BNP leaders in Bagmara staged a protest demanding the removal of the local Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO). Surprisingly, Mahbubur Rahman Biplob, Joint General Secretary of the local Awami League unit, also joined the protest. Allegations center around seven ponds and nearly three acres of land on the Taherpur College campus. Former MP Abul Kalam Azad reportedly constructed 41 houses on the property with municipal funding, collecting rent from them. After BNP assumed local power, they took control of the houses. Recently, the UNO instructed that rent collection be stopped, sparking outrage. BNP alleges the UNO is trying to reinstate the former MP.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed that party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is scheduled to return from London on Monday, May 5. She will be accompanied by her daughters-in-law, Zubaida Rahman (wife of Tarique Rahman) and Syeda Shamila Rahman (widow of Arafat Rahman). “Alhamdulillah, she is definitely better than before,” said Fakhrul. He mentioned that although the Qatari royal ambulance initially arranged for her transport has been delayed for technical reasons, arrangements have now been made for her to travel via Biman Bangladesh Airlines. She is expected to arrive around 11 a.m. Preparations at her residence, Firoza, have already been completed.

Speaking at the founding anniversary of the AB Party, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman emphasized the need for political unity in the interest of the country. He warned that holding local elections before national polls could give rise to authoritarianism. He criticized dismissive remarks about national elections, saying such rhetoric emboldens anti-democratic forces. Rahman also stated that decisions on economic corridors must come from an elected parliament and that those who have violated the constitution in recent years must be held accountable. He stressed that it is the government's responsibility to ensure a free, fair, and inclusive election.

During the anniversary of the AB Party, NCP Convener Nahid Islam called for the cancellation of Awami League’s political registration and a complete ban on its activities. He claimed that on August 5, the people of Bangladesh delivered a verdict against the Awami League, signifying their rejection of its political legitimacy. According to him, the people will decide the party’s fate—either through voting or mass movements. Nahid added that although all parties talk about reform, true reform must involve a united front to ensure a new system of governance and peaceful power transition.

BNP leader Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas stated that the people see Begum Khaleda Zia as a symbol of trust and security. Calling her an undisputed leader, he said she has instructed party members not to act out of vengeance. He emphasized that many workers lost their lives during the July uprising and described them as the primary architects of the new Bangladesh. Highlighting the role of laborers in every political movement, he recalled how President Ziaur Rahman once introduced himself as a worker in 1978 and how Khaleda Zia proudly called herself the wife of a laborer in 1991. He added that workers have played a critical role over the last two years and affirmed that basic rights for all will be ensured in the future.

Gazi Salauddin Tanvir, recently served with a show-cause notice and temporarily relieved of his duties at the National Citizens’ Platform (NCP) over alleged commission-based dealings in textbook printing, has announced he will voluntarily go to jail if not reinstated.

“Not being reinstated would imply I’m guilty. As of now, I firmly state that I am not. I will surrender myself to the law to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted,” Tanvir told reporters.

He further demanded a full-scale investigation from the government and added, “If I don’t get my position back, I’ll willingly go to prison to prove my innocence.”

Tanvir defended his visits to the Secretariat, saying, “In total, I’ve been there just five times, always to report on progress in textbook printing. We were simply informing the government, nothing more.”

He emphasized that visiting the Secretariat should not be viewed as suspicious: “I believe every citizen should have access to the Secretariat. Phone numbers of officials, from advisers to secretaries, are publicly listed on government websites. If going there were a crime, those numbers wouldn’t be published online.”

NCP senior leader Nahid Islam criticized the interim government for failing to take concrete steps toward banning the Awami League or initiating legal action against its leaders. “On August 5, 2024, students and citizens overthrew the fascist ideology of Mujibism through a historic uprising. Yet today, Awami League members still march under that banner,” Nahid said. He called on citizens to attend today’s post-Jumu’ah rally at Baitul Mukarram Mosque to demand justice and a formal ban on the party. “AL has no moral or legal right to participate in Bangladeshi politics,” he added.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the NCP’s southern region, has called for a protest demanding the unconditional banning of the Awami League. “The genocidal Awami League must be banned without ifs, ands, or buts,” he wrote. He urged the public to join the protest rally at 3 PM today at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque to raise their voices against the ruling party.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince has demanded an immediate election roadmap for the upcoming December polls. He warned that any delay would provoke public unrest, and the BNP would not hesitate to take to the streets with mass support. Prince criticized a political faction for calling for local government elections before the national vote, accusing them of trying to stall democracy. He also promised that a BNP-led government would implement workers’ rights, including setting the minimum wage at Tk 30,000.

Abdul Basit Azad, Amir of the Khalafat Majlis, demanded that the minimum wage for workers be set at Tk 25,000. He noted that most of the country’s development and revenue stem from the contributions of local and expatriate workers. He called for job security, an end to arbitrary terminations, and implementation of Islamic labor laws, including offering workers a stake in industrial ownership to enhance productivity and national unity.

On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, the Paikgacha Upazila Building Workers’ Union organized a rally, discussion, and prayer session. Government Secretary Md. Touhidur Rahman was the chief guest. Speaking at the event, Ziaur Rahman Foundation Director Md. Amirul Islam Kagji emphasized the need to intensify the movement for workers’ rights and to ensure they receive their fair dues.

Dr. Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North division, lashed out at those who exploit workers’ wages, labeling them as the “worst beggars and traitors.” He demanded an end to this exploitative politics. His remarks were made during a colorful rally organized by the Labour Welfare Federation, which marched through major roads of Laxmipur city and concluded at Uttar Temuhani.

Protests against the suspension of the RUWA (Rajshahi University Welfare Association) executive committee election have been temporarily paused following assurances from the Vice-Chancellor. The protesters called off their sit-in program after being promised the formation of a new ad-hoc committee and the resumption of election activities by Friday. However, they warned of renewed protests if the promises are not fulfilled. The election, originally scheduled for May 10, faced delays amid allegations of constitutional violations. On Wednesday night, the Chief Election Commissioner resigned citing personal reasons. A cocktail attack at the Registrar’s residence further escalated tensions, prompting the administration to suspend the election on Thursday.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized that artificial crises are often created to exploit laborers. “When employers truly love and respect their workers, those workers will give everything in return,” he said. Professor Mojibur Rahman added that while workers are ignored 364 days a year, true respect could turn Bangladesh into a model state. The comments were made during an event organized by the Bangladesh Workers’ Welfare Federation.

Chhatra Dal President Md. Rakibul Islam Rakib has claimed that the student movement was led solely by Chhatra Dal. He stated, “There was no presence of Shibir, no presence of Jamaat, and no trace whatsoever of the anti-discrimination groups in this movement.” He further added, “By the grace of Allah, it happened. We had tried many times before!”