Interim government’s legal advisor, Professor Asif Nazrul, expressed fear and frustration over internal violence among political factions. In a Facebook post on January 19, he stated, “When I see my brothers intoxicated by each other’s blood, it scares me, it frustrates me the most.” He went on to say that during the Awami League’s rule, when fights broke out between the League and opposing groups, the police would shamelessly side with the League, leading to a swift resolution. However, today, the police force is divided, and the number of aggressive individuals is minimal. If the Student League and SSF confront each other now, neither side will back down, which could result in unprecedented casualties. He also emphasized, “Whoever gets hurt is still my brother; six months ago, we faced tear gas and rubber bullets together.” Nazrul warned that the ongoing blame and threats between Student League and SSF on social media signal a troubling future.

Under the ‘Devil Hunt’ operation, a joint forces raid detained Shakil Howlader, the son of an Awami League leader, for 7-8 hours before releasing him on bail. He is also facing an attempted murder case. According to police, he was released after providing a written guarantee with the recommendation of local BNP leaders. However, sources have alleged that a substantial bribe was exchanged for his release. The local community had long been suffering under the influence of the mother-son duo, but their power seemed to diminish after the political shift. About a week ago, Shakil became involved in a dispute with a neighbor, chasing and assaulting Ripon with a sharp weapon while causing damage to homes. He was arrested in connection with this case.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for complaining about Ukraine’s exclusion from Saudi-hosted peace talks. Trump argued that Ukraine could have avoided the war by making a deal. He expressed disappointment with Kyiv’s reaction and reiterated his past claim that Ukraine was responsible for the conflict. Meanwhile, after U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh, both sides agreed to appoint delegations for war-ending negotiations. Trump, reacting to these developments, stated he is now “much more confident” about ending the war.

The Bogura-3 parliamentary seat has historically been dominated by BNP, which won six out of the last 12 general elections. The Jatiya Party secured victory four times, while the Awami League and an independent candidate won once each. Jamaat-e-Islami has already finalized its candidate for this seat. Meanwhile, within BNP, four aspirants are preparing to seek the party nomination, all waiting for the decision of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. So far, no independent candidate has announced their candidacy. The potential BNP candidates for this seat include Fazlul Bari Talukder, Abdul Muhit Talukder, Ataur Rahman Khan Mukta, and Hamidul Haque Chowdhury.

A Dhaka court has acquitted BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and seven others in the Niko corruption case. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday by Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4. Earlier, on February 13, the court concluded the defense hearing and arguments before setting the verdict date for today. The defendants maintained their innocence, while Begum Zia, currently undergoing treatment abroad, was unable to appear in court. On the other hand, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had sought the maximum penalty. The case was initially filed during the caretaker government’s tenure against Khaleda Zia and 10 others.

A court has granted a seven-day remand for former state minister Dipankar Talukdar in connection with the murder of Jubo Dal leader Shamim. During the hearing, the defense requested the cancellation of the remand, while the prosecution argued in favor of it. Following deliberations, the court approved the seven-day remand. According to case details, on October 28, 2023, BNP held a central rally in Dhaka, which was met with a counter-rally by the Awami League. A police-assisted attack on the BNP rally resulted in the killing of the Jubo Dal leader. On September 24, 2024, a case was filed over the incident.

The verdict in the Niko corruption case against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and seven others is scheduled for Wednesday. Dhaka’s Special Judge’s Court will announce the decision. The defense previously argued for acquittal, asserting the defendants’ innocence. The case was filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission in 2007, with charges formally submitted in 2008.

On the second day of BNP’s two-day campaign for the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan, a massive torch procession took place at the Teesta Rail Bridge in Kaunia. Led by BNP leader Shafiqul Alam Sufi, the procession followed an overnight sit-in by thousands at the Teesta banks. The event featured cultural performances showcasing regional traditions. The slogans "Save Teesta, Save Bangladesh" resonated throughout the area.

Azadul Islam Hai (Pannu), the BNP president of Nawabganj Upazila, has been missing for 40 days. He left his home in Nawabganj on January 8 for Rajshahi and has not returned. His family has been unable to contact him by phone. His son, Sihab Tamal, has filed a general diary (GD) with Nawabganj police. Despite efforts from law enforcement, there has been no trace of Pannu.

A faction of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement staged a road blockade in Lalkhan, Chattogram, demanding the cancellation of three unit committees. The protest led to severe traffic congestion. In a press conference, 50 members announced their resignation, alleging that the newly announced committee included businesspersons, individuals accused of harassment, and members of teenage gangs. They have put forward a three-point demand, including the cancellation of the committee, and have declared Hasnat Abdullah and Arif Sohel as unwelcome figures until their demands are met. Protesters claim that those who gave fiery speeches after August 5 were awarded key positions while female activists were sidelined. They demand an investigation and punishment for those involved in the selection process.

BNP Secretary Dr. Rafiqul Islam raised concerns about who is facilitating appointments to key positions within the state, including in the medical field. He alleged that political allies of BNP are now rehabilitating Awami League members in medical institutions under false pretenses. During this time, he expressed gratitude to those who provided support and financial assistance to the injured in July, following the directions of Tarique Rahman. He further accused that former allies of the Awami League, who were transferred outside Dhaka, have been reinstated after just one month. Dr. Islam demanded opportunities for those who have suffered discrimination under Sheikh Hasina’s rule.

Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, has stated that the interim government’s primary objective is to bring Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh for trial. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Alam mentioned that the United Nations’ human rights report has implicated Sheikh Hasina in crimes against humanity, creating international pressure. According to a survey by India Today, 55% of Indians want Sheikh Hasina to be sent back to Bangladesh, while only 16-17% prefer her to remain in India. Regarding the Awami League’s position on the elections, Alam mentioned that decisions will be made by the public and political parties after justice is served. Alam also shared that discussions have taken place with five or six ministers in Dubai, and he is hopeful that visa restrictions will be lifted soon.

Spokesperson of the National Citizens’ Committee, Samantha Sarmine, speaking at an event organized for the families of martyrs and injured individuals, emphasized that Bangladesh was born from the blood of the martyrs, and we should never forget their sacrifice. She stated, “The individuals responsible for taking the lives of students must be brought to justice—many seem to be forgetting this. We are reminding everyone of it.” Sarmine further urged the public not to vote for those they would not want to see in person. She pledged that the National Citizens’ Committee will always stand by the people.

After a meeting with District Commissioners (DCs), Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan emphasized that local government elections should take place before the national parliamentary elections. He stated that members of the Awami League who are not involved in any wrongdoing but wish to participate in the elections will be able to do so by seeking forgiveness. However, he clarified that war criminals will not be given this opportunity. The Adviser pointed out that there are no elected representatives in local government, and administrators are unwilling to take on additional responsibilities. He stressed the importance of holding local elections swiftly, and if these elections do not occur, administrators will need to be appointed.

A court has ordered the seizure of 28 bighas of land and the freezing of 19 bank accounts belonging to Arifa Jesmin, wife of former State Minister Junaid Ahmed Palak. The Dhaka Metropolitan Court issued this order on Tuesday following a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The court also imposed a travel ban on her. The petition stated that there is a possibility of changes in the ownership of assets under her name, and to ensure a fair investigation, both movable and immovable properties must be frozen. The travel ban is deemed urgent for the ongoing investigation. Previously, on December 12, the ACC filed a case against Palak and his wife.