On the 126th birth anniversary of Bangladesh's national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman paid tribute to the revolutionary bard. In his message, Rahman described Nazrul as “a fearless fighter for justice, equality, and humanity” and “an uncompromising opponent of imperialism and oppression.” He noted that Nazrul’s poetry and songs inspired Bangladesh’s liberation struggle and continue to fuel patriotism. “Even under royal persecution, he never wavered from his commitment to truth and beauty,” Rahman said.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has accused certain advisers in the current government of illegally amassing wealth through corruption and using it to benefit their families. “These corrupt advisers must resign; the public no longer wants to see them in power,” he said. While acknowledging the chief adviser’s reputation, he emphasized that only the people of Bangladesh have the right to decide who governs next. He reiterated BNP’s call for a free, fair, and impartial election to restore a people’s government.

Hasnat Abdullah stated, “After reclaiming power from fascist forces at the cost of so much blood and sacrifice, our foremost duty was to ensure justice for the fallen. Yet, mysteriously, that process has stalled.” In a strongly-worded message, he accused the interim government of delaying justice and said, “The regime cannot move forward without prosecuting Hasina, and even Asif Nazrul must answer for his complicity.” Remembering fallen comrade Shahid Hasan, he added, “Each funeral is a new oath. We will neither forget nor stop.”

In Kamalnagar, Lakshmipur, local supporters of the ruling Awami League forcibly snatched party leader Ashraf Uddin Rajon Raju from police custody while he was still handcuffed. ASI Pradip Chandra Das had arrested Raju on Saturday when a large crowd of men and women gathered and started protesting. Amid the chaos, the demonstrators freed Raju, who then fled the scene. Kamalnagar’s OC Mohammad Touhidul Islam later arrived and helped safely escort the besieged officers from the area.

A torchlight procession demanding justice for the murder of Dhaka University student and Chhatra Dal leader Shahriar Alam Samya was held by a coalition of leftist student organizations and anti-violence student activists. Protesters called for the resignation of the university’s Vice Chancellor and Proctor, chanting slogans like "Justice for Samya," "Two murders in nine months – VC and Proctor must go," and "Our brother is in the grave, why are the killers still free?" Earlier on Saturday, the university administration issued a statement promising swift resolution of the case.

GOP President Nurul Haque Nur said his party does not call for the resignation of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus but urged the removal of controversial advisers to restore democratic integrity. Nur claimed that internal divisions have emerged within the July alliance and that Yunus has grown impatient with student protesters. “While we demand justice for the massacre, structural reforms, and fair elections, there has been no clear stance on the election itself,” he added. Nur criticized decisions like offering transit corridors without consulting political parties and emphasized the need for a clear electoral roadmap to overcome the crisis.

The National Coordination Party (NCP) has submitted five demands to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. According to convener Nahid Islam, these include: issuing the July Declaration by the set deadline, declaring all elections held during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure void, completing the rehabilitation of July’s martyrs and wounded, restructuring the Election Commission, and ensuring justice for the July massacre along with announcing a roadmap for national elections.

BNP leader Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon warned that if Ishraq Hossain is not sworn in as mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation by May 26, a contempt of court case will be filed against responsible authorities. He stated that, following the publication of the election gazette, the relevant ministry is constitutionally obligated to arrange the oath ceremony. Khokon also emphasized that holding a fair national election is the interim government’s primary responsibility and warned of chaos if elections are not held by December.

BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan stated at a rally that the national election cannot be postponed simply because some parties are not yet organized. “We will not wait for them. The people will not tolerate further delays,” he said. Khan stressed the need for electoral reforms within the next three months to enable a fair election in December. At the same event, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi praised Dr. Muhammad Yunus personally but criticized the influence of Asif Mahmud, warning against foreign control over the Chattogram port and corridors.

BNP leader Ishraq Hossain has demanded the immediate resignation of three controversial advisers in the interim government. Alternatively, he insists they must sign a written pledge stating they will not contest in the upcoming national elections. In a Facebook post, Ishraq stated that this issue is "non-negotiable." He further called for an interrogation of the National Security Adviser to uncover any potential threats against Bangladesh.

BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain warned, "Any delay in elections—under any pretext—will create conditions for a return to autocracy. The interim government and its associates will be held responsible." He urged for swift democratic transition through free and fair elections. He also called for reconstitution of the advisory council to remove controversial members, stating that BNP leaders have faced the greatest personal and political loss and demand accountability for the Awami League’s actions. He concluded, "We never called for the Chief Adviser’s resignation; rather, BNP has cooperated from day one."

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that political parties expressed confidence in Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus, with none demanding his resignation. Instead, they signaled willingness to provide him with the necessary support and time. During the meeting, three parties discussed political unrest, election timelines, reform processes, and the judiciary. Dr. Yunus reiterated his proposal to hold elections between December and June, emphasizing June 30 as a definitive deadline, affirming, “He is a man of his word.”

Nagorik Oikya leader Mahmudur Rahman Manna urged Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus not to consider stepping down. “The people trust him. His sense of duty to the nation won’t allow him to walk away,” Manna said. “As the executive head, he cannot favor anyone. If some have been corrupt in a short time, that’s not a reason to quit in frustration.” He acknowledged the military chief’s recent comments on elections, saying, “The election roadmap must be made clear. I hope Dr. Yunus won’t take any steps that destabilize the nation.”

Two former leaders of the banned Chhatra League have been controversially appointed as president and organizing secretary of Chhatra Dal’s Bar Aulia Degree College unit in Lohagara, Chattogram. Their names—Mohammad Minhaj (President) and Raihan Uddin Munna (Organizing Secretary)—have sparked backlash, with viral images circulating showing their prior affiliations with Awami League student politics. Chattogram South District Chhatra Dal has been urged to remove the names within 72 hours.

Nahid Islam, Convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP), stated, "We’ve called on Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus to declare all elections held under the Awami League regime illegal." On Saturday night, an NCP delegation led by Islam met with Dr. Yunus. The delegation included Joint Secretary Mushfiq-us-Salehin, Chief Organizer Hasnat Abdullah, and Senior Joint Secretary Tasnim Zara.