Over a thousand political leaders, including professionals, have joined the Gono Odhikar Parishad. Leaders Nurul Haque Nur and Md. Rashed Khan welcomed the newcomers with flowers. The party presented three key demands: 1) Prosecution of genocide and a ban on the Awami League, 2) A national charter and necessary state reforms through consensus, and 3) A roadmap for elections without delay. They also demanded the cancellation of the humanitarian corridor decision and the women's reform commission. The party called for the reversal of any decisions that undermine national sovereignty or conflict with religious values.

Retired Major Hafiz Uddin Ahmed accused advisers in the interim government of blocking democratic progress. “For 17 years, we fought for a fair election, and still there’s no sign of one,” he said. He added that knowledgeable insiders believe elections won’t happen in the next few years. Hafiz accused the interim administration of playing games with state governance and recalled a February meeting with four advisers and the Chief Adviser, where they were promised elections by December.

BNP Vice Chairman Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad criticized proposed reforms by the interim government, saying, “Reforms benefit the rich, not the poor. Will reforms get you a job or feed your family?” He urged the government to abandon these plans and hold elections immediately, asserting that the people are waiting to vote.

BNP leader Sultan Salahuddin Tukku asserted that any use of Bangladesh’s territory—such as for regional corridors—requires the people’s consent. He called for a national consensus among all parties before any such decision. “Ownership of this country lies with its people,” he said, adding that past elections had deprived over 36 million new voters of their rights. Tukku also expressed joy over Khaleda Zia’s return.

BNP leader Dr. Abdul Moin Khan stressed that a caretaker government must remain transitional and cannot replace elected authority. “The interim government must honor the people’s trust and ensure fundamental rights, including the right to vote,” he said. He reiterated BNP’s previous 31-point reform proposal and emphasized the need for national consensus to protect democratic values.

Islamist leader Maulana Mamunul Haque has demanded that all pending cases against Hefazat-e-Islam leaders and activists be withdrawn within two months. He criticized Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus for not honoring previous commitments made during their meetings. "Have you forgotten that just a few months ago you were frequenting the court premises advocating for justice?" Mamunul asked. He also condemned the Women’s Reform Commission, accusing it of insulting the Quran and Islamic values, and warned of consequences if state action isn’t taken.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on May 5. Although BNP initially announced her return via a Biman Bangladesh Airlines commercial flight, it has now been confirmed that she will instead travel in a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar. BNP’s media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan said the exact arrival time is yet to be finalized.

As the National Board of Revenue (NBR) prepares to split into two divisions, the Revenue and Customs cadres remain firm in their demand that the newly created senior secretary posts be reserved for them based on merit and eligibility. Both the BCS Taxation and Customs Cadre Associations have strongly advocated for this claim. The BCS Customs Cadre Association has already held an emergency general meeting. Notably, the movement is reportedly being influenced by pro-Awami League elements, with former Tax Commissioner AKM Borhan Uddin—a known political affiliate during the Awami regime—allegedly playing a leading role. However, the protesting officers insist that this justified demand must remain free from political exploitation.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, senior vice president of Islami Andolon, expelled journalist Monika Chowdhury from a press conference, stating, “Women journalists are not allowed.” Monika said she was taking photographs when she was asked to leave. Despite other reporters requesting she be allowed to stay, Faizul insisted. He explained, “As a devout Muslim, I follow my religion fully. I have the freedom to practice my faith, but must also follow state laws.” He also mentioned an upcoming court hearing on Barisal’s mayoral issue and urged supporters not to gather or obstruct court proceedings.

Al Jazeera has released a 49-minute documentary detailing enforced disappearances, killings, and the July uprising under Sheikh Hasina’s regime, as well as the future of democracy in Bangladesh. The documentary features interviews with the Chief Adviser, army officials, and victims of state repression. It also exposes atrocities like torture and forced disappearances under the authoritarian government and sheds light on the massacre during the July uprising and alleged overseas money laundering.

At the launch of the Bangladesh District and Divisional Sports Organizers Association, BNP leader and former footballer Major Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said, “I warned Shakib not to join the Awami League. Had he listened, he wouldn’t be in this situation today. He can’t even go home now.” Hafiz emphasized Shakib’s fame was enough—he didn’t need politics. Addressing cricketer Tamim Iqbal, also on stage, Hafiz said, “Be cautious about your path.” Regarding a photo with Shakib, Hafiz said, “I did nothing shameful.”

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is scheduled to return to Bangladesh from London on Monday via a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. However, cabin crew Al Kubrun Nahar Cosmic and Md. Kamrul Islam Bipan were removed from duty late at night. Intelligence reports indicate Cosmic frequently served on Sheikh Rehana's flights and allegedly used political ties to secure government benefits. She received 18 show-cause notices and was grounded multiple times. Kamrul Islam is also reportedly linked to various ruling party activities.

Fariduzzaman Farhad, Chairman of the Nationalist Unity Alliance, stated that prolonged governance by unelected authorities leads to various problems in the country. Addressing Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, he urged, “Please arrange such an election where people can say, after 15 long years, they have witnessed a true vote. A vote where no one could coerce or buy my choice.” Farhad warned that a long-standing unelected government creates multifaceted issues. He added that his party, NPP, agrees with 112 out of the 166 proposals of the National Consensus Commission, disagrees with 26, and partially agrees with 28.

At a Hefazat-e-Islam rally in Suhrawardy Udyan, Hasnat Abdullah declared, “We will continue our movement with our last drop of blood until Sheikh Hasina is executed.” He claimed the Awami League has politically died in Bangladesh and is now buried in India. Calling the party undemocratic, he accused Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of stifling democracy by establishing BAKSAL and killing 30,000 JASAD members. He warned against rehabilitating those responsible for violence against Hefazat supporters and claimed the decision for Awami League to participate in the next election rests with the opposition. “Dr. Yunus, don’t forget—it was us who brought you to power,” he said.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has claimed that 26 trillion BDT was laundered during the Awami League regime. “A white paper should be published on how the wealth was stolen and by whom since independence,” he said. Rahman proposed two ideal timeframes for the next election: before Ramadan in February or by April. He cautioned against delaying reforms and judicial transparency beyond April due to the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha and potential weather disruptions.