BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain has alleged that a conspiracy is being orchestrated to manipulate the upcoming elections. “Delays are being used as an excuse to derail the electoral process,” he claimed, accusing the Sheikh Hasina government of destroying the country over the past 15 years. He asserted that it is the responsibility of an elected government to repair the damage, adding, “An interim government should hand over power to a government chosen by the people’s vote.” Mosharraf also called for an immediate announcement of the national election date, criticizing the lack of a clear roadmap from the interim government even after seven months.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has stated that those who once refused to recognize Jamaat leaders and activists as citizens of Bangladesh have now left the country themselves. He asserted that Jamaat does not want the Awami League to return to power and urged for the release of all political prisoners, including former Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam. Rahman further emphasized the need to establish Islamic law in Bangladesh, lamenting the country’s failure to ensure the safety of even an 8-year-old child.

In a massive financial fraud case in Madarganj, Jamalpur, nearly 35,000 depositors lost Tk 700 crore in a cooperative society scam. The organization lured members in with promises of high interest rates before misappropriating their savings. Although six cases have been filed, key perpetrators remain at large. Allegations suggest that the fraudulent cooperative was operated under the protection of Awami League MP Mirza Azam. Despite public outrage, the local administration has not taken effective steps to recover the victims’ funds. Reports indicate that BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders were also involved in the scam and are currently in hiding.

Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Towhid Hossain has stated that the visit of UN Secretary-General António Guterres is of great significance for the interim government and the future of Bangladesh. He expressed concern over misinformation campaigns against the country following the fall of the League government. Hossain emphasized that Guterres’ visit will support Bangladesh’s democratic transition and reform efforts, ensuring free and fair elections while assisting in necessary governance transformations.

Kalpana Nazma Begum, the mother of deceased marine engineer Sohag Hossain, has accused her son’s wife, Shahana Khatun, of orchestrating his murder to seize a large sum of money. She claimed that Shahana had multiple previous marriages and had been restricting Sohag’s contact with his family. On February 2, Shahana and her associates allegedly demanded Tk 20 lakh, threatening to kill Sohag if he did not comply. When his phone remained unreachable from February 9, police broke into his flat on February 12 and found his partially decomposed body hanging from a ceiling fan, with signs of a broken knee. Kalpana Nazma Begum has demanded immediate arrests of those responsible.

The book ‘July: Homeland or Death’ was officially launched on Saturday, published by Prothoma. During the launch event, Advisor Asif Nazrul highlighted the book’s fluid narrative, courage, and emotional depth. Author Asif Mahmud admitted that due to its concise nature, some key figures of the movement were not extensively covered. He noted that summarizing the events of July within just 120 pages was a challenge but hinted at a more detailed version in future editions. Commentator Nahid Islam emphasized that the movement was a mass uprising fueled by spontaneous public participation, making it a significant historical event.

A Dubai-based expatriate, Arif Hossain Miazi, was allegedly assaulted in Banani for refusing to pay Tk 2 crore in extortion money. He filed a case at Banani police station against two arrested suspects—Nazim Uddin (54) and Ibrahim Hossain Roni (39)—along with 8-10 unidentified accomplices. The attack occurred at around 1:10 AM near Plan B in Banani when the suspects blocked his path and forcibly took Tk 30,500 from him while demanding the larger sum. Upon hearing his cries for help, locals and a police patrol team intervened and rescued him. Authorities have since arrested two suspects and launched an investigation.

Malaysian authorities have detained 95 Bangladeshi nationals at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for attempting to enter the country on tourist visas with the intention of working illegally. During a routine operation, the enforcement department seized documents from 139 foreigners, including the 95 Bangladeshis. Upon verification, officials suspected that these individuals were attempting to bypass entry regulations to seek illegal employment.

Former minister Dr. Moin Khan has declared that he does not engage in politics for power, positions, or ministerial roles, but rather for the welfare of the people. He stated that he does not believe in the politics of corruption, oppression, or authoritarian rule. He also condemned political violence and warned that if such practices continue, the consequences will be similar to those faced by the ruling Awami League. Dr. Khan emphasized that the sacrifices made by students and citizens in July and August must not be dishonored, warning of strict legal action against anyone attempting to do so.

Hitu Sheikh, the father-in-law of the victim’s sister, has confessed to his involvement in a rape case in Magura. He was presented in court at 10:15 AM today after requesting to provide a confessional statement while in a seven-day remand. The judge recorded his statement until 4 PM before ordering his transfer to prison. According to Officer-in-Charge Ayub Ali, the official details of his statement have not been disclosed yet. Meanwhile, three other accused individuals remain in remand for further interrogation.

BNP leader Amir Khasru has stated that the people of Bangladesh want to see democracy as soon as possible by electing their representatives through a fair voting process. He emphasized that the country is passing each day without democracy, where the people have no representation. He further asserted that no government, police force, or public administration can function effectively without public support. He urged for collective efforts to restore a democratic order and called for a cultural shift in politics, promoting tolerance and mutual respect.

A new mobile application, ‘HELP,’ has been launched in Dhaka to enhance the safety of women in public transportation. This app allows women to instantly seek assistance from law enforcement in cases of harassment or sexual assault while traveling. Users can also file complaints through the app using their smartphones and internet access. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Sajjat Ali stated that many victims hesitate to report such incidents, making this initiative a significant step forward. Reports submitted through the app will now be treated as formal complaints (FIRs).

Political thinker Farhad Mazhar has criticized BNP’s rush for elections, stating that many of the party’s leaders have not learned from history and are on the path to political failure. He remarked that Khaleda Zia’s uncompromising stance led to the success of the mass uprising but also resulted in counter-revolution due to the persistence of a fascist constitution. He pointed out that one of BNP’s biggest mistakes was taking an oath under Chuppu. He further warned that BNP’s attempt to become a centrist political party is another strategic error. According to him, young political groups must oppose all forms of fascism—not just Bengali nationalism but also religious fascism and other authoritarian ideologies.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that sooner or later, Vladimir Putin will have to come to the negotiating table. Speaking at a virtual summit of the “Coalition of the Willing,” he urged world leaders to increase pressure on Russia while reinforcing their support for Ukraine. The summit’s primary goal is to influence the United States to provide stronger security guarantees for Ukraine. Earlier, Russia had outlined conditions for ending the war and presented a list of demands for restoring relations with the U.S.

An iftar event was organized at the Intercontinental in honor of UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, while welcoming Guterres, remarked, “You have brought us an early Eid.” Expressing admiration for Guterres’ commitment to Bangladesh, Yunus said, “I am speechless by your words on making this country successful. Your visit has brought immense joy to this nation. The people of Bangladesh are deeply moved by your speech and your promise of support.” He emphasized the unity among students in shaping the country, stating, “Bangladeshis debate over many issues, but one thing unites them all – the desire to build a new Bangladesh. There is no disagreement on this.” The Chief Adviser also praised Guterres for his efforts regarding the Rohingya crisis, saying, “What you did for the Rohingyas yesterday has won everyone’s hearts. People see you as an angel, and their only message is – they want to return home.”