Workers of Crown Exclusive Wear Limited in Sripur, Gazipur, staged a protest against unpaid wages, layoffs, and alleged abuse by the management. Protesters blocked roads and set fire to trees in defiance. The factory employs about 3,000 workers, and sources claim that arbitrary dismissals and mistreatment are rampant. Industrial Officer-in-Charge Abdul Latif stated that 14 of the workers’ demands have been met, but issues regarding mobile phone use and the dismissal of a supervisor remain unresolved. Police later confirmed that normal traffic flow has resumed.

A massive fire broke out in the Brahmottor village of Syedpur, Nilphamari, on Monday night, destroying 30 houses belonging to eight families. The fire, reportedly caused by an electrical short circuit, led to losses estimated in the millions. Two cows, three goats, furniture, electronics, crops, and cash were also lost in the blaze. Affected families are now homeless, seeking aid. The local Jamaat leader has promised assistance, urging the administration and affluent individuals to help the victims.

Bangladesh ranks 14th among the world’s most corrupt countries, according to Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB). The organization’s Executive Director, Iftekharuzzaman, revealed the findings at a press conference on Tuesday, noting that Bangladesh’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score dropped to 23—its lowest in 13 years. Among South Asian countries, only Afghanistan ranks lower. He criticized the previous government for fostering corruption while publicly claiming to combat it. Bangladesh now stands at 151st out of 180 countries, a two-step decline from last year.

A young man named Raju (18) was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Daulatpur, Kushtia, on Monday at midnight. The murder took place near the Bairagichar Mondolpara Ghat. Raju, son of Ibrahim Pramanik, was found critically injured and later declared dead at the Daulatpur Upazila Health Complex. According to Officer-in-Charge Nazmul Huda, authorities are investigating whether the killing was linked to drug-related disputes.

Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Home Affairs Adviser, has alleged that pro-fascist elements are conspiring against the government both domestically and internationally. Speaking at an event at the police auditorium, he emphasized that the interim government’s priority is restoring law and order and ensuring public safety. He stated that those engaged in anarchy and crime would face legal consequences. He also accused the previous government of plundering national wealth and suppressing dissent under the guise of patriotism.

Former members of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), who were dismissed after the 2009 Pilkhana mutiny, staged a protest at Shaheed Minar demanding reinstatement, compensation, and state benefits. The “Justice for BDR” movement, organized by the BDR Welfare Council, called for the release of those they claim were wrongfully imprisoned in the mutiny trials. Protesters also rejected what they termed as a “conspiratorial investigation and fabricated verdicts.” Among their demands are the reinstatement of the BDR name, an independent investigation to identify the true masterminds, and the declaration of a national day in remembrance of the fallen soldiers of the Pilkhana massacre.

After a two-week suspension, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial resumed on February 10. According to Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, as the trial commenced at Tel Aviv District Court, Netanyahu addressed the judges, stating that he was feeling politically strong despite enduring a physically challenging and exhausting week due to medical treatment. The court had previously postponed proceedings due to Netanyahu’s recent surgery. The long-running corruption case against Netanyahu dates back to 2019.

The families of the martyrs of the July uprising will receive a one-time financial grant, a monthly allowance, and employment opportunities for one able-bodied family member. However, these jobs will not be granted under any quota system, clarified Adviser Nahid Islam in a Facebook post on Monday night. He stated that these jobs, whether in government or private sectors, will be based on merit. Recognizing the lifelong impact on the injured, he emphasized the government's commitment to their rehabilitation, stating that it is both a duty and a promise.

A list of 84 police officers has been finalized for arrest following allegations that former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed incited police personnel against the government. The police headquarters has approved the list, and international arrest notices are being issued through Interpol for officers who have fled the country. The Bangladesh Retired Police Officers Welfare Association has condemned Benazir’s remarks, labeling them as conspiratorial and insulting. The association also criticized the former IGP’s alleged corruption, blaming it for damaging the police force’s integrity.

The first meeting of the National Consensus Commission will be held on February 15, as announced by Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus’ press secretary, Shafiqul Alam. The meeting will be chaired by the Chief Adviser and attended by various political parties and allies of the July uprising. The decision on whether subsequent meetings will be joint or separate will be made during the session. Notably, BNP met with the Chief Adviser yesterday.

Russia is awaiting further details on former U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to occupy and rebuild Gaza. In a press conference on Monday (February 10), a Kremlin spokesperson stated that the plan poses significant challenges, as approximately 1.2 million Palestinians reside in Gaza. The spokesperson also highlighted that United Nations Security Council resolutions guarantee a two-state solution for the region.

A horrific bus accident in Guatemala has left at least 51 people dead and many others injured. According to a report by Al Jazeera, the victims include 36 men and 15 women, with the death toll expected to rise. Rescue teams are working to extract survivors from the wreckage. The bodies have been sent to a provincial morgue, and the President of Guatemala has declared three days of national mourning while deploying military and disaster response teams to the area.

The Bangladesh Administrative Service Association (BASA) has opposed the recent high court ruling that allocated a 25% quota for other cadres in the promotion to deputy secretary positions. Previously, there was no fixed quota for such promotions. BASA insists that administrative cadre officers naturally deserve these positions and calls for maintaining the existing structure, which currently allocates 75% to the administrative cadre and 25% to others. Meanwhile, the Public Administration Reform Commission has proposed a 50-50 division between administrative and other cadres, sparking further debate.

A massive fire broke out at a plastic factory in Shyampur, causing significant damage. Firefighters rushed to the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control after hours of effort. No casualties have been reported so far, but authorities are assessing the extent of the damage. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

In a statement issued on Monday, Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus condemned the mob attack at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair. Describing the fair as a vital cultural event for writers and readers, he stated that such incidents undermine free cultural expression and dishonor the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement. The statement directed the police and the Bangla Academy to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators face legal action. Additionally, security agencies have been instructed to take stronger measures to prevent mob violence in the future.