Jamaat Ameer emphasized that the mass uprising in July brought a new wave of freedom, but three key preconditions must be met before holding elections—reform, justice, and coexistence. “Without fulfilling these, elections will be as flawed as before,” he warned. Jamaat has already submitted a reform proposal to the Consensus Commission and insists that meaningful change is essential to honor the sacrifices made.

Mohammad Shahe Alam Murad, former General Secretary of Dhaka South Awami League, was arrested in Uttara on Thursday. He had led a sudden flash protest march from Baitul Mukarram to Bangabandhu Avenue on April 6. Since the mass uprising, many ruling party leaders have been arrested, while others have fled abroad, allegedly plotting further unrest.

After visiting the torched home of artist Manbendra Ghosh, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North leader Maulana Delwar Hossain blamed the remnants of a fascist regime for continuing efforts to disrupt Bangladesh’s communal harmony. “Though the head of the fascist regime has fled, many accomplices remain, and they are behind such attacks,” he stated. He urged vigilance and called for justice against those responsible for the arson, demanding exemplary punishment and rehabilitation for the affected family.

At Dhaka’s Sheraton Hotel, Destiny Group CEO Mohammad Rafiqul Amin announced the formation of a new political party—Bangladesh A-Am Janata Party. Amin will serve as the party’s convener, while Fatima Tasnim was named member secretary. Amin said that despite 54 years since independence, people still struggle with deprivation and inequality. The new party aims to unite citizens to remove autocracy and secure basic and political rights. Fatima Tasnim added that without political awareness, the country risks falling back into autocratic rule. “We have ousted the Awami autocrats, and we will not allow any future dictatorship,” she said.

At a meeting with the National Consensus Commission, BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan stated that the current opportunity to rebuild the country must be utilized. He described the struggle to reform the state as a rare historical phenomenon. Khan emphasized that past victories could not be sustained, but this time, cooperation with the commission and government could ensure lasting success. He warned against overreaching in pursuit of change, lest it dampen people’s desire for transformation. He said BNP’s reform agenda is not just a demand—it’s a commitment. “Everything must happen with public consent,” he added. Though a consensus charter wasn’t reached in July, he noted that BNP has its 31-point reform proposal. Commission Vice-Chair Prof. Ali Riaz reaffirmed their goal of formulating a national charter to establish a sustainable democratic system.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has criticized star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan’s decision to join the Awami League, calling it a betrayal rather than a mere mistake. In a Facebook post, he wrote that Shakib made this choice at a time when the AL leadership was facing serious human rights allegations. “His silence over the violence and killings in Magura—his hometown—by ruling party supporters is particularly disturbing,” Alam said. He added that Shakib’s move reflects either deep political naivety or opportunism for personal gain, neither of which absolves him. “Shakib may be the most talented cricketer Bangladesh has ever produced, but that does not grant him impunity.”

Six individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the arson attack on the village home of artist Manabendra Ghosh, known for his work in festival processions. The suspects include Al Amin alias Tamal (22), finance secretary of the banned local BCL unit, joint secretary Mainuddin Ahmed Pias (22), Mir Maruf, Aminur Rahman (24), local AL ward secretary Babul Hossain (54), and Chhatra League leader Khan Mohammad Rafi alias Season (18). Notably, Season posted “Mission Complete” on Facebook on the night of the arson. A press conference will be held today at the Chief Adviser’s office regarding the incident.

Leaders of several like-minded Islamist political parties—including Khilafat Majlis, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Bakhilafat Majlis, and Nezam-e-Islam—have held a joint meeting, calling for national elections to be held by December. The parties reached consensus on nine key points, including reinstating “absolute trust and faith in Almighty Allah” in the Constitution, rejecting pluralism, and demanding the withdrawal of recent hikes in soybean oil and industrial gas prices. They also urged international action to stop Israel’s massacre in Gaza, the repeal of India’s amended Waqf Bill, and swift justice for unresolved incidents including the BDR mutiny, the Shapla Chattar massacre, and political disappearances over the past 15 years. The alliance called for the immediate withdrawal of all cases against Hefazat-e-Islam leaders and demanded measures to prevent the return or rehabilitation of authoritarianism. They also called for the prosecution of the Awami League as a fascist organization.

Prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim said the investigation into the July massacre case against fugitive Sheikh Hasina is nearly complete. The case, along with others against Awami League leaders and law enforcement chiefs, is person-specific and based on direct involvement. “Hasina is the central figure behind all these crimes,” he claimed, adding that additional cases related to incidents in Ashulia, Rampura, and Chankharpul are under review, with priority given to the most brutal ones.

Rajshahi University has approved the amended constitution of its student union (RAKSU) and formed a 7-member election commission. Finance Professor Md. Amzad Hossain will serve as Chief Election Commissioner. Other members include Professors Nizam Uddin, F. Nazrul Islam, Enamul Haque, Abdul Hannan, Aminul Haque, and Mostafa Kamal Akand. Elections are expected between the third and fourth weeks of June.

NCP leader Sharmin Shamanta stated that BNP’s recent formal meeting with the Chief Adviser was expected, given the interim government’s historical favoring of BNP. However, she warned against setting a specific election date solely to satisfy one party, noting that other political groups would feel alienated. “The roadmap should follow the July Charter and include consensus-based reforms. Public support will shift based on parties’ stances on reform,” she said.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said they’ve submitted reform proposals and are hopeful of early elections. “The Chief Adviser himself said reforms will be based on national consensus. We’ve identified common grounds — with consensus, reforms can be done in a month.” He added that the U.S. delegation inquired about BNP’s economic and political policies, to which they assured larger structural reforms ahead.

Top leaders of the fascist allies of the ruling Awami League, Hasanul Haq Inu of JASAD and Rashed Khan Menon of the Workers’ Party, were presented before the court for a bail hearing. Standing in the dock, Inu smiled and told Menon, “Our day will come too.” Menon responded with a faint smile. Following the hearing, the court granted a petition to show them arrested in a new case. Both were then taken back to the holding cells under tight security.

Following a meeting with U.S. diplomats, National Citizens’ Party (NCP) adviser Nahid Islam criticized the administration for working in favor of BNP. He alleged that NCP activists are facing attacks while the authorities remain silent. Nahid stated that elections cannot be held under the current partisan administration and stressed the need for reforms to ensure a level playing field. He outlined the NCP’s key demands: institutional reform, justice, and constitutional assembly elections. Whether the NCP will participate in the polls depends on the implementation of these fundamental reforms.

After a meeting with a U.S. delegation, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said his party is closely monitoring the promises made by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus regarding the next election. Jamaat wants the election to be held before the upcoming Ramadan. He added that the party also expects judicial proceedings against the ruling Awami League.