Mufti Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, said that the nation has been crushed under a brutal dictatorship for the past 15 years, a direct result of 54 years of political instability. He described the July 2024 uprising as a blood-stained turning point that offers a historic opportunity to rebuild the country. Mufti Karim urged all stakeholders to act responsibly and not squander this chance for reform. He called on political parties to move beyond their own demands and abandon the confrontational culture of pressuring governments, instead working collaboratively for the nation’s future.

Hefazat-e-Islam held a protest rally in Sylhet demanding the dissolution of the Women’s Reform Commission, justice for the Shapla and July massacres, the withdrawal of all false cases against Hefazat leaders and activists, and an end to Muslim genocide in Palestine and India. The rally was presided over by Shaykh Mawlana Mojduddin Ahmad, Principal of Jamea Nuria Islamia Madrasah and Hefazat’s central advisor. Following the rally, a protest march was held throughout Sylhet city, ending at Chowhatta Point.

Mohammad Hasan, a 23-year-old Hafiz of the Qur’an injured during the July uprising, passed away Thursday night while receiving treatment in Thailand. Sadiq Qayem, a student leader from Shibir, announced that his funeral prayer (janaza) will take place at 9 PM on Saturday (May 24) at the Central Shaheed Minar. He called on people to attend the janaza, describing it as both a humanitarian duty and a spiritual commitment. Sadiq vowed that the perpetrators behind the July massacre would be brought to justice at any cost, Insha’Allah.

BNP leader Aminul Haque criticized elements within the current advisory government, claiming that some individuals have become intoxicated with power. He blamed this for the political disorder witnessed in recent months. Aminul recalled BNP’s 17-year struggle against dictatorship, stating that it was not for the kind of disarray now unfolding. He warned against conspiracies targeting Bangladesh’s democracy and said the people are ready to resist them. He accused certain advisers of delaying elections under the guise of reform and justice. Haque reiterated that true democracy can only be achieved by implementing the BNP’s 31-point agenda.

Musaddiq Ali Ibn Mohammad, leader of the July Unity bloc, accused India of attempting to divide the nation following the July uprising. He said that although Sheikh Hasina fled, her loyalists still hold key positions in the country. Frustrated by these developments, Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus had considered resigning. Musaddiq announced a protest rally at Shahbagh on Sunday, May 25, to resist alleged Indian conspiracies and revive the unity forged during the July uprising. A nationwide campaign will continue until May 30, and he warned that if the “July Declaration” is not issued within 30 working days, the advisory council and political parties will be held accountable.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher urged the government to announce the election roadmap within the December–June timeframe as previously promised. He stressed that a free and fair election is the only viable solution to the nation’s current crisis. Dr. Taher noted the recent political tensions and claimed that dialogues with stakeholders have helped reduce the heat. He emphasized the need to maintain the interim government and conduct a credible election under Dr. Yunus’s leadership. He warned that Jamaat will make no compromises on the demand for fair elections and that all efforts should now be directed toward restoring public confidence and countering misinformation.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim of the Islami Andolan said that rumors of Dr. Yunus’s resignation have surfaced, but he reminded the Chief Adviser that it was not his choice to assume the role—it was the will of the people. Therefore, Yunus has no right to resign without public mandate. Faizul Karim asserted that Yunus was appointed to deliver peace, justice, and fair elections, and that his staying or leaving is a matter of national interest. He cautioned against any decision that would appear to appease Indian interests, urging Dr. Yunus to remain committed to national reform.

Rashed Khan, Secretary General of the GOP, dismissed rumors about Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s resignation. He clarified that Dr. Yunus had simply warned NCP leaders to be restrained, or he would reconsider his position. Rashed alleged that this warning was twisted into resignation rumors to divert attention from public demands for NCP leaders to step down. He also criticized some NCP figures for trying to reform the Awami League rather than seeking justice for state atrocities. Rashed stressed that the GOP stands firmly against Yunus’s resignation and would not allow him to step down before completing his term, although he did call for a restructuring of Yunus’s advisory team.

At a public rally, Nurul Haque Nur, President of Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP), said that the right to vote has yet to be truly established in Bangladesh and that state power continues to serve the interests of specific groups. He emphasized the need for systemic reform through new-generation politics. Nur asserted that his party believes the core aim of politics must be the protection of fundamental rights, social justice, and the elimination of economic disparity. He called for a structural overhaul of the state and demanded the formation of an interim neutral government to ensure free and fair elections, highlighting the collapse of the current electoral framework.

BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan stated that the BNP believes in production and development, not in shutting things down. He affirmed that if the BNP forms the government, it will work to reopen the 25 jute mills that have been closed and pay off all outstanding wages owed to the workers. He remarked that although there has been development in the country, it hasn’t been inclusive; and democracy, too, hasn’t been for all. He noted that over the past 15 years, the foundations of the nation have been systematically dismantled, prompting the BNP to announce a 31-point reform agenda. Khan urged the public to judge political parties based on their history and claimed that for true progress, the people would ultimately choose the BNP. In the same event, BOBY Hajjaj stated that Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan represents a vision for future politics. He criticized the NCP for obstructing progress despite lacking even party registration, yet still challenging the Election Commission.

BNP leader Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said that political leaders in Bangladesh tend to become autocratic once in power, likening them to the mythical Ravana. He lamented that despite the sacrifices made during the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising, the current regime shows no concern for democracy. Hafiz noted that all parties had backed Dr. Yunus to form an interim government, hoping for quick elections and democratic restoration. Instead, he said, those with no history of sacrifice are now trying to decide the nation’s future.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has invited the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami for separate meetings on Saturday. The meeting with BNP is scheduled for 7:30 PM, followed by a session with Jamaat at 8:00 PM. While Jamaat has confirmed its attendance, a BNP Standing Committee member said the party will confirm participation later. This follows Jamaat’s earlier request to meet with the Chief Adviser.

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka has stated that tourist visa applications will be denied if consular officers believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to obtain citizenship for the child. The embassy reiterated that such intentions are unauthorized. This follows former President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship—an order currently blocked by U.S. courts.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has announced plans to treat 30,000 Rohingya refugees for Hepatitis C by 2026. Since October 2020, MSF has already provided treatment to over 10,000 patients at its hospitals in Jamtoli and Pahari. A 2023 study found that one in five adults in the refugee camps is infected with the virus, underscoring the urgent need for expanded medical intervention.

NCP leader Sargis Alam has criticized the BNP’s focus solely on electoral roadmaps. Referring to BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed’s call for an election-based resolution, Sargis stated that people, especially those affected by the July uprising, expect more. “We need a roadmap for genocide trials, for core national reforms, and for the prosecution of Hasina, the mastermind of the July massacre,” Sargis wrote.