Akhtar Hossain, Secretary-General of the NCP, stated that the next election should be a Constituent Assembly election, where elected representatives will establish a new constitution for the country. He emphasized that justice for the July massacre and ensuring the accountability of the Awami League were critical for Bangladesh’s future. He called for the restoration of the balance of power within the state’s three branches to prevent authoritarianism.

Kazi Monirul Haque, former chairman of Alfadanga Upazila and a Youth League leader, was arrested by Indian police for staying illegally in the country. Monirul and his son Kazi Sagar, along with associate Zafar Mia, were detained on March 26 in Nadia, India. They entered India without proper documents. Additionally, Monirul’s son’s wife was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Lalbagh, Bangladesh.

A case has been filed against 23 individuals, including student leader Sohel Rari, for attacking two journalists and burning a motorcycle at the Barishal court gate. The accused have been charged with issuing death threats against the journalists. Local BNP leaders, including Abul Kalam Shaheen and Afroza Khanam Nasreen, visited the injured journalists in the hospital, declaring that the party would not take responsibility for personal crimes but would take organizational action.

Rashed Khan, a leader of Gono Adhikar Parishad, asserted that the upcoming national election must occur in December. He noted the deterioration of law and order and political unrest, questioning whether the elections would proceed as planned or if Bangladesh would experience another emergency like 1/11. He vowed that his party would not allow a return to authoritarian rule and demanded the disbanding of the Awami League.

Umama Fatema, spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Movement, stated that it is up to the interim government to decide whether Awami League politics will continue. She mentioned that they would play a key role in reshaping politics and ensuring accountability for the Awami League, which has been accused of corruption and authoritarianism. Fatema warned that if the opposition does not stand up to the Awami League, it will return to power in the future.

Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain, a senior leader of the BNP, affirmed that his party is the true advocate for political reform in Bangladesh. He highlighted that under Khaleda Zia’s leadership, BNP revolutionized women’s leadership, expanded women’s education, and introduced loan programs for female entrepreneurs. Zahid emphasized that BNP is committed to building a sovereign and prosperous Bangladesh based on the values of the Liberation War.

BNP leader Amir Khasru observed that many people are now adopting Sheikh Hasina’s rhetoric, claiming, “We are developing the country. We are implementing large projects.” He pointed out that even the interim government is claiming, “We are implementing reforms,” while ignoring their primary responsibility of holding fair elections. Khasru stressed, “Every day without democracy is a wasted day. Please restore democracy.”

Abu Hanif, leader of the Gano Adhikar Parishad, criticized the ruling Awami League for its attacks on opposition Iftar gatherings. He specifically targeted Mujibul Haque Chunnu, a former MP from Karimganj, accusing him of gaining his seat through rigged elections. Hanif called for the social boycott of national traitors like Chunnu and emphasized the importance of youth participation in politics, urging young people to engage following the remarkable success of the 2018 protests.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee claimed that for the past 17 years, Sheikh Hasina has been involved in corruption and misgovernance while in power without elections. He stressed the urgency of justice for these actions, warning that without justice, Hasina would attempt to seize power again. He recalled how former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was subjected to significant cruelty and stated, “Khaleda Zia said, ‘If you do not demand justice for Hasina, and if the judicial and reform processes are not pursued, democracy will never be strengthened in this country.’” Anee also mentioned that Tariq Rahman proposed a “Special Family Card” for BNP members.

NCP convener Nahid Islam warned that if the elections proceed without addressing the July mass uprising, there is no assurance that the incoming government will continue the reform process. He emphasized that the National Citizen’s Party is striving to create a new chapter in Bangladesh’s political history, asserting that fundamental changes in the state are necessary to fulfill the revolution’s goals. He asked, “If there is no reform or change, why did so many people give their lives? Why did so many shed their blood?” Nahid also called for the formation of an interim government to oversee reforms, justice, and a new constitution through a Constituent Assembly.

NCP leader Sargis Alam stated, “This country doesn’t belong to any specific religious group; it belongs to all citizens of this nation. We live together in harmony. Since August 5, many people have left various places. This causes bleeding in our hearts because those behind these actions are opportunistic occupiers. These actions occurred during the time of the Awami League and are still happening. We must resist them.” On a recent altercation with a BNP leader at a local office, he added, “National-level leaders share a respectful mutual relationship. However, at the local level, certain parties seem to assume that they are opponents.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, currently visiting London, faced protests during her speech at Oxford University’s Kellogg College. The session was interrupted by audience members questioning her on the murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Hospital, post-election violence, and recent incidents at Jadavpur University. Protesters attempted to raise their concerns by shouting during her speech. Mamata responded calmly, saying, “Do not bring politics here. This is not a political stage. If you want to engage in politics, come to my state and do it with me.”

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi defended the protests, stating, “Some question whether the protests were solely about the election. The reality is, the movement happened because the election was not fair.” He emphasized that the interim government was formed through widespread protests and sacrifices, gaining public support despite not being elected. Rizvi criticized the uncertainty surrounding the election date, saying, “One day they say it will be in December, then March, then June. The nation deserves a clear date.” He also asserted that Ishraque Hossain rightfully earned his mayoral recognition through judicial processes, dismissing social media criticisms as irrelevant.

Political leader Ishraq Hossain expressed relief after receiving a long-awaited court verdict. “After almost five years of legal battles, I finally got the ruling yesterday. This verdict is a victory for justice,” he said. Addressing online speculation and misunderstandings, Ishraq clarified, “Some people mistakenly believe the case was filed after August 5, but according to local government election laws, complaints must be lodged within 30 days of the election. This case was filed within that timeframe. However, the authoritarian government deliberately delayed its resolution, which should have been completed within 180 days.”

Police in Thakurgaon seized 69 sacks of Open Market Sale (OMS) rice and arrested Aminul Islam, accused of involvement in smuggling government-subsidized rice. Aminul, who served as the convenor of the BNP-affiliated Volunteer Group in Begunbari Union, was caught red-handed with others transporting the rice in a Mahindra vehicle for illegal sale. Local authorities confirmed Aminul’s expulsion from the party and alleged that four others—Kamal Haq, Sultan, Nur Amin, and Wadud, all linked to BNP—were also involved in the illegal operation.