A Dhaka court has acquitted BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and seven others in the Niko corruption case. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday by Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4. Earlier, on February 13, the court concluded the defense hearing and arguments before setting the verdict date for today. The defendants maintained their innocence, while Begum Zia, currently undergoing treatment abroad, was unable to appear in court. On the other hand, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had sought the maximum penalty. The case was initially filed during the caretaker government’s tenure against Khaleda Zia and 10 others.

A court has granted a seven-day remand for former state minister Dipankar Talukdar in connection with the murder of Jubo Dal leader Shamim. During the hearing, the defense requested the cancellation of the remand, while the prosecution argued in favor of it. Following deliberations, the court approved the seven-day remand. According to case details, on October 28, 2023, BNP held a central rally in Dhaka, which was met with a counter-rally by the Awami League. A police-assisted attack on the BNP rally resulted in the killing of the Jubo Dal leader. On September 24, 2024, a case was filed over the incident.

The verdict in the Niko corruption case against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and seven others is scheduled for Wednesday. Dhaka’s Special Judge’s Court will announce the decision. The defense previously argued for acquittal, asserting the defendants’ innocence. The case was filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission in 2007, with charges formally submitted in 2008.

On the second day of BNP’s two-day campaign for the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan, a massive torch procession took place at the Teesta Rail Bridge in Kaunia. Led by BNP leader Shafiqul Alam Sufi, the procession followed an overnight sit-in by thousands at the Teesta banks. The event featured cultural performances showcasing regional traditions. The slogans "Save Teesta, Save Bangladesh" resonated throughout the area.

Azadul Islam Hai (Pannu), the BNP president of Nawabganj Upazila, has been missing for 40 days. He left his home in Nawabganj on January 8 for Rajshahi and has not returned. His family has been unable to contact him by phone. His son, Sihab Tamal, has filed a general diary (GD) with Nawabganj police. Despite efforts from law enforcement, there has been no trace of Pannu.

A faction of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement staged a road blockade in Lalkhan, Chattogram, demanding the cancellation of three unit committees. The protest led to severe traffic congestion. In a press conference, 50 members announced their resignation, alleging that the newly announced committee included businesspersons, individuals accused of harassment, and members of teenage gangs. They have put forward a three-point demand, including the cancellation of the committee, and have declared Hasnat Abdullah and Arif Sohel as unwelcome figures until their demands are met. Protesters claim that those who gave fiery speeches after August 5 were awarded key positions while female activists were sidelined. They demand an investigation and punishment for those involved in the selection process.

BNP Secretary Dr. Rafiqul Islam raised concerns about who is facilitating appointments to key positions within the state, including in the medical field. He alleged that political allies of BNP are now rehabilitating Awami League members in medical institutions under false pretenses. During this time, he expressed gratitude to those who provided support and financial assistance to the injured in July, following the directions of Tarique Rahman. He further accused that former allies of the Awami League, who were transferred outside Dhaka, have been reinstated after just one month. Dr. Islam demanded opportunities for those who have suffered discrimination under Sheikh Hasina’s rule.

Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, has stated that the interim government’s primary objective is to bring Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh for trial. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Alam mentioned that the United Nations’ human rights report has implicated Sheikh Hasina in crimes against humanity, creating international pressure. According to a survey by India Today, 55% of Indians want Sheikh Hasina to be sent back to Bangladesh, while only 16-17% prefer her to remain in India. Regarding the Awami League’s position on the elections, Alam mentioned that decisions will be made by the public and political parties after justice is served. Alam also shared that discussions have taken place with five or six ministers in Dubai, and he is hopeful that visa restrictions will be lifted soon.

Spokesperson of the National Citizens’ Committee, Samantha Sarmine, speaking at an event organized for the families of martyrs and injured individuals, emphasized that Bangladesh was born from the blood of the martyrs, and we should never forget their sacrifice. She stated, “The individuals responsible for taking the lives of students must be brought to justice—many seem to be forgetting this. We are reminding everyone of it.” Sarmine further urged the public not to vote for those they would not want to see in person. She pledged that the National Citizens’ Committee will always stand by the people.

After a meeting with District Commissioners (DCs), Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan emphasized that local government elections should take place before the national parliamentary elections. He stated that members of the Awami League who are not involved in any wrongdoing but wish to participate in the elections will be able to do so by seeking forgiveness. However, he clarified that war criminals will not be given this opportunity. The Adviser pointed out that there are no elected representatives in local government, and administrators are unwilling to take on additional responsibilities. He stressed the importance of holding local elections swiftly, and if these elections do not occur, administrators will need to be appointed.

A court has ordered the seizure of 28 bighas of land and the freezing of 19 bank accounts belonging to Arifa Jesmin, wife of former State Minister Junaid Ahmed Palak. The Dhaka Metropolitan Court issued this order on Tuesday following a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The court also imposed a travel ban on her. The petition stated that there is a possibility of changes in the ownership of assets under her name, and to ensure a fair investigation, both movable and immovable properties must be frozen. The travel ban is deemed urgent for the ongoing investigation. Previously, on December 12, the ACC filed a case against Palak and his wife.

During the opening ceremony of the ‘Youth Festival 2025’ on Tuesday, Adviser Mahfuz Alam stated that the issue of forced disappearances and secret detention began during Sheikh Mujib’s rule. He also noted that the one-party rule Sheikh Mujib envisioned has been realized under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership. He remarked that the beautiful dream the students once took to the streets for has yet to be fulfilled, and justice for the killers will be key to realizing that dream. He emphasized that merely elections and reforms won’t solve everything and noted that the government is making significant efforts to build a new state.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to direct talks with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed. Despite questioning Zelensky’s legitimacy after his term ended, Russia is willing to negotiate if peace is the goal. Meanwhile, a summit in Riyadh aims to discuss the Ukraine war and U.S.-Russia relations. However, Ukraine has been excluded, prompting Zelensky to reject any peace deal made without Kyiv’s involvement. The summit may lead to a Putin-Trump meeting.

A new political party emerging from recent mass uprisings is set to launch later this month. However, internal leadership conflicts have already begun, even before its official formation.

In response to inquiries from BBC Bangla, National Citizen Committee leaders acknowledged that while there is consensus on Nahid Islam as the party’s convener, disagreements persist over three key leadership positions. The issue has divided the party into four factions.

Former Dhaka University student leader Rafe Salman Rifat claims that past affiliations with Shibir are being used to sideline him from higher positions. In reaction, his supporters have taken to social media, highlighting the role of Shibir and its former members in the recent uprisings. Party leaders have stated that sincere discussions are ongoing and that a resolution will be reached soon.

A tribunal has ordered the completion of the investigation into war crimes allegations against Sheikh Hasina by April 20. The case pertains to crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July-August massacres.

The three-member tribunal, led by Chairman Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, issued the directive following a petition by Chief Prosecutor Mizanul Islam. Previously, on December 17, the court had instructed investigators to complete the probe within two months against Sheikh Hasina, Obaidul Quader, and 44 others.

Sheikh Hasina and her associates are currently facing trial on charges of orchestrating mass killings, with allegations that at least 1,500 people were murdered.