After an attack on the police by supporters of the Awami League and Chhatra League, who tried to abduct a detained individual, the police have been guarding the police station throughout the night for security. Supporters of the Awami League attacked the Khan Saheb Sheikh Mosharraf Hossain School and College in Tungipara, Gopalganj, yesterday, injuring five police officers. The police had gone there after receiving reports that Awami League activists were distributing leaflets. When one police officer got trapped, the Upazila Executive Officer went to rescue them.

In Tungipara, Gopalganj, during a month-long program of the Awami League, a worker named Safayet was arrested while distributing leaflets. Following his arrest, Awami League leaders and activists clashed with the police to free him. As a result, 8 people, including a police officer, were injured. During the incident, the enraged activists threw bricks and stones, vandalizing a police vehicle. They also detained a police officer. Upon receiving the news, the Upazila Executive Officer, Md. Moinul Haque, rescued the police officer and handed him over to the Officer-in-Charge (OC).

Abdul Wahab, the President of Suzanganj Upazila Awami League and former chairman, was snatched away from police custody by his supporters in Mathurapur village on February 2. The police had gone to arrest Wahab due to allegations against him, but his supporters blocked their efforts and freed him. The local police, unable to proceed with the arrest, returned to their station. The police confirmed that the operation to arrest Wahab will continue.

Tariq Rahman, the acting chairman of BNP, expressed concerns during a virtual participation in a rally held in South Dhaka, stating that the longer the talks on reform proposals drag on, the deeper the country will fall into crisis. He said that prolonged discussions on reforms would give room for fallen autocrats to gain power and oppress the people. He emphasized the importance of elections for the implementation of reform proposals, stating that accountability can be ensured through elections, and when an elected government has the opportunity to govern, the issues will gradually be resolved. He pledged to make the utmost effort to implement the promised reforms with the party’s leaders and workers.

At around 9:30 AM on February 2nd, a clash between two factions of the BNP occurred in the Gharua Union of Bhanga Upazila, Faridpur, over dominance, leaving 20 people injured. After a meeting at 9:00 AM, on their way back home, Anwar Munshi’s supporters attacked Karim Mollah’s supporters. Subsequently, both sides exchanged blows using local weapons. As a result, 20 people were injured. Karim Mollah accused BNP leader Anwar and Awami League leaders of torturing them. Anwar stated that people loyal to Nixon Chowdhury’s top supporter, Niru Khalifa, led by Karim Mollah, attacked them.

Information and Broadcasting Advisor Nahid Islam has stated that BNP’s allegations regarding the government’s impartiality are unjustified. He remarked that the government has prioritized the advice of political parties, making BNP’s claims of bias unreasonable. He also noted that despite the interest of many in getting involved, young people have not formed political parties to maintain trust among existing parties. He cautioned against any speculation regarding the removal of Dr. Yunus or other matters, emphasizing that national unity remains intact. He further asserted that the government could not have functioned without the cooperation of political parties and hopes that this collaboration will continue in the future.

At a seminar titled “Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts Problem: Political Thoughts on Resolution”, organized at the National Press Club, Gana Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan alleged that students are forming a new ‘Kings Party’ with Dr. Yunus as its brand ambassador. He questioned how the term ‘Indigenous’ entered textbooks under the current government and accused a faction of hijacking the 2024 movement. Expressing frustration over Yunus being internationally presented as a mastermind, Rashed claimed he had never seen him involved in movements over the past 15 years.

The schedule for the Jatiya Sangsad (Jaksu) elections at Jahangirnagar University was supposed to be announced on February 1 but was postponed based on the recommendations of the Environmental Council. This has created a tense situation on campus, with student organizations divided into two factions. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Shibir, along with other groups, demand immediate elections, while Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and leftist student groups want reforms before elections. Last evening, the two groups faced off, with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement accusing JCD of blocking the election announcement. Meanwhile, a Jaksu reform committee has been formed.

Fakhrul Anwar, the Industry and Commerce Secretary of Chattogram District Awami League, was arrested from his son’s wedding ceremony. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement had received information that former MPs Syed Najibul Bashir Maizbhandari and Khadijatul Anwar Soni would attend the event. Students attempting to enter the convention venue were confronted, and tensions escalated. Following the confrontation, Fakhrul was handed over to the police.

A clash between two BNP factions resulted in the death of Md. Selim Bhuiyan (45), president of the Swechchhasebak Dal in Heshakhal Union. The violence erupted around 3 PM when a motorcade supporting former BNP MP Gafur Bhuiyan passed near a rally venue organized by Upazila BNP president Mobashwer Alam. Several people were injured, and one person was killed. Party activists claim that the deceased was a supporter of Gafur Bhuiyan.

The Chief Advisor of the Interim Government, Muhammad Yunus, has instructed an urgent investigation into the death of Jubodol leader Mohammad Touhidur Rahman (40), who died while in police custody during a Comilla operation. His family claims he was tortured after his arrest on January 31. The army has removed the relevant camp commander, and a high-level committee has been set up to investigate the cause of death and hold those responsible accountable.

A new political party formed by students who led the July movement is set to launch soon. Nahid Islam, former information advisor to the interim government, is rumored to lead the party. Discussions are ongoing about other key positions. The party plans to announce its formation after a long march from Shaheed Abu Sayeed’s home to Shaheed Wasim’s in Chattogram. The party’s leadership structure is still being finalized, and applications for registration with the Election Commission are underway.

U.S. President Donald Trump has temporarily suspended foreign aid programs as part of his “America First” policy. The suspension will last three months while aid projects are reviewed for alignment with U.S. policies. In 2023, Ukraine received the highest U.S. aid, totaling $16.62 billion. Israel, Ethiopia, and Egypt are also major recipients. The decision affects global health programs, including PEPFAR, and could lead to mass layoffs in aid-dependent sectors. Bangladesh, which received $550 million, will see job losses, but Rohingya aid remains unaffected.

BNP has drafted a proposal for the July Uprising declaration and is consulting allied parties for consensus before finalizing it. While BNP acknowledges the student movement’s efforts, differences exist in terminology and approach. BNP refers to the Liberation War as “Muktijuddho,” while students call it “Jonojuddho.” Students demand constitutional reforms before elections, whereas BNP prioritizes elections first. Both emphasize justice for past crimes but differ on scope. BNP plans to finalize the declaration after further discussions with allies.

While recovering in a Paris hospital after surgery, Dr. Muhammad Yunus received a call from student leaders urging him to form the interim government in Bangladesh after the ousting of Sheikh Hasina. Despite initial reluctance, he eventually agreed to take on the role. Days later, Dr. Yunus learned of his new position from the media and was escorted by the French military to return to Bangladesh, where he addressed the nation and called for unity and peace.