The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has uncovered evidence of widespread corruption in the recruitment process at the Bengali Academy, involving 175 appointments. The probe revealed that the then Director General Nurul Huda and others took bribes of up to 10 lakh taka for hiring fourth-grade employees and manipulated recruitment procedures. Despite 4,000 candidates passing the written exams, only 500 were called for interviews, with 175 appointments made unlawfully. The ACC is investigating the political and administrative influence behind these illegal practices.

Faruq E Azam, Adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, announced that fake freedom fighters will be identified and brought under legal action. The Freedom Fighters’ Parliament will also be reorganized. Speaking after a session at the District Commissioners’ Conference, he expressed hope that the new government would embrace the spirit of the July Uprising. He also emphasized close monitoring of TR-Kabikha funds and directed UNOs to purchase materials like tin locally, adhering to government guidelines.

Thousands have gathered at the Teesta Rail Bridge area, demanding the implementation of the Teesta Treaty and Master Plan. The 48-hour sit-in protest, organized by the Save Teesta Movement, has drawn farmers, fishermen, students, and activists. Protesters accuse India of holding back Teesta’s water during the dry season while releasing excess water during monsoons, causing floods. BNP leader Asadul Habib Dulu vowed to continue the movement if demands aren’t met. Experts warn that without a fair water share, Teesta’s downstream flow will continue to dry up.

The government has directed that air conditioners (ACs) in mosques, offices, and businesses must not be set below 25°C during summer to curb electricity demand. Energy Advisor Faujul Kabir Khan warned that violators would face power disconnection and legal action. A monitoring team will ensure compliance, and non-compliant areas may face load shedding. Officials will notify businesses and mosques of the directive. With electricity demand rising to 18,000 MW in summer, this move aims to balance supply, especially for critical irrigation needs.

The government is considering tracking the fees charged by doctors and lawyers to ensure transparency and proper taxation. Economic and Commerce Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed revealed this after the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference on Monday. He noted that doctors and lawyers often collect payments without issuing receipts. Discussions were held on implementing digital transactions and formalizing receipts to monitor financial transactions. The government aims to establish a system to regulate cash-based services and bring them under taxation for better accountability.

The head of the UN AIDS program has warned that millions of people could die from AIDS due to President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend US aid programs. AFP reports that the US is the world’s largest government donor of development aid. After returning to office for a second term, Trump halted these funds, causing humanitarian organizations to struggle. Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of UNAIDS, said, "This has created a catastrophic situation in many countries." Trump's aid freeze initially suspended the "Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief" for 90 days, though later, an exception was made for life-saving drugs.

A 27-year-old unidentified man was killed after being hit by a train in Faridpur. Another young man was injured while watching the accident. The incident occurred at 7 AM on Monday in the Baitul Aman area of Faridpur Sadar Upazila. Police reported that the train was traveling from Rajbari to Bhanga when it struck the man, who was wearing headphones. Meanwhile, a passenger, Afif Al Abir (21), slipped and fell while observing the accident from the train’s door. He is now receiving treatment at Faridpur Medical College Hospital.

Police have discovered the hanging body of a female officer, Rumpa Das (30), in a rented apartment in Bandarban on Monday. She was serving at Bandarban Sadar Police Station, while her husband, also a constable, worked at police headquarters. According to reports, after putting their children to sleep, Rumpa went to another room. The next morning, when she did not respond to calls, her husband broke the door to find her hanging body. The reason behind the suicide remains unknown.

While appearing in court for her five-day remand hearing in the Shaheed Anwar Hossain Patwari murder case, journalist Farzana Rupa requested justice against what she called "harassment." The public prosecutor alleged that Rupa and her husband had supported "Hasina’s authoritarianism" and needed to be interrogated. In response, Rupa stated, "If I incited violence, charge me with incitement. Why am I being harassed in a murder case?" The prosecutor countered, saying, "Those who fired at student protesters are criminals, and their enablers are also criminals. Rupa and Sakil have done everything necessary to establish Hasina’s fascism, including silencing her enemies domestically and abroad."

Home Advisor Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam has stated that the Coast Guard has become a symbol of public trust in coastal areas. Speaking at an event at the Coast Guard headquarters, he highlighted their vital role in ensuring security on inland waterways, preventing drug and arms smuggling, and combating other illegal activities. He also acknowledged the Coast Guard’s assistance during natural disasters and outlined modernization initiatives for the force. At the event, he awarded medals to 40 Coast Guard personnel for their contributions.

Police have recovered the mutilated body of a student in a cornfield in Damurhuda, Chuadanga. The body was discovered on Sunday night in Badhanpur village. The victim, identified as 25-year-old Masud Hasan Ranju, was a master's final-year student. His family claims he was murdered in a premeditated attack. According to them, Ranju had gone to irrigate the cornfield in the morning but never returned. Later, his body was found with multiple injuries. Police have formed multiple teams to investigate the case, but no formal complaint has been filed yet.

Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus highlighted severe corruption issues in Bangladesh during an event organized by the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association on Sunday. He warned, "If we do not eliminate corruption, everything will become meaningless." He cited an example where domestic workers are securing jobs in the Middle East using fake medical certificates. "Hearing such things makes me bow my head in shame," Yunus remarked. He also mentioned that top leaders in the UAE expressed distrust in Bangladeshi documents due to fraudulent practices.

The United States has deported 113 undocumented Indian immigrants in its third phase of repatriation. On Sunday, February 16, their flight landed in Amritsar, Punjab. NDTV reported that among the deportees, 31 were from Punjab, 44 from Haryana, 33 from Gujarat, two from Uttar Pradesh, and one each from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. In previous phases, the US deported 104 and 116 individuals, many of whom were shackled during transit. However, it remains unclear whether similar measures were taken this time.

A senior official has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deliberately delaying the second phase of a hostage exchange deal for political interests. The official stated, “Every time we think Netanyahu can’t go any lower, he proves us wrong.” According to the agreement, negotiations were to begin on February 3, but Netanyahu’s government has yet to initiate talks, violating the deal. The official warned that the delay could make it impossible to finalize the exchange by the March 2 deadline.

Food and Land Ministry Adviser Ali Imam Majumder announced that ahead of Ramadan, the government will distribute 300,000 tons of rice in March and April under a food assistance program. Each of the 5 million families enrolled in the program will receive 15 kg of rice at a subsidized rate of 30 Taka per kg. Additionally, during Eid, 10 million families will receive 10 kg of rice free of cost.