Last Thursday, a controversy arose when an Awami League leader, Longa Babu, a suspect in the July Revolution-related Minhaz murder case, was initially detained by police but later released. This prompted public criticism. The leader was re-arrested later that evening, and an investigation committee has been formed to look into the incident. The Officer-in-Charge (OC) stated that Babu was released initially due to signs of a heart attack, but he was arrested again after further review.

On Monday (February 24), after a hearing at the Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Dhaka, former Minister Amin Hossain Amu was formally arrested in connection with the Mizanur Rahman murder case. During the proceedings, he was seated on a wooden stool at the dock, where he listened to the hearing for 20 minutes. At 10:11 AM, Amu and ten other former ministers and mayors of the Awami League government were brought to court. They stood at the dock during the proceedings.

A report titled “72 Rapes in the Last 65 Hours,” published in Daily Janakantha, has been debunked as false. The article, which used screenshots of old news to claim the incidents occurred within 65 hours, was found to be inaccurate. The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing clarified the information, stating that exaggerated reports or false statistics on such serious crimes create confusion. The interim government remains committed to bringing all offenders of rape incidents to justice.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will embark on an official visit to Turkey today, Monday, according to Anadolu Agency. The visit will focus on discussions between Lavrov and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on bilateral cooperation, trade, energy, and tourism. The two ministers are also expected to discuss the resolution of the Ukraine conflict through a just and lasting peace, as well as the recent dialogue between the United States and Russia, with Turkey’s involvement. Additionally, reports suggest that Turkey may present its plan to eliminate “terrorist forces” from Syria during this visit. The regional stability and territorial integrity, including discussions on Israel, will also be key topics of conversation between the two ministers.

On February 25 and 26, 2009, 57 army officers were killed in a BDR mutiny at the Pilkhana headquarters in Dhaka. At the time, Sohail Taj, the then Minister of State for Home Affairs, was abroad in the United States. Journalist Elias Hossain, writing from abroad, claimed that army sources had suggested Sohail Taj may have been involved in the BDR killings. Elias warned that Taj should be cautious to prevent his escape abroad. In response, Sohail Taj condemned these allegations as propaganda and expressed his readiness to cooperate with investigations, but also stated that he would not return to politics.

On February 25 and 26, 2009, the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) Headquarters in Pilkhana, Dhaka, was attacked by rebel soldiers, resulting in the deaths of 57 army officers. At the time, Sohel Taj, the then-State Minister for Home Affairs, was residing in the United States. Expatriate journalist Elias Hossain has written that military sources had informed him of Sohel Taj’s potential involvement in the BDR massacre. Elias warned that Taj should be cautious about traveling abroad. In response, Sohel Taj condemned these claims as propaganda and expressed his readiness to cooperate with any investigations, while also stating that he would not enter politics at this time.

The Bangladesh Air Force has dismissed reports that local miscreants from Samitipara launched a surprise attack on the Cox’s Bazar Air Force base on Monday, calling the news misleading. Meanwhile, ISPR stated that rumors are being spread claiming that a young man was killed by Air Force gunfire in Cox’s Bazar. According to the statement, a sudden attack by some local miscreants left four Air Force personnel injured, who are currently undergoing treatment.

Zakir Hossain (32), the personal secretary of former mayor Jahangir Alam, was detained by students and handed over to the police. The incident occurred around 12:30 AM on Sunday at Chandna Chourasta area. Following his arrest, Zakir was implicated in several cases, including extortion, land grabbing, and anti-discrimination student movements. Officer-in-charge of Basan Police Station, Kaisar Ahmed, confirmed that Zakir is facing multiple charges. As part of a special operation, dubbed “Operation Devil Hunt,” he was arrested and sent to jail following a court order.

Abdur Rouf Talukder, the last Governor of the Central Bank during the League government, took office on July 12, 2022. Upon assuming his duties, he made several promises, including restoring discipline in the banking sector, solving liquidity issues, and reducing non-performing loans. However, the situation took a turn for the worse. Rather than restoring discipline, bank takeovers and looting occurred, with sources claiming that Governor Talukder himself facilitated these actions. He is alleged to have relaxed existing bank policies, enabling widespread looting. Under his tenure, the highest amount of currency in history was printed, leading to an increase in inflation. Reports also suggest that Talukder proactively handed over control of one bank to its attackers.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has expressed his desire to make Pakistan a nation greater than India. Speaking at a large rally on Sunday, he said, “One day, we will leave India behind. And if we fail to do that, my name won’t be Shahbaz Sharif. We will work day and night to transform Pakistan into a great nation and surpass India.” Shahbaz added that his government is focused on achieving economic stability, with the goal of reducing Pakistan’s reliance on foreign loans.

পুলিশের আইজিপি বাহারুল আলম জানিয়েছেন, ছিনতাইরোধে পুলিশের তিনটি বিশেষায়িত ইউনিট সোমবার সকাল থেকে মাঠে নামছে। ঢাকা মেট্রোপলিটন পুলিশ, র‍্যাব ও এন্টি টেরোরিজম ইউনিট যৌথ অভিযান চালাবে। আইজিপি বলেন, দিনেরাতে ছিনতাই বেড়েছে। ছিনতাই প্রতিরোধে সোমবার সকাল থেকে বিশেষ একটি ব্যবস্থা বাস্তবায়ন করার সিদ্ধান্ত নেওয়া হয়েছে। এভাবে উন্নতি না হলে আমাদের অন্য পরিকল্পনায় যেতে হবে। বাহারুল বলেন, একটি গোষ্ঠী চায় না বাংলাদেশে স্থিতিশীল পরিবেশ বজায় থাক। সেটার পেছনে রাজনৈতিক উদ্দেশ্য থাকতে পারে। তিনি বলেন, অপারেশন ডেভিল হান্ট মূলত যারা সন্ত্রাস করে, সমাজবিরোধী তাদের বিরুদ্ধে।

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizens Committee have organized a press conference to announce the launch of a new political party. The conference will take place at 7 PM on Monday at the Citizens Committee office in Rupayan Tower, Banglamotor, Dhaka. This initiative aims to address issues of discrimination and provide a platform for citizens to actively engage in politics. The press conference will mark the official beginning of this new political endeavor.

Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman has instructed military personnel to maintain patience and avoid excessive use of force while ensuring law and order until an elected government takes office. Speaking at an event at Savar Cantonment, he emphasized that any use of force must be strictly proportionate and kept to a minimum. “We must continue serving the nation until we have an elected government and the country is stable. Until then, we must perform our duties with patience,” General Waqar stated.

A new report by Al Jazeera, citing Access Now’s global internet shutdown study, reveals that Israel has restricted internet access in Gaza six times in 2024, more than any other country in the Middle East and North Africa. Despite international condemnation, Israeli occupation forces have deliberately disrupted Gaza’s internet and telecommunications infrastructure, a move the report likens to war crimes. The blackouts have severely impacted communication in the besieged Palestinian territory, drawing widespread criticism from human rights organizations.

Government officers under the Inter-Cadre Discrimination Elimination Council have temporarily suspended their planned half-day work stoppage to honor National Martyrs’ Day on Tuesday. A statement from the protesting officers indicated that if all suspensions and departmental cases against 25 cadre officers are not withdrawn by February 27 and no effective measures are taken to address inter-cadre disparities, a full-day strike will be observed on March 2. They have also warned of stricter actions if their demands remain unmet. Notably, 12 officers from the 25-cadre group were recently suspended for their social media posts.