Tensions flared in Cumilla Thursday night following the announcement of new committees for the BNP’s South District and Metropolitan units of its student wing. Disgruntled activists who were denied positions staged an immediate protest. After marching through the city, they gathered outside the party offices in Kandirpar, chanting slogans. A few individuals then stormed the BNP office, vandalized furniture, and set parts of the premises on fire. Locals rushed to extinguish the flames. Shortly afterward, several crude bombs were detonated in the vicinity. Clashes were also reported between newly appointed members and those left out.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has pledged that if elected, his party will run the state with a sense of accountability and fear of God. “We will not bow to any global superpower,” he stated. Rahman emphasized Jamaat’s long struggle to establish a Quranic society in Bangladesh, saying they aim to build a system like that of Caliph Umar (RA). He called for unity beyond race, religion, or political affiliation and declared martyrdom as the highest honor in a believer’s life.

Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Committee to Protect Oil-Gas and Mineral Resources, has received a chilling death threat by mail. The letter, signed under the alias “Bullet,” was delivered to his village home and warns of murder and violence against him and his family. “They’ll kill me wherever they find me,” Akhtar wrote on Facebook. “I’ve had several close brushes with death. Still, I never backed down from protesting, and never will, InshaAllah. My trust lies with Allah.”

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan has said that the only way to restore democracy in Bangladesh is through a free and fair national election held without delay. “We fought against Pakistan for democracy,” he stated, adding that democracy was later derailed when a one-party BAKSAL system was imposed, ignoring the people's will. “That authoritarian regime ultimately collapsed in 2024 following mass student and public protests,” he noted. Emphasizing BNP’s commitment to inclusive politics, he said, “We do not believe in the politics of vengeance. BNP wants to build the country alongside all pro-democracy citizens. We support freedom of speech and a free media for everyone in Bangladesh.” He also recalled that former President Ziaur Rahman often took rural artists along during foreign trips, and that Zia aimed to rebuild Bangladesh based on nationalism.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has criticized the government, questioning its authority to hand over control of ports and corridors to foreign entities. "What deals have you made abroad? What mandate do you have to transfer our sea ports, river ports, and corridors to foreign powers?" he asked. He stated that the government's sole mandate is to organize a general election in Bangladesh. Salahuddin urged the government to prioritize electoral reforms and hold national elections by December. He also condemned the appointment of a foreign national as the country’s National Security Adviser.

Tarique Rahman has stated that pro-democracy parties in Bangladesh, including the BNP, have consistently called for the government to present a clear roadmap for its action plan. However, the government has failed to respond adequately. Instead of announcing a specific date for the next general election, the administration has entangled the nation in a complex debate of “minor vs major reforms.” Rahman noted that signs of unrest are now visible both inside and outside the government, despite being in power for just 10 months. He reaffirmed that democratic parties remain committed to supporting an interim government to ensure elections that are transparent and accountable to the people. He emphasized that now is the time to institutionalize democracy by developing and implementing effective processes and frameworks.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that reforms are not a one-time event but an ongoing process. “The nation has the right to know when these reforms will be completed and when the Election Commission will announce the schedule,” he said. Rizvi criticized the current economic situation, pointing to the fragile stock market and skyrocketing prices of essentials, including spices ahead of Eid-ul-Adha. “Only an elected government can ensure accountability,” he argued. “The people should be free to choose their representatives and decide who holds power. That right has been taken away—and there’s no clear answer as to why it hasn’t been restored.”

Rashed Khan, a leader of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, stated that appointing Ishraq Hossain as mayor would bring Dhaka a competent and people-friendly leader. In a statement, he criticized the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) for appointing their own people as administrators in Dhaka North and attempting to do the same in the South. However, the court ruled in Ishraq’s favor following the mass uprising. Despite this, the Ministry of Local Government appears unwilling to let a BNP leader like Ishraq assume office, fearing a shift of power away from the NCP. “Ishraq Hossain is a humble, public-oriented figure,” Khan said. “It is his rightful place.”

Ishraq Hossain has called on the Ministry of Local Government to arrange his swearing-in as the elected mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Speaking at a press conference, he set a one-month deadline for the ministry to take necessary action. Meanwhile, his supporters have locked all the gates of the DSCC headquarters, Nagar Bhaban, in protest. Today marks the third consecutive day of demonstrations under the banner Dhakabashi, demanding that Ishraq be allowed to assume office.

Over 200 members of the Tekarhat Fish Traders Association, including a banned Awami League leader and a former councillor, officially joined the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) in Madaripur’s Rajoir upazila. The event highlighted growing discontent with the ruling party and support for NCP’s anti-corruption stance. Leaders accused both the ruling and opposition parties of extortion and oppression. The new members pledged to build a strong base for NCP in the region and push for political reform.

JSD leader Tania Rob expressed concern over recent proposals involving a humanitarian corridor with Myanmar and the management of Chattogram Port, which have sparked public anxiety.
She emphasized that any agreement must prioritize national interest and be taken with public consensus.
“The public must be clearly informed about the rationale and benefits of these deals. Transparency is crucial,” she said.
She also stressed that constitutional and political reforms are vital to ensure that the fascist regime overthrown through public uprising does not return in any form.
“A free, fair, and inclusive election is essential to restore the country’s democratic path,” she concluded.

Rashed Pradhan, Vice President of JAGPA, stated that in a Bangladesh free from the fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League, Indian hegemony will not be tolerated.
He noted that just as people fought for democracy during the July uprising, the same spirit must now defend the country’s independence and sovereignty.
He condemned the recent “push-ins” by Indian forces at the border, forcibly sending hundreds of displaced Rohingyas into Bangladesh, labeling it a direct threat to national sovereignty.
Pradhan called on the government to take a strong stance, even urging citizen patrols alongside border forces to stop further incursions.

BNP leader Zainul Abdin Farroque urged the government to initiate elections before incurring the fury of the people. “Instead of reforming the public, Sheikh Hasina herself should undergo reform,” he said.
He emphasized that BNP has shown patience and adhered to Tarique Rahman’s guidance over the past 17 years while demanding democratic elections.
Referring to Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Farroque said, “We hold great hope in you. It’s been nine months since the regime assumed power, yet now the talk of 'corridors' arises. The real reform — already outlined by Tarique Rahman — remains ignored.”
He concluded by saying, “We are proud of you. Don’t shatter that pride. Just as rivers change course after hitting rocks, let us avoid crashing into public rage and move towards elections.”

Supporters of Ishraque Hossain, who have been protesting for three consecutive days demanding that he be formally handed over mayoral responsibilities, declared Advisor Asif Mahmud persona non grata at Dhaka South City Corporation’s (DSCC) Nagar Bhaban.
Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, who carries out official duties under the Ministry of Local Government at Nagar Bhaban, did not report to the office on the day due to the ongoing demonstrations by Ishraque’s supporters.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that, after a long time, the party now has an opportunity to recruit new members — a chance that must be utilized. He emphasized that joining the BNP, the largest political party in the country, is a matter of pride. However, he cautioned that socially unacceptable individuals, such as extortionists, criminals, and corrupt figures, must not be allowed into the party.
He further stated that current members of the Awami League should not be recruited into BNP. However, those who were once AL supporters but did not obstruct BNP activities or commit any acts of oppression — and even supported BNP discreetly — may be considered for membership. “But no one should be inducted into the party in secret,” he warned.