On Sunday, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference. Their discussions focused on mutual interests and concerns. Jaishankar expressed hope that the upcoming border security director general-level meeting on February 20 in Delhi would resolve key border-related issues. Meanwhile, Hossain emphasized the renewal of the water-sharing treaty and pushed for a meeting of the SAARC Standing Committee. In an X post, Jaishankar mentioned that they also discussed bilateral relations and BIMSTEC cooperation.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of movable and immovable assets belonging to former State Minister for ICT, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, following an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) petition. The ACC cited concerns over possible asset transfers that could hinder the investigation. Seized assets include 15.15 acres of land, two buildings, and four shops in Natore, along with significant bank deposits. Palak, his son, and mother-in-law collectively hold over Tk 47 million in multiple bank accounts, according to the ACC.

In response to calls for the implementation of the water-sharing agreement and comprehensive planning, the ‘Teesta River Protection Movement’ has announced a 48-hour program, with participation expected from a million people across five northern districts under the slogan “Save Teesta, Wake Up”. The situation worsened when India released floodwater from upstream, drying out the Teesta riverbed. This has caused immense concern among local farmers, as the release of water during the dry season is unprecedented. Farmers fear that their crops may be damaged. Despite the water release, the program organizers confirmed that the event will continue along the Teesta banks, with BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman joining virtually.

The High Court has ruled that the appointment of an administrator for the mobile financial service ‘Nagad’ is valid, dismissing the related writ petition. BM Elias Kochi, a lawyer for Bangladesh Bank, clarified that the court referred to Nagad as an agent of the Postal Department. Prior to appointing the administrator, Bangladesh Bank issued a notice to the Postal Department, which responded. After inspecting Nagad’s operations and discovering multiple irregularities, Bangladesh Bank appointed the administrator in the interest of customer protection. The writ petitioner argued that they were not given prior notice, but since Nagad is an agent of the Postal Department, the petitioner could have filed an application with the department, which they did not. Based on these considerations, the writ was dismissed.

In a statement, Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association Secretary-General Mojammel Haque Chowdhury alleged that the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) had succumbed to the demands of CNG rickshaw drivers, who staged rampage across the capital demanding meter-based fare implementation. The BRTA canceled orders to file cases against rickshaws overcharging passengers and allowed the drivers to control the situation. The statement also accused the BRTA, under the leadership of Obaidul Quader, of building a massive syndicate that led to a corruption scandal worth 1,200 crore taka, inflating CNG prices from 3 lakh to 30-35 lakh taka. These drivers are allegedly fueling protests, the association claimed.

Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, Education Adviser, announced that specific educational qualifications will now be mandatory for positions in the managing committees of educational institutions across the country. To be eligible for a school managing committee, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree, while a Master’s degree is required for a college managing committee position. The move aims to ensure qualified leadership in educational institutions. Additionally, textbooks for non-exam subjects will be distributed by February, with remote areas prioritized, and efforts are being made to arrange teachers’ retirement benefits via bonds.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has stated that Bangladesh has been destroyed by a fascist dictatorship over the past 15 years. Speaking virtually as the chief guest at the Narail BNP conference, Rahman emphasized the need for state reforms and the restoration of basic rights like voting and freedom of speech. He pledged BNP’s commitment to rebuilding the nation and ensuring a strong foundation for future generations. The conference also held elections for district committee leadership positions.

The Director General of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate, Mohammad Aleem Akhtar Khan, has issued a warning of severe penalties for businesses that impose conditions on customers buying edible oil, such as bundling it with other products. He highlighted ongoing market instability in soybean oil prices and assured that companies caught in such practices would be fined. The statement came during a meeting to ensure price stability and a smooth supply of oil ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against Nazrul Islam Majumder, the founder of NASA Group and former chairman of Exim Bank, for accumulating illegal assets worth 781 crore 31 lakh 22 thousand 454 Taka. The ACC alleges that Majumder used his power to acquire wealth through corruption, bribery, and money laundering, which is disproportionate to his known income. The case includes charges of embezzlement, financial irregularities, and illegal wealth acquisition.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has called for the immediate release of ATM Azharul Islam, the party’s Assistant Secretary General. In a statement, he condemned the Awami League government’s actions, accusing it of filing false cases and orchestrating judicial killings against Jamaat leaders. Azharul Islam, arrested in 2011, has faced severe torture, wrongful imprisonment, and denial of justice. Despite the regime change in 2024, he remains incarcerated, prompting calls for his immediate release from the interim government.

The Farazi Movement, led by Haji Shariatullah in 1818, holds significant relevance in today’s religious, social, and political contexts. It aimed to revive Islamic duties and protect against superstitions, religious distortions, and exploitation by landlords. The movement, which gained momentum in Bengal and Assam, emphasized unity among Muslims, promoted religious reforms, and stood against British colonial exploitation. Despite facing opposition, it remains a pivotal historical reform movement that paved the way for future struggles for rights and societal change.

Jubo Dal staged a protest in Dhaka, demanding the immediate trial of Sheikh Hasina and condemning the Awami League’s alleged attempts to create disorder. The rally started from Gulshan-2 and ended in Banani, with Dhaka North Jubo Dal leaders participating. Convenor Sharif Uddin Jewel accused the interim government of delaying justice and urged them to bring Hasina back from India, even seeking Interpol’s help if necessary. He also called for urgent electoral reforms to ensure free and fair elections.

Eighteen Bangladesh women footballers, who had threatened mass retirement demanding coach Peter Butler’s removal, have withdrawn their protest. Despite multiple meetings, they initially refused to train under Butler, putting their future at risk. However, BFF Women’s Wing Chairman Mahfuza Akter convinced them to return. The players will take a short break before rejoining training but will miss the UAE tour. Bangladesh will face the UAE on February 26 and March 2, but none of the 18 rebel players are in the squad.

A women-led rally has begun at Shahbagh, demanding the trial of Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League for the alleged genocide during the July Movement. Organized under the banner “Women of July,” the protest started at 4 PM in front of the National Museum. Female activists, university leaders, and martyr families gathered from 2 PM. Speakers emphasized women’s historic role in movements despite continued neglect. The event is led by the National Citizen Committee’s women’s wing, with prominent activists in attendance.

Senior officials linked to the so-called ‘Police League’ forced Bangladesh’s Narcotics Department to change its newly introduced uniform, citing similarities with police attire. Despite a government committee’s ruling that the colors were distinct, high-ranking police officials pressured the department to comply. The uniform switch cost the government over Tk 4 crore, with the contract awarded to a company linked to an ex-Awami League MP. Further controversy arose as lab tests revealed the new uniforms were of substandard quality, sparking widespread dissatisfaction among officers.