The Malaysian government has proposed making the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) mandatory for foreign workers while reducing their contribution rate from 12% to just 2%. This has sparked serious concerns regarding the financial security and social protection of migrant workers. Glorene Das, Executive Director of Tenaganita, criticized the move, stating that it would further marginalize foreign workers, who are already subject to systemic discrimination despite their significant contributions to the local economy. She added that migrant workers still lack equal protections compared to Malaysians. The proposed changes indicate that foreign laborers are being treated as mere commodities for economic gain rather than as integral contributors to Malaysia’s growth.

Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain, Adviser on Religious Affairs, visited the historic Rankut Bonashram Buddhist Monastery in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar, on Monday at 3 PM. The monastery’s chief abbot, Sri Jyotisen Mahathero, along with local Buddhist leaders, welcomed him with floral greetings. Recalling his past, the adviser mentioned that he had first visited the monastery while pursuing his master’s degree at Chittagong University in 1983-84. He had also written three articles on the monastery’s history for Bangladesh Times during that period. He expressed his delight at revisiting the site after so many years and pledged financial assistance for its development. He also signed the visitor’s book, praising the monastery’s contributions.

At a rally in Cox’s Bazar’s Golchattar field, BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed claimed that Sheikh Hasina “buried” the Awami League on August 5, 2024. He stated that the party met its political demise through a mass uprising, and its “burial” took place in Delhi. He further accused Sheikh Hasina of attempting to create instability by occasionally “speaking from the grave,” but asserted that such efforts would never succeed. Addressing the interim government, he urged them to announce an election roadmap promptly if they had sincere intentions. Salahuddin also called for urgent measures to stabilize law and order and control rising commodity prices.

Indian media had made several misleading and derogatory remarks about the July Movement, but the recently released documentary on the movement serves as a strong rebuttal, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Speaking at the anniversary event of Kubisas, he expressed his appreciation for how universities like Jahangirnagar University (JU), Islamic University (IU), and North South University (NSU) joined Comilla University in releasing documentaries on the movement. He emphasized that these documentaries highlight the active participation of students from even the remotest regions outside Dhaka. He also praised the contributions of female students during the movement and urged students to continue advocating for their rights.

On Monday, February 17, the family of Shaheed Jewel (30), who was killed during the mass uprising, objected to the court-ordered exhumation of his body for an autopsy in Nandail Upazila. After waiting for several hours, Nandail Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Faizur Rahman had to return without carrying out the order. According to reports, Jewel, a garment worker, was shot dead by police in Gazipur’s Mawna. However, no autopsy was conducted at the time of his death. On September 3, his wife filed a case with Sripur Police Station in Gazipur, accusing 110 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina, along with 200 unidentified persons. Seven months later, the court ordered an autopsy by exhuming the body. Jewel’s grieving mother lamented, saying she would not be able to bear the pain of seeing her son’s body exhumed.

In a statement on Monday afternoon, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of the Police Headquarters, Md. Inamul Haque Sagar, revealed that in a joint forces special operation, 1,503 individuals had been arrested across the country, including in the capital. The arrestees face charges related to murder, vandalism, violence, and various terrorist activities, with many of them being armed. Sagar mentioned that in the past 24 hours, the special operation ‘Operation Devil Hunt’ led to the arrest of 529 individuals, while 974 others were arrested on charges related to cases and warrants, bringing the total number of arrests to 1,503.

At a program organized at Hatir Teesta in Lalmonirhat, Mirza Fakhrul Islam addressed India saying, “Stop your elder-brother, tough-guy behavior with us. We want to stand on our own feet. We want to claim our fair share. We do want to see India as a friend, but that friendship must come with respect and the fulfillment of our rightful demands.” He also mentioned, “On one hand, India denies us our rightful share of water, and on the other, it shelters the perpetrator of the 17-year-long genocide and torture, Hasina.” The BNP leader emphasized that the struggle for a fair share of water is not just an issue of resources, but a fight for survival for the people of Bangladesh.

During the launch of a 48-hour sit-in program for the Teesta River Protection Movement on Monday afternoon, held on the banks of the Teesta River under the slogan ‘Save Teesta, Wake Up!’, Mirza Fakhrul Islam, the main speaker, addressed India clearly. He said, “If you want to have a friendly relationship with the people of Bangladesh, first give us the water of the Teesta. Stop the border killings. I have said this before, and I am saying it again now.” He further added, “They are generating electricity by building dams on all international rivers, while the people of Bangladesh are unable to produce crops, their harvests are being destroyed, and they are deprived of their livelihoods, including fishing!” In this context, he urged the interim government to speak out and demand a fair share of water, instead of maintaining neutrality everywhere.

A new organization is being formed under the leadership of Abu Baker Majumdar, former coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, with the slogan “Student First, Bangladesh First.” This was announced today by Abu Baker Majumdar during a press conference at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen. Regarding the new initiative, Abdul Kader mentioned, “During the movement, students from almost all political parties joined. Everyone has returned to their respective parties. However, we decided to create a new student organization to provide a platform for those who were not part of any political student organization.” He emphasized that this move should not be viewed as a division of the anti-discrimination student movement or as something requiring permission. Rifat Rashid added that this organization is independent and distinct from the anti-discrimination student movement, marking the establishment of a separate political student group.

On Monday, following an application by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), a court ordered the seizure of eight flats, 52 bighas of land, and a four-story building belonging to Nizam Uddin Hazari’s wife, Noorjahan Begum. Additionally, her shares and 30 bank accounts have been frozen. Earlier, on October 17, a court imposed a travel ban on Nizam Uddin Hazari and his wife. The seized properties are estimated to be worth hundreds of crores of taka.

According to a report by the Turkish Anadolu Agency on Monday, Israeli forces launched a new military operation in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus. Eyewitnesses reported that the Israeli army entered the Old City of Nablus, conducting several house searches. After seizing a Palestinian vehicle, the troops left the area. This operation followed a military raid in the Old City of Nablus on Sunday, which resulted in 14 Palestinians being injured, including four children. Israeli military operations in this region have been ongoing since January 21, resulting in at least 55 deaths and the displacement of thousands of people.

Faruk I Azam, advisor to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, announced that the martyrs of the student and people’s uprising will be recognized as “July Shaheed” (July Martyrs), and the injured will be referred to as “July Yoddha” (July Warriors). Speaking at the District Commissioner’s conference on Monday, he mentioned that the Ministry of Health has categorized the injured into three groups. The beneficiaries will receive identification cards and other government benefits, including lifelong healthcare and allowances. He expressed hope that the next elected government would continue to uphold the spirit of the July Uprising.

Farida Akhter, advisor to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, announced that the government will export 11,000 metric tons of Hilsa to Bangladeshis residing in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. She explained that Hilsa exports have been suspended since 2012 due to restrictions, but with a production of 530,000 metric tons in the 2023-24 fiscal year, the government is committed to ensuring that Hilsa is available to the local population at controlled prices. She further mentioned that the decision to export Hilsa to those working abroad and sending remittances, who also participated in the July uprising, has been finalized.

On Monday afternoon, families of the injured and martyrs of the People’s Uprising staged a sit-in protest by blocking roads at Shahbagh in the capital. This led to severe traffic congestion around the area. Their demands include providing a monthly allowance of 20,000 taka and a one-time payment for those who have permanently lost their ability to work. They also request that the responsible family members be given training and employment in government or semi-government institutions. For those who have recovered and are capable of working, they seek a monthly allowance of 15,000 taka and similar employment opportunities. Additionally, they have called for the implementation of a safety law for the injured and martyr families.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent his foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, and top foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, to Saudi Arabia to meet with U.S. officials. The main topics of discussion will include the restoration of Russia-U.S. relations and the potential for peace talks regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are also expected to attend. The meeting is part of preparations for a potential summit between President Trump and President Putin.