Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, criticized the politics of corruption and misrule, stressing that such practices cannot sustain power. He called for all political parties to unite in halting extortion and land grabbing, urging the nation to progress. Speaking at a rally in Lakshmipur, he highlighted the ongoing injustice faced by imprisoned leader ATM Azharul Islam. The rally, led by district president Amir Ruhul Amin Bhuiyan, featured speeches from several key Jamaat leaders.

Colonel (Retd.) Mohammad Abdul Hai, Chairman of Rawa Club, hailed Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman for averting a massacre during the July movement. Speaking to Jugantor Multimedia, he compared Waker to Prophet Moses, praising his integrity and patriotism. Hai claimed that without Waker, Bangladesh faced potential occupation, with Baitul Mokarram Mosque possibly replaced by a Ram Mandir. He accused India and Sheikh Hasina of orchestrating chaos, including the BDR massacre, and credited Waker with saving the nation from a dire fate.

The Local Government Reform Commission, appointed by the interim government, has proposed holding elections for all local government bodies across the country by June. Following the aftermath of the July uprising, the commission noted that there are no functioning local institutions. It recommends conducting elections for unions, upazilas, municipalities, city corporations, and district councils in both plain and hill areas. Additionally, it has suggested amending laws to integrate hill councils within the parliamentary structure, with elections for these councils slated for June 2025.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged all to be more sincere in rebuilding the country. Speaking at a discussion session in memory of late journalist Mahfuz Ullah, Fakhrul emphasized that political parties have long fought against fascism, and the people’s collective struggle led to its downfall. He praised Mahfuz Ullah for his contributions to democracy and for uniting political parties after the 2014 elections. The session highlighted his intellectual integrity and unwavering stand against injustice.

Sinn Féin, Ireland’s largest opposition party, announced its decision to boycott this year’s White House St. Patrick’s Day event due to President Trump’s controversial statements regarding Gaza. Party leader Mary Lou McDonald expressed strong disapproval of Trump’s call for the mass expulsion of Palestinians and permanent land occupation. Sinn Féin advocates for a lasting ceasefire and a fair two-state solution to resolve the Gaza conflict and calls for international support in addressing human rights violations.

Hamas has accused the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) of applying double standards in the treatment of Israeli and Palestinian bodies. While the Red Cross conducts formal ceremonies for Israeli bodies, Palestinian martyrs’ remains are reportedly handed over in blue bags with little regard for dignity. Hamas claims this reflects discrimination and the failure of the international community to uphold justice. The accusation follows the transfer of four Israeli bodies by Hamas as part of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.

A new political party, initiated by the National Citizens’ Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, is set to launch this month. Nahid Islam, leader of a mass uprising, is expected to be the Convenor, while Akhtar Hossain is likely to be the Member Secretary. Other key positions include Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah as Chief Organizer and Spokesperson. A launch event is planned for February 26 in Dhaka. Nahid Islam may resign from his advisory role soon to take up party leadership.

With the national election ahead, BNP plans to stay active throughout Ramadan, emphasizing grassroots engagement through Iftar gatherings and organizational activities. While large rallies won’t be held, leaders and activists will conduct local meetings, religious events, and diplomatic outreach. The party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, will join major events virtually. BNP aims to strengthen its presence, resolve internal conflicts, and prepare for the elections by boosting public support and trust. Leaders believe this strategy will shape the election atmosphere nationwide.

A case has been filed at Bijoynagar Police Station following a clash between two BNP factions over placing flowers at the Shaheed Minar on International Mother Language Day. The case, filed by Mosammat Runa Akter, wife of injured Billal Mia, names 17 individuals, with 20-25 others unidentified. The clash occurred on Thursday night, resulting in two people being stabbed. Police have confirmed the case and stated that legal action will be taken accordingly.

Tensions have escalated in Tongi between the Bangladesh Student League (Student League) and Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing, Chhatra Shibir, following an incident where Fazle Rabbi, a Chhatra Shibir leader from Tamirul Millat, was assaulted. Both parties held counter-demonstrations in the aftermath. Chhatra Shibir, through a press conference, demanded the protection of the complainant, blaming the Student League for the violence. In response, the Gazipur Metropolitan Student League held a procession and rally, denying the accusations and urging Chhatra Shibir to cease its propaganda.

Sifat, in the press briefing, claimed that on Thursday evening, after luring student leader Mamun, a group of 8-10 Student League members attacked him with bamboo sticks and forced him to make a video statement. Later, they reportedly took a photo holding a cigarette and demanded a ransom, before injuring him with machetes when he refused.

Sarwar Tushar, Joint Convener of the National Citizens’ Committee, has urged politicians to focus on serving the people and combating corruption before seeking elections. Speaking at a discussion event at the organization’s central office, Tushar made it clear that elections should not take place before necessary reforms are implemented.

Addressing the BNP, he criticized their focus on corruption and looting, stating, “You’ve become champions by engaging in corruption and plundering four times. Meanwhile, your party has fled the country, leaving it in disarray.” He further remarked that the people are no longer responding to their fake movements, highlighting the contrast with the July protests, where millions took to the streets in response to calls from young students.

Tushar also criticized the BNP for attempting to engage in politics through empty rhetoric, stating that the post-revolutionary stance of the party, led by their student wing, won’t succeed in bringing about any meaningful change.

BNP leader Aminul Haque emphasized that free and fair elections are crucial for achieving complete reforms and advancing towards true democracy. Speaking at a sports event on Friday afternoon, he stated that many sectors of the state remain unstable and are plagued by conspiracies within state institutions. He insisted that to put an end to these issues, free and fair elections are necessary. Addressing the interim government, Haque warned that any attempts to delay the elections under the guise of reforms would not be accepted by the people. He highlighted the importance of elections, citing how the people of Bangladesh overthrew a fascist government that lasted seventeen years, paving the way for a democratic state.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has condemned Chhatra Dal for attacking Fazle Rabbi Sifat, a Chhatra Shibir leader, and allegedly forcing him to record a video in police presence. The organization warned of rising student violence, resembling past fascist tendencies, and urged Chhatra Dal to shift towards intellectual politics. They also called for patience among student groups and stronger action from the interim government to restore law and order. Meanwhile, interim government adviser Mahfuz Alam is monitoring the legal process and maintaining communication with the victim’s side.

BNP leader Kazi Syedul Alam Babul highlighted that the people of Kaliakair had not had an MP for the past 30 to 40 years, and yet Rahmat Ali from Sripur had served as an MP three times. Babul criticized the fact that A.K.M. Mojammel Hossain, who was not even a local voter, repeatedly became an MP through “night voting” orchestrated by Sheikh Hasina. Despite being appointed minister, his actions did not benefit the local area, Babul argued. He added that BNP aims to present its 31-point agenda, which outlines the future of democracy, development, and reforms in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and industry.

Central BNP leader Hasan Uddin Sarkar accused the Awami League of engaging in politics of looting. He said that politics should be for the welfare of people, but under Hasina’s leadership, it was about plundering. He pointed out that Hasina’s peon, Jahangir, claimed to own 400 crore Taka. Sarkar suggested that if a peon could amass such wealth, Hasina must have embezzled billions. This, he stated, is the reason why she had to flee. He warned BNP members not to engage in land-grabbing, extortion, or petty conflicts, as failure to avoid such activities could result in action from the party’s high command.