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.

In the past 24 hours, law enforcement authorities have arrested 16 individuals associated with the Awami League and the banned organization Chhatra League from various police station areas in the city. According to the CMP Public Relations Department, the arrests were made during a special operation conducted since Thursday afternoon. CMP Deputy Commissioner Mahmudah Begum stated that the individuals were apprehended under the Special Powers Act and the Anti-Terrorism Act for their involvement in attacks on student protests against discrimination. They have been sent to court for legal proceedings. The arrested individuals are: 1. Akhtar Hossain alias (48) 2. Bijoy De (25) 3. Md. Siddiq Munshi (41) 4. Javed Uddin Chowdhury alias Saju (39) 5. Sheikh Russell (40) 6. Ratan Ghosh (48) 7. Dr. Kathak Das (40) 8. Md. Nazmul Hasan (19) 9. Sushanto Das Debu (25) 10. Sourav Kumar De alias Basu (45) 11. Md. Hiron Mia (68) 12. Md. Parvez Khan Prince (34) 13. Md. Safi Alam Soudagar (40) 14. Sheikh Abdul Shukkur (58) 15. Riazul Islam (21) 16. Golam Nabi alias Imon (36).

A Bangladeshi farmer, Barikul Islam (36), was killed by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) while irrigating farmland inside Bangladesh at the Shibganj border in Chapainawabganj. The incident occurred early Friday, about 250 yards inside Bangladesh’s territory. BSF members from Bajitpur Camp in Murshidabad chased several farmers; while others escaped, Barikul was caught, beaten to death, and his body was dumped inside India. His family is seeking help from Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to retrieve the body. BGB has started investigating the incident.

Malaysian authorities have detained 116 undocumented migrants, including 74 Bangladeshis, in a crackdown on illegal immigration. The arrests took place in Negeri Sembilan’s Seremban district at a construction site. Immigration officials verified the documents of 180 foreign workers, arresting 116 individuals for various immigration violations. Among the detainees are 9 Pakistanis, 15 Indonesians, 5 Indians, 2 Myanmar nationals, 74 Bangladeshis, and 11 Chinese nationals. Those arrested, aged between 20 and 55, have been placed in the Lenggeng Immigration Depot pending further legal proceedings.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent remarks were made in her personal capacity and do not align with India’s official stance. He made this clarification following the summoning of the Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh on February 7. Jaiswal reaffirmed that India seeks a positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh. However, he expressed disappointment that official statements from Bangladeshi authorities often portray India in a negative light. He emphasized that Hasina’s statements were made in her individual capacity and do not represent India’s role in bilateral relations.

A fire broke out at a cotton factory and four adjacent pharmacies in Burihat Bazaar, Rangpur. The incident occurred when a crane carrying construction materials for a nearby four-story building made contact with an electrical wire, sparking the fire. The flames spread rapidly, engulfing the cotton factory and causing loud explosions. Factory owner Masud reported that everything inside was completely destroyed. Fire service personnel responded promptly and called for reinforcements from Rangpur Sadar Fire Station. After two and a half hours of effort, firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze. No casualties have been reported so far.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam has issued an apology on Facebook for his previous remarks about BBC Bangla. He stated that he wishes to correct his statement, acknowledging that during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, the BBC had published interviews with Tarique Rahman despite restrictions. While he had accused BBC Bangla of being biased toward the ruling Awami League and Sheikh Hasina, he now retracts his remarks and apologizes. He admitted to perceiving a lack of objectivity in some reports but acknowledged that BBC Bangla strives to present factual accounts of events in Bangladesh. Earlier, he had controversially claimed that the BBC had become a staunch supporter of Sheikh Hasina.

The Bangladesh Judicial Service Association has criticized certain proposals in the Public Administration Reform Commission’s report, claiming they threaten judicial independence. One such proposal suggests appointing district commissioners as district magistrates with the authority to receive complaints under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CRPC) and delegate investigations to local officials. Supporters argue this would expedite minor case resolutions and reduce court congestion. However, the Judicial Service Association has deemed the proposal unconstitutional and contradictory to the landmark Masdar case verdict, citing concerns over judicial independence. Despite this criticism, the commission’s broader recommendations for judicial reform have been praised.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam of the International Crimes Tribunal has announced that multiple investigation reports on the mass killings and crimes against humanity committed in July and August to suppress the anti-discrimination student movement will be completed within this month. He expressed hope that trials would proceed swiftly once the reports are ready, ensuring justice and deterring future atrocities. He stated that the accused are attempting to discredit the judicial process using financial influence, but the trials will adhere to international standards and be conducted expeditiously. So far, over 300 complaints have been filed, 110 arrest warrants issued, and 35 suspects are currently in custody.

After extensive interrogation, Bangladeshi actress and singer Meher Afroz Shawon and actress Sohana Saba have been released from DB custody. The matter was confirmed by Deputy Police Commissioner Mohammad Talebur Rahman of DMP’s Media & Public Relations Division on Friday afternoon. DB officials stated that they were questioned regarding allegations of an anti-state conspiracy. Shawon and Saba’s names emerged as attendees—both physically and virtually—at a controversial meeting held at Hotel Park in Kolkata on January 15. Following this revelation, they were taken into custody for interrogation.