The Dhaka University branch of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal has demanded the resignation of the university’s Vice-Chancellor and Proctor, accusing them of administrative failure to ensure campus safety. At a press conference, student leader Ganesh Chandra Roy criticized the administration for ignoring student concerns about the lack of a safe and open environment for free expression. “The administration has failed to act against Chhatra League members hiding in residential halls and has shown gross negligence,” he said. He also questioned the credibility of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s press briefing on student Samya’s murder, calling it “vague and misleading.”

UGC Chairman and former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. SMA Faiz stated that if the government announces a roadmap for the upcoming election, it could help ease the political tension. He urged BNP to abandon its rigid stance of announcing a separate roadmap and instead engage in dialogue. “There is little difference between holding elections in June or December. Through discussions, this gap can be bridged,” he said. At the same event, Prof. Dr. Mahbub Ullah emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms and criticized the government for lacking a clear agenda when it assumed office. “Now we hear about reforms, justice, and elections being their priorities,” he remarked.

The 44th death anniversary of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman was observed across Bangladesh on Saturday through various programs. Events included tributes, mourning processions, prayers, food distribution among the underprivileged, and free medical camps. In Mathbaria, Pirojpur district BNP leader Prof. Alomgir Hossain attended a memorial gathering. In Gafargaon, former BNP joint convenor Dr. Mofakhkharul Islam Rana organized a medical camp, while volunteers in Faridpur distributed meals. Khagrachari hosted rallies, flower offerings, discussions, and a book fair. In Joypurhat, the district’s Farmers’ Wing distributed 500 tree saplings, and Zia Parishad held a commemorative meeting.

Tension erupted at Chittagong Government Commerce College after a dispute over setting up a help desk. Islami Chhatra Shibir claimed their leaders were attacked by Chhatra Dal without provocation, resulting in injuries to three members. Eyewitnesses appeared to support this claim. However, Chhatra Dal leaders denied the allegations, saying Shibir activists provoked the incident by chanting “Catch Chhatra Dal,” which led to minor pushing but no physical assault.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said the party has no objection to elections being held in December, February, or April—as long as key reforms are completed beforehand. He urged the Chief Adviser to announce a clear roadmap for both the reforms and elections. “Let’s not complicate matters by rushing. We are ready for polls once the groundwork is laid,” he said, stressing that the people should not lose faith in Jamaat’s role in national stability.

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan stated that calls for a free and fair election are not a crime, emphasizing the party’s firm belief in democracy. “We welcome any party’s victory in a credible election, even if it’s not us,” he said. Moin Khan also praised former President Ziaur Rahman for restoring stability between 1972 and 1975, and for transforming Bangladesh from a “bottomless basket” into a country of economic potential. He highlighted Zia’s leadership at the OIC summit as a moment of national pride.

Islami Chhatra Shibir staged a protest in Rangpur after their help desk was attacked during the National University admission test. Witnesses said several traders raided the desk, seizing student materials and phones, which were later recovered with police assistance. Two individuals were detained; one woman was released after questioning. Protesters declared, “Attacking Shibir is like touching fire. There will be a response.”

A case has been filed at Kotwali Police Station in Rangpur following an attack and arson at the Sky View residence of Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader. Arif Ali, central secretary of Jatiya Chhatra Samaj, lodged the complaint, naming 22 individuals, including Imtiaz Ahmed Imti of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and NCP leader Nahid Hasan Khondokar. A total of 60 people have been accused in the case.

Shibir leader Sadik Kayem accused the BNP’s student wing of launching an unprovoked attack on their help desk at Chattogram Commerce College. The help desk was set up to assist students, but was allegedly vandalized and its volunteers assaulted. A similar incident occurred at Rangpur Police Lines, where the Shibir had established a free help desk for students. Sadik claimed that while there should be competition in doing good, student politics is instead descending into violence and suppression. He warned that if the path of violence continues, they will organize mass resistance with students and the public.

Speaking at a workers’ conference in Kishoreganj, Jamaat leader Professor Mujibur Rahman declared, “Those who avoid justice are the ones calling for rushed elections without reform.” He criticized the 2014 and 2018 elections as illegitimate and claimed that the 2024 election was a staged affair. “People want real elections, not sham ones,” he added. He demanded that all those involved in unlawful killings be brought to justice before any reforms or elections are undertaken. “We will not accept an election without justice first,” he asserted.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has said that although the government is holding discussions with political parties, there is no tangible progress. He emphasized the need for real action to restore public trust. He also mentioned that Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has invited the BNP for another round of talks on June 2. “The people of Bangladesh demand elections before December. Reforms and elections must go hand in hand,” he said. Salahuddin warned that if the Constitutional Reform Commission seeks to impose changes unilaterally, it will not be democracy—it will be a return to autocracy.

RAB-10 has arrested four individuals, including a local student leader, with 82 kg of marijuana in Shyampur. The detained include Russell Mahmud, convenor of the Shashidal Union unit of the BNP’s student wing, along with Yusuf, Sujon, and Saiful Islam Sabbir. A pickup van used in drug transport was also seized. RAB claims Russell is a known drug trafficker. Faisal Ahmed Bhuiyan, organizing secretary of the local BNP student wing, confirmed the arrest and stated that disciplinary action will be taken against Russell.

BNP leader Mirza Abbas has said, “Those who oppose the upcoming election under the pretext of reforms are free to speak out. But the nation must not be held hostage through blackmail. A politically elected government must come to power at any cost to ensure public safety and restore order.” Addressing fears among rival politicians that the BNP may return to power, he noted that the party had been in office multiple times before, and such fears are unwarranted. Citing Deb Bhattacharya, he added that in the past nine months, 3 million people—1.8 million of them women—have fallen into poverty due to so-called reforms.

Jamaat-e-Islami has announced plans to hold a major public rally in Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan on June 21 at 2 PM, following what it calls the “historic mass uprising that toppled fascist Sheikh Hasina.” Party leader Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer confirmed that an application has been submitted to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) seeking permission for the venue. Top Jamaat leaders will attend, and invitations will be extended to like-minded political allies. “The rally’s confirmation depends on securing the venue,” he added, noting that preparations are already underway. This would mark the party’s first large gathering in the capital since the alleged regime change.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly protested the recent remarks by Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, who stated that India wishes to see elections held in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time. Jamaat criticized this as interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, asserting that as a sovereign and independent nation, Bangladesh should not be subjected to such external commentary. The party urged the Indian government to adhere to the principles of the United Nations Charter in future remarks regarding Bangladesh’s internal matters.