Islamic scholar Mizanur Rahman Azhari emphasized the power of unity in a recent gathering in Chapainawabganj. He said, “When we are alone, we are individuals; when we unite, we are a force.” Azhari urged the need to harness this collective strength for the betterment of Islam. He highlighted the successes of unity, citing how Bangladesh has shown resilience in the face of oppression. “What could not be achieved in 16-17 years was accomplished in just a few days through unity,” he remarked. He also expressed a desire for a Bangladesh where no one dares to oppress others, emphasizing the importance of peaceful politics and leadership that resonates with the entire nation. “We want leaders whose illness will bring the entire country to their knees in prayer,” he concluded.

Law enforcement agencies have arrested an additional 769 individuals across the country in the ongoing Operation Devil Hunt. Among those arrested, 572 were wanted in connection with various cases. A total of 1,341 arrests have been made nationwide. The police headquarters reported that the operation has resulted in the seizure of a locally made single-barrel shotgun, two cartridges, four machetes, two cleavers, a knife, an LG, and a pair of scissors. To date, a total of 8,079 people have been arrested under the Devil Hunt operation.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, President of Nagorik Oikya, has alleged that he was prevented from entering the Ekushey Padak award ceremony. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka on Saturday, he claimed that although he had received an invitation, security personnel denied him entry. The award ceremony took place last Thursday, where notable figures were invited. Manna expressed deep humiliation, stating that he was turned away for arriving slightly late. “Nowhere on the invitation card did it say that doors would close 15 minutes early!” he remarked, directing his frustration at the current administration.

The interim government aims to announce the “July Charter” based on political consensus regarding reforms. To achieve this, the National Consensus Commission will hold separate discussions with political parties in early March. A written reform report has already been sent to all parties for review. Political leaders have stated they will participate in discussions after their internal evaluations. Commission Vice President Ali Riaz expressed hope that consensus could be reached before the set deadline. However, differences remain—Jamaat-e-Islami favors elections only after full reforms, while BNP demands an expedited election with minimal reforms.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, stated that the people of Bangladesh have been waiting for 16 years to cast their votes in a national election. He warned that if the interim government prioritizes local elections over national elections, it will further destabilize the country. Calling this a reckless decision, he urged the government to first bring market prices under control. “People will not accept you if you fail to control inflation,” he asserted. He also called on election commissions to quickly outline a reform roadmap, stressing the urgency of holding national elections. He criticized the interim government, saying it is proving to be as ineffective as the Awami League administration.

Farida Akhter, an adviser for livestock and fisheries, remarked that the younger generation of Bangladesh is more inclined toward poultry rather than traditional fish-based meals. “We have always been a nation that thrives on fish and rice, but is the younger generation truly following this tradition?” she questioned. She pointed out that many youths now refuse to eat meals without eggs or meat, making them a “poultry and rice generation.” Stressing the importance of fish consumption, she emphasized teaching children to eat fish, including those with bones, to make fish more popular again.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Central Naib-e-Ameer, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, has stated that the interim government is moving in the right direction. “We believe that once the necessary reforms are complete, they will organize elections and hand over power to a democratic government,” he said.

Dr. Taher accused the previous Awami League administration of politicizing every sector of the country, pushing it to the brink of collapse. “There is no discipline anywhere, which is why this government is struggling to implement reforms,” he added. Expressing optimism, he hoped that the interim administration would successfully carry out the required restructuring. He also emphasized the urgency of these reforms and stated that if his party comes to power, they will govern the country in accordance with Sharia law.

Lamya Chowdhury, daughter of late Bangladeshi film stars Parveen Sultana Diti and Sohel Chowdhury, has fallen victim to a brutal attack at her home. Her car was vandalized, and she suffered a broken leg during the assault. The incident took place in Sonargaon, Narayanganj. Following the attack, Lamya went live on Facebook, pleading for help. She claimed that around 30 to 40 individuals attacked her over a land dispute, forcing her to flee to Dhaka for safety. In distress, she questioned, “Do I have no one to stand by me just because my parents are no longer alive?”

Nasir Uddin Nasir, the General Secretary of the BNP-affiliated Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, is set to visit China at the invitation of the Communist Party of China. He will be part of a delegation led by BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moin Khan. According to a press release issued on Saturday, the 13-day visit will begin on February 24 and conclude on March 6. Political leaders from various Bangladeshi parties, including Mahmudur Rahman of Nagorik Oikya, will also attend. Chhatra Dal believes this visit will play a crucial role in Bangladesh’s political and economic development.

A robbery occurred on a Dhaka-Rajshahi bus, but no rape took place, according to Tangail Police Superintendent Mizanur Rahman. He stated that jewelry was snatched from female passengers, and incidental physical contact during the act could be considered harassment. Three suspects were arrested in Savar, and a police officer was suspended for negligence. The robbery lasted three hours, and passengers had previously detained the bus staff, who were later released on bail. A case was filed against 8 to 9 unidentified individuals.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, criticized the politics of corruption and misrule, stressing that such practices cannot sustain power. He called for all political parties to unite in halting extortion and land grabbing, urging the nation to progress. Speaking at a rally in Lakshmipur, he highlighted the ongoing injustice faced by imprisoned leader ATM Azharul Islam. The rally, led by district president Amir Ruhul Amin Bhuiyan, featured speeches from several key Jamaat leaders.

Colonel (Retd.) Mohammad Abdul Hai, Chairman of Rawa Club, hailed Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman for averting a massacre during the July movement. Speaking to Jugantor Multimedia, he compared Waker to Prophet Moses, praising his integrity and patriotism. Hai claimed that without Waker, Bangladesh faced potential occupation, with Baitul Mokarram Mosque possibly replaced by a Ram Mandir. He accused India and Sheikh Hasina of orchestrating chaos, including the BDR massacre, and credited Waker with saving the nation from a dire fate.

A 22-year-old man, MK Siam, was arrested for creating fake Facebook profiles and using them to advertise PUBG game sales, tricking victims into making payments through mobile payment services like bKash and Nagad. Siam, arrested in Gaibandha’s Gobindganj on February 18, had been running the scam for two years. Authorities seized several mobile phones and SIM cards linked to the fraudulent activities. Investigations revealed that Siam embezzled large sums of money through this scheme.

The Local Government Reform Commission, appointed by the interim government, has proposed holding elections for all local government bodies across the country by June. Following the aftermath of the July uprising, the commission noted that there are no functioning local institutions. It recommends conducting elections for unions, upazilas, municipalities, city corporations, and district councils in both plain and hill areas. Additionally, it has suggested amending laws to integrate hill councils within the parliamentary structure, with elections for these councils slated for June 2025.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged all to be more sincere in rebuilding the country. Speaking at a discussion session in memory of late journalist Mahfuz Ullah, Fakhrul emphasized that political parties have long fought against fascism, and the people’s collective struggle led to its downfall. He praised Mahfuz Ullah for his contributions to democracy and for uniting political parties after the 2014 elections. The session highlighted his intellectual integrity and unwavering stand against injustice.