NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah urged Islamic scholars to remain vocal against India’s misinformation campaigns to protect national achievements. Speaking at a discussion organized by the Allama Sayeedi Foundation on Friday (March 7), he warned that without strong resistance, all progress could be undone. As a key organizer in the southern region, Hasnat emphasized that various propaganda efforts are being spread abroad, and it is crucial for everyone to be cautious and proactive in countering them. He further asserted that India’s conspiracies persist and urged for a continued struggle against them.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has voiced concern over the rising incidents of violence against women in Bangladesh. He emphasized that while women have made significant contributions to national progress, they continue to face harassment, assault, and even murder in educational institutions and workplaces. He blamed the ruling government for failing to take strict action against perpetrators, leading to increased impunity. He urged authorities to ensure justice and safeguard women’s constitutional rights.

BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has stated that if the Election Commission operates properly, the national election could take place in June or July instead of December. Speaking at a prayer gathering for martyrs and the injured under Hasina’s rule, he emphasized that they consider the interim government as a caretaker government, which will oversee the national election. He insisted that no other elections should take place before the national polls.

Rizvi accused Sheikh Hasina of being the leader of a band of robbers, alleging that she fled Bangladesh after brutally suppressing students and shedding blood. He also criticized India for allegedly providing her refuge and support.

Since August 5, nearly 45,000 members of the fallen ruling party have fled to India, with most settling in Kolkata. They are actively maintaining communication through Facebook, Messenger, Telegram, Signal, and WhatsApp while plotting to destabilize the interim government. Reports suggest they are reviving banned militant organizations, including extremist groups from the southern region. League insiders claim these activities are being orchestrated under the direct supervision of “Fascist Hasina.”

Motaharul Islam Riyad, the convener of Jubo Dal in Monirampur Upazila, Jessore, has been accused of assaulting Shahin Alam, an accountant clerk at the Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s (UNO) office. In protest, UNO Nishat Tamanna, Assistant Commissioner Niaz Makhdum, and other staff members formed a human chain on Thursday.

Shahin Alam recounted that on Wednesday afternoon, he was chatting with his colleague Saiful Islam in front of the office. At that moment, Saiful mentioned over the phone, “Shahin is right in front of me.” Riyad, who was on the other end, then insisted on speaking to Shahin. However, upon receiving the call, Riyad reportedly began verbally abusing him. When Shahin protested, Riyad arrived shortly with a group of 20-25 men. Allegedly, in Riyad’s presence, Shahin was physically assaulted.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s government is facing a precarious situation after surviving two no-confidence motions in parliament. The latest challenge came amid allegations that Montenegro benefited financially while in office. Although the Socialist Party and Chega Party abstained from voting, preventing the opposition’s no-confidence motion from passing, the government now faces a high-risk confidence vote next week. If the government fails to secure parliamentary support, Montenegro’s administration could collapse, plunging Portugal into political uncertainty.

Three leaders of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) resigned from their positions on Thursday, citing personal reasons. They submitted separate resignation letters to party convenor Nahid Islam. The resigning leaders include Joint Chief Coordinator Abu Hanif, Joint Chief Organizer (North Zone) Hanif Khan Sojib, and Joint Chief Coordinator Abduz Zaher. Sources revealed that Abu Hanif was previously a senior member of the Gono Odhikar Parishad. Hanif, along with at least 20 other leaders and activists from Nurul Haque’s Gono Odhikar Parishad, had recently joined the NCP. Their resignations came within a week of switching parties.

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing) has scheduled an emergency press conference on Friday, March 7, to address contemporary issues. According to a late-night press release by Chhatra Dal’s Office Secretary Md. Jahangir Alam, the conference will take place at 3:00 PM at the third-floor conference room of BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan. The student wing is expected to discuss pressing political and organizational matters.

The Jessore district BNP has suspended all positions held by Sharsha Upazila BNP Vice President Ruhul Kuddus following allegations of misappropriating rice from the government’s food-friendly program. In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Kuddus tearfully denied the accusations, claiming he had no involvement in the incident. He alleged that internal conflicts within the party led to a conspiracy against him, resulting in disciplinary action without any investigation. The allegations surfaced after reports that 155 sacks of rice were looted while being transported.

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal has formed a two-member investigation committee to probe the recent clash between students and NCP’s chief organizer, Sarjis Alam, near North South University. In a statement, the student wing announced that Senior Vice President Abu Afsan Mohammad Yahya and Vice President Zahir Rayhan Ahmed would lead the investigation. The committee has been instructed to submit a written report to the central leadership within 48 hours. The incident, which occurred on the 5th of this month, has drawn significant attention and concern among students and activists.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has accused a certain group of inciting chaos across the country under the guise of mob justice. Speaking on Thursday afternoon, Haque claimed that these individuals are taking the law into their own hands, engaging in unethical activities under the cover of night. “This disorder is unacceptable. It is eroding public trust in the legal system, and the government must take responsibility,” he asserted. Haque also criticized the economic situation, stating that even buying a lemon has become a struggle due to rising prices, which he blamed on an “Awami League syndicate.” He called for an immediate election to restore stability in the country.

Since its establishment in 1957, the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) has played a crucial role in cinema development. However, in recent years, progress has stalled, with critics alleging that the institution has been more focused on politics and commercial ventures than on cinema’s growth. Industry insiders accuse successive administrations under the ruling Awami League of failing to take meaningful steps to advance the industry. In 2018, the government launched a high-rise complex project on 94 katha (1.55 acres) of BFDC land, instead of prioritizing the improvement of theaters, which producers argue should have been the primary focus. The recent appointment of Masuma Rahman Tani as the new managing director has sparked controversy, with critics accusing her of being aligned with authoritarian interests.

Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) has dismissed four faculty and staff members for their opposition to the July student uprising. The RUET syndicate made this decision based on evidence that these individuals took a stance against the student movement, were involved in suppressing protests, and remained absent from their duties.

Those dismissed include Siddhartha Shankar Saha, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and a leader of the Rajshahi city unit of the Swechasebak League; Naeem Rahman Nibir, an assistant engineer in the engineering division and a former president of the RUET Chhatra League; and Md. Mahidul Islam, a data processor in the Department of Physics and former president of the RUET Employees’ Association. Additionally, Harun-or-Rashid, an assistant engineer in the Planning and Development Department and a former convenor of the RUET Chhatra League, has also been relieved of his duties.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has claimed that some advisors in the interim government harbor hostility toward the BNP. He stated, “Dr. Muhammad Yunus, an internationally respected figure, is now the head of the government. The people of this country expect a positive approach from him. However, I believe there are some anti-BNP advisors within the interim government. Whenever BNP recommends someone for a position, they seem to feel embarrassed and envious.”

Rizvi also criticized those who, according to him, have forgotten the sacrifices of BNP leaders in the fight against fascism and the struggles of Begum Khaleda Zia. He further remarked that if the rule of law were upheld in the country, mob culture would not have flourished. He added that necessary reforms should be carried out by an elected government.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed his desire to collaborate more closely with international development partners after attending an iftar event with foreign diplomats in Dhaka. He stated, “The path ahead is clear – a swift return to democracy through a free and fair election.” The gathering was attended by British High Commissioner Sarah Cook, former U.S. Deputy Head of Mission John Danilovich, Pakistani High Commissioner Syed Ahmed Maroof, Turkish Ambassador Ramis Sen, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma, UN Resident Coordinator Gwen Lewis, and EU Ambassador Michael Miller.