Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan has challenged the Lahore High Court's decision denying him bail in a May 9, 2023 violence case. In a petition to the Supreme Court, his legal team argues the government offered inconsistent claims to link him to the conspiracy—each dismissed by various courts. They assert no arrest attempts were made in 14 months despite knowing his jail location, suggesting political harassment. Khan has already secured bail in 21 similar cases tied to the same incident.

The Israeli Navy has hijacked the British-flagged relief ship Handala en route to the blockaded Gaza Strip. The vessel, carrying 21 unarmed personnel including doctors, parliament members, and volunteers, had departed from Italy with humanitarian aid such as food, formula, and medicine for Gaza’s children. The crew issued a distress call after spotting Israeli drones and naval ships approaching. This incident follows previous similar hijackings by Israel targeting ships delivering aid to Gaza, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi reported to the Election Commission that the party earned Tk 15.66 crore and spent Tk 4.8 crore in 2024, resulting in a surplus of Tk 10.85 crore.

The income came from member contributions, book sales, bank interest, and donations. Expenditures included aid, campaign activities, and printing costs. Rizvi criticized past Election Commissions as spineless and sycophantic toward Sheikh Hasina. He expressed hope that the current commission would ensure a free, fair, and inclusive election.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Constitution Party (NCP), has voiced strong concerns over the poor state of education, healthcare, and employment in Netrokona. During a recent public address, he emphasized that the NCP aims to tackle these issues through nationwide reform.

“We have launched a movement demanding comprehensive reforms across the country. A Constituent Assembly election is essential to draft a new constitution,” Nahid stated.

He added, “Back in July-August, we declared our commitment to building a new Bangladesh — one rooted in justice and public welfare. We envision a country where every citizen is treated with dignity and has access to quality education and healthcare.”

Nahid also made bold claims regarding political upheaval, saying, “Exactly one year ago in July, Bangladesh was liberated from Sheikh Hasina’s rule. Those responsible for mass atrocities — including Sheikh Hasina and other leaders of the Awami League — must be brought to justice.”

He concluded by reaffirming the party's mission: “In Netrokona, the condition of education and healthcare is dire, and job opportunities are scarce. The NCP is committed to resolving these crises.”

Writer Umama Fatema responded to the recent extortion scandal in Gulshan by questioning the public's shocked reaction. “It’s amusing how everyone pretends to be surprised,” she said. “This is just the first time one of these guys got caught.”

She shared a personal experience, identifying one of the accused—named Riyad—as having behaved aggressively toward her at Rupayan Tower in December. “When we tried to stop him, he turned on us,” she wrote. “After digging, I found multiple accusations already existed against him for threats and extortion. Sadly, people like him have long been embedded in elite circles.”

NCP leader Sarjis Alam highlighted the humanitarian role of the Bangladesh Army in supporting those injured and the families of those martyred in the July uprising.

“Let’s acknowledge some unpopular facts,” he wrote. “Since August 5, the Army Chief has visited CMH every Saturday to see the injured—more than all advisers combined. The most critical patients received high-quality treatment at CMH with the highest per-person expenses. After the July Martyrs’ Memorial Foundation and the Ministry of Health, the Army and its chief have done the most in terms of financial aid and rehabilitation.”

At a rally in Kishoreganj, National Constitution Party (NCP) convenor Nahid Islam accused the current regime of failing to protect basic rights. “The people of Kishoreganj once gave the country a president, but they never got access to proper education or healthcare,” Nahid said.

He alleged that the former "fascist" president dismantled democracy and handed it over to Sheikh Hasina. Echoing this sentiment, Hasnat Abdullah added, “The days of corrupt leaders are numbered. If we can unite, corruption will be eradicated permanently. No one should be spared, not even if it's your own father.”

Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, has sparked controversy by saying that to keep Dhaka's rivers—especially the Buriganga—clean, mayors, administrators, and politicians should be required to bathe in the river at least twice a year.

In response, environmental activist Rizwana Hasan remarked, “I must admit, this idea never crossed my mind. With all due respect, it is ultimately the responsibility of politicians to solve the nation’s problems. If our political system worked as it should, civil society wouldn't need to intervene during times of crisis. But in the end, lasting solutions must come from the political leadership.”

During a rally in Bhairab, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Akhtar Hossain declared, “We overthrew Hasina in July—not to replace her with another dictator, but to restore justice.” He emphasized that the long-standing demand to declare Bhairab a district remains unmet. “This demand must now be fulfilled,” he added. Akhtar condemned the widespread corruption under previous governments, citing massive embezzlement in the name of infrastructure projects and illicit financial outflows. He also honored those injured or killed during mass uprisings, stating, “Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.” He warned that any opposition to the new vision for Bangladesh will be met with resistance from the people of Bhairab.

Following their arrest over an extortion attempt, three student leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Movement have been permanently expelled for engaging in “disciplinary violations.” The expelled individuals are Dhaka Metropolitan Convenor Ibrahim Hossain Munna, and members Md. Sakadoun Siam and Sadman Sadab.

A formal statement from the organization urged all members to cease any organizational contact with the expelled individuals.

Two local leaders affiliated with the Awami League were mistakenly appointed to the BNP's newly approved convening committee for the Bardal South Union in Tahirpur, Sunamganj. Their names were later removed following backlash on social media.

The appointments had been approved via an official BNP letterhead signed by Upazila BNP Convener Badol Mia and Joint Convener Junab Ali. The controversy involved Jila Sramik League's Welfare Secretary Zillur Rahman and party worker Hannan Munshi. Allegations surfaced that a BNP leader had recommended Zillur for the post — an accusation that has been officially denied.

Revolutionary Workers Party leader Junaid Saki has called for a major constitutional overhaul, criticizing the centralization of power in the hands of the Prime Minister. “Bangladesh can no longer afford a parliament where MPs simply raise their hands in agreement,” he said, pointing to Article 70 as a legal straitjacket.

He proposed a bicameral legislature and shared authority over constitutional appointments, involving both government and opposition parties. Saki further criticized state-controlled livelihoods, saying, “Even street vendors now depend on ruling party approval — often enforced through extortion.”

The newly launched Bangladesh Muslim Council held its inaugural event with the unveiling of a biography series of 313 Bangladeshi Islamic scholars. Addressing the event, Religious Affairs Advisor Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain emphasized the need for laws rooted in the country's cultural, historical, and religious heritage.

He noted that the “July Revolution” has created an opportunity for Islamic scholars to actively engage in state-building and called on them to prepare themselves to lead responsibly. “The stronger and more united the scholars are, the greater their positive impact on society,” he said.

BNP leader Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has warned that true democracy in Bangladesh cannot be realized without timely elections. Speaking on the current interim government's performance, he said, “Though formed through significant sacrifices and supported by all major parties including the BNP, the interim council appears to be delaying elections to stay in power longer.”

Hafiz also commented on the current proportional representation (PR) voting system, arguing that it distances voters from candidates. “BNP supports a system where individuals, not parties, are held accountable. Voters should be able to choose candidates based on merit, not just party affiliation.”

A recent Al Jazeera documentary titled “36 Days of July: Uncovering Sheikh Hasina’s Secret Directives” has sparked controversy, particularly regarding the portrayal of political activist Sadik Kayem. AHM Shaheen, writing critically about the film, argued that Sadik was strategically presented as a frontline leader of the July uprising, overshadowing others like Nahid and Asif, who, according to him, played more prominent roles.

The post was shared by Nazifa Jannat, who added strong criticism, stating: “The journalists behind this Al Jazeera report deserve serious accountability — if not a slap in the face, at least a call to responsibility. How can someone hiding under the Student League’s umbrella be framed as a key figure of the July uprising? Shame!”