BNP leader Khairul Kabir Khokon has criticized the ruling Awami League, calling its leaders “refugee freedom fighters.”

He claimed that while Ziaur Rahman announced independence and fought on the battlefield, Awami League members fled to India and lived in luxury hotels during the 1971 Liberation War.

Khokon emphasized that the people of Bangladesh must decide through elections which government will serve them best. He also highlighted ongoing economic hardships, stating that 72% of Bangladeshis cannot afford nutritious food, while 42% live below the poverty line, and 35% struggle to eat two meals a day.

A sedition case has been filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The case, filed by CID with approval from the Home Ministry, also names US Awami League Vice President Dr. Rabbi Alam and 503 others. CID claims an online meeting on December 19, 2024, discussed forming a “Joy Bangla Brigade” to reinstate Hasina through civil war. The court has accepted the case and ordered an investigation.

NCP Convenor Nahid Islam stated that for those who suffered under Sheikh Hasina’s rule over the past 15–16 years, March 24 represents a second independence. He criticized politicians engaged in exploitative politics, asserting that relations with India must be based on equality and fairness. He pointed out ongoing issues such as border killings and the lack of equitable water-sharing agreements.

He also stressed the need to document the actual number of casualties in the anti-Modi protests, describing them as part of the broader anti-fascist struggle. Nahid Islam further asserted that Sheikh Hasina’s governance was sustained with Indian support, and accountability must be ensured for all political violence, disappearances, and killings under her rule.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to remain united against those who are once again engaging in destructive activities to destabilize the country. He stated that repeated violent incidents are being orchestrated to put pressure on the interim government. Emphasizing the need for strict action, he called for stern measures against the perpetrators.

Mirza Fakhrul specifically condemned the brutal killing of Nasir Uddin, the Organizational Secretary of the Krishak Dal Sitakunda unit and General Secretary of the Barbakund Union branch. Armed assailants attacked and killed him in a gruesome manner. Expressing deep sorrow, Fakhrul demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible.

The Islamic Movement Bangladesh has strongly opposed the Mongol Shobhajatra, calling it inconsistent with Islamic values. Spokesperson Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman stated, “Bengali New Year celebrations have a traditional rural significance, but attempts to incorporate anti-Islamic elements under authoritarian rule have distorted its meaning.”

He criticized the influence of Kolkata’s elite Hindu culture in shaping the parade, arguing that no festival should be imposed in a way that disregards the beliefs of the country’s Muslim majority.

BNP leader Ishraq Hossain has been declared the rightful mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) by a court ruling on the 2020 election. Commenting on the verdict, he said, “We have received justice, and that is the real victory. Whether I take office or not is entirely a party decision.”

Hossain added that the ruling signals a broader shift toward restoring justice in Bangladesh. “The fall of the fascist Hasina regime will bring back fairness in governance. Let this be the start of that journey.”

The 12-party alliance has submitted its stance to the National Consensus Commission, agreeing with 110 out of 166 proposed reforms, rejecting 48, and seeking further discussion on 8.

Alliance spokesperson Shahadat Hossain emphasized that reforms beyond electoral matters should be implemented by an elected parliament. “We strongly oppose proposals such as renaming the country, holding referendums, and restructuring local government elections.” The alliance has also demanded that the general elections be held by October.

Khelafat Majlis leader Mufti Shihabuddin has demanded an immediate halt to the construction of a sculpture allegedly contradicting the ideals of Shaheed Abu Sayeed. He also criticized the Mongol Shobhajatra (New Year’s parade), calling it a promotion of Hindu culture influenced by Kolkata’s traditions. “Such cultural practices should not be imposed in a new Bangladesh,” he stated.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has criticized the Chief Adviser’s remarks on the upcoming national election, calling them vague and lacking clear directives. “Words must align with actions,” he said, questioning how an election initially planned for December could be pushed to March or June.

Rizvi accused the ruling Awami League of repeatedly undermining democracy since independence, stating, “They have always deceived the people with lies and political gimmicks. Fascist Sheikh Hasina never aligned words with actions—she seized power and looted the nation’s wealth under the guise of development projects.” He urged the government to announce a specific and immediate election date.

A court has declared BNP candidate Ishraq Hossain as the winner of the 2020 Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) election, nullifying the government’s gazette that recognized Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh as mayor.

The court cited electoral irregularities and corruption as reasons for annulling the previous results. Ishraq Hossain had filed a case challenging the election outcome on March 3, 2020.

A Dhaka court has issued an arrest warrant against Md. Ashrafuzzaman, accused of fraudulently using BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s name.

The case was filed by Advocate Iltutmish Saudagar Annie, who alleged that the suspect has been deceiving people since the 1/11 political crisis, even defrauding an Awami League minister. After the mass uprising, Ashrafuzzaman allegedly continued financial scams by falsely claiming to be Tarique Rahman’s adviser and a coordinator of BNP’s standing committee. BNP took internal action upon discovering his activities.

In Baufal, Patuakhali, two local leaders of the Volunteer League—UP President Rimon Sikder (31) and General Secretary Liton Khandakar (40)—have been accused of robbing a businessman of BDT 8.65 lakh.

On Wednesday night, the victim, Sourav Bashar, filed a complaint with the Baufal police station. According to the complaint, Bashar arrived in Siddique Bazar with his petrol truck when Liton Khandakar demanded petrol on credit. Upon refusal, a group of five to six individuals reportedly told Bashar that he must pay BDT 10 lakh in extortion fees to operate in the area. The dispute escalated, and the group allegedly snatched a black bag containing BDT 8.65 lakh from Bashar. The accused have denied the allegations.

BNP’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, has sent an Eid-ul-Fitr greeting card to the interim government’s Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus. On Thursday morning, BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie delivered the card to the Chief Adviser’s office, where it was received by his secretary, Saifullah Panna.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs is facing difficulties in identifying fake freedom fighters. Over the past three months, more than 20,000 complaints have been filed against individuals holding fraudulent certificates. Allegations have also surfaced against those who secured jobs using fake documents. Additionally, even some genuine freedom fighters have been subjected to scrutiny.

To address this issue, the interim government has restructured the 10-member National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA), as well as the 10-member Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Welfare Trust and its executive committee.

Sources claim that former Minister for Liberation War Affairs, AKM Mozammel Haque, himself is a fake freedom fighter. According to JAMUKA, the number of fake freedom fighters exceeds 100,000. JAMUKA Director General Shahina Khatun stated that preliminary on-site hearings will be conducted to verify claims. Meanwhile, the government is also searching for families of martyrs who have yet to receive their entitled allowances.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has alleged that alongside Sheikh Hasina’s allies, new accomplices have emerged, all driven by the greed for power. He criticized certain groups for linking state structure reforms and the trial of Sheikh Hasina to the upcoming elections. Haque emphasized that the trial of Sheikh Hasina and structural reforms have no connection to the electoral process. He pointed out that while some are calling for reforms only after August 5, BNP had been advocating for them since July 13, 2023. According to him, the people want to vote, and through a fair election, a government chosen by the people will ultimately bring about true reforms and hold Hasina and her allies accountable.