BNP leader SM Awal, General Secretary of Habiganj Municipality BNP, has filed a case against 75 individuals, including former Superintendent of Police (SP) SM Murad Ali and 18 police officers, over attacks on BNP rallies and leaders’ residences in 2023. The case, filed at Habiganj Model Police Station, alleges that on August 19, 2023, police and Awami League activists violently dispersed a BNP rally demanding the release and overseas treatment of Khaleda Zia. Awal himself was shot and critically injured during the crackdown.

Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman has categorically stated that no army personnel were involved in the Pilkhana massacre. “There should be no ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’—the brutal incident was carried out by members of the then-BDR,” he emphasized. He warned that raising doubts about the perpetrators could undermine the judicial process, which has already convicted those responsible. “I was an eyewitness to the tragedy—we lost 57 army officers that day, along with some of their family members,” he said. He also noted that an investigation commission has been formed to determine if external forces or political entities were involved. He cautioned against creating unnecessary controversy regarding the massacre, stating that such debates would not be beneficial.

During a photo exhibition marking National Martyr Soldier Day on Tuesday, the Army Chief warned that internal disputes could jeopardize the country’s sovereignty. He urged all parties to remain united for the sake of the nation. “If we engage in mudslinging among ourselves, the sovereignty of the country will be at risk. Consider this a warning—you won’t be able to say later that you weren’t cautioned,” he stated. He also praised Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus for his efforts in keeping the nation united. Regarding the upcoming parliamentary elections, the Army Chief remarked, “It seems we are heading towards an election. Earlier, I stated that an election would be held within 18 months. We expect a free and fair election by December, and Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus is making every possible effort to ensure this.”

Mohabbat Ali, the brother-in-law of former LGED Minister Tajul Islam, was once an unemployed youth. However, since Tajul became a minister in 2018, Mohabbat—now known as ‘Kasai Mohabbat’ (Butcher Mohabbat)—has amassed a fortune of $30 million through extortion, tender manipulation, and influence peddling. He currently serves as the general secretary of Laksam Upazila Awami League and a former Upazila vice-chairman. Locals allege that he runs a torture cell to suppress dissent. A former BNP leader has accused Mohabbat of electrocuting him while tied to a chair. He now owns vast lands, luxury apartments, and multiple businesses.

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed disagreement with former U.S. President Donald Trump on multiple issues related to Ukraine. Speaking at a joint press conference with Trump, Macron stated, “We also want to end the war, but not with a fragile agreement.” He asserted that peace does not mean Ukraine’s surrender and demanded security guarantees for Ukraine, which Trump did not address. However, both leaders agreed that EU peacekeeping forces should remain inside Ukraine after the war ends, but not at the border. Macron also rejected Trump’s claim that the U.S. only provided financial aid, clarifying that 60% of the aid was grants, not loans.

Nahid Islam, a key leader of the mass uprising, has resigned from his position as Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to join a new political party. According to sources from the adviser’s office, the resignation was confirmed on Tuesday. Nahid Islam, who is also the coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has been hinting at his new political alignment. Yesterday, the announcement was made regarding the launch of a new party that emerged from the mass uprising. The party is set to be unveiled on February 28 at Manik Mia Avenue, with Nahid Islam likely to take the lead as its convenor.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has warned that no security personnel will be spared if found negligent in the ongoing operation launched last night. Speaking at the Banani Military Cemetery after laying a wreath in memory of the Pilkhana massacre victims, he emphasized that journalists would assess the success or failure of the operation. He also mentioned that necessary action had already been taken against two Superintendents of Police (SPs) following recent media reports about their misconduct.

In Shibganj, Bogura, unidentified attackers carried out a cocktail bomb and petrol bomb attack, vandalizing and setting fire to the residence of Roni Mia, the vice president of Upazila Jubo Dal. The victim alleges that members of Nagorik Oikya were responsible, while Nagorik Oikya leaders claim the attack was due to internal factional disputes within Jubo Dal. They are currently focused on saving their critically injured Upazila convener, Shahidul Islam, who was attacked by Chhatra Dal activists. Meanwhile, police stated they would not disclose the names of the accused until the investigation progresses.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has ordered the reinstatement of 85 Upazila election officials who were dismissed during the 2007 caretaker government. The court also directed authorities to provide benefits to all affected individuals, including three officials who passed away during legal proceedings. On February 25, a five-member appellate bench led by the Chief Justice delivered the ruling. The dismissed officials were among 327 individuals recruited in 2005 through the Public Service Commission (PSC) but were terminated following an evaluation by the caretaker government in 2007.

A U.S. civil society organization, Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), has urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate former U.S. President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for allegedly aiding, abetting, and deliberately contributing to Israeli war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. On January 19, DAWN submitted a 172-page complaint to ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, detailing crimes such as $17.9 billion in arms transfers, intelligence sharing, targeting assistance, and diplomatic support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Bangladesh’s Deputy Chief of Mission Salahuddin Mahmud faced backlash from Awami League supporters in Washington after mentioning the July uprising during an International Mother Language Day event. The situation escalated, forcing him to leave the stage.

According to BNP leaders, Sheikh Hasina conspired with foreign forces to weaken Bangladesh’s military and BDR as early as 2005. Sixteen years after the tragic Pilkhana massacre, the government has officially recognized the date as National Martyr Soldiers’ Day. Home Affairs Advisor paid tribute at Banani cemetery at 9 AM, and the army also held a commemoration ceremony. Allegations persist that the investigation was flawed, and Sheikh Hasina, along with 58 others, has been charged in the International Crimes Tribunal for her alleged involvement.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir accused former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of orchestrating the Pilkhana massacre with the Awami League’s involvement. Speaking at the National Martyrs’ Cemetery on Tuesday, he described February 25 as a “dark day” for the military, alleging that the killings aimed to weaken national security. Fakhrul thanked the interim government for officially recognizing the day as National Martyr Soldiers' Day.

The National Citizens’ Committee has clarified that none of its members are part of the delegation visiting China at the invitation of the Communist Party. Spokesperson Shamanta Sharmin stated that the organization had not received any official invitation. However, three individuals affiliated with the committee—Ali Ahsan Junayed, Rafi Salman Rifat, and spokesperson Riaz Hossain Abdul Moin Khan—are attending the visit on a personal basis.

During a meeting in Muscat with Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser Tawhid Hossain, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized certain Bangladeshi political figures for their contradictory stance. He pointed out that while some blame India for internal issues, they simultaneously seek strong bilateral relations. He stated that Dhaka must decide what kind of relationship it wants with New Delhi. Jaishankar also expressed concerns over communal violence in Bangladesh, reminding them of India’s role in 1971.