held before Ramadan in 2026, stressing that “no one can stop it except Allah, the Lord of all worlds.” Speaking on the political climate, Salahuddin said the people of Bangladesh are now election-focused, and anyone attempting to oppose the electoral process will be rejected by the public. He emphasized that the BNP is working on constitutional and structural reforms aimed at safeguarding democracy and preventing the rise of fascism in the future. While some reforms would require constitutional amendments, he argued that the current government could already implement those that do not. Salahuddin accused certain quarters of trying to obstruct the election under “flimsy excuses” but asserted that a strong electoral atmosphere is already in place, with candidates beginning outreach campaigns. He warned that anti-election rhetoric will only isolate those who pursue it.

In Tangail, Gana Adhikar Parishad activists have been accused of vandalizing the district Jatiya Party office during a protest march. Eyewitnesses said the rally, which began from the local Gana Adhikar office, marched through Victoria Road and later attacked the JP office in Thana Para. Following the incident, protesters blocked the Dhaka-Tangail Jamuna Bridge Highway at the Nagar Jalpai bypass, halting traffic for about 30 minutes. However, GOP leader Sagar denied involvement, claiming, “We did not attack their office. It was Jatiya Party activists who unjustly mobbed and attacked VP Nur. The JP still harbors remnants of dictatorship. If the attackers are not arrested immediately, we will launch a tougher movement.”

BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moin Khan condemned the attack on Nurul Haque Nur, saying, “Nur’s position on the streets is clear. People of this country cannot accept such brutality against him. We must ensure yesterday’s attack is never repeated.” After visiting Nur at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, he reiterated that BNP believes in democracy and peaceful politics. “The fight to restore democratic governance will continue. The people’s aspirations will be fulfilled through a fair and neutral election,” he said. Doctors confirmed that Nur has regained consciousness but remains in a critical condition. A six-member medical board has been formed for his treatment.

Following the release of the inquiry report on the Sambhal riots in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed the findings proved the violence was a “planned conspiracy” targeting Hindus. Yogi said, “At independence, Hindus made up 45% of Sambhal’s population. Today that figure has fallen to 15%, while Muslims now make up 85%. Under SP and Congress rule, Hindus were repeatedly attacked. But under the double-engine government, appeasement is over.” The commission reported that outside instigators were brought in to fuel unrest, with extremist groups exploiting arms and drug smuggling. However, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi dismissed the findings, calling them politically motivated. “In a region like Sambhal, known for its multi-religious heritage, it is unfair to pin the blame solely on Muslims. If outsiders carried out the violence, where was the administration? Why does the report not highlight security failures? This report is nothing but election politics,” Owaisi said.

Human Rights Watch has accused India of abusing and forcibly displacing Rohingya refugees since May 2025. Hundreds have been arbitrarily detained, and many reportedly tortured. Authorities allegedly confiscated their belongings and UNHCR registration cards, while some were forced to swim to Myanmar’s coast. The BJP-led operation targeted Rohingyas and Bengali-speaking Muslims, reflecting the party’s portrayal of them as “illegal immigrants.” Many fled to Bangladesh, where HRW interviewed nine refugees in Cox’s Bazar who recounted harassment, confiscation of property, and forced displacement.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus personally inquired about Nurul Haque Nur’s condition over the phone at around 1:00 PM on Saturday, confirmed Gana Adhikar leader Abu Hanif. “Nur briefed the Chief Adviser about the details of yesterday’s attack. Dr. Yunus assured that the matter will be investigated and those responsible will face consequences,” Hanif said. Earlier on Friday night, Law Adviser and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam visited Nur at Dhaka Medical College.

The Karnaphuli Tunnel in Chattogram, Bangladesh’s first underwater tunnel, has started generating profit after several months of losses. Initially struggling due to low traffic, the tunnel now benefits from a privately-operated dry dock across the river, which has increased cargo and vehicle flow. Daily toll revenue has risen to Tk 400,000–500,000, with prospects for further growth as more jetties become operational. Faster cargo movement via the tunnel reduces congestion and import costs, marking a major turnaround for the Bangladesh Bridge Authority.