Rangpur-4 Member of Parliament and NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain stated that the current government was formed through a mass uprising and a referendum. Speaking on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at a public reception and iftar gathering organized by an eleven-party alliance at Mofazzal Hossain Model Government High School field in Kaunia, he warned that the public would not stand by the BNP government if the July Charter directives and the referendum verdict were not implemented.

Hossain accused BNP activists of engaging in extortion and terrorism after the election and of refusing to take the oath of the Constitutional Reform Council. He emphasized that the referendum had clear public support and cautioned that any attempt to disregard its outcome would not be accepted by the people. The event was presided over by Kaunia Upazila Jamaat leader Abdus Salam Sarkar, with several local political figures in attendance.

The remarks underscored growing political tension over the implementation of the referendum results and the legitimacy of the current government’s mandate.

At an emergency press conference on February 24 in Banglamotor, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud alleged that attacks were being carried out across the country to establish a reign of fear. He claimed that police had assaulted ordinary citizens and journalists, and criticized the Home Minister’s declaration that protests would not be allowed, calling it a threat to democracy.

Mahmud further stated that the BNP had appointed party administrators in six city corporations, describing the move as a danger to the formation of a new Bangladesh. He urged the government to announce a clear roadmap for local government elections and to set a timeframe for administrator appointments. NCP leaders, including Sarjis Alam and Abdul Hannan Masud MP, said the party had emerged as the third largest in the country and was preparing for local elections through newly formed committees.

The NCP leadership announced plans to contest local elections independently while remaining open to future coalition decisions if deemed necessary for national interest.

European Union Election Observation Mission human rights analyst Ann Marlborough paid a courtesy visit to Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the commission’s office. During the meeting, Marlborough briefed the commission on the EU’s observation activities during Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election and presented the mission’s preliminary post-election statement.

Discussions focused on election-related violence, human rights violations, and threats to democracy in developing countries like Bangladesh. Both sides emphasized ensuring transparency, security, and fairness in the electoral process, as well as protecting the voting rights of women, third-gender individuals, and ethnic minorities. The chairperson highlighted the expansion of the commission’s jurisdiction under the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025, noting that the new legal framework would strengthen institutional capacity for human rights protection.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to enhance cooperation and partnership between the EU mission and the commission to advance human rights protection in Bangladesh.

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Dr. AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad has described the 2009 Pilkhana killings as a premeditated massacre rather than a mutiny. Speaking on Tuesday morning at a discussion organized by Sushil Forum at the National Press Club to mark the 'Pilkhana Killing Day,' he claimed the incident was a deliberate act aimed at weakening Bangladesh’s army. Azad alleged that the then government orchestrated the event and that if the army had been allowed to act, the losses would have been less severe.

He further asserted that the killings were linked to earlier incidents in Roumari and Paduya and reflected an attempt to turn Bangladesh into “Sikkim.” Azad also referred to a statement allegedly made by a former Indian foreign minister in the Lok Sabha about taking revenge for those incidents. During the event, he prayed for the victims, expressed sympathy for the affected families, and called for justice and the release of those he said were unjustly detained.

The discussion was chaired by Sushil Forum president Md. Zahid and attended by journalist leaders, academics, and Jamaat members.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has termed the president’s behavior unacceptable. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, he alleged that the president concealed key facts regarding the events of August 5, 2024. Rahman claimed that the president’s current statements contradict what he told political leaders and later conveyed to the nation about the alleged resignation of the fugitive prime minister.

In his post, Rahman questioned whether the president would reconcile the differences between his earlier and current remarks, noting that millions of people had heard the original statements. He asserted that the nation is not naïve and that such conduct from the highest office of the state is unacceptable.

The comments reflect Jamaat-e-Islami’s dissatisfaction with the president’s handling of past political events, highlighting ongoing tensions between the opposition and the head of state.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, held a courtesy meeting with the United Arab Emirates Ambassador Abdullah Ali Kasef Al-Moudhir on 24 February at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Dhaka. The meeting emphasized the long-standing historical and fraternal ties between Bangladesh and the UAE and reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to expanding and deepening bilateral relations.

Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in religious affairs, increasing people-to-people contact, and promoting cultural exchange to foster mutual understanding. Both dignitaries also exchanged views on modernizing religious services, strengthening institutional capacity, and applying digital technology to make faith-based education and support programs more effective and timely.

The meeting concluded in a spirit of goodwill and strategic partnership, with both parties reiterating a shared vision to elevate Bangladesh-UAE relations to a higher level in the coming days.

A renewed debate has emerged in India over whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is adopting an “Israeli model” in its governance of Kashmir. The discussion resurfaced after former Indian Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty, speaking at a private event in New York in November 2019, suggested applying such a model in Indian-administered Kashmir. His remarks came months after the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status in August 2019, amid strict security measures and political detentions.

Analysts cited in the report argue that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s Hindutva-based ideology shares similarities with Israel’s identity-driven state model, influencing closer bilateral ties. The article also highlights domestic controversies such as “bulldozer justice” in BJP-ruled states, where homes of alleged rioters were demolished, and the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling against property destruction without due process. Defense cooperation between India and Israel has deepened, including drone purchases and joint training.

Further disputes involve surveillance technology, notably allegations of Pegasus spyware use against journalists and opposition figures. Critics claim Kashmir remains under heavy militarization and surveillance since 2019, while the government maintains these measures are necessary for counterterrorism and development.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi met with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita) on Tuesday at her office in the ministry. The meeting took place in Dhaka and was attended by State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat.

The report noted the official nature of the meeting but did not provide details about the topics discussed or any outcomes. The presence of both the minister and the state minister highlighted the diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and Japan within the civil aviation and tourism sectors.

No further information was provided regarding the agenda or future cooperation plans stemming from the meeting.

Former Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Tazul Islam, has issued a statement rejecting allegations of corruption and irregularities made against him by fellow prosecutor BM Sultan Mahmud. The allegations were reported by several media outlets on Monday, prompting Tazul Islam to respond through a written statement sent to the press on Tuesday.

In his statement, Tazul Islam described the claims as baseless, malicious, and intended to undermine the integrity of the tribunal’s judicial process. He asserted that all actions taken by him and his prosecution team were transparent and lawful. He further alleged that a group was deliberately spreading falsehoods to divert attention from the tribunal’s ongoing and completed trials against former autocrats and perpetrators of genocide.

Tazul Islam urged all concerned to refrain from engaging in what he termed as false propaganda and malicious activities aimed at discrediting the tribunal’s work.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that since August 5, 2024, numerous cases have been filed with thousands of accused individuals allegedly for the purpose of harassment. Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon, he said that many of these cases appear to have been initiated by opportunistic groups. The ministry plans to review and identify such cases to ensure the rule of law and prevent misuse of the legal system.

Responding to a question about case withdrawals, the minister explained that cases involving murder, drugs, and crimes against women and children have been excluded from consideration, while other cases are being reviewed. He also mentioned that he himself faces multiple cases, including those related to weapons and explosives.

Ahmed added that the government has taken a new initiative to review politically motivated cases for possible withdrawal, emphasizing that the process will be carefully examined to prevent abuse.

Newly appointed Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Aminul Islam, has pledged to maintain a fully corruption-free tribunal. Speaking at a press conference at his office on Tuesday, he warned that strict action would be taken against any prosecutor or individual found involved in irregularities or corruption. He emphasized that the tribunal would operate according to international standards of justice and that no discussions outside the legal framework would be tolerated.

Aminul Islam stated that his priority is to ensure the tribunal functions strictly in accordance with the law, with increased transparency and efficiency. He mentioned that 24 formal charges have already been submitted, and trials for 21 of those cases are ongoing in two tribunals. Although he has not yet reviewed the case materials, he has requested all files for examination. If any investigation is found inadequate or flawed, corrective measures will be taken as per the law.

He also discussed with the prosecution team ways to expedite case resolution in line with the aspirations of the July Revolution, promising prompt necessary steps.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, met with the United Arab Emirates Ambassador Abdullah Ali Al-Hamoudi on Tuesday at the minister’s office in the Secretariat. The meeting emphasized the long-standing historical and fraternal ties between Bangladesh and the UAE and reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to expanding and deepening their bilateral relationship.

Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in religious affairs, increasing people-to-people contact, and promoting cultural exchange to strengthen mutual understanding. Both parties also explored the use of digital technology to modernize religious services, build institutional capacity, and make faith-based education and support programs more effective and timely.

The meeting concluded in a spirit of goodwill and strategic partnership, with both sides expressing a shared vision to elevate Bangladesh-UAE relations to a higher level in the coming days.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that city corporation elections in Bangladesh will be held in phases according to the expiration of each corporation’s term. He said both the government and the Election Commission are prepared for the process. The minister made the remarks on Tuesday at the Secretariat after six newly appointed city corporation administrators formally took charge.

Responding to questions from journalists, Mirza Fakhrul said the decision on whether city corporation elections will be held under party symbols will be made in the National Parliament. He explained that political figures have been appointed as administrators instead of government officials to strengthen public engagement and improve service delivery. The minister emphasized that local government elections are a continuous process, beginning with those whose terms have already ended.

The six new administrators pledged to work on mosquito control, traffic management, and road repairs to reduce public suffering. They also announced plans to implement a 60-day action program to ensure better public service delivery.

The Election Commission (EC) has announced the schedule for the Bogura-6 by-election and the Sherpur-3 parliamentary election, which had been postponed earlier due to a candidate’s death. According to the schedule, voting in both constituencies will take place on April 9. The announcement was made by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed at a press conference held at the Election Building in Agargaon on Tuesday afternoon.

As per the schedule, the deadline for submitting nomination papers is March 2, scrutiny will be held on March 5, and the last date for withdrawal is March 14. The Sherpur-3 seat no longer requires a referendum since the “yes” vote won in the February 12 national election. BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who was elected from two constituencies, vacated the Bogura-6 seat, prompting the by-election.

The Sherpur-3 election was earlier suspended after Jamaat candidate Nuruzzaman Badal died on February 3 due to kidney disease. Under the Representation of the People Order, valid candidates from that constituency will not need to resubmit nomination papers.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the newspaper Amar Desh, stated that the ongoing killings in Gaza are connected to struggles over religious beliefs, global energy control, and the establishment of geopolitical hegemony. He made these remarks on Tuesday afternoon while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Global Zionist Aggression and Human Rights Violations in Gaza: Our Responsibilities,” organized by the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) during the sixth International Quds Week celebration.

Rahman argued that divisions among Muslims worldwide have enabled continued Zionist aggression and human rights violations in Gaza. He said that while a small state like Bangladesh cannot directly resist militarily or economically, it can contribute intellectually. He emphasized that Bangladesh can play a significant role from intellectual, moral, and diplomatic positions by building public opinion, conducting research and analysis, writing, and raising awareness internationally.

The discussion was chaired by JAKSU General Secretary Abdul Alim Arif and attended by several university teachers and student leaders, including Professor Dr. Mohammad Bilal Hossain and Mohayminul Hasan Riad.