BNP leader Aminul Haque emphasized that free and fair elections are crucial for achieving complete reforms and advancing towards true democracy. Speaking at a sports event on Friday afternoon, he stated that many sectors of the state remain unstable and are plagued by conspiracies within state institutions. He insisted that to put an end to these issues, free and fair elections are necessary. Addressing the interim government, Haque warned that any attempts to delay the elections under the guise of reforms would not be accepted by the people. He highlighted the importance of elections, citing how the people of Bangladesh overthrew a fascist government that lasted seventeen years, paving the way for a democratic state.

A court has issued an order to frame charges against Additional Police Superintendent Mohammad Nazmul Hasan Rajib in a dowry-related case involving his second wife. The plaintiff’s lawyer, Zulfiqar Ali, informed that the court passed this order during the hearing on Thursday. According to the allegations, on October 26, 2023, Nazmul married the plaintiff while concealing his first marriage. He allegedly took a dowry of 21 lakh 40 thousand Taka and subjected the plaintiff to abuse when she refused to meet further demands. This led to the filing of the case. Additionally, there is an ongoing case against him for fetal homicide.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has condemned Chhatra Dal for attacking Fazle Rabbi Sifat, a Chhatra Shibir leader, and allegedly forcing him to record a video in police presence. The organization warned of rising student violence, resembling past fascist tendencies, and urged Chhatra Dal to shift towards intellectual politics. They also called for patience among student groups and stronger action from the interim government to restore law and order. Meanwhile, interim government adviser Mahfuz Alam is monitoring the legal process and maintaining communication with the victim’s side.

A group of current and former students from Dhaka University staged a protest against a rape incident that took place on a moving bus en route to Rajshahi. The demonstration was supported by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the Bangladesh Student Rights Council. Protesters blamed the government for a culture of impunity regarding sexual violence and demanded the resignation of the Home Adviser. Sumaiya Akter, one of the protestors, stated, “Even though we have fought for an equal Bangladesh, we still have to take to the streets against violence against women on February 21.” She further criticized the Home Adviser for remaining silent while perpetrators escape justice. Protesters also alleged that rapists often receive protection from political leaders, allowing them to evade legal consequences.

Malaysia has lifted the ban on Indian Islamic scholar and speaker Dr. Zakir Naik from delivering public speeches. The restriction, imposed temporarily in 2019, is no longer in effect, according to Malaysian media. During a parliamentary session, a member of parliament questioned the Home Minister about whether the ban on Naik was still in place. In response, the minister confirmed that the restriction was temporary and has since been lifted. Al Jazeera reports that Zakir Naik remains on India’s wanted list over allegations of money laundering and promoting hate speech. In 2019, Malaysia took a stance against him after his controversial remarks about Malaysian Hindus and Chinese communities sparked outrage.

A tragic accident on the Bogura-Nogoa highway resulted in the death of four passengers when a truck collided with an auto van. The incident took place at Dupchanchia Mail Bus Stand around 8:30 PM on February 21. The victims, returning from a tile factory, were traveling in the auto van when its axle broke, causing the truck to crash into it. Three others were seriously injured. Authorities are investigating, and the truck driver remains at large.

BNP leader Kazi Syedul Alam Babul highlighted that the people of Kaliakair had not had an MP for the past 30 to 40 years, and yet Rahmat Ali from Sripur had served as an MP three times. Babul criticized the fact that A.K.M. Mojammel Hossain, who was not even a local voter, repeatedly became an MP through “night voting” orchestrated by Sheikh Hasina. Despite being appointed minister, his actions did not benefit the local area, Babul argued. He added that BNP aims to present its 31-point agenda, which outlines the future of democracy, development, and reforms in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and industry.

Central BNP leader Hasan Uddin Sarkar accused the Awami League of engaging in politics of looting. He said that politics should be for the welfare of people, but under Hasina’s leadership, it was about plundering. He pointed out that Hasina’s peon, Jahangir, claimed to own 400 crore Taka. Sarkar suggested that if a peon could amass such wealth, Hasina must have embezzled billions. This, he stated, is the reason why she had to flee. He warned BNP members not to engage in land-grabbing, extortion, or petty conflicts, as failure to avoid such activities could result in action from the party’s high command.

A fire at a mill near Talatla Market in Khilgaon, Dhaka, was brought under control after two hours of intense effort by Fire Service teams. Ten fire units worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, which was finally under control by 9:35 PM on Friday. Fire Service officials reported that the fire started around 7:30 PM in a garage corner and quickly spread to the mill. Explosions were heard from cylinders in the garage, causing significant damage to many vehicles.

Renowned poet Abdul Hai Shikdar has stated that Bangladesh’s independence will be at risk if the aspirations of the July Revolution are not understood. Speaking at a conference titled Contemporary Bangladesh, he emphasized that appointing Dr. Yunus as the Chief Adviser was one of the best decisions made by the students. He argued that without this, India would have strangled the revolution in its cradle. He further stressed the need to provide the Chief Adviser with a path for stability and peaceful resolution. Shikdar also warned that India could disintegrate Bangladesh within 24 hours, adding that only Yunus’ influence keeps Modi acting like a meek cat.

For the first time in years, the traditional Ekushey February gathering at Benapole between people from both Bengals did not take place. Every year, this emotional reunion would see people from both sides embracing each other, wearing black badges, and offering floral tributes. The song “Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano Ekushey February” would resonate across the no man’s land, adorned with banners and festoons. Thousands would gather at the Shaheed Minar to pay their respects. However, this year, that scene was absent. Previously, government representatives and ministers from both countries would visit each other’s territories to place wreaths at the Shaheed Minar. Since the Hasina administration, the joint arrangement has not been held. However, reports suggest that a small event was organized on the Indian side at Petrapole.

The Champions Trophy continues to be embroiled in controversies. When India refused to play in Pakistan, a hybrid model was introduced. When concerns arose about wearing jerseys with “Pakistan” written on them, a solution was found. Yesterday, Bangladesh played against India, but during the live broadcast, Pakistan’s name was missing from the Champions Trophy branding logo. This prompted Pakistan to seek an explanation from the ICC. In response, the ICC admitted its mistake and assured that it would not happen again. During the Bangladesh-India match, the on-screen logo only displayed “Champions Trophy 2025,” which Pakistan claims is a violation of regulations requiring the host nation’s name to be included.

A devastating fire broke out at a sawmill near Taltola Market in Khilgaon, Dhaka, spreading to a nearby vehicle garage. Several gas cylinders exploded, intensifying the blaze. Ten fire service units are working to control the fire. Locals reported hearing multiple explosions, and some fear people may be trapped inside. Business owners claim many vehicles were destroyed. Despite early fire alerts, response delays worsened the damage. The exact cause remains unknown, and no casualties have been confirmed yet.

A Dhaka court has granted a two-day remand for five individuals arrested under the Arms Act following a reported gunfight with joint security forces at Chand Udyan in Mohammadpur. The detainees—Md. Miraj (25), Al Amin (24), Mohammad Hossain (24), Mominul (20), and Mehdi Hasan (19)—were presented before the court, where law enforcement requested a seven-day remand. The court, however, approved a two-day remand for each. According to the case details, security forces were conducting a patrol when the accused allegedly opened fire without warning. In response, the forces retaliated, resulting in the deaths of three individuals.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs and BNP leader Lutfuzzaman Babar has returned to Bangladesh after performing Umrah and undergoing medical treatment. He arrived at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday afternoon on a flight from Singapore. The information was confirmed by BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan. Earlier, on January 30, Babar left Dhaka for Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. However, during a layover in Dubai, he fell ill and was hospitalized before continuing his journey to Saudi Arabia.