Political analyst Farhad Mazhar has described the remarks made by exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as a "litmus test" ahead of the February 12 meeting between Donald Trump and Narendra Modi. He suggested that the reactions to her statement were being closely observed. During a National Citizens’ Committee discussion, Mazhar argued that political movements involve both destruction and reconstruction. He linked Hasina’s remarks to broader geopolitical dynamics and welcomed the formation of a new political party. He urged the new party to embrace revolutionary ideals instead of becoming another election-focused entity like the BNP.

In a Facebook post at 4 AM today, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement announced a protest rally scheduled for 1:30 PM on Saturday at Rajbari Field in Gazipur Sadar Upazila. The protest is in response to an alleged attack on the movement's organizers by the "Mozammel-Jahangir Machete Gang." The announcement stated that central leaders and the general public would be present at the rally. Earlier, activist Sarjis Alam posted that today would mark the "end of Awami terrorists" in Gazipur, declaring, "We are coming!" On Friday at 10 PM, an angry mob attempted to attack the house of Mozammel Haque. However, a mosque announcement falsely warned of a robbery, inciting locals to confront the protesters. The ensuing clash left 15 people injured.

On February 5, an enraged crowd vandalized Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s house at Dhanmondi 32, setting it on fire before demolishing it with a bulldozer. Former State Minister Sohel Taj blamed the Awami League’s 15 years of killings, enforced disappearances, and corruption for the incident. In a Facebook post, he criticized the party’s failure to reflect and called on its supporters to unfollow him. Taj, son of Bangladesh’s first Prime Minister, remains vocal on social and political issues despite stepping away from active politics.

The National Citizens’ Committee has announced a protest in Gazipur against the alleged attack on students at the residence of former minister A.K.M. Mozammel Haque. The rally will be held on Saturday at 10:30 AM in front of the DC office. Locals reportedly attacked students following a misleading mosque announcement about a robbery. At least 12 were injured, with five in critical condition taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Police and army intervened, stabilizing the situation, and an investigation is ongoing.

Angry Mob Attacks Former Liberation War Affairs Minister A.K.M. Mozammel Haque’s House in Gazipur, Reports of 20 Injured

An angry mob attacked the house of former Liberation War Affairs Minister A.K.M. Mozammel Haque in Gazipur, leading to allegations that some locals captured and assaulted several attackers. Reports indicate that 20 people were injured in the incident, with three in critical condition.

The attack began around 9 PM on Friday (February 7). It is claimed that an announcement was made through the mosque’s loudspeaker, stating that robbers had entered the minister’s house, urging people to come forward.

Students allege that Chhatra League and Jubo League activists were lying in wait at the location and attacked them when they tried to capture the so-called robbers.

Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, Vice President of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, has urged the interim government to hold elections only after implementing necessary reforms. He warned that elections held without proper reforms would lack credibility and deny people their right to vote freely. Faizul Karim reiterated that Islami Andolon Bangladesh is even willing to make strategic compromises for the sake of an Islamic agenda in the elections. He advocated for proportional representation as the only viable path to forming a national government and stated that even a party with 1% of the vote should have representation in parliament. He also praised the role of Islamic scholars in the mass uprising, acknowledging the participation of people from all religious backgrounds. With over 1,500 lives lost, he described the revolution as legendary.

Mominul Islam Raju, a candidate for the general secretary position of the banned organization Chhatra League’s Savar Upazila unit, has been arrested in connection with a murder case filed by a martyr’s family. The case relates to the deadly crackdown on a mass student protest in Savar. Raju is reportedly accused in two rape cases and multiple murder cases. He was known to be a cadre of fugitive Awami League MP Muhammad Saiful Islam from Dhaka-19. In an attempt to gain favor from the party’s high command, Raju allegedly opened fire on protesting students in broad daylight. Officer-in-Charge Ashiq Iqbal confirmed that Mominul Islam Raju has been arrested in connection with the July Uprising murder case. Authorities have sought a 7-day remand for further investigation.

In the past 24 hours, law enforcement authorities have arrested 16 individuals associated with the Awami League and the banned organization Chhatra League from various police station areas in the city. According to the CMP Public Relations Department, the arrests were made during a special operation conducted since Thursday afternoon. CMP Deputy Commissioner Mahmudah Begum stated that the individuals were apprehended under the Special Powers Act and the Anti-Terrorism Act for their involvement in attacks on student protests against discrimination. They have been sent to court for legal proceedings. The arrested individuals are: 1. Akhtar Hossain alias (48) 2. Bijoy De (25) 3. Md. Siddiq Munshi (41) 4. Javed Uddin Chowdhury alias Saju (39) 5. Sheikh Russell (40) 6. Ratan Ghosh (48) 7. Dr. Kathak Das (40) 8. Md. Nazmul Hasan (19) 9. Sushanto Das Debu (25) 10. Sourav Kumar De alias Basu (45) 11. Md. Hiron Mia (68) 12. Md. Parvez Khan Prince (34) 13. Md. Safi Alam Soudagar (40) 14. Sheikh Abdul Shukkur (58) 15. Riazul Islam (21) 16. Golam Nabi alias Imon (36).

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam of the International Crimes Tribunal has announced that multiple investigation reports on the mass killings and crimes against humanity committed in July and August to suppress the anti-discrimination student movement will be completed within this month. He expressed hope that trials would proceed swiftly once the reports are ready, ensuring justice and deterring future atrocities. He stated that the accused are attempting to discredit the judicial process using financial influence, but the trials will adhere to international standards and be conducted expeditiously. So far, over 300 complaints have been filed, 110 arrest warrants issued, and 35 suspects are currently in custody.

After extensive interrogation, Bangladeshi actress and singer Meher Afroz Shawon and actress Sohana Saba have been released from DB custody. The matter was confirmed by Deputy Police Commissioner Mohammad Talebur Rahman of DMP’s Media & Public Relations Division on Friday afternoon. DB officials stated that they were questioned regarding allegations of an anti-state conspiracy. Shawon and Saba’s names emerged as attendees—both physically and virtually—at a controversial meeting held at Hotel Park in Kolkata on January 15. Following this revelation, they were taken into custody for interrogation.

Mahmudur Rahman Masum, the founding convener of the Comilla University branch of Chhatra League, was beaten by protesting students and handed over to the police around 10 AM on Friday. Masum is accused of orchestrating an attack on students during an anti-discrimination protest near the Ansar Camp on July 29. He faces multiple legal charges. Inspector Mohinul Islam of Kotwali Police Station confirmed that Masum was involved in the attack on student protesters and is now in police custody, awaiting legal proceedings. Notably, Masum currently serves as the organizational secretary of the Awami League’s volunteer wing.

Bangladeshi actresses Meher Afroz Shawon and Sohana Saba were taken to the Detective Branch (DB) office for questioning on the morning of February 7. According to DB sources, both actresses are suspected of involvement in an anti-state conspiracy. Investigators are interrogating them on various matters, and no decisions will be made regarding their status until the questioning concludes. The police detained them on Thursday night. Meanwhile, in a separate incident on Thursday evening, agitated students set fire to Shawon’s father’s house.

Following student protests at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), the administration has expelled 18 Chhatra League leaders from their dormitories. The students were accused of: • Violence against anti-discrimination student activists • Engaging in terror activities on campus In addition to expelling the 18 leaders, the administration issued show-cause notices to three more students. Yesterday, students locked the administrative building for six hours, demanding the removal of a professor accused of consuming alcohol in a dormitory. CUET’s student coordination body welcomed the decision, calling it the first visible action after six months of protests.

On Thursday night, angry protestors vandalized the residence of former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. Murad Hasan, in Sarishabari, Jamalpur. Protestor also torched a private car before moving on to attack the home of Rafiqul Islam, former Upazila chairman and Awami League leader. Murad Hasan, who served as state minister from 2018, was a controversial figure due to his remarks on: • Removing “Bismillah” from the constitution • Calling for the posthumous trial of former President Ziaur Rahman • Making derogatory comments about Zaimah Rahman His leaked phone conversation with actress Mahiya Mahi led to his resignation from the ministry.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has alleged that former party leader Ghulam Azam died due to persecution by the Awami League government. Speaking at a rally in Narayanganj, he referred to a 72-foot-long banner that had previously banned Azam’s entry, allegedly put up by Shamim Osman, a prominent Awami League leader. “A godfather once hung a 72-foot banner barring Ghulam Azam from entry. Where is that godfather now?” he questioned, adding, “Arrogance like this is never good.”