The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution outlining the framework, methods, format, and organization of a high-level conference addressing the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minority groups in Myanmar. The resolution passed without opposition, though 10 countries abstained from voting. Sponsored by Malaysia and Finland, the resolution was adopted on Wednesday, as confirmed by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing. Russia had proposed several amendments, which Bangladesh did not accept. Following a voting initiative by the General Assembly President, the resolution was passed with 141 votes in favor.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince has alleged that there are deliberate efforts to create a false opposition between the Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising. He stated that while 1971 and 2024 are distinct events, neither should be undermined. “The Liberation War was a struggle to free the country from colonial shackles, while the 2024 mass uprising was a movement to liberate an independent country from fascist rule,” he said. Prince highlighted that the spirit of 1971 also fueled the November 7, 1975 movement, as well as the uprisings of 1990 and 2024. Any attempt to diminish the Liberation War is tantamount to denying independence itself, he added. BNP believes that a roadmap for elections must be announced soon, and national elections should be held within this year to rescue the country from chaos and conspiracy.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary Mia Golam Porwar has claimed that Bangladesh did not achieve true independence in 1971, arguing that political leaders compromised the nation’s sovereignty for power.

“Those who claim to uphold the spirit of the Liberation War actually sold the country to Delhi for political gains. That’s why the 2024 mass uprising marks our second independence,” he stated.

Porwar further accused past governments of empowering anti-liberation figures, claiming that 12 to 13 war criminals were made presidents, ministers, and MPs. He also warned that those who challenge Jamaat-e-Islami will face the same fate as Sheikh Hasina.

In Kaliganj, Jhenaidah, a loudspeaker was vandalized while broadcasting a speech by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Independence Day. The incident occurred at the Muktijoddha (Freedom Fighters’) building, where organizers had set up a sound system to play the speech.

Local residents reportedly opposed the broadcast and asked for it to be stopped. When the caretaker, Sagar Hossain, refused and continued playing the speech, an enraged crowd stormed the venue and damaged the loudspeaker.

The Mirsharai Upazila administration imposed Section 144 due to tensions between two factions of the BNP. However, despite the restrictions, a group led by former Upazila BNP secretary Gazhi Nizam, backed by Chattogram North District BNP’s joint convener Nurul Amin Chairman, visited the Shaheed Minar on Wednesday at 9 AM with over a hundred activists to place floral tributes.

Nizam stated, “The administration enforced Section 144 fearing unrest, but we are peacefully paying our respects.” Meanwhile, Upazila Executive Officer and Executive Magistrate Mahfuza Zerin clarified that only groups of less than five people were allowed to offer tributes.

Amid ongoing protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Turkish authorities detained at least seven journalists, including an AFP photojournalist, on Tuesday. The mass demonstrations have continued for seven consecutive days. Authorities claim the detained journalists were participating in ‘illegal protests.’ AFP’s CEO has sent a formal request to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, demanding the journalist’s release.

BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, commemorated Independence Day by highlighting the role of former President Ziaur Rahman in the Liberation War. In a Facebook post, he claimed that on this day in 1971, then-Major Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence, rallying the nation against Pakistani forces. He described the event as a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s sovereignty and reiterated his commitment to safeguarding democracy, people’s rights, and inclusive development.

Sirajum Munira, the Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Sarail, Brahmanbaria, faced intense criticism after a Facebook post from the account ‘Acland Sorail’ referred to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the ‘proclaimer of independence.’ The post sparked backlash from local BNP activists and other groups. At an Independence Day event at Annada High School, BNP members confronted her. The post was deleted within an hour, with claims that her account had been hacked. However, BNP leaders dismissed this as a cover-up and demanded her immediate removal from office. She has since been temporarily relieved of her duties.

Police detained three individuals at the National Martyrs’ Memorial on Independence Day for allegedly attempting to ‘create instability’ by chanting the slogan ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.’ The incident occurred when members of the Liberation War Family Command and Liberation War Generation League paid tribute to martyrs. The arrested individuals include Selim Reza (47), General Secretary of the Liberation War Family Command; Shahidul Islam (50), Organizational Secretary of the same group; and Sohel Parvez (41) from Ashulia. All three are reportedly affiliated with the ruling Awami League.

Several hand bombs exploded at the residence of Azizur Rahman Hormuz Munshi, president of the BNP’s Ghorshia Union Parishad unit in Shariatpur. The attack occurred early Wednesday morning when a group of unidentified assailants infiltrated his home and detonated multiple explosive devices before fleeing. The loud blasts triggered widespread panic among residents. Law enforcement was alerted, and an unexploded hand bomb was later recovered from the scene.

After paying homage at the grave of former President Ziaur Rahman, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam criticized the Chief Adviser’s Independence Day speech. He stated that saying elections will be held between December and June is too vague, as this six-month period does not provide a clear roadmap. He reiterated that BNP is not demanding elections for power but for the sake of the nation’s survival, sovereignty, and democracy. He urged the interim government to swiftly introduce minimal reforms and announce the election schedule.

During his tribute to the martyrs of 1971, NCP Convener Nahid Islam stated that no more blood should be shed in the future and that a democratic state system must be established. He emphasized that 1971 and 2024 are not separate; what was desired in 1971 was achieved in 2024. He accused those opposing this idea of having dishonest intentions. He warned that any attempt to impose the old constitution, rehabilitate fascism, or rush elections without proper reforms and justice would be resisted by the people and the NCP.

Abdur Rob, the Hatia Upazila Krishak Dal convener, has been critically injured in an attack allegedly carried out by Awami League-affiliated assailants.

He has been rushed to Dhaka for advanced medical care. BNP leaders blamed Awami League activists for the attack, which took place during an Iftar event.

Local BNP Vice President Masudur Rahman Babor claimed that the attackers were followers of Sonadia Union Awami League leader Eraz Uddin, who was recently released from prison and allegedly held Abdur Rob responsible for his incarceration.

BNP leader Goyeshwar Chandra Roy has stated that any delay in elections will put the interim government in deeper trouble.

He emphasized that the government cannot survive long if it goes against the people’s will and urged immediate elections instead of wasting time under the pretense of reform.

Roy also criticized NCP leaders, saying, “We supported their movement, yet their recent remarks about BNP are unacceptable. They have even spoken against the army, which raises questions about the government’s involvement in backing them.”

BNP leader Hummam Kader Chowdhury has warned that the party cannot win elections unless internal factionalism ends.

Referring to his father’s imprisonment, he said, “After my father was jailed, factionalism emerged in Rangunia politics. If this continues, BNP will never win elections.”

He further warned that strict action would be taken against anyone within the party who speaks against BNP leaders. Reflecting on the past 16 years, he stated, “We were not absent. We were in the courts, in prisons, reading funeral prayers for our brothers. We fought in the streets, and we will continue to do so.”