Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Towhid Hossain has stated that the visit of UN Secretary-General António Guterres is of great significance for the interim government and the future of Bangladesh. He expressed concern over misinformation campaigns against the country following the fall of the League government. Hossain emphasized that Guterres’ visit will support Bangladesh’s democratic transition and reform efforts, ensuring free and fair elections while assisting in necessary governance transformations.

Kalpana Nazma Begum, the mother of deceased marine engineer Sohag Hossain, has accused her son’s wife, Shahana Khatun, of orchestrating his murder to seize a large sum of money. She claimed that Shahana had multiple previous marriages and had been restricting Sohag’s contact with his family. On February 2, Shahana and her associates allegedly demanded Tk 20 lakh, threatening to kill Sohag if he did not comply. When his phone remained unreachable from February 9, police broke into his flat on February 12 and found his partially decomposed body hanging from a ceiling fan, with signs of a broken knee. Kalpana Nazma Begum has demanded immediate arrests of those responsible.

The book ‘July: Homeland or Death’ was officially launched on Saturday, published by Prothoma. During the launch event, Advisor Asif Nazrul highlighted the book’s fluid narrative, courage, and emotional depth. Author Asif Mahmud admitted that due to its concise nature, some key figures of the movement were not extensively covered. He noted that summarizing the events of July within just 120 pages was a challenge but hinted at a more detailed version in future editions. Commentator Nahid Islam emphasized that the movement was a mass uprising fueled by spontaneous public participation, making it a significant historical event.

A Dubai-based expatriate, Arif Hossain Miazi, was allegedly assaulted in Banani for refusing to pay Tk 2 crore in extortion money. He filed a case at Banani police station against two arrested suspects—Nazim Uddin (54) and Ibrahim Hossain Roni (39)—along with 8-10 unidentified accomplices. The attack occurred at around 1:10 AM near Plan B in Banani when the suspects blocked his path and forcibly took Tk 30,500 from him while demanding the larger sum. Upon hearing his cries for help, locals and a police patrol team intervened and rescued him. Authorities have since arrested two suspects and launched an investigation.

Malaysian authorities have detained 95 Bangladeshi nationals at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for attempting to enter the country on tourist visas with the intention of working illegally. During a routine operation, the enforcement department seized documents from 139 foreigners, including the 95 Bangladeshis. Upon verification, officials suspected that these individuals were attempting to bypass entry regulations to seek illegal employment.

Former minister Dr. Moin Khan has declared that he does not engage in politics for power, positions, or ministerial roles, but rather for the welfare of the people. He stated that he does not believe in the politics of corruption, oppression, or authoritarian rule. He also condemned political violence and warned that if such practices continue, the consequences will be similar to those faced by the ruling Awami League. Dr. Khan emphasized that the sacrifices made by students and citizens in July and August must not be dishonored, warning of strict legal action against anyone attempting to do so.

Hitu Sheikh, the father-in-law of the victim’s sister, has confessed to his involvement in a rape case in Magura. He was presented in court at 10:15 AM today after requesting to provide a confessional statement while in a seven-day remand. The judge recorded his statement until 4 PM before ordering his transfer to prison. According to Officer-in-Charge Ayub Ali, the official details of his statement have not been disclosed yet. Meanwhile, three other accused individuals remain in remand for further interrogation.

BNP leader Amir Khasru has stated that the people of Bangladesh want to see democracy as soon as possible by electing their representatives through a fair voting process. He emphasized that the country is passing each day without democracy, where the people have no representation. He further asserted that no government, police force, or public administration can function effectively without public support. He urged for collective efforts to restore a democratic order and called for a cultural shift in politics, promoting tolerance and mutual respect.

A new mobile application, ‘HELP,’ has been launched in Dhaka to enhance the safety of women in public transportation. This app allows women to instantly seek assistance from law enforcement in cases of harassment or sexual assault while traveling. Users can also file complaints through the app using their smartphones and internet access. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Sajjat Ali stated that many victims hesitate to report such incidents, making this initiative a significant step forward. Reports submitted through the app will now be treated as formal complaints (FIRs).

Political thinker Farhad Mazhar has criticized BNP’s rush for elections, stating that many of the party’s leaders have not learned from history and are on the path to political failure. He remarked that Khaleda Zia’s uncompromising stance led to the success of the mass uprising but also resulted in counter-revolution due to the persistence of a fascist constitution. He pointed out that one of BNP’s biggest mistakes was taking an oath under Chuppu. He further warned that BNP’s attempt to become a centrist political party is another strategic error. According to him, young political groups must oppose all forms of fascism—not just Bengali nationalism but also religious fascism and other authoritarian ideologies.

An iftar event was organized at the Intercontinental in honor of UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, while welcoming Guterres, remarked, “You have brought us an early Eid.”

Expressing admiration for Guterres’ commitment to Bangladesh, Yunus said, “I am speechless by your words on making this country successful. Your visit has brought immense joy to this nation. The people of Bangladesh are deeply moved by your speech and your promise of support.”

He emphasized the unity among students in shaping the country, stating, “Bangladeshis debate over many issues, but one thing unites them all – the desire to build a new Bangladesh. There is no disagreement on this.”

The Chief Adviser also praised Guterres for his efforts regarding the Rohingya crisis, saying, “What you did for the Rohingyas yesterday has won everyone’s hearts. People see you as an angel, and their only message is – they want to return home.”

Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Muhammad Talebur Rahman reported that 2,485 cases were filed for traffic violations in the capital between Thursday and Friday. During the operation, 316 vehicles were impounded, and 124 were towed. “This crackdown is part of our efforts to maintain traffic discipline in Dhaka, and it will continue,” he stated.

Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), has claimed that economic data presented by the previous government was misleading and politically motivated. “The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) was directed to manipulate data as per their convenience,” she alleged. She also warned that Bangladeshi businesses are not adequately prepared to tackle the challenges of LDC graduation. The loss of tariff benefits post-graduation could cost the country’s export sector up to $8 billion annually. Additionally, foreign aid for climate financing is expected to decline. Fahmida also raised concerns about rising foreign debt.

Police have arrested 35-year-old Sabul Mia in Chatak for allegedly attempting to rape a 10-year-old madrasa student. The incident occurred on Friday morning when the victim went to her madrasa for Quran lessons. Sabul reportedly lured her into an empty classroom on the second floor and attempted to assault her. Hearing the girl’s screams, locals rushed to the scene, but Sabul managed to flee. A group reportedly tried to cover up the incident, but when the news spread, enraged locals attacked and vandalized Sabul’s house at night.

ADC Mahmudah Begum of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) reported that 30 individuals have been arrested in the past 24 hours during “Operation Devil Hunt” for allegedly attempting to destabilize the city. The arrestees face multiple charges, including attacks on student protesters during the mass uprising and violations under the Special Powers Act, Anti-Terrorism Act, and Penal Code. All detainees have been sent to jail through court orders.