Advisor Muhammad Yunus has urged the United Arab Emirates to lift its visa ban on Bangladeshi nationals and recruit more workers. He made the appeal during his visit to Dubai for the two-day World Government Summit, where he also held meetings with several UAE ministers. During these discussions, the UAE’s Minister of Trade proposed establishing Emirati industrial zones in Bangladesh, to which Yunus responded positively. He emphasized that Bangladesh could be developed as a hub for halal product manufacturing, benefiting from affordable labor.

Hefazat-e-Islam’s top leaders have called for a ban on the Awami League following the findings of a United Nations fact-finding mission. In a joint statement on Friday, Hefazat Amir Allama Muhibullah Babunagari and Secretary-General Maulana Sajedur Rahman made the demand. The statement claimed that the UN report exposed severe crimes against humanity committed by the “fascist government and its loyal forces.” The leaders also called for a ban on the Awami League, citing incidents such as the Pilkhana massacre, the Shapla Square crackdown, and the July massacre. Additionally, they accused India of acting like a hostile state.

BNP leader Mirza Abbas remarked that some parties are stalling the election process, but confirmed that the BNP is ready to participate in the elections within the timeframe provided by the interim government. Speaking at a party event this afternoon, he added that no one involved in fascism or criminal activities should be allowed to join the party. He further emphasized that the party does not need thousands of leaders and workers; having just 10 good and honest members is sufficient. Mirza Abbas called for all political parties to abandon conspiracy and cooperate with the interim government for the sake of the country’s interests and to ensure a fair election.

Following the United Nations report on human rights violations during the student and public protests in July and August, Rana Flowers, the UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, expressed deep concern, calling it heartbreaking. Referring to the UN report, which mentioned that 1,400 people died in the July uprising, including over 100 children, UNICEF stated that it has already reported on many of these deaths and is working to clarify the total number of children who were killed or injured. In a statement, UNICEF expressed condolences for the victims, citing three specific martyrdoms. The statement also emphasized the need for accountability, rehabilitation, justice, and reform.

The discussion on state reform with political parties will begin this Saturday, February 15, as announced by Industry and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan. Speaking after paying tribute to martyrs of the Anti-Autocracy Movement on February 14, Khan emphasized the government’s aim to restore citizens’ rights and prevent fascism in the country. Various political and student organizations also honored the movement’s martyrs. February 14 is observed as Anti-Autocracy Resistance Day, marking the 1983 protest against the government’s education policy.

Interim Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has wrapped up his UAE visit after attending the World Government Summit in Dubai. During the trip, he met with key UAE ministers, discussing trade expansion, UAE investments in Chattogram Port, and lifting visa restrictions on Bangladeshi citizens. He urged UAE businesses to relocate factories to Bangladesh and agreed to establish a special industrial park for Emirati companies. UAE’s trade minister plans to lead a delegation to Bangladesh soon. The Chief Adviser is set to return home this evening.

A UN human rights report reveals that the ousted Awami League government used both police and armed party supporters to suppress the July-August student protests. Chhatra League, backed by senior Awami League leaders, led attacks on protesters. When they failed, police escalated force, even using live bullets. Armed Awami League supporters, including an MP, also attacked demonstrators. The government coordinated repression through a “Core Committee,” with direct oversight from Sheikh Hasina and top security officials. The crackdown intensified protests instead of stopping them.

Today marks Pohela Falgun, the first day of spring. To welcome the season, the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University is hosting a lively festival at Bakultala. The grand celebration, titled “Boshonto Utsob 1431,” kicked off with the “Somogeet Utsob 1431”, featuring performances themed around “July Uprising: My Song of Rebellion and Love.”

The event showcases a variety of cultural performances, including folk songs and traditional music from indigenous hill communities. Dance performances were staged by students of Pathshala, while Somogeet artists participated in musical pieces inspired by hill and tea garden melodies.

Many visitors expressed their excitement about experiencing the spring festival before heading to the Ekushey Book Fair later in the day.

The Cyber Tribunal, which had been paralyzed for a week due to a lawyers’ boycott, will resume operations from Sunday, according to the Judicial Service Association. The deadlock was resolved after discussions between judicial and legal representatives. The dispute began on February 6 when tensions escalated over bail issues, leading to protests and disruption of proceedings. However, a resolution has now been reached, ensuring the tribunal’s normal functioning.

In a recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there was no discussion about interim government leader Muhammad Yunus or fugitive Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India. Meanwhile, BNP held a press conference urging India to extradite Hasina to Bangladesh. Citing reports from the mass uprising, BNP stated that Hasina’s regime orchestrated systematic attacks and killings to suppress opposition forces.

In a heartbreaking incident in Chunarughat, Habiganj, a man named Abdur Rauf took his own life and that of his two young daughters by ingesting poison. The deceased were identified as Abdur Rauf, his five-year-old daughter Khadija Akter, and his three-year-old daughter Ayesha Akter. According to the police, Rauf had frequent disputes with his wife, who left for her parents' home two days prior, leaving their children behind. In despair, Rauf locked himself in a room with his daughters and consumed poison late Thursday night. Their screams alerted neighbors, but by the time they were rushed to the hospital, doctors declared them dead.

Thousands of worshippers have gathered at the ongoing World Ijtema for the largest Jummah congregation, scheduled at 1:30 PM today. The prayer, held on the sacred night of Shab-e-Barat, will be led by Maulana Yusuf Bin Saad, the elder son of Maulana Saad. According to the Tablighi Jamaat’s media coordinator, Maulana Saad’s two sons arrived at the Ijtema ground early this morning. The second phase of the Ijtema officially began after the Fajr prayer, with an opening sermon delivered by Maulana Abdus Sattar.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus urged the public to uphold justice and embrace Islamic principles in all aspects of life. In his Shab-e-Barat message, he called on people to eliminate injustice, violence, and superstitions, replacing them with the values of peace inherent in Islam. He also extended his greetings to Muslims in Bangladesh and around the world, emphasizing the importance of repentance and divine blessings on this holy night.

In Patuakhali, BNP and Jamaat-affiliated lawyers have engaged in legal disputes over the district bar association elections. On Wednesday, Jamaat-affiliated lawyer PP Md. Ruhul Amin Sikder filed a lawsuit against 11 BNP-backed lawyers from the Nationalist Lawyers’ Forum. In retaliation, BNP-affiliated lawyer and APP Md. Mizanur Rahman filed a counter-lawsuit on Thursday against 11 Jamaat-affiliated lawyers, including the district Jamaat Amir. BNP claims that Awami League nominated a Jamaat Secretary, while Jamaat alleges that BNP-backed lawyers attacked them.

Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite fugitive fascist leader Sheikh Hasina, who fled amid a mass uprising. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam confirmed that Bangladesh would send a formal diplomatic note to India regarding the matter. When asked whether foreign allies would be involved in Hasina’s extradition, the spokesperson stated that the interim government would decide. Bangladesh sent the extradition request on December 23 but has not yet received a response. Regarding a UN report’s potential impact, the spokesperson remarked that the findings are significant enough to shake global conscience.