Amid ongoing protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Turkish authorities detained at least seven journalists, including an AFP photojournalist, on Tuesday. The mass demonstrations have continued for seven consecutive days. Authorities claim the detained journalists were participating in ‘illegal protests.’ AFP’s CEO has sent a formal request to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, demanding the journalist’s release.

BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, commemorated Independence Day by highlighting the role of former President Ziaur Rahman in the Liberation War. In a Facebook post, he claimed that on this day in 1971, then-Major Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence, rallying the nation against Pakistani forces. He described the event as a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s sovereignty and reiterated his commitment to safeguarding democracy, people’s rights, and inclusive development.

Sirajum Munira, the Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Sarail, Brahmanbaria, faced intense criticism after a Facebook post from the account ‘Acland Sorail’ referred to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the ‘proclaimer of independence.’ The post sparked backlash from local BNP activists and other groups. At an Independence Day event at Annada High School, BNP members confronted her. The post was deleted within an hour, with claims that her account had been hacked. However, BNP leaders dismissed this as a cover-up and demanded her immediate removal from office. She has since been temporarily relieved of her duties.

Police detained three individuals at the National Martyrs’ Memorial on Independence Day for allegedly attempting to ‘create instability’ by chanting the slogan ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.’ The incident occurred when members of the Liberation War Family Command and Liberation War Generation League paid tribute to martyrs. The arrested individuals include Selim Reza (47), General Secretary of the Liberation War Family Command; Shahidul Islam (50), Organizational Secretary of the same group; and Sohel Parvez (41) from Ashulia. All three are reportedly affiliated with the ruling Awami League.

Several hand bombs exploded at the residence of Azizur Rahman Hormuz Munshi, president of the BNP’s Ghorshia Union Parishad unit in Shariatpur. The attack occurred early Wednesday morning when a group of unidentified assailants infiltrated his home and detonated multiple explosive devices before fleeing. The loud blasts triggered widespread panic among residents. Law enforcement was alerted, and an unexploded hand bomb was later recovered from the scene.

After paying homage at the grave of former President Ziaur Rahman, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam criticized the Chief Adviser’s Independence Day speech. He stated that saying elections will be held between December and June is too vague, as this six-month period does not provide a clear roadmap. He reiterated that BNP is not demanding elections for power but for the sake of the nation’s survival, sovereignty, and democracy. He urged the interim government to swiftly introduce minimal reforms and announce the election schedule.

During his tribute to the martyrs of 1971, NCP Convener Nahid Islam stated that no more blood should be shed in the future and that a democratic state system must be established. He emphasized that 1971 and 2024 are not separate; what was desired in 1971 was achieved in 2024. He accused those opposing this idea of having dishonest intentions. He warned that any attempt to impose the old constitution, rehabilitate fascism, or rush elections without proper reforms and justice would be resisted by the people and the NCP.

Abdur Rob, the Hatia Upazila Krishak Dal convener, has been critically injured in an attack allegedly carried out by Awami League-affiliated assailants.

He has been rushed to Dhaka for advanced medical care. BNP leaders blamed Awami League activists for the attack, which took place during an Iftar event.

Local BNP Vice President Masudur Rahman Babor claimed that the attackers were followers of Sonadia Union Awami League leader Eraz Uddin, who was recently released from prison and allegedly held Abdur Rob responsible for his incarceration.

BNP leader Goyeshwar Chandra Roy has stated that any delay in elections will put the interim government in deeper trouble.

He emphasized that the government cannot survive long if it goes against the people’s will and urged immediate elections instead of wasting time under the pretense of reform.

Roy also criticized NCP leaders, saying, “We supported their movement, yet their recent remarks about BNP are unacceptable. They have even spoken against the army, which raises questions about the government’s involvement in backing them.”

BNP leader Hummam Kader Chowdhury has warned that the party cannot win elections unless internal factionalism ends.

Referring to his father’s imprisonment, he said, “After my father was jailed, factionalism emerged in Rangunia politics. If this continues, BNP will never win elections.”

He further warned that strict action would be taken against anyone within the party who speaks against BNP leaders. Reflecting on the past 16 years, he stated, “We were not absent. We were in the courts, in prisons, reading funeral prayers for our brothers. We fought in the streets, and we will continue to do so.”

BNP’s Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has urged the interim government to conduct elections at the earliest, stating that the sooner elections are held, the sooner the country can be reformed.

He criticized the 2024 elections, calling it a “dog-marked” election where polling centers remained empty except for stray dogs. Tuku claimed that under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the student movement forced the fascist government to flee the country. He accused the Awami League of fostering terrorism and extortion and urged for a quick transition of power back to the people.

NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwari has declared that the next national election will follow a new style, ensuring that there will be no room for extortionists, tender manipulators, autocrats, money launderers, or mafias.

He warned, “If any group attempts to bring back the Awami League, we will launch an unstoppable movement.” He further added, “I want to make it clear once again—there is no place for the Awami League in Bangladesh anymore. It has left with Hasina for good.”

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has inquired about Imran, a Dhaka College student who was shot and injured during the mass uprising. Imran has been receiving treatment at Pangu Hospital for over eight months.

Tarique Rahman spoke to Imran over the phone through Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal’s Central General Secretary, Nasir Uddin Nasir. He inquired about Imran’s health, his family’s well-being, and details of the incident. Expressing solidarity, Rahman assured Imran of full support, stating that his medical treatment, which may take two years to complete, will be fully backed by the BNP family.

On Monday, an individual named Ujjal Roy submitted an application to the Election Commission seeking registration for a new political party named ‘Awami Lig.’ He proposed either a boat or a hilsa fish as the party’s electoral symbol. The application lists Bangabandhu Avenue as the party’s headquarters.

According to the submission, the party was officially formed on March 24, and its committee will be valid until April 30. Ujjal Roy stated his intention to contest the elections from the Dinajpur-5 constituency, which includes Fulbari and Parbatipur. He added, “I previously wanted to meet Sheikh Hasina to discuss the issues in my constituency. If she had met me, many problems could have been resolved. But now, she is no longer in power, so I have submitted my application.”

The Bangladesh Citizens’ Party (BCP) has lodged a formal objection with the Election Commission regarding the abbreviation of the newly formed National Citizens’ Party (NCP). In a written statement, BCP argued that the correct abbreviation should be “JNP” instead of “NCP.” They emphasized that regardless of the language in which a proper noun is written, its fundamental identity should not change.

BCP’s General Secretary stated that the new party will play a significant role in establishing democracy in Bangladesh. He noted that these young leaders have already contributed to the downfall of the authoritarian Awami League government. Given this context, inconsistencies in a party’s name would be regrettable. BCP has urged the Election Commission to carefully scrutinize such matters during the party registration process.