A case has been filed against 35 leaders and activists of the Awami League, including former Member of Parliament Sheikh Helal Uddin, former MP Sheikh Tanmoy, and former Police Superintendent Abul Hasnat Khan, for alleged shooting, bombing, and destruction of property in Fakirhat, Bagerhat. The lawsuit was filed on Saturday morning by Rafiqul Islam Mithu. Abul Hasnat has been arrested in connection with the case. According to the case details, on August 4, during the afternoon, the accused gathered at the Katakhali Golchattar area in Fakirhat, destroyed important structures, fired at student protesters, and set off bombs with the intent to kill and create panic.

Jaima Rahman, daughter of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., alongside top BNP leaders. While the event is religious, its attendance by world leaders has fueled speculation about Jaima’s political ambitions. Analysts suggest this may be her first step into politics, though neither BNP nor Jaima has confirmed any such intention. BNP leaders see her participation as a positive sign for young leadership in the party, while political observers view it as a strategic move for the future.

UK Junior Health Minister Andrew Gwynne has been dismissed after sending offensive and inappropriate messages on WhatsApp. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision on Saturday (Feb 8) following a report by The Mail, which exposed Gwynne’s remarks in a WhatsApp group. He allegedly made racist and sexually suggestive comments, including wishing for an elderly voter’s death before the next election. Gwynne also faced accusations of antisemitism and insulting Deputy PM Angela Rayner. He later apologized on social media platform X.

BNP leader Engineer Ishraq Hossain has alleged that elements within the police and security forces are working as agents of the ruling Awami League, citing the recent Gazipur incident as evidence. He has demanded their removal and the arrest of those involved. Speaking further, he questioned, “Why is there so much fear? Are those in key government and military positions untouchable? Can’t they be criticized?” He asserted that as representatives of the people, they do not even recognize Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s authority, let alone these government employees. Ishraq, who serves as BNP’s Dhaka South leader, urged the government to take immediate action and reassured that the opposition is closely monitoring the situation.

Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the anti-discrimination student movement, has called for the arrest of all criminals in Gazipur through ‘Operation Devil Hunt.’ Addressing a protest in Rajbari, he stated that Prime Minister Hasina’s associates in Awami League and Jubo League have laundered $260 billion, knowing they wouldn’t stay in the country. He stressed that the people have to stay and fight for their rights. He also warned against police extortion in the name of security and condemned former freedom fighters turned perpetrators of the July massacres. Abdullah made these remarks while protesting an attack on students by Awami League supporters at Mozammel Haque’s residence.

Nurul Haque Nur, President of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, has welcomed the Ministry of Home Affairs' 'Operation Devil Hunt' aimed at capturing criminals. Speaking at a rally in Kishoreganj, he stated that if necessary, Awami League members might form new parties under different names, but there is no place for the Awami League in Bangladesh’s political landscape. He warned that allowing a fascist and murderous party like Awami League to continue would lead to more bloodshed in the country. Nur clarified that he does not support vandalism or arson and asserted that Bangladesh’s sovereignty should not be compromised by aligning with the U.S., India, or China. He also criticized excessive transport fares in Kishoreganj and condemned the awarding of tenders to genocide suspects by the local administration.

Sarjees Alam, a leader of the anti-discrimination student movement, criticized the interim government, saying that the newly appointed police force acts like a scene from a Bangla movie—arriving only after incidents occur. He questioned why, despite repeated calls, police took two hours to respond. Speaking in front of the Gazipur District Commissioner’s office, he emphasized Gazipur’s key role in the uprising and warned that pro-government figures like Jahangir would be confronted again if necessary. He issued an ultimatum for the arrest of the perpetrators by midnight and demanded authorities take immediate action without engaging in political maneuvering in the courts.

A shooting incident targeting anti-discrimination student protesters occurred in Gazipur’s Bhawal Rajbari area on Saturday evening. The attack left Mobasher Hossain injured, who was rushed to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital. Protesters accused ruling party activists of carrying out the attack. Mobasher stated that while bidding farewell to fellow protesters near the District Commissioner’s office, assailants on a motorcycle opened fire. The bullet struck his right hand, narrowly avoiding a fatal injury. Gazipur police confirmed the incident.

Despite over a hundred pro-government student activists retaining their jobs after participating in violent clashes at Chittagong University, Saif has been dismissed for taking part in an anti-discrimination movement. Saif, who was employed as a District Coordinator at BRAC in 2024, claimed that his work was appreciated, and he even received a certificate of recognition. However, in November, BRAC informed him that his contract would not be renewed. Saif alleged that members of the ruling party's student wing, including former student leader Nurul Azam Rony, were responsible for his dismissal, with Rony even threatening him. BRAC stated that Saif’s contract was not renewed as it was only for a year, but when questioned about why others in similar roles were retained, the organization provided no response.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan apologized for the police’s failure to prevent an attack on the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Acknowledging the police’s failure during the incident, he promised that no assailants would be spared, and each attack would be answered. He also pledged to take action against officers who delayed their response. The commissioner made these remarks on Saturday afternoon during a protest march by the movement on Rajbari Road in front of the District Commissioner’s office. Earlier, the organization had blocked the road. He added that he would dismiss the officer who responded two hours late and assured that the long-standing perpetrators of abuse would no longer be tolerated.

The BNP has announced plans to hold public meetings across the country, from February 11 until the beginning of Ramadan. The party will campaign on issues such as rising commodity prices, deteriorating law and order, combating fascist conspiracies, and demanding an electoral roadmap for a quick return to democratic processes. At a press conference on Saturday, BNP’s Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that if the government cannot identify fascist allies in the administration, it will be difficult for them to govern. He also accused India of trying to destabilize the country from abroad. Rizvi mentioned that the Awami League has been involved in attacking students and facilitating the escape of criminals. He further called on the government to explain the recent bail of 572 individuals connected to the Awami League.

The BNP has announced plans to hold public meetings across the country, from February 11 until the beginning of Ramadan. The party will campaign on issues such as rising commodity prices, deteriorating law and order, combating fascist conspiracies, and demanding an electoral roadmap for a quick return to democratic processes. At a press conference on Saturday, BNP’s Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that if the government cannot identify fascist allies in the administration, it will be difficult for them to govern. He also accused India of trying to destabilize the country from abroad. Rizvi mentioned that the Awami League has been involved in attacking students and facilitating the escape of criminals. He further called on the government to explain the recent bail of 572 individuals connected to the Awami League.

On Saturday, during a seminar at the Lalmohoon Upazila Parishad auditorium in Bhola, BNP’s Standing Committee member, Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, stated that the current government is weak. He emphasized that an elected government is essential for restoring law and order in the country. Despite this, he mentioned that they are willing to cooperate with the government. In response to a question from the media, he remarked that they do not wish anyone to take the law into their own hands. He expressed hope that the current government will restore law and order with a firm hand, create a conducive environment through dialogue with political parties, and free the country from chaos with a swift election. Major Hafiz also added that the past 15 years of enforced disappearances, killings, and corruption have destroyed everything. He noted that a democratic environment was created through the sacrifices of the student community in July and August.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has stated that the trial for the July massacre must be prioritized before elections or any other governmental actions. He warned that failing to bring justice would be a betrayal of the martyrs and would cause them pain. Rahman further claimed that after the political shift, there was no functioning government, and his party took responsibility for safeguarding the lives and property of the people. He emphasized that they are ready to take responsibility again, ensuring security and dignity for all citizens. He also criticized the long-standing oppression of the general public under the pretext of being a majority, accusing the ruling authorities of attacking people’s wealth and honor while blaming Jamaat-e-Islami. “In 54 years, no one can prove allegations of land grabbing or extortion against us,” he asserted.

Dhaka, Saturday—BNP’s Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has warned that counter-revolutionary forces are always seeking opportunities and must be prevented through unity and democratic aspirations. Speaking at the Droher Graffiti publication event at the National Press Club, Rizvi claimed there is no longer fear of enforced disappearances for criticizing the government. He vowed to continue speaking out and ensuring Dr. Yunus is not made to fail. Rizvi further alleged that India is unable to accept the emergence of democracy in Bangladesh, stating that Indian media’s open support for Sheikh Hasina contradicts democratic values.