Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has demanded that the national daily Prothom Alo publicly apologize for using an image of a dog in an Eid greeting cartoon published on March 30. Recalling a previous instance where the editor apologized publicly at Baitul Mukarram for alleged disrespect toward the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, he said, “This act shows a deeply offensive mindset. Even a sacred celebration like Eid was not spared. This cartoon must be retracted, and an apology to the nation is mandatory.”

Maruf Kamal Khan, former press secretary to ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, praised Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, saying, “Some people captivate us with their talent and magical skills. They stun us, move us, and render us speechless with admiration. Yet admiration is not the same as love. Love is a different, inexplicable emotion.” He added, “Dr. Yunus is such an exceptional person whose achievements overwhelm us. But he cannot be exclusively owned or loved by any one nation—he is universal. He belongs not just to Bangladesh, but to the entire world.” Contrasting this, he noted, “Our love is reserved for those we relate to—flawed, complex, yet dear. They are our own, intertwined with our destiny—destinies that no one can change.”

BNP’s Ruhul Kabir Rizvi emphasized the importance of continuous reform without compromising democratic values. He warned against allowing the gains of the mass uprising to be eroded by fascist forces. Rizvi called for unity in upholding freedom of speech and democratic continuity, stressing that differences in opinion should not hinder the national cause. He also blamed Sheikh Hasina for dismantling judicial independence and pledged to restore it.

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman stated that reform is a continuous process and not a fixed benchmark. Criticizing groups demanding reforms before elections, he said they are quietly announcing candidates while BNP refrains from doing so. Rahman reiterated that BNP proposed reforms during its worst repression, with leaders jailed and activists forced into hiding. He added that BNP has policy plans covering education, environment, and agriculture, and the implementation timeline will depend on future circumstances.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah emphasized the importance of recognizing positive government actions alongside criticisms. In a Facebook post, he praised Adviser Faizul Kabir Khan for reducing outstanding dues in the power and energy sector from $3.2 billion to $800 million. He also noted significant improvements in Eid transportation and uninterrupted power supply across the country. Highlighting Khan’s decision to commute by train and open railway hospitals to the public, Hasnat applauded his humility and leadership. He further commended Khan’s rare practice of taking responsibility for road accidents and his development initiatives in Sandwip without seeking personal credit.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed clarified that the July movement was not a revolution but a mass democratic uprising driven by students and citizens. Criticizing the interim government as unelected, he asserted that the public will be reminded daily of this fact. He accused the administration of manipulating electoral narratives while suppressing democratic rights.

The Pahela Baishakh celebration at DC Hill in Chattogram was abruptly canceled after unknown individuals vandalized the event stage on Sunday evening. According to organizer Sucharit Das Khokon, 30 to 40 youths stormed the venue shouting slogans like “Beware of the dictator’s accomplices.” They tore down banners and decorations. Police detained six suspects, but organizers claimed they received no immediate help and called off Monday’s event.

Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) leader Abu Raihan stated that any call for elections without addressing war crimes and structural reforms will be rejected by the people. He warned that premature elections could lead to renewed instability and accused certain parties of using elections for personal gain. Abu Raihan emphasized that foreign prescriptions for governance are no longer acceptable and stressed the importance of recognizing the July uprising as a second independence movement. During an event, 180 July movement victims were issued health cards by the Civil Surgeon’s Office in Cumilla.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed gratitude for the successful “March for Gaza” campaign. He apologized for any mistakes during the implementation of the program and condemned attacks on business establishments in Gazipur, urging authorities to identify and punish those involved. He emphasized that organizers repeatedly warned participants against engaging in such acts, and those responsible, regardless of their intent, must be held accountable.

Dhaka University Proctor Prof. Saifuddin Ahmed has confirmed that the individual responsible for setting fire to two decorative motifs prepared for the Pahela Baishakh procession at the Faculty of Fine Arts has been identified. The accused is Rabiul Islam Rakib, a student of the Arabic department and a former activist of the now-banned Chhatra League faction. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner SM Sajjad Ali announced that Rakib will be arrested before the start of the New Year’s procession on Monday.

In Gaibandha’s Sundarganj, six BNP and affiliate activists were injured in a reported attack by ruling Awami League supporters. The clash erupted after BNP activist Shafiqul Islam allegedly hit a bench in front of a shop owned by a former Chhatra League leader, leading to a heated argument. Later, Shafiqul was assaulted by AL leader Nazmul Master and his associates. When BNP and Jubo Dal members tried to rescue him, they too were attacked. Police arrested three individuals, including Nazmul Master and his brother, from the scene.

Zakir Khan, the former president of Narayanganj District Chhatra Dal, has been released from prison after completing a five-year sentence in an anti-terrorism case. He was warmly welcomed with flowers by his family and a large number of supporters upon his release. His lawyer stated that Zakir Khan had faced 33 cases, of which he has been acquitted in 32. He is currently out on bail in the remaining case. Notably, he was arrested by RAB-11 on September 3, 2022, after remaining absconding for a long time. He gradually secured bail in various cases and was acquitted on January 7 this year in the high-profile Sabbir Alam murder case.

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.