Speaking to worshippers after Friday prayers at Khilgaon Chourasta Jame Mosque in Dhaka, BNP leader Mirza Abbas declared that no criminal would be spared, regardless of their affiliation.

“If the police release any extortionist upon someone’s request, I will personally recommend action against that officer to the higher authorities,” he stated. Abbas emphasized that extortionists and terrorists must be resisted, regardless of their political alignment.

He further warned that if any BNP leader lobbies for the release of extortionists and criminals, they too must be handed over to the law. “During autocratic rule, no one could raise their voice in protest, which emboldened those in power. We must resist extortionists,” he asserted.

On Friday afternoon, NCP Convenor Nahid Islam stated that the identities of ‘Anti-Discrimination’ or ‘Coordinator’ no longer exist. He urged legal action against anyone misusing these identities for wrongdoing.

Nahid mentioned that the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement is no longer in its previous state; instead, a student organization has emerged from it. Addressing a Reuters interview, he clarified that some statements were misquoted. “I had mentioned that our financial support mainly comes from well-off individuals and well-wishers in society. We are moving towards a crowdfunding approach,” he said.

He also expressed concern over the rising incidents of violence against women, including rape and harassment, across different parts of the country. The National Citizens’ Party strongly condemns these incidents.

Police arrested Rishad Hasan Prince, a former central committee member of the banned student wing and ex-vice president of Barguna District Student League, in Barguna Municipality on Friday. He was later presented in court under a special powers act case filed by a youth wing leader, and the court ordered his imprisonment. Barguna Sadar police station officer-in-charge Dewan Jaglul Hasan confirmed that Rishad was arrested based on intelligence reports.

The central committee of the student wing expelled Gazipur district leader Ramiz Uddin Saikat (30) following allegations of assaulting a businessman in Sreepur on Friday. According to reports, the businessman, Enamul Haque Munshi, refused to give Saikat a watermelon without payment, leading to the altercation. While Saikat denied the allegations, claiming that false information was spread against him, eyewitnesses stated that he assaulted Munshi after being refused free goods. Saikat, a former joint general secretary of the district student wing, maintained that the businessman was overpricing the watermelons and attacked him when he protested.

Sarjis Alam clarified that he does not hold the entire student front responsible for the attack on him in Bashundhara Residential Area. He specifically accused Ahmed Shakil, a central committee member of the student wing, of intentionally creating a tense and uncomfortable situation. Sarjis stated, “My stance is clear—the attack is not the fault of the entire Bangladesh Student Front, but rather an individual, Shakil. Since he is an official member of the organization, the student front should conduct a proper investigation and take disciplinary action against him.”

NCP convener Nahid Islam refuted allegations that his party is involved in delaying the elections. In an interview, he stated that after Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power, Bangladesh continues to struggle with law and order issues, making it difficult to organize elections under the current circumstances. He criticized political parties for their lack of commitment to reforms and the people’s uprising. Emphasizing NCP’s goal to emerge as a positive force, he expressed hope for maintaining the party’s strength for a century. “No one anticipated an uprising, but I sincerely hope and believe that we are on the path to victory,” Nahid added.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi criticized India for constantly discussing Bangladesh in its diplomatic engagements. He pointed out that India has held discussions about Bangladesh with the United States and the United Kingdom, questioning why Bangladesh is a frequent topic in such talks. “Does Bangladesh not have its own government? This is a sovereign country, separate from its neighboring states. Who gave you the right to discuss Bangladesh with other nations?” he asked. Rizvi further alleged that India has turned into a political safe haven for Sheikh Hasina’s allies, helping to transform Bangladesh into a submissive state under her rule.

The Bangladesh Democratic Students’ Council (BDSC) has announced a protest march to condemn Hizbut Tahrir’s efforts to destabilize the country through open activities. The protest also aims to highlight the failure of state security forces to prevent the group’s operations. The march will begin at 7:00 PM from the Raju Sculpture following Iftar on Friday. Earlier, Hizbut Tahrir had initiated their ‘March for Khilafah’ program from the northern gate of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque after Friday prayers. The law enforcement agencies dispersed the gathering with sound grenades and tear gas shortly after the march began, arresting several individuals in the process.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah urged Islamic scholars to remain vocal against India’s misinformation campaigns to protect national achievements. Speaking at a discussion organized by the Allama Sayeedi Foundation on Friday (March 7), he warned that without strong resistance, all progress could be undone. As a key organizer in the southern region, Hasnat emphasized that various propaganda efforts are being spread abroad, and it is crucial for everyone to be cautious and proactive in countering them. He further asserted that India’s conspiracies persist and urged for a continued struggle against them.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has voiced concern over the rising incidents of violence against women in Bangladesh. He emphasized that while women have made significant contributions to national progress, they continue to face harassment, assault, and even murder in educational institutions and workplaces. He blamed the ruling government for failing to take strict action against perpetrators, leading to increased impunity. He urged authorities to ensure justice and safeguard women’s constitutional rights.

BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has stated that if the Election Commission operates properly, the national election could take place in June or July instead of December. Speaking at a prayer gathering for martyrs and the injured under Hasina’s rule, he emphasized that they consider the interim government as a caretaker government, which will oversee the national election. He insisted that no other elections should take place before the national polls.

Rizvi accused Sheikh Hasina of being the leader of a band of robbers, alleging that she fled Bangladesh after brutally suppressing students and shedding blood. He also criticized India for allegedly providing her refuge and support.

Since August 5, nearly 45,000 members of the fallen ruling party have fled to India, with most settling in Kolkata. They are actively maintaining communication through Facebook, Messenger, Telegram, Signal, and WhatsApp while plotting to destabilize the interim government. Reports suggest they are reviving banned militant organizations, including extremist groups from the southern region. League insiders claim these activities are being orchestrated under the direct supervision of “Fascist Hasina.”

Motaharul Islam Riyad, the convener of Jubo Dal in Monirampur Upazila, Jessore, has been accused of assaulting Shahin Alam, an accountant clerk at the Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s (UNO) office. In protest, UNO Nishat Tamanna, Assistant Commissioner Niaz Makhdum, and other staff members formed a human chain on Thursday.

Shahin Alam recounted that on Wednesday afternoon, he was chatting with his colleague Saiful Islam in front of the office. At that moment, Saiful mentioned over the phone, “Shahin is right in front of me.” Riyad, who was on the other end, then insisted on speaking to Shahin. However, upon receiving the call, Riyad reportedly began verbally abusing him. When Shahin protested, Riyad arrived shortly with a group of 20-25 men. Allegedly, in Riyad’s presence, Shahin was physically assaulted.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s government is facing a precarious situation after surviving two no-confidence motions in parliament. The latest challenge came amid allegations that Montenegro benefited financially while in office. Although the Socialist Party and Chega Party abstained from voting, preventing the opposition’s no-confidence motion from passing, the government now faces a high-risk confidence vote next week. If the government fails to secure parliamentary support, Montenegro’s administration could collapse, plunging Portugal into political uncertainty.

Three leaders of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) resigned from their positions on Thursday, citing personal reasons. They submitted separate resignation letters to party convenor Nahid Islam. The resigning leaders include Joint Chief Coordinator Abu Hanif, Joint Chief Organizer (North Zone) Hanif Khan Sojib, and Joint Chief Coordinator Abduz Zaher. Sources revealed that Abu Hanif was previously a senior member of the Gono Odhikar Parishad. Hanif, along with at least 20 other leaders and activists from Nurul Haque’s Gono Odhikar Parishad, had recently joined the NCP. Their resignations came within a week of switching parties.