BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman urged pro-democracy forces to stay alert to prevent any attempts to suppress democracy. In a statement marking International Mother Language Day, he paid tribute to language martyrs and emphasized that February 21 was the first step toward national liberation. He condemned cultural aggression and reiterated that Bangladesh’s Language Movement strengthened nationalism and unity. He prayed for the departed souls of language movement activists.

BNP has announced that it will stay active in the field during Ramadan in preparation for the national elections. Instead of holding rallies, party leaders and activists will engage in organizational and religious activities. BNP leader Amir Khasru stated that Sheikh Hasina’s downfall is the main election message. He mentioned that BNP leaders will host Iftar gatherings, with the central leadership breaking fast with orphans and Islamic scholars on the first day of Ramadan. On February 6, they will hold an Iftar event with diplomats, and Tarique Rahman will join virtually. BNP also plans to hold an extended meeting during Ramadan, while election candidates have already begun efforts to build trust among the public.

BNP leader Moin Khan stated that people want to see their aspirations reflected through voting in order to restore democracy. He compared this desire to the longing for independence before the Language Movement. Speaking at a BNP-organized event on Shaheed Day, he emphasized that the interim government now has the responsibility to restore democracy. He linked the Language Movement and the July uprising, calling for the establishment of a new Bangladesh.

A violent clash erupted between two BNP factions in Vijaynagar, Brahmanbaria, over placing floral tributes at the Shaheed Minar. The confrontation on Thursday night left two people injured, identified as Billal from Petuazuri village and Jibon Mia from Ichapur. The victims are receiving treatment at the Upazila Health Complex. Local police confirmed that a verbal dispute escalated into a knife fight, leading to the injuries.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi declared that if fascism rises again in the country, the spirit of Ekushey will be its greatest resistance. Speaking after laying a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar on Friday morning, he said, "The essence of February 21 is eternal; it inspires young revolutionaries to take to the streets." He described Ekushey as the first step towards independence and recalled how the movement continued to inspire resistance even in oppressive times. Rizvi added, "For 17 years, we fought against tyranny. Despite abductions and killings of our leaders, the bloodthirsty Hasina eventually had to flee."

Student protesters staged a demonstration at the Central Shaheed Minar against the arrival of President Mohammad Shahabuddin Chuppu at the monument. Waving black flags, they chanted slogans such as "Go Back Chuppu" and demanded the resignation of the President, the execution of Sheikh Hasina, and a ban on the ruling Awami League. The protest was part of an ongoing movement that started eight days ago. The march began at Raju Sculpture and moved towards the Shaheed Minar but was halted by police at Shibbari Mor. The protest was led by the National Revolutionary Council.

BNP leader Ishraq Hossain issued a stern warning against the rising hostility in student politics. In a Facebook post, he wrote, "Enough is enough. After enduring 16 years of hatred and violence, I don’t want to see this anymore." He emphasized that student politics should not be about dominance but about the historical sacrifices of 1952, 1971, 1990, and 2024, where students fought for people’s rights. He urged student activists to uphold these legacies, saying, "If you can’t follow them, then stop this nonsense."

Fazle Rabbi, a second-year science student and leader of the student wing of Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasah, was severely injured in an attack by Chhatra Dal workers in Gazipur on Thursday evening. Rabbi was lured to the Banshpatty area, where he was assaulted with sharp weapons and sticks, causing multiple injuries. Following the incident, Millat campus students staged a protest on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway. Rabbi was later hospitalized at Tongi General Hospital. Police have confirmed the assault stemmed from a minor dispute.

In a clash over the formation of a Union BNP committee in Kachua, Bagerhat, BNP leader Shawkat Hossain (50), who had been seriously injured, passed away while undergoing treatment. The incident occurred on February 11 at Depara Bazar, where a confrontation broke out between two factions of the party. Shawkat Hossain, along with at least 15 others including his brother, Mohammad Liakat Hossain, who was a candidate for the Dhopakhali Union BNP president, sustained severe injuries. Liakat Hossain filed a case naming 11 individuals, including his rival candidate Afzal Howlader, and 50-60 unidentified people. Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the incident.

During a meeting with the Election Commission, leaders of the Gana Odhikar Parishad demanded that the Awami League and its allies be disqualified from contesting the upcoming parliamentary elections. They also suggested holding limited-scale local government elections before the national polls.

Speaking to the media, party president Nurul Haque Nur called for scrutiny of “phantom political parties” and their exclusion from the electoral process. He emphasized the need for a competent administration to oversee the elections, questioning how a fair election could be conducted under the same administration that has been accused of rigging polls for the past 16 years. He urged the Election Commission to ensure that election-related officials remain free from partisan influence.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has strongly condemned what they claim to be false accusations linking them to a recent incident at Sylhet’s MC College. In a joint statement, Shibir’s Central President Jahidul Islam and Secretary General Nurul Islam Saddam rejected the allegations.

They clarified that Shibir activists were engaged in organizing their book fair stall throughout the day. The incident in question involved a Talimiya activist and a former Chhatra League-affiliated group, who allegedly confronted and assaulted him in his dormitory room. Shibir leaders asserted that their organization had no involvement in the altercation and denounced the attempt to blame them.

Amid growing public concerns, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Sajjat Ali has claimed that the country’s law and order situation is now stable.

Speaking to the media, he said, “The law and order situation is very good, InshaAllah. Other than a few isolated incidents, there are no major issues.” He downplayed crime rates, stating that except for mobile snatching, no significant crimes exist.

However, a recent incident contradicts this claim. On Monday night, a speeding motorcycle hit a rickshaw, leading to a confrontation when another motorbike-riding couple protested. The altercation escalated, resulting in threats and a clash. Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. The commissioner reassured that criminals outside of jail are now cornered, and the Central Shaheed Minar remains secure.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, Shafiqur Rahman, has demanded the release of party leader ATM Azharul Islam. In a dramatic announcement, he declared that if Azharul Islam is not freed, he will present himself for arrest at the court premises.

In a Facebook post, Shafiqur Rahman stated, “You must have noticed that ATM Azharul Islam remains imprisoned as a victim of fascist oppression. While other national leaders have been released, he continues to face discrimination and injustice.” He further added, “With ATM Azhar behind bars, I cannot remain free!”

Jamaat’s Ameer has announced that he will voluntarily appear at the court premises on the 25th to be arrested.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has announced protests against an alleged attack by Shibir activists on a student at Sylhet’s MC College. The protest march and rally will be held at 8 PM on Thursday at Raju Memorial Sculpture, Dhaka University. The announcement came through the movement’s verified Facebook page at 5 PM. The injured student, Mizanur Rahman Riyad, claimed that Shibir activists assaulted him over a Facebook comment. Riyad, an active member of Islami Chhatra Talamiz, stated that the attackers were known to him.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) have arrested 29 leaders and activists of the Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League, for allegedly planning and instigating unrest in 16 different police station areas. The arrests were made in a series of operations from Tuesday night to Wednesday night. According to a press release from the CMP’s public relations office, the detainees were involved in various cases, including attacks on Anti-Discrimination Student Movement activists, offenses under the Special Powers Act, the Anti-Terrorism Act, and the Penal Code. They have been sent to jail following court proceedings.