Sixteen individuals, including former ministers Anisul Haque, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Dipu Moni, Shajahan Khan, Abdur Razzak, and adviser Salman F. Rahman, have been indicted for crimes against humanity committed during the July-August genocide. On December 16, the International Crimes Tribunal granted an extension until February 18 to submit the investigation report. The accused were presented in court today.

Jamaat-e-Islami will stage nationwide protests today demanding the release of their assistant secretary general, ATM Azharul Islam. Secretary General Mia Ghulam Parwar has urged party activists to make the protests successful. The demonstration will be led by Jamaat Amir Shafiqur Rahman at Paltan Intersection at 4 PM on Tuesday. In a statement, Parwar alleged that ATM Azharul Islam has been imprisoned for over 13 years and subjected to physical and mental torture without receiving medical treatment.

BNP executive committee member Hummam Quader Chowdhury has warned that the Awami League plans to take control of streets with marches, but BNP is prepared to respond. He urged the identification of those responsible for 16 years of oppression. Speaking at an event advocating the implementation of the 31-point reform plan, he recalled his seven-month imprisonment and stated that his father endured even greater suffering. "That is why people remember him as 'Bhaijan,'" he added.

Aminul Haque, convenor of BNP’s Dhaka Metropolitan North unit, has stated that Bangladesh has been devastated by 15 years of autocratic rule, making true state reforms impossible without removing its remnants from governmental institutions. He emphasized that democracy and fundamental rights are yet to be fully established. To address this, BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has proposed a 31-point reform plan.

At a rally in Cox’s Bazar’s Golchattar field, BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed claimed that Sheikh Hasina “buried” the Awami League on August 5, 2024. He stated that the party met its political demise through a mass uprising, and its “burial” took place in Delhi. He further accused Sheikh Hasina of attempting to create instability by occasionally “speaking from the grave,” but asserted that such efforts would never succeed. Addressing the interim government, he urged them to announce an election roadmap promptly if they had sincere intentions. Salahuddin also called for urgent measures to stabilize law and order and control rising commodity prices.

A new organization is being formed under the leadership of Abu Baker Majumdar, former coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, with the slogan “Student First, Bangladesh First.” This was announced today by Abu Baker Majumdar during a press conference at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen. Regarding the new initiative, Abdul Kader mentioned, “During the movement, students from almost all political parties joined. Everyone has returned to their respective parties. However, we decided to create a new student organization to provide a platform for those who were not part of any political student organization.” He emphasized that this move should not be viewed as a division of the anti-discrimination student movement or as something requiring permission. Rifat Rashid added that this organization is independent and distinct from the anti-discrimination student movement, marking the establishment of a separate political student group.

On Monday, following an application by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), a court ordered the seizure of eight flats, 52 bighas of land, and a four-story building belonging to Nizam Uddin Hazari’s wife, Noorjahan Begum. Additionally, her shares and 30 bank accounts have been frozen. Earlier, on October 17, a court imposed a travel ban on Nizam Uddin Hazari and his wife. The seized properties are estimated to be worth hundreds of crores of taka.

Tensions have risen among BNP members in the Ramapal area of Bagerhat District after members of the ruling Awami League (AL) were included in the local BNP committee. Angered BNP leaders and activists held a press conference at the Bagerhat Press Club on Monday afternoon. Among the attendees were former president of the Mallikerber Union BNP, Alim Howlader, and general secretary Humayun Kabir Khan, along with over a hundred other BNP leaders and activists. They accused the Awami League members of infiltrating the committee, casting votes, and influencing the election process in various wards. They demanded action from the party’s high command.

The court has imposed a travel ban on Nurul Islam Nahid, the former MP for Sylhet-6, and his wife, K. U. Zohra Jesmin, following an application by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The application highlights ongoing investigations into abuse of power, recruitment fraud, tender manipulation, corruption, embezzlement of government development funds, and money laundering. The ACC suspects the accused might flee the country to evade investigation, prompting the court’s decision.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has criticized the Awami League government for failing to secure Teesta River water in the past 15 years. Speaking at a rally in Lalmonirhat and Rangpur, he accused India of withholding water while Sheikh Hasina remains silent. BNP leaders highlighted the devastating impact on northern Bangladesh, where 20,000 people lose their homes annually. They demanded the immediate implementation of the Teesta Master Plan to restore economic stability and ensure fair water distribution.

The High Court has withdrawn the arrest warrant against BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, which was issued in connection with the August 21 grenade attack case. Previously, on December 1, 2024, the High Court overturned earlier verdicts and acquitted all accused, including Tarique Rahman and Lutfozzaman Babar.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has called a press conference to respond to the formation of a new political student organization emerging from the July-August uprising. The conference is scheduled for Monday at 4 PM at Dhaka University's Modhur Canteen. In a message sent by movement coordinator Abu Bakar Mazumdar, it was stated that the press briefing aims to address the implications of forming a new political student body in the wake of the July uprising.

Police have arrested Syeda Monalisa, wife of former Public Administration Minister Farhad Hossain and Vice President of the Central Committee of Jubo Mohila League. She was taken into custody late Sunday night from a residence on Eskaton Road, Dhaka. The officer-in-charge of Meherpur Sadar Police Station confirmed the arrest. According to police reports, she faces three cases in Meherpur related to attacks on students during the anti-discrimination movement.

Former Dhaka University president of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, Sadiq Qayem, commented on Facebook regarding the July uprising, stating, "Refuel the lamp before it goes out, or you will lose direction in the darkness." He further wrote, "When my brothers were martyred, they said, 'Let's see what happens!' Now, many are flocking to power for benefits." He questioned, "Have we fulfilled the conditions of the revolution? We are divided, fighting over power-sharing instead of dismantling the fascist structure and ensuring justice." He emphasized that engaging in power struggles rather than focusing on critical tasks is an insult to the martyrs.

Under the slogan 'Jago Bahe—Teesta Bachao' (Rise Up—Save Teesta), BNP and its allies have launched a two-day protest starting Monday to demand proper water distribution and river project implementation. According to party sources, they will hold a 48-hour sit-in near the Teesta River. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is set to inaugurate the protest at the Teesta Rail Bridge area in Lalmonirhat, while acting chairman Tarique Rahman will deliver the concluding speech. Protesters will cover a 230-kilometer stretch along the riverbank, marching to press for their demands.