Islamic leader Maulana Mamunul Haque declared that the spirit of the July-August movement must be honored in shaping the nation’s politics. He demanded justice for the Shapla Chattar crackdown, the BDR mutiny, and the killings during the 2024 uprising. “There can be no acceptance of any political attempt to rehabilitate Sheikh Hasina,” he said. Mamunul further urged that the Awami League be officially declared a terrorist organization and warned that any anti-Islamic stance will be met with strong resistance.

Supporters of Islami Andolan Bangladesh leader Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim staged a protest at the Barisal court premises, demanding that he be officially declared mayor of Barisal City Corporation. The Election Tribunal has rescheduled the case hearing for May 5. Protesters attempted to enter the court premises but were stopped by police. The protest ended after hearing the new court date. The legal petition to declare Karim the elected mayor was filed on April 17.

Islami Chhatra Shibir President Zahidul Islam has warned that any attempt to reintroduce fascism in Bangladesh will be rejected by the new generation. “They can rise again at any moment, in any context,” he said. He accused the ruling party of using the narrative of patriotism and the spirit of 1971 to justify a reign of terror over the past 15 years. “Anyone who dared to speak against the regime faced persecution through the legal system,” he claimed. Highlighting rampant corruption, he stated that the amount of money laundered abroad could fund four national budgets. Criticizing those who support the ruling party, he called them “fools” manipulated by a leader who, according to him, fled to save herself. “Don’t risk your lives for someone who abandoned the country,” he added.

Tarique Rahman has called on BNP leaders and activists to engage directly with the public to implement democratic reforms and win votes. “Without the people, you have no alternative,” he said. He emphasized unity across social classes and professions, encouraging internal dialogue to move the nation forward without hindering democratic rights or voting freedoms.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has called on all political parties to publicly disclose areas of consensus regarding national reforms. Citing the Chief Adviser, he said reforms must be consensus-driven and added that nearly all parties have submitted proposals. He urged signing a national charter and moving forward toward elections, as the public is eager to vote by December.

BNP leader Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu has warned of an ongoing domestic and international conspiracy to trigger communal unrest in Bangladesh. He urged party workers and the public to stay alert. Dulu emphasized that without an elected government, such instability is unlikely to end. He reiterated BNP’s 31-point reform agenda, stating that these reforms are essential to prevent the return of authoritarianism.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie asserted that the party’s 31-point reform plan, if implemented through elections and public support, would prevent the return of fascism in Bangladesh. Originally a 27-point proposal, the updated agenda reflects wide consensus among pro-democracy movements. He urged supporters to present these proposals clearly to the public.

After a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner, BNP’s Ishraq Hossain stated that the court verdict regarding his mayorship is being reviewed by the Election Commission and Law Ministry. A gazette notification will follow, and legal consultations are ongoing to determine the duration of his tenure. Ishraq emphasized that all procedures have followed the law.

Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Mohammad Humayun Kabir Pallab has served a legal notice against NCP senior joint secretary Dr. Tasnim Zara and Dr. Jahangir Kabir for allegedly promoting obscenity online. The notice demands immediate government action to curb such content across platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Likee.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi accused the government of undermining democratic institutions. He claimed ruling party leaders, even as accused, mock the judiciary and ignore law enforcement. He alleged their arrogance aims to discredit the interim administration. Rizvi also criticized the lenient treatment of Awami League leaders in court, calling it a dangerous return of fascism.

In a surprising political development, four individuals from the Sanatan (Hindu) community have joined the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party in Pirojpur. The new members are: Palash Kanti Mondal (47), a schoolteacher from Pottashi village in Pottashi Union of Indurkani; Robin Dakuya (35) and Ratan Biswas (42) from Indurkani village in the Indurkani Sadar Union; and Bimal Bapari (50) from Kalaia village. Their decision was announced following a public outreach event held in Indurkani on Wednesday evening.

Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin stated that the Election Commission will not wait for reforms suggested by the Consensus Commission. “We’re preparing for elections with the powers we currently have,” he said. Australian High Commissioner Susan Reilly assured full support for free and fair elections, including assistance with voter list updates and international observation.

During a rally toward the Indian High Commission demanding the repeal of the Wakf Amendment Bill and an end to Muslim persecution, Hefazat leader Mamunul Haque issued a stern warning. “No government can survive in Bangladesh if it stands against Islam,” he said, cautioning leaders not to bring upon themselves a fate similar to Prime Minister Hasina’s by aligning with anti-Islamic forces. He threatened a long march to Delhi if the demands are not met and condemned both Israel’s assault on Gaza and India’s Modi government for attempting to eradicate Muslims.

At a rally in front of the Press Club, Mahbub Alam, Joint Convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP), asserted that elections are not possible without comprehensive institutional reforms and the repeal of repressive laws stemming from 15 years of looting, violence, and fascist rule. He emphasized that these reforms are essential to ensure voting rights. “Without reforms, we’ll witness another era of politics dominated by muscle and money,” he said. Other speakers criticized efforts to rehabilitate the Awami League through repeated election calls. They demanded justice and a ban on the party, stressing, “We want a Second Republic. Don’t make elections and reforms adversaries.”

BNP leader Emran Saleh Prince called on Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to swiftly announce a reform roadmap and prepare for elections by December. He accused the government of conspiring to derail elections. “Under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, we will restore voter rights and dismantle all conspiracies,” he said. He reiterated BNP’s 31-point agenda to build a fair, equitable society, including family cards, unemployment benefits, fair agricultural pricing, and wage guarantees.