BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman said skyrocketing inflation has severely impacted the working class in Bangladesh. In his May Day message, he called for a global commitment to labor rights and a society free of exploitation. He praised the BNP’s past efforts to improve workers’ welfare and stressed that without proper democracy, workers’ dignity cannot be ensured.

Following a meeting with the Ganasamhati Andolan, NCP leader Nahid Islam stated that while there has been no discussion on electoral alliances, both parties agreed on the need for fundamental reforms and justice. He added that the NCP’s political direction stems from popular uprisings and that any constitutional changes must be based on public mandate rather than parliamentary processes.

Rashed Khan, General Secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad, has filed a written complaint at the International Crimes Tribunal accusing former CTTC ADC Ishtiak Ahmed of physical abuse during detention in 2018. According to Khan, after preliminary treatment at the police hospital, he was taken to Ishtiak’s office where he was kicked in the groin while the officer wore boots. Khan alleges continued verbal and physical abuse, leaving long-lasting trauma for which he never received medical care.

NCP leader Sarjis Alam has stated that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party are responsible for mass killings and should be banned from politics. He cited various alleged incidents of violence and disappearances carried out under the regime, accusing the government of operating through bloodshed and systemic discrimination. Sarjis called for the prosecution of those he labeled as regime collaborators.

BNP’s Ruhul Kabir Rizvi claimed that this year’s May Day will be observed in a new context following the “fall of fascist and killer Hasina.” He credited the uprising of students, workers, and the public—where scores sacrificed their lives—for hastening her downfall. Rizvi criticized the ongoing economic hardship of laborers, pointing to factory closures and daily layoffs due to energy crises and lack of job security.

ICT has issued a rule asking why action should not be taken against Sheikh Hasina for allegedly obstructing judicial proceedings and making threats. Investigators stated that forensic analysis confirmed an audio clip in which Hasina said, “226 cases mean 226 licenses to kill.” She is currently under investigation, along with 144 others, for alleged crimes against humanity, including the July genocide. So far, 23 related cases have been filed with the tribunal.

Char Monai Pir Rezaul Karim issued a strong warning against implementing the proposed Women’s Reform Commission, calling it part of a broader destabilization plot. He said the government lacks public mandate and should not pursue this agenda. Karim cautioned that such actions could spark unrest and give hidden enemies an excuse to mobilize. “You won’t even get five minutes to retreat if you proceed,” he warned.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized unity between religious communities, saying, “We are like two flowers on the same stem—Muslims and Hindus.” He criticized the politics of division for eroding Bangladesh’s heritage of harmony, recalling his own experiences of sharing in Hindu religious festivities. He called for a united effort to build a new Bangladesh beyond religious or political identities.

The Appellate Division has overturned the convictions of BNP leader Amanullah Aman and his wife Sabera Aman, lifting legal barriers to their participation in elections. In 2007, Aman was sentenced to 13 years in prison and his wife to 3 years for concealing information and acquiring illegal wealth. The recent acquittal clears their names and paves the way for their return to politics.

Saiful Hock of the Revolutionary Workers Party stated their support for reducing the terms of parliament and the president to four years. They proposed limiting the prime minister to two terms and leaving development tasks to local governments. The party also advocated for reducing the deposit amount in national elections and expressed concerns that local elections could destabilize the country.

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain criticized the government’s unilateral decision to establish a humanitarian corridor in Rakhine, Myanmar. “This decision was made without any dialogue with political parties or the public. We are unaware of the conditions attached to this decision,” he said. The BNP believes that an unelected government lacks the authority to make such a sovereignty-sensitive decision and demands full disclosure and transparency.

A 19-year-old female student of a private university was reportedly raped in Durgapur, Netrokona. Police have arrested three individuals, including Faisal Ahmed Durjoy (25), a local leader of the BNP’s student wing. The victim had arrived at a resort with her fiancé Munna Mia and stayed in Room 201. When Munna stepped out for some errands, his friend Durjoy, familiar to the victim, entered the room, initiated a conversation, and allegedly raped her after physical assault.

In a statement, Ganosamhati Andolon expressed concern over the proposal to establish a humanitarian corridor in Rakhine, Myanmar. “Bangladesh is already entangled in the complex Rohingya crisis with far-reaching implications. Before making any decision regarding a humanitarian corridor, there must be thorough discussion and national consensus. This issue involves critical concerns of sovereignty and national security,” the statement said. The party urged the government to immediately initiate dialogue with all political parties concerning the Rohingya crisis, the border situation with Myanmar, and the corridor proposal, and to make decisions based on the outcomes of these discussions.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir warned party members against engaging in extortion and misconduct, saying they could face a fate similar to the ruling Awami League. He urged party leaders to hand over any wrongdoers to the police. Fakhrul said the current government created a “mirror prison” system, with nearly 1,700 enforced disappearances reported by the UN. He challenged Prime Minister Hasina to return and face legal cases like BNP leaders if she truly enjoys public support.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is expected to return to Bangladesh next month following improvements in her health. Tareque Rahman’s wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and Koko’s wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman may also accompany her. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain confirmed that preparations for a special air ambulance from Qatar are underway following a formal request from the BNP.