The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council accused the country of witnessing 23 deaths in communal violence in the past four and a half months. However, the interim government, quoting the Police Headquarters, dismissed these claims. The government clarified that the police had investigated 22 incidents, with only a few related to theft and robbery. Two deaths were due to suicide and drowning. The interim government urged responsible reporting, warning that misleading information could harm communal harmony.

Interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has instructed law enforcement agencies to maintain the highest vigilance, stating that 2025 is crucial for the country. In a security review meeting, he emphasized the need for modern communication technology and a central command center. He accused Sheikh Hasina’s associates of funding chaos and spreading misinformation. He also ordered strict action against extortionists, protection of minorities, and swift trials for recent killings. Bangladesh has requested Interpol to issue a Red Notice against Sheikh Hasina.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed an 11-member task force to address the issue of foreign nationals residing illegally in Bangladesh. The Additional Secretary (Security & Immigration) will lead the task force, with representatives from key government and security agencies. The committee will coordinate actions, provide recommendations, and issue directives regarding illegal foreign residents. It can also invite officials to meetings and co-opt members as needed. The initiative aims to streamline efforts to manage and regulate undocumented foreigners.

Students of Titumir College have blocked the railway tracks at the Mohakhali Railgate area. As a result, trains heading towards Noakhali have been redirected back to Dhaka Railway Station. On-site observation reveals that 20-30 students are on the railway tracks, with over a hundred more students gathered around the area. Police, DB, BGB, and ABBN forces have surrounded the students, with water cannons stationed behind. Their demand is for Titumir College to be upgraded to a university. A special committee was formed to address this demand, but after receiving no positive response, students have been staging a hunger strike and other protests since January 29.

In Thakurgaon, a group of over a hundred people, including family members of the accused Sumon (25), snatched him from the police after his arrest at Bongao Bazar in Haripur Upazila. The mob attacked the police and their vehicle, even detaining police officers. Upon receiving the news, a team of 11 police officers arrived and rescued their colleagues. The driver of the police microbus was also assaulted. The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Haripur Police Station stated that efforts are underway to arrest those involved in the attack.

Tensions flared at BUTEX’s G.M.G. Osman Hall and Syed Nazrul Islam Hall following offensive remarks about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by student Muaz Mohammad Arefin Talukder. The comments, made on a post by Jannat Naim, quickly spread across social media, sparking outrage. University authorities and police intervened to control the situation. While being escorted to the police station, Talukder was assaulted by students. He attributed his actions to frustration over personal health issues, while students have demanded harsh punishment.

Students have been on an indefinite hunger strike for the sixth consecutive day demanding the declaration of Government Titumir College as a university. From 11 AM to 10 PM today, they gathered to carry out the ‘Barasat Barricade to North City’ program. Upon visiting the site, it was observed that Saraswati Puja activities were ongoing inside, and students were gathered around the hunger strikers, but there were no slogans or processions. Apologizing to the affected individuals, Mahmudul Hasan Mukta, an advisor to Titumir Unity, commented that the state has shown hypocrisy. The students have made three demands: recognition of Titumir as a university, withdrawal of the statement made by the education advisor, and an apology from the legal advisor for obstructing the formation of the commission.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in the United States on Sunday afternoon, just as the Middle East faces extreme uncertainty with Donald Trump’s second term in power! The Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. has confirmed that a meeting between Trump and Netanyahu is set to strengthen Israel-U.S. relations. Netanyahu will also meet with top officials of the U.S. administration. Before Trump’s inauguration on January 20th, the 15-month-long war in Gaza had come to an end.

Due to dense fog, the sky over Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport was blurred from midnight on Sunday, causing three flights to be unable to land and divert to Kolkata International Airport. Two of these flights came from Kuwait City, and one from Oman. They later landed in Dhaka at 9 AM. It was reported that from midnight until 9 AM, 16 flights were unable to land on time due to the fog. Flight operations returned to normal after 10 AM.

Israeli forces have demolished 23 multi-story buildings in the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that a 73-year-old man was killed earlier. Since mid-January, Israeli forces have killed 50 individuals. Local residents stated that they faced intense attacks and were in a state of war for two weeks. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the actions strongly. Following the ceasefire in Gaza, Israeli forces have intensified attacks in the West Bank.

After 19 hours, students at Jahangirnagar University (Jabid) ended their hunger strike, demanding the cancellation of the “sponsored quota,” after receiving an assurance from the Vice-Chancellor. The VC personally intervened, offering juice to end the hunger strike. A student mentioned that a meeting with teachers, officers, and staff regarding this issue is scheduled for 3 PM today. If discussions about restoring or reforming the quota arise, the students plan to resume the hunger strike. The hunger strike began at 11 AM on Sunday under the banner of the anti-discrimination student movement and ended after receiving the VC’s moral assurance that their demands would be addressed.

In line with his election promises, President Trump has decided to impose a 25% tariff on Mexican and Canadian goods, and a 10% tariff on Chinese products. The Wall Street Journal has dubbed it the “most foolish trade war in history.” Despite knowing the impact on the U.S. economy, Trump has defended the move, stating that countries like China, Mexico, and Canada are exploiting America, and that he will make America great again. In response to the increased tariffs, China expressed its anger and hinted at taking the matter to the World Trade Organization. Meanwhile, Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs.

Five months after the fire at the Gazi Tire Factory in Rupganj, Narayanganj, it has been reported that 182 people are alive. The claim was made by an unknown person via phone to the relatives. Earlier, relatives had staged protests in front of the Narayanganj District Commissioner and Police Superintendent’s office, accusing the police of not accepting their complaints. One mother claimed that a group was holding her son captive. She heard her son crying over the phone and even noticed a color and shape that matched his description. The unknown individual also claimed that they have information about 222 people. The administration has stated that the police will try to locate the missing individuals by tracking the phone numbers.

In response to intense criticism on social media regarding the photo session at the Bangla Academy Award, where awardees were positioned behind, Advisor Faruqi stated that the group photo with the government or award-giving institution representatives should be considered a tradition. He questioned why we must adhere to this tradition. He suggested that this practice be abolished from the Ekushey Padak. He further raised the issue of whether it is necessary to maintain decorum with individuals who were recently released from being murderers, abductors, and psychopaths, asking whether such a question should be entertained.

Injured protesters from the anti-discrimination student movement returned to the hospital at 12:45 AM after discussions with Hasnat Abdullah. They had been demonstrating in front of the Chief Advisor’s residence, demanding rehabilitation and proper treatment. Initially, they accused Hasnat and his allies of prioritizing political organization over their well-being. However, Hasnat convinced them, acknowledging the complexity of the rehabilitation process and blaming government officials for delays. He also pledged to visit the Secretariat this week to push for their demands.