BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s adviser Zainul Abedin Faruk declared that if his party comes to power, no fascist forces will emerge in Bangladesh. He called for unity to prevent the return of dictatorship and stressed the need for media and constitutional institutions to operate independently. He urged the Chief Adviser to announce an election roadmap without delay and welcomed the formation of the new political party. Faruk also warned against market syndicates exploiting Ramadan and called for proactive measures to control commodity prices.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain revealed that there is no clear information on how USAID’s $29 million funding, intended to strengthen Bangladesh’s political landscape, was distributed. He stated that the NGO Affairs Bureau reported having no record of such an entry. He emphasized that no funds can be withdrawn without NGO Bureau approval, yet the allocation remains unclear. He assured that more information would be shared as it becomes available.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman cautioned that unnecessary debates should not create opportunities for autocratic forces and their allies. He warned that excessive discussions on reforms could overshadow the country’s core issues. Rahman urged for a swift election and stressed that BNP, as a pro-democracy force, must continue its efforts to restore democracy in Bangladesh. He asserted that ensuring people’s right to vote is paramount and would ultimately free the nation from oppressive forces. He also expressed frustration over BNP leaders and activists still being summoned in fabricated cases orchestrated by the ruling regime.

Muntasir Al Jemi, a death row convict in the brutal murder of BUET student Abrar Fahad, has escaped from prison. Although the escape occurred on August 5 last year, the authorities only disclosed the information on February 24—six months later. Abrar’s younger brother, Abrar Faiyaz, confirmed the news. According to prison officials, Jemi was among 202 inmates who broke out of Gazipur prison. Among them, 86 were on death row. So far, 51 escapees, including 35 death row inmates, have been recaptured. Authorities continue their efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitives.

At a discussion held at the Nagarik Oikya office in Dhaka on Sunday, party President Mahmudur Rahman Manna emphasized that Bangladesh is moving toward a universally acceptable election. He stated that reforms are crucial in this process and cannot be bypassed with shortcuts. The discussion, titled “July Uprising and Bangladesh Politics,” saw the participation of representatives from 20 districts. A 64-page booklet was also released on the occasion. Manna remarked that the July uprising was a response to the regime’s widespread abductions, murders, and oppression. He further noted that law and order remained stable even in the absence of a government, and the interim administration was following a democratic process.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman held a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to discuss the country’s special circumstances. He was accompanied by the party’s Naib-e-Ameer and former MP Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher. According to Jamaat’s office, the discussions revolved around the overall national situation. Following the meeting, Jamaat announced the temporary suspension of its previously declared mass sit-in and the voluntary arrest program of its Ameer in front of the court premises.

In an early morning operation on Monday, RAB-11, CPC-2 Comilla arrested four professional muggers in possession of weapons. The arrested individuals are Ashiqur Rahman (32), Jamil Hossain (19), Jisan (19), and Asifur Rahman Asif (22). Authorities recovered a switchblade, a knife, an anti-cutter, two screwdrivers, a flashlight, and marijuana from their possession. Law enforcement officials stated that the gang engaged in extortion and mugging by holding people at gunpoint.

More than 150,000 Canadians have signed a parliamentary petition seeking to revoke Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship, The Guardian reports. The petition argues that Musk is a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has previously threatened to undermine Canada’s sovereignty and integrate the country as the 51st U.S. state if re-elected. The petition was submitted to the House of Commons by British Columbia-based author Qualia Reed. Born in South Africa, Musk holds Canadian citizenship through his mother and currently heads a key division in the Trump administration.

A massive fire broke out in the Sajek tourist area of Rangamati around 12:30 PM on Monday (February 24) and remains uncontrolled despite four hours of effort. The fire reportedly started from an electrical short circuit in a resort. The army and locals are assisting in firefighting, but water shortages are hindering efforts. Over 50 resorts, houses, and restaurants have been destroyed. No casualties have been reported so far. Authorities have requested helicopter assistance to help contain the fire.

Eight people were killed in a shooting carried out by gunmen in Mexico’s Guanajuato state, one of the country’s most violent regions, according to an AFP report. The prosecutor’s office confirmed that the victims included five women and three men, though their identities have not yet been disclosed. Guanajuato, a major industrial hub and home to several popular tourist destinations, has witnessed multiple violent incidents in recent years. No arrests have been made in connection with the attack. In 2023, a similar attack in the region left seven people dead, including a child. Since the Mexican government deployed the military against drug cartels in 2006, more than 480,000 people have been killed due to drug-related violence, according to official data.

A fire broke out at a jute warehouse in the Adamjee Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Narayanganj’s Siddhirganj on Monday (February 24) at around 9:30 AM. Two firefighting units managed to bring the blaze under control after an hour of efforts, confirmed Mohammad Miron Mia, an officer at Adamjee Fire Service. The fire reportedly started at the rear section of a warehouse belonging to U.H.M. Limited, a garment factory. Factory personnel initially attempted to put out the fire but failed, prompting them to call the fire service. The extent of the damage has not yet been determined.

Sarjis Alam, a coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, announced that the movement, along with the National Citizens Committee, will soon launch a new political party. The unveiling is scheduled for February 28 at 3:00 PM on Manik Mia Avenue, near the National Parliament. Alam emphasized the need for a strong political party to realize the dreams of a new Bangladesh, standing on the sacrifices of past martyrs and promising a better future for the next generation.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary General, Professor Mia Golam Porwar, announced that, considering the current national situation, the party has canceled its planned mass sit-in in front of the Chief Adviser’s office on February 25. Additionally, the previously declared voluntary imprisonment campaign by Jamaat’s Amir, Shafiqur Rahman, in the court premises has also been called off. Senior leadership requests were cited as the reason behind this decision. The announcement was originally made by the Jamaat Amir on Facebook on February 21.

Mahmudullah will be part of Bangladesh’s playing XI for today’s match against New Zealand. The all-rounder has been actively participating in practice sessions in Rawalpindi, including a fitness test. Back in Cardiff, it was Mahmudullah who guided Bangladesh to a victory over New Zealand, securing a spot in the Champions Trophy semifinals. Can Mahmudullah once again lift Bangladesh from the edge of defeat? Though he missed the game against India due to injury, he is now fully fit and ready to play against New Zealand. As a result, Soumya will be making way for him.

Dr. Atiur Rahman served as the Governor of Bangladesh Bank from 2009 to 2016, inheriting a strong banking sector. However, his tenure saw mismanagement, operational weaknesses, and undermining of the central bank’s autonomy, which ultimately weakened the sector. He played a pivotal role in the destruction of the banking industry. In early 2010, the Hallmark and Basic Bank scandals rocked Sonali Bank, leading to massive fraud at both institutions. Despite the scale of these scams, under Atiur’s leadership, Bangladesh Bank failed to take decisive action. During his time, the focus shifted to facilitating defaulters, and it was under his watch that Bangladesh Bank’s reserve funds were looted.