A press release from the police headquarters on Saturday evening announced that 477 more individuals have been arrested nationwide in the special crackdown, Operation Devil Hunt. Additionally, 870 individuals facing various charges and warrants have also been detained. In total, 1,347 arrests were made in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of arrests over the past eight days to 4,401. Authorities have also seized a foreign pistol, two magazines, 20 rounds of ammunition, three knives, two machetes, and three hammers during the operation.

Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman has called the 2009 BDR massacre an international conspiracy aimed at preserving the Awami League’s hold on power. He emphasized that the massacre, which led to the killing of 57 army personnel, was designed to destabilize the nation and suppress voters’ rights. Asaduzzaman also criticized India for its role in undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty and stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the massacre, including the involvement of political groups and the masterminds behind it.

The UN’s recent report on the July genocide has debunked all propaganda against Bangladesh, providing international validation of the truth, says Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. He emphasized that no fabricated statements will be entertained anymore, as the report has clearly identified the victims and locations. Yunus stressed the importance of remaining united and strong, particularly in the face of opposition efforts to return. He also paid tribute to the martyrs of the popular uprising and vowed to honor their sacrifices for future generations.

Poet and Daily Jugantor editor Abdul Hai Shikdar criticized Bangla Academy’s standardized Bengali spelling, calling it a mere photocopy of India’s Anandabazar Patrika. Speaking at a discussion on Syed Ali Ahsan’s contributions to Bengali culture, Shikdar emphasized Ahsan’s unique role in blending tradition with modernity and science with belief. He also called for an auditorium to be named after Ahsan at Bangla Academy and for a memorial book to honor his legacy, highlighting his critical impact on Bengali literature and culture.

A Jahangirnagar University student, Naimur Rahman, was beaten and threatened by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leader Parvez Mosharraf after confronting him for smoking in an elevator at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Hall. The altercation escalated when Parvez aggressively labeled Naimur as a ‘Shibir supporter.’ Naimur filed a complaint seeking justice and protection. Parvez has not responded to the accusations, and the university’s administration plans to investigate the incident once the written complaint is received.

Interim Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that the government has gained strong domestic and international support, leaving the ousted regime unable to push its narratives. Even an appeal to U.S. President Trump failed to change the situation. He emphasized the importance of completing reforms, as global allies are ready to assist economically but expect Bangladesh to lead the process. Yunus urged political unity to ensure lasting change, highlighting that despite debates, national solidarity remains strong, making reform a historic opportunity Bangladesh must not waste.

Interim Government’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that those whom the people of Bangladesh ousted are now desperate to return. Speaking at the first meeting of the National Consensus Commission, he emphasized the need for resilience. Reflecting on six months of governance, he highlighted the unity among citizens and political leaders, despite differences. He expressed confidence that if this unity continues, a new Bangladesh can be built. He also acknowledged attempts to obstruct progress but affirmed that collective strength has overcome these challenges.

Sarjis Alam, central coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and chief organizer of the National Citizens’ Committee, has demanded an immediate ban on the Awami League. Speaking after a meeting with the National Consensus Commission, he declared, “Many leaders are seeking a safe exit, but we will not compromise with a murderous party.” Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that the interim government has entered its second phase with strong public and international support. He also thanked the UN for exposing Hasina’s brutal atrocities and emphasized the urgency of political reforms.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman stated that the United Nations’ report serves as irrefutable evidence of genocide. In a statement on February 15, he congratulated the UN Human Rights Commission for its findings. He demanded justice for all perpetrators involved in massacres, declaring that the fascist Hasina regime’s crimes—burning bodies, abductions, and killings—have now been exposed on the world stage.

The Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, announced that the interim government has concluded its first phase and is now entering the second. Speaking at the Foreign Service Academy, he said Saturday’s National Consensus Commission meeting included around 100 politicians from 26 parties and coalitions. Among the speakers were BNP’s Mirza Fakhrul Islam and Jamaat’s Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher. The Chief Adviser delivered a 24-minute speech, and Alam confirmed that all major international powers, including the UN, support the administration.

Chief Adviser and National Consensus Commission President Muhammad Yunus vowed to honor the sacrifices of those who fought in the mass uprising. “We will all work together to fulfill their dream,” he said. He urged the nation to remember the students who gave their lives, emphasizing that their sacrifices created the opportunity for today’s democratic discussions.

Ali Riaz, Vice President of the National Consensus Commission, emphasized that the nation has entrusted them with the responsibility of shaping a new Bangladesh. “If we fail, the nation will not forgive us,” he warned. He acknowledged the sacrifices made in the struggle and highlighted six commission reports outlining the roadmap. Regular discussions are necessary to build consensus, and he remains confident that political parties will cooperate to reform governance and hold elections swiftly.

BJP Chairman Andalib Rahman Partha firmly stated that local elections should not be held before the national elections. Speaking after a National Consensus Commission meeting on Saturday afternoon, he added that the Chief Adviser confirmed international and UN support for the interim government. The UN’s report has debunked false narratives by fascists. Partha stressed that national elections must be prioritized to ensure stability and reforms.

AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju stated that while the interim government is in power, its authority remains unclear. He warned that an election under such circumstances could be dangerous. He revealed that the Chief Adviser has assured financial support from multiple sources but emphasized that necessary reforms must be implemented. Manju urged the government to form a political unity team, as previously suggested, and called for the Chief Adviser to go undercover and assess the law and order situation himself.

On Friday night (February 14), Fuad Hossain, the uncle of martyr Hasibur Rahman, filed a murder case at Savar Police Station. The case names former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 1,506 others, including Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Abdullah Al Mamun, Habibur Rahman, Harun-ar-Rashid, and Abdullahil Kafi. Hasibur was shot during a victory rally on August 5 following Sheikh Hasina’s downfall and died in hospital on August 7. Police have already arrested two accused, Abdullah Al Mamun and Abdullahil Kafi.