BNP leader Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu has called for immediate national elections, stressing that meaningful reforms will come from the elected government. "The reforms being discussed are unnecessary if the country follows the 31-point program proposed by Tarique Rahman in 2022. That blueprint already lays out a comprehensive reform agenda," Dulu said.

He argued that any delay in elections under the pretense of reform is unjustified. "If BNP returns to power, it will govern based on those 31 points—which represent a charter for the liberation of the Bangladeshi people," he added, saying the reforms would cover all sectors, including agriculture, labor, judiciary, and democracy.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi accused India of provoking unrest along the border through forceful pushbacks. "By tripping and shoving people at the border, India is attempting to stir up trouble. If they continue to disregard Bangladesh’s sovereignty, they must be prepared to take responsibility for the consequences," Rizvi said.

He also criticized the ruling Awami League, alleging rampant corruption: "The Awami League’s leaders and ministers have embezzled public funds and laundered money abroad. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina must be held accountable."

In a 24-hour special operation across Bangladesh, police arrested 1,452 individuals. Of them, 1,053 were wanted under existing cases and warrants, while 399 were held for other offenses. The operation led to the recovery of two pistols, a magazine, one bullet, and a Burmese knife. Authorities confirmed the crackdown will continue. Separately, Mohammadpur police in Dhaka arrested 11 people involved in crimes under the Speedy Trial Act, narcotics charges, and pending warrants.

Imran Hossain (30), a garment worker from Nandail, Mymensingh, who was injured during the July uprising in Gazipur by police rubber bullets, has died due to lack of medical care. He was not included in the official list of those injured in the movement.

His father, Islam Uddin, said, “Because we are poor, managing time and resources was very difficult. We couldn't seek help or ensure he was officially listed among the injured. Last night, he clutched his chest in pain and passed away in agony.” The local administration and the National Coordination Platform (NCP) stated that they were unaware of Imran’s condition.

Bangladesh reported seven new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours after testing 139 individuals, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). This brings the total number of cases in the country to 2,051,807 since the start of the pandemic in 2020. During the same period, five patients recovered, raising the total number of recoveries to 2,019,401. No new deaths were reported, keeping the total COVID-19 death toll at 29,502.

India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has forcibly sent 16 people into Bangladesh through the Mirgarh border in Panchagarh Sadar and Pedia Ganj in Tetulia. Among them are four Indian nationals. Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) detained the group early Saturday, which includes six Bangladeshi women, two children, and four men. According to Lieutenant Colonel Monirul Islam, commanding officer of Panchagarh-18 BGB, arrangements are being made to return the Indian nationals through a flag meeting, while the Bangladeshis will be handed over to their families.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, has urged the government to complete ongoing political reforms within a month. He stressed that the work of the National Consensus Commission should be finalized by June or July. Calling for the signing of a ‘July Charter’ by all political parties, he also demanded justice for those responsible for last year’s deadly crackdown, comparing their crimes to the war criminals of 1971. Haque also highlighted his party’s resistance against past fascist regimes.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has assured that Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to ensure security during the upcoming elections. Acknowledging that minor incidents are inevitable, he noted that such occurrences have been part of Bangladesh’s 53-year history. He urged media outlets not to distort or sensationalize isolated incidents, as such reporting is often manipulated by foreign interests.

The World Bank has approved a $250 million loan to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency within Bangladesh’s public sector. The project, titled “Strengthening Institutions for Transparency and Accountability,” will support key agencies including the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, National Board of Revenue, Planning Division, Central Procurement Technical Unit, and the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. The World Bank expects these institutional reforms to help reduce corruption in the country.

Rashed Khan, General Secretary of Gano Adhikar Parishad, has declared that the upcoming national election will be the best in Bangladesh’s history. Urging voters to reject extortionists, occupiers, and those involved in mafia networks or fascist activities, he called on citizens to support candidates with clean images. He also announced the party’s preparation to contest all 300 parliamentary seats. Rashed Khan made these remarks while exchanging Eid greetings in Jhenaidah, where he also participated in a motorbike rally.

Dengue fever has claimed another life in Bangladesh, with 169 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Barisal reported the highest number of admissions (101), followed by Dhaka (35), Chattogram (28), and other regions. This year, dengue has so far claimed 29 lives, with a total of 5,739 infections across the country.

Police in Gazipur’s Pubail area have arrested six individuals for impersonating police officers in an attempted robbery. Authorities recovered two toy pistols, fake walkie-talkies, police uniforms, handcuffs, stickers, caps, and other police-related gear from the suspects. Police suspect the group was preparing for a robbery and are investigating further.

Police have arrested Barsha Islam Brishti, the admin of the Facebook group ‘Tour Expert,’ following the deaths of two tourists in Bandarban’s Alikadam area. The arrest followed a case filed by the father of one of the deceased, alleging negligence and unauthorized operations in dangerous hilly regions. The victims reportedly drowned due to sudden flash floods during the unauthorized tour, while one person remains missing.

Responding to Jamaat-e-Islami’s criticism, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has denied claims that the party received any special favor from Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. He clarified that Jamaat’s own earlier suggestion of holding elections before Ramadan 2026 aligns with the newly announced election timeline. Salahuddin urged Jamaat and others to view the London meeting from a national perspective, beyond narrow partisan interests.

Education Adviser C.R. Abrar has called for national unity to counter conspiracies against Bangladesh and continue building a prosperous nation for which many sacrificed their lives. Speaking at a Buddha Purnima event organized by the Bangladesh Buddhist Association in Chattogram, he urged reforms in the education system to make learning more joyful and to stop commercial exploitation in the sector. The event also honored distinguished individuals, members of the Buddhist Welfare Trust, and outstanding students.