The International Gateway Operator Forum (IOF), established under the fascist Awami regime, served as a legalized revenue evasion model. The syndicate, led by Awami figure Salman F. Rahman, allegedly siphoned over BDT 600 crore from IOF funds. Though it was meant to streamline international call traffic and curb tax evasion, only seven operators were granted a monopoly—enabling them to control call rates and siphon massive profits without increasing government revenue. Allegations have now been submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) regarding this scheme, which was personally approved by Sheikh Hasina in 2014 despite prior objections.

Regarding the transshipment deal with India, Sarjis Alam stated that if Bangladesh is unfairly or irrationally deprived of any benefits, it will explore alternative routes. “We are open to fostering trade with nations that treat us as equals, with respect and brotherhood,” he said. He expressed hope that India will act as a nation, not merely a political party, and respect its bilateral commercial commitments.

Maulana Mamunul Haque has urged the government not to support Pahela Baishakh celebrations using public funds, claiming it undermines Islamic values. He described the festival as deeply rooted in Hindu and Vaishnavite traditions and argued that rituals like panta-ilish feasts and Mongol Shobhajatra contradict Islamic beliefs. “The events held during Baishakh promote un-Islamic practices, including gender mixing, music, and wasteful behavior,” he said. Haque called on the government to cease support for what he termed “anti-religious” activities.

The Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) is set to request a two-month extension from the Election Commission (EC) for completing their political registration process. The original deadline was set for April 20. Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib stated that a special committee has been formed to handle the registration, and they will soon approach the EC. Meanwhile, another group, Rastror Songskar Andolon, has filed a High Court writ challenging the EC’s public notice, resulting in a temporary stay that only applies to that party. NCP leaders say they are actively fulfilling all requirements, including finalizing the party constitution and establishing organizational units nationwide.

The Bangladesh Democratic Students’ Alliance (DU Chapter) has strongly condemned the arson attack on a sculpture resembling fascist Sheikh Hasina, created at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Dhaka University. In a statement, they said, “As we mark a new year following the success of the people’s uprising and the fall of autocracy, the display of various motifs, murals, slogans, and effigies depicting the collaborators of tyranny was a central part of the July procession.” The organization called for those responsible to be brought to justice and criticized the DU administration for negligence in ensuring security. They also urged the university to be more vigilant in keeping the campus free from the influence of authoritarian sympathizers.

Police have arrested Ishtiaq Noor Chowdhury, son of Awami League leader Moniruzzaman Chowdhury, for leading the looting of a Bata showroom in Sylhet during a protest march. The incident took place in the Dargah Gate area, where Ishtiaq, wearing a traditional Saudi headscarf, was seen stuffing shoes into sacks — the first to begin the theft.

A viral video shows Ishtiaq stealing shoes from the store, drawing widespread outrage. His father, Moniruzzaman Chowdhury, is a known Awami League figure in the city’s Subidbazar area, police confirmed.

The looting occurred on Monday when a protest rally was held in Sylhet condemning the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Amid the demonstration, infiltrators entered and ransacked several shops across the city. Authorities have begun taking action against those involved.

BNP leader Abu Naser Md. Rahmatullah said that the people of Bangladesh want their government to intervene in the wake of Israel’s brutal assault on Palestine. “Remaining silent during such an unimaginable humanitarian crisis would be an insult to humanity,” he stated. Rahmatullah called for a united global voice against the atrocities in Gaza and Rafah. “As soldiers of Ziaur Rahman and Tarique Rahman, we strongly condemn these attacks,” he added, urging international dialogue to resolve the crisis.

Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim stated that the current model of democracy, invented by the United States, has failed to bring peace. “If their version of democracy truly ensured harmony, we would see peace worldwide,” he said, accusing the U.S. of being the chief instigator of global unrest, especially in Palestine. The leader of Bangladesh’s Islami Andolan stressed that true peace can only be achieved through the implementation of Islamic values in state and society. “There can be no genuine freedom for humanity without Islamic governance,” he added.

BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu has declared that the party will remain on the streets and continue its movement until the people’s voting rights are fully restored. “Our movement is far from over,” he said. Referring to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Dudu noted that Yunus has pledged to hold a free, fair, and neutral election around December. “People must be able to vote without fear,” he said, emphasizing that BNP wants to see a detailed election roadmap. Once the roadmap is in place, the party will begin preparations, including forming an election board and announcing candidates. “We believe BNP will return to power with the people’s mandate,” he added. Dudu also claimed, “We ousted the monstrous, murderous Hasina government on August 5, a regime that dismantled the constitution and endangered Bangladesh’s sovereignty.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declared that the controversial anti-Waqf law will not be implemented in her state, rejecting legislation seen as targeting the Muslim community. She questioned the justification for violence and warned that those inciting unrest will face consequences. Mamata accused certain political parties of exploiting religion for political gain and urged citizens not to fall for such provocations. Protests against the Waqf law are spreading across India, including in West Bengal. Meanwhile, the BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has launched a sweeping campaign to identify and seize thousands of allegedly disputed Waqf properties. In Muzaffarnagar, over 300 individuals were issued legal notices and fined ₹200,000 each for wearing black armbands during Friday prayers in protest against the law.

Fisherman Nikhil Howlader alleged at a press conference on Saturday that he is forced to pay extortion money to local BNP leader Nazrul Islam Munshi in order to fish in the sea near Char Montaj in Patuakhali. Nikhil accused Nazrul and his associates of intimidation and threats to his life when he refused to pay. He claimed that his fishing trawler was seized as a result of his refusal. A video of Nikhil seeking justice from locals has since gone viral on social media. He further alleged that Nazrul’s group later returned to issue death threats. Nazrul has denied all accusations.

NCP Joint Convenor Sarwar Tushar has alleged that TV producers are being pressured politically to reduce his participation in talk shows. In a Facebook post, Tushar wrote, “I was going to ignore it, but I can’t stay silent anymore. Three different producers told me the same thing over the past week—they’re under ‘political pressure’ and only trying to include me on air.” He questioned, “What is this political pressure? Who is behind the effort to silence me? And why?”

A new political party named “Democratic Citizens’ Force” has been launched with a slogan focused on national liberation, equality, democracy, and a prosperous Bangladesh. Chairman Dr. Abdul Malek Farazi called for leadership by capable individuals like Dr. Muhammad Yunus. He criticized past governments for serving foreign interests and vowed to pursue politics free of foreign influence. The party’s joint convenor, Sohel Hossain Khan, read the declaration. Farazi was previously associated with Gono Odhikar Parishad.

An effigy titled ‘The Face of Fascism,’ representing Sheikh Hasina, was burned early Saturday morning at Dhaka University’s Fine Arts Faculty. The artwork, created for the Pahela Baishakh rally, stood 20 feet tall and featured a terrifying female face with horns and hollow eyes. Another installation, a ‘Peace Dove,’ was also destroyed. The incident occurred during a brief lapse in security around Fajr prayer, according to Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed.

Rakib Molla (32), a leader of the Krishak Dal in Gazipur, was brutally murdered on Friday night. He was ambushed by assailants who inflicted over 20 injuries using sharp weapons on his head, neck, shoulders, and back. His nephew Ropon claimed the murder was premeditated and motivated by a longstanding feud. Rakib was serving as a joint convener of the proposed metropolitan committee of the Krishak Dal.