BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has criticized the National Citizen Party for lacking a clear political philosophy, despite making grand statements about the state. He dismissed comparisons between BNP’s formation under military rule and other political narratives, stating that Ziaur Rahman established a new ideological framework distinct from past regimes. Rizvi asserted that Zia was the pioneer of multi-party democracy and did not seize power by dismantling democratic governance. Instead, he restored democracy after the one-party BAKSAL system.

The Brahmanbaria District Student Wing has announced a partial nine-member committee for Nasirnagar’s Chaltapara Degree College, with women holding seven key positions, including president and general secretary. The press release, signed by district convenor Shahinur Rahman and member secretary Samir Chakraborty, has drawn widespread praise for prioritizing female leadership. Kanika Akter has been appointed as president, while Dewan Nusrat will serve as general secretary. Akter credited the inspiration to past mass movements led by women and noted that Tarique Rahman also supports the rise of female leadership.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has urged the Chief Adviser to announce the national election roadmap within March instead of making vague statements. He warned that failure to do so would prompt democratic forces to decide on future political actions. He pointed out that while the Chief Adviser mentioned a December election in foreign media, he should have the courage to declare the same to local media. Criticizing those advocating local elections before national elections, Salahuddin claimed they fear their own standing in the national polls.

The AB Party has announced a daily public Iftar program during Ramadan, distributing healthy and nutritious meals to thousands of homeless and underprivileged individuals. Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju stated that the event will take place at the party’s central office every day at 5 PM. He raised concerns about artificial price hikes during Ramadan and the rise in criminal activities such as theft and robbery. He questioned why, despite the absence of a party-led government, the situation remains unchanged. “The government must pass this test of maintaining stability during Ramadan,” he asserted.

The Gano Odhikar Parishad has demanded the resignation of student advisers and student representatives from the National Citizen Party to ensure government neutrality. Nurul Haque Nur stated that although fascism fell through a mass uprising, domestic and foreign conspiracies have prevented the realization of public aspirations. While welcoming a new political party, he pointed out that one student adviser had resigned, but two others remain. He alleged that a handful of student leaders were interfering in administration, causing discontent. Nur demanded the resignation of the remaining two advisers for the sake of government neutrality and criticized the government’s inaction during a press conference.

The Financial Times has exposed secret global assets belonging to former Bangladeshi minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, revealing ownership of 482 properties worth $295 million. The Bangladeshi government is reportedly seeking to recover some of these assets. The investigation uncovered that Saifuzzaman owns forest land in Florida, luxury properties in Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa, and significant real estate holdings across London. His portfolio includes:
• 315 properties in the UK
• 142 properties in Dubai
• 16 properties in New York
• 6 properties in Florida
• 3 properties in New Jersey

The report also found that Bangladeshi elites have acquired an estimated $578 million worth of properties in Singapore and Canada, raising further concerns about wealth accumulation abroad.

Local business owners in Tongi, Gazipur, staged a protest on Saturday at 11 AM, blocking the BRT flyover to demand the construction of a Bailey Bridge over the Turag River. The protest caused severe traffic congestion in both directions. After an hour, the blockade was lifted at noon. Among the protesters were leaders from the BNP’s Tongi East unit, including its president, Javed Ahmed Suman. Speakers at the protest highlighted that Tongi Bazaar has been a historic business hub, and the absence of a Bailey Bridge is severely impacting trade and causing financial losses to businesses and the government.

The newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), launched on Friday, has come under controversy for appointing an individual linked to the LGBTQ community. The party, which named Nahid Islam as its convener and formed a 151-member committee, faced criticism after it was revealed that a committee member, Muntasir Mamun, had connections to the LGBTQ community. In response, key organizers Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam distanced themselves from the decision, stating, “As Muslims, we do not support anything that goes against religious values. This was an unintentional mistake.” Social media activist Mahin Sarkar wrote, “Muntasir Bhai helped us arrange safe homes, but I had no knowledge of his activities. By Allah, we do not want homosexuality in Bengal!”

Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has stated that a persistent issue within the administration is the tendency to appease members of the political party most likely to come to power. “This happens without any directives from higher authorities or ministries,” he remarked. Addressing concerns about political favoritism in handling criminals, he clarified, “We are not working under any party’s influence but solely for the nation’s welfare. No department has been instructed to show leniency toward any particular political group.” On the Rohingya crisis, he mentioned that communication is ongoing with the Arakan Army, as their presence at the border is disrupting trade.

Aminul Haque, convener of the BNP’s Dhaka Metropolitan North unit, has claimed that six months after the fall of the authoritarian regime, the country remains in ruins due to 17 years of misrule. He emphasized the need for a people’s government to rebuild state institutions and restore national stability.

"We have repeatedly called for an interim government to undertake crucial state reforms. Only an elected government can establish true democracy in Bangladesh," Haque stated. He urged the authorities to hold elections as soon as possible to pave the way for national reconstruction.

In Sylhet, street vendors staged a road blockade at Zindabazar from 8 PM to 10 PM on Friday, protesting against alleged extortion by a Jubo Dal leader and the abduction of two fellow vendors. The protest turned violent when police rescued the abducted vendors, as angry demonstrators attacked the officers. Later, Sylhet Metropolitan BNP Secretary Imdad Hossain intervened and announced the suspension of the accused Jubo Dal city unit leader, Joydeep Choudhury Madhab, within 24 hours. Following this assurance, the protesters ended the blockade.

Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has indicated that dedicated, people-friendly, and clean-image leaders will be prioritized for party nominations in the upcoming national elections. He also urged party members to maintain discipline and prepare for the election strategically. BNP’s leadership has emphasized unity and the urgent need to resolve internal conflicts for the greater interest of the party and the nation. The high command has reassured members that controversial and opportunistic figures will have no place in the electoral process. Speakers at an extended meeting also warned against the influence of ‘hybrid leaders’ infiltrating the party.

Barkat Ullah Bulu, Vice Chairman of the BNP, made a fiery statement in Chandina, Cumilla, on Friday, claiming that even if Sheikh Hasina were executed 31 times, it would not be enough to deliver justice for the innocent lives lost under her rule. He accused Sheikh Hasina and her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, of betraying the people of Bangladesh and being responsible for mass killings and enforced disappearances. Bulu further alleged that Hasina has siphoned off Tk 270 billion and fled to India. He declared that her trial would take place on Bangladeshi soil. Additionally, he reiterated BNP’s long-standing claim that Ziaur Rahman was the true proclaimer of independence, while Mujib surrendered to Pakistan.

At an extended meeting of the Public Rights Council in Kakrail on Friday, Nurul Haque Nur declared, "Enough is enough! We won’t stay silent anymore." He criticized the government for failing to hold accountable those involved in mass killings over the past six months and demanded proper healthcare for the injured. Nur emphasized the need for national unity to move forward, warning against power-hungry individuals.

At a protest on Friday, the Taqi Mancha movement expressed frustration that justice for teenager Tanvir Muhammad Taqi’s murder had not been served even 12 years after the incident. Speakers accused Sheikh Hasina of blocking investigations for personal gain and criticized the interim government for failing to deliver justice despite being in power for seven months. Activist Anu Muhammad remarked that the government’s inaction is deepening public disappointment.