A banner reading “Bangladesh Medical University” (BMU) was hung at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), omitting Sheikh Mujib’s name. The banner was placed by students, doctors, and staff advocating against discrimination at the university. However, university officials claim they were unaware of the change. The Vice Chancellor’s secretary, Md. Ruhul Kuddus Biplob, stated that multiple names are under consideration for the institution, and an official decision is expected within 2-3 days. Earlier, on February 5, the original university signboard was removed at midnight, sparking further controversy.

A memorial featuring an image of Sheikh Mujib and the Awami League’s election symbol, the boat, was vandalized at Chourasta in Boalmari, Faridpur. The incident occurred on February 8 at 8 a.m. when police intervened to stop the attack, but tensions escalated as students began chanting slogans against the authorities, calling them “government agents.” Faced with mounting pressure, the police eventually withdrew. Local authorities have stated that they will investigate the incident, though the police have refrained from making any official comments.

The European Union warned on Friday that U.S. sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) could undermine global justice and threaten the court’s independence. The U.S. imposed sanctions following the ICC’s issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The sanctions may impact ongoing investigations, including those related to Ukraine. The EU has stated that it will monitor and assess the implications of these actions. Meanwhile, the U.S. claims the ICC is engaging in unlawful activities, particularly in its investigations into alleged war crimes by U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Israeli forces in Gaza, despite neither country being an ICC member.

The Taliban government has expressed a willingness to rebuild relations with the Trump administration but firmly ruled out returning military equipment left in Afghanistan in 2021. Taliban Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abdul Bahar Balkhi claimed that the US and NATO military equipment left behind is now Afghanistan’s property. According to Pentagon data, the US had transferred over $7.2 billion worth of military equipment to Afghan security forces before the Taliban takeover. Over the past four years, much of this equipment has been damaged or utilized by Taliban fighters. Prior to the elections, Donald Trump had vowed to retrieve the abandoned US military assets in Afghanistan.

A regional aircraft that went missing in western Alaska has been found crashed 24 miles southeast of Nome. All 10 passengers on board were killed. Rescuers have recovered three bodies, while the remaining seven are believed to be inside the wreckage. The plane lost communication while flying 12 miles offshore and had been missing since last Thursday. Images show the aircraft wrecked in a snow-covered area. This marks the third plane crash in the region within two weeks, raising concerns about aviation safety in the U.S.

The number of cancer patients in Bangladesh is rising at an alarming rate. According to a recent study conducted by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), 46% of cancer cases in the country are linked to tobacco consumption. While many individuals have moved away from smoking, they continue to use smokeless tobacco products such as jorda and gul, which are equally deadly. Shockingly, 60% of female cancer patients in Bangladesh are addicted to these products. Professor Khalekuzzaman, the lead researcher of the study, highlighted a critical issue: Bangladesh lacks a population-based cancer registry, forcing researchers to rely on data from neighboring countries. As a result, the true scale of the cancer crisis remains unknown. The study also revealed that cancer accounts for 12% of total deaths in the country, with lung, stomach, and respiratory tract cancers being the most prevalent. Additionally, 60% of cancer patients undergo combined treatment, while 7.4% receive no treatment at all. Professor Khalekuzzaman emphasized that all forms of tobacco pose serious health risks and called for stronger measures to curb tobacco consumption.

The Bangladesh Police Association has condemned the statements of former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed, labeling them as treasonous and part of a larger conspiracy against the state. In a statement, the association pointed out that Benazir, who is implicated in multiple cases including genocide and massive corruption, held a virtual meeting with fascist groups. His leaked remarks, which have since gone viral, have severely tarnished the professionalism of the police force. The association stressed that no individual’s misconduct should reflect on the entire institution. Police officers remain outraged over Benazir’s alleged involvement in the Hefazat massacre and large-scale financial crimes. Notably, Benazir claimed that 90% of the police force were loyal to the ruling party and that if BNP came to power, they would rebel and remove it, raising serious concerns about political influence in law enforcement.

Following the fall of authoritarian ruler Sheikh Hasina due to the mass student-led movement, Dr. Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership in a special transitional government. He inherited a crisis-ridden economy, the July massacre’s unresolved justice, and the broader challenge of national restructuring. Now, after six months, questions arise about what progress has been made. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director and Anti-Corruption Reform Commission chief Iftekharuzzaman noted several positive developments: economic recovery, improved law and order, administrative stability, and the commission’s reform reports. However, he pointed out that an initial reform blueprint could have helped avoid electoral conflicts. He emphasized the need for reforms targeting political parties, bureaucracy, and large business groups, warning that resistance to change remains strong.

Malaysian authorities have detained 116 undocumented migrants, including 74 Bangladeshis, in a crackdown on illegal immigration. The arrests took place in Negeri Sembilan’s Seremban district at a construction site. Immigration officials verified the documents of 180 foreign workers, arresting 116 individuals for various immigration violations. Among the detainees are 9 Pakistanis, 15 Indonesians, 5 Indians, 2 Myanmar nationals, 74 Bangladeshis, and 11 Chinese nationals. Those arrested, aged between 20 and 55, have been placed in the Lenggeng Immigration Depot pending further legal proceedings.

A fire broke out at a cotton factory and four adjacent pharmacies in Burihat Bazaar, Rangpur. The incident occurred when a crane carrying construction materials for a nearby four-story building made contact with an electrical wire, sparking the fire. The flames spread rapidly, engulfing the cotton factory and causing loud explosions. Factory owner Masud reported that everything inside was completely destroyed. Fire service personnel responded promptly and called for reinforcements from Rangpur Sadar Fire Station. After two and a half hours of effort, firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze. No casualties have been reported so far.

The Bangladesh Judicial Service Association has criticized certain proposals in the Public Administration Reform Commission’s report, claiming they threaten judicial independence. One such proposal suggests appointing district commissioners as district magistrates with the authority to receive complaints under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CRPC) and delegate investigations to local officials. Supporters argue this would expedite minor case resolutions and reduce court congestion. However, the Judicial Service Association has deemed the proposal unconstitutional and contradictory to the landmark Masdar case verdict, citing concerns over judicial independence. Despite this criticism, the commission’s broader recommendations for judicial reform have been praised.

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, has declared that India's military strength and advanced technology cannot intimidate Pakistan. He stated that Pakistan is prepared to fight ten wars if necessary for Kashmir. Speaking at an event in Azad Kashmir, Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Kashmir despite temporary national challenges. He emphasized that Kashmir is Pakistan’s lifeline and expressed his firm belief that Kashmir would eventually gain independence and become part of Pakistan. He dismissed claims that Pakistan is heading towards bankruptcy, asserting that the country’s economic growth has even surprised institutions like the World Bank and the IMF.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested that Saudi Arabia has enough land to establish a Palestinian state, instead of doing so within Israel’s borders. Speaking to Channel 14 on Thursday, Netanyahu responded to Saudi Arabia’s demand for a Palestinian state as part of normalization talks, stating, “I will not agree to any deal that harms Israel. After October 7, a Palestinian state is no longer an option.” He further blamed Hamas, claiming that a Hamas-led Palestinian state resulted in the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. His remarks come after a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly discussed plans for Gaza’s governance.

Rabiul Awal Antor (30), the Assistant Secretary for Freedom Fighters and Independence Affairs of Gono Odhikar Parishad, has been missing since Thursday midnight. He disappeared while returning home on his motorcycle from his business in Kalapara municipal town. Authorities have since recovered his motorcycle near the Payra Fort four-lane highway. Antor’s father expressed concerns, stating that his son had been actively involved in an eight-point movement demanding compensation and employment for people displaced by the Payra Thermal Power Plant project. Kalapara police confirmed the motorcycle recovery and assured that the case is being taken seriously.

A government official in Kolkata stabbed four colleagues in a fit of rage after his leave request was denied. He then casually walked away with the knife still in hand before being arrested. According to an NDTV report, the accused, Amit Kumar Sarkar, worked at the Technical Education Department in New Town, Kolkata. The shocking incident was caught on video, which quickly went viral. In the footage, Sarkar can be seen warning passersby not to come near him. The injured victims have been identified as Jaydeb Chakraborty, Shantanu Saha, Sarthak Lete, and Sheikh Satabul. They were rushed to the hospital, with two reported in critical condition. Authorities have confirmed Sarkar’s arrest.