BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the party has filed charges at the International Criminal Tribunal over human rights violations during Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule. While seeking justice for crimes committed against citizens, he emphasized that any decision to ban or legitimize political parties should come from the people, not imposed by the authorities.

In response to the attack on NCP South Zone Organizer Hasnat Abdullah’s vehicle, party activists and Bangladesh Chhatra Sangsad members staged a protest in Debidwar, Comilla. Local leaders including Nazmul Hasan Nahid, Shamim Kawsar, and Rakibul Hasan Hridoy demanded justice and warned of intensified demonstrations if the perpetrators are not arrested.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Assistant Secretary General Barrister Abdur Razzaq. Party leaders praised his unwavering support for the oppressed, often offering legal help despite facing personal and political risks. They called his death a great loss to the nation, describing him as a veteran lawyer, politician, and guardian figure—especially vital during current national challenges.

Hasnat Abdullah’s vehicle was attacked by 10-12 assailants in Gazipur’s Chandana area, breaking the car’s windows and injuring his hand. The incident was reported on social media by NCP North Zone Organizer Sarjis Alam and confirmed by other party leaders. Hasnat is currently safe inside the IUT campus in Boardbazar, under the protection of law enforcement. The NCP plans to brief the media from its Banglamotor office later tonight.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi accused the interim government of stalling the election process. Speaking at a human chain demanding the release of ex-MP Shahreen Islam Tuhin, he said, “They keep saying December, then February or June—but no one gives a definitive date.” He claimed the government is using delay tactics while eroding the nation’s democratic pride. “The dream of multi-party democracy remains unfulfilled, and some are trying to sabotage that opportunity,” he warned.

Tarique Rahman stated his vision for a Bangladesh where press freedom is guaranteed and journalists can work without fear. In a Facebook post featuring a satirical cartoon about BNP’s 2009 council, he emphasized that journalism is a cornerstone of democracy. “Without protecting press freedom, democracy cannot survive,” he wrote. He condemned recent attacks on press freedom under the current regime and paid tribute to journalists who courageously reported on corruption, human rights violations, and socio-economic failures.

BNP leader Amir Khasru stated that Russia has expressed interest in Bangladesh’s upcoming election timeline during discussions with the Russian ambassador. “They’re particularly interested in bilateral relations and business opportunities,” he said. Energy cooperation was also discussed. “Russia is rich in energy resources, and we explored potential collaboration,” Khasru added. The Russian ambassador had previously met with a BNP delegation led by the party’s secretary general.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir asserted that while media freedom has increased, unhealthy rivalries between media groups and their political affiliations pose a threat. “Freedom of the press doesn't mean silencing those you disagree with,” he said. He credited the BNP for reopening media freedom in 1975 after it was shut down under the one-party BAKSAL system. “We’re not claiming moral perfection, but BNP has done more than any other party to protect press freedom,” Fakhrul added.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the NCP, claimed that government interference in media has significantly declined compared to the past. “Over the last 16 years, the fascist regime politicized every institution, and the media was no exception,” he said. He stressed the need for a clear roadmap to free the media from authoritarian influence, noting that without such reforms, the vision of a free press after July will remain unfulfilled. Nahid criticized the dissemination of misinformation during the interim government period and called for greater professionalism. He also emphasized the need for transparent media ownership, warning that corporate and political groups often use media for vested interests rather than public service.

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Alexander Vikentyevich Mantytskiy, met with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party chairperson’s political office. Senior BNP leaders Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Shama Obaid also attended. Discussions likely included political developments and international relations.

Maruf Kamal Khan, former press secretary to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, thanked the Qatari government and royal family for providing an air ambulance for her travel to London for treatment. He credited the arrangement to the appeal made by Dr. Muhammad Yunus’ interim government. The air ambulance was equipped with advanced medical technologies and provided free of cost. “We are deeply grateful to Allah and the Qatari leadership,” he wrote.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Hossain appealed to voters to give his party a chance in the next general election. “You’ve seen many rule this country over the past 50 years. This time, vote for Jamaat,” he said. Promising security, development, and international respect, he criticized past regimes for corruption and authoritarianism. He accused the Awami League of establishing autocracy under the guise of democracy and harassing thousands of Jamaat members through false charges. He also claimed $93 billion had been laundered abroad under AL's rule.

BNP leader Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said it would take at least five years to properly try Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. “Only an elected government can bring her to justice,” he stated. He emphasized that the BNP and Awami League are fundamentally different, not two sides of the same coin. “Some believe BNP will rule like AL once in power—that’s a misconception,” he said, adding that Hasina’s downfall has awakened the youth, who have learned how to resist injustice. He recalled an incident where his wife was shot at while distributing leaflets for a BNP rally—an act that remains unpunished.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that supporters will line the road from the airport intersection to Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, ‘Firoza’, to greet her upon return. The former Prime Minister will arrive in a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar, accompanied by her two daughters-in-law. Although earlier reports suggested a May 5 return, she will now arrive on May 6. BNP has coordinated efforts to ensure an orderly and respectful welcome.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that supporters will line the road from the airport intersection to Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, ‘Firoza’, to greet her upon return. The former Prime Minister will arrive in a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar, accompanied by her two daughters-in-law. Although earlier reports suggested a May 5 return, she will now arrive on May 6. BNP has coordinated efforts to ensure an orderly and respectful welcome.