NCP leader Sarjis Alam has demanded the swift arrest of those involved in the attack on Abdul Hannan Masud’s rally. He highlighted the oppression faced by the opposition over the past 16 years and accused the ruling party of numerous misdeeds. He urged BNP activists to analyze past events to understand the potential consequences of the current political situation. He also condemned the violent assault on Masud, calling for immediate action against those responsible.

Zonayed Saki, chief of the Ganosamhati Andolon, has called for the trial of the ruling Awami League as a political party for alleged acts of genocide and fascism. He stressed the need for constitutional reforms and the formation of a constitutional reform council. He also pointed out that a revolutionary possibility for democratic transformation emerged following the recent movement but was overshadowed by internal conflicts over credit. He warned against politicizing the movement and emphasized acknowledging the contributions of all political parties, social classes, and professionals.

The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) signed between Bangladesh and Australia marks a significant step in preventing human trafficking and illegal migration, according to Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. He highlighted that illegal migration and human trafficking pose serious global challenges, and the government has taken stringent measures to prevent perilous journeys. The adviser reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to a safe and dignified migration system in compliance with national and international laws. He also proposed the establishment of inclusive and cooperative frameworks in key transit countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman has urged citizens to remain vigilant against misinformation, stating that the dedication and responsibility with which the army is operating in the current situation will be remembered by the nation. He emphasized that both the government and the public are aware of the army’s role. Contrary to rumors, no state of emergency has been declared. The army’s highest priority is the country and its people. With Eid approaching, maintaining law and order is crucial. The UN Secretary-General has also praised the army’s role in handling peacekeeping efforts and managing the post-August 5 situation.

The National Congress Party (NCP) staged an immediate protest in Dhaka following an attack on Abdul Hannan Masud in Hatiya. The demonstration began at midnight on Monday from Banglamotor, proceeded through Shahbagh’s Intercontinental Hotel intersection, and concluded back at Banglamotor. NCP leaders strongly condemned the attack, demanding the swift arrest and expulsion of those responsible. They declared that Hannan Masud was a leading figure of the historic July Revolution, and an attack on him was an attack on the revolution itself. “The nation will not tolerate such an assault,” they warned.

Egypt has proposed a new ceasefire plan aimed at restoring peace in Gaza. The United States and Hamas have both agreed to the proposal, but Israel has yet to provide an official response. According to the proposed deal, Hamas will release five Israeli hostages each week, and after the first week, Israel will proceed with the second phase of the ceasefire. The Egyptian plan outlines a timeline under which all hostages will be freed in exchange for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Egypt has also stated that the U.S. will act as a guarantor to ensure the plan’s implementation.

In a significant political development, Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has officially nominated imprisoned mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu as its candidate for the upcoming presidential election. Nearly 15 million people participated in the nomination process, with over 13.2 million of them being non-party members. Notably, Imamoğlu was the sole candidate. His nomination comes just days after Turkish authorities arrested him on charges of corruption and aiding a terrorist organization. In response, thousands of protesters took to the streets in cities including Ankara and Istanbul, demanding his immediate release. Meanwhile, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s administration has confirmed that 1,133 demonstrators have been arrested nationwide.

Samanta Sharmin, Senior Joint Convenor of the NCP, has called for a new constitution and a constituent assembly, arguing that the current constitution is controversial and serves partisan and individual interests. She pointed out that the existing parliamentary system had been centered around a single individual, and even the country’s ministries and secretariats had long been run under a centralized, one-party framework. She stressed the need to shift from confrontational politics to service-oriented governance, particularly for the youth. “It’s not just the responsibility of the NCP, but of all political parties,” she added. Sharmin also noted that while many members of the Consensus Commission opposed the idea of a constituent assembly election, no other election could uphold the mandate of the mass uprising. “This is not a complicated issue,” she asserted.

In a statement marking Genocide Day on March 25, the Chief Adviser emphasized the interim government’s commitment to building a just society based on the principles of the Liberation War and the July mass uprising. He highlighted that during the fallen autocratic regime, the people of Bangladesh were deprived of their fundamental rights. The heroic role of students and citizens in the July uprising freed the nation from tyranny and oppression. The Chief Adviser recalled that on the evening of March 25, amidst the non-cooperation movement, the autocratic ruler Yahya Khan secretly fled Dhaka. That night, the Pakistani occupation forces carried out one of the worst massacres in history across Dhaka and the rest of the country. “With a heavy heart, I honor and remember all the martyrs of that fateful night,” he said.

At least 16 people, including two students and eight women, were injured in a violent clash over the control of an 11-acre salt field in Cox’s Bazar’s Pekua. Rival groups led by Kala Mia, Khuilya Mia, and Ali Hossain clashed with another faction led by Zafar Alam, Abu Taher, Monir Ahmed, and Arif Ahmed. Armed assailants stormed a house in Rupali Bazar and opened fire, injuring multiple people. Attackers also set NGO worker Abid’s house on fire, firing at least 15 rounds. Witnesses reported that 20-30 armed men, led by Saiful, Sumon, Abu Sufian, Javed, Zayed, Sayed, Arafat, Limon, Farhad, Lutfar, Newaz, and Wahid, launched the attack.

The BNP’s student wing, Chhatra Dal, formed a 22-member committee at Pabna Medical College, but controversy erupted after it was revealed that 11 members were former Chhatra League leaders. Just 24 hours after the announcement, the central Chhatra Dal suspended the committee. The newly appointed General Secretary, Hasibul Hasan Shuvo, denied any past affiliation with Chhatra League but acknowledged that some active Chhatra League leaders had been added without approval.

NCP leader Sergeis Alam created a spectacle after landing in Saidpur, traveling half of the 100 km journey to Panchagarh in a massive convoy of over 100 vehicles. This was his first visit to his home district after assuming NCP leadership. The convoy toured five upazilas in Panchagarh, holding street rallies. Local resident Milon Islam said, “We went to receive Sergeis Alam in Debiganj, but four vehicles had already gone to Saidpur for him.” A driver, Md. Asif, estimated that more than 150 vehicles participated, each hired for around Tk 7,000. Posters for the event were also printed.

BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince stated at an iftar event that BNP is a liberal party embracing people of all faiths. “At home and abroad, BNP is recognized as a party that stands for Bangladesh. The spirit of 1971 and 2024 are the same—we aim to build a just and prosperous nation for all,” he said.

In a controversial move, Nur Islam, a former Chhatra League activist with no current student status, has been appointed president of the BNP’s student wing, Chhatra Dal, at Rajshahi Medical College (RMC). His appointment has sparked discontent among Chhatra Dal leaders. After the announcement, pictures surfaced showing Nur Islam participating in Chhatra League events. Central Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib admitted to seeing these images later, stating, “We investigated immediately and found that he was forcibly taken to some Chhatra League programs, but he has long been with us.”

The NCP hosted an iftar event in honor of diplomats from various countries. Speaking at the event, NCP Convener Nahid Islam said, “Our reform agenda is ambitious, but it is necessary. Bangladesh is ready for it.” He strongly condemned the brutal attacks in Gaza, urging responsible political forces worldwide to speak out against such injustice. He also highlighted the Rohingya crisis as one of the world’s major humanitarian challenges, emphasizing that it is not just Bangladesh’s burden but a global responsibility. He called for South Asian nations to build relationships based on dignity, justice, mutual respect, and national interests, rather than dominance.