Rubel Ahmed (32), a leader of the Chhatra League’s Adabor unit and the son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s personal driver, Razzak Matbar, has been arrested. Law enforcement detained him late Tuesday night during a raid in the Metro Housing area of Mohammadpur.

ADC Jewel Rana confirmed the arrest, stating that Rubel was allegedly involved in attempts to carry out destructive activities in Mohammadpur under the instructions of fugitive leaders abroad. After videos of his actions surfaced on social media, he went into hiding.

Adviser Asif Mahmud expressed his regret over the recent attack at the Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET). Speaking at a youth festival on February 19, he assured that those responsible would be swiftly brought to justice. He further emphasized that the Awami League (AL) will not be allowed to participate in elections until they face proper judicial action. “Such a party as the Awami League should be eradicated,” he stated. The incident on Tuesday involved a clash between two groups, resulting in over fifty injuries. Images and videos have surfaced showing students being attacked with local weapons.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has called an urgent press conference to address the recent clash at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET). The press conference will be held at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, February 19, at the Dhaka University Student-Teacher Center (TSC). JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir will attend. A three-member committee was formed on February 18 to investigate the cause of the clash, which resulted in over 50 injuries.

The top leaders of the 12-party alliance have expressed deep concern over the violent clash between the anti-discrimination student movement and the student wing of the opposition in Kuwait. In a statement sent to the media, they emphasized that the unity of all forces in the people’s uprising is our ultimate goal. They stressed that anti-fascists and Bangladeshi nationalists must maintain discipline, tolerance, and engage in positive competition. The leaders further remarked that the events of Tuesday will embolden the allies of autocracy and extend their traps. They warned that if we consider the former student leaders of July and the Shibir as enemies, protecting the hard-earned freedom of July will become exceedingly difficult. The statement concludes with a call for unity.

A viral photo showing Mahbubur Rahman, Vice President of Doultpur BNP Jubodol in Khulna, holding a sharp weapon during a clash at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) has led to his expulsion from the party. The incident occurred during protests over a ban on student politics. Rahman’s involvement in actions against party discipline prompted the decision, with the BNP Jubodol also instructing members not to associate with him further. The clash resulted in injuries to over fifty students.

Interim government’s legal advisor, Professor Asif Nazrul, expressed fear and frustration over internal violence among political factions. In a Facebook post on January 19, he stated, “When I see my brothers intoxicated by each other’s blood, it scares me, it frustrates me the most.” He went on to say that during the Awami League’s rule, when fights broke out between the League and opposing groups, the police would shamelessly side with the League, leading to a swift resolution. However, today, the police force is divided, and the number of aggressive individuals is minimal. If the Student League and SSF confront each other now, neither side will back down, which could result in unprecedented casualties. He also emphasized, “Whoever gets hurt is still my brother; six months ago, we faced tear gas and rubber bullets together.” Nazrul warned that the ongoing blame and threats between Student League and SSF on social media signal a troubling future.

Under the ‘Devil Hunt’ operation, a joint forces raid detained Shakil Howlader, the son of an Awami League leader, for 7-8 hours before releasing him on bail. He is also facing an attempted murder case. According to police, he was released after providing a written guarantee with the recommendation of local BNP leaders. However, sources have alleged that a substantial bribe was exchanged for his release. The local community had long been suffering under the influence of the mother-son duo, but their power seemed to diminish after the political shift. About a week ago, Shakil became involved in a dispute with a neighbor, chasing and assaulting Ripon with a sharp weapon while causing damage to homes. He was arrested in connection with this case.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for complaining about Ukraine’s exclusion from Saudi-hosted peace talks. Trump argued that Ukraine could have avoided the war by making a deal. He expressed disappointment with Kyiv’s reaction and reiterated his past claim that Ukraine was responsible for the conflict. Meanwhile, after U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh, both sides agreed to appoint delegations for war-ending negotiations. Trump, reacting to these developments, stated he is now “much more confident” about ending the war.

The Bogura-3 parliamentary seat has historically been dominated by BNP, which won six out of the last 12 general elections. The Jatiya Party secured victory four times, while the Awami League and an independent candidate won once each. Jamaat-e-Islami has already finalized its candidate for this seat. Meanwhile, within BNP, four aspirants are preparing to seek the party nomination, all waiting for the decision of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. So far, no independent candidate has announced their candidacy. The potential BNP candidates for this seat include Fazlul Bari Talukder, Abdul Muhit Talukder, Ataur Rahman Khan Mukta, and Hamidul Haque Chowdhury.

A Dhaka court has acquitted BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and seven others in the Niko corruption case. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday by Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4. Earlier, on February 13, the court concluded the defense hearing and arguments before setting the verdict date for today. The defendants maintained their innocence, while Begum Zia, currently undergoing treatment abroad, was unable to appear in court. On the other hand, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had sought the maximum penalty. The case was initially filed during the caretaker government’s tenure against Khaleda Zia and 10 others.

A court has granted a seven-day remand for former state minister Dipankar Talukdar in connection with the murder of Jubo Dal leader Shamim. During the hearing, the defense requested the cancellation of the remand, while the prosecution argued in favor of it. Following deliberations, the court approved the seven-day remand. According to case details, on October 28, 2023, BNP held a central rally in Dhaka, which was met with a counter-rally by the Awami League. A police-assisted attack on the BNP rally resulted in the killing of the Jubo Dal leader. On September 24, 2024, a case was filed over the incident.

The verdict in the Niko corruption case against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and seven others is scheduled for Wednesday. Dhaka’s Special Judge’s Court will announce the decision. The defense previously argued for acquittal, asserting the defendants’ innocence. The case was filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission in 2007, with charges formally submitted in 2008.

On the second day of BNP’s two-day campaign for the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan, a massive torch procession took place at the Teesta Rail Bridge in Kaunia. Led by BNP leader Shafiqul Alam Sufi, the procession followed an overnight sit-in by thousands at the Teesta banks. The event featured cultural performances showcasing regional traditions. The slogans "Save Teesta, Save Bangladesh" resonated throughout the area.

Azadul Islam Hai (Pannu), the BNP president of Nawabganj Upazila, has been missing for 40 days. He left his home in Nawabganj on January 8 for Rajshahi and has not returned. His family has been unable to contact him by phone. His son, Sihab Tamal, has filed a general diary (GD) with Nawabganj police. Despite efforts from law enforcement, there has been no trace of Pannu.

A faction of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement staged a road blockade in Lalkhan, Chattogram, demanding the cancellation of three unit committees. The protest led to severe traffic congestion. In a press conference, 50 members announced their resignation, alleging that the newly announced committee included businesspersons, individuals accused of harassment, and members of teenage gangs. They have put forward a three-point demand, including the cancellation of the committee, and have declared Hasnat Abdullah and Arif Sohel as unwelcome figures until their demands are met. Protesters claim that those who gave fiery speeches after August 5 were awarded key positions while female activists were sidelined. They demand an investigation and punishment for those involved in the selection process.