BNP’s Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury declared that the people of Bangladesh will not accept any government formed without an election. “The message from the people is clear—those who try to suppress elections will neither be forgiven nor see their ambitions fulfilled in Bangladesh,” he said. He also emphasized BNP’s 31-point roadmap, which includes commitments to workers’ rights, social security, and long-term welfare. He criticized the current government for neglecting labor interests and bypassing public opinion on critical national issues like corridor agreements.

BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan has urged workers to unite, stating that disunity is the reason for their continued exploitation. “You must fight for your rights,” he said, promising that the BNP will work to fulfill the aspirations of workers. He also called for the immediate enactment of proposed labor reforms ahead of May Day.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is expected to return to Bangladesh from London around May 4 or 5, according to her personal secretary ABM Abdus Sattar. “She must be brought back by air ambulance, and arrangements for that are still being finalized,” he said. “Her health condition is also a major factor. While the exact date is uncertain, we are preparing for her return around the 4th or 5th of this month.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on the interim government to avoid entering agreements that harm Bangladesh’s national interests without consulting political parties or the public. He stressed the importance of timely reforms and elections, reminding the public that media freedom was first introduced by Ziaur Rahman. He credited BNP with originating many of the reform demands now under discussion and pointed to Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform proposal as a roadmap.

Hasnat Abdullah has advocated for the voting rights of overseas workers, criticizing the system that neglects their contribution once they return home. He stated that excluding expatriates from the democratic process amounts to systemic discrimination and emphasized that worker rights are still not fully recognized. “Whichever party comes to power must ensure labor rights,” he added.

Tarique Rahman has warned the interim government to prioritize Bangladesh’s national interest over foreign agendas. Referring to the proposed humanitarian corridor through Bangladesh to Myanmar’s Rakhine State, he criticized the government for allegedly making the decision without public or political consultation. Tarique emphasized that only grassroots empowerment of working-class people can bring lasting change, as advocated by the BNP.

Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Abu Hanif has clarified that no discussions or agreements have been made with BNP regarding an electoral alliance or seat-sharing for the upcoming national election. He emphasized that their last meeting with BNP was part of a coordinated movement and denied media reports suggesting a pact between Nurul Haque Nur and BNP in the Patuakhali-3 constituency, warning against misinformation.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has demanded the declaration of a specific election date to return power to the people. Speaking at a May Day rally, Rizvi accused Sheikh Hasina of continuing a reign of political killings even while in hiding. He claimed forensic evidence confirmed her voice in a threatening speech aimed at 262 people. Rizvi warned that another fascist regime would leave no one safe and urged immediate elections to restore democracy.

At a labor rally in Gazipur, Islami Andolon Bangladesh’s Joint Secretary General Ataur Rahman declared that workers’ liberation is impossible without an Islamic labor policy. He noted that despite monetary wage increases, real wages have fallen due to inflation. Party President Khalilur Rahman added that a broader movement is necessary to implement Islamic labor laws, affirming their commitment to this cause.

Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Rashed Khan has questioned whether former top adviser Nahid Islam took any steps during his tenure to ban the Awami League, despite frequently criticizing others for not doing so. Khan also challenged the adviser’s efforts in media reform and asked if colleagues Asif Mahmud and Mahfuz Alam could initiate a national dialogue on banning the party. He warned that unless such steps are taken, the anti-Awami League rhetoric might simply be another form of opportunistic politics.

Marking International Workers’ Day, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) organized a large rally in Dhaka. Party members began gathering early in the morning, with patriotic songs and protest music energizing the crowd. Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman joined virtually, while Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Mirza Abbas, and other senior leaders attended in person.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman promised better workplace safety and dignity for women if his party comes to power. He condemned the inhumane conditions faced by factory workers, especially women, and pledged to eliminate wage disparities. He also criticized the lack of prayer spaces and facilities for women, urging equal treatment to build a just society. Labor leaders echoed demands for pro-worker legislation and health insurance.

Rafiqul Islam Bablu, Chair of Bhashani Janashakti, urged the government not to establish a humanitarian corridor in Rakhine without consulting political parties. He warned that a one-sided decision, like the earlier Rohingya influx, could deepen Bangladesh’s security and social challenges. Bablu highlighted the need for democratic transparency, citing the symbolic “new Bangladesh” initiated on August 5.

BNP leader Habib-Un-Nabi Khan Sohel criticized student involvement in empowering the current regime, calling it a serious misstep. He expressed disappointment over the corruption of political aides and questioned the role of self-proclaimed “masterminds” in current politics. He reiterated the party’s demand for a fair, neutral election backed by public support.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie urged the youth to move away from the distorted form of politics they’ve witnessed over the past 17 years. He stressed the need for a shift in mindset to restore genuine political and social values. Annie emphasized that leadership should come with humility and respect for the people, adding that a government truly chosen by the people is on the horizon.