A United Nations report states that the government deployed armed paramilitary forces—including RAB, BGB, and Ansar/VDP battalions—long before the July protests escalated into violence. The report claims that the deployment aimed to suppress protests through military intervention and the use of lethal force. Between July 15 and August 5, security forces and armed Awami League supporters engaged in widespread violence, allegedly to maintain power at any cost. According to the report, Sheikh Hasina recognized the potential threat to her government early in July and took decisive measures to quash opposition through force.

Two petrol bombs exploded in a residential garden in Uzirpur, Barishal, on Tuesday afternoon, causing widespread panic among locals. Law enforcement also recovered three unexploded cocktail bombs from the scene. Inspector Touhidul Karim of Uzirpur Police Station confirmed the discovery. In response, BNP-affiliated activists blocked the Dhaka-Barishal highway, alleging that ruling party supporters were behind the attack.

The Sylheti Panchayet, a political organization advocating for the rights of Sylhet Division, has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Adviser demanding the recognition of Sylheti as Bangladesh’s second official language. The memorandum states that Sylheti is the only language in Bangladesh, apart from Bengali, that has its own distinct script. With over 12 million Sylheti speakers in Bangladesh and another 15 million worldwide, the group argues that the language deserves formal recognition. The memorandum also references its recognition as the world’s 97th language and calls for its inclusion in primary school curricula.

Following the DC Conference, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, General (Retd.) Abdul Hafiz, revealed that 1,400 weapons looted during the August 5 unrest have yet to be recovered, along with approximately 250,000 rounds of ammunition. Nearly 6,000 weapons were stolen during that period, and efforts are ongoing to locate them. The nationwide joint force operation will continue until the weapons are retrieved. Despite significant progress, authorities remain vigilant. Hafiz also instructed district commissioners to remain proactive in ensuring stable agricultural supply, price regulation, smooth irrigation, and national security.

To ensure food security and sustainability, the government is placing special emphasis on increasing agricultural production, according to Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. He stated that the Chief Adviser has repeatedly instructed stakeholders to take necessary initiatives to boost agricultural productivity despite limited land resources. The government is also focusing on modern agricultural technology and proper utilization of resources to enhance food production. Addressing concerns about global trade conflicts, he emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency, stating that countries producing more food will be better positioned in the future. He also underscored the need for proactive measures to prevent a recurrence of crises like the 1974 famine.

A faction of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement staged a road blockade in Lalkhan, Chattogram, demanding the cancellation of three unit committees. The protest led to severe traffic congestion. In a press conference, 50 members announced their resignation, alleging that the newly announced committee included businesspersons, individuals accused of harassment, and members of teenage gangs. They have put forward a three-point demand, including the cancellation of the committee, and have declared Hasnat Abdullah and Arif Sohel as unwelcome figures until their demands are met. Protesters claim that those who gave fiery speeches after August 5 were awarded key positions while female activists were sidelined. They demand an investigation and punishment for those involved in the selection process.

Religious Affairs Adviser Khalid Hossain has announced that the government is considering implementing a salary structure for Imams and Muezzins of government, autonomous, semi-autonomous, and Waqf-controlled mosques. Speaking after the DC Conference, he revealed that work has begun on the "Mosque Management Policy 2025." He also noted that many temple properties have been illegally occupied, and efforts are underway to recover them. District administrators have been instructed to take action. Additionally, the government has completed the construction of 300 model mosques, with plans to build 214 more.

Major General (Retd.) Salahuddin Miyazi, former military secretary to Sheikh Hasina and MP of Jhenaidah-3, was detained by students and locals in Chanchra Union’s Shyamolchhaya Park on Tuesday (February 18). Allegations of misconduct and public grievances led to the citizen-led apprehension. Later that night, he was handed over to the police. The incident reflects growing tensions and public dissatisfaction. Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the arrest.

BNP Secretary Dr. Rafiqul Islam raised concerns about who is facilitating appointments to key positions within the state, including in the medical field. He alleged that political allies of BNP are now rehabilitating Awami League members in medical institutions under false pretenses. During this time, he expressed gratitude to those who provided support and financial assistance to the injured in July, following the directions of Tarique Rahman. He further accused that former allies of the Awami League, who were transferred outside Dhaka, have been reinstated after just one month. Dr. Islam demanded opportunities for those who have suffered discrimination under Sheikh Hasina’s rule.

Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, has stated that the interim government’s primary objective is to bring Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh for trial. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Alam mentioned that the United Nations’ human rights report has implicated Sheikh Hasina in crimes against humanity, creating international pressure. According to a survey by India Today, 55% of Indians want Sheikh Hasina to be sent back to Bangladesh, while only 16-17% prefer her to remain in India. Regarding the Awami League’s position on the elections, Alam mentioned that decisions will be made by the public and political parties after justice is served. Alam also shared that discussions have taken place with five or six ministers in Dubai, and he is hopeful that visa restrictions will be lifted soon.

Spokesperson of the National Citizens’ Committee, Samantha Sarmine, speaking at an event organized for the families of martyrs and injured individuals, emphasized that Bangladesh was born from the blood of the martyrs, and we should never forget their sacrifice. She stated, “The individuals responsible for taking the lives of students must be brought to justice—many seem to be forgetting this. We are reminding everyone of it.” Sarmine further urged the public not to vote for those they would not want to see in person. She pledged that the National Citizens’ Committee will always stand by the people.

During a briefing on the visit of Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor to China on Tuesday, China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, announced that arrangements are being made to ensure that Bangladeshis requiring urgent medical treatment in China can receive a visa within a day. He also mentioned that three hospitals in Kunming have been reserved for Bangladeshis. Those needing urgent medical care can directly approach the embassy, where arrangements will be made for issuing visas on the same day. During the briefing, Ambassador Yao emphasized that China respects Bangladesh’s sovereignty and does not interfere in its internal matters.

The Chamber Court has not suspended the High Court’s decision to cancel the government’s appointment of 6,531 candidates for assistant teacher positions in government primary schools in Dhaka and Chittagong divisions. The court has set the next hearing date for March 2. On February 6, the High Court had ruled to cancel the government’s decision to issue appointment letters to the 6,531 candidates. Following this, the candidates who had been recommended are protesting the decision.

At the District Commissioners’ conference on Tuesday, the District Commissioners (DCs) proposed universal military training for the youth to actively contribute to national defense. This was shared by the Special Assistant to the Adviser, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Abdul Hafiz, with the media. He further mentioned that the Chief of General Staff had stated that, through the Ansar and VDP, one company is already being trained in every union and upazila. One DC had requested whether this could be expanded. This initiative involves political and financial considerations. The Special Assistant assured that if the government decides, the plan will proceed.

After a meeting with District Commissioners (DCs), Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan emphasized that local government elections should take place before the national parliamentary elections. He stated that members of the Awami League who are not involved in any wrongdoing but wish to participate in the elections will be able to do so by seeking forgiveness. However, he clarified that war criminals will not be given this opportunity. The Adviser pointed out that there are no elected representatives in local government, and administrators are unwilling to take on additional responsibilities. He stressed the importance of holding local elections swiftly, and if these elections do not occur, administrators will need to be appointed.