In response to Israel’s brutal attacks on Gaza, Bangladesh—along with several other nations—walked out during a speech by the Israeli delegation at a ministerial conference in Morocco.

However, social media posts falsely claimed that Bangladeshi representatives remained seated and listened to Israel’s remarks. The Foreign Ministry refuted these claims in a statement issued on Friday, reaffirming that Bangladesh’s stance on Gaza remains firm and that the delegation did, in fact, walk out in protest.

The National Revolutionary Council staged a protest at Dhaka University demanding the reinstatement of the phrase ‘Except Israel’ on Bangladeshi passports. The demonstration began after Friday prayers from the DU Central Mosque and culminated in a gathering at the base of the Raju Memorial Sculpture.

Hasan Mohammad Arif, a protest leader, stated that a one-month ultimatum was issued last week from a demonstration at Baitul Mukarram, calling for the reintroduction of the phrase. However, as a week has passed with no government action, today’s protest was organized to reinforce their demand.

Baraigram Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sirajul Islam has been withdrawn following allegations of robbery on a moving passenger bus, harassment of a female passenger, and negligence of duty. Rajshahi Range DIG Mohammad Shahjahan ordered his withdrawal during a visit on Friday. Victims complained of not receiving police assistance, and the OC failed to report the incident to superiors. Authorities have sought an explanation from him, and he has been temporarily transferred to the Natore police lines. Further investigation is underway, with potential disciplinary action pending the findings.

The interim government will take action against Superintendents of Police (SPs) who were in charge of 64 districts during the controversial 2018 elections under the Awami League government. Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan announced that these SPs will be made Officers on Special Duty (OSD) or sent into mandatory retirement. Similar measures have already been taken against Deputy Commissioners (DCs) involved in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections. Officials with over 25 years of service are being retired, while others are being made OSD.

Virender Sehwag ridiculed Bangladesh’s performance after their 6-wicket loss to India in the Champions Trophy. Despite a valiant effort from Zaker Ali and Towhid Hridoy to lift Bangladesh to 228 runs, Sehwag felt there was no real threat from Bangladesh. He downplayed their abilities, saying there was no fear of them even when he played. India comfortably won with 21 balls to spare, thanks to a partnership between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, with India cruising to victory despite a brief challenge.

In the past 24 hours, authorities arrested 461 more people under Operation Devil Hunt, bringing the total to 7,310 since February 8. The police also apprehended 1,189 individuals in other cases and recovered several weapons, including firearms and ammunition. The operation was launched after an attack on students at former minister A.K.M. Mozammel Haque’s residence in Gazipur. The interim government initiated the crackdown to strengthen security, though student leaders claim they were attacked while trying to prevent a robbery. One student later died from injuries.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has strongly condemned the attack on Fazle Rabbi Sifat, a Chhatra Shibir leader in Gazipur, allegedly by Chhatra Dal. The group also criticized police actions, including forced video recording and attempts to deny legal rights. They warned of rising political violence resembling past authoritarian eras and urged Chhatra Dal to embrace intellectual politics. The organization called for patience among student groups and urged the interim government to take stronger measures to maintain law and order.

Students have declared that they will continue their protest until the attackers of general students are brought to justice and their six-point demands are met.

It is noteworthy that on February 18, students of KUET (Khulna University of Engineering & Technology) began a movement demanding a ban on student politics on campus. They marched through the university halls and surrounded the Vice-Chancellor’s residence. In response, Chhatra Dal activists attacked the protesters, leading to clashes in which at least 60 students were injured. Some protesters were seen carrying machetes during the confrontation. The army was deployed to bring the situation under control.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has clarified that claims circulating on social media about Khaleda Zia becoming President and Tarique Rahman becoming Prime Minister if the party wins the upcoming election are not BNP’s official position. Rizvi emphasized that these are personal opinions of some individuals. He also reiterated the importance of a free, fair election to restore public trust, stressing the government’s duty to ensure a transparent electoral process.

Interim Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus emphasized that learning English does not mean abandoning Bengali, as multilingualism is common worldwide. Speaking at the International Mother Language Medal ceremony, he highlighted that the 1952 language movement was fundamentally about self-determination and cultural liberation. He noted that technological advancements influence language dominance, with global interest shifting towards the languages of leading nations. However, he stressed that a country’s global influence—technological or otherwise—naturally increases interest in its language and culture.

A 50-year-old unidentified woman was killed after being hit by a Subarna Express train in Nangalkot, Comilla. The accident occurred at 9:30 AM on Friday. Witnesses reported that despite the railway crossing barrier being down, she attempted to cross, leading to her tragic death. Local authorities confirmed that her family later collected the body.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir, Shafiqur Rahman, stated that while Bangladesh has removed fascists, the country is still suffering under their oppression. Speaking at a Mother Language Day event, he warned against dishonoring the sacrifices of martyrs. He highlighted ongoing extortion and oppression of working-class people and urged for a social movement against injustice.

A case was filed at Mirzapur Police Station in Tangail three days after a robbery and sexual harassment incident on a moving bus. Passenger Omar Ali filed the complaint, alleging that he was robbed on Monday night. However, he expressed surprise upon seeing the bus driver and supervisor also present at the police station to file a case. He accused them of being involved in the crime. The robbery took place on a bus traveling from Dhaka to Rajshahi.

Five Bangladeshis, who left for Europe seeking a better future, ended up in Libya due to human traffickers. They endured severe torture before being sent by boat towards Italy after paying ransom. However, their boat broke down midway, and Tunisia’s coast guard detained them near the Algerian border. After serving various sentences for illegal entry, they were finally repatriated to Bangladesh with the help of BRAC, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare, and the Bangladesh Embassy in Algeria.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman urged pro-democracy forces to stay alert to prevent any attempts to suppress democracy. In a statement marking International Mother Language Day, he paid tribute to language martyrs and emphasized that February 21 was the first step toward national liberation. He condemned cultural aggression and reiterated that Bangladesh’s Language Movement strengthened nationalism and unity. He prayed for the departed souls of language movement activists.