Interim Government’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that those whom the people of Bangladesh ousted are now desperate to return. Speaking at the first meeting of the National Consensus Commission, he emphasized the need for resilience. Reflecting on six months of governance, he highlighted the unity among citizens and political leaders, despite differences. He expressed confidence that if this unity continues, a new Bangladesh can be built. He also acknowledged attempts to obstruct progress but affirmed that collective strength has overcome these challenges.

Sarjis Alam, central coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and chief organizer of the National Citizens’ Committee, has demanded an immediate ban on the Awami League. Speaking after a meeting with the National Consensus Commission, he declared, “Many leaders are seeking a safe exit, but we will not compromise with a murderous party.” Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that the interim government has entered its second phase with strong public and international support. He also thanked the UN for exposing Hasina’s brutal atrocities and emphasized the urgency of political reforms.

An Argentine court has issued arrest warrants against Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity against the Rohingya. Myanmar has criticized the ruling. The case was filed by a Rohingya advocacy group in Argentina, and junta spokesperson Min Tun dismissed the decision, urging Argentina to first address its own judicial vacancies before interfering in Myanmar’s affairs.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman stated that the United Nations’ report serves as irrefutable evidence of genocide. In a statement on February 15, he congratulated the UN Human Rights Commission for its findings. He demanded justice for all perpetrators involved in massacres, declaring that the fascist Hasina regime’s crimes—burning bodies, abductions, and killings—have now been exposed on the world stage.

The Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, announced that the interim government has concluded its first phase and is now entering the second. Speaking at the Foreign Service Academy, he said Saturday’s National Consensus Commission meeting included around 100 politicians from 26 parties and coalitions. Among the speakers were BNP’s Mirza Fakhrul Islam and Jamaat’s Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher. The Chief Adviser delivered a 24-minute speech, and Alam confirmed that all major international powers, including the UN, support the administration.

The funeral and farewell ceremony for former Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah will take place on February 23, according to the organizing committee. Committee head Ali Daher announced that the historic event will be held at Camille Chamoun Stadium in Beirut, with representatives from 79 countries expected to attend. Nasrallah was assassinated in a bomb attack on September 23, 2024, while Sayyed Hashem Safiuddin was killed on October 3, both allegedly by Israeli forces.

Chief Adviser and National Consensus Commission President Muhammad Yunus vowed to honor the sacrifices of those who fought in the mass uprising. “We will all work together to fulfill their dream,” he said. He urged the nation to remember the students who gave their lives, emphasizing that their sacrifices created the opportunity for today’s democratic discussions.

Ali Riaz, Vice President of the National Consensus Commission, emphasized that the nation has entrusted them with the responsibility of shaping a new Bangladesh. “If we fail, the nation will not forgive us,” he warned. He acknowledged the sacrifices made in the struggle and highlighted six commission reports outlining the roadmap. Regular discussions are necessary to build consensus, and he remains confident that political parties will cooperate to reform governance and hold elections swiftly.

BJP Chairman Andalib Rahman Partha firmly stated that local elections should not be held before the national elections. Speaking after a National Consensus Commission meeting on Saturday afternoon, he added that the Chief Adviser confirmed international and UN support for the interim government. The UN’s report has debunked false narratives by fascists. Partha stressed that national elections must be prioritized to ensure stability and reforms.

AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju stated that while the interim government is in power, its authority remains unclear. He warned that an election under such circumstances could be dangerous. He revealed that the Chief Adviser has assured financial support from multiple sources but emphasized that necessary reforms must be implemented. Manju urged the government to form a political unity team, as previously suggested, and called for the Chief Adviser to go undercover and assess the law and order situation himself.

On Friday night (February 14), Fuad Hossain, the uncle of martyr Hasibur Rahman, filed a murder case at Savar Police Station. The case names former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 1,506 others, including Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Abdullah Al Mamun, Habibur Rahman, Harun-ar-Rashid, and Abdullahil Kafi. Hasibur was shot during a victory rally on August 5 following Sheikh Hasina’s downfall and died in hospital on August 7. Police have already arrested two accused, Abdullah Al Mamun and Abdullahil Kafi.

The body of martyr Hasan was finally brought home to Bhola Sadar Upazila on Saturday (February 15), leaving the entire area in mourning. His body had been lying in the morgue at Dhaka Medical College for six months before being identified through DNA testing. Hasan was killed on August 5 during protests in Jatrabari, but his family could not retrieve his body. His father, Monir Hossain, tearfully recounted how he identified his son by his clothing. Hasan worked at an electronics shop in Kaptan Bazar and was the family’s sole breadwinner. His father pleaded, “No parent should have to lose their child like this.”

On Saturday at 10 AM local time, Hamas released three Israeli hostages—Alexander Trufanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn—in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis. The release took place under strict security and in the presence of fighters from both sides. A senior Hamas official signed the handover documents with Red Cross representatives. Following their brief statements to the Palestinian people, the hostages left for Israel. In return, Israel is expected to release 369 Palestinian prisoners.

At a discussion organized by Democratic Awake Bangladesh at the National Press Club on Saturday, BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu criticized the government, saying, “Dr. Yunus identified a mastermind behind a successful movement within a month! Then why haven’t commodity prices dropped in six months? Why hasn’t the law and order situation improved?” He urged pro-democracy forces to remain united and criticized those who prematurely believed that Sheikh Hasina had fled after a mass uprising.

On March 25, Bangladesh will face hosts India in the first match of the Asian Cup qualifiers. Bangladesh’s head coach has included English Premier League player Hamza Choudhury in the preliminary squad. Captain Jamal Bhuyan commented, “This is now our best squad with Hamza’s inclusion. We’re all eagerly waiting for him.” He added that Hamza will join the team a bit later and that Bangladesh has a 50-50 chance against India in what is expected to be a tough contest.