A new political party, “Janatar Dal” (People’s Party), has been formed by former military and civil officials, NGO workers, and political leaders. Led by retired Brigadier General Md. Shamim Kamal, the party’s slogan is “Justice Lives On.” Kamal emphasized their goal of promoting integrity, patriotism, and transparency, pledging to make party finances publicly accessible. He stated that they intend to challenge the political status quo and move against mainstream political trends.

Azadul Islam Pannu, the missing BNP president of Nawabganj upazila, has been rescued by police after being missing for nearly two and a half months. Pannu was last seen leaving for Rajshahi on January 8, and his son filed a missing person report on January 10. BNP Secretary General Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had expressed concern over his disappearance, urging authorities to find and return him to his family. According to the police, he was discovered in Khulna and had been in hiding due to personal reasons.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), alleged that a plan is in motion to introduce a ‘Refined Awami League’ as part of an Indian-backed strategy. He claimed that key figures like Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Shirin Sharmin, and Taposh are involved. Abdullah stated that he and two others were offered a seat-sharing deal to support the initiative but rejected it. He warned against attempts to rehabilitate Awami League and called for its permanent ban, urging public resistance.

A case has been filed against Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and 201 others for allegedly attempting to murder madrasa student Saifuddin Mohammad Emdad. The complaint states that during a mass uprising on August 4, a group of protesters led by M.A. Hashem Razu marched from the Central Shaheed Minar to Paribagh near Hotel Intercontinental. Allegedly, members of Chhatra League, Jubo League, and Awami League blocked their path and launched an armed attack with bullets, hand bombs, petrol bombs, and explosives. The victim sustained a bullet injury to his right eye. After recording the plaintiff’s statement, the court directed the officer-in-charge of Shahbagh Police Station to submit a report within seven days regarding any existing cases related to the incident.

BNP leader Abdus Salam Pintu alleged that Bangladesh has been run under India’s influence for the past 15 years. He accused India of conspiring to destroy BNP, believing that weakening the party would make Bangladesh vulnerable. He called for unity against such conspiracies. Pintu further claimed that since 2020, he has been barred from seeing his family. “We have been released, but not fully free,” he stated. Reflecting on his time in prison, he recalled hearing executions from the adjacent cell and fearing his own fate. He urged the government to ensure fair and transparent elections, stating that reforms should serve the people’s rights.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince has accused a certain group of running a deliberate misinformation campaign against BNP to serve their own interests. He asserted that such tactics would not isolate BNP from the people. He called for unity against any conspiracies aimed at destabilizing the country. “Stability cannot be achieved without elections. Reforms are an ongoing process, but delaying elections in the name of reform is unacceptable. The lack of progress in reforms even after seven months demands accountability,” he added.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman condemned the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza, stating that the global conscience is dead. “If the world had any conscience left, women and children in Gaza wouldn’t have to die in agony,” he said. He added that Gazans, unable to bear the oppression, are now praying to God to take them away, as they lack even basic necessities. Jamaat has staged protests and called for a boycott of Israeli products while urging the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) to take decisive action against Israel.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader over allegations of extortion, nomination trade, and embezzlement of party funds. Reports suggest that during the 2018 parliamentary elections, Tk 181 million was taken as bribes for reserved women’s seats in Parliament. When the agreed payment was not completed, Professor Masuda M Rashid Chowdhury was temporarily suspended from her party position, and GM Quader’s wife, Sharifa Quader, was appointed MP in her place. Additionally, the Jatiya Party’s central committee, which should consist of 301 members, has reportedly been inflated to 600–650, indicating a trade in party positions. GM Quader is also accused of laundering assets under different names domestically and abroad.

Visiting the rape survivor at Patuakhali Medical College Hospital, NCP Convenor Nahid Islam stressed the urgency of justice. After meeting with the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, Nahid stated, “I am not here as a member of a Shaheed family but as a concerned citizen of Bangladesh. Every rape case must be thoroughly investigated and resolved swiftly.” He urged authorities to ensure exemplary punishment for perpetrators and called for the rapid implementation of proposed legal changes to enforce the maximum penalty for rape.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir held a meeting with EU Ambassador Michael Miller, attended by Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Shama Obaid. Amir Khosru stated that the discussion primarily focused on upcoming elections and economic issues. He remarked, “A key concern for both local and international stakeholders is the timing of the next election. While there is currently a government in place, the democratic order has yet to be restored. We have observed that no administration wishes to support a government without public backing.” He further noted, “Many believe there is no room for delay beyond December. Some even think December is already too late.”

On July 19, Shaheed Jashim was shot dead in Mohammadpur, Dhaka. His daughter (18) has now reportedly been a victim of gang rape. In response, NCP Convenor Nahid Islam has traveled to Patuakhali to support the victim’s family. During his visit, Nahid Islam will check on the survivor, who is currently receiving treatment at Patuakhali Medical College Hospital. He is also scheduled to meet the family and hold discussions with the Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, and police have already arrested a suspect, 19-year-old Sakib Munshi.

UK BNP President MA Malek has stated that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia may return to Bangladesh in mid-April. Malek mentioned, “We requested Begum Khaleda Zia to celebrate Eid before returning home, and she has honored our request. She is now set to return in mid-April, after Eid.” Regarding Tarique Rahman, he added, “We are still uncertain about our leader’s travel plans.”

On Thursday, Jamaat-e-Islami submitted its written recommendations on reforms concerning the constitution, public administration, judiciary, electoral process, and the Anti-Corruption Commission. Secretary Golam Parwar stated that Jamaat supports free, fair, and credible elections and is willing to collaborate with the government on necessary reforms. He emphasized the need for a balanced constitutional framework and suggested discussions on forming a constitutional council or a constituent assembly if required. Parwar also criticized the prevailing interpretation and implementation of secularism in the country.

A court has acquitted Tarique Rahman, Lutfozzaman Babar, and six others in a bribery case involving a 2.1 billion BDT transaction. The case alleged that the bribe was paid to secure legal immunity for Safiat Sobhan Sanvir, an accused in a murder case. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had filed the case during the military-backed caretaker government era. Following the verdict, Tarique Rahman’s lawyers stated that he now faces no legal obstacles to returning to Bangladesh and resuming political activities.

Dhaka South Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Nurul Islam Bulbul stated that one of the party's four core agendas is social reform and welfare. He emphasized that an economically stable family contributes to the stability of society and the nation. Every year, hundreds of men and women receive vocational training to secure employment. Jamaat also runs educational assistance programs for underprivileged and meritorious students, as well as humanitarian aid initiatives for disaster victims. The party operates free medical camps and has a fleet of 10 ambulances dedicated to serving marginalized communities.