BNP Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu stated that Tarique Rahman, son of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, is his rightful successor, and one should perform ablution before uttering his name. Speaking at Cumilla BNP’s conference, he criticized remarks questioning Tarique’s leadership. He asserted that Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh and lead. Bulu also credited Awami League’s oppression for BNP’s growth and emphasized unity against conspiracies. He reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to forming a national government, even if it wins a majority.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed the launch of a ‘Hajj Management Center’ to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient Hajj services. He emphasized clear guidelines for agencies, a call center for real-time issue resolution, and an online platform to assist lost pilgrims. He also ordered training-based categorization of agencies, the introduction of a Hajj credit card, and improved luggage management. Strict actions, including license revocation, will be taken against non-compliant agencies. The government aims to simplify and enhance the entire Hajj process.

The National Citizens’ Committee has lauded Nahid Islam, the recently resigned interim government Information Adviser, for setting an unprecedented example in 53 years of political history by stepping down and joining the ranks of the people. In a verified Facebook post, the committee noted that Nahid not only declared a single-point demand but also gave up his official car, government residence, VIP protocol, and power to stand with the masses. Explaining his decision, Nahid stated, “The government is now stable, and I feel it is time to go among the people and work with them.”

Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan has emphasized that post-July uprising, reforms must go beyond the state to include personal, political, and social transformation. Speaking at an event marking National Local Government Day, he expressed deep concern over the spread of misleading information by political leaders. Mahmud urged politicians to adopt a more refined and respectful tone, as the people of post-uprising Bangladesh expect positive changes on all fronts. Acknowledging the current complexities surrounding local elections, he stressed the need to hold at least city corporation elections in the interest of the people.

Recently resigned interim government Information Adviser Nahid Islam has been hailed as a future prime minister by Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir. In a social media post, Jahangir stated, “You can bet that Nahid will one day become the Prime Minister.” Earlier, the Press Secretary had described Nahid, 26, as one of the sharpest political minds in the country’s recent history. He expressed confidence that Nahid, who played a pivotal role in the downfall of the notorious Hasina regime, will have a major impact on national politics in the coming decades and could eventually become the prime minister.

Despite reports of robbery and sexual harassment on a moving bus traveling from Dhaka to Rajshahi, Tangail Police Superintendent Mizanur Rahman has stated that no rape occurred. However, one of the victims had previously claimed otherwise in media reports. The police superintendent mentioned that multiple police teams have spoken to the woman in question, and she denied being raped. He assured that if any complaints are filed regarding rape, the police will conduct a prompt investigation.

According to passengers, the robbery and harassment took place over approximately three and a half hours, from 12:30 AM to around 4 AM, as the criminals drove the bus to various locations. Three suspects were initially arrested but later granted bail by the court. Another suspect has since been detained for further investigation.

Nahid Islam, Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, has resigned from his advisory position to join a new political party. When asked whether Asif and Mahfuz would follow suit, Nahid stated that the government was formed with a commitment to justice and reforms, and they believe it is still necessary for them to remain in their roles. He emphasized that they have tried to fulfill their responsibilities diligently and are confident that the public will eventually recognize and evaluate their contributions positively.

In a Facebook post, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that steps are being taken to introduce Elon Musk’s Starlink service in Bangladesh, aiming to permanently eliminate the possibility of government-imposed internet shutdowns. He criticized the authoritarian rule of Sheikh Hasina, stating that she repeatedly resorted to internet blackouts over the past sixteen years to suppress movements. He further explained that internet shutdowns are a key tool for dictatorships. With Starlink’s satellite-based service, industries such as BPOs, call centers, and freelancers will greatly benefit, he added.

Interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus paid solemn tribute to all martyrs on National Martyred Soldiers Day. In a statement, he said that the government has officially designated this day to commemorate the brutal massacre that took place in Pilkhana in 2009. Emphasizing solidarity with the families of the fallen soldiers, the Chief Adviser acknowledged their enduring wait for justice. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and their loved ones.

A group of Awami League and BNP leaders, along with notorious criminals, are allegedly trying to seize Swadhin Bangla Market in Mirpur-1, Dhaka. Following violent clashes on Sunday, police have arrested a BNP-affiliated leader. The market manager has filed a case against 16 people, including Awami League leaders Litu and Iqbal Hossain Titu, Jubo Dal leader Raju Ahmed, and top gangster Shahadat Hossain, accusing them of attempting to seize control after shopkeepers refused to pay extortion money.

The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing of Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam’s review petition against his death sentence for war crimes on Wednesday. The hearing, led by a five-member bench headed by the Chief Justice, began today. Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman represented the prosecution, while Jamaat’s lawyer Shishir Monir appeared for the defense.

The next national elections will be held by December this year or by March next year, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. He stated that if fewer reforms are needed, elections will be held in December; if more reforms are necessary, the elections may be pushed to early next year. He ruled out June elections due to the monsoon and severe storms. However, whether the national or local elections will take place first remains undecided.

A new student-led political party is set to officially launch on February 28, revealing its name, leadership, and committee structure. The initial central committee will have 100 to 150 members, later expanding to 300-500 members. The party is expected to take two years to hold its first council session. Potential names include “Nagorik,” “Chhatragonjo,” and “Revolution,” while “Shapla” (Water Lily) and “Pen” are being considered as electoral symbols. The party is also organizing at the grassroots level for local elections. Internal conflicts over leadership positions were resolved by increasing top posts from four to six.

BNP leader SM Awal, General Secretary of Habiganj Municipality BNP, has filed a case against 75 individuals, including former Superintendent of Police (SP) SM Murad Ali and 18 police officers, over attacks on BNP rallies and leaders’ residences in 2023. The case, filed at Habiganj Model Police Station, alleges that on August 19, 2023, police and Awami League activists violently dispersed a BNP rally demanding the release and overseas treatment of Khaleda Zia. Awal himself was shot and critically injured during the crackdown.

Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman has categorically stated that no army personnel were involved in the Pilkhana massacre. “There should be no ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’—the brutal incident was carried out by members of the then-BDR,” he emphasized. He warned that raising doubts about the perpetrators could undermine the judicial process, which has already convicted those responsible. “I was an eyewitness to the tragedy—we lost 57 army officers that day, along with some of their family members,” he said. He also noted that an investigation commission has been formed to determine if external forces or political entities were involved. He cautioned against creating unnecessary controversy regarding the massacre, stating that such debates would not be beneficial.