The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has condemned Chhatra Dal for attacking Fazle Rabbi Sifat, a Chhatra Shibir leader, and allegedly forcing him to record a video in police presence. The organization warned of rising student violence, resembling past fascist tendencies, and urged Chhatra Dal to shift towards intellectual politics. They also called for patience among student groups and stronger action from the interim government to restore law and order. Meanwhile, interim government adviser Mahfuz Alam is monitoring the legal process and maintaining communication with the victim’s side.

A group of current and former students from Dhaka University staged a protest against a rape incident that took place on a moving bus en route to Rajshahi. The demonstration was supported by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the Bangladesh Student Rights Council.

Protesters blamed the government for a culture of impunity regarding sexual violence and demanded the resignation of the Home Adviser. Sumaiya Akter, one of the protestors, stated, “Even though we have fought for an equal Bangladesh, we still have to take to the streets against violence against women on February 21.”

She further criticized the Home Adviser for remaining silent while perpetrators escape justice. Protesters also alleged that rapists often receive protection from political leaders, allowing them to evade legal consequences.

A tragic accident on the Bogura-Nogoa highway resulted in the death of four passengers when a truck collided with an auto van. The incident took place at Dupchanchia Mail Bus Stand around 8:30 PM on February 21. The victims, returning from a tile factory, were traveling in the auto van when its axle broke, causing the truck to crash into it. Three others were seriously injured. Authorities are investigating, and the truck driver remains at large.

BNP leader Kazi Syedul Alam Babul highlighted that the people of Kaliakair had not had an MP for the past 30 to 40 years, and yet Rahmat Ali from Sripur had served as an MP three times. Babul criticized the fact that A.K.M. Mojammel Hossain, who was not even a local voter, repeatedly became an MP through “night voting” orchestrated by Sheikh Hasina. Despite being appointed minister, his actions did not benefit the local area, Babul argued. He added that BNP aims to present its 31-point agenda, which outlines the future of democracy, development, and reforms in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and industry.

Central BNP leader Hasan Uddin Sarkar accused the Awami League of engaging in politics of looting. He said that politics should be for the welfare of people, but under Hasina’s leadership, it was about plundering. He pointed out that Hasina’s peon, Jahangir, claimed to own 400 crore Taka. Sarkar suggested that if a peon could amass such wealth, Hasina must have embezzled billions. This, he stated, is the reason why she had to flee. He warned BNP members not to engage in land-grabbing, extortion, or petty conflicts, as failure to avoid such activities could result in action from the party’s high command.

A fire at a mill near Talatla Market in Khilgaon, Dhaka, was brought under control after two hours of intense effort by Fire Service teams. Ten fire units worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, which was finally under control by 9:35 PM on Friday. Fire Service officials reported that the fire started around 7:30 PM in a garage corner and quickly spread to the mill. Explosions were heard from cylinders in the garage, causing significant damage to many vehicles.

Renowned poet Abdul Hai Shikdar has stated that Bangladesh’s independence will be at risk if the aspirations of the July Revolution are not understood. Speaking at a conference titled Contemporary Bangladesh, he emphasized that appointing Dr. Yunus as the Chief Adviser was one of the best decisions made by the students. He argued that without this, India would have strangled the revolution in its cradle. He further stressed the need to provide the Chief Adviser with a path for stability and peaceful resolution. Shikdar also warned that India could disintegrate Bangladesh within 24 hours, adding that only Yunus’ influence keeps Modi acting like a meek cat.

For the first time in years, the traditional Ekushey February gathering at Benapole between people from both Bengals did not take place.

Every year, this emotional reunion would see people from both sides embracing each other, wearing black badges, and offering floral tributes. The song “Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano Ekushey February” would resonate across the no man’s land, adorned with banners and festoons. Thousands would gather at the Shaheed Minar to pay their respects.

However, this year, that scene was absent. Previously, government representatives and ministers from both countries would visit each other’s territories to place wreaths at the Shaheed Minar. Since the Hasina administration, the joint arrangement has not been held. However, reports suggest that a small event was organized on the Indian side at Petrapole.

A devastating fire broke out at a sawmill near Taltola Market in Khilgaon, Dhaka, spreading to a nearby vehicle garage. Several gas cylinders exploded, intensifying the blaze. Ten fire service units are working to control the fire. Locals reported hearing multiple explosions, and some fear people may be trapped inside. Business owners claim many vehicles were destroyed. Despite early fire alerts, response delays worsened the damage. The exact cause remains unknown, and no casualties have been confirmed yet.

A Dhaka court has granted a two-day remand for five individuals arrested under the Arms Act following a reported gunfight with joint security forces at Chand Udyan in Mohammadpur.

The detainees—Md. Miraj (25), Al Amin (24), Mohammad Hossain (24), Mominul (20), and Mehdi Hasan (19)—were presented before the court, where law enforcement requested a seven-day remand. The court, however, approved a two-day remand for each.

According to the case details, security forces were conducting a patrol when the accused allegedly opened fire without warning. In response, the forces retaliated, resulting in the deaths of three individuals.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs and BNP leader Lutfuzzaman Babar has returned to Bangladesh after performing Umrah and undergoing medical treatment. He arrived at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday afternoon on a flight from Singapore. The information was confirmed by BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan.

Earlier, on January 30, Babar left Dhaka for Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. However, during a layover in Dubai, he fell ill and was hospitalized before continuing his journey to Saudi Arabia.

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.