A new political party emerging from recent mass uprisings is set to launch later this month. However, internal leadership conflicts have already begun, even before its official formation.

In response to inquiries from BBC Bangla, National Citizen Committee leaders acknowledged that while there is consensus on Nahid Islam as the party’s convener, disagreements persist over three key leadership positions. The issue has divided the party into four factions.

Former Dhaka University student leader Rafe Salman Rifat claims that past affiliations with Shibir are being used to sideline him from higher positions. In reaction, his supporters have taken to social media, highlighting the role of Shibir and its former members in the recent uprisings. Party leaders have stated that sincere discussions are ongoing and that a resolution will be reached soon.

A tribunal has ordered the completion of the investigation into war crimes allegations against Sheikh Hasina by April 20. The case pertains to crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July-August massacres.

The three-member tribunal, led by Chairman Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, issued the directive following a petition by Chief Prosecutor Mizanul Islam. Previously, on December 17, the court had instructed investigators to complete the probe within two months against Sheikh Hasina, Obaidul Quader, and 44 others.

Sheikh Hasina and her associates are currently facing trial on charges of orchestrating mass killings, with allegations that at least 1,500 people were murdered.

The Supreme Court is set to hear the appeal challenging the High Court’s ruling that declared Jamaat-e-Islami’s political registration illegal. The case is on Tuesday’s cause list before Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed’s bench. Earlier, a second hearing on the matter took place on January 14, with the next hearing scheduled for January 21. However, it was postponed due to a judge’s illness. Today’s proceedings will determine the fate of the Islamist party’s electoral registration.

A recent report by the United Nations Human Rights Office states that prolonged one-party rule has led to the politicization of state institutions, prioritizing political loyalty over professionalism in recruitment and promotions. The report highlights that police officers were appointed and promoted not based on merit, integrity, or competence but on party allegiance. In some cases, even family backgrounds linked to the ruling Awami League were scrutinized before recruitment. The UN report further claims that appointments to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and above required direct approval from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

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.