Tarique Rahman has warned against delaying and prolonging interim government reforms as part of a conspiracy. Speaking virtually at an event that provided financial aid to the families of 45 martyrs killed in the July-August revolution in Feni, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur, as well as housing for a Jubo Dal leader shot by RAB, he stated that the authoritarian Sheikh Hasina has orchestrated countless abductions, killings, and destruction. He stressed that justice must be served at all costs and that the struggle of the past 17 years must continue. He further noted that BNP, being a party that cares for the people, had already proposed a 31-point agenda two and a half years ago.

Police have arrested six people, including the Upazila Volunteer League secretary, in Thakurgaon for distributing Awami League leaflets. Reports suggest that when locals questioned the police about the reason for the arrests, they were beaten by law enforcement. Several individuals, including a Jatiya Party leader, were injured. The OC claimed that the arrested individuals had attempted robbery, and the police had to intervene to prevent it.

Jaima Rahman has arrived in Washington, D.C., from London to attend the National Prayer Breakfast in the United States. She is the granddaughter of the martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, as well as the daughter of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, whom she will be representing at the event. Other invitees include Mirza Fakhrul Islam and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. The event will feature speeches from Donald Trump and the presence of U.S. senators and congress members.

Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of BNP, has called for Sheikh Hasina’s swift trial for the killings of 2,000 people during the July-August movement and the persecution of thousands of party leaders and activists over the past 16 years. Speaking at a rally in Feni, he criticized the autocratic regime and urged unity for a people’s government through elections. The rally also provided financial aid to families of martyrs from the 2024 student-citizen movement across Feni, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur.

Saudi Arabia has strongly opposed Donald Trump’s plan to displace Palestinians and allow the United States to take control of the Gaza Strip. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that any attempt to expel Palestinians will not be accepted, and the country’s position on the Palestinian issue is non-negotiable. Saudi Arabia also stated that it will not normalize relations with Israel until an independent Palestinian state is established, reiterating its firm stance on the matter.

Protests have erupted globally, with hundreds of people gathering outside the White House in Washington D.C. against Trump’s threat to occupy Gaza. Demonstrators condemned Israel’s weapons supply and Trump’s desire for ethnic cleansing. Leaders from Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, and others have condemned the proposal, stressing the need for a two-state solution. International organizations and political figures warned that Trump’s actions could destabilize the region, leading to widespread conflict and violating international law.

Hasnat Abdullah, convenor of the anti-discrimination student movement, and Sargis Alam, chief organizer of the Citizen Committee, have posted on their verified Facebook pages seeking public opinions on a new political party. The party, which will be led by students and youth, is expected to be launched this month. In their post, they ask the public to share their preferences for the party’s structure through a short form, taking only five minutes to complete.

The Home Affairs Advisor has stated that efforts are underway to arrest those involved in the July uprising murders who have fled abroad. Among the 105 accused in the International Crimes Tribunal, 35 have been arrested, which has caused some anger. When asked about the public’s satisfaction with the law and order situation, the advisor said that the public can answer that, and the media colleagues can compare the current situation with when they took on their responsibilities. Efforts are being made to bring back foreign criminals through Interpol’s red alerts.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has declared that Awami League should be banned from Bangladeshi politics, citing alleged genocide and crimes against humanity. He criticized what he described as contradictions in government actions—calling for Awami League’s prohibition while still allowing their programs and using police to suppress opposition activities. Salahuddin emphasized that BNP had previously proposed amendments to the International Crimes Tribunal Act to prosecute Awami League as an organization. He warned that any political or administrative decision to regulate Awami League’s activities without a formal trial would be a weak move.

Police have arrested Sujanagar Upazila Awami League President and Mayor Abdul Ohab. Earlier, 12 individuals were arrested in connection with his forcible release from police custody. Locals claim that Ohab surrendered voluntarily, while police state that he was arrested based on secret intelligence while in hiding. Ohab had been previously arrested last Saturday but was forcefully taken away by hundreds of Awami League activists and local residents.

The High Court has acquitted all the defendants, including nine individuals previously sentenced to death, in the assassination attempt case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The appeal and death reference hearing took place on January 30. The case dates back to September 23, 1994, when Hasina was traveling by train from Khulna to Saidpur. BNP leader Zakaria Pintu and his associates allegedly attacked the train with gunfire and explosives at Ishwardi Station in an attempt to assassinate her. In 2019, nine individuals were sentenced to death, while 25 others received life imprisonment.

The student leaders who spearheaded the July uprising are set to launch a new political party. Alongside top leaders from the National Citizens’ Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, student representatives currently in the government may also be part of this initiative. Before assuming political roles, they will resign from their current positions, but they want to ensure student representation remains in the government. These details were revealed in a report by Dainik Manabzamin. It is also reported that three advisors may resign in phases, though no final decision has been made yet. Changes in the advisory council are expected, and a joint convenor of the new party hinted that one student representative might join the advisory panel.

Advisor Nahid Islam stated that BNP has no political agenda beyond discussing elections. He acknowledged that the government is willing to consider reforms but accused BNP of unnecessarily pressuring authorities. However, he viewed this pressure positively. He emphasized that reforms and elections should not be seen separately, as reform commissions are prioritizing election-related changes. He urged BNP and Jamaat to focus on unity and time management, warning that governing without reforms would be difficult for any party. Despite acknowledging that the government has not met 50% of public expectations in the past six months, he expressed the government’s commitment to reforms, justice, and the rehabilitation of martyrs’ and injured families.

BNP’s Information Secretary, Azizul Bari Helal, reiterated full support for the interim government and urged the announcement of an election roadmap and schedule. Speaking at a BNP rally, he stated that the people of Bangladesh have been deprived of voting rights for 17 years. He welcomed any initiative ensuring free and fair elections. The rally was part of BNP’s broader campaign to establish an equitable and humane society based on their 31-point agenda. He also mentioned that BNP is taking organizational action against any members involved in wrongdoing and advised the interim government not to compare BNP with Awami League.

Advisor Nahid Islam, representing the mass uprising, stated that Awami League has neither the political nor the moral right to operate under its current name and ideology in Bangladesh. Regarding a potential ban, he mentioned that the legal framework is not yet finalized. As the judicial process progresses, recommendations may come from the courts, the Election Commission, and political parties. The final decision will be made accordingly. He emphasized that judicial proceedings should take priority before any ban is enforced.