Police arrested two individuals, including a banned Chhatra League leader, during a raid in Ashulia’s Gazirchat Ariyara Mor on Friday evening. The arrestees are Md. Sabuj Uddin Khan (26), a leader of the banned student organization, and Selim Reza (25), an active member of Jubo League. Sabuj Uddin Khan is facing charges related to a student-public murder case. The arrests were part of the ongoing Operation Devil Hunt. Both suspects will be presented in court on Saturday.

Police have arrested four individuals in connection with the abduction of 25 rubber plantation workers in Lama, Bandarban. On February 16, armed criminals kidnapped the workers from Murung Jhiri, Fasiakhali Union, and later released them after extorting 10 lakh taka in ransom. Following the incident, Jasim Uddin filed a case at Lama Police Station. The arrested individuals are from Thanchi, Ruma, and Lama. OC Shahadat Hossain confirmed the arrests and stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.

At the 55th BGB-BSF conference in New Delhi (Feb 17-20), Bangladesh and India’s border forces agreed on six key issues, including reducing border killings to zero through joint patrols, regulating border infrastructure, curbing cross-border crimes, strengthening surveillance, combating human trafficking, and enhancing bilateral cooperation. BGB urged BSF to prevent unnecessary border violence, while BSF reaffirmed its commitment to a non-lethal approach. Discussions also covered flood prevention, waste management in border canals, and security concerns regarding separatist groups. A joint declaration formalized these agreements.

With the national election ahead, BNP plans to stay active throughout Ramadan, emphasizing grassroots engagement through Iftar gatherings and organizational activities. While large rallies won’t be held, leaders and activists will conduct local meetings, religious events, and diplomatic outreach. The party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, will join major events virtually. BNP aims to strengthen its presence, resolve internal conflicts, and prepare for the elections by boosting public support and trust. Leaders believe this strategy will shape the election atmosphere nationwide.

Following the vandalism of a Shaheed Minar on the night of February 21 in Cumilla, two separate investigation committees have been formed by the Upazila administration and the college authorities. The incident, which occurred on International Mother Language Day, sparked widespread outrage on social media. Authorities have launched probes, with reports expected within three to seven days. Initial investigations suggest local involvement, though no CCTV footage is available. Police are working to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Police have recovered the hanging body of a student from a dormitory at Rajshahi University. The incident took place on Friday evening at Tuhin Hall, where the body was discovered.

Proctor Professor Mahbubur Rahman confirmed the matter. The deceased has been identified as Md. Sifat Sifatullah, a student of the Fisheries Department from the 2022-23 academic session.

His body has been sent to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for autopsy.

Describing him as a devout and well-mannered individual, his classmate Hasib Chowdhury said, “He had been suffering from depression for some time, but he never shared it with us.”

Minara Begum, wife of former Jamaat-e-Islami Bahubal secretary Abdul Ahad Ibn Malek, was brutally hacked to death at her home in Paschim Jaipur, Habiganj. She was an assistant teacher and an active member of the party’s women’s wing. Her husband returned home after official events to find her bloodied body and their seven-month-old child under the bed. Police, including the Habiganj SP, visited the scene and launched an investigation. Authorities are working to determine the motive and identify the attackers.

Two individuals were shot dead by assailants in Shailkupa, Jhenaidah, late on Friday night, February 21st. The incident occurred around 11:30 PM. The officer-in-charge of Shailkupa Police Station, Masum Khan, confirmed the details, adding that the situation has caused unrest in the local community. Residents have expressed deep concern about the deteriorating law and order situation in the country, calling for swift action from the interim government to address the growing instability.

A case has been filed at Bijoynagar Police Station following a clash between two BNP factions over placing flowers at the Shaheed Minar on International Mother Language Day. The case, filed by Mosammat Runa Akter, wife of injured Billal Mia, names 17 individuals, with 20-25 others unidentified. The clash occurred on Thursday night, resulting in two people being stabbed. Police have confirmed the case and stated that legal action will be taken accordingly.

A prisoner has died from burns sustained in an accident while cooking at Rajshahi Central Jail. The incident occurred on Friday morning at around 9:30 AM, and the prisoner succumbed to his injuries at the burn unit of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. The deceased, Bipul Kumar, was a resident of Mahadebpur, Naogaon, and had been serving a life sentence since 2010 for a drug-related crime. Doctors reported that 20% of his body was burned. Although he was referred to Dhaka for further treatment, he passed away before reaching the capital. The jail superintendent declined to comment further, confirming only the prisoner’s death at the medical facility.

Motijheel police have arrested three individuals involved in a theft case, recovering stolen items including 12.13 bhori of gold and a motorcycle. The suspects—Tawhid Talukder (18), Rajib Hossain Rana (42), and Ibrahim (35)—were apprehended following a missing persons report filed by the victim’s uncle. Investigation revealed that Tawhid had stolen gold ornaments from his uncle’s home, sold them to buy a new motorcycle. The police successfully tracked and arrested the suspects after gathering crucial information.

Tensions have escalated in Tongi between the Bangladesh Student League (Student League) and Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing, Chhatra Shibir, following an incident where Fazle Rabbi, a Chhatra Shibir leader from Tamirul Millat, was assaulted. Both parties held counter-demonstrations in the aftermath. Chhatra Shibir, through a press conference, demanded the protection of the complainant, blaming the Student League for the violence. In response, the Gazipur Metropolitan Student League held a procession and rally, denying the accusations and urging Chhatra Shibir to cease its propaganda.

Sifat, in the press briefing, claimed that on Thursday evening, after luring student leader Mamun, a group of 8-10 Student League members attacked him with bamboo sticks and forced him to make a video statement. Later, they reportedly took a photo holding a cigarette and demanded a ransom, before injuring him with machetes when he refused.

The nation solemnly observed Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day, remembering those who sacrificed their lives for the right to speak Bengali. Thousands walked barefoot to the Central Shaheed Minar, singing “Amar Bhaiyer Rakte Rangano Ekushe February,” as a mark of respect. Security was tight, yet the atmosphere remained peaceful. People from all walks of life, including students and political leaders, paid tribute. The day also reinforced the commitment to a discrimination-free society, emphasizing the importance of linguistic and cultural rights.

Sarwar Tushar, Joint Convener of the National Citizens’ Committee, has urged politicians to focus on serving the people and combating corruption before seeking elections. Speaking at a discussion event at the organization’s central office, Tushar made it clear that elections should not take place before necessary reforms are implemented.

Addressing the BNP, he criticized their focus on corruption and looting, stating, “You’ve become champions by engaging in corruption and plundering four times. Meanwhile, your party has fled the country, leaving it in disarray.” He further remarked that the people are no longer responding to their fake movements, highlighting the contrast with the July protests, where millions took to the streets in response to calls from young students.

Tushar also criticized the BNP for attempting to engage in politics through empty rhetoric, stating that the post-revolutionary stance of the party, led by their student wing, won’t succeed in bringing about any meaningful change.

BNP leader Aminul Haque emphasized that free and fair elections are crucial for achieving complete reforms and advancing towards true democracy. Speaking at a sports event on Friday afternoon, he stated that many sectors of the state remain unstable and are plagued by conspiracies within state institutions. He insisted that to put an end to these issues, free and fair elections are necessary. Addressing the interim government, Haque warned that any attempts to delay the elections under the guise of reforms would not be accepted by the people. He highlighted the importance of elections, citing how the people of Bangladesh overthrew a fascist government that lasted seventeen years, paving the way for a democratic state.