Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed the launch of a ‘Hajj Management Center’ to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient Hajj services. He emphasized clear guidelines for agencies, a call center for real-time issue resolution, and an online platform to assist lost pilgrims. He also ordered training-based categorization of agencies, the introduction of a Hajj credit card, and improved luggage management. Strict actions, including license revocation, will be taken against non-compliant agencies. The government aims to simplify and enhance the entire Hajj process.

Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan has emphasized that post-July uprising, reforms must go beyond the state to include personal, political, and social transformation. Speaking at an event marking National Local Government Day, he expressed deep concern over the spread of misleading information by political leaders. Mahmud urged politicians to adopt a more refined and respectful tone, as the people of post-uprising Bangladesh expect positive changes on all fronts. Acknowledging the current complexities surrounding local elections, he stressed the need to hold at least city corporation elections in the interest of the people.

Despite reports of robbery and sexual harassment on a moving bus traveling from Dhaka to Rajshahi, Tangail Police Superintendent Mizanur Rahman has stated that no rape occurred. However, one of the victims had previously claimed otherwise in media reports. The police superintendent mentioned that multiple police teams have spoken to the woman in question, and she denied being raped. He assured that if any complaints are filed regarding rape, the police will conduct a prompt investigation.

According to passengers, the robbery and harassment took place over approximately three and a half hours, from 12:30 AM to around 4 AM, as the criminals drove the bus to various locations. Three suspects were initially arrested but later granted bail by the court. Another suspect has since been detained for further investigation.

According to Israeli media outlet Ynet News, Israel has proposed releasing 602 Palestinian prisoners if Hamas immediately returns the bodies of four hostages. Israel has stipulated that Hamas must return the bodies without any formal handover ceremonies, similar to how they returned the bodies of Bibas and Oded Lifshitz last week. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv has refused to release over 600 Palestinian detainees under the latest prisoner exchange agreement, citing alleged misconduct by Hamas during past handovers. In response, Hamas has stated that it will not engage in any further negotiations until all Palestinian prisoners are freed.

In a Facebook post, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that steps are being taken to introduce Elon Musk’s Starlink service in Bangladesh, aiming to permanently eliminate the possibility of government-imposed internet shutdowns. He criticized the authoritarian rule of Sheikh Hasina, stating that she repeatedly resorted to internet blackouts over the past sixteen years to suppress movements. He further explained that internet shutdowns are a key tool for dictatorships. With Starlink’s satellite-based service, industries such as BPOs, call centers, and freelancers will greatly benefit, he added.

Interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus paid solemn tribute to all martyrs on National Martyred Soldiers Day. In a statement, he said that the government has officially designated this day to commemorate the brutal massacre that took place in Pilkhana in 2009. Emphasizing solidarity with the families of the fallen soldiers, the Chief Adviser acknowledged their enduring wait for justice. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and their loved ones.

Marking the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed two resolutions calling for an end to the conflict. Ukraine and the European Union drafted the first resolution, emphasizing Russia’s full withdrawal and sustainable peace within Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. Later, a second resolution titled “Path to Peace” was introduced, urging an immediate ceasefire. Russia’s envoy praised the second resolution, leading to three EU amendments, which also passed. The U.S. is expected to introduce similar resolutions in the UN Security Council.

The next national elections will be held by December this year or by March next year, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. He stated that if fewer reforms are needed, elections will be held in December; if more reforms are necessary, the elections may be pushed to early next year. He ruled out June elections due to the monsoon and severe storms. However, whether the national or local elections will take place first remains undecided.

Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman has categorically stated that no army personnel were involved in the Pilkhana massacre. “There should be no ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’—the brutal incident was carried out by members of the then-BDR,” he emphasized. He warned that raising doubts about the perpetrators could undermine the judicial process, which has already convicted those responsible. “I was an eyewitness to the tragedy—we lost 57 army officers that day, along with some of their family members,” he said. He also noted that an investigation commission has been formed to determine if external forces or political entities were involved. He cautioned against creating unnecessary controversy regarding the massacre, stating that such debates would not be beneficial.

During a photo exhibition marking National Martyr Soldier Day on Tuesday, the Army Chief warned that internal disputes could jeopardize the country’s sovereignty. He urged all parties to remain united for the sake of the nation. “If we engage in mudslinging among ourselves, the sovereignty of the country will be at risk. Consider this a warning—you won’t be able to say later that you weren’t cautioned,” he stated. He also praised Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus for his efforts in keeping the nation united. Regarding the upcoming parliamentary elections, the Army Chief remarked, “It seems we are heading towards an election. Earlier, I stated that an election would be held within 18 months. We expect a free and fair election by December, and Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus is making every possible effort to ensure this.”

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed disagreement with former U.S. President Donald Trump on multiple issues related to Ukraine. Speaking at a joint press conference with Trump, Macron stated, “We also want to end the war, but not with a fragile agreement.” He asserted that peace does not mean Ukraine’s surrender and demanded security guarantees for Ukraine, which Trump did not address. However, both leaders agreed that EU peacekeeping forces should remain inside Ukraine after the war ends, but not at the border. Macron also rejected Trump’s claim that the U.S. only provided financial aid, clarifying that 60% of the aid was grants, not loans.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has warned that no security personnel will be spared if found negligent in the ongoing operation launched last night. Speaking at the Banani Military Cemetery after laying a wreath in memory of the Pilkhana massacre victims, he emphasized that journalists would assess the success or failure of the operation. He also mentioned that necessary action had already been taken against two Superintendents of Police (SPs) following recent media reports about their misconduct.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has ordered the reinstatement of 85 Upazila election officials who were dismissed during the 2007 caretaker government. The court also directed authorities to provide benefits to all affected individuals, including three officials who passed away during legal proceedings. On February 25, a five-member appellate bench led by the Chief Justice delivered the ruling. The dismissed officials were among 327 individuals recruited in 2005 through the Public Service Commission (PSC) but were terminated following an evaluation by the caretaker government in 2007.

A U.S. civil society organization, Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), has urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate former U.S. President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for allegedly aiding, abetting, and deliberately contributing to Israeli war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. On January 19, DAWN submitted a 172-page complaint to ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, detailing crimes such as $17.9 billion in arms transfers, intelligence sharing, targeting assistance, and diplomatic support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck Kolkata and Odisha on Tuesday morning, with mild tremors felt in Dhaka due to its proximity. Reports from Live Mint indicate that the earthquake’s epicenter was in the Bay of Bengal, 91 kilometers below the surface. The Hindustan Times reported that the quake was felt at 6:10 AM. No casualties or damages have been reported so far. A separate earthquake of magnitude 3.7 was also recorded in Himachal Pradesh the same day.