Let the truth be known: no one has any idea what’s going to happen to Bangladeshi politics.

To politicians – most of whom lack an iota of personal integrity – power is control over their citizens, patriotism is servility, and democracy is absolutism

A Tangail court yesterday issued arrest warrants against 10 fugitives, including Awami League lawmaker Amanur Rahman Khan Rana and his three brothers, in a case filed over the killing of Tangail AL leader Faruk Ahmed.

The government wants to hold on to power, using law enforcers, BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said, accusing it of turning the country into a "security state”.

For 91 days from January 5 to April 5 last year, there was hardly a single day when innocent people were not burnt to death or injured in arson attacks on public transports.

Ending its 17-year ties with the BNP-led alliance, a faction of the Islami Oikya Jote led by Abdul Latif Nejami yesterday quit the combine. Nejami, chairman of the Qawmi madrasa-based IOJ's faction, made the announcement at its triennial council at the capital's Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh. Talking to The Daily Star, several leaders of the Islamist party faction said they had no alternative but to quit the BNP-led alliance, as the government put “huge pressure” on them to quit the opposition combine.

The BNP is now concentrating on “positive politics” with nonviolent programmes like rallies, discussions, and human chains to compel the government to initiate talks with all political parties for an immediate national election.

It was a different day in our politics, imbued with hope that any flashpoint could be avoided with a democratic spirit. The ruling Awami League and its rival BNP deserve praise for making this difference on Tuesday.

For 91 days from January 6 to April 4 last year, there was hardly a single day when innocent people were not burnt to death or injured in arson attacks on public transports.

Bitterly criticising the BNP for its violent agitation last year, the ruling Awami League has called on its political foe to return to peaceful politics.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday urged the government to open talks with all political parties to find a solution to the “ongoing political crisis and restore democracy” in the country.

The BNP can hold today's rallies in Dhaka and Chittagong, but there are conditions.

The Awami League has instructed its leaders and activists to resist any attempts by BNP men to take to the streets tomorrow to create fresh controversies over the January 5, 2014, parliamentary election.

Move over selfie, India is embracing the "velfie" with Bollywood stars, sporting heroes and even politicians taking and posting videos of themselves online using a range of new mobile apps.