The newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), launched on Friday, has come under controversy for appointing an individual linked to the LGBTQ community. The party, which named Nahid Islam as its convener and formed a 151-member committee, faced criticism after it was revealed that a committee member, Muntasir Mamun, had connections to the LGBTQ community. In response, key organizers Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam distanced themselves from the decision, stating, “As Muslims, we do not support anything that goes against religious values. This was an unintentional mistake.” Social media activist Mahin Sarkar wrote, “Muntasir Bhai helped us arrange safe homes, but I had no knowledge of his activities. By Allah, we do not want homosexuality in Bengal!”

Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has stated that a persistent issue within the administration is the tendency to appease members of the political party most likely to come to power. “This happens without any directives from higher authorities or ministries,” he remarked. Addressing concerns about political favoritism in handling criminals, he clarified, “We are not working under any party’s influence but solely for the nation’s welfare. No department has been instructed to show leniency toward any particular political group.” On the Rohingya crisis, he mentioned that communication is ongoing with the Arakan Army, as their presence at the border is disrupting trade.

Aminul Haque, convener of the BNP’s Dhaka Metropolitan North unit, has claimed that six months after the fall of the authoritarian regime, the country remains in ruins due to 17 years of misrule. He emphasized the need for a people’s government to rebuild state institutions and restore national stability.

"We have repeatedly called for an interim government to undertake crucial state reforms. Only an elected government can establish true democracy in Bangladesh," Haque stated. He urged the authorities to hold elections as soon as possible to pave the way for national reconstruction.

In Sylhet, street vendors staged a road blockade at Zindabazar from 8 PM to 10 PM on Friday, protesting against alleged extortion by a Jubo Dal leader and the abduction of two fellow vendors. The protest turned violent when police rescued the abducted vendors, as angry demonstrators attacked the officers. Later, Sylhet Metropolitan BNP Secretary Imdad Hossain intervened and announced the suspension of the accused Jubo Dal city unit leader, Joydeep Choudhury Madhab, within 24 hours. Following this assurance, the protesters ended the blockade.

Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has indicated that dedicated, people-friendly, and clean-image leaders will be prioritized for party nominations in the upcoming national elections. He also urged party members to maintain discipline and prepare for the election strategically. BNP’s leadership has emphasized unity and the urgent need to resolve internal conflicts for the greater interest of the party and the nation. The high command has reassured members that controversial and opportunistic figures will have no place in the electoral process. Speakers at an extended meeting also warned against the influence of ‘hybrid leaders’ infiltrating the party.

Barkat Ullah Bulu, Vice Chairman of the BNP, made a fiery statement in Chandina, Cumilla, on Friday, claiming that even if Sheikh Hasina were executed 31 times, it would not be enough to deliver justice for the innocent lives lost under her rule. He accused Sheikh Hasina and her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, of betraying the people of Bangladesh and being responsible for mass killings and enforced disappearances. Bulu further alleged that Hasina has siphoned off Tk 270 billion and fled to India. He declared that her trial would take place on Bangladeshi soil. Additionally, he reiterated BNP’s long-standing claim that Ziaur Rahman was the true proclaimer of independence, while Mujib surrendered to Pakistan.

At an extended meeting of the Public Rights Council in Kakrail on Friday, Nurul Haque Nur declared, "Enough is enough! We won’t stay silent anymore." He criticized the government for failing to hold accountable those involved in mass killings over the past six months and demanded proper healthcare for the injured. Nur emphasized the need for national unity to move forward, warning against power-hungry individuals.

At a protest on Friday, the Taqi Mancha movement expressed frustration that justice for teenager Tanvir Muhammad Taqi’s murder had not been served even 12 years after the incident. Speakers accused Sheikh Hasina of blocking investigations for personal gain and criticized the interim government for failing to deliver justice despite being in power for seven months. Activist Anu Muhammad remarked that the government’s inaction is deepening public disappointment.

During an event in Ashuganj, Rumin Farhana stressed that a properly elected government is essential for law and order. She cited a deteriorating security situation, including rising theft, muggings, and robberies in broad daylight. She argued that when an elected government is in place, law enforcement agencies function more efficiently, but an unelected government weakens the system.

At a gathering in Shahid Mir Mughdha Square, Bogura, on Friday, Citizen Unity President Mahmudur Rahman Manna accused Sheikh Hasina of killing 1,500 people in a 20-day movement before fleeing the country. He stated that people laid down their lives for a better future and urged politicians to learn from history. Manna also criticized the police for corruption, claiming they refuse to register cases without bribes.

BNP Vice Chairman, former minister, and freedom fighter Abdullah Al Noman bid farewell after a 68-year-long political career. His final rites were held at a school ground in Raozan, Chattogram, on Friday after Asr prayers, and he was laid to rest in the family graveyard. BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury described him as a true people's leader who had served as a student and farmers’ leader, renowned for his humility and eloquence.

A factional clash disrupted the BNP’s Charpakerdah Union conference in Madarganj, Jamalpur, leaving at least seven people injured. Four of them were hospitalized at Madarganj Health Complex. During the confrontation, the conference tent was set on fire, destroying several chairs, and at least six motorcycles were vandalized. The clash occurred on Thursday night between supporters of incumbent committee convener Shah Md. Majnu Fakir and Youth BNP Senior Vice President Biplob Tarafdar.

During the inauguration of the National Citizens Party, Naosher Ali, father of July martyr Jaber Ibrahim, expressed his hopes that the new party would prevent further bloodshed. Recalling past tragedies, he said, "We don’t want a repeat of the bloodshed in 1971, 1990, or 2024." He extended full support to the new party on behalf of martyr families and labeled Sheikh Hasina as a "serial killer."

At a consensus dialogue held at Barendra College, Rajshahi, on Friday morning, speakers emphasized that fascist tendencies still exist within many political parties and that reforms are necessary. They noted that even after the downfall of the fascist government on August 5, absolute fascism has not been eradicated from Bangladesh. The discussion highlighted rising commodity prices, increasing crime rates like theft and extortion, and the urgent need for political, economic, and educational reforms.

A controversy has erupted in Bogura’s Shajahanpur Upazila over allegations that drug users affiliated with the Volunteer League have been included in the new Volunteer Party committee. Amid growing criticism, Bogura Volunteer Party General Secretary Rakibul Islam Shubho made a shocking claim that “99% of Bangladeshis use drugs.” He defended the inclusion of activists in the committee, saying those who are active in the field were chosen. Allegations also surfaced against newly appointed General Secretary Ayub Ali for past affiliations with the Volunteer League and posting misleading content about Ziaur Rahman on Facebook. Another member, Kamrul Hasan Momin, was rumored to be a former cadre of the Volunteer League.