Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam stated that the July Revolution was not intended to replace one political party with another in power. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon at a large protest rally and procession organized by the 11-party alliance at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram, demanding implementation of the referendum verdict and protesting the ruling party’s stance against it.

ATM Azharul Islam, also an MP, said the current prime minister, home minister, cabinet members, and MPs were elected because of the July Revolution, which aimed to end fascist rule, not to establish one-party dominance. He called for constitutional reform to build a new Bangladesh and warned that Jamaat would take to the streets if the government acted against the people. Other alliance leaders, including those from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, National Citizen Party, and Liberal Democratic Party, criticized the BNP for rejecting the referendum results and accused the government of ignoring public will.

Speakers at the rally emphasized that implementing the July Charter and respecting the referendum outcome were essential to prevent authoritarianism and ensure accountability in governance.

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain stated that 70 percent of beneficiaries selected under the previous government’s aid programs were fake and that the current administration is working to correct this. He made the remarks on Saturday at the Dinajpur Shishu Academy auditorium during a check distribution ceremony for private orphanages and ashrams organized by the Dinajpur District Administration and the Department of Social Services.

The minister urged those responsible for orphanages to care for children as their own and instructed officials at all levels to conduct regular field visits to ensure proper treatment of orphans. He emphasized that no mistreatment of orphaned children would be tolerated. Dr. Hossain also reaffirmed that the BNP government would faithfully implement its election manifesto and the national charter signed at the Parliament’s South Plaza, which he described as a national document.

He added that the government is working to rehabilitate orphaned children through proper care, education, and training so they can integrate into mainstream society.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman held a meeting with the newly appointed administrators of 14 district councils on Saturday evening at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka. The information was confirmed by Shairul Kabir Khan, a member of the party’s media cell.

Earlier, on March 30, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had met with the newly appointed administrators of 42 districts. The latest meeting marks a continuation of his engagement with local administrative leadership following recent appointments.

The meeting reflects the Prime Minister’s ongoing efforts to coordinate with district-level administrators, though details of the discussions or decisions taken were not disclosed in the report.

Senior lawyer Shishir Monir said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) decision to repeal several important ordinances goes against the public interest. He expressed his remarks on Saturday at a roundtable discussion titled ‘Implementation of the July Charter’ organized by Nexus for Defense and Justice at the National Press Club.

Monir questioned why the BNP was withdrawing from the reform process, saying it was difficult to understand their reasoning. He emphasized that the people had already given their historic verdict through a referendum, and there was no scope for manipulation of that decision. He argued that if government or constitutional institutions publish their audit reports online for public access, there should be no objection from the authorities.

He further stated that citizens have the right to know how much money is spent in the Supreme Court and in elections. Monir warned that declaring all ordinances void while expecting the public to remain passive would not be acceptable in the country.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of disrespecting the nation by avoiding the oath of the Constitutional Reform Council and disregarding the referendum. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon during an eleven-party alliance protest rally held at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque in Dhaka.

At the same rally, National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary and Rangpur-4 MP Akhtar Hossain said all political parties had agreed on constitutional reform rather than amendment, alleging that BNP avoided the referendum to keep state power concentrated in one person’s hands. Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis chief Mamunul Haque added that BNP’s politics was opportunistic and warned that people would take to the streets if the party ignored public opinion.

Following the speeches, thousands of activists joined a procession led by eleven-party alliance leaders that started from Baitul Mukarram and proceeded through Paltan and Nightingale intersections.

Iran has expressed interest in enhancing bilateral diplomatic relations with its neighboring countries, according to Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. In an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic, Ghalibaf stated that Iran was prepared for ongoing conflicts and had already demonstrated its defense capabilities. He described the current war as Israel’s war, saying that the resulting security crisis and damage had affected the entire world.

Ghalibaf said Iran was compelled to target U.S. bases and interests to maintain its regional presence. He warned that any escalation against Iran would trigger a “widespread and severe” response against U.S. regional interests. He emphasized that ensuring regional security was in the interest of all countries involved and that sustainable security remained Iran’s priority.

The speaker added that regional nations could protect their interests through bilateral and multilateral security agreements without foreign interference. He identified the United States and Israel as the main sources of regional instability and said lasting security could only be achieved by eliminating their influence.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam has called on former chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to join street protests to preserve the reforms introduced during the interim government. Speaking to reporters at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday after returning from performing Umrah, Nahid said those who once held interim government responsibilities must now speak out against the repeal of their ordinances.

He accused the current BNP government of ignoring reform commitments and acting autocratically after gaining a two-thirds majority. Nahid alleged that the BNP is refusing to turn key ordinances—such as those on enforced disappearance prevention, the Human Rights Commission, and judicial appointments—into law, thereby undermining democratic accountability. He also reminded the BNP that many of its leaders had been victims of disappearances and warned that repealing such measures would tarnish the party’s image.

Nahid stated that since parliamentary solutions have failed, his party will take to the streets to demand a constitutional reform council and legal recognition of the ordinances. He warned that without public trust, the BNP government would struggle to govern amid looming economic challenges.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Amir Maulana Mamunul Haque has accused the BNP of disregarding the people’s clear verdict in a recent referendum and attempting to consolidate authoritarian power through constitutional amendments. He made the remarks on Saturday during the party’s central executive council meeting at its Purana Paltan headquarters in Dhaka, chaired by Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmed.

Mamunul Haque alleged that the BNP, using its parliamentary majority, was ignoring the referendum outcome and revising ordinances issued during the previous interim government, despite having supported some of them earlier. He warned that such actions signaled a dangerous political crisis. The meeting announced nationwide protests on April 10 and a mass rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on April 24 to demand implementation of the referendum verdict.

The meeting also criticized recent comments by the culture minister, expressed concern over fuel shortages and vaccine scarcity, and condemned ongoing attacks on Iran by Israel and the United States, urging global leaders to act for peace in the Middle East.

Member of Parliament Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury announced that development projects in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, will be adopted and implemented after carefully reviewing public opinion. He made the statement on Saturday at a consultation meeting focused on setting strategies for the 2026–27 fiscal year and the next five-year work plan. The meeting was organized by the upazila administration and chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Islam Uddin.

Expressing gratitude to voters for electing him, Mujibur Rahman said that under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, the current BNP government is working for public welfare. He added that the government has various plans to improve the living standards of disadvantaged ethnic communities and tea workers, which will be implemented gradually. The five-year plan will also identify local problems, opportunities, and potentials for Sreemangal’s development.

During the meeting, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer informed that residents can submit written opinions within seven days to contribute to the upcoming fiscal and five-year development plans. Officials, politicians, and representatives from various professional groups attended the event.

Akhtar Hossain, member secretary of the Jatiya Nagorik Party and Member of Parliament for Rangpur-4, stated that the government will not be able to survive if it disregards the people’s verdict delivered through a referendum. He made the remarks on Saturday at a rally held in the courtyard of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram.

Hossain explained that the call for a reform council was not new and that all political parties had previously agreed through the Consensus Commission to pursue constitutional reforms aimed at sustainable change. He accused the ruling side of ignoring the people’s mandate in pursuit of a two-thirds majority and insisted that the constitution should represent the people rather than follow the 1972 Mujibist model.

Addressing the government, he alleged that authorities oppose reforms and referendums to maintain control under a single individual. He warned that no government could remain in power by disregarding public opinion.

Cumilla-4 Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah posted a Facebook status on Saturday afternoon referring to an old statement by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The post was made after 4 p.m. and discussed remarks Rahman made on November 29 about his longing for his mother’s affection and the limited control he had over decisions regarding his return to the country.

Hasnat’s post questioned whether those who influenced Rahman’s return on December 25, despite internal party disagreements, also had any role in decisions such as the repeal of the enforced disappearance and human rights ordinance. He further raised the issue of whether Rahman’s governance might similarly be influenced by others.

The article also mentioned other political updates, including statements of condolence from party leaders following a fire incident in Keraniganj and a scheduled meeting of the BNP Standing Committee.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi has emphasized the need for a final and permanent solution to end what he described as an imposed and illegal war on his country. In a post on social media platform X, Aragchi stated that ensuring the conditions for a lasting end to the conflict remains Iran’s main objective, according to Al Jazeera.

Aragchi criticized U.S. media outlets for misrepresenting Iran’s position, particularly regarding his recent visit to Pakistan. He dismissed reports suggesting that Iran had rejected the Islamabad trip, asserting that Iran holds deep gratitude toward Pakistan. His remarks indicate that while Iran remains open to diplomatic solutions, it insists on its own terms for ending the war.

The statement underscores Tehran’s focus on achieving a negotiated but definitive resolution to the conflict, while countering what it views as misinformation about its diplomatic stance.

Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) reported that at least 113 incidents of political violence occurred across Bangladesh in March 2026, resulting in 18 deaths. The organization released this information in its monthly report on the country’s human rights situation, published on Saturday.

According to the report, while the number of political violence incidents declined compared to February, the death toll increased. The HRSS also documented that at least 59 journalists were subjected to assault or harassment in 34 separate attacks during the same month. Additionally, 13 people were killed in incidents of mob violence and public beatings.

The report further noted that the decision by the current government not to approve several key ordinances issued by the interim administration has raised public concerns about the new government’s commitment to justice and human rights.

State Minister for Local Government Mir Shah Alam announced that the local government elections will be declared once the election-related ordinances are passed into law. He made the statement on Saturday after paying tribute at the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar mausoleum of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, along with newly appointed district administrators.

Shah Alam explained that those who were not nominated in the national elections but are dedicated party leaders have been appointed as district administrators. He added that although these appointments were made on party consideration, the officials will act neutrally in future elections for their own accountability. The minister emphasized that all appointees will remain under a system of accountability.

He further stated that the upcoming local government elections will not include party symbols. Shah Alam also mentioned that an investigation is ongoing against former Dhaka North City Corporation administrator Mohammad Ejaz.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and opposition chief whip, has called on Dr. Muhammad Yunus to take to the streets in protest against the cancellation of key ordinances issued during the interim government period. Speaking to journalists at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday after returning from performing Umrah, Nahid said the annulment of these ordinances carries significant political implications and that Dr. Yunus should not remain silent.

Nahid Islam accused the ruling party of manipulating the political process to bring the BNP to power and criticized it for disregarding reform promises and referendum commitments. He claimed that several important ordinances, including those related to enforced disappearance prevention, national human rights, and the secretariat, were being repealed without parliamentary discussion.

He warned that unless the repeal of these ordinances is formalized into law, the BNP would not be free from its past controversies, emphasizing that the current actions could undermine democratic accountability.