The British High Commission confirmed that High Commissioner Sarah Cook met with women leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami. Discussions focused on the roles and policy positions of the party’s female members, which the Commission described as meaningful and significant to the participants. This follows previous meetings between Sarah Cook and other Jamaat leaders and activists.

BNP leader Mir Helal emphasized that all religions teach peace and harmony. He said that former President Ziaur Rahman had unified people of all faiths, castes, and professions under the banner of Bangladeshi nationalism, ensuring equal dignity for all citizens. Helal accused both local and foreign conspirators of trying to sabotage upcoming elections and warned against those obstructing the restoration of democratic governance. He made these remarks while visiting the Shri Shri Tulsidham Temple, where he was received by leaders of the Tulsidham management committee and the Advaita Achyuta Mission.

Despite the Awami League being banned, no effective action has been taken against other members of the 14-party alliance. A legal notice has been sent to the Election Commission and the government, urging that the remaining coalition parties be declared terrorist organizations. Hossain Md. Anwar of the NCP, who issued the notice, said, “The Awami League did not act alone in its oppression. These actions were carried out collectively with the alliance’s approval.”

Dhaka Metropolitan Police have arrested 16 members of the banned Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League, during a crackdown on flash processions. Deputy Police Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman stated that arrests were made across several locations: 11 individuals were detained from Gulistan, others from Mirpur, Motijheel, Jatrabari, and Mugda. Legal proceedings are currently underway against the arrestees.

The National Citizen Platform (NCP) criticized the arrest of actress Nusrat Faria in connection with the July massacre, calling it a mockery of justice. “Instead of apprehending those directly involved in the killings, the government is targeting individuals indiscriminately,” the NCP said. They pointed out that former President Abdul Hamid, who was accused in the incident, left the country without hindrance, while the identities of 626 individuals sheltered in military camps remain undisclosed. Despite the interim government's promise to form a second International Crimes Tribunal, no progress has been made.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed accused the interim government of deviating from democratic norms. “They become agitated when we mention elections,” he said. Ahmed alleged that some advisers are attempting to create chaos and that the Chief Adviser has been informed. “If he doesn’t act, his honor may be at risk,” he warned. He added that deep reforms are needed to prevent fascism from returning and questioned why the interim government reacts negatively to any talk of an elected government.

BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan said the interim government must explain any delay in holding national elections. “According to UN reports, over 1,700 people died during the July uprising. Although fascism has been overthrown, democracy is yet to be restored,” he noted. Khan emphasized the need to establish a government through people’s votes and reiterated the party’s stance that no one should serve more than two terms as Prime Minister. “There can be no compromise with the Awami League while we are alive,” he added.

BNP leader Ishraq Hossain has apologized for a photo taken with actor Chanchal Chowdhury at an awards event held on May 16. “I was invited as a guest by a TV channel and had no prior knowledge of the attendees. I was unaware of the identity or background of the person I was photographed with,” he explained. Ishraq added that he was out of the country in 2015 and missed several sensitive developments. “I deeply regret the pain this has caused my fellow comrades. I promise to be more cautious in the future,” he said.

Supporters of Ishraq Hossain will continue their sit-in in front of the Nagar Bhaban on Tuesday, demanding his formal appointment as Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation. Spokesperson Moshiur Rahman warned, “If our demands are not met by tomorrow, the government will have to face the consequences. They must be ready for any situation.”

Sarjees Alam defended Adviser Asif Mahmud, criticizing Ishraque Hossain for indirectly enabling personal attacks on him. “I knew Ishraque as the son of Sadeque Hossain Khoka, and I respected him even more after he bravely rescued a party worker from Hasina’s police. But if he legitimizes a controversial mayoral election by accepting the post, it will be a permanent stain on his political career,” Sarjees wrote. He argued that even if Ishraque does not personally engage in these attacks, allowing his local supporters to do so shifts some of the blame onto him.

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain stated that the government's aggressive effort to prevent the BNP's mayoral candidate from taking office in Dhaka clearly signals how it intends to handle the upcoming national elections. He said, “This has never been about a mayoral position—it’s about exposing the corrupt ambitions of those in power under the interim government.” Ishraque accused officials of abandoning neutrality and instead serving partisan interests. He added, “Like Hasina, they have threatened judges, challenged the Election Commission, and interfered with the higher judiciary.” He concluded, “We will either win our rights or be buried under the soil. There will be no compromise on democracy or voting rights.”

Nahid Islam, leader of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), stated that the Liberation War is one of the fundamental pillars of the state. He said NCP’s vision is rooted in the ideals of equality, justice, and dignity from the Liberation War and the July Uprising. He emphasized the party’s inclusive ideology that respects religious belief, rejects both Islamophobia and religious extremism, and aims for a democratic state based on civilizational identity rather than ethnicity or religion. He added that the party will work for women’s rightful share in inheritance laws and stands firmly against Hindutva and fascist systems, advocating for state reform and a new constitution.

Supporters of Ishraq Hossain are staging a blockade at Dhaka South City Corporation headquarters, demanding his official swearing-in as mayor. The protest began even before the scheduled time of 11 AM, with demonstrators blocking the main entrance and nearby areas including Bangabazar and Golap Shah Mazar, bringing city services to a standstill.

BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman stated, “We’ve reached a pivotal point where we must rebuild the country together, regardless of our differences. We may disagree on various matters, but we must unite to ensure national security, create employment, and elevate Bangladesh’s global standing.” He reiterated BNP’s demand for national elections by December, stating that many party members have sacrificed their lives and faced abductions and torture for this cause. Tarique also announced plans to establish a sports institute like BKSP in every division and proposed ward-level playgrounds in Dhaka. Additionally, he emphasized integrating sports and a second or third language into the school curriculum. Speaking emotionally, he said everything one could be proud of in a younger brother was present in Koko.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah criticized the current government, alleging selective justice. He claimed that while those involved in serious crimes have been allowed to leave the country safely, others like actress Nusrat Faria are being arrested to create an illusion of justice. "You gave state assistance to help Shirin Sharmin get her passport at home. The second tribunal hasn’t started even in May, despite being scheduled for January. And the list of 626? Where are they now?" he asked. “This isn’t justice; this is Hasina-style distraction.”