NCP leader Sarjis Alam has demanded the swift arrest of those involved in the attack on Abdul Hannan Masud’s rally. He highlighted the oppression faced by the opposition over the past 16 years and accused the ruling party of numerous misdeeds. He urged BNP activists to analyze past events to understand the potential consequences of the current political situation. He also condemned the violent assault on Masud, calling for immediate action against those responsible.

Zonayed Saki, chief of the Ganosamhati Andolon, has called for the trial of the ruling Awami League as a political party for alleged acts of genocide and fascism. He stressed the need for constitutional reforms and the formation of a constitutional reform council. He also pointed out that a revolutionary possibility for democratic transformation emerged following the recent movement but was overshadowed by internal conflicts over credit. He warned against politicizing the movement and emphasized acknowledging the contributions of all political parties, social classes, and professionals.

The National Congress Party (NCP) staged an immediate protest in Dhaka following an attack on Abdul Hannan Masud in Hatiya. The demonstration began at midnight on Monday from Banglamotor, proceeded through Shahbagh’s Intercontinental Hotel intersection, and concluded back at Banglamotor.

NCP leaders strongly condemned the attack, demanding the swift arrest and expulsion of those responsible. They declared that Hannan Masud was a leading figure of the historic July Revolution, and an attack on him was an attack on the revolution itself. “The nation will not tolerate such an assault,” they warned.

In a significant political development, Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has officially nominated imprisoned mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu as its candidate for the upcoming presidential election. Nearly 15 million people participated in the nomination process, with over 13.2 million of them being non-party members. Notably, Imamoğlu was the sole candidate.

His nomination comes just days after Turkish authorities arrested him on charges of corruption and aiding a terrorist organization. In response, thousands of protesters took to the streets in cities including Ankara and Istanbul, demanding his immediate release. Meanwhile, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s administration has confirmed that 1,133 demonstrators have been arrested nationwide.

Samanta Sharmin, Senior Joint Convenor of the NCP, has called for a new constitution and a constituent assembly, arguing that the current constitution is controversial and serves partisan and individual interests. She pointed out that the existing parliamentary system had been centered around a single individual, and even the country’s ministries and secretariats had long been run under a centralized, one-party framework.

She stressed the need to shift from confrontational politics to service-oriented governance, particularly for the youth. “It’s not just the responsibility of the NCP, but of all political parties,” she added. Sharmin also noted that while many members of the Consensus Commission opposed the idea of a constituent assembly election, no other election could uphold the mandate of the mass uprising. “This is not a complicated issue,” she asserted.

The BNP’s student wing, Chhatra Dal, formed a 22-member committee at Pabna Medical College, but controversy erupted after it was revealed that 11 members were former Chhatra League leaders. Just 24 hours after the announcement, the central Chhatra Dal suspended the committee. The newly appointed General Secretary, Hasibul Hasan Shuvo, denied any past affiliation with Chhatra League but acknowledged that some active Chhatra League leaders had been added without approval.

NCP leader Sergeis Alam created a spectacle after landing in Saidpur, traveling half of the 100 km journey to Panchagarh in a massive convoy of over 100 vehicles. This was his first visit to his home district after assuming NCP leadership. The convoy toured five upazilas in Panchagarh, holding street rallies. Local resident Milon Islam said, “We went to receive Sergeis Alam in Debiganj, but four vehicles had already gone to Saidpur for him.” A driver, Md. Asif, estimated that more than 150 vehicles participated, each hired for around Tk 7,000. Posters for the event were also printed.

BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince stated at an iftar event that BNP is a liberal party embracing people of all faiths. “At home and abroad, BNP is recognized as a party that stands for Bangladesh. The spirit of 1971 and 2024 are the same—we aim to build a just and prosperous nation for all,” he said.

In a controversial move, Nur Islam, a former Chhatra League activist with no current student status, has been appointed president of the BNP’s student wing, Chhatra Dal, at Rajshahi Medical College (RMC). His appointment has sparked discontent among Chhatra Dal leaders. After the announcement, pictures surfaced showing Nur Islam participating in Chhatra League events. Central Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib admitted to seeing these images later, stating, “We investigated immediately and found that he was forcibly taken to some Chhatra League programs, but he has long been with us.”

The NCP hosted an iftar event in honor of diplomats from various countries. Speaking at the event, NCP Convener Nahid Islam said, “Our reform agenda is ambitious, but it is necessary. Bangladesh is ready for it.” He strongly condemned the brutal attacks in Gaza, urging responsible political forces worldwide to speak out against such injustice. He also highlighted the Rohingya crisis as one of the world’s major humanitarian challenges, emphasizing that it is not just Bangladesh’s burden but a global responsibility. He called for South Asian nations to build relationships based on dignity, justice, mutual respect, and national interests, rather than dominance.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has warned of a conspiracy to destabilize Bangladesh again. “There is an evil effort to endanger our sovereignty and weaken the patriotic army, which has always stood by the nation in critical moments. This has no noble purpose—its only goal is to continue the fascist government’s legacy of jeopardizing Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty,” he stated.

Gonoshonghoti Andolon leader Zonayed Saki asserted that the people of Bangladesh demand justice for the Awami League’s actions before any electoral reforms take place.

“We seek both reforms and fair elections,” Saki stated, criticizing attempts to position the military as a key player in the political process. He urged all parties to uphold democratic principles and warned against conspiracies aimed at destabilizing the country.

Saki stressed the need for unity among democratic forces to establish a stable political system.

Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Abu Hanif alleged that police, RAB, and BGB were involved in the brutal killings during the July uprising. While not all officers were complicit, those directly responsible must be identified and brought to justice, he said.

Hanif claimed that, according to official records, over 800 students and civilians were martyred, though the actual number was closer to 2,000. He questioned the government’s attempts at “reforms” without first banning the Awami League and prosecuting those responsible for the massacre.

He also criticized the slow progress of the International Crimes Tribunal, expressing concerns over whether justice would ever be served.

NCP leader Abdul Hannan Masud faced disruptions during a scheduled roadside rally. In response, he immediately staged a sit-in protest on the street.

According to NCP’s Hatia representative Yusuf, a group of 30-40 individuals intervened while Masud was addressing the gathering. Clashes broke out as Masud’s supporters retaliated. They accused local BNP activists of orchestrating the disruption.

Meanwhile, BNP’s Upazila Joint General Secretary Lutfullahil Majid Nishan stated that a BNP protest march had coincidentally crossed paths with Masud’s rally after a local BNP leader, Abdur Rob, was assaulted in the evening. This led to a brief moment of tension, but the situation is now under control.

NCP Chief Organizer Hasnat Abdullah stated that on August 5, the army stood with students and citizens to protect the country’s sovereignty. He called on them to continue standing by the people. Hasnat emphasized that regardless of one’s political ideology, if they are part of an anti-fascist political movement, they will have a place in the future Bangladesh. He also warned against those distinguishing between a “good” and “bad” Awami League, stating that they would be considered adversaries.

He criticized the oppression of the past 15 years, calling elections a “dummy contest” where votes were cast the night before election day. “No secretaries or district commissioners resigned in protest,” he remarked. Comparing Prime Minister Hasina’s rule to historical tyrants, he claimed that even ten pharaohs combined wouldn’t match her level of oppression.