Jamaat leader Dr. Md. Helal Uddin has alleged that extortion similar to that of the fascist era still persists in certain areas. Referring to Gulistan as a bustling hub where around 100,000 traders operate daily, he said business owners want a smooth environment but face harassment. He emphasized that only governance based on divine law and honest leadership can end such corruption. Referring to the August 5 student uprising, Helal mentioned slogans like “We want justice”, “Allahu Akbar”, and “Dhaka’s sovereignty over Delhi”, urging structural reforms, trials for fascist collaborators, and fair elections to honor the sacrifices made.

BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi questioned the government’s motives in presenting reforms as a substitute for democratic elections and voting rights. Speaking on the 13th anniversary of Ilias Ali’s disappearance, he criticized the government’s failure to withdraw politically motivated cases against opposition activists. He also challenged the interim government’s shifting promises on election dates and demanded answers on the issue of enforced disappearances.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) for the southern region, stated in a Facebook post that Bangladeshi politics should not follow “prescriptions” obtained from meetings with RAW’s station chief. He further criticized those promoting compromise politics, warning them to reassess their stance on the ruling Awami League urgently.

Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna has said that disagreements between political parties and the interim government are becoming increasingly evident. “Ultimately, we must return to democracy to resolve the current crisis. Dialogue is the only way forward,” he stated. Commenting on international issues, Manna condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza, calling it an unparalleled atrocity in modern history. “Words fail to describe the suffering of the Palestinian people. We stand in solidarity with the struggle for an independent Palestine,” he said.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia may return to the country at any time next month, according to Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Speaking to the media, he said, “I visited Khaleda Zia recently to check on her health. Since we couldn’t meet in Bangladesh, it was purely a courtesy call—there was no formal discussion.” He added that Khaleda Zia is recovering and preparing to return to Bangladesh.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained two Bangladeshi nationals on Wednesday in Bakshiganj, Jamalpur, as they attempted to illegally cross the border into India. Further investigations are ongoing.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s legal counsel Shishir Monir urged party members not to lose hope over the registration issue, expressing optimism that the party would soon regain both registration and its election symbol. He also noted that the release of senior leader ATM Azharul Islam, who has been imprisoned for over a decade, may be decided this month. Court hearings are expected to resume after the Chief Justice returns at the end of the month.

The National Consensus Party (NCP) has formally requested the Election Commission to extend the deadline for political party registration by 90 days. In its letter, the NCP stated that it was formed in response to the people’s aspirations during the recent mass uprising. While the interim government initiated a series of reforms, including the formation of an electoral reform commission that submitted recommendations, no visible progress has been made. The Election Commission’s move to issue a registration notice on March 10—without implementing necessary reforms or updating existing laws—has drawn criticism. The NCP argues that the current requirements under the 2008 Political Party Registration Rules are unreasonable and unconstitutional. It also highlighted the reform commission’s recommendations, including relaxed conditions for local office establishment and renewal of registration every five years.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the party disagrees with 16 out of 66 reform proposals submitted regarding elections. “We fully support 25 and partially agree with another 25,” he said. Consensus Commission Vice Chair Dr. Ali Riaz reiterated that the goal is to develop a national charter through political consensus and establish long-term democratic stability. He praised BNP’s contribution to democratic discourse.

Jamaat Ameer emphasized that the mass uprising in July brought a new wave of freedom, but three key preconditions must be met before holding elections—reform, justice, and coexistence. “Without fulfilling these, elections will be as flawed as before,” he warned. Jamaat has already submitted a reform proposal to the Consensus Commission and insists that meaningful change is essential to honor the sacrifices made.

Mohammad Shahe Alam Murad, former General Secretary of Dhaka South Awami League, was arrested in Uttara on Thursday. He had led a sudden flash protest march from Baitul Mukarram to Bangabandhu Avenue on April 6. Since the mass uprising, many ruling party leaders have been arrested, while others have fled abroad, allegedly plotting further unrest.

After visiting the torched home of artist Manbendra Ghosh, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North leader Maulana Delwar Hossain blamed the remnants of a fascist regime for continuing efforts to disrupt Bangladesh’s communal harmony. “Though the head of the fascist regime has fled, many accomplices remain, and they are behind such attacks,” he stated. He urged vigilance and called for justice against those responsible for the arson, demanding exemplary punishment and rehabilitation for the affected family.

At Dhaka’s Sheraton Hotel, Destiny Group CEO Mohammad Rafiqul Amin announced the formation of a new political party—Bangladesh A-Am Janata Party. Amin will serve as the party’s convener, while Fatima Tasnim was named member secretary. Amin said that despite 54 years since independence, people still struggle with deprivation and inequality. The new party aims to unite citizens to remove autocracy and secure basic and political rights. Fatima Tasnim added that without political awareness, the country risks falling back into autocratic rule. “We have ousted the Awami autocrats, and we will not allow any future dictatorship,” she said.

At a meeting with the National Consensus Commission, BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan stated that the current opportunity to rebuild the country must be utilized. He described the struggle to reform the state as a rare historical phenomenon. Khan emphasized that past victories could not be sustained, but this time, cooperation with the commission and government could ensure lasting success. He warned against overreaching in pursuit of change, lest it dampen people’s desire for transformation. He said BNP’s reform agenda is not just a demand—it’s a commitment. “Everything must happen with public consent,” he added. Though a consensus charter wasn’t reached in July, he noted that BNP has its 31-point reform proposal. Commission Vice-Chair Prof. Ali Riaz reaffirmed their goal of formulating a national charter to establish a sustainable democratic system.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has criticized star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan’s decision to join the Awami League, calling it a betrayal rather than a mere mistake. In a Facebook post, he wrote that Shakib made this choice at a time when the AL leadership was facing serious human rights allegations. “His silence over the violence and killings in Magura—his hometown—by ruling party supporters is particularly disturbing,” Alam said. He added that Shakib’s move reflects either deep political naivety or opportunism for personal gain, neither of which absolves him. “Shakib may be the most talented cricketer Bangladesh has ever produced, but that does not grant him impunity.”