The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against Nazrul Islam Majumder, the founder of NASA Group and former chairman of Exim Bank, for accumulating illegal assets worth 781 crore 31 lakh 22 thousand 454 Taka. The ACC alleges that Majumder used his power to acquire wealth through corruption, bribery, and money laundering, which is disproportionate to his known income. The case includes charges of embezzlement, financial irregularities, and illegal wealth acquisition.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has called for the immediate release of ATM Azharul Islam, the party’s Assistant Secretary General. In a statement, he condemned the Awami League government’s actions, accusing it of filing false cases and orchestrating judicial killings against Jamaat leaders. Azharul Islam, arrested in 2011, has faced severe torture, wrongful imprisonment, and denial of justice. Despite the regime change in 2024, he remains incarcerated, prompting calls for his immediate release from the interim government.

The Farazi Movement, led by Haji Shariatullah in 1818, holds significant relevance in today’s religious, social, and political contexts. It aimed to revive Islamic duties and protect against superstitions, religious distortions, and exploitation by landlords. The movement, which gained momentum in Bengal and Assam, emphasized unity among Muslims, promoted religious reforms, and stood against British colonial exploitation. Despite facing opposition, it remains a pivotal historical reform movement that paved the way for future struggles for rights and societal change.

Jubo Dal staged a protest in Dhaka, demanding the immediate trial of Sheikh Hasina and condemning the Awami League’s alleged attempts to create disorder. The rally started from Gulshan-2 and ended in Banani, with Dhaka North Jubo Dal leaders participating. Convenor Sharif Uddin Jewel accused the interim government of delaying justice and urged them to bring Hasina back from India, even seeking Interpol’s help if necessary. He also called for urgent electoral reforms to ensure free and fair elections.

Eighteen Bangladesh women footballers, who had threatened mass retirement demanding coach Peter Butler’s removal, have withdrawn their protest. Despite multiple meetings, they initially refused to train under Butler, putting their future at risk. However, BFF Women’s Wing Chairman Mahfuza Akter convinced them to return. The players will take a short break before rejoining training but will miss the UAE tour. Bangladesh will face the UAE on February 26 and March 2, but none of the 18 rebel players are in the squad.

A women-led rally has begun at Shahbagh, demanding the trial of Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League for the alleged genocide during the July Movement. Organized under the banner “Women of July,” the protest started at 4 PM in front of the National Museum. Female activists, university leaders, and martyr families gathered from 2 PM. Speakers emphasized women’s historic role in movements despite continued neglect. The event is led by the National Citizen Committee’s women’s wing, with prominent activists in attendance.

Senior officials linked to the so-called ‘Police League’ forced Bangladesh’s Narcotics Department to change its newly introduced uniform, citing similarities with police attire. Despite a government committee’s ruling that the colors were distinct, high-ranking police officials pressured the department to comply. The uniform switch cost the government over Tk 4 crore, with the contract awarded to a company linked to an ex-Awami League MP. Further controversy arose as lab tests revealed the new uniforms were of substandard quality, sparking widespread dissatisfaction among officers.

The press secretary of the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, announced that the media’s role during the July 1–August 5 period will be thoroughly documented. He emphasized the need for an in-depth review of media coverage in major incidents over the last 15 years. The interim government aims to create a space where all voices are heard, including media critical of the government. A robust environment for accountable journalism will be established, ensuring that all governments remain answerable for their actions.

The Border Security Force (BSF) has obstructed the repair work of a railway bridge located at the Hili border in Dinajpur. Frustrated locals have expressed dissatisfaction after the issue could not be resolved in a meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and BSF. Sources reveal that a railway line runs through the Hili border, and the repair of the bridge became necessary after stones beneath the bridge shifted. Authorities began repairs, but BSF halted the work just hours later. Following a flag meeting, when railway authorities resumed the repairs, BSF blocked them once again. In response, BGB has stated that the BSF has no right to stop the work and has urged railway authorities to proceed with the repairs.

A satirical cartoon depicting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with shackles on his hands and feet in front of U.S. President Donald Trump was published by Vikatan, a century-old weekly magazine in Tamil Nadu. The controversial illustration sparked a massive outcry, with allegations that the magazine’s website was blocked shortly after its release. According to a report by ABP Ananda, this incident came to light after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised objections against the magazine. The incident has raised concerns about the curtailment of press freedom in India. Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister has condemned the act. The cartoon was created in response to the issue of forcibly sending back illegal immigrants, symbolized by shackles on their hands and feet.

The United States has canceled significant foreign aid to Bangladesh and several other nations, including a $29 million initiative aimed at enhancing political stability in Bangladesh. This decision, announced by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under CEO Elon Musk, is part of a broader budget-cutting strategy led by the Trump administration. Other affected countries include India, Mozambique, Cambodia, and Nepal. The cuts align with efforts to reduce the U.S. budget deficit and prevent national bankruptcy.

BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi criticized the demand for local government elections before the national elections, calling it a malicious attempt by certain political parties. Speaking after paying respects at the grave of Ziaur Rahman, Rizvi stated, “Sheikh Hasina has a sinister plan in place, and we must thwart this conspiracy by holding the national election swiftly.” He also accused the Yunus government of delaying elections and emphasized that the nation is waiting for free, fair, and impartial elections. Rizvi called for immediate electoral reforms and demanded a fixed election deadline.

The Dhaka City Drama Festival, which was scheduled for February 15, was canceled due to internal conflicts. Convener of the Drama Council, Thandu Raihan, confirmed that an order to cancel the event came from the police. In response, Cultural Advisor Mustafa Sarwar Farooki clarified on Facebook that the police had not canceled the event but were prepared to provide security. The main issue stemmed from allegations that some theatre workers, who had made statements during the July popular uprising, were using the festival for rehabilitation. This raised public outcry, and as a result, the Women’s Association canceled the event’s funding. The Advisor expressed regret over the situation, calling it a diversion from the original purpose.

Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus addressed the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) at a recent conference, stating that there is no need to work under pressure or threats from anyone. “You should do what is right for the country, based on the law, as per your own judgment,” he said. Yunus further emphasized that each DC should strive to be number one in their respective districts through creative initiatives, encouraging healthy competition, as no one would want to be ranked last. He also announced the cancellation of the verification process for passports, deeming them as basic civil rights like the National ID and birth registration.

On February 15, during the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the creation of a unified European military force. He emphasized that Europe must become self-reliant in the face of ongoing threats from Russia and the uncertainties posed by the United States. Zelensky insisted that Europe’s future should depend on Europeans themselves and that decisions affecting Europe should be made within Europe. He stated, “Ukraine will never accept any agreements made behind our backs without our involvement.” Zelensky also confirmed that Ukraine would not accept any ceasefire without real security guarantees and emphasized that NATO membership remains a possibility for Ukraine.