A new political party for students, named the National Citizens Party, has been officially announced. The party made the declaration on Thursday, along with the appointment of its top six leaders.

Nahid Islam has been named as the Convener, while Akhtar Hossain will serve as the Member Secretary. Nasiruddin Patwari has been appointed as the Chief Coordinator. Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah will lead the northern and southern regions, respectively, as Chief Organizers. Additionally, Shamanta Sharmin has been appointed as the Joint Member Secretary.

This leadership committee is expected to remain in place until the national elections. Reports suggest that key frontline activists from the July movement have secured significant positions in the new party, with women also being given important roles.

Following widespread criticism on social media, Supreme Court lawyer Shishir Monir has stepped down from representing the accused in the Abrar Fahad murder case. In a statement, he clarified that although the High Court hearing has concluded, he will not pursue an appeal on behalf of any of the convicts. He expressed his willingness to meet Abrar’s family, hoping for an amicable resolution.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General, Professor Mia Golam Parwar, has stated that elections should only be held after necessary reforms, rather than on a fixed timeline. “We don’t have the money or muscle to rig votes; those who do are pushing for early elections,” he said. He dismissed claims that Jamaat wants to delay elections and insisted that the party rejects elections like those of 2014, 2018, and 2024. He also hinted at ongoing discussions for unity among Islamic political groups.

BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has called on all citizens to remain vigilant against efforts to disrupt national unity and the upcoming elections. He accused those who once sought to make Bangladesh a puppet state of creating confusion regarding the government and local elections. Remembering BNP’s founder, Ziaur Rahman, and honoring those who sacrificed their lives in past movements, including the July martyrs, he portrayed BNP as a party committed to continuous reform.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has alleged that fascists and their allies are conspiring to reverse the achievements of the mass uprising. She urged for unity to thwart these conspiracies. Emphasizing the need for immediate electoral reforms, she paid tribute to the July martyrs and extended sympathies to the injured. Calling for national unity, she affirmed that despite being in the UK for medical treatment, she remains committed to the people’s cause.

Speakers at a discussion on justice and sovereignty have alleged that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was the mastermind behind the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, executed under Indian directives. They claimed that the strength of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) posed a challenge to India, leading to the elimination of its officers. Citing testimonies and evidence from victims’ families, they accused Indian-trained forces and ruling party affiliates of involvement. The discussion also called for the trial of Hasina, Sheikh Selim, Sheikh Taposh, Mirza Azam, and others. Retired Major Mohsin stated that he was dismissed for questioning Hasina’s silence on the massacre, while activist Tasnuva labeled Hasina as the orchestrator of the attack.

BNP’s extended meeting has commenced with the recitation of the Quran, attended by 4,000 leaders and activists from across the country. The meeting, held at the LD Hall and surrounding grounds of the National Parliament, is being presided over virtually by BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman. The main agenda includes finalizing organizational strategies and election preparations. BNP aims to incorporate grassroots opinions into its action plan, and the meeting is expected to reveal potential election candidates. Party leaders and activists consider this gathering highly significant.

A petrol bomb attack targeted the BNP’s Upazila office in Alfadanga, Faridpur, at 2:00 AM on Tuesday night. Police recovered four unexploded bombs from the scene. According to authorities, unidentified attackers threw petrol bombs from a distance, setting part of the office on fire. Fire service personnel quickly brought the blaze under control and secured the remaining explosives. Local BNP leaders have called for justice, urging law enforcement to apprehend those responsible. Police stated that they are reviewing CCTV footage and will take action accordingly.

As part of its political restructuring, the National Citizen Committee has dissolved all its subcommittees and executive bodies, retaining only four key positions. Spokesperson Shamanta Sharmin announced that the committee's general meeting decided to retain only the Convenor, Member Secretary, Chief Organizer, and Spokesperson roles. The committee was formed on August 5, following the government's downfall. The current leadership includes Convenor Nasiruddin Patwari, Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Chief Organizer Sarjis Alam, and Spokesperson Shamanta Sharmin. Members who do not join the new party will retain their positions, while those who do will lose their membership. The four remaining leaders will oversee the formation of a new forum within the next 15 days.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has stated that his party does not believe in dividing humanity based on majority-minority distinctions. He expressed opposition to what he called a country dominated by "godfathers, godmothers, and fascist mafias." Urging people not to consider themselves minorities, he called for unity, stating that everyone born in Bangladesh is an equal and proud citizen. He also warned against neighbors engaging in dishonorable actions and stressed the need to protect national interests. During his speech, he paid tribute to those who lost their lives between October 26, 2006, and August 5, 2024.

BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused the Home Affairs Advisor of failing to take effective measures to ensure public security. He claimed that cultural programs are being deliberately obstructed and that the government has yet to meet public expectations. While the state is responsible for law enforcement, people did not anticipate the growing influence of local criminal groups. Expressing concern over incidents such as disruptions during the Boshonto Boron (Spring Festival) and attacks on religious shrines, Rizvi urged the Home Affairs Advisor to take swift action against neighborhood crime lords.

Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET) has expelled four students permanently and taken disciplinary action against a total of 48 students. Among them are Fahmid Latif Leon, President of the banned organization Chhatra League’s RUET unit, and its General Secretary, Soumik Saha. The university’s disciplinary committee, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, found them guilty of attacking protestors during the July uprising and engaging in exam malpractice. Additionally, legal action has been initiated against three university officials.

BNP leader Hummam Quader Chowdhury stated that while he never dreamed of becoming a professional athlete, he now sees an opportunity to play in the political arena. Speaking at the final match of a football tournament, he urged supporters not to leave him alone in this new journey. Reflecting on the past 16 years, he noted how the ruling party has often criticized his father, but today, standing on stage beside a portrait of his father labeled as a martyr, he feels a sense of recognition. He appealed to the public to support him as they once did for his father and pledged to build a proposed stadium in the future.

Dhaka University (DU) authorities have stated that they cannot announce the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) election schedule until all necessary preparations are complete. A press release emphasized that multiple reform committees are actively working on election logistics, gathering input from student organizations, journalists, and other stakeholders. The election timeline will be finalized only after these processes are completed.

BNP-backed former representatives have demanded that national elections be held before local government elections. At a rally, they warned of street protests if their demand is ignored. A five-member delegation was sent to submit a memorandum to the Chief Adviser. Speakers at the rally accused the ruling party of severe oppression and called for fair elections.