Japan will provide a $5.45 million grant to help Bangladesh monitor air pollution. Representatives from both governments signed an agreement, with Bangladesh’s ERD Secretary, Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi, and JICA’s Chief Representative Ichiguchi Tomohide as signatories. The Environment Ministry will implement the project from March 2025 to June 2028. It aims to measure and analyze air pollution, particularly vehicle emissions. Continuous air monitoring stations will be set up in Dhaka and Chattogram to track pollution levels.

According to Bangladesh Bank, remittances from expatriates amounted to $2.18523 billion in January. Due to the blockade, internet shutdown, and bank closures, remittances declined in July, the month of the mass uprising. However, after the victory of the uprising, expatriates began sending more remittances. • August: $2.22415 billion • September: $2.40479 billion • October: $2.39508 billion • November: $2.63878 billion Following this trend, January saw a significant inflow of remittances. The largest share of these funds was received by private banks.

Police arrested seven robbers linked to an inter-district gang after a robbery in Bogura Sadar on January 28. The robbers, who tied up the family and looted goods and 50,000 taka, left behind a pair of shoes and a cloth bag, which led to their identification. During the operation, police recovered several pieces of gold jewelry, rings, and 3,500 taka in cash. The robbers were arrested early on February 2 after a covert investigation based on the clues.

Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ikouina Akiko, has expressed interest in advancing and strengthening bilateral relations with Bangladesh during a meeting with the Chief Adviser. During the discussion, she reaffirmed Japan’s support for the interim government and emphasized enhancing bilateral relations to boost trade and development cooperation. The trade volume between the two countries stands at approximately four billion US dollars, with Japan being one of Bangladesh’s top five export destinations. She also invited the Chief Adviser to attend the Future of Asia conference in Tokyo in May and the Osaka Expo 2025.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sent a letter to Khaleda Zia, extending greetings and wishing her good health. In the letter, the Pakistani Prime Minister praises Khaleda Zia as a towering figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape, highlighting her political and illustrious life. He reassures that Pakistan, the BNP chairperson, her family, party, and supporters stand with her. The letter was sent from the Pakistan Embassy to the BNP chairperson’s office on the afternoon of February 2.

The injured from the July uprising in Feni have protested on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway, demanding rehabilitation, the cancellation of the category system, and improved medical treatment in a timely manner. Nahid, who was injured in the uprising, stated, “Our fighters are martyred due to the lack of advanced treatment, and we seek recognition from the government.” After the administration promised discussions, the injured students moved from the road after about an hour of blockage. They threatened to block the railway as well if their demands are not met. The injured Azim described it as frustrating, saying, “We do not want to cause public suffering, but we have to take to the streets for our treatment.”

China has pledged to take countermeasures against the 10% tariff imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese imports but has not escalated tensions immediately. Unlike the confrontational approach seen during Trump’s first term, Beijing’s response remains measured. On Sunday, China condemned the US move while signaling openness to negotiations to prevent further deterioration of trade relations. The measured stance suggests China aims to balance retaliation with diplomacy, keeping the possibility of resolution through talks or a challenge in the WTO.

Canada has imposed 25% retaliatory tariffs on $155bn worth of US goods, mirroring President Trump’s tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports. Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized standing up for Canadians while warning of economic consequences. The tariffs target American beer, wine, household appliances, and more. Economists predict rising consumer prices as the trade war escalates. The White House defends tariffs as a crackdown on drug trafficking, but Trudeau refutes security concerns. Trump signals further tariff hikes if met with retaliation, deepening tensions between the neighboring nations.

According to Indian media, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has allocated ₹1.2 billion for Bangladesh in the 2025-26 fiscal year—consistent with past allocations during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. This marks India’s first budget under Narendra Modi’s third term and following Hasina’s ousting. The ministry has set aside ₹205.16 billion in total, with Nepal receiving the highest allocation of ₹21.5 billion for hydropower projects, economic cooperation, and infrastructure development. While Maldives’ allocation has increased, Afghanistan’s has decreased. The budget was presented in the Lok Sabha by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Before the final prayer session today, the death toll for the first phase of the World Ijtema rose to six. The latest deceased was Haji Abdur Gafur, a resident of Charfashion, Bhola. The first phase of the religious congregation concluded with a mass prayer led by Maulana Zubair Ahmed. During the prayer, all surrounding roads were closed, and after its conclusion, traffic resumed as attendees began leaving the venue.

Indian news outlet Zee 24 Ghanta misrepresented Bangladesh’s poverty by using an image actually taken in India. The photo, showing children standing in line with plates, was from New Delhi in 2020, where slum children waited for free food during the COVID-19 lockdown. A reverse image search confirmed its prior use by CNBC and Getty Images. Despite this, the misleading image was intentionally used to depict Bangladesh’s poverty, raising concerns about journalistic integrity in Indian media.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to provide up to $1 billion in budget support to Bangladesh by June, subject to banking sector reforms, including reducing private bank directors and their tenure. ADB may also offer $300–$500 million for climate change initiatives if Bangladesh meets 16 conditions, such as implementing a national strategy and transport master plan. Other requirements include AI-based early warning systems for farmers and improved waste management. Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed emphasized that Bangladesh will accept only low-interest loans.

The press wing of Bangladesh’s interim government has strongly condemned a report by Indian media outlet Anandabazar Online about a supposed military coup in Dhaka. The government labeled the report as false, fabricated, and part of an information warfare campaign aimed at influencing Bangladesh’s political landscape. It accused Indian media of using hybrid warfare tactics to support Sheikh Hasina’s government and undermine the people’s struggle for independence. The article was later removed by Anandabazar.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, was nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for his promotion of free speech. The nomination was submitted by European Parliament member Branko Grimz, who highlighted Musk’s contributions to free expression and peace. However, Musk declined the nomination, stating he does not seek any awards. Despite his disinterest, the nomination has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with critics questioning its legitimacy.

Summary: Sargis Alam, the prominent figure and chief organizer of the National Citizen’s Committee, has recently married. The news was confirmed by sports advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan on Friday evening. Following the announcement, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan took to his verified social media account to congratulate the newlyweds, wishing Sargis Alam a blissful married life and congratulating him on starting this new chapter in his life.