From contesting elections under the banner of the autocratic Awami League to promoting online gambling platforms, Shakib Al Hasan has often found himself in controversial waters. Currently in self-imposed exile in the United States following the fall of the Awami League government, Shakib was recently seen socializing with leaders of the banned U.S. chapter of the Chhatra League. A Facebook post by Chhatra League leader Swapnil Khan, showing Shakib in casual conversation with these individuals, has gone viral. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation against him.

Thakurgaon District BNP President and freedom fighter Noor Karim called Jamaat-e-Islami a “party of murderers,” saying, “They killed 3 million people during the 1971 Liberation War and violated 200,000 women. They even killed children without hesitation. Their dream of returning to power will never come true.” He accused Jamaat of amassing wealth through looting during the war and using it to continue their politics and spread propaganda abroad. He also alleged that BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is conspiring with Jamaat. “We will break their venomous fangs,” he warned.

NCP leader Sarjis Alam has urged applicants for the post of police constable in Panchagarh not to chase political leaders or coordinators for influence. “The recruitment process includes a fitness test, followed by a 50-mark written exam and a 15-mark viva,” he said. Emphasizing the importance of preparation, he added, “Once you pass the fitness test, focus on the written and viva exams instead of seeking political backing. Panchagarh District Police has confirmed that no recommendations will be accepted.” He further stated, “This is a betrayal of the merit-based revolution that began with the slogan ‘Quota No, Merit Yes’—where political favoritism stands against the blood of martyrs.”

BNP leader Fazlul Haque Sobahan has regained his Union Council member position following a court ruling three years after his 2021 election defeat. The case involved vote recounting in Ward 6 of Shahid Ohabpur Union, Rajbari Sadar Upazila. Sobahan was declared the unofficial winner with 376 votes after a new count, overturning the earlier result where his opponent, an Awami League candidate, won with 377 votes.

Sadequl Islam Nannu, president of the Upazila BNP, reportedly asked police to exclude Awami League names from the charge sheet in a case involving vandalism and a cocktail explosion at the BNP office. The district BNP has since issued a notice demanding an explanation. Nannu also issued a nomination letter appointing Youth League leader Abdul Hakim—an accused in the case—as president of the proposed Fazlupur Union chapter of the BNP’s labor wing.

Police detained at least 15 individuals, including seven women, from a residential hotel in Uttara for alleged involvement in immoral activities. Police recovered narcotics and other evidence from the premises. OC Hafizur Rahman stated the operation was based on a tip-off. Allegedly, leaders from the “Swairachar League” had been operating the hotel, with similar establishments nearby also involved in vice-related activities.

Former MP Morshed Alam and 84 Awami League leaders and activists have been named in a case over a 2018 attack on BNP candidate Zainul Abdin Farroque’s election rally. The current chairman and Kadra Union Jubo League president Gias Uddin Bhuiyan has been arrested. Other accused include Morshed Alam’s son and former Upazila chairman Saiful Alam Dipu, and Vice Chairman Golam Kabir.

RAB has arrested ASM Zulfikar Haidar, vice-president of Bakerganj Upazila Awami League, for allegedly financing crackdowns on student-led uprisings. A police team led by SI Tofazzal brought him from Dhaka to Barishal, later presenting him in court citing health issues. Zulfikar has been charged in a case related to an attack on BNP activists in Garuria.

Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, leader of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, expressed partial satisfaction with the government’s ongoing reforms, despite the country’s many challenges. He praised Dr. Muhammad Yunus and his advisers for their constructive approach to rebuilding the nation. Criticizing some political factions obsessed with regaining power, he warned that elections without prior reforms would be a mockery. He also opposed Pahela Baishakh parades featuring drums and owl imagery, calling it a scripted cultural import from neighboring countries.

A delegation led by Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mubarak Hossain met with local and foreign investors, pledging good governance and a corruption-free, investor-friendly environment. Addressing concerns on women’s empowerment, party representatives stated Jamaat supports it positively. They assured that during previous tenures, no corruption allegations were raised against their ministries. They committed to reforms, investment security, efficient one-stop solutions, and streamlined profit repatriation mechanisms.

Professor Mujibur Rahman, Central Naib-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has declared that electoral reforms must precede any elections in the country. He warned that holding elections without addressing systemic issues would result in another shameful episode in Bangladesh’s history. “The people of this country no longer want to witness autocratic regimes or puppet elections,” he said. Professor Rahman also criticized the ruling government, saying that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s actions have tarnished Bangladesh’s global image and perpetuated decades of injustice and oppression since independence.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-1) has arrested Shahriar Hossain Saikat (32), Joint General Secretary of the Gazipur Metropolitan Weavers’ League (a pro-Awami League organization), along with six of his associates. Authorities seized a revolver, four rounds of ammunition, heroin, mobile phones, and cash from their possession. The others arrested include Shahanur Ahmed Amit (18), Hira (32), Bayezid (27), Jahid (19), and Nur Islam (27). According to RAB-1, Saikat was allegedly involved in drug trafficking and often displayed weapons in Tongi’s Mazar slum area. He is also accused of leading an attack on students during recent protests in Gazipur.

BNP leaders visited the grave of Ashiqur Rahman Hridoy, a youth activist shot during the July uprising in Jatrabari, and handed his family Tk 1 lakh in financial aid. BNP’s Humayun Kabir pledged continued support for the family. He accused the July Foundation of failing to support victims and instead misappropriating funds.

BNP’s Mirza Abbas warned that Israel’s agenda extends beyond Palestine, posing a threat to Muslims worldwide. Goyeshwar Chandra Roy added that while global democracies are focusing on suppressing BNP, they are ignoring the plight of Palestinians. He also criticized the interim government for its silence on the Gaza issue.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed accused the Awami League of indirectly recognizing Israel and purchasing surveillance tools from the country to monitor opposition parties. He called for a global stand against the genocide in Gaza and urged democratic nations to take concrete action.