On Friday, the Gano Odhikar Parishad of Dhaka Metropolitan staged a fascism-resisting protest and mass rally demanding justice for the 1971 genocide and the banning of the perpetrators’ political activities. During the event, Gano Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur stated, “Our party will not compromise on the question of banning the Awami League. It is the misfortune of this nation that its brave sons create new history by fighting in the streets while only a few benefit. Why, even six months after the people’s uprising, must we take to the streets to ban the Awami League?” He also called for the reorganization of the advisory council.

Mohammad Selim Uddin, the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka Metropolitan North, has issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding the release of ATM Azharul Islam within seven days. He claimed that Azhar, the party’s former acting secretary-general, has been unjustly sentenced to death in a fabricated case solely for his political affiliation with Jamaat.

Speaking as the chief guest at a rally in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Selim Uddin warned that if the government fails to comply, a mass movement will be launched to secure his release. He further stated that during the August uprising, all political groups took to the streets, yet only Jamaat was banned. Calling the movement’s participants “Razakars” led to widespread outrage, and within days of the ban, the ruling party was forced to flee. He asserted that those who conspire to eliminate Jamaat have always been erased from history.

The National Revolutionary Council has issued a one-month ultimatum to the interim government, demanding the reinstatement of the ban on Israel in Bangladeshi passports. The organization has also called for a ban on the use of Pegasus spyware, allegedly purchased for surveillance purposes.

During a protest rally in front of the National Press Club on Friday, council leaders stated that despite the ceasefire agreement taking effect on January 19, Israel has killed 178 Palestinians. They accused Israel of attempting to take full control of Gaza and urged the Bangladeshi government to stand by the Palestinians by restoring the previous passport restriction as a symbolic gesture of support.

Hassan Mahmud Jewel, former chairman of Nandail Upazila and a leader of the Upazila Awami League, has been arrested. He was taken into custody from his residence on Friday afternoon. Reports suggest that Jewel is a close associate of former Nandail MP Anwarul Abedin Khan Tuhin.

According to the police, the arrest is linked to a case filed on January 4 by BNP leader Tahmina Begum’s husband. The case stems from a violent clash over the placement of election posters during the 2018 elections, in which Jewel has been named the prime accused.

Hefazat-e-Islam’s top leaders have called for a ban on the Awami League following the findings of a United Nations fact-finding mission. In a joint statement on Friday, Hefazat Amir Allama Muhibullah Babunagari and Secretary-General Maulana Sajedur Rahman made the demand. The statement claimed that the UN report exposed severe crimes against humanity committed by the “fascist government and its loyal forces.” The leaders also called for a ban on the Awami League, citing incidents such as the Pilkhana massacre, the Shapla Square crackdown, and the July massacre. Additionally, they accused India of acting like a hostile state.

BNP leader Mirza Abbas remarked that some parties are stalling the election process, but confirmed that the BNP is ready to participate in the elections within the timeframe provided by the interim government. Speaking at a party event this afternoon, he added that no one involved in fascism or criminal activities should be allowed to join the party. He further emphasized that the party does not need thousands of leaders and workers; having just 10 good and honest members is sufficient. Mirza Abbas called for all political parties to abandon conspiracy and cooperate with the interim government for the sake of the country’s interests and to ensure a fair election.

The discussion on state reform with political parties will begin this Saturday, February 15, as announced by Industry and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan. Speaking after paying tribute to martyrs of the Anti-Autocracy Movement on February 14, Khan emphasized the government’s aim to restore citizens’ rights and prevent fascism in the country. Various political and student organizations also honored the movement’s martyrs. February 14 is observed as Anti-Autocracy Resistance Day, marking the 1983 protest against the government’s education policy.

A UN human rights report reveals that the ousted Awami League government used both police and armed party supporters to suppress the July-August student protests. Chhatra League, backed by senior Awami League leaders, led attacks on protesters. When they failed, police escalated force, even using live bullets. Armed Awami League supporters, including an MP, also attacked demonstrators. The government coordinated repression through a “Core Committee,” with direct oversight from Sheikh Hasina and top security officials. The crackdown intensified protests instead of stopping them.

In Patuakhali, BNP and Jamaat-affiliated lawyers have engaged in legal disputes over the district bar association elections. On Wednesday, Jamaat-affiliated lawyer PP Md. Ruhul Amin Sikder filed a lawsuit against 11 BNP-backed lawyers from the Nationalist Lawyers’ Forum. In retaliation, BNP-affiliated lawyer and APP Md. Mizanur Rahman filed a counter-lawsuit on Thursday against 11 Jamaat-affiliated lawyers, including the district Jamaat Amir. BNP claims that Awami League nominated a Jamaat Secretary, while Jamaat alleges that BNP-backed lawyers attacked them.

ASM Abdur Rob, a key figure in Bangladesh’s independence movement, stated in a press release that Sheikh Hasina’s political career is effectively over following evidence of severe human rights violations. He emphasized that bringing all those involved in the brutal massacres to justice is a necessary step for the state. Rob also asserted that there is no alternative but to extradite Hasina from India and put her on trial. He further remarked that since an entire political party was complicit in the genocide, Awami League leaders have lost both their moral and legal right to engage in politics.

U.S. President Donald Trump has denied any U.S. or deep state involvement in Bangladesh’s recent political changes. During a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, Trump dismissed allegations that the Biden administration had influenced Bangladesh’s power transition. He stated that resolving Bangladesh’s issues is up to Modi. The two leaders also discussed trade, immigration, and the Russia-Ukraine war, with Modi asserting that India supports peace. Trump hinted at a major upcoming U.S.-India trade deal.

Former Jatiya Party MP Yahya Chowdhury from Sylhet-2 constituency has been arrested along with four of his associates. They were apprehended by students and later handed over to Uttara West police from a residence in Sector 3. The arrest was confirmed by Saddam Hossain, Assistant Commissioner of the Uttara Zone of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). Yahya faces two lawsuits for allegedly ordering the shooting and killing of protesters on November 12.

The perpetrators of mass killings during the July Revolution have fled the country, though many police officers involved in the violence remain in service. Reports indicate that law enforcement agencies, including the police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), carried out the massacres under direct orders from Sheikh Hasina during meetings at Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal’s residence. However, most high-ranking officials of those forces have since left the country. Another key figure in the crackdown, Obaidul Quader, has reportedly taken refuge in India. Intelligence sources claim that fugitive Awami League leaders and activists based in India and other countries are actively conspiring to destabilize Bangladesh. A meeting in Kolkata reportedly outlined Hasina’s strategy of delegating responsibilities for further acts of violence.

The President of BNP UK has confirmed that BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently receiving treatment in London, is expected to return to Bangladesh shortly after the holy festival of Eid ul-Fitr. Her health has reportedly improved significantly, and she is in a relatively better condition. Moreover, being surrounded by her family, she is also at peace mentally. In a recent statement, the leader also accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of attempting to slowly poison and kill Khaleda Zia. However, by the grace of Allah, the plan failed. The statement further highlighted that when Hasina visited London, she had publicly announced her intention to eliminate Khaleda Zia. According to the leader, Allah’s will overruled this plot, and as a result, while Hasina’s political downfall occurred, Begum Khaleda Zia’s rise has been confirmed by divine intervention.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, visited the Ekushey Book Fair organized by the Bangla Academy on Thursday afternoon. During his visit, he purchased several books of personal interest.

At a press briefing, he reflected on the significance of February in Bangladesh’s history, describing it as a month deeply ingrained in the hearts of Bangladeshis. He paid tribute to the martyrs of 1952, 1971, and 2024, emphasizing the importance of remembering their sacrifices.

He also noted the presence of many children at the fair alongside their parents, stating that such an atmosphere helps preserve the nation’s historical memory and cultural heritage.