Tarique Rahman stated his vision for a Bangladesh where press freedom is guaranteed and journalists can work without fear. In a Facebook post featuring a satirical cartoon about BNP’s 2009 council, he emphasized that journalism is a cornerstone of democracy. “Without protecting press freedom, democracy cannot survive,” he wrote. He condemned recent attacks on press freedom under the current regime and paid tribute to journalists who courageously reported on corruption, human rights violations, and socio-economic failures.

BNP leader Amir Khasru stated that Russia has expressed interest in Bangladesh’s upcoming election timeline during discussions with the Russian ambassador. “They’re particularly interested in bilateral relations and business opportunities,” he said. Energy cooperation was also discussed. “Russia is rich in energy resources, and we explored potential collaboration,” Khasru added. The Russian ambassador had previously met with a BNP delegation led by the party’s secretary general.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir asserted that while media freedom has increased, unhealthy rivalries between media groups and their political affiliations pose a threat. “Freedom of the press doesn't mean silencing those you disagree with,” he said. He credited the BNP for reopening media freedom in 1975 after it was shut down under the one-party BAKSAL system. “We’re not claiming moral perfection, but BNP has done more than any other party to protect press freedom,” Fakhrul added.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the NCP, claimed that government interference in media has significantly declined compared to the past. “Over the last 16 years, the fascist regime politicized every institution, and the media was no exception,” he said. He stressed the need for a clear roadmap to free the media from authoritarian influence, noting that without such reforms, the vision of a free press after July will remain unfulfilled. Nahid criticized the dissemination of misinformation during the interim government period and called for greater professionalism. He also emphasized the need for transparent media ownership, warning that corporate and political groups often use media for vested interests rather than public service.

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Alexander Vikentyevich Mantytskiy, met with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party chairperson’s political office. Senior BNP leaders Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Shama Obaid also attended. Discussions likely included political developments and international relations.

Maruf Kamal Khan, former press secretary to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, thanked the Qatari government and royal family for providing an air ambulance for her travel to London for treatment. He credited the arrangement to the appeal made by Dr. Muhammad Yunus’ interim government. The air ambulance was equipped with advanced medical technologies and provided free of cost. “We are deeply grateful to Allah and the Qatari leadership,” he wrote.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Hossain appealed to voters to give his party a chance in the next general election. “You’ve seen many rule this country over the past 50 years. This time, vote for Jamaat,” he said. Promising security, development, and international respect, he criticized past regimes for corruption and authoritarianism. He accused the Awami League of establishing autocracy under the guise of democracy and harassing thousands of Jamaat members through false charges. He also claimed $93 billion had been laundered abroad under AL's rule.

BNP leader Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said it would take at least five years to properly try Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. “Only an elected government can bring her to justice,” he stated. He emphasized that the BNP and Awami League are fundamentally different, not two sides of the same coin. “Some believe BNP will rule like AL once in power—that’s a misconception,” he said, adding that Hasina’s downfall has awakened the youth, who have learned how to resist injustice. He recalled an incident where his wife was shot at while distributing leaflets for a BNP rally—an act that remains unpunished.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that supporters will line the road from the airport intersection to Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, ‘Firoza’, to greet her upon return. The former Prime Minister will arrive in a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar, accompanied by her two daughters-in-law. Although earlier reports suggested a May 5 return, she will now arrive on May 6. BNP has coordinated efforts to ensure an orderly and respectful welcome.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that supporters will line the road from the airport intersection to Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, ‘Firoza’, to greet her upon return. The former Prime Minister will arrive in a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar, accompanied by her two daughters-in-law. Although earlier reports suggested a May 5 return, she will now arrive on May 6. BNP has coordinated efforts to ensure an orderly and respectful welcome.

Over a thousand political leaders, including professionals, have joined the Gono Odhikar Parishad. Leaders Nurul Haque Nur and Md. Rashed Khan welcomed the newcomers with flowers. The party presented three key demands: 1) Prosecution of genocide and a ban on the Awami League, 2) A national charter and necessary state reforms through consensus, and 3) A roadmap for elections without delay. They also demanded the cancellation of the humanitarian corridor decision and the women's reform commission. The party called for the reversal of any decisions that undermine national sovereignty or conflict with religious values.

Retired Major Hafiz Uddin Ahmed accused advisers in the interim government of blocking democratic progress. “For 17 years, we fought for a fair election, and still there’s no sign of one,” he said. He added that knowledgeable insiders believe elections won’t happen in the next few years. Hafiz accused the interim administration of playing games with state governance and recalled a February meeting with four advisers and the Chief Adviser, where they were promised elections by December.

BNP Vice Chairman Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad criticized proposed reforms by the interim government, saying, “Reforms benefit the rich, not the poor. Will reforms get you a job or feed your family?” He urged the government to abandon these plans and hold elections immediately, asserting that the people are waiting to vote.

BNP leader Sultan Salahuddin Tukku asserted that any use of Bangladesh’s territory—such as for regional corridors—requires the people’s consent. He called for a national consensus among all parties before any such decision. “Ownership of this country lies with its people,” he said, adding that past elections had deprived over 36 million new voters of their rights. Tukku also expressed joy over Khaleda Zia’s return.

BNP leader Dr. Abdul Moin Khan stressed that a caretaker government must remain transitional and cannot replace elected authority. “The interim government must honor the people’s trust and ensure fundamental rights, including the right to vote,” he said. He reiterated BNP’s previous 31-point reform proposal and emphasized the need for national consensus to protect democratic values.