Under mounting criticism and opposition from the Arab world, U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at backing away from his plan to occupy Gaza. His initial proposal, which included pressuring Egypt and Jordan to accept displaced Palestinians, sparked global backlash. In a Fox News Radio interview, Trump acknowledged rejection from Jordan and Egypt, calling forced displacement unjust. On the same day, Arab leaders met in Riyadh to discuss Gaza’s post-war reconstruction, seen as a counter to Trump’s plan.

On Saturday evening, retired military officers held a discussion with the National Citizens’ Committee. A former army officer stated that families of retired military personnel collectively hold over 10 million votes. “In the upcoming election, these 10 million votes will be our reserve,” he claimed, adding that they have already aligned with ‘Janak’ on this matter. Many BNP members have also joined their cause. Nasiruddin Patwari emphasized, “We must unite and fight with the next ballot in mind.” Addressing student organizations, he cautioned, “Move carefully, or you will end up like the Chhatra League.” Meanwhile, Sargis Alam urged former military officers to protest against injustice wherever it occurs.

BNP’s Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan has assured that his party will establish the rights of every worker if they come to power. Speaking at a meeting of the BNP-affiliated labor wing on Saturday, he urged CNG auto-rickshaw drivers to maintain discipline on the roads while serving people. During the discussion, the labor group presented 12 demands, of which Dr. Moin Khan endorsed 10. He stated, “If we assume power through a fair election, fulfilling your rightful demands will be our first priority.” Speakers at the event also called for an end to double penalties on all legal fines and proposed setting a fixed fine of 1,000 Taka per case, among other demands.

The BNP in Narayanganj’s Rupganj upazila organized a rally to push for the implementation of its 31-point agenda aimed at reforming the state structure. The gathering took place at the RAJUK field, where speakers emphasized the need to eliminate discrimination and build a positive and inclusive nation to honor the sacrifices of martyrs. They called for resisting communal incitement, ensuring legal action against extremists, and safeguarding the country’s hard-earned independence from conspiracies. The speakers also stressed the importance of curbing violence, vandalism, extortion, and land grabbing to maintain peace and stability. The rally concluded with a call for unity in implementing the 31-point reform plan presented by BNP leader Tarique Rahman.

On Saturday, the Discrimination Resistance Student Movement expelled its Rangpur district organizer, Tanzim Alam Tasin, after a leaked phone call revealed his involvement in a plot to assassinate the district’s convenor and secretary. The district secretary expressed shock over the revelation but stated that the movement would not be deterred. The district convenor remarked that he was speechless, recalling how they had fought together in the July Revolution and worked tirelessly for Bangladesh’s future. He added that while the discovery was unsettling, the organization had taken necessary disciplinary action.

At a press conference on Saturday, Rajshahi businessman Hossain Ali alleged that while he was in prison, his bank account was drained, and two of his private cars were seized. He claimed that under threats of multiple lawsuits, he was also forced to sign over power of attorney for a house. He further alleged that the two vehicles are currently being used by leaders of the opposition student and youth organizations. According to him, the police assisted the accused individuals. He named his close associate, Mahmud Hasan Shishir (35), along with his managers Mahmud Hasan Limon (28) and Tanmoy Hossain (31), as the masterminds behind the conspiracy. Hossain Ali claimed they planted weapons and illicit drugs in his car on August 10, leading to his arrest. When questioned, student leaders accused in the case failed to provide satisfactory answers.

At a rally in Jhalokathi on Saturday, BNP leader Advocate Zainul Abedin warned that local government elections would not be allowed before the national election. He urged the ruling government to stop delaying and immediately announce the parliamentary elections. Addressing Jamaat-e-Islami, he criticized their contradictory stance—while advocating for election delays, they were simultaneously announcing candidates nationwide. He accused the ruling government of initially banning Jamaat but later enabling their political activities, alleging that Jamaat continues to conspire against the country.

The political party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has alleged that authorities are blocking their leader’s access to meetings. PTI leader Junaid Akbar has described this as a violation of rules and has filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court seeking permission for the meeting. PTI leaders expressed concerns that this move would escalate provincial tensions and further alienate Imran Khan from state institutions. They are also contemplating approaching the Chief Justice of Pakistan. In response, the Punjab government denied the allegations, stating that Imran Khan’s family, party members, and legal representatives have been meeting him regularly. It was also emphasized that a prison is not an entertainment park, implying that visits are subject to regulations.

The AB Party has called for the establishment of a special tribunal to ensure women’s rightful share of inheritance and expedite property-related legal disputes. The party also proposed setting up Women’s Property Protection Centers at the union and village levels. At a press conference, AB Party’s Joint Secretary General Nasrin Sultana Mili outlined several measures for women’s safety and security, including CCTV monitoring, GPS tracking in public transport, night bus services, safe stops, local watchdog groups, and an online task force for digital protection.

Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Shafiqur Rahman has called on the youth to join in building a new Bangladesh, declaring, “O young men, step forward! I stand with you, even with my gray hair, beard, and eyebrows.” Addressing a gathering in Lakshmipur on Saturday morning, he saluted the youth and praised their sacrifices, saying, “It is because you risked your lives in the struggle that Allah has granted us freedom.” He recalled the words of young fighters, who once said, “A storm rages in our hearts, shoot us if you must!” He described this storm as a fight against corruption and tyranny. Emphasizing the Quran as the foundation for a prosperous Bangladesh, he spoke of Lakshmipur’s struggles and called on mothers and sisters to join in shaping a nation guided by Islamic principles.

LDP President Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram claimed that he had warned Sheikh Hasina three years ago. “If she had listened to me, she wouldn’t have had to flee to India like this,” he said. He also warned that no one would be allowed to act as an agent for India. “We are not against India, and as per Islamic teachings, we are grateful to those who have supported us. However, too much interference will not end well,” he cautioned. He also accused local-level Awami League leaders of being involved in multimillion-dollar corruption schemes, urging opposition political parties to take note.

The perpetrators behind the violent attack at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) on February 18 remain at large. During the clash, armed outsiders reportedly fired at general students near Khan Jahan Ali Hall. Eyewitnesses captured footage of a man in a black helmet shooting towards the KUET campus from an alleyway. Several activists from Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal have been identified as participants in the attack.

On Saturday, general students continued their six-point movement, marking the fourth day of protests. They held a demonstration across the campus, met with journalists at the Shaheed Minar, and put up posters displaying images of the attackers. Expressing their frustration, the students condemned the authorities for failing to arrest the culprits even after several days.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has stated that the government has been given sufficient time to release imprisoned party leader ATM Azharul Islam. He pointed out that while others have been released, Azhar remains behind bars, calling it an act of oppression. He further declared that he cannot remain free while his leader is jailed and announced his voluntary surrender to the court on the 25th. Rahman urged the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Law to intervene. Addressing a gathering, he also called for collective efforts to eliminate extortion and land grabbing.

Two Awami League leaders have been arrested in Tungipara, Gopalganj, in connection with an attack on police and vandalism of vehicles. The incident occurred when party members allegedly attempted to snatch a detained individual suspected of being an Awami League activist. The arrested leaders have been identified as Imdadul Haque Dulu and Mithu Molla. Tungipara police station’s Officer-in-Charge, Khorshed Alam, confirmed the arrests, stating that they were involved in the attack. He also mentioned that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects linked to the incident.

Student activists and the public gathered at Raju Sculpture in protest against fascism have published a list of ministers, advisors, and MPs from the authoritarian Sheikh Hasina government and its political allies, declaring them as fascists. They have called for the arrest of these individuals and their sentencing to 7-14 years in prison. The protesters also demanded that they be stripped of their right to participate in elections. Abdul Wahed, convener of the Revolutionary Student Council, presented five key demands at the conference, including the banning of the Awami League and its allies, confiscation of the parties’ assets, and the designation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her cabinet members, MPs, and all district chairmen and members as fascists, with arrest warrants issued.