National Citizens Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam warned that people would take to the streets if the already settled issue of police killing during the July uprising was reopened for debate. He made the statement on Thursday afternoon at the first founding anniversary of NCP’s student wing, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, held at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka. Nahid Islam said that any renewed investigation into the police killing must first ensure justice for those injured or killed during the uprising.

He accused the current government of acting like the previous Awami League administration in matters such as vote engineering and warned against the rise of new authoritarianism. Nahid alleged interference in the International Crimes Tribunal, including the removal of its chief prosecutor without cause, and claimed that witnesses and victims were under pressure. He emphasized that the tribunal must operate independently and that victims and witnesses must be protected.

Nahid also announced that NCP leaders would soon travel across the country to engage with students, asserting that students are the driving force behind the party’s reform movement and must safeguard democratic rights on campuses.

The High Court has granted bail to former MP Abdur Rahman Bodi of Cox’s Bazar’s Ukhiya-Teknaf constituency in a murder case related to the July-August incidents. Former Narayanganj City Corporation mayor Selina Hayat Ivy also received six months of interim bail in five separate cases involving murder allegations. Following these developments, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem expressed strong criticism on Thursday, February 26, through a verified Facebook post.

In his post, Kayem accused the authorities of releasing what he termed as ‘public enemies’ while detaining July movement activists. He warned that ignoring the ‘Protection Ordinance’ and using police murder investigations to erase the July movement was a dangerous move. He further alleged that after a sudden change in the Bangladesh Bank governor’s position, institutions controlled by government-linked individuals were receiving undue advantages.

Kayem cautioned that continuing such practices would lead the nation toward subjugation and urged for wisdom to prevail, warning that no one would escape accountability in history’s judgment.

Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam said the ministry is working to ensure accountability in the road sector. Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat on Thursday about road safety during Eid travel, he emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining safe roads and addressing irregularities in transport oversight.

Responding to a question about toll collection, the minister explained that he personally contributes to various organizations such as mosque committees and associations, which he described as legitimate. He clarified that while truck owners’ associations may collect funds for their welfare, any unauthorized roadside toll collection is illegal. He urged anyone aware of such illegal practices to report them so that necessary action can be taken.

Regarding preparations for Eid travel, Sheikh Robiul Alam said the ministry aims to ensure a smooth travel experience. Although there have been no major changes in the transport sector or living standards, he stated that efforts are being made to make travel conditions more effective and comfortable for passengers.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has nominated Rezaul Karim Badsha as its candidate for the Bogura-6 by-election, a seat vacated by party chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Badsha currently serves as the president of the Bogura district BNP. The nomination was finalized on Thursday, according to party sources.

BNP lawmaker from Bogura-4, Md. Mosharraf Hossain, confirmed the decision, while BNP media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan also verified it through a Facebook post. He stated that the nomination was officially handed over to Badsha from the party chairman’s office in Gulshan. The announcement marks the party’s formal preparation for the upcoming by-election in Bogura-6.

The decision underscores BNP’s internal organizational alignment in Bogura ahead of the by-election, with local leadership taking a central role in representing the party in the constituency vacated by its top leader.

Discussions have intensified over the appointment of a new administrator for the Chattogram Zila Parishad following the BNP’s formation of government after the thirteenth national election. The council, long run by government officials, may soon see a political appointment, with two senior BNP leaders—Engineer Belayet Hossain and Idris Mia—emerging as leading candidates. Party sources indicate that the government has begun vetting potential appointees, and the BNP high command may finalize the decision soon.

Belayet Hossain, a veteran leader from Sandwip and former joint convener of the BNP’s North Chattogram unit, has a long history of political activism and imprisonment. Idris Mia, the current convener of the South Chattogram BNP and a former upazila chairman, is also being widely discussed among party members. Both leaders have strong grassroots connections and are viewed as experienced organizers.

The Chattogram Zila Parishad has been administered by an additional divisional commissioner since its elected chairman’s post became vacant after the council’s dissolution in 2024. A new appointment could revitalize the council’s activities and local governance.

The Election Commission (EC) has released a revised gazette correcting the results of the referendum held on February 12, 2026, regarding the implementation of the 'July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Order, 2025'. According to the new figures, the total number of votes cast has decreased by 1,073,616 compared to the earlier gazette published on February 13. The updated count shows 47,225,980 'yes' votes and 21,960,231 'no' votes, reducing both categories by nearly one million and over one hundred thousand respectively.

The EC stated that the revised data was issued under the authority of the commission, though no specific reason for the correction was provided. The updated gazette also indicates that invalid votes increased by 12,559, bringing the total number of valid votes down to 69,186,211. The referendum was held to confirm public approval for the July National Charter, which emerged from the 2024 student and public uprising.

The revised results are expected to finalize the constitutional legitimacy and public consent for the July National Charter once officially endorsed.

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury announced that online news portals and IPTV services in Bangladesh will be brought under a formal policy framework. He made the statement on Thursday, February 26, during a visit to the Nandail Press Club in Mymensingh. Chowdhury said that the ministry had been run with irregularities and corruption for the past 17 years, but now all activities would follow proper regulations. He added that discussions on the policy had been held with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The state minister emphasized that individuals operating online portals using only mobile phones must comply with government policies. He stated that the government led by Tarique Rahman does not intend to restrict media freedom, as the prime minister believes that a free press is essential for democratic development.

Later, Chowdhury attended a meeting with government officials at the Nandail Upazila Executive Officer’s conference room, where he provided various directives and advice. He also visited the Nandail Upazila Health Complex to check on patient care services.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), warned that if reform processes do not proceed within the parliament, the movement will return to the streets. He made the remarks on Thursday at an event marking the founding anniversary of the National Student Power held at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka. Nahid said preparations are underway for such a movement if parliamentary discussions remain blocked.

Reflecting on the NCP’s first year, Nahid acknowledged mistakes but emphasized that the party’s foundation lies in the July mass uprising. He alleged that although students played a leading role in that movement, political leaders are now reaping its benefits. He also claimed that, similar to the 1990 uprising, students have again been deceived in the 2024 movement, as leaders have avoided taking oaths for the reform council while citing referendums.

The event was attended by leaders and activists from various levels of the NCP and National Student Power, underscoring the party’s continued focus on student-led reform efforts.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has directed 30 major Hajj agencies to complete all visa processing for pilgrims by March 5. The instruction, issued on February 25, requires agencies to ensure that each pilgrim undergoes a medical check-up, obtains a fitness certificate, receives mandatory vaccinations, and completes group formation before visa submission. The ministry’s letter noted that 7,355 pilgrims under these agencies still need health examinations, including 1,306 from Bangladesh Overseas Services and 10 from Ehsan Air Travels.

According to the ministry, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set March 20 as the final date for completing visa processing. However, the process can take five to ten days after health and administrative requirements are fulfilled, with possible delays due to technical issues. The ministry also warned that offices in both Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia might close around Eid-ul-Fitr, urging agencies to act promptly.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs expressed hope that all agencies would take necessary measures to complete the required procedures within the given timeframe.

Madaripur-2 Member of Parliament Zahandar Ali Mia has expressed optimism that ordinary citizens will receive their family cards before Eid. He made the comment on Thursday afternoon after a meeting with officials of Rajoir upazila in Madaripur, responding to questions from journalists.

The MP said the government had earlier announced the introduction of family, agriculture, and health cards before the election, as part of its 31-point state reform plan. In line with that initiative, family card distribution has already begun on a pilot basis in 14 upazilas across eight divisions, including one upazila in Rajbari district. He emphasized that the process would be transparent and accountable, conducted online through the Department of Social Services without political influence.

Zahandar Ali Mia added that the digital management system was introduced to overcome past criticisms of irregularities in allowance and aid programs. The meeting was chaired by Rajoir Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahfuzul Haque, with local police and BNP leaders also in attendance.

A Chhatra League leader from Nalchity in Jhalakathi, Rakibul Islam Jomaddar, was temporarily released on parole to attend his father’s funeral on Thursday, February 26. The funeral of his father, Mosharraf Jomaddar, took place at the family graveyard in Kamdevpur village under Subidpur Union. Rakibul, who serves as the organizational secretary of the Subidpur Union Chhatra League, participated in the funeral under strict police supervision and was returned to prison after the ceremony.

According to family sources, Rakibul had been in jail in connection with a political case when his father passed away earlier that morning. Following a family request and administrative approval, he was granted short-term parole to attend the funeral. The event was marked by deep mourning across the area.

Nalchity Upazila Chhatra League president Anik Rahman Sardar expressed condolences to Rakibul and his family, while the local police confirmed that the parole and return were conducted according to official procedures.

Bangladesh’s Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that no vessel will be allowed to carry excess passengers or increase fares during the upcoming Eid travel period. Speaking after a preparatory meeting at the Secretariat on Thursday, he said necessary measures are being taken to ensure safer and smoother river journeys this year. The minister also assured that there will be no traffic congestion from Zero Point to Sadarghat and that illegal parking will be strictly controlled.

He added that bulkhead vessel movement will remain suspended for five days before and after Eid to ease passenger travel. The minister clarified the distinction between voluntary contributions and extortion, stating that any forced collection of money will be treated as a criminal offense. He emphasized that the ministry will not tolerate extortion and that any illegal collection on routes will face strict action.

The minister reiterated that maintaining discipline in the transport sector and ensuring safe travel are key responsibilities of his ministry, with accountability efforts supported by the Home and Commerce ministries.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem has alleged that a plan is underway to release ruling party leaders while imprisoning activists from the July movement. In a statement issued on Thursday, he claimed that senior Awami League figures, including Bodi and Ivy, were being granted bail and their offices reopened, while a blueprint was being drawn up to detain those involved in the July protests.

Kayem further stated that the government was ignoring the ‘Security Ordinance’ and using a so-called police murder investigation to erase the July movement. He warned that those rehabilitating what he described as fascist forces would eventually face consequences themselves. He also alleged that after a sudden change in the Bangladesh Bank governorship, institutions controlled by government-linked individuals began receiving undue advantages, signaling a return to partisan favoritism that disregards the mandate of reform-minded citizens.

He cautioned that if such trends continue, the nation would face subjugation and urged for wisdom to prevail before history holds everyone accountable.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser and Dhaka-2 MP Aman Ullah Aman stated that anyone engaging in extortion using the party’s name must be apprehended first and will not be forgiven or given any opportunity. He emphasized that both drug dealers and users should be brought to justice. Aman also urged local authorities to intervene in ensuring proper space allocation for housing construction, noting that unplanned development has created difficulties in transporting bodies in some areas.

He made these remarks on Thursday afternoon, February 26, 2026, while addressing a views-exchange meeting at the Savar Upazila auditorium as the chief guest. The event was organized by the Savar Upazila administration and presided over by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saiful Islam. Officials from various departments, law enforcement representatives, teachers from three unions, and local political leaders attended the meeting.

Aman further reiterated his commitment to building a society free from extortion, terrorism, and drugs, and called for legal action against land grabbers regardless of their affiliations.

Newly appointed Chief of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Aminul Islam stated that no innocent person will face harassment under his authority, while no criminal will escape justice. He made the remarks on Thursday during a press briefing at the office of the Chief Prosecutor of the tribunal in response to questions from journalists.

Aminul Islam emphasized that internal disputes or counter-allegations among prosecutors will not affect the tribunal’s judicial process. He described himself as someone who does not compromise and assured that as long as he holds the position, he will maintain integrity in his duties. He reiterated that the tribunal will continue its work without interruption despite internal disagreements, comparing the institution to a family that resolves its issues internally.

The Chief’s comments come amid reports of mutual allegations among prosecutors, but he insisted that these matters will be handled internally and will not hinder the tribunal’s operations.