Mahbub Uddin Khokon, advisor to the BNP Chairperson, stated that the Yunus government is unwilling to relinquish power. He claimed the government’s delay under the guise of reform is evidence that the ‘ghost of the League’ is haunting them. He emphasized that staying in power without elections raises concerns of accountability. Khokon called for the immediate announcement of a national election date and urged the completion of the election by this year. He further mentioned that reform would no longer be necessary as Tarique Rahman would implement reforms with his 31-point agenda. These comments were made during a rally demanding reforms in the face of rising commodity prices, improvements in law and order, and the announcement of a democratic electoral roadmap to counter various fascist conspiracies.

Former Pakistani federal minister Faisal Vawda has accused leaders from Imran Khan’s own party, PTI, of conspiring to keep him in jail. In a press conference, he claimed that Khan’s imprisonment is part of a deal with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). “I have always said that no ‘trump card’ will work,” he remarked. Looking back 15 years, he sees no one standing behind Imran Khan, he added. Vawda served as Pakistan’s Minister for Water Resources from 2018 to 2021. Although he remained a PTI member until 2022, he lost both his party membership and seat due to his dual citizenship.

Akhtar Hossain, Secretary General of the National Citizens’ Committee, shared a post on Facebook with a picture of himself and two young advisers, Nahid Islam and Mahfuz Alam. This post has raised speculation about the leadership structure of a new political party being formed by youth leaders. Nahid is set to become the convener, while Akhtar is expected to take the role of Secretary General. The party, with strong ties to the National Citizens’ Committee, is expected to launch soon.

Germany is set to hold new elections after the collapse of the coalition government, marking a pivotal moment in its political landscape. The world is closely watching the 21st German parliamentary elections, hoping for an end to the prolonged political instability and economic challenges. However, there are growing concerns about the rise of the far-right AfD (Alternative for Germany) party. With projections suggesting the party could garner around 20% of the vote, the AfD may secure up to 150 seats in the 630-member parliament. Their support from the United States may further bolster their influence, potentially altering German policies. Sunday’s elections show a low probability of a single-party majority, and coalitions with the AfD have been ruled out. This could lead to a prolonged government formation process. The entire European Union and the ongoing Ukraine war are watching these elections closely, anticipating potential shifts in political dynamics.

President Trump alleged that $29 million from USAID, intended to bolster Bangladesh’s political landscape, was given to an obscure entity with just two staff members. Speaking at a governors’ event on February 21, 2025, he criticized the lack of transparency. The program has been canceled under the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. Trump also mentioned a $21 million India project, sparking controversy. Both initiatives are among 17 aid programs axed to cut U.S. federal spending.

The interim government aims to announce the “July Charter” based on political consensus regarding reforms. To achieve this, the National Consensus Commission will hold separate discussions with political parties in early March. A written reform report has already been sent to all parties for review. Political leaders have stated they will participate in discussions after their internal evaluations. Commission Vice President Ali Riaz expressed hope that consensus could be reached before the set deadline. However, differences remain—Jamaat-e-Islami favors elections only after full reforms, while BNP demands an expedited election with minimal reforms.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, stated that the people of Bangladesh have been waiting for 16 years to cast their votes in a national election. He warned that if the interim government prioritizes local elections over national elections, it will further destabilize the country. Calling this a reckless decision, he urged the government to first bring market prices under control. “People will not accept you if you fail to control inflation,” he asserted. He also called on election commissions to quickly outline a reform roadmap, stressing the urgency of holding national elections. He criticized the interim government, saying it is proving to be as ineffective as the Awami League administration.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Central Naib-e-Ameer, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, has stated that the interim government is moving in the right direction. “We believe that once the necessary reforms are complete, they will organize elections and hand over power to a democratic government,” he said.

Dr. Taher accused the previous Awami League administration of politicizing every sector of the country, pushing it to the brink of collapse. “There is no discipline anywhere, which is why this government is struggling to implement reforms,” he added. Expressing optimism, he hoped that the interim administration would successfully carry out the required restructuring. He also emphasized the urgency of these reforms and stated that if his party comes to power, they will govern the country in accordance with Sharia law.

Nasir Uddin Nasir, the General Secretary of the BNP-affiliated Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, is set to visit China at the invitation of the Communist Party of China. He will be part of a delegation led by BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moin Khan. According to a press release issued on Saturday, the 13-day visit will begin on February 24 and conclude on March 6. Political leaders from various Bangladeshi parties, including Mahmudur Rahman of Nagorik Oikya, will also attend. Chhatra Dal believes this visit will play a crucial role in Bangladesh’s political and economic development.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s sudden foreign policy changes, especially on the Ukraine war, have left Germany struggling to adjust. At the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Vice President JD Vance urged cooperation with far-right AfD members, while Trump’s controversial remarks about Ukraine and its president, Zelensky, have further strained relations. With the CDU leading in upcoming elections, Germany’s political landscape is likely to shift, reshaping its future relations with the U.S. and altering its stance on global issues.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, criticized the politics of corruption and misrule, stressing that such practices cannot sustain power. He called for all political parties to unite in halting extortion and land grabbing, urging the nation to progress. Speaking at a rally in Lakshmipur, he highlighted the ongoing injustice faced by imprisoned leader ATM Azharul Islam. The rally, led by district president Amir Ruhul Amin Bhuiyan, featured speeches from several key Jamaat leaders.

Colonel (Retd.) Mohammad Abdul Hai, Chairman of Rawa Club, hailed Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman for averting a massacre during the July movement. Speaking to Jugantor Multimedia, he compared Waker to Prophet Moses, praising his integrity and patriotism. Hai claimed that without Waker, Bangladesh faced potential occupation, with Baitul Mokarram Mosque possibly replaced by a Ram Mandir. He accused India and Sheikh Hasina of orchestrating chaos, including the BDR massacre, and credited Waker with saving the nation from a dire fate.

The Local Government Reform Commission, appointed by the interim government, has proposed holding elections for all local government bodies across the country by June. Following the aftermath of the July uprising, the commission noted that there are no functioning local institutions. It recommends conducting elections for unions, upazilas, municipalities, city corporations, and district councils in both plain and hill areas. Additionally, it has suggested amending laws to integrate hill councils within the parliamentary structure, with elections for these councils slated for June 2025.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged all to be more sincere in rebuilding the country. Speaking at a discussion session in memory of late journalist Mahfuz Ullah, Fakhrul emphasized that political parties have long fought against fascism, and the people’s collective struggle led to its downfall. He praised Mahfuz Ullah for his contributions to democracy and for uniting political parties after the 2014 elections. The session highlighted his intellectual integrity and unwavering stand against injustice.

Sinn Féin, Ireland’s largest opposition party, announced its decision to boycott this year’s White House St. Patrick’s Day event due to President Trump’s controversial statements regarding Gaza. Party leader Mary Lou McDonald expressed strong disapproval of Trump’s call for the mass expulsion of Palestinians and permanent land occupation. Sinn Féin advocates for a lasting ceasefire and a fair two-state solution to resolve the Gaza conflict and calls for international support in addressing human rights violations.