U.S. President Donald Trump has denied any U.S. or deep state involvement in Bangladesh’s recent political changes. During a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, Trump dismissed allegations that the Biden administration had influenced Bangladesh’s power transition. He stated that resolving Bangladesh’s issues is up to Modi. The two leaders also discussed trade, immigration, and the Russia-Ukraine war, with Modi asserting that India supports peace. Trump hinted at a major upcoming U.S.-India trade deal.

Former Jatiya Party MP Yahya Chowdhury from Sylhet-2 constituency has been arrested along with four of his associates. They were apprehended by students and later handed over to Uttara West police from a residence in Sector 3. The arrest was confirmed by Saddam Hossain, Assistant Commissioner of the Uttara Zone of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). Yahya faces two lawsuits for allegedly ordering the shooting and killing of protesters on November 12.

The perpetrators of mass killings during the July Revolution have fled the country, though many police officers involved in the violence remain in service. Reports indicate that law enforcement agencies, including the police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), carried out the massacres under direct orders from Sheikh Hasina during meetings at Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal’s residence. However, most high-ranking officials of those forces have since left the country. Another key figure in the crackdown, Obaidul Quader, has reportedly taken refuge in India. Intelligence sources claim that fugitive Awami League leaders and activists based in India and other countries are actively conspiring to destabilize Bangladesh. A meeting in Kolkata reportedly outlined Hasina’s strategy of delegating responsibilities for further acts of violence.

The President of BNP UK has confirmed that BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently receiving treatment in London, is expected to return to Bangladesh shortly after the holy festival of Eid ul-Fitr. Her health has reportedly improved significantly, and she is in a relatively better condition. Moreover, being surrounded by her family, she is also at peace mentally. In a recent statement, the leader also accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of attempting to slowly poison and kill Khaleda Zia. However, by the grace of Allah, the plan failed. The statement further highlighted that when Hasina visited London, she had publicly announced her intention to eliminate Khaleda Zia. According to the leader, Allah’s will overruled this plot, and as a result, while Hasina’s political downfall occurred, Begum Khaleda Zia’s rise has been confirmed by divine intervention.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, visited the Ekushey Book Fair organized by the Bangla Academy on Thursday afternoon. During his visit, he purchased several books of personal interest.

At a press briefing, he reflected on the significance of February in Bangladesh’s history, describing it as a month deeply ingrained in the hearts of Bangladeshis. He paid tribute to the martyrs of 1952, 1971, and 2024, emphasizing the importance of remembering their sacrifices.

He also noted the presence of many children at the fair alongside their parents, stating that such an atmosphere helps preserve the nation’s historical memory and cultural heritage.

A court has granted a three-day remand for five individuals, including Lalmonirhat college teacher Mukib Miah, for questioning over leaflet distribution in Dhaka, demanding the resignation of the interim government.

Although investigators had requested a 10-day remand, the court approved only three days. The others placed on remand are Central Jubo League member Kapil Haldar Sajal, Motijheel Thana Jubo League member KM Saiful Khan, Fatullah Thana Jubo League member Sheikh Mohammad Hafiz, and Monalisa Jui.

Police in Chattogram have arrested 30 leaders and activists of the Awami League and Chhatra League on charges of attempting to create unrest and engaging in premeditated activities to destabilize the city. According to CMP’s Deputy Commissioner (Public Relations) Mahmuda Begum, the arrests were made in connection with allegations of instigating disorder in the city.

The detainees face multiple cases under the Special Powers Act, Anti-Terrorism Act, and the Penal Code, including charges related to attacks on student protesters participating in the anti-discrimination movement. They have been sent to jail following a court order.

During a meeting with acting British High Commissioner to Dhaka, James Goldman, on Thursday at 11 AM, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that BNP has requested India to return Awami League President Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh. He stated, "Those who collaborated with Sheikh Hasina will also be brought to justice. That is our expectation." The BNP leader further alleged that the government had been involved in forced disappearances and fabricating militancy cases against opposition activists.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has demanded a ban on all organizational activities of the Awami League and the swift trial of those responsible for the July coup massacre. In a statement, they condemned the attack on students in Gazipur by Awami League-backed terrorists, which led to the death of their member Abul Kashem Khan while undergoing treatment at DMCH. They also urged the interim government to take firm action against ongoing assassinations and violence, holding Awami League accountable for its crimes.

Golam Rabbani Roni, the Joint General Secretary of Singra Municipal Chhatra League in Natore, was arrested during Operation Devil Hunt. A case was filed in September last year regarding an attack on BNP leaders during the 2018 national elections. He has been accused of involvement in the assault on BNP leaders and activists. Rabbani, who holds key positions in both Singra Chhatra League and Upazila Swechchhasebak League, has been sent to court.

Jamaat-e-Islami has submitted 23 written proposals to the Election Commission, emphasizing that a fair election is impossible without key reforms. Following a meeting with the EC in Agargaon, Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar stated that electoral processes and related state institutions must be reformed to ensure free and impartial elections. He clarified that while full state reform is the elected government’s responsibility, an interim government should implement the necessary changes for elections. Jamaat-e-Islami is ready to allow reasonable time for these reforms.

BNP has filed a case in a tribunal, accusing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the prime accused in connection with the July-August mass killings, which allegedly resulted in the deaths of 848 BNP leaders and activists across the country. The case was filed on Thursday by case coordinator Salauddin Khan. The case also includes Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Law Minister Anisul Haque, and several senior police officials as accused. BNP has submitted audio-visual evidence, charge sheets of 84 related cases, and a list of the deceased. According to BNP, the victims were martyrs of a mass uprising against the government.

Despite assurances of elections by December, BNP continues its nationwide programs to maintain pressure on the government. However, Jamaat does not intend to press for national elections before the upcoming local elections. While various government representatives have given mixed signals regarding elections, a recent meeting with the Chief Adviser provided a clear timeline. Analysts see this as a result of mounting pressure. With the ongoing political turmoil, concerns are growing over the government’s ability to manage the situation. Despite reassurances, BNP remains skeptical about the elections and insists on sustaining the pressure.

Students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) staged a protest demanding a ban on the Awami League, accusing the party of committing mass killings. The protest march began at Murad Square on Wednesday night and ended with a brief rally at the university gate. Addressing the gathering, Chhatra Dal leader Zakir Hossain claimed that many lives were lost due to the Awami League government, yet the party showed no remorse. Another student remarked, “Awami League was fascist in 1975, and it remains so in 2024.”

A six-member delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, led by Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar, is holding a meeting with the Election Commission (EC) today (Thursday, February 13). The meeting, presided over by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin, started at 10 AM at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka. Earlier, on February 9, the EC had a meeting with BNP, led by its Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan.