Hamas has put forward a new proposal regarding the second phase of the ongoing ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The group has expressed willingness to release all Israeli hostages at once, but with conditions—demanding a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

A Hamas spokesperson stated that, at the request of mediators, they have proposed doubling the number of hostages to be released. He dismissed Israel’s claim that Hamas will be removed from Gaza as “laughable” and a mere psychological tactic.

Meanwhile, internal pressure from Israeli hardliners has left Israel indecisive, causing the second-phase hostage release and ceasefire agreement to remain stalled.

The prosecution has completed presenting arguments in the appeal hearing for the BUET student Abrar Fahad murder case. The prosecution stated that two key eyewitness testimonies support the allegations, while post-mortem reports and CCTV footage confirm the crime. Footage clearly shows the accused at the crime scene, reinforcing the trial court’s decision. Prosecutors urged the court to uphold the verdict. Earlier, on December 21, 2021, the trial court sentenced 20 individuals to death and five others to life imprisonment for their involvement in the murder.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has declared at the UN Security Council that Gaza and the West Bank are the homeland of the Palestinian people and should not be used as a bargaining tool for political negotiations. He emphasized the importance of a two-state solution and underscored the necessity of ensuring Palestinian governance in Gaza post-war. As China holds the presidency of the UN Security Council this February, Wang Yi chaired the session. This statement from China also signals opposition to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza proposal.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) continues to recruit administration cadre officers on deputation from various ministries. Allegations have surfaced that even an individual accused in a corruption case has been appointed as a Deputy Secretary. At least 50 officials, who benefited from the previous Awami regime, are still holding key positions. Critics warn that keeping these officials in place and appointing individuals from a single cadre weakens the ACC, making transparency and accountability more difficult. Additionally, reforms recommended by the proposed Reform Commission may become impossible to implement. Although deputation rules require officials to return to their parent organization within three years, this guideline is being blatantly violated.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam has issued an apology via a Facebook post for using the term “Tawhidi Janata” in one of his statements. He acknowledged that his words may have caused distress to some and expressed regret for any offense taken. He also assured that he would reconsider any past statements that might have hurt people. Mahfuz emphasized the need for unity and cautioned against divisive labeling. Additionally, he highlighted that the ongoing mass uprising belongs to all, noting that people from schools, madrasas, and universities—both private and public—are recognizing a collective leadership.

The interim government has extended the tenure of five key reform commissions—covering labor, media, health, women’s rights, and local governance—until March 31. The Cabinet Division issued a notice on Tuesday, citing the need for additional time to complete ongoing work. The commissions were initially formed on November 18, with a three-month mandate that expired yesterday.

Two petrol bombs exploded in a residential garden in Uzirpur, Barishal, on Tuesday afternoon, causing widespread panic among locals. Law enforcement also recovered three unexploded cocktail bombs from the scene. Inspector Touhidul Karim of Uzirpur Police Station confirmed the discovery. In response, BNP-affiliated activists blocked the Dhaka-Barishal highway, alleging that ruling party supporters were behind the attack.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry has announced that the special Arab League summit on the Gaza crisis, initially scheduled for next week, has been postponed to March 4. The decision was made following consultations with member states. The summit was called in response to Donald Trump’s proposal advocating for the occupation of Gaza and the displacement of its residents. Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, are expected to reinforce their cooperation and seek peaceful solutions. Analysts view the summit as a strong countermeasure against U.S. plans.

The Sylheti Panchayet, a political organization advocating for the rights of Sylhet Division, has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Adviser demanding the recognition of Sylheti as Bangladesh’s second official language. The memorandum states that Sylheti is the only language in Bangladesh, apart from Bengali, that has its own distinct script. With over 12 million Sylheti speakers in Bangladesh and another 15 million worldwide, the group argues that the language deserves formal recognition. The memorandum also references its recognition as the world’s 97th language and calls for its inclusion in primary school curricula.

Following the DC Conference, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, General (Retd.) Abdul Hafiz, revealed that 1,400 weapons looted during the August 5 unrest have yet to be recovered, along with approximately 250,000 rounds of ammunition. Nearly 6,000 weapons were stolen during that period, and efforts are ongoing to locate them. The nationwide joint force operation will continue until the weapons are retrieved. Despite significant progress, authorities remain vigilant. Hafiz also instructed district commissioners to remain proactive in ensuring stable agricultural supply, price regulation, smooth irrigation, and national security.

Religious Affairs Adviser Khalid Hossain has announced that the government is considering implementing a salary structure for Imams and Muezzins of government, autonomous, semi-autonomous, and Waqf-controlled mosques. Speaking after the DC Conference, he revealed that work has begun on the "Mosque Management Policy 2025." He also noted that many temple properties have been illegally occupied, and efforts are underway to recover them. District administrators have been instructed to take action. Additionally, the government has completed the construction of 300 model mosques, with plans to build 214 more.

Major General (Retd.) Salahuddin Miyazi, former military secretary to Sheikh Hasina and MP of Jhenaidah-3, was detained by students and locals in Chanchra Union’s Shyamolchhaya Park on Tuesday (February 18). Allegations of misconduct and public grievances led to the citizen-led apprehension. Later that night, he was handed over to the police. The incident reflects growing tensions and public dissatisfaction. Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the arrest.

The Chamber Court has not suspended the High Court’s decision to cancel the government’s appointment of 6,531 candidates for assistant teacher positions in government primary schools in Dhaka and Chittagong divisions. The court has set the next hearing date for March 2. On February 6, the High Court had ruled to cancel the government’s decision to issue appointment letters to the 6,531 candidates. Following this, the candidates who had been recommended are protesting the decision.

Despite a ceasefire agreement allowing the entry of reconstruction materials, Israel had initially blocked the supplies at the Rafah border. This sparked a wave of condemnation. In response, Hamas announced that it would backtrack on its commitment to release hostages. This raised concerns about the sustainability of the ceasefire. Eventually, under mounting pressure, Israel allowed the entry of reconstruction materials into Gaza. According to a report by the Times of Israel on Tuesday, it is believed that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu took this step to expedite the transfer of six living hostages and others who are deceased.

At the District Commissioners’ conference on Tuesday, the District Commissioners (DCs) proposed universal military training for the youth to actively contribute to national defense. This was shared by the Special Assistant to the Adviser, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Abdul Hafiz, with the media. He further mentioned that the Chief of General Staff had stated that, through the Ansar and VDP, one company is already being trained in every union and upazila. One DC had requested whether this could be expanded. This initiative involves political and financial considerations. The Special Assistant assured that if the government decides, the plan will proceed.