Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, Shafiqur Rahman, has demanded the release of party leader ATM Azharul Islam. In a dramatic announcement, he declared that if Azharul Islam is not freed, he will present himself for arrest at the court premises.

In a Facebook post, Shafiqur Rahman stated, “You must have noticed that ATM Azharul Islam remains imprisoned as a victim of fascist oppression. While other national leaders have been released, he continues to face discrimination and injustice.” He further added, “With ATM Azhar behind bars, I cannot remain free!”

Jamaat’s Ameer has announced that he will voluntarily appear at the court premises on the 25th to be arrested.

The International Crimes Tribunal has set April 28 as the deadline for submitting the investigation report against dismissed army officer Ziaul Ahsan, who faces allegations of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The decision was made on Thursday after eight accused were presented before the court, following a prosecution request.

Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam stated that evidence, including discharge certificates, medical reports, and bullets recovered from the bodies of victims, has been collected from various government and private hospitals. The investigation report will also include forensic analysis and relevant video footage.

Meanwhile, the defense has submitted a petition requesting copies of a UN report and legal books. However, the prosecution objected, stating that the stage for self-defense has not yet been reached in the legal proceedings.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has announced protests against an alleged attack by Shibir activists on a student at Sylhet’s MC College. The protest march and rally will be held at 8 PM on Thursday at Raju Memorial Sculpture, Dhaka University. The announcement came through the movement’s verified Facebook page at 5 PM. The injured student, Mizanur Rahman Riyad, claimed that Shibir activists assaulted him over a Facebook comment. Riyad, an active member of Islami Chhatra Talamiz, stated that the attackers were known to him.

At a global summit in Marrakesh, Morocco, adviser Adilur Rahman Khan assured that Bangladesh will introduce a Road Safety Act by 2027. Sources from the Secretariat revealed that the government has already initiated steps toward this goal. Additionally, a National Road Safety Plan is in place, aiming to reduce road accidents by 50% by 2030. The government also announced plans to establish a central database system by 2026, which will collect, store, and analyze road accident-related data to improve safety measures.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) have arrested 29 leaders and activists of the Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League, for allegedly planning and instigating unrest in 16 different police station areas. The arrests were made in a series of operations from Tuesday night to Wednesday night. According to a press release from the CMP’s public relations office, the detainees were involved in various cases, including attacks on Anti-Discrimination Student Movement activists, offenses under the Special Powers Act, the Anti-Terrorism Act, and the Penal Code. They have been sent to jail following court proceedings.

In Fatikchhari, Chattogram, extortionists led by one Belal Driver assaulted and broke the leg of a Jamaat-e-Islami leader, Yunus Mia Suman (48), allegedly for testifying in a case filed by the administration. Locals rescued Yunus and admitted him to a private hospital before transferring him to Chittagong Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Belal Driver (54) had previously served a one-month jail sentence handed down by a mobile court under the supervision of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) on January 16, following extortion charges. Reports indicate that Yunus was a witness in that case, which led to the attack by Belal, who is known for his political ties with BNP.

Following the approval of the 213-member district convening committee of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Chandpur for the next six months, 160 members have announced their resignation. The central convening and member secretary committee was declared on February 18. The resigning members allege that the contributions of July movement activists were undervalued and that irregularities occurred in the committee formation. The dissidents claim the committee contradicts the spirit of the July movement. Additionally, accusations have surfaced that several members were included in the committee without their knowledge. The protesting members have not only demanded the cancellation of the committee but have also sought accountability from the central leadership.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged for immediate elections to restore stability in the country, stating that the entire nation is in turmoil. Speaking to a political party, he cautioned against making statements that could further escalate tensions.

He criticized the calls for election delays under the guise of reforms, arguing that ordinary people do not understand such technicalities. “For the people, their fundamental rights are the real reforms,” he said. Fakhrul also condemned foreign-based content creators for inciting political instability.

Highlighting the immense suffering endured by BNP leaders and activists, he asserted, “Just as 1971 belongs to us, so does July—do not create divisions.” He also warned India, stating, “If you provide shelter to murderers, the people will turn against you.”

Between January and December 2024, at least 35 people lost their lives in train accidents along the 100-kilometer Akhaura-Ashuganj-Mandabag-Mukundpur railway track. Among the deceased, 26 were men, 9 were women, and 2 were children. Most of the victims remain unidentified. Authorities have recorded 34 cases as unnatural deaths, while one was registered as a regular case.

September saw the highest number of fatalities, with 8 deaths reported. Reckless behaviors such as boarding or disembarking from moving trains, rooftop travel, sitting between train compartments, hanging onto train doors, walking along the tracks with headphones on, sitting on the railway lines, using unauthorized crossings, and carelessly crossing the tracks contributed to these tragic incidents.

International Crimes Tribunal’s Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam has stated that former RAB officer and ASP Alep Uddin was involved in the rape of a woman whose husband was forcibly disappeared. On Thursday, Tazul Islam revealed that Alep Uddin was responsible for numerous cases of enforced disappearances, murders, and torture. He reportedly forced a woman to break her fast before raping her.

Additionally, he subjected detainees to brutal torture, including blindfolding, electric shocks, and hanging them upside down. It is worth noting that prominent journalists and the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary had previously posted investigative reports on Alep Uddin’s crimes.

The three-day annual conference of District Commissioners (DCs) has concluded, providing key directives for upcoming local and national elections, as well as law enforcement measures. The government has instructed officials to act with integrity, remain steadfast against any undue pressure, and ensure fair governance. The conference featured 34 separate working sessions, covering crucial topics such as law enforcement, prevention of illegal land grabs, controlling inflation, eliminating market syndicates, and improving education and healthcare services.

Chief Justice of Bangladesh has asked legal experts to provide insights on how BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and others could be compensated if they were treated unjustly. Senior lawyer Prabir Niyogi suggested that the Supreme Court could determine an appropriate compensation amount. Meanwhile, the Appellate Division has scheduled a verdict for February 25 regarding the 85 individuals allegedly denied election commission appointments. Previously, on February 19, senior lawyer Salahuddin Dolon demanded compensation for Khaleda Zia and proposed symbolic punishment for those responsible for any injustice.

A Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying 408 passengers made an emergency landing at India’s Nagpur airport due to a technical issue. According to a report by The Hindu, the flight was en route from Dhaka to Dubai when it was diverted on Wednesday night. A senior airport official in Maharashtra confirmed the incident, stating that passengers would be accommodated on another Bangladeshi flight to continue their journey.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has issued a statement regarding the joint forces’ operation in the Mohammadpur’s Chand Udyan area. According to the statement, security personnel surrounded both sides of a narrow alley when militants suddenly opened fire from the rooftop of a single-story building. In response, the forces returned fire in self-defense. Five suspected militants were arrested, and two bodies were recovered from the premises. Authorities also seized a pistol, four bullets, and a machete. The arrested individuals have been handed over to Mohammadpur Police Station for further investigation.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has declared that the nation is now stronger, more energetic, and more creative than ever before. Speaking at an event honoring recipients of the prestigious Ekushey Padak, he praised the younger generation for their bold aspirations, which he described as more ambitious than those of previous generations. He also emphasized that the spirit of the language movement played a crucial role in awakening the nation’s quest for self-determination.