In a series of operations on Friday night, authorities arrested four senior police officials, including DIG (Deputy Inspector General) Molla Nazrul Islam, former Commissioner of Gazipur Metropolitan Police. The other arrested officials include Nilphamari Superintendent of Police Asaduzzaman, Rangpur Superintendent of Police Abdul Mannan, and Abul Hasnat. According to police sources, Nazrul Islam faces allegations of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and abuse of power. Abul Hasnat came under heavy criticism for his controversial statements regarding the 2024 elections and the July mass uprising. He was also accused of orchestrating staged counterterrorism operations and using excessive force during the protests. Similarly, Asaduzzaman was criticized for his role in suppressing the July uprising and his involvement in financial irregularities. The Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch has confirmed the arrests of one DIG and three SPs, marking a significant development in ongoing investigations into police misconduct.

Asif Nazrul, an advisor, stated in a press briefing on February 8 that they are committed to holding free and fair elections based on political consensus. He emphasized that they have no interest in delaying the process to stay in power. He also announced plans to initiate discussions with political parties by mid-February, even during Ramadan if necessary. Nazrul affirmed that political parties have the right to demand an expedited election process and that many necessary reforms have already been implemented. He stressed that constitutional and electoral reforms must be finalized through dialogue and mentioned that most of the urgent tasks could be completed within a month.

Sarjees Alam, a leader of the anti-discrimination student movement, criticized the interim government, saying that the newly appointed police force acts like a scene from a Bangla movie—arriving only after incidents occur. He questioned why, despite repeated calls, police took two hours to respond. Speaking in front of the Gazipur District Commissioner’s office, he emphasized Gazipur’s key role in the uprising and warned that pro-government figures like Jahangir would be confronted again if necessary. He issued an ultimatum for the arrest of the perpetrators by midnight and demanded authorities take immediate action without engaging in political maneuvering in the courts.

A shooting incident targeting anti-discrimination student protesters occurred in Gazipur’s Bhawal Rajbari area on Saturday evening. The attack left Mobasher Hossain injured, who was rushed to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital. Protesters accused ruling party activists of carrying out the attack. Mobasher stated that while bidding farewell to fellow protesters near the District Commissioner’s office, assailants on a motorcycle opened fire. The bullet struck his right hand, narrowly avoiding a fatal injury. Gazipur police confirmed the incident.

Despite over a hundred pro-government student activists retaining their jobs after participating in violent clashes at Chittagong University, Saif has been dismissed for taking part in an anti-discrimination movement. Saif, who was employed as a District Coordinator at BRAC in 2024, claimed that his work was appreciated, and he even received a certificate of recognition. However, in November, BRAC informed him that his contract would not be renewed. Saif alleged that members of the ruling party's student wing, including former student leader Nurul Azam Rony, were responsible for his dismissal, with Rony even threatening him. BRAC stated that Saif’s contract was not renewed as it was only for a year, but when questioned about why others in similar roles were retained, the organization provided no response.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan apologized for the police’s failure to prevent an attack on the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Acknowledging the police’s failure during the incident, he promised that no assailants would be spared, and each attack would be answered. He also pledged to take action against officers who delayed their response. The commissioner made these remarks on Saturday afternoon during a protest march by the movement on Rajbari Road in front of the District Commissioner’s office. Earlier, the organization had blocked the road. He added that he would dismiss the officer who responded two hours late and assured that the long-standing perpetrators of abuse would no longer be tolerated.

The BNP has announced plans to hold public meetings across the country, from February 11 until the beginning of Ramadan. The party will campaign on issues such as rising commodity prices, deteriorating law and order, combating fascist conspiracies, and demanding an electoral roadmap for a quick return to democratic processes. At a press conference on Saturday, BNP’s Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that if the government cannot identify fascist allies in the administration, it will be difficult for them to govern. He also accused India of trying to destabilize the country from abroad. Rizvi mentioned that the Awami League has been involved in attacking students and facilitating the escape of criminals. He further called on the government to explain the recent bail of 572 individuals connected to the Awami League.

The BNP has announced plans to hold public meetings across the country, from February 11 until the beginning of Ramadan. The party will campaign on issues such as rising commodity prices, deteriorating law and order, combating fascist conspiracies, and demanding an electoral roadmap for a quick return to democratic processes. At a press conference on Saturday, BNP’s Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that if the government cannot identify fascist allies in the administration, it will be difficult for them to govern. He also accused India of trying to destabilize the country from abroad. Rizvi mentioned that the Awami League has been involved in attacking students and facilitating the escape of criminals. He further called on the government to explain the recent bail of 572 individuals connected to the Awami League.

On Saturday, during a seminar at the Lalmohoon Upazila Parishad auditorium in Bhola, BNP’s Standing Committee member, Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, stated that the current government is weak. He emphasized that an elected government is essential for restoring law and order in the country. Despite this, he mentioned that they are willing to cooperate with the government. In response to a question from the media, he remarked that they do not wish anyone to take the law into their own hands. He expressed hope that the current government will restore law and order with a firm hand, create a conducive environment through dialogue with political parties, and free the country from chaos with a swift election. Major Hafiz also added that the past 15 years of enforced disappearances, killings, and corruption have destroyed everything. He noted that a democratic environment was created through the sacrifices of the student community in July and August.

A Jubo Dal activist was shot in the chest and leg on Friday night in Sonaiamuri, Noakhali. The victim, identified as Mizan (39), was attacked after a dispute with youths from a neighboring union escalated. The altercation reportedly began over a minor issue, leading Mizan’s followers to assault a rival named Zahir. Shortly afterward, unidentified assailants stopped Mizan’s autorickshaw, shot him, and fled the scene. Sonaiamuri police stated that the incident stemmed from a land dispute. The wounded activist is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Dhaka. Authorities have advised his family to file a formal complaint, assuring them that legal action will follow upon receiving an official report.

Authorities successfully defused a set of crude bombs, locally known as cocktails, found near Farmgate in Dhaka. Around 12:00 PM, a caller to the national emergency number 999 reported a suspicious object resembling an explosive. Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police quickly responded and called in the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Bomb Disposal Unit. By 12:45 PM, the unit secured the area and confirmed that the objects were crude bombs. They were safely neutralized shortly afterward. Police suspect the devices were planted to create public panic. Investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible.

The Bangladeshi government has launched ‘Operation Devil Hunt’ nationwide from today to curb terrorism following a violent attack on students and civilians in Gazipur. The decision was made in a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs, involving law enforcement agencies. A joint task force will lead the operation to restore law and order and bring perpetrators to justice. The operation starts immediately, and more details will be shared in a press briefing on Sunday. The move follows Friday night’s terrorist attack, which left several critically injured.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has stated that the trial for the July massacre must be prioritized before elections or any other governmental actions. He warned that failing to bring justice would be a betrayal of the martyrs and would cause them pain. Rahman further claimed that after the political shift, there was no functioning government, and his party took responsibility for safeguarding the lives and property of the people. He emphasized that they are ready to take responsibility again, ensuring security and dignity for all citizens. He also criticized the long-standing oppression of the general public under the pretext of being a majority, accusing the ruling authorities of attacking people’s wealth and honor while blaming Jamaat-e-Islami. “In 54 years, no one can prove allegations of land grabbing or extortion against us,” he asserted.

Kushtia, Saturday—Thousands of residents from at least five unions surrounding Islamic University (IU) staged a protest and blocked the Kushtia-Khulna Highway to oppose the relocation of the IU police station. The demonstrators felled trees and burned tires on the highway starting from 11 AM, demanding that the police station remains within the university premises. University students also joined the protest. Local residents warned, “We shed blood for the establishment of Islamic University, and if necessary, we will shed blood again to protect our demands.” The president of Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that the police station ensures security for 20,000 students and locals. If another station is needed in Jhaudia, authorities should build a cantonment there instead, but IU’s station must not be relocated.

Dhaka, Saturday—BNP’s Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has warned that counter-revolutionary forces are always seeking opportunities and must be prevented through unity and democratic aspirations. Speaking at the Droher Graffiti publication event at the National Press Club, Rizvi claimed there is no longer fear of enforced disappearances for criticizing the government. He vowed to continue speaking out and ensuring Dr. Yunus is not made to fail. Rizvi further alleged that India is unable to accept the emergence of democracy in Bangladesh, stating that Indian media’s open support for Sheikh Hasina contradicts democratic values.