At a labor rally in Gazipur, Islami Andolon Bangladesh’s Joint Secretary General Ataur Rahman declared that workers’ liberation is impossible without an Islamic labor policy. He noted that despite monetary wage increases, real wages have fallen due to inflation. Party President Khalilur Rahman added that a broader movement is necessary to implement Islamic labor laws, affirming their commitment to this cause.

Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Rashed Khan has questioned whether former top adviser Nahid Islam took any steps during his tenure to ban the Awami League, despite frequently criticizing others for not doing so. Khan also challenged the adviser’s efforts in media reform and asked if colleagues Asif Mahmud and Mahfuz Alam could initiate a national dialogue on banning the party. He warned that unless such steps are taken, the anti-Awami League rhetoric might simply be another form of opportunistic politics.

Marking International Workers’ Day, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) organized a large rally in Dhaka. Party members began gathering early in the morning, with patriotic songs and protest music energizing the crowd. Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman joined virtually, while Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Mirza Abbas, and other senior leaders attended in person.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman promised better workplace safety and dignity for women if his party comes to power. He condemned the inhumane conditions faced by factory workers, especially women, and pledged to eliminate wage disparities. He also criticized the lack of prayer spaces and facilities for women, urging equal treatment to build a just society. Labor leaders echoed demands for pro-worker legislation and health insurance.

Rafiqul Islam Bablu, Chair of Bhashani Janashakti, urged the government not to establish a humanitarian corridor in Rakhine without consulting political parties. He warned that a one-sided decision, like the earlier Rohingya influx, could deepen Bangladesh’s security and social challenges. Bablu highlighted the need for democratic transparency, citing the symbolic “new Bangladesh” initiated on August 5.

BNP leader Habib-Un-Nabi Khan Sohel criticized student involvement in empowering the current regime, calling it a serious misstep. He expressed disappointment over the corruption of political aides and questioned the role of self-proclaimed “masterminds” in current politics. He reiterated the party’s demand for a fair, neutral election backed by public support.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie urged the youth to move away from the distorted form of politics they’ve witnessed over the past 17 years. He stressed the need for a shift in mindset to restore genuine political and social values. Annie emphasized that leadership should come with humility and respect for the people, adding that a government truly chosen by the people is on the horizon.

Jahangirnagar University has temporarily suspended 259 students accused of involvement in attacks on fellow students during the July uprising. These individuals are reportedly affiliated with the now-banned faction of the Chhatra League. The suspension list controversially includes Shamim Mollah, a Chhatra League activist who died during the protests. The administration says certificates of graduates will be withheld, and exam results suspended, while regular students face temporary expulsion.

A deadly clash between supporters of the BNP and the Awami League over local power dynamics in Jhenaidah has resulted in one death and at least ten injuries, including women. The deceased, Mosharraf Hossain (55), is claimed by both parties as their supporter. The violence began with an altercation between BNP supporter Tipu and AL supporter Mukul, which later escalated into an attack on six to seven homes allegedly by AL supporters. Renewed violence the next day led to the fatality.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of 37.95 decimals of land owned by former State Minister for Power Nasrul Hamid in Gulshan, following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to the ACC, the property is worth around Tk 2 billion and was acquired under Nasrul Hamid’s name. The petition states there is a risk the property may be transferred or sold, which could hinder ongoing investigations.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul warned that further delay in elections could worsen the political crisis. He called for immediate reforms and democratic elections, predicting legal consequences for Sheikh Hasina if she returns to Bangladesh. Fakhrul also accused the regime of committing numerous human rights abuses.

After discussions with NCP and AB Party, Islami Andolan leader Rezaul Karim reiterated that no election should be held without comprehensive reforms. Discussions are ongoing about allocating a separate ballot box for Islamic parties. He called for the swift removal of authoritarian elements from the administration.

Dhaka Volunteer Wing leader Nazmul Hasan Abhi stated that false propaganda portraying Hindus as a vote bank for the Awami League has been rejected by the people. He emphasized BNP’s inclusive stance, quoting Tarique Rahman’s principle: “Religion is personal, but the state belongs to all.”

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman criticized the Women’s Reform Commission, calling their proposals contradictory. He questioned the logic of seeking gender equality while proposing quotas for women. He also claimed the commission’s recommendations go against Islamic principles and vowed to resist any attempt to impose them.

BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman said skyrocketing inflation has severely impacted the working class in Bangladesh. In his May Day message, he called for a global commitment to labor rights and a society free of exploitation. He praised the BNP’s past efforts to improve workers’ welfare and stressed that without proper democracy, workers’ dignity cannot be ensured.