Sarjis Alam, a coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, announced that the movement, along with the National Citizens Committee, will soon launch a new political party. The unveiling is scheduled for February 28 at 3:00 PM on Manik Mia Avenue, near the National Parliament. Alam emphasized the need for a strong political party to realize the dreams of a new Bangladesh, standing on the sacrifices of past martyrs and promising a better future for the next generation.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary General, Professor Mia Golam Porwar, announced that, considering the current national situation, the party has canceled its planned mass sit-in in front of the Chief Adviser’s office on February 25. Additionally, the previously declared voluntary imprisonment campaign by Jamaat’s Amir, Shafiqur Rahman, in the court premises has also been called off. Senior leadership requests were cited as the reason behind this decision. The announcement was originally made by the Jamaat Amir on Facebook on February 21.

Last Thursday, a controversy arose when an Awami League leader, Longa Babu, a suspect in the July Revolution-related Minhaz murder case, was initially detained by police but later released. This prompted public criticism. The leader was re-arrested later that evening, and an investigation committee has been formed to look into the incident. The Officer-in-Charge (OC) stated that Babu was released initially due to signs of a heart attack, but he was arrested again after further review.

On Monday (February 24), after a hearing at the Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Dhaka, former Minister Amin Hossain Amu was formally arrested in connection with the Mizanur Rahman murder case. During the proceedings, he was seated on a wooden stool at the dock, where he listened to the hearing for 20 minutes. At 10:11 AM, Amu and ten other former ministers and mayors of the Awami League government were brought to court. They stood at the dock during the proceedings.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will embark on an official visit to Turkey today, Monday, according to Anadolu Agency. The visit will focus on discussions between Lavrov and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on bilateral cooperation, trade, energy, and tourism. The two ministers are also expected to discuss the resolution of the Ukraine conflict through a just and lasting peace, as well as the recent dialogue between the United States and Russia, with Turkey’s involvement. Additionally, reports suggest that Turkey may present its plan to eliminate “terrorist forces” from Syria during this visit. The regional stability and territorial integrity, including discussions on Israel, will also be key topics of conversation between the two ministers.

On February 25 and 26, 2009, 57 army officers were killed in a BDR mutiny at the Pilkhana headquarters in Dhaka. At the time, Sohail Taj, the then Minister of State for Home Affairs, was abroad in the United States. Journalist Elias Hossain, writing from abroad, claimed that army sources had suggested Sohail Taj may have been involved in the BDR killings. Elias warned that Taj should be cautious to prevent his escape abroad. In response, Sohail Taj condemned these allegations as propaganda and expressed his readiness to cooperate with investigations, but also stated that he would not return to politics.

Zakir Hossain (32), the personal secretary of former mayor Jahangir Alam, was detained by students and handed over to the police. The incident occurred around 12:30 AM on Sunday at Chandna Chourasta area. Following his arrest, Zakir was implicated in several cases, including extortion, land grabbing, and anti-discrimination student movements. Officer-in-charge of Basan Police Station, Kaisar Ahmed, confirmed that Zakir is facing multiple charges. As part of a special operation, dubbed “Operation Devil Hunt,” he was arrested and sent to jail following a court order.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizens Committee have organized a press conference to announce the launch of a new political party. The conference will take place at 7 PM on Monday at the Citizens Committee office in Rupayan Tower, Banglamotor, Dhaka. This initiative aims to address issues of discrimination and provide a platform for citizens to actively engage in politics. The press conference will mark the official beginning of this new political endeavor.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin highlighted a concerning issue in Bangladesh’s voter list, revealing that nearly 1.7 million deceased voters are still listed, casting ballots from the grave. He emphasized the need for a transparent voter list to ensure fair elections. The CEC also discussed preparations for the upcoming election, stressing that minimum reforms must be made by October for a December election. Additionally, concerns over the inclusion of Rohingyas in voter lists were raised.

Preliminary election results on Sunday evening indicate that Germany’s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is on track for victory, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) emerging as the second-largest party.

Celebrations erupted at CDU’s headquarters, though a small protest was staged outside against party leader Friedrich Merz’s immigration policies.

CDU secured 28.8% of the votes, paving the way for Merz to form a government for the first time. AfD made significant gains, securing 20.2% of the vote, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) dropped to third place with 16.2%.

In a Facebook post, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir criticized the Local Government Reform Commission’s recommendations, stating that they go against the fundamental concept of public representation. He expressed concerns over deteriorating law and order and acknowledged the ongoing transitional phase.

“Let’s not prolong this change. Instead, let’s unite and ensure the national elections are not delayed for the sake of the country,” he urged.

Mirza Fakhrul also noted that it has been less than a year since the mass uprising forced the most oppressive dictator, Hasina, to flee the country. “Many lives were lost, and the price we paid was too high,” he stated. Supporting an interim government, he emphasized, “Yes, we seek reforms in damaged institutions, but these reforms must be implemented by representatives who understand the people’s pulse.”

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has stated that his party accepted the rigged 2008 election in the interest of democracy, emphasizing that historical evidence and election analysis confirm the irregularities.

Rahman stressed that restoring stability as soon as possible is crucial to saving the country from collapse. He argued that holding elections will establish a stable environment, gradually enabling necessary reforms and reducing the severity of current crises.

He further warned that delaying the activation of Parliament would only deepen the political crisis. Reaffirming BNP’s commitment to the people, he promised to implement the party’s 31-point reform agenda, originally proposed during past autocratic rule. However, he noted that the interim government has strayed from its initial responsibilities.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has strongly condemned India’s Border Security Force (BSF) for obstructing embankment construction on the Surma and Kushiyara rivers in Sylhet, aimed at controlling floods.

In a statement, Parwar revealed that BSF has not only disrupted the construction but also threatened to open fire if work continues. This obstruction increases the risk of severe flooding in 14 to 15 upazilas of Sylhet and Sunamganj.

Parwar described BSF’s actions as a violation of international law and urged the government to take diplomatic measures to ensure the completion of the 80-kilometer-long embankment.

A large number of students and citizens at Dhaka University have signed a petition demanding the ban of the Awami League and its allied political parties, labeling them as fascist organizations.

The petition drive began at 3 PM on Sunday at the Raju Memorial Sculpture during the ongoing mass sit-in protest against fascist politics, which has entered its 11th day. By 7 PM, over 3,000 students and citizens had signed the petition.

Protesters also announced plans to file a mass complaint starting Tuesday against the government for enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in July. They clarified that the complaint is intended to assist the judiciary and government in addressing these human rights violations.

A violent clash over a land dispute in Durgapur, Rajshahi, led to the death of Ferdousi Begum (55), prompting police to arrest 13 people from the BNP side and two from the opposing faction. The incident left the area deserted as many fled in fear. According to police sources, Ferdousi’s brother filed a murder case against 29 people, including BNP leader Mamunur Rashid Mamun and his followers. Reports suggest the conflict erupted as Awami League leader and former UP chairman attempted to reclaim disputed land.