Following a dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and political parties on Saturday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed optimism about reaching a swift consensus on political reforms. “We expect a national election to be held soon,” he stated. He also mentioned that Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus has urged all parties to discuss the reform reports submitted by various commissions. According to him, the initial discussions have begun, and political parties have started presenting their views on the proposed reforms.

Following a meeting of the National Consensus Commission on Saturday night, Nurul Haque Nur stated, “Most political parties have expressed agreement on banning the Awami League. We wanted a decision on this matter today itself.” However, he noted that some parties believe conducting local government elections before making such a decision could lead to increased violence and conflict at the grassroots level, allowing the Awami League to regain ground. Nur dismissed this analysis, arguing that historical trends show elected governments can influence local elections. He also proposed restructuring the advisory council with politicians who will refrain from active politics for the next five years.

The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) reported that 59 leaders and activists of the Awami League and the banned Chhatra League have been arrested in the past two days across 16 police stations for allegedly planning to incite unrest. Among the detainees are individuals accused of attacking protesters in the anti-discrimination student movement. In the last 24 hours, 19 people were arrested in a special operation, while 40 were detained in the previous 24 hours. They face multiple charges under the Special Powers Act, Anti-Terrorism Act, and the Penal Code. The arrested individuals have been sent to jail following court procedures.

Interim Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that the government has gained strong domestic and international support, leaving the ousted regime unable to push its narratives. Even an appeal to U.S. President Trump failed to change the situation. He emphasized the importance of completing reforms, as global allies are ready to assist economically but expect Bangladesh to lead the process. Yunus urged political unity to ensure lasting change, highlighting that despite debates, national solidarity remains strong, making reform a historic opportunity Bangladesh must not waste.

Interim Government’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that those whom the people of Bangladesh ousted are now desperate to return. Speaking at the first meeting of the National Consensus Commission, he emphasized the need for resilience. Reflecting on six months of governance, he highlighted the unity among citizens and political leaders, despite differences. He expressed confidence that if this unity continues, a new Bangladesh can be built. He also acknowledged attempts to obstruct progress but affirmed that collective strength has overcome these challenges.

Sarjis Alam, central coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and chief organizer of the National Citizens’ Committee, has demanded an immediate ban on the Awami League. Speaking after a meeting with the National Consensus Commission, he declared, “Many leaders are seeking a safe exit, but we will not compromise with a murderous party.” Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that the interim government has entered its second phase with strong public and international support. He also thanked the UN for exposing Hasina’s brutal atrocities and emphasized the urgency of political reforms.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman stated that the United Nations’ report serves as irrefutable evidence of genocide. In a statement on February 15, he congratulated the UN Human Rights Commission for its findings. He demanded justice for all perpetrators involved in massacres, declaring that the fascist Hasina regime’s crimes—burning bodies, abductions, and killings—have now been exposed on the world stage.

BJP Chairman Andalib Rahman Partha firmly stated that local elections should not be held before the national elections. Speaking after a National Consensus Commission meeting on Saturday afternoon, he added that the Chief Adviser confirmed international and UN support for the interim government. The UN’s report has debunked false narratives by fascists. Partha stressed that national elections must be prioritized to ensure stability and reforms.

AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju stated that while the interim government is in power, its authority remains unclear. He warned that an election under such circumstances could be dangerous. He revealed that the Chief Adviser has assured financial support from multiple sources but emphasized that necessary reforms must be implemented. Manju urged the government to form a political unity team, as previously suggested, and called for the Chief Adviser to go undercover and assess the law and order situation himself.

On Friday night (February 14), Fuad Hossain, the uncle of martyr Hasibur Rahman, filed a murder case at Savar Police Station. The case names former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 1,506 others, including Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Abdullah Al Mamun, Habibur Rahman, Harun-ar-Rashid, and Abdullahil Kafi. Hasibur was shot during a victory rally on August 5 following Sheikh Hasina’s downfall and died in hospital on August 7. Police have already arrested two accused, Abdullah Al Mamun and Abdullahil Kafi.

At a discussion organized by Democratic Awake Bangladesh at the National Press Club on Saturday, BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu criticized the government, saying, “Dr. Yunus identified a mastermind behind a successful movement within a month! Then why haven’t commodity prices dropped in six months? Why hasn’t the law and order situation improved?” He urged pro-democracy forces to remain united and criticized those who prematurely believed that Sheikh Hasina had fled after a mass uprising.

On Saturday afternoon, Chhatra Dal leader Omar Faruq and activist Abu Sayeed began an indefinite hunger strike at the base of the Raju Sculpture at Dhaka University, demanding a ban on the “fallen fascist Awami League.” Leaders and activists of the Revolutionary Student Council expressed solidarity and, seeing a common cause, also announced their participation. Among them were council convenor Abdul Wahed, secretary Fazlur Rahman, and members Yamin Sarker, Ashraful Islam, and Ariful Islam.

The date of the next election will be determined by the July Charter, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Speaking to journalists in Dhaka, he mentioned that the election could be held by December, with some reforms implemented before that. A six-month National Consensus Commission will discuss reforms with political parties, aiming for an agreement. The political dialogue, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has begun, with major opposition leaders participating to shape Bangladesh’s democratic transition.

Political parties have begun discussions with the National Consensus Commission, led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The meeting started at 3:00 PM at the Foreign Service Academy, Dhaka. Leaders from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, LDP, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and other parties attended. The government recently formed the seven-member commission, appointing Dr. Ali Riaz as Vice Chairman. Delegations from various parties, including Jamaat and Islami Andolan, participated. Dr. Yunus is set to address the gathering on the commission’s role in shaping the transition.

BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has declared that national elections must take precedence over local elections. He warned that delaying the elections would further discredit the government. Speaking at a roundtable discussion, he said, "For 17 years, we have witnessed the dire consequences of rigged elections. Nobody imagined that the momentum of the 1990 movement would be abruptly halted. Political science has had to incorporate a new chapter—where voters are instructed via loudspeakers not to go to polling stations, and elections are held overnight." He further stated that when state power is misused to conduct one-sided elections, it results in severe oppression of the opposition, which is beyond description.