Tamanna Zerin, the alleged head of a human trafficking network that smuggled Bangladeshis to Russia, has been arrested at Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport by the CID. She faces charges of sending individuals to Russia under false job promises, only for them to be forced into fighting against Ukraine. One victim, Humayun Kabir from Natore, was killed in combat, while his brother-in-law, Rahmat Ali, now seeks a way to return home. Following increased surveillance, Zerin was captured while attempting to flee to Nepal.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned U.S. President Donald Trump against supporting actions that could lead to ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Speaking at the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, Guterres emphasized the importance of adhering to international law and avoiding policies that could worsen the crisis. He reiterated that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a notice appointing veteran journalist Monir Haider as the Special Assistant to Interim Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus, with the rank of a senior secretary. Haider, who has worked for Ekushey TV, Manabzamin, Janakantha, and Ittefaq, confirmed his appointment and stated that he would return from the U.S. soon to assume his duties. He is well-known as a civic rights activist and political analyst. His role will involve maintaining liaison and communication with various political parties and stakeholders to foster political unity.

The United States has deported 104 Indian nationals via a military aircraft as part of its strict immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. The C-17 aircraft carrying the deportees from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Punjab landed in Amritsar. This marks the longest-distance deportation flight since military aircraft were allocated for migrant transportation. Relatives of the deported individuals expressed their distress, stating that they endured extreme hardships to reach the U.S., only to be sent back. One returnee, Akashdeep, spent $60,000—selling two-thirds of his property—only to be deported within seven months.

A dispute over TikTok led to a deadly clash in Lohagara, Chattogram, resulting in the death of a school student named Mumin. Another individual, Mukit, was critically injured and has been admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital. The incident occurred around 8 PM near Tatipara Mosque during its annual gathering when Mumin and Mukit were out for a walk. A verbal altercation over TikTok ensued near a floating cosmetics stall, escalating into violence as the opposing group stabbed both Mumin and Mukit before fleeing. The Upazila hospital authorities confirmed that Mumin succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital. Officer-in-Charge Arifur Rahman assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

Russia and Ukraine have successfully exchanged 150 prisoners each under a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The released soldiers have been transferred to Belarus, where they are receiving medical and psychological support, with plans to reintegrate them into service in the near future. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the exchange and expressed gratitude to the UAE for its mediation. Earlier, in mid-January, both sides had exchanged 25 prisoners each as part of their ongoing negotiations.

Prince Turki Al-Faisal, a former Saudi ambassador to the United States, has strongly condemned Donald Trump’s recent comments on Gaza, warning that his proposed plans for control of the region amount to ethnic cleansing. He stated that forcibly removing Palestinians from Gaza would lead to bloodshed and conflict. He urged Arab and Muslim nations, along with other global powers and Europe, to raise the issue at the United Nations to demonstrate global opposition to such an extermination plan. He further accused Trump of fully endorsing Israel’s stance, stating that the former U.S. president has aligned his position with that of recently resigned Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Bangladesh has climbed two spots to rank 35th in Global Firepower’s (GFP) 2025 military strength index. The United States remains at the top, followed by Russia and China with the same score, while India ranks 4th. The index evaluates 145 countries based on over 60 factors, including military units, financial stability, and logistics. Pakistan ranks 12th, while Bangladesh’s score is 0.6062. Following Bangladesh in the rankings are Netherlands (36th), Myanmar (37th), Norway (38th), Portugal (39th), and South Africa.

During the Awami League government’s tenure, state-backed looting in the banking sector took place, with loans being misused and funds embezzled. There were record levels of money laundering. After the student-led uprising in August, attention turned toward reforming the banking sector. The boards of 11 banks owned by S. Alam Group were restructured, yet some boards remain ineffective. Since S. Alam’s affiliates remain active, action has not been taken against non-cooperative groups.

The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has offered all employees an early retirement package, providing eight months’ salary and benefits in exchange for resigning. This move is part of the federal government’s downsizing policy. However, mass layoffs are not expected. Given the CIA’s critical role in national security, this proposal has raised concerns. After taking office in January, Trump halted new CIA recruitments. Reports suggest that Trump wants to use the CIA in operations against drug cartels.

Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA). He has also ordered the withdrawal of the U.S. from the UN Human Rights Council. Trump has hinted at reviewing U.S. funding for the UN and reconsidering relations with UNESCO. UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, expressed interest in strengthening ties with the U.S. to save lives amid global turmoil. The White House has stated that it will reconsider U.S. funding contributions, arguing that the U.S. has been treated unfairly compared to other countries.

Pinaki Bhattacharya has called for nationalization of Humayun Ahmed’s Nuhash Palli, calling it a national asset. Earlier, he urged people to gather at Dhanmondi 32 and expressed his support for erasing the birthplace of fascism with joy.

Sargis Alam was injured while trying to save a child from a moving private car near the British Council in Dhaka University area. He was taken to DMCH emergency department at 9:30 PM on February 5. He suffered injuries to his left eye and head. Doctors said he received stitches on a minor cut near his left eye.

Facing heavy losses, North Korea withdrew its troops from Russia’s Kursk battlefield in January, according to South Korean claims. Reports suggest that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers were deployed, with over 300 killed and 2,700 either injured or captured. Earlier, Ukrainian military experts claimed that North Korean troops had fled the battlefield due to severe casualties.

Police have arrested Nazrul Shikdar and Anup Bagchi in connection with the theft of three skeletons, including that of a local council member, from a cemetery in Kotalipara, Gopalganj. Six graves had been dug up, and villagers discovered that three were missing their skeletons. Describing the incident as tragic and unprecedented, the cemetery authorities confirmed that a case had been filed with the police.