After a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner, BNP’s Ishraq Hossain stated that the court verdict regarding his mayorship is being reviewed by the Election Commission and Law Ministry. A gazette notification will follow, and legal consultations are ongoing to determine the duration of his tenure. Ishraq emphasized that all procedures have followed the law.

Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Mohammad Humayun Kabir Pallab has served a legal notice against NCP senior joint secretary Dr. Tasnim Zara and Dr. Jahangir Kabir for allegedly promoting obscenity online. The notice demands immediate government action to curb such content across platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Likee.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi accused the government of undermining democratic institutions. He claimed ruling party leaders, even as accused, mock the judiciary and ignore law enforcement. He alleged their arrogance aims to discredit the interim administration. Rizvi also criticized the lenient treatment of Awami League leaders in court, calling it a dangerous return of fascism.

In a surprising political development, four individuals from the Sanatan (Hindu) community have joined the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party in Pirojpur. The new members are: Palash Kanti Mondal (47), a schoolteacher from Pottashi village in Pottashi Union of Indurkani; Robin Dakuya (35) and Ratan Biswas (42) from Indurkani village in the Indurkani Sadar Union; and Bimal Bapari (50) from Kalaia village. Their decision was announced following a public outreach event held in Indurkani on Wednesday evening.

Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin stated that the Election Commission will not wait for reforms suggested by the Consensus Commission. “We’re preparing for elections with the powers we currently have,” he said. Australian High Commissioner Susan Reilly assured full support for free and fair elections, including assistance with voter list updates and international observation.

During a rally toward the Indian High Commission demanding the repeal of the Wakf Amendment Bill and an end to Muslim persecution, Hefazat leader Mamunul Haque issued a stern warning. “No government can survive in Bangladesh if it stands against Islam,” he said, cautioning leaders not to bring upon themselves a fate similar to Prime Minister Hasina’s by aligning with anti-Islamic forces. He threatened a long march to Delhi if the demands are not met and condemned both Israel’s assault on Gaza and India’s Modi government for attempting to eradicate Muslims.

At a rally in front of the Press Club, Mahbub Alam, Joint Convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP), asserted that elections are not possible without comprehensive institutional reforms and the repeal of repressive laws stemming from 15 years of looting, violence, and fascist rule. He emphasized that these reforms are essential to ensure voting rights. “Without reforms, we’ll witness another era of politics dominated by muscle and money,” he said. Other speakers criticized efforts to rehabilitate the Awami League through repeated election calls. They demanded justice and a ban on the party, stressing, “We want a Second Republic. Don’t make elections and reforms adversaries.”

BNP leader Emran Saleh Prince called on Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to swiftly announce a reform roadmap and prepare for elections by December. He accused the government of conspiring to derail elections. “Under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, we will restore voter rights and dismantle all conspiracies,” he said. He reiterated BNP’s 31-point agenda to build a fair, equitable society, including family cards, unemployment benefits, fair agricultural pricing, and wage guarantees.

Anjan Roy, a Computer Science student at Missouri State University, faced deportation after allegedly losing his legal student status. But he successfully challenged the notice in court, regaining legal status in the U.S. Anjan began his undergrad in August 2024 and started his Master’s in January. The deportation threat came via email on April 10. U.S. authorities had previously warned about expelling those opposing the U.S. or Israel.

BNP leader Tarique Rahman said the party is not driven by revenge but by the goal of serving the nation. Speaking about the party’s 31-point reform agenda, he stressed the importance of reaching grassroots communities. “If the people understand our mission, we can face any opponent,” he said. “Unlike the previous regime, BNP does not believe in oppression or retaliation.” He urged the party to unite the public for national reconstruction, warning of an emerging visible force spreading false propaganda against BNP. “Our activists must confront these conspiracies together.”

During a protest in Uttara, NCP leader Sargis Alam declared that justice must be served not only against Sheikh Hasina but also those who helped her become a “murderer.” He warned that her accomplices are attempting a political comeback, and some are trying to erase the label “killer” from her name. “Those responsible for such mass killings should have no right to contest in elections,” he said, adding, “If they dare to participate, the people will rise in a mass uprising.” Alam emphasized the need for Hasina’s trial before the next election, saying, “We’ve come this far at the cost of over 1,500 martyrs. Those obsessed with elections now only care about power, not justice.”

Islami Chhatra Shibir issued a statement demanding the withdrawal of all political cases within three weeks. They accused the Awami League of establishing fascist rule since 2008 and carrying out massacres during peaceful protests. Shibir claims 101 members have been martyred, thousands crippled, and many are still missing. With over 11,000 alleged false cases pending, they warned of nationwide protests if demands are not met.

NCP leader Abdul Hannan Masud alleged on Facebook that 14 university VCs threatened the Education Adviser not to remove KUET’s Vice Chancellor. “If this is true, all 14 VCs and the KUET VC must go,” he said. “We haven’t forgotten how some VCs previously encouraged repression at Hasina’s residence on August 2. Action is needed against these partisan VCs,” he added.

Students from the Democratic Student Parliament at Jahangirnagar University have launched an indefinite hunger strike demanding KUET VC Muhammad Masud’s resignation. The strike began at 11:45 AM Wednesday. Several students have fallen ill and been hospitalized. Organizer Zia Uddin Ayan accused the interim administration of ignoring the crisis and betraying the student body.

Shibir Secretary Nurul Islam Saddam cautioned, “Out of the 32 students on hunger strike at KUET, 27 have already fallen ill. The VC who owes his position to student protests now clings to power, creating unrest. His resignation is crucial. If any student is harmed, the government will not be able to contain the fallout.” Earlier, Hasnat Abdullah had also expressed solidarity with the students.