BNP leader Rumeen Farhana said the fight for democratic rights is far from over. “We have yet to ensure people’s right to vote,” she stated, adding that those who became eligible voters 15 years ago have still not had the opportunity to cast their ballots. Emphasizing BNP’s commitment to democracy, she criticized attempts to delegitimize the party’s calls for elections. She also warned against internal party politics aimed at undermining activists, saying, “The people know who protested, who took to the streets, and who spoke up on talk shows despite threats.”

BNP leader Shama Obayed stated that those who left the party or remained inactive over the past 15 years should not be welcomed back without scrutiny. “Anyone who wants to rejoin must first prove themselves from the backbench,” she asserted. Criticizing the ruling Awami League, she said, “For 17 years, they have only looted development funds, while their affiliates like Chhatra League and Jubo League have engaged in extortion and plunder.” She also warned party members not to be tempted by financial offers and accused pro-Awami elements of continuing conspiracies even after Hasina’s departure.

NCP leader Zaynal Abedin Shishir declared that a new constitution has already been written in the blood of martyrs like Sadman. “This constitution will be realized through the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for a new Bangladesh,” he said.

Shishir called for a people-empowered constitution that rejects dynastic and personality-based politics. Expressing gratitude for the sacrifices of the fallen, he urged the government to ban the Awami League and ensure exemplary punishment for those in power.

He demanded greater state recognition for the martyrs, including their inclusion in textbooks and other public platforms. Before speaking, Shishir visited the grave of Shaheed Sadman to pay his respects.

BNP leader Mirza Abbas has called the meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highly significant and necessary. “The government had been trying to make it happen. It was needed, and it finally happened,” he remarked.

Abbas urged India to “immediately send Sheikh Hasina back” so that she can face trial, calling her a “fascist” whose prosecution is imperative. He also demanded the rightful share of Teesta River water for Bangladesh and called for necessary renovations of the Teesta Barrage to be undertaken by Bangladesh, with no compromises on national interests.

Responding to critics, Abbas clarified BNP’s stance on reform. “Some say reform talk irritates BNP. That’s not true. We support reform—alongside elections. We just reject any reform that undermines the people’s rights,” he said.

Speaking after Friday prayers in Rangpur, National Citizens’ Party (NCP) leader Sarjis Alam announced that the newly formed party is working toward fielding candidates in all 300 constituencies in the upcoming national election. He stated, “For over a decade, politics has moved away from the people. We aim to restore that connection and represent citizens in Parliament.”

Alam criticized regional disparities in budget allocation over the past 16 years, noting that while South Bengal has seen significant investment, North Bengal has primarily been a contributor. “We expect the next government to address these imbalances,” he said.

He acknowledged the challenges of nominating candidates nationwide as a one-month-old party but affirmed their commitment to the goal. On foreign relations, Alam emphasized the need to shift from a one-sided policy with India to a relationship built on mutual respect and equality.

Jamaat leader Mohammad Selim Uddin paid tribute to the late Tanifa Ahmed, calling her a valiant fighter and frontline leader of the July Revolution. He stated that her courageous role will forever be remembered with deep respect by the nation. Tanifa, who served as the co-spokesperson of Mirpur Model Police Station during the mass uprising, tragically lost her life along with her uncle Shamim in a devastating road accident in Lohagara. Selim Uddin emphasized that while death is determined by divine will, accidents are beyond human control. He urged everyone to channel their grief into action and commit to building the Bangladesh Tanifa dreamed of. He also pledged full support to the bereaved family.

Sohail Rana, a banned Chhatra League leader and former president of the Savar Sadar Union unit, was arrested by police in the early hours of Friday in Savar. Authorities revealed that Rana had been in hiding since the political shift in August. Although he claimed via Facebook that he was in India, he was actively spreading anti-interim government propaganda while remaining in the country. Using digital surveillance, police tracked him down and arrested him from a rented house. Rana faces nine cases, including charges of attempted murder and opening fire on protesters.

Maulana Ataullah Hafezzi, Amir of the Khelafat Andolon, passed away at 11 a.m. on Friday after a prolonged illness due to old age. He was the head of Jamia Nuria Islamia Madrasa in Kamrangirchar, Dhaka—founded by Hafezzi Huzur—and served as Vice President of the Qawmi Madrasa Board, Befaq.
Leaders from Khelafat Majlish, including Amir Maulana Abdul Basit Azad and Secretary General Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader, expressed deep sorrow and prayed for his forgiveness and a place in Jannah, extending condolences to the bereaved family.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus held a bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit. Yunus also met Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. Earlier, he met Thai Minister of Social Development and Human Security Varawut Silpa-archa and Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Jiraporn Sindhuprai.

A long-standing political feud led to a violent clash between Awami League and BNP supporters in Murutia village, Faridpur. The confrontation resulted in the vandalism of homes, with at least one Awami League supporter’s house set on fire. At least 12 people were injured in the conflict. The clash was reportedly led by Mintu Mia, son of former BNP leader Harun Mia, on one side, and Belayet Molya, a supporter of local Awami League leader and UP chairman Afshar Matubbar, on the other. The violence escalated after Awami League supporter Azizul Sheikh (41) was hacked during a heated argument, prompting both sides to engage in a full-scale fight with locally made weapons.

Following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, opposition parties across Turkey have launched widespread protests and called for a boycott of products from government-affiliated companies. On Wednesday, the movement gained momentum, with activists urging a one-day shopping strike. Some stores shut down in solidarity, condemning the arrest as politically motivated.

Turkey’s Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat, denounced the boycott, calling it an attempt to harm the economy and a violation of fair trade principles. Pro-government voices, including football star Mesut Özil, have pushed back against the movement, using the hashtag “No Boycott, National Damage” to voice their opposition. However, Turkey’s President remains confident that the boycott will not succeed.

In Gournadi, Barisal, a clash broke out between BNP and Youth League activists over an Eid greeting poster. At least 25 members from both parties were injured, including six women. The incident escalated when supporters of both sides attacked each other, leading to property damage, including the destruction of five motorcycles.

BNP Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu condemned those who deny the 1971 Liberation War, claiming it is a betrayal of the 3 million martyrs who fought for independence. Bulu criticized those attempting to erase the nation’s history and misrepresent the role of the Bangladesh Army in the Liberation War, calling for the immediate declaration of a roadmap for the next national elections.

BNP leader and advisor to Khaleda Zia, Abul Khair Bhuiyan, has stated that banning the Awami League is not his party’s responsibility but rather that of the state authorities. “We are not going to take on such responsibilities,” he said. Bhuiyan emphasized that the current government must ensure a roadmap for elections where people can exercise their voting rights. He also criticized the Awami League, accusing them of systematically ruining the future of students, looting the country’s wealth, and even embezzling funds from educational institutions.

Jahidul Islam, the President of Shibir, vowed that his organization is prepared to sacrifice thousands of young lives to avenge the martyrs of Bangladesh’s war of independence. He emphasized that Shibir will not allow any future imposition of fascism in the country, reaffirming their dedication to honoring the memory of fallen heroes and continuing their fight against oppression.