Political analyst Farhad Mazhar has described the remarks made by exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as a "litmus test" ahead of the February 12 meeting between Donald Trump and Narendra Modi. He suggested that the reactions to her statement were being closely observed. During a National Citizens’ Committee discussion, Mazhar argued that political movements involve both destruction and reconstruction. He linked Hasina’s remarks to broader geopolitical dynamics and welcomed the formation of a new political party. He urged the new party to embrace revolutionary ideals instead of becoming another election-focused entity like the BNP.

In a Facebook post at 4 AM today, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement announced a protest rally scheduled for 1:30 PM on Saturday at Rajbari Field in Gazipur Sadar Upazila. The protest is in response to an alleged attack on the movement's organizers by the "Mozammel-Jahangir Machete Gang." The announcement stated that central leaders and the general public would be present at the rally. Earlier, activist Sarjis Alam posted that today would mark the "end of Awami terrorists" in Gazipur, declaring, "We are coming!" On Friday at 10 PM, an angry mob attempted to attack the house of Mozammel Haque. However, a mosque announcement falsely warned of a robbery, inciting locals to confront the protesters. The ensuing clash left 15 people injured.

On February 5, an enraged crowd vandalized Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s house at Dhanmondi 32, setting it on fire before demolishing it with a bulldozer. Former State Minister Sohel Taj blamed the Awami League’s 15 years of killings, enforced disappearances, and corruption for the incident. In a Facebook post, he criticized the party’s failure to reflect and called on its supporters to unfollow him. Taj, son of Bangladesh’s first Prime Minister, remains vocal on social and political issues despite stepping away from active politics.

The National Citizens’ Committee has announced a protest in Gazipur against the alleged attack on students at the residence of former minister A.K.M. Mozammel Haque. The rally will be held on Saturday at 10:30 AM in front of the DC office. Locals reportedly attacked students following a misleading mosque announcement about a robbery. At least 12 were injured, with five in critical condition taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Police and army intervened, stabilizing the situation, and an investigation is ongoing.

In Jhenaidah, vast fields near the central bus terminal and behind the banana market are now dominated by tobacco cultivation. As one moves further along the road, the dried-up Nabaganga River reveals farmers attempting paddy cultivation in the riverbed. Excessive use of fertilizers has been degrading the fertility of agricultural land. Despite repeated warnings from the agricultural department, farmers are leasing out their lands to tobacco growers, lured by lucrative offers from tobacco companies. Each bigha (0.33 acres) of land fetches around BDT 40,000 in lease payments. Tobacco farming in the district has expanded from 193 hectares last year to 229 hectares this year, while paddy cultivation spans 90,194 hectares. Tobacco companies provide advance payments and fix purchase prices, ensuring profitability, making it an attractive option for farmers. Conversely, vegetable growers have faced heavy losses, further pushing cultivators toward tobacco farming. When questioned about paddy cultivation in the dried-up riverbed, the Water Development Board stated that a committee has already been formed to oversee the river's re-excavation.

Angry Mob Attacks Former Liberation War Affairs Minister A.K.M. Mozammel Haque’s House in Gazipur, Reports of 20 Injured

An angry mob attacked the house of former Liberation War Affairs Minister A.K.M. Mozammel Haque in Gazipur, leading to allegations that some locals captured and assaulted several attackers. Reports indicate that 20 people were injured in the incident, with three in critical condition.

The attack began around 9 PM on Friday (February 7). It is claimed that an announcement was made through the mosque’s loudspeaker, stating that robbers had entered the minister’s house, urging people to come forward.

Students allege that Chhatra League and Jubo League activists were lying in wait at the location and attacked them when they tried to capture the so-called robbers.

The number of cancer patients in Bangladesh is rising at an alarming rate. According to a recent study conducted by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), 46% of cancer cases in the country are linked to tobacco consumption. While many individuals have moved away from smoking, they continue to use smokeless tobacco products such as jorda and gul, which are equally deadly. Shockingly, 60% of female cancer patients in Bangladesh are addicted to these products. Professor Khalekuzzaman, the lead researcher of the study, highlighted a critical issue: Bangladesh lacks a population-based cancer registry, forcing researchers to rely on data from neighboring countries. As a result, the true scale of the cancer crisis remains unknown. The study also revealed that cancer accounts for 12% of total deaths in the country, with lung, stomach, and respiratory tract cancers being the most prevalent. Additionally, 60% of cancer patients undergo combined treatment, while 7.4% receive no treatment at all. Professor Khalekuzzaman emphasized that all forms of tobacco pose serious health risks and called for stronger measures to curb tobacco consumption.

On a winter morning, Mahbub Alam, a passionate photographer, would set out early to capture the beauty of dawn. Now, he spends his days in darkness. Mahbub’s mother shared his tragic story—how her son, a master's graduate from Narayanganj Tolaram College, lost his eyesight to police-fired pellets during the mass uprising on July 18. Initially uninvolved in the protests, Mahbub joined after the martyrdom of Abu Saeed. While helping a protester suffering from heatstroke, he sought shelter in an alley as police launched an attack on students. As he peeked to check if the police had left, he was shot. Mahbub suffered 40 bullet wounds. Despite undergoing treatment in India and Thailand, doctors have given him little hope of regaining his sight. His family has already spent Tk 1.5 million on treatment. His father stated that advanced treatment is available in the United States, but they need financial assistance to pursue it. The July Smriti Foundation has donated Tk 100,000, while the district administration provided Tk 20,000.

Fortune Barishal celebrated their second consecutive BPL championship, shattering Chattogram Kings’ hopes. The team secured a massive cash prize, with the total prize pool reaching Tk 53.1 million—Tk 20.3 million more than last year. Despite scoring 194 runs, Chattogram Kings could not clinch victory, finishing as runners-up in their comeback season after a decade and receiving Tk 15 million. Final MVP: Tamim Iqbal (50-run knock) - Tk 500,000 Player of the Tournament: Mehidy Hasan Miraz - Tk 1 million Emerging Player of the Tournament: Tanzid Hasan - Tk 300,000 Best Batsman: Mohammad Naim Sheikh - Tk 500,000 Best Bowler: Taskin Ahmed - Tk 500,000 Best Fielder: Mushfiqur Rahim - Tk 300,000

Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, Vice President of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, has urged the interim government to hold elections only after implementing necessary reforms. He warned that elections held without proper reforms would lack credibility and deny people their right to vote freely. Faizul Karim reiterated that Islami Andolon Bangladesh is even willing to make strategic compromises for the sake of an Islamic agenda in the elections. He advocated for proportional representation as the only viable path to forming a national government and stated that even a party with 1% of the vote should have representation in parliament. He also praised the role of Islamic scholars in the mass uprising, acknowledging the participation of people from all religious backgrounds. With over 1,500 lives lost, he described the revolution as legendary.

The Bangladesh Police Association has condemned the statements of former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed, labeling them as treasonous and part of a larger conspiracy against the state. In a statement, the association pointed out that Benazir, who is implicated in multiple cases including genocide and massive corruption, held a virtual meeting with fascist groups. His leaked remarks, which have since gone viral, have severely tarnished the professionalism of the police force. The association stressed that no individual’s misconduct should reflect on the entire institution. Police officers remain outraged over Benazir’s alleged involvement in the Hefazat massacre and large-scale financial crimes. Notably, Benazir claimed that 90% of the police force were loyal to the ruling party and that if BNP came to power, they would rebel and remove it, raising serious concerns about political influence in law enforcement.

The economic policies of the previous Awami League government trapped the country in a vicious cycle of corruption and mismanagement. Despite various rescue efforts, the economy continues to suffer from these systemic issues. One major problem is inflation, as commodity prices remain high. Although inflation has gradually decreased since October, consumers remain at the mercy of powerful syndicates that manipulate supply to charge higher prices. According to a former World Bank official in Dhaka, $16 billion was smuggled out of the country annually under Awami League rule, leaving the economy in a depleted state. Excessive printing of money led to rampant inflation, which peaked at 11.66% in July but has now dropped to 9.94%. The current administration is focused on reducing inflation and controlling capital flight, but the economy’s recovery remains uncertain due to continued dominance by corrupt business elites.

Following the fall of authoritarian ruler Sheikh Hasina due to the mass student-led movement, Dr. Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership in a special transitional government. He inherited a crisis-ridden economy, the July massacre’s unresolved justice, and the broader challenge of national restructuring. Now, after six months, questions arise about what progress has been made. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director and Anti-Corruption Reform Commission chief Iftekharuzzaman noted several positive developments: economic recovery, improved law and order, administrative stability, and the commission’s reform reports. However, he pointed out that an initial reform blueprint could have helped avoid electoral conflicts. He emphasized the need for reforms targeting political parties, bureaucracy, and large business groups, warning that resistance to change remains strong.

Even six months after the interim government took over, families of the injured and martyred from the mass uprising are still awaiting the promised assistance. There has been little progress in securing advanced medical care, state recognition, financial aid, or rehabilitation. Frustrated, these families have taken to the streets in protest. Officials claim they are working to fulfill the demands. The uprising resulted in approximately 1,000 martyrs and 14,000 injuries. Of the injured, 30 have been sent abroad for advanced treatment, and free medical care is being arranged at 14 hospitals across the country. However, families argue that these measures are insufficient. Since November, they have blocked roads four times to press their demands. Many of the deceased and injured were the sole earners for their families, leaving dependents in distress. Masum, a member of an injured family, stated that a government job would help him sustain his family. While the government has allocated a budget for aid, the July Smriti Foundation reports that many claimants fail to provide necessary documentation, leading to delays in processing assistance.

Mominul Islam Raju, a candidate for the general secretary position of the banned organization Chhatra League’s Savar Upazila unit, has been arrested in connection with a murder case filed by a martyr’s family. The case relates to the deadly crackdown on a mass student protest in Savar. Raju is reportedly accused in two rape cases and multiple murder cases. He was known to be a cadre of fugitive Awami League MP Muhammad Saiful Islam from Dhaka-19. In an attempt to gain favor from the party’s high command, Raju allegedly opened fire on protesting students in broad daylight. Officer-in-Charge Ashiq Iqbal confirmed that Mominul Islam Raju has been arrested in connection with the July Uprising murder case. Authorities have sought a 7-day remand for further investigation.