The Nationalist Citizen’s Party (NCP) has announced a protest rally in Dhaka on May 2, demanding the trial, deregistration, and political ban of the Awami League. The NCP also decided to form a ‘Political Council’ to oversee decision-making and an ‘Executive Council’ to implement its resolutions. A constitution drafting team was also formed, tasked with submitting a draft within a week.

After meeting with a delegation from the Chinese Communist Party, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said relations between the two parties are deepening. He noted that while the BNP had longstanding ties with the CCP, these relations had stalled for 15 years due to the ruling regime. Fakhrul said the CCP wishes to see a stable, democratic Bangladesh.

Rashed Khan of Gano Adhikar Parishad warned that if the Awami League returns to power, more massacres will follow. He demanded state reforms and the prosecution of the Awami League and its past crimes before any election. Khan emphasized the need for a clean political environment in a new Bangladesh, free from extortionists, land grabbers, and corrupt politicians. He also called for an immediate announcement of the election roadmap.

BNP leader Aminul Haque emphasized that the upcoming election would be more competitive and challenging than ever before, with a significant portion of voters coming from the youth. He stressed the importance of engaging with their mindset. Haque highlighted that the BNP’s 31-point framework focuses on education, healthcare, and economic reforms, including unemployment benefits for educated youth, correcting distorted history, and ensuring universal healthcare. He urged party members to avoid internal conflicts and prioritize the greater good.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Fayzul Karim criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that Muslims in India are facing brutal persecution, with even their burial grounds being seized by the government. Addressing Modi directly, he warned, “You have forgotten the history of India, but Muslims have not. If they awaken, your throne will be shattered.” He further remarked that simply rejecting the Women’s Commission proposal is not enough; those responsible must face legal action, or the public will spit on Modi’s so-called ‘development’ just as they do on fascist regimes. Fayzul also called for reforms before any elections are held.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has opposed the National Consensus Commission’s proposal to reduce the terms of Parliament and the Presidency to four years, insisting that the current five-year terms should remain unchanged. However, the party expressed support for the proposal to introduce a bicameral (two-chamber) Parliament. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher stated that discussions are ongoing regarding the formation, nature, and process of a bicameral legislature. He added that the talks, focusing on constitutional reforms, have been quite productive and indicated that further discussions are expected.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi accused the ruling Awami League of plotting acts of violence using embezzled public funds. Urging students to stand up against corruption on campuses, Rizvi also called for the trial of judges he accused of aiding Sheikh Hasina’s alleged authoritarianism. “If Hitler’s collaborators could be tried, so should Hasina’s judicial allies,” he said, demanding the announcement of an immediate election roadmap and accountability for corruption allegations against government officials.

Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the NCP, asserted that the party has no links with remnants of fallen autocratic regimes. “If any of our members are involved in extortion, we will take strict organizational action,” he said. He also pledged full transparency, announcing that the names of donors and financial details will be audited and published through proper channels.

Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Deputy Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, has stated that Jamaat fears no external pressure when it comes to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty. He affirmed that Jamaat is committed to building a sustainable and credible democracy. “We seek moral accountability for the sake of the nation, not personal or party interests,” he said. He emphasized that Jamaat supports necessary reforms for the greater good of the country and is committed to democratic practices both within the party and the state.

Sarwar Tushar, Joint Convenor of the NCP, has demanded the cancellation of Awami League’s registration before any national election is held. He accused the party of conspiring with Delhi against Bangladesh’s interests and described it as a “secret organization.” He reiterated the NCP’s demand for a constitutional amendment through a public council election and condemned efforts to rehabilitate convicted criminals.

Islamic leader Maulana Mamunul Haque has demanded that the Women’s Commission’s recent proposal be rejected by May 3. He warned that if it is not withdrawn, further action will be announced from Suhrawardy Udyan. Mamunul accused the commission members of making recommendations that insult Islam and demanded punitive action against them. “There is no place in Bangladesh for anti-Quranic forces,” he said. While he welcomed reforms initiated through six commissions, he expressed shock at the recommendations made by the Women’s Commission.

Nurul Haque Nur, President of the Gano Adhikar Parishad, has alleged that the administration has resumed its partisan practices, favoring certain political parties. He warned that those involved in favoritism would meet the same fate as former officials Harun and Benazir. Criticizing the lack of visible progress in prosecuting perpetrators of mass killings, Nur said political parties are now more focused on securing their own interests and dominance. “That’s why the Awami fascists are once again roaring in the streets,” he added. Nur emphasized the need for systemic reforms to transition the fascist state into a democratic and humane one, insisting that timely elections must follow these reforms. He also warned that if there is no significant progress in investigating the July massacre, his party will take a stand against the government.

Abu Hanif of the Gano Adhikar Parishad warned that if the government fails to prosecute the Awami League for the July Uprising massacres and ban the party, protestors may be forced to lay siege to the Chief Adviser’s Office. He accused the AL of spreading misinformation from India and operating as a “terrorist group” domestically. Hanif emphasized the need for reforms that permanently block the return of fascism.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince highlighted the role of mosques beyond prayer, calling them platforms for education, community activities, and collective crisis management. He urged support for mosque construction and promised that if BNP returns to power, it would actively support mosques, madrasas, and religious institutions, while promoting religious values and culture.

At a protest rally, Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader criticized the Women’s Reform Commission, claiming that around 10 of its proposals directly contradict Quranic teachings. These include proposals to abolish Muslim inheritance laws, establish a uniform family law across all religions, allow wives to accuse husbands of marital rape, and recognize sex workers as laborers. He demanded the immediate dissolution of the commission in the interest of Islam, national integrity, and women’s welfare.