Journalist Mahmudur Rahman, editor of ‘Amar Desh,’ has been acquitted in the controversial case related to an alleged abduction plot against Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court overturned his seven-year prison sentence on Monday. Rahman’s lawyer, Tanvir Ahmed Al-Amin, confirmed the acquittal, and Rahman expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating that he would not have received justice had the Awami League government remained in power.

Hamas has dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal regarding Gaza’s ownership as ‘absurd.’ On February 9, Trump suggested that the United States should consider purchasing Gaza and treating it as a real estate investment. He also proposed transferring its administration to other Middle Eastern nations. In response, Hamas issued a statement asserting that Gaza is not a commodity to be bought or sold but an integral part of Palestinian land.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk will assist in exposing corruption worth hundreds of billions of dollars within government agencies. In a televised interview on Sunday, Trump emphasized that American citizens demand an end to wasteful government spending, and Musk is playing a crucial role in this initiative. Trump revealed that in his second term, he has tasked Musk with leading a newly established 'Department of Government Efficiency' to identify and eliminate financial misconduct in public offices.

The Public Administration Reform Commission has proposed reducing the number of ministers and secretaries while merging certain ministries. The recommendations include limiting the number of ministers to 23, with only two technocrats, and capping the number of state and deputy ministers at 12. Additionally, the commission suggests reducing the number of secretaries and equivalent officials from 80 to 60. The proposal also calls for appointing a chief secretary in ministries with multiple divisions. While experts acknowledge the potential benefits for governance efficiency, concerns remain about its practical implementation.

Israeli forces have intensified their operations in the occupied West Bank, resulting in the deaths of two women, including an eight-month pregnant mother. According to a report by Al Jazeera, Israeli troops opened fire on a Palestinian family inside a refugee camp. The victims' family was denied access to medical treatment after the attack, leaving the husband injured and his pregnant wife dead. Another woman was also killed in the assault. Palestinian media sources reported that Israeli forces bulldozed dozens of homes during the operation.

On February 9, a gas cylinder explosion in Madaripur left three family members critically injured. The victims, Jewel Hawlader, his wife Tania Begum, and their daughter Sohagi Akter, were burned when Tania attempted to light a stove. The explosion, believed to have been caused by a gas leak, resulted in severe injuries. Firefighters rescued the victims and transported them to the district hospital, with Tania later transferred to Dhaka’s burn unit due to her critical condition.

Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus has directed authorities to swiftly bring those involved in bank looting under the law. During a meeting on ‘Bangladesh’s Economy: Recent Challenges and Future Strategies,’ he also emphasized increasing remittance flow and reopening visa services in countries where they are currently restricted. The central bank has identified 12 oligarchs involved in financial misconduct. Meanwhile, economic advisors claim macroeconomic stability is improving, and efforts are underway to recover laundered money.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive orders have faced multiple legal challenges. On Saturday, a U.S. court blocked restrictions on the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk. Additionally, a federal judge temporarily halted Trump’s order to withhold hundreds of billions of dollars in federal grants and loans. The court also blocked an order revoking birthright citizenship and a decision to send 2,200 USAID employees on unpaid leave. Trump, however, clarified that Prince Harry would not be deported as part of the immigration crackdown.

On February 9, Indian security forces killed 31 Maoists in Chhattisgarh, while two policemen lost their lives in the operation. According to an Al Jazeera report, this was the largest operation of the year. The police and paramilitary forces conducted the mission based on intelligence inputs. However, the Maoist rebels have not yet issued any statement. Maoist insurgents have been engaged in an armed struggle against the Indian government since 1967.

The court has imposed a travel ban on former Agriculture Minister and Awami League leader Abdur Razzaq, his wife Shirin Akhter Banu, and their son Redwan Shahnewaz Sujit. The ban has been issued due to allegations of extortion, tender manipulation, party position trading, nomination business, and various corrupt practices. Meanwhile, the court has also ordered the seizure of the tax records of former Health Minister Zahed Malek, his son Rahat Malek, Naimul Islam Khan, and his wife Nasima Khan, among six individuals. Cases have been filed against them with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), leading to this court directive.

Dr. Md. Aminul Islam, Special Assistant Professor at the Ministry of Education, has warned that students are increasingly relying on ChatGPT for assignments instead of reading books. Speaking at an event marking International Education Day, he called this trend alarming, noting that students are now simply copying answers from AI-generated content. He further criticized ChatGPT’s role in higher education, stating that even PhD and MPhil research is being compromised. He attributed the rising number of unemployed graduates to this issue and emphasized the importance of technical education. He praised the recent decision to introduce a three-year honors program and a one-year diploma under the National University.

A minor dispute over dominance escalated into a violent confrontation between students of Dhaka City College and Dhanmondi Ideal College on February 5. The clash involved chasing, counter-chasing, and stone-pelting, eventually being brought under control by police intervention. However, tensions flared up again on February 9 when more than a hundred students from Ideal College stormed the Dhaka City College premises and removed the word ‘City’ from its nameplate, sparking another altercation. The incident reportedly stemmed from allegations that City College students had previously harassed and physically assaulted an Ideal College student.

Garment workers from Self Innovation Fashion Limited blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway in the Hariken area of Gazipur, demanding two months of unpaid wages. The protest, which began on Sunday, February 9, caused severe traffic congestion, affecting commuters and drivers. Industrial police and local administration officials rushed to the scene to negotiate with the protesters. The workers alleged that despite multiple appeals, the factory management failed to resolve the issue, leaving them with no choice but to take to the streets.

Mongla Customs House has issued sale orders for 27 out of 72 vehicles put up for auction at Mongla Port. Importers managed to secure the release of 45 vehicles through court rulings. On February 6, the customs authority finalized the sale orders for the remaining 27 vehicles, with the highest bid going to a USV Prado model at BDT 11.45 million. According to an assistant commissioner of Mongla Customs House, these 72 vehicles had been abandoned at the port for a long time as importers failed to clear them within the stipulated period.

Students of the Medical Assistant Training School (MATS) have announced a new protest program to press for their four-point demand. They will hold a sit-in protest at the Central Shaheed Minar until noon on February 10 and have threatened to go on a hunger strike if their demands are not met. At a press conference, they revealed that the Health Ministry has assured them of addressing their grievances, but as three of their demands remain unresolved without a specific timeframe, the protest will continue. The students also alleged that police attacked them while they were on their way to meet the health advisor, injuring 60 individuals. Their demands include higher education opportunities, recruitment for vacant posts, creation of new positions, and the continuation of the four-year academic course.