Speaking at the founding anniversary of the AB Party, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman emphasized the need for political unity in the interest of the country. He warned that holding local elections before national polls could give rise to authoritarianism. He criticized dismissive remarks about national elections, saying such rhetoric emboldens anti-democratic forces. Rahman also stated that decisions on economic corridors must come from an elected parliament and that those who have violated the constitution in recent years must be held accountable. He stressed that it is the government's responsibility to ensure a free, fair, and inclusive election.

During the anniversary of the AB Party, NCP Convener Nahid Islam called for the cancellation of Awami League’s political registration and a complete ban on its activities. He claimed that on August 5, the people of Bangladesh delivered a verdict against the Awami League, signifying their rejection of its political legitimacy. According to him, the people will decide the party’s fate—either through voting or mass movements. Nahid added that although all parties talk about reform, true reform must involve a united front to ensure a new system of governance and peaceful power transition.

According to a circular signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Golam Kabir, the position of ‘Assistant Teacher’ has officially been included in the gazetted category as per the 1970 memorandum of the Education Department. This means teachers at government secondary schools will now receive benefits associated with gazetted status, including higher pay scales. The new rules also stipulate that second-class master’s or M.Ed. degree holders will receive one additional increment, while first-class postgraduates will receive two. The order has been made retroactively effective from July 1, 2015.

BNP leader Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas stated that the people see Begum Khaleda Zia as a symbol of trust and security. Calling her an undisputed leader, he said she has instructed party members not to act out of vengeance. He emphasized that many workers lost their lives during the July uprising and described them as the primary architects of the new Bangladesh. Highlighting the role of laborers in every political movement, he recalled how President Ziaur Rahman once introduced himself as a worker in 1978 and how Khaleda Zia proudly called herself the wife of a laborer in 1991. He added that workers have played a critical role over the last two years and affirmed that basic rights for all will be ensured in the future.

Gazi Salauddin Tanvir, recently served with a show-cause notice and temporarily relieved of his duties at the National Citizens’ Platform (NCP) over alleged commission-based dealings in textbook printing, has announced he will voluntarily go to jail if not reinstated.

“Not being reinstated would imply I’m guilty. As of now, I firmly state that I am not. I will surrender myself to the law to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted,” Tanvir told reporters.

He further demanded a full-scale investigation from the government and added, “If I don’t get my position back, I’ll willingly go to prison to prove my innocence.”

Tanvir defended his visits to the Secretariat, saying, “In total, I’ve been there just five times, always to report on progress in textbook printing. We were simply informing the government, nothing more.”

He emphasized that visiting the Secretariat should not be viewed as suspicious: “I believe every citizen should have access to the Secretariat. Phone numbers of officials, from advisers to secretaries, are publicly listed on government websites. If going there were a crime, those numbers wouldn’t be published online.”

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, has stated that the next seven months are critical for the nation’s economic future. “This period could either build Bangladesh or break it,” he wrote. The interim government has adopted an ambitious plan to increase the capacity of Chattogram Port sixfold. Alam stressed that such progress is only possible through partnerships with top global port operators. “If successful, this will send a strong message to international investors that Bangladesh is open for business.” He also noted that the global economic order born out of the Bretton Woods system is fading, suggesting that now might finally be Bangladesh’s time — if politics allows it.

NCP senior leader Nahid Islam criticized the interim government for failing to take concrete steps toward banning the Awami League or initiating legal action against its leaders. “On August 5, 2024, students and citizens overthrew the fascist ideology of Mujibism through a historic uprising. Yet today, Awami League members still march under that banner,” Nahid said. He called on citizens to attend today’s post-Jumu’ah rally at Baitul Mukarram Mosque to demand justice and a formal ban on the party. “AL has no moral or legal right to participate in Bangladeshi politics,” he added.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the NCP’s southern region, has called for a protest demanding the unconditional banning of the Awami League. “The genocidal Awami League must be banned without ifs, ands, or buts,” he wrote. He urged the public to join the protest rally at 3 PM today at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque to raise their voices against the ruling party.

Police from Uttara West Police Station conducted a raid on Hotel Grand Inn in Uttara following allegations of immoral activities. Inspector AB Siddique stated that the operation, based on specific information, was carried out around 10 PM and several individuals were detained. Further details will be shared later, he added.

Ahead of their grand rally scheduled for May 3 at Suhrawardy Udyan, Hefazat-e-Islam organized a motorbike rally and mass procession in Uttara. The procession began from Azampur on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway. Addressing the rally, Junayed Al Habib demanded that all proposals deemed contrary to the Quran, including the establishment of a women’s commission, be withdrawn before the event. He urged exemplary punishment for those involved in “deceit against the country and Islam,” stating, “In a country with 92% Muslims, any Quran-opposing legislation will have to pass over our dead bodies.”

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince has demanded an immediate election roadmap for the upcoming December polls. He warned that any delay would provoke public unrest, and the BNP would not hesitate to take to the streets with mass support. Prince criticized a political faction for calling for local government elections before the national vote, accusing them of trying to stall democracy. He also promised that a BNP-led government would implement workers’ rights, including setting the minimum wage at Tk 30,000.

On Thursday night in Fatullah, Narayanganj, armed assailants attempted to assassinate businessman Nantu Mia, owner of Afsar Karim Plaza near Pagla Bazar. Eyewitnesses report that he was shot in the stomach and arm. After receiving initial treatment at Khanpur Hospital, he was transferred to Dhaka Medical College. The attack occurred when he was getting into his private car after shopping. His driver quickly fled the scene with him towards Fatullah, while the attackers escaped towards Dhaka on a motorcycle.

Abdul Basit Azad, Amir of the Khalafat Majlis, demanded that the minimum wage for workers be set at Tk 25,000. He noted that most of the country’s development and revenue stem from the contributions of local and expatriate workers. He called for job security, an end to arbitrary terminations, and implementation of Islamic labor laws, including offering workers a stake in industrial ownership to enhance productivity and national unity.

Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Khondokar Azim Ahmed warned business owners that while securing bank loans for investment is acceptable, fleeing the country with the funds—especially to Singapore—will not be tolerated. He called on employers to ensure fair wages for workers and emphasized timely payment before the sweat of their labor dries. He highlighted the plight of agricultural, construction, and transport workers in the region, noting poor safety, extreme heat, and low pay, especially among tea workers, who earn less than Tk 200 daily.

On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, the Paikgacha Upazila Building Workers’ Union organized a rally, discussion, and prayer session. Government Secretary Md. Touhidur Rahman was the chief guest. Speaking at the event, Ziaur Rahman Foundation Director Md. Amirul Islam Kagji emphasized the need to intensify the movement for workers’ rights and to ensure they receive their fair dues.