Hamas has accused the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) of applying double standards in the treatment of Israeli and Palestinian bodies. While the Red Cross conducts formal ceremonies for Israeli bodies, Palestinian martyrs’ remains are reportedly handed over in blue bags with little regard for dignity. Hamas claims this reflects discrimination and the failure of the international community to uphold justice. The accusation follows the transfer of four Israeli bodies by Hamas as part of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.

A new political party, initiated by the National Citizens’ Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, is set to launch this month. Nahid Islam, leader of a mass uprising, is expected to be the Convenor, while Akhtar Hossain is likely to be the Member Secretary. Other key positions include Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah as Chief Organizer and Spokesperson. A launch event is planned for February 26 in Dhaka. Nahid Islam may resign from his advisory role soon to take up party leadership.

With the national election ahead, BNP plans to stay active throughout Ramadan, emphasizing grassroots engagement through Iftar gatherings and organizational activities. While large rallies won’t be held, leaders and activists will conduct local meetings, religious events, and diplomatic outreach. The party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, will join major events virtually. BNP aims to strengthen its presence, resolve internal conflicts, and prepare for the elections by boosting public support and trust. Leaders believe this strategy will shape the election atmosphere nationwide.

A case has been filed at Bijoynagar Police Station following a clash between two BNP factions over placing flowers at the Shaheed Minar on International Mother Language Day. The case, filed by Mosammat Runa Akter, wife of injured Billal Mia, names 17 individuals, with 20-25 others unidentified. The clash occurred on Thursday night, resulting in two people being stabbed. Police have confirmed the case and stated that legal action will be taken accordingly.

Tensions have escalated in Tongi between the Bangladesh Student League (Student League) and Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing, Chhatra Shibir, following an incident where Fazle Rabbi, a Chhatra Shibir leader from Tamirul Millat, was assaulted. Both parties held counter-demonstrations in the aftermath. Chhatra Shibir, through a press conference, demanded the protection of the complainant, blaming the Student League for the violence. In response, the Gazipur Metropolitan Student League held a procession and rally, denying the accusations and urging Chhatra Shibir to cease its propaganda.

Sifat, in the press briefing, claimed that on Thursday evening, after luring student leader Mamun, a group of 8-10 Student League members attacked him with bamboo sticks and forced him to make a video statement. Later, they reportedly took a photo holding a cigarette and demanded a ransom, before injuring him with machetes when he refused.

Sarwar Tushar, Joint Convener of the National Citizens’ Committee, has urged politicians to focus on serving the people and combating corruption before seeking elections. Speaking at a discussion event at the organization’s central office, Tushar made it clear that elections should not take place before necessary reforms are implemented.

Addressing the BNP, he criticized their focus on corruption and looting, stating, “You’ve become champions by engaging in corruption and plundering four times. Meanwhile, your party has fled the country, leaving it in disarray.” He further remarked that the people are no longer responding to their fake movements, highlighting the contrast with the July protests, where millions took to the streets in response to calls from young students.

Tushar also criticized the BNP for attempting to engage in politics through empty rhetoric, stating that the post-revolutionary stance of the party, led by their student wing, won’t succeed in bringing about any meaningful change.

BNP leader Aminul Haque emphasized that free and fair elections are crucial for achieving complete reforms and advancing towards true democracy. Speaking at a sports event on Friday afternoon, he stated that many sectors of the state remain unstable and are plagued by conspiracies within state institutions. He insisted that to put an end to these issues, free and fair elections are necessary. Addressing the interim government, Haque warned that any attempts to delay the elections under the guise of reforms would not be accepted by the people. He highlighted the importance of elections, citing how the people of Bangladesh overthrew a fascist government that lasted seventeen years, paving the way for a democratic state.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has condemned Chhatra Dal for attacking Fazle Rabbi Sifat, a Chhatra Shibir leader, and allegedly forcing him to record a video in police presence. The organization warned of rising student violence, resembling past fascist tendencies, and urged Chhatra Dal to shift towards intellectual politics. They also called for patience among student groups and stronger action from the interim government to restore law and order. Meanwhile, interim government adviser Mahfuz Alam is monitoring the legal process and maintaining communication with the victim’s side.

BNP leader Kazi Syedul Alam Babul highlighted that the people of Kaliakair had not had an MP for the past 30 to 40 years, and yet Rahmat Ali from Sripur had served as an MP three times. Babul criticized the fact that A.K.M. Mojammel Hossain, who was not even a local voter, repeatedly became an MP through “night voting” orchestrated by Sheikh Hasina. Despite being appointed minister, his actions did not benefit the local area, Babul argued. He added that BNP aims to present its 31-point agenda, which outlines the future of democracy, development, and reforms in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and industry.

Central BNP leader Hasan Uddin Sarkar accused the Awami League of engaging in politics of looting. He said that politics should be for the welfare of people, but under Hasina’s leadership, it was about plundering. He pointed out that Hasina’s peon, Jahangir, claimed to own 400 crore Taka. Sarkar suggested that if a peon could amass such wealth, Hasina must have embezzled billions. This, he stated, is the reason why she had to flee. He warned BNP members not to engage in land-grabbing, extortion, or petty conflicts, as failure to avoid such activities could result in action from the party’s high command.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs and BNP leader Lutfuzzaman Babar has returned to Bangladesh after performing Umrah and undergoing medical treatment. He arrived at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday afternoon on a flight from Singapore. The information was confirmed by BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan.

Earlier, on January 30, Babar left Dhaka for Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. However, during a layover in Dubai, he fell ill and was hospitalized before continuing his journey to Saudi Arabia.

The National Revolutionary Council staged a protest at Dhaka University demanding the reinstatement of the phrase ‘Except Israel’ on Bangladeshi passports. The demonstration began after Friday prayers from the DU Central Mosque and culminated in a gathering at the base of the Raju Memorial Sculpture.

Hasan Mohammad Arif, a protest leader, stated that a one-month ultimatum was issued last week from a demonstration at Baitul Mukarram, calling for the reintroduction of the phrase. However, as a week has passed with no government action, today’s protest was organized to reinforce their demand.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has strongly condemned the attack on Fazle Rabbi Sifat, a Chhatra Shibir leader in Gazipur, allegedly by Chhatra Dal. The group also criticized police actions, including forced video recording and attempts to deny legal rights. They warned of rising political violence resembling past authoritarian eras and urged Chhatra Dal to embrace intellectual politics. The organization called for patience among student groups and urged the interim government to take stronger measures to maintain law and order.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has clarified that claims circulating on social media about Khaleda Zia becoming President and Tarique Rahman becoming Prime Minister if the party wins the upcoming election are not BNP’s official position. Rizvi emphasized that these are personal opinions of some individuals. He also reiterated the importance of a free, fair election to restore public trust, stressing the government’s duty to ensure a transparent electoral process.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir, Shafiqur Rahman, stated that while Bangladesh has removed fascists, the country is still suffering under their oppression. Speaking at a Mother Language Day event, he warned against dishonoring the sacrifices of martyrs. He highlighted ongoing extortion and oppression of working-class people and urged for a social movement against injustice.