NCP leader Samanta Sharmin raised a pressing question:
"Yes, the fascist Hasina may have fled in August, but can we truly speak freely now? Have we established a society free from fear and rooted in justice? The answer is no."

She emphasized that the journey for justice and democracy is far from over and that the nation must continue to fight its battles.

"If we laid the bodies of those martyred in this struggle in one room," she said, "there would be no space left. We must remember their sacrifices to truly grasp our responsibilities."

Sharmin questioned the intent of the liberation movement: "Did we sacrifice so many lives just for a parliamentary election?"
She criticized the current administration, including the Chief Advisor, for failing to comprehend the depth of the sacrifices made, and called for transparency about how officials from the old regime remain in power.

NCP leader Sarjis Alam has said that August 5 represents a divine trust bestowed upon us, and only a lifelong commitment to that trust can guide the nation toward the Bangladesh we truly desire.

In a critical reflection on society, Sarjis lamented:
"People abuse power in proportion to their capacity. A rickshaw-puller who raises fares unjustly, a bureaucrat who indulges in influence-peddling, civil society members blinded by self-interest, or a media that serves personal and corporate agendas — there's little difference between them."

He further noted that even after one year has passed, the nation has yet to realize the vision of a just Bangladesh, though no single individual can be held solely responsible.

"Sheikh Hasina may have fled," Sarjis added, "but the toxic system and mindset she created will not vanish overnight. We must continue to fight this broken structure and the people who uphold it."

He concluded by saying: "If we remain committed to this struggle, even if delayed, the dream of a just Bangladesh is still attainable."

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has welcomed the announcement of the election timeline by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. In an immediate reaction, BNP Standing Committee members Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku and Nazrul Islam Khan expressed their appreciation, stating that the Chief Advisor has kept his promise.

“We thank the Chief Advisor for honoring his commitment,” said Tuku.

Earlier, Dr. Yunus announced in a televised address that he would formally request the Chief Election Commissioner to organize the next general elections before Ramadan, specifically in February 2026.

“We have restored peace and stability in our national life, revived momentum in the economy, and overcome crisis,” he added during his address.

GOP President Nurul Haque Nur expressed dissatisfaction that most of his proposals were not included in the July Declaration. Nonetheless, he welcomed the declaration in the interest of national unity.

Nur emphasized the need for immediate implementation of the July Charter and legal clarity on its binding authority. He also noted that the declaration contains overly broad historical context, missing the focus on recent youth-led movements like the 2018 quota and road safety protests, which led to the 2024 uprising.

Jamaat leader Prof. Mia Golam Parwar criticized what he called a partisan version of the July Declaration, warning that it ignores national aspirations. He argued that after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, the nation hoped for a new, reformed Bangladesh.

Parwar reiterated Jamaat’s call for comprehensive reforms, justice for past atrocities, and transfer of power through free, fair, and inclusive elections. He claimed Jamaat supported the reform commissions, but accused one faction of acting as if it owned the state. He also denounced corruption and criticized the controversial London Meeting, demanding a referendum on the declaration’s legitimacy.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has voiced disappointment over the July Declaration, citing its lack of a clear implementation framework. Party leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher stated the declaration should have been incorporated into the constitution, and expressed concern that no date has been set for implementation.

He also noted the absence of provisions for the families of martyrs and those disabled during the movement, such as state recognition or compensation. Taher confirmed the party would issue a detailed response following its executive meeting.

On Tuesday at 10:30 AM, student demonstrators under the banners ‘Awakened July’ and ‘July Unity’ staged a symbolic execution of Sheikh Hasina in front of the National Press Club, protesting her alleged involvement in the BDR massacre, the Shapla Square crackdown, and the 2024 mass killings.

Tanjina Ferdous announced the symbolic verdict; Rayhan Madrazi monitored the "health" before the mock execution; Alif Jaufi enacted the role of the hangman; Mustafa Hossain led prayers; Aziz Saifullah directed the performance; and Munshi Borhan Mahmud Ray presided over the event. Speakers emphasized that while symbolic today, such acts reflect a demand for real accountability.

Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Dhaka chapter organized a vibrant rally celebrating the anniversary of the historic seizure of Ganabhaban through public uprising.

Addressing the gathering, Shibir’s Central President Zahidul Islam recalled the events of July 2024:
“A wave of awakening began from Shahbagh. They tried to silence us through murder, abduction, torture in remand—but the student community stood firm in this historic, inevitable revolution.”

He added: “This was not the movement of one group, it was the movement of all. Yet, one year later, not a single perpetrator has been brought to justice. What kind of revolutionary government is this?”

Issuing a stern warning, he said: “If the July Declaration is diluted or used as a mouthpiece for any individual, group, or party, the student community will tear it apart—God willing. Every martyr and freedom fighter must be recognized in this declaration.”

In response to rumors, NCP organizer Nasir Uddin Patwari denied any meeting with Peter Haas or other foreign figures, stating:

"We didn’t come to meet anyone. We were just exhausted from our recent long march and came to unwind by the sea. It’s just a coincidence we are here. The rumor of a secret meeting is pure misinformation and media propaganda."

Regarding participation in state events, he confirmed that their party received formal invitations and a delegation would attend on behalf of the leadership.

On August 5 last year, a peaceful student and public rally in Savar was violently disrupted when law enforcement and ruling party cadres opened fire, killing at least 30 people and injuring over 200. The march began near Jahangirnagar University and escalated near Savar bus stand and police station with clashes lasting into the evening. Despite a year passing, families of the victims express frustration over the lack of justice and demand swift punishment for those responsible.

Four senior leaders of the National Consensus Party (NCP) reportedly made a discreet trip to Cox’s Bazar, allegedly to meet former US Ambassador Peter Haas.

The leaders — Tasnim Zara, Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, and Nasir Uddin Patwari — are currently staying at the five-star Sea Pearl Resort in Inani. According to hotel staff, the group arrived without prior reservation.

While rumors swirled about a meeting with Haas, hotel staff could not confirm his presence. Some claimed to have seen someone resembling him.

On August 4, a deadly clash erupted at Mohammadpur’s Beribandh intersection, Dhaka, as protesters demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation came under fire from armed Awami League cadres. Eyewitnesses reported that police and RAB supplied weapons and stood by while helmeted attackers fired live rounds, rubber bullets, and tear gas. At least 28 people were shot, with 10 dying on the spot. Among the dead were two teenage rickshaw drivers. Protesters had erected barricades and chanted anti-government slogans before the attack began.

A three-member delegation of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by its Amir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim (Char Monai Pir), is scheduled to arrive at the July Declaration venue at 4:00 PM.

The declaration will be read out by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at 5:00 PM at Manik Mia Avenue, Dhaka. Party leader Sheikh Fazlul Karim Maruf confirmed the attendance of the delegation.

Amid rising political tension in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reportedly decided to step down after a meeting with security forces. On August 5, she personally called Delhi requesting temporary entry into India, which was promptly approved. A second call followed from the Bangladesh Air Force seeking clearance for her military aircraft to land at a specific Indian airbase — a request also granted immediately. Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar later confirmed the calls in Parliament, though did not specify whom Hasina had spoken to.

The government has extended an invitation to former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, along with acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, to attend the July Declaration ceremony.

Though they will not be attending in person, the BNP will be represented by a five-member delegation led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Senior BNP leader Ismail Jabiullah will also attend, along with representatives from the student wing, JCD, including its president and general secretary.