Rashed Khan, a leader of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, stated that appointing Ishraq Hossain as mayor would bring Dhaka a competent and people-friendly leader. In a statement, he criticized the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) for appointing their own people as administrators in Dhaka North and attempting to do the same in the South. However, the court ruled in Ishraq’s favor following the mass uprising. Despite this, the Ministry of Local Government appears unwilling to let a BNP leader like Ishraq assume office, fearing a shift of power away from the NCP. “Ishraq Hossain is a humble, public-oriented figure,” Khan said. “It is his rightful place.”

Ishraq Hossain has called on the Ministry of Local Government to arrange his swearing-in as the elected mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Speaking at a press conference, he set a one-month deadline for the ministry to take necessary action. Meanwhile, his supporters have locked all the gates of the DSCC headquarters, Nagar Bhaban, in protest. Today marks the third consecutive day of demonstrations under the banner Dhakabashi, demanding that Ishraq be allowed to assume office.

Over 200 members of the Tekarhat Fish Traders Association, including a banned Awami League leader and a former councillor, officially joined the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) in Madaripur’s Rajoir upazila. The event highlighted growing discontent with the ruling party and support for NCP’s anti-corruption stance. Leaders accused both the ruling and opposition parties of extortion and oppression. The new members pledged to build a strong base for NCP in the region and push for political reform.

JSD leader Tania Rob expressed concern over recent proposals involving a humanitarian corridor with Myanmar and the management of Chattogram Port, which have sparked public anxiety.
She emphasized that any agreement must prioritize national interest and be taken with public consensus.
“The public must be clearly informed about the rationale and benefits of these deals. Transparency is crucial,” she said.
She also stressed that constitutional and political reforms are vital to ensure that the fascist regime overthrown through public uprising does not return in any form.
“A free, fair, and inclusive election is essential to restore the country’s democratic path,” she concluded.

Police in India’s Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh claimed to have detained 90 Bangladeshi nationals, including 35 men, 27 women, and 28 children, during raids on several brick kilns.
SSP Shlok Kumar stated that the detainees admitted to being Bangladeshi citizens and failed to produce any valid documents.
Authorities said the group had entered Mathura through neighboring states around 3–4 months ago. Some Aadhaar cards were reportedly recovered from the group.

DSCC Administrator Md. Shahjahan Mia inaugurated a street named after July Uprising martyr Farhan Faiyaz in Dhanmondi.
The formerly known Old Road No. 27 has been renamed to honor Faiyaz, who was martyred there on July 18, 2024.
Faiyaz’s father, Shahidul Islam Bhuiyan, who was present at the ceremony, expressed his gratitude to the caretaker government and DSCC for commemorating his son’s sacrifice.
“I have lost my only son to the people's uprising — an irreparable loss. But this honor gives some solace,” he said.

Rashed Pradhan, Vice President of JAGPA, stated that in a Bangladesh free from the fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League, Indian hegemony will not be tolerated.
He noted that just as people fought for democracy during the July uprising, the same spirit must now defend the country’s independence and sovereignty.
He condemned the recent “push-ins” by Indian forces at the border, forcibly sending hundreds of displaced Rohingyas into Bangladesh, labeling it a direct threat to national sovereignty.
Pradhan called on the government to take a strong stance, even urging citizen patrols alongside border forces to stop further incursions.

BNP leader Zainul Abdin Farroque urged the government to initiate elections before incurring the fury of the people. “Instead of reforming the public, Sheikh Hasina herself should undergo reform,” he said.
He emphasized that BNP has shown patience and adhered to Tarique Rahman’s guidance over the past 17 years while demanding democratic elections.
Referring to Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Farroque said, “We hold great hope in you. It’s been nine months since the regime assumed power, yet now the talk of 'corridors' arises. The real reform — already outlined by Tarique Rahman — remains ignored.”
He concluded by saying, “We are proud of you. Don’t shatter that pride. Just as rivers change course after hitting rocks, let us avoid crashing into public rage and move towards elections.”

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced a ban on all types of rallies, processions, and public gatherings in several strategic areas of Dhaka, effective from Sunday until further notice.
The restricted zones include Kachukhet Road, areas from Bijoy Sarani to the Chief Adviser’s Office, the vicinity of Bir Sreshtho Jahangir Gate, BAF Shaheen College to Mohakhali Flyover, Sainik Club intersection, Bhashantek, Matikata, ECB Chattar, and surrounding areas. The measure aims to ensure smooth public movement and preserve law and order.

At least 200 workers at the International Classic Composite Ltd. garment factory in Naoujor, Gazipur fell ill after consuming contaminated water. The factory has since been shut down by authorities.
OC Shahin Khan confirmed that around 50 workers are currently undergoing treatment at various local hospitals, and the overall situation is under control.

In the past nine months, 38 attacks have been carried out against the July Warriors, including student activist Samya. Among these, 28 incidents were politically motivated. Two individuals were killed and at least 87 injured.
BanglaFact reports that Shahriar Alam Samya, a Dhaka University student and a July Warrior, was fatally stabbed late Tuesday night. Earlier, on February 7, during a protest at the residence of AKM Mozammel Haque, a youth named Abul Kashem succumbed to injuries following an attack on student demonstrators.

Supporters of Ishraque Hossain, who have been protesting for three consecutive days demanding that he be formally handed over mayoral responsibilities, declared Advisor Asif Mahmud persona non grata at Dhaka South City Corporation’s (DSCC) Nagar Bhaban.
Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, who carries out official duties under the Ministry of Local Government at Nagar Bhaban, did not report to the office on the day due to the ongoing demonstrations by Ishraque’s supporters.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that, after a long time, the party now has an opportunity to recruit new members — a chance that must be utilized. He emphasized that joining the BNP, the largest political party in the country, is a matter of pride. However, he cautioned that socially unacceptable individuals, such as extortionists, criminals, and corrupt figures, must not be allowed into the party.
He further stated that current members of the Awami League should not be recruited into BNP. However, those who were once AL supporters but did not obstruct BNP activities or commit any acts of oppression — and even supported BNP discreetly — may be considered for membership. “But no one should be inducted into the party in secret,” he warned.

Asif Mahmud, a senior adviser, announced that the government has taken initiatives to reduce internet prices, with the public expected to feel the impact within one to two months. “We’ve already reduced costs at the IIG and NTTN levels. Now the focus is on making internet access more affordable and user-friendly.”

He added that while education has benefited greatly from internet access, agriculture and healthcare still lag behind. Mahmud emphasized the need for improvement in these sectors. He also highlighted the challenges of maintaining mobile internet services during natural disasters like floods and storms, and mentioned ongoing efforts to define internet access as a civic right under the draft Cyber Security Ordinance. “This will be a major achievement for our government,” he concluded.

During peace talks held in Istanbul, head of the Russian delegation Vladimir Medinsky stated, “We do not want war, but we are prepared to continue fighting—one year, two years, even 21 years. We fought Sweden for that long before.”

Ukraine reportedly rejected Russia’s demand to withdraw its forces from four regions. In response to Ukraine’s strong objection, Russian negotiators warned, “Next time, the demand will include five regions.” Despite these tensions, both sides agreed to a prisoner exchange involving 1,000 individuals.