Billionaire and Trump advisor Elon Musk has criticized the U.S. military’s inefficiency, warning that without urgent reforms, America will face a devastating defeat in the next war. He described the military as “incompetent” despite its massive $850 billion budget. Musk emphasized that outdated strategies and bureaucratic inefficiencies are weakening national security. Speaking at West Point, he highlighted drones and AI as the future of warfare, citing Ukraine as an example. He also echoed Trump’s past concerns about wasted military spending in West Asia.

Residents of Old Dhaka are facing an unexpected water crisis, with areas like Hazaribagh, Lalbagh, and parts of New Paltan being the worst affected. Frustrated locals have gathered at nearby water pumps, demanding answers. Rohan Ahmed, one of the affected residents, stated, “We’ve been struggling with water shortages for the past 10 days. I have to go to my relatives’ house in Mohammadpur just to take a shower!” In response, Rokeya Begum, Deputy Assistant Engineer of Dhaka WASA’s MODS Zone-2, acknowledged the issue, saying that efforts are underway to increase water extraction in affected areas. However, she admitted that while supply has slowed down, it has not completely stopped. Despite residents lodging complaints for over a week, pump operators remain uncertain about when the issue will be resolved. The executive engineer of the zone claimed he had not received any formal complaints but assured that he would investigate the matter on-site. The ongoing crisis continues to frustrate residents, raising concerns about WASA’s efficiency in addressing urgent supply issues.

The Anti-Corruption Reform Commission’s full report was made public on Saturday (February 8) through the Cabinet Division’s website. The report, submitted on January 15 by commission head Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, spans 47 pages and outlines a series of recommendations to curb corruption and misuse of power. The commission strongly emphasized preventing individuals from exploiting their positions for personal gain or accumulating illicit wealth. Among its key proposals: • The appointment of an ombudsman to oversee a universal anti-corruption strategy for all state institutions. • A strict ban on legalizing illicit income under any circumstances. • Mandatory registration of all foundations, companies, and trusts with full disclosure of ownership details. • Elimination of bureaucratic delays under the guise of investigations. The commission also proposed a four-year term structure, with five members, including at least one woman. It recommended that the secretary be appointed through an open recruitment process. Additionally, the report suggests setting up ACC offices in every district and establishing special anti-corruption courts nationwide.

The interim government has published the full reports of six reform commissions on the Cabinet Division’s website on Saturday (February 8). These commissions were formed by the administration of Mohammad Yunus following the mass uprising, with a mandate to propose reforms in various sectors of governance. Initially given a 90-day deadline, the commissions have now submitted their recommendations. The published reports cover constitutional amendments, election commission reforms, police reforms, anti-corruption measures, public administration changes, and judicial sector reforms. Earlier, on Tuesday, legal expert Asif Nazrul stated that, based on the commission’s recommendations, a dialogue would soon be initiated to reach a national consensus among political parties. If necessary, discussions will continue through the month of Ramadan.

In a series of operations on Friday night, authorities arrested four senior police officials, including DIG (Deputy Inspector General) Molla Nazrul Islam, former Commissioner of Gazipur Metropolitan Police. The other arrested officials include Nilphamari Superintendent of Police Asaduzzaman, Rangpur Superintendent of Police Abdul Mannan, and Abul Hasnat. According to police sources, Nazrul Islam faces allegations of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and abuse of power. Abul Hasnat came under heavy criticism for his controversial statements regarding the 2024 elections and the July mass uprising. He was also accused of orchestrating staged counterterrorism operations and using excessive force during the protests. Similarly, Asaduzzaman was criticized for his role in suppressing the July uprising and his involvement in financial irregularities. The Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch has confirmed the arrests of one DIG and three SPs, marking a significant development in ongoing investigations into police misconduct.

Asif Nazrul, an advisor, stated in a press briefing on February 8 that they are committed to holding free and fair elections based on political consensus. He emphasized that they have no interest in delaying the process to stay in power. He also announced plans to initiate discussions with political parties by mid-February, even during Ramadan if necessary. Nazrul affirmed that political parties have the right to demand an expedited election process and that many necessary reforms have already been implemented. He stressed that constitutional and electoral reforms must be finalized through dialogue and mentioned that most of the urgent tasks could be completed within a month.

The US State Department has officially notified Congress of a planned $7.4 billion arms sale to Israel. The deal will be delivered in two phases. The first shipment, worth $6.75 billion, includes precision-guided munitions, 166 small-diameter bombs, 2,800 500-pound bombs, fuses, and other military equipment, all set to be delivered this year. The second phase, scheduled to begin in 2028, involves 3,000 Hellfire missiles valued at $660 million.

A Jubo Dal activist was shot in the chest and leg on Friday night in Sonaiamuri, Noakhali. The victim, identified as Mizan (39), was attacked after a dispute with youths from a neighboring union escalated. The altercation reportedly began over a minor issue, leading Mizan’s followers to assault a rival named Zahir. Shortly afterward, unidentified assailants stopped Mizan’s autorickshaw, shot him, and fled the scene. Sonaiamuri police stated that the incident stemmed from a land dispute. The wounded activist is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Dhaka. Authorities have advised his family to file a formal complaint, assuring them that legal action will follow upon receiving an official report.

Authorities successfully defused a set of crude bombs, locally known as cocktails, found near Farmgate in Dhaka. Around 12:00 PM, a caller to the national emergency number 999 reported a suspicious object resembling an explosive. Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police quickly responded and called in the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Bomb Disposal Unit. By 12:45 PM, the unit secured the area and confirmed that the objects were crude bombs. They were safely neutralized shortly afterward. Police suspect the devices were planted to create public panic. Investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible.

The Bangladeshi government has launched ‘Operation Devil Hunt’ nationwide from today to curb terrorism following a violent attack on students and civilians in Gazipur. The decision was made in a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs, involving law enforcement agencies. A joint task force will lead the operation to restore law and order and bring perpetrators to justice. The operation starts immediately, and more details will be shared in a press briefing on Sunday. The move follows Friday night’s terrorist attack, which left several critically injured.

Kushtia, Saturday—Thousands of residents from at least five unions surrounding Islamic University (IU) staged a protest and blocked the Kushtia-Khulna Highway to oppose the relocation of the IU police station. The demonstrators felled trees and burned tires on the highway starting from 11 AM, demanding that the police station remains within the university premises. University students also joined the protest. Local residents warned, “We shed blood for the establishment of Islamic University, and if necessary, we will shed blood again to protect our demands.” The president of Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that the police station ensures security for 20,000 students and locals. If another station is needed in Jhaudia, authorities should build a cantonment there instead, but IU’s station must not be relocated.

Dhaka, Saturday—A massive conspiracy is being orchestrated with large sums of money to discredit Dr. Muhammad Yunus and distort the narrative of the 2024 mass uprising, claims Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam. Speaking at the launch of the book Droher Graffiti at the National Press Club on January 8, Alam urged everyone to remain united against fascism. He warned that no further military dictatorship should return and criticized the expansion of the list of freedom fighters, alleging that even two-year-old children and political opponents were included after independence.

Teknaf, Saturday—Mujibur Rahman, the chairman of Saint Martin’s Union Parishad and president of the Awami League’s local chapter, has been arrested by the Coast Guard in a drug raid. During a search of his residence, authorities recovered 12,274 Yaba pills. The operation was conducted early Saturday morning following intelligence reports of illegal drug storage at his house. Mujibur Rahman was caught attempting to escape through the back door and is currently being processed for legal action.

Amid ongoing debate over Elon Musk’s influence in the Trump administration, TIME magazine has featured the billionaire on its cover, seated behind the Resolute Desk in the White House. The article highlights Musk’s unprecedented authority as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, a position that has led to mass layoffs as part of his policy implementation. While the White House has yet to comment, speculation is rife that Trump might be displeased. This follows a 2017 TIME cover featuring Steve Bannon as the “Great Manipulator,” after which Bannon was eventually ousted from Trump’s administration.

A teenage girl with disabilities was allegedly raped in Patuakhali late Friday night. When her mother and aunt protested, they were physically assaulted. Police have arrested two suspects, Selim Howlader and Hasan Howlader, but the prime suspect, Hossain Howlader, remains at large. The victim was rescued and taken to Patuakhali Medical College Hospital. According to the mother, she had briefly left her daughter at home, during which Hossain lured the girl into an abandoned house and raped her. The mother rushed back upon hearing her daughter’s screams, but the perpetrator fled.