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.

The economic policies of the previous Awami League government trapped the country in a vicious cycle of corruption and mismanagement. Despite various rescue efforts, the economy continues to suffer from these systemic issues. One major problem is inflation, as commodity prices remain high. Although inflation has gradually decreased since October, consumers remain at the mercy of powerful syndicates that manipulate supply to charge higher prices. According to a former World Bank official in Dhaka, $16 billion was smuggled out of the country annually under Awami League rule, leaving the economy in a depleted state. Excessive printing of money led to rampant inflation, which peaked at 11.66% in July but has now dropped to 9.94%. The current administration is focused on reducing inflation and controlling capital flight, but the economy’s recovery remains uncertain due to continued dominance by corrupt business elites.

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.

The administration of Jahangirnagar University has announced a tentative date for the long-awaited Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) elections, aiming to hold them by May 21, 2025. In a statement, Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan confirmed the plan. According to the election commission, which was formed to oversee the process, the official election schedule will be announced at least 21 days in advance, likely in the last week of April 2025, in accordance with the JAKSU constitution. The last JAKSU election took place in 1992. Following student protests on August 5, 2024, demanding elections, the university administration released a roadmap on December 30, 2024, and formed an election commission. The commission has already prepared the voter list, marking significant progress in organizing the long-overdue elections.

Bangladesh’s next general election is likely to be held towards the end of this year, according to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. In an interview with Japan’s Broadcasting Corporation, he stated that ensuring Bangladesh's self-sufficiency and a fair electoral process is his top priority. Following the August 5 mass uprising that led to Sheikh Hasina’s removal, Yunus took charge of the interim government. He emphasized that his administration has made significant progress in stabilizing the country’s social, economic, and political landscape. Yunus further highlighted that young people in Bangladesh are eager to showcase their creativity on a global scale, a vision that aligns with the government’s aspirations for the future.

The U.S. deported a group of illegal Indian immigrants on Thursday, restraining them with handcuffs and leg shackles aboard a military aircraft. The incident sparked outrage in India's parliament, with opposition members condemning it as an inhumane and humiliating act against Indian nationals. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar explained that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) follows strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for deportations. He clarified that deportations are not new, with 15,756 Indians sent back over the past 15 years. However, he assured that women and children were not subjected to shackling. Opposition leaders questioned the Indian government's response and demanded measures to protect the dignity of its citizens abroad.

Student activists claim to have discovered a mysterious underground structure beneath the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi 32. Eyewitnesses report that the underground area consists of multiple chambers, though access has been restricted due to water accumulation. Since February 5, the site has witnessed acts of vandalism, and by February 6, large crowds had gathered to witness the findings. Some claim that a five-story underground structure, including a mirrored room, exists beneath the house. Student activists allege that the premises were used for secret operations by intelligence agencies like DB and DGFI. Social media is abuzz with discussions demanding a government investigation. However, there has been no official response from the authorities yet.