Jamaat-e-Islami Naib-e-Ameer Mujibur Rahman warned the interim government that failure to restore the party’s registration and electoral symbol will lead to mass democratic protests. He criticized the government’s selective releases of political prisoners and demanded the immediate release of ATM Azharul Islam. He accused the Awami League of political revenge and orchestrated judicial killings of Jamaat’s senior leaders.

BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu alleged that the interim government is protecting those responsible for destroying democracy in Bangladesh over the past 15 years. He criticized the lack of justice for missing BNP leader and former MP Ilias Ali, and said key advisers have ignored the matter. Dudu claimed that fair elections are being intentionally avoided to prevent BNP from gaining popular support. He also demanded the execution of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

On Friday, Awami League activists organized a flash rally in Uttara’s Dhaka-18 parliamentary constituency. Chants like “Who are you, who am I – we’re all Bengalis,” “Our identity is Padma, Meghna, Jamuna,” and “Sheikh Hasina returns, Bangladesh smiles” echoed through the streets. The rally was led by Atikur Rahman Milon, General Secretary of the Awami League’s Uttarkhan Union branch under Dhaka North city.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has stated that his party is ready to participate in national elections only after comprehensive reforms and legal proceedings against Sheikh Hasina. “There will be no elections before justice and reform. The Ameer has already called for a national unity. A self-reliant new Bangladesh cannot be built without it,” he said. Porwar added, “In trying to ban Jamaat, Hasina has been politically outlawed by the people themselves.” Referring to the July movement, he emphasized the blood debt of over 2,000 lives lost and 30,000 injured, asserting the party’s responsibility to them. He also stressed the need for a justice-based and inclusive Bangladesh. “The key challenge for the interim government will be to restore the people’s right to vote,” he concluded, vowing that Jamaat and BNP would continue to stand united on future national issues as they have over the past 16 years.

Former ambassador M. Maruf Zaman was reportedly abducted from the airport area on December 4, 2017, and held in a DGFI-run torture cell for 16 months. Zaman, known for criticizing Indian influence and the Hasina government, described harrowing conditions: loss of teeth from beatings, torn ligaments, untreated infections, and insect-infested cells. He endured extreme torture methods, including waterboarding, and witnessed fellow detainees disappearing. Guards occasionally hinted at secret executions.

Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Nurul Haque Nur has called for immediate action against financial criminals and political mafias, stating that even during the 1/11 political crackdown, some top businessmen were arrested along with politicians. He criticized the current transitional government for failing to take action against major corrupt figures, especially land grabbers and financial embezzlers allegedly shielded by authoritarian powers. Nur specifically mentioned that while minor actions were taken against entities linked to S. Alam Group, there has been no visible action against the real enablers of corruption. He urged advisors to take swift measures, warning, “There is no room for fascist looters and mafias in the Bangladesh of 2024.”

Jamaat leader Dr. Md. Helal Uddin has alleged that extortion similar to that of the fascist era still persists in certain areas. Referring to Gulistan as a bustling hub where around 100,000 traders operate daily, he said business owners want a smooth environment but face harassment. He emphasized that only governance based on divine law and honest leadership can end such corruption. Referring to the August 5 student uprising, Helal mentioned slogans like “We want justice”, “Allahu Akbar”, and “Dhaka’s sovereignty over Delhi”, urging structural reforms, trials for fascist collaborators, and fair elections to honor the sacrifices made.

BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi questioned the government’s motives in presenting reforms as a substitute for democratic elections and voting rights. Speaking on the 13th anniversary of Ilias Ali’s disappearance, he criticized the government’s failure to withdraw politically motivated cases against opposition activists. He also challenged the interim government’s shifting promises on election dates and demanded answers on the issue of enforced disappearances.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) for the southern region, stated in a Facebook post that Bangladeshi politics should not follow “prescriptions” obtained from meetings with RAW’s station chief. He further criticized those promoting compromise politics, warning them to reassess their stance on the ruling Awami League urgently.

Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna has said that disagreements between political parties and the interim government are becoming increasingly evident. “Ultimately, we must return to democracy to resolve the current crisis. Dialogue is the only way forward,” he stated. Commenting on international issues, Manna condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza, calling it an unparalleled atrocity in modern history. “Words fail to describe the suffering of the Palestinian people. We stand in solidarity with the struggle for an independent Palestine,” he said.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia may return to the country at any time next month, according to Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Speaking to the media, he said, “I visited Khaleda Zia recently to check on her health. Since we couldn’t meet in Bangladesh, it was purely a courtesy call—there was no formal discussion.” He added that Khaleda Zia is recovering and preparing to return to Bangladesh.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained two Bangladeshi nationals on Wednesday in Bakshiganj, Jamalpur, as they attempted to illegally cross the border into India. Further investigations are ongoing.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s legal counsel Shishir Monir urged party members not to lose hope over the registration issue, expressing optimism that the party would soon regain both registration and its election symbol. He also noted that the release of senior leader ATM Azharul Islam, who has been imprisoned for over a decade, may be decided this month. Court hearings are expected to resume after the Chief Justice returns at the end of the month.

The National Consensus Party (NCP) has formally requested the Election Commission to extend the deadline for political party registration by 90 days. In its letter, the NCP stated that it was formed in response to the people’s aspirations during the recent mass uprising. While the interim government initiated a series of reforms, including the formation of an electoral reform commission that submitted recommendations, no visible progress has been made. The Election Commission’s move to issue a registration notice on March 10—without implementing necessary reforms or updating existing laws—has drawn criticism. The NCP argues that the current requirements under the 2008 Political Party Registration Rules are unreasonable and unconstitutional. It also highlighted the reform commission’s recommendations, including relaxed conditions for local office establishment and renewal of registration every five years.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the party disagrees with 16 out of 66 reform proposals submitted regarding elections. “We fully support 25 and partially agree with another 25,” he said. Consensus Commission Vice Chair Dr. Ali Riaz reiterated that the goal is to develop a national charter through political consensus and establish long-term democratic stability. He praised BNP’s contribution to democratic discourse.