BNP Vice Chairman Asaduzzaman Ripon expressed concerns that the Consensus Commission, created for political reforms, is causing divisions among parties by taking on unnecessary agendas. Speaking at a BNP membership drive event in Faridpur, he criticized the slow pace of reforms despite public demand and urged vigilance against Awami League infiltrators in BNP ranks. Other leaders highlighted the importance of involving youth in the party to strengthen BNP from grassroots to leadership levels.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has lauded the performance of the interim government, stating it has already undertaken commendable initiatives and is setting a promising direction for the country.

"We believe that all political forces who were part of the anti-fascist movement should now come together in support of this government," Fakhrul said at a recent event.

He claimed that the people's movement has seen initial success. "We have been able to inspire people with the vision of a democratic Bangladesh. But this vision cannot be fulfilled within the current state structure," he added.

To that end, BNP has proposed a 31-point reform plan, developed through discussions with various stakeholders. Fakhrul also referred to a recent meeting between BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman and the interim government's chief advisor as a source of encouragement. "We have reached consensus on several key issues. For areas where agreement is still pending, we will revisit those after the elections," he stated.

The Election Commission (EC) is accelerating its preparations for Bangladesh’s 13th national election, expected in April 2026. Activities include updating the voter list, redrawing constituency boundaries, training officials, and procuring election materials. The EC has finalized the draft code of conduct and is awaiting recommendations on electoral reforms. New party registration closes on June 22. Officials state that all preparations are moving ahead steadily, and the schedule will be announced in due time, based on government decisions.

In a recent seminar, interim government advisor Faozul Kabir Khan claimed that corruption is deeply entrenched in Bangladesh, with a widespread consensus across politicians, bureaucrats, and academics to keep it going. He criticized unethical practices, including the acceptance of improper gifts by officials and educators. He also highlighted economic challenges due to corruption, waste, and inefficiency. On the power sector, he mentioned the rising reliance on LNG imports and government initiatives to expand solar power generation through rooftop installations.

Israel’s military actions, described as “self-defense” by the G7, face criticism for masking aggression and violating international law. Analysts highlight the West's double standards—ignoring Israeli attacks on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria while backing potential strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. Despite intelligence reports confirming Iran is not building nuclear weapons, Western powers support Israel’s escalation. Experts warn such attacks could trigger widespread radiation. Netanyahu’s alliance with U.S. hardliners may push the region toward a new, devastating conflict resembling the Iraq war.

NCP leader Sarjis Alam has called for a fresh and unbiased rewriting of the country’s history, especially the history leading up to and following the Liberation War. “Before the mass uprising, all narratives revolved around certain individuals or political parties. Any attempt to correct historical inaccuracies would immediately attract labels like Jamaat supporter, Shibir member, collaborator, or anti-state,” he said.

Sarjis also noted that in the current climate, criticizing Sheikh Hasina could result in enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, or worse. He argued that now is the time to record history objectively and fairly, giving every individual and leader their due credit, whether it be Suhrawardy, Bhashani, Sher-e-Bangla, Sheikh Mujib, Tajuddin, or Ziaur Rahman.

“Neither glorifying someone as an angel nor erasing someone’s contribution serves the nation,” he said. “We must present both contributions and flaws honestly.”

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mia Golam Parwar has stated that his party is prepared to take part in the national election once the government completes the necessary steps, including local government elections, war crimes trials, and key reforms.

He reiterated Jamaat’s long-standing demand for a proportional representation electoral system. Criticizing the prevailing political culture, Parwar said, “In speeches, we often hear people say the party is bigger than the individual, and the country is bigger than the party. But when it comes to action, personal interest comes first, then the party, and lastly the nation. Such politics will only harm the country.”

Parwar added that Jamaat is willing to cooperate with the interim government but stressed that the government must demonstrate integrity and impartiality. He warned that failure to ensure a free and fair election would bring unprecedented disaster to the nation. He also underscored the urgent need for national unity in this critical period.

Army personnel have arrested Limon Ali, a senior joint convener of the BNP’s youth wing in Chuadanga, for possession of foreign firearms. In a joint operation by police and army early Saturday morning, a 9mm foreign pistol, magazine, ammunition, five mobile phones, four locally-made machetes, a Chinese knife, and a large cleaver were seized from his residence. Limon was handed over to Chuadanga Sadar Police Station around 5:30 AM after being charged under the Arms Act. BNP leader Azizur Rahman commented that some individuals within the party, colluding with Awami League, are tarnishing the party’s image and called for their expulsion.

Fishermen in Bhola are facing disappointment as the usual catch of hilsha in rivers remains low even after the fishing ban ended. The limited catch has put many laborers in distress. However, the sea is currently providing a good supply of hilsha and other fish, offering some relief to coastal markets and fishermen. Authorities and locals anticipate that with increased river water during the monsoon, hilsha migration will improve, bringing hope for a better fishing season ahead.

Nazmul Hasan Abhi, leader of the Volunteer Party, stated that BNP’s politics revolve around achieving their vision through changing times. “During the long rule of the fascist government, the people of Bangladesh were deprived of freedom of speech, democracy, and fundamental rights,” he said. Abhi noted that many leaders and activists from their volunteer group suffered enforced disappearances, killings, and harassment. Thanks to the combined student and people’s revolution alongside their movement, the people of Bengal have regained freedom. He expressed hope that a fair election would restore full democracy. Additionally, Abhi mentioned a tree-planting initiative aimed at raising public awareness about the urgent need to protect endangered native plant species. In honor of the late Shahid Zia’s death anniversary, 3,000 saplings will be planted over a month in Dhamrai municipality and 16 surrounding unions.

Iraq has accused Israel of violating its airspace with 50 warplanes, entering from the Syria-Jordan border and flying over Basra, Najaf, and Karbala. The incident was reported by Iraq’s UN representative just before a Security Council meeting. Iraq condemned the breach as a violation of international law and UN resolutions, warning that such actions threaten sacred sites and could provoke strong public reactions. The tensions come amid ongoing Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and retaliatory strikes by Tehran.

GOP (Gonotantrik Oikko Parishad) leader Rashed Khan has called for a complete overhaul of the current system of governance under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, labeling it authoritarian and repressive.

Speaking at a recent event, Khan said, “Reforming the state begins with dismantling the authoritarian model of governance introduced during Hasina’s rule. We have been crushed under the weight of her fascist system.”

He emphasized the significance of public participation in past mass movements, especially in July 2024 and 2018, and praised the role of Jagannath University’s Journalist Association during the July uprising. However, he criticized the lack of reform in the media even after 10 months of the movement’s momentum.

“Politics must be knowledge-based and competitive, grounded in merit,” he added.

At a UN Security Council emergency session, Russia’s envoy Vasily Nebenzya condemned Israel for launching a unilateral attack on Iran, ignoring UN resolutions and diplomatic efforts. He warned that Iran’s peaceful nuclear sites remain vulnerable to attacks that could trigger a nuclear disaster. Nebenzya highlighted that the attack occurred amid ongoing indirect talks between the US and Iran, undermining diplomatic progress. He emphasized that Iran’s nuclear facilities are under strict IAEA supervision, and Israel’s actions showed blatant disregard for international norms and UN authority.

A clash broke out between activists of Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir in Rangamati on Friday following the detention and assault of a leader from the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL).

According to sources, a group of Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir members—affiliated with the Anti-Discrimination Movement—intercepted former BCL leader Anwar Hossain Kaiser while he was traveling to Chattogram by taxi. He was reportedly beaten during the confrontation. Police later rescued Kaiser and took him to the local station.

Tensions escalated when a Chhatra Dal leader attempted to stop the vandalism of the vehicle, prompting a Shibir activist to physically assault two Chhatra Dal members. This altercation quickly led to a broader clash between the two groups.

Jamaat leader Matiur Rahman Akand emphasized the importance of a neutral environment for conducting free and fair elections. He stated that whether the election remains impartial depends on the government, the Election Commission, and the military. “If illegal power grabs continue, there will be no level playing field in the elections,” he warned. Akand said observers will monitor the situation closely and demand corrective action if the playing field is not leveled, identifying causes for any imbalance. He also highlighted the need to test the neutrality of the Election Commission and urged that CCTV cameras be installed at every polling station nationwide. Notably, he mentioned that if necessary, voting could be conducted over multiple days instead of a single day. He affirmed that the military will support Bangladesh and ruled out any opportunity to reinstate special groups.