The High Court has granted bail to Shaharin Islam Tuhin, nephew of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, in a graft case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). His lawyer, Hasan Rajib Pradhan, said the court issued bail due to the pending status of his appeal. Tuhin surrendered on June 29 last year and was denied bail by the trial court. He was convicted in 2008 for tax evasion and illegal wealth accumulation, receiving a total of eight years' rigorous imprisonment.

Popular Hindi television actor Aly Goni revealed in a podcast that he faced discrimination while searching for a home due to his Muslim identity. “As a Kashmiri, I’ve never experienced bias in the entertainment industry, but I have when looking for a house,” he said. Goni shared that he and his partner Jasmine were denied rentals by several landlords who outright said, "We don't rent to Muslims." Most of these individuals were older, he added.

Political analyst Professor Ali Riaz stated that the Consensus Commission is progressing with the aim of ensuring that no individual, including the Prime Minister, can rise above the law or consolidate unchecked power. He emphasized the need for structural reforms to establish an accountable state. Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Babul, Convener of the Bhasani Janashakti Party, added that they envision a reformed and rebuilt Bangladesh through systemic change.

In connection with former President Abdul Hamid’s departure from the country, an Additional Superintendent of Immigration Police has been withdrawn for negligence. Additionally, a case investigator from Kishoreganj Sadar Police Station and an SB officer have been suspended. Hamid reportedly left the country via the airport late last night, despite an active case filed against him.

Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam stated on Facebook that legal provisions are being introduced to ensure the Awami League is held accountable as a political entity. He wrote, “The fascist League will face justice. Tribunal-2 is being formed to expedite the trials.” In a previous post, he hinted at the helplessness of student representatives and said that not all actions are government-driven—many are rooted in the establishment.

BIDA Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud bin Harun has announced plans to establish a free trade zone over 400 acres in Anwara Upazila of Chattogram. He described the initiative as a “game-changer” for Bangladesh’s economy. He further revealed a potential $800 million investment in the Chattogram Port Container Terminal. "Our annual FDI barely exceeds $700 million. If a single project can bring in $800 million, it would be a significant boost to our economy," he said. He emphasized Chattogram’s central role in national development, declaring, “Dhaka is our political capital, but Chattogram is destined to become the commercial capital.”

Sharif Usman Hadi of the Inqilab Mancha demanded that student advisers Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan resign within three days for their alleged role in Abdul Hamid’s release. He warned of mass protests against the interim government, declaring, “Either the fascist League will be banned, or the interim regime will fall.” He added that those who resist resigning would face public disgrace. Activist Tajnuva Zabeen also joined in calling for their resignation.

Interior Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury vowed to resign if those involved in former President Abdul Hamid’s clandestine departure from the country are not held accountable. Speaking at a meeting in Dinajpur, he reassured that the nation’s borders are secure and that there is no threat to farmers or public safety.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam observed that while the government is held accountable for national affairs, real power often lies with other centers of influence within the establishment—especially in the judiciary, administration, and police. He warned that student representation is being systematically reduced, with only two student reps in a body of thirty. Mahfuz called for unity, honesty, and idealism among students, and stressed the need to eliminate outdated political actors to ensure fair student participation in state affairs.

In an interview with The Wall, musician Kabir Suman voiced strong opposition to war, regardless of the reasons or actors involved. “I’ve always been anti-war. My songs have called for peace. True patriotism must include love for humanity,” he said, criticizing nationalism that excludes compassion for people and animals.

Following the fall of the Awami League government, former President Abdul Hamid was permitted to leave the country for medical treatment. Immigration authorities confirmed there was no travel ban against him. However, at least one murder case was filed against him on January 14 at Kishoreganj Sadar Police Station. That case also named Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Saima Wazed Putul, and Obaidul Quader.

Nine months after the mass uprising, former President Abdul Hamid left the country on Wednesday midnight. Accompanied by his son Riyad Ahmed and brother-in-law Dr. A.M. Naushad, he boarded Thai Airways Flight TG 340 at 3:05 AM en route to Bangkok. According to airport sources, Hamid faced no travel restrictions, and there were no formal complaints against him at the time of departure.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP leader Tareque Rahman, is poised to be reinstated in her government job, according to a senior official at the Ministry of Health. Having returned to Bangladesh on Tuesday, a formal order for her reappointment is expected soon. A graduate of Dhaka Medical College and a postgraduate in medicine from Imperial College London, she topped the BCS exams in 1995 and joined as a medical officer. After leaving the country during the 2007-08 political crisis, her leave application was denied, and she was dismissed.

In a targeted immigration raid dubbed "Operation Targeted Strike," Malaysian authorities arrested 162 undocumented migrants, including 107 Bangladeshis. The operation took place at a construction site in a condominium complex in Jalan Kuching, Kuala Lumpur. Officials screened around 200 workers, detaining individuals under the Immigration Act of 1959/63. Detainees also include nationals from Indonesia, Myanmar, and India.

Negotiations between the Bangladesh government and the IMF over loan disbursement have reached an impasse. A key sticking point is the IMF's demand to allow full market-based exchange rate for the Bangladeshi Taka. While Bangladesh has met two other conditions, it insists that full market liberalization is not currently feasible. The IMF has warned that without compliance, the next loan tranche will not be released. Despite increased dollar inflows, Bangladesh values the IMF deal for the signal it sends about economic stability. Both sides continue talks, unwilling to walk away from the agreement.