A total of 134,000 farmers affected by the July-August floods are receiving financial aid from the Ministry of Agriculture via bKash. Farmers can cash out at agent points for a reduced fee of 7 taka. A press release states that farmers from 56 upazilas across seven districts will receive assistance at home. Last year’s sudden floods impacted thousands of farmers in Chattogram, Sylhet, Noakhali, Cumilla, and other areas. The Ministry of Agriculture is providing 1,000 taka per farmer via mobile financial services to help cover the cost of seeds and fertilizers, aiding in recovery from agricultural losses.

US President Donald Trump has imposed new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil network. The sanctions affect Iranian firms, ships, companies, and individuals linked to the sector, despite similar measures during Biden’s tenure. US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant stated that Iran continues using oil revenues to fund its nuclear program, ballistic missile development, and proxy terrorist groups. The US remains committed to countering these threats. Trump, who imposed numerous sanctions in his first term, has initiated further restrictions within a week of beginning his second term.

To ensure an impartial, independent, and efficient judiciary, the Judicial Reform Commission has recommended prohibiting political activities within court premises and eliminating political influence from bar associations. The commission’s report stresses that lawyers must refrain from political activism within the judiciary. It also calls for legislation and strict measures if necessary. Judges must remain free from political influence, and political parties should pledge not to interfere in bar council elections or recognize any lawyer association as an affiliated political wing. The commission made 30 recommendations, including curbing the president’s absolute authority over pardons.

Bangladesh Railway has renamed two stations at either end of the Jamuna Bridge, affecting ticket bookings on websites and mobile apps. Following the renaming of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Railway Bridge, Bangabandhu Bridge East station is now called Ibrahimabad, and Bangabandhu Bridge West station is now called Saidabad. A short notice on the railway's website announced the changes, instructing passengers to purchase tickets under the new station names on online platforms and at ticket counters.

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing it of targeting the United States and its close ally, Israel, with "illegal and baseless actions." According to the BBC, Trump’s executive order stipulates that any individuals cooperating with ICC investigations against the U.S. or its allies will face economic and visa-related sanctions, along with potential penalties for their family members. The executive order argues that the ICC’s actions pose a direct threat to American personnel, increasing the risk of harassment and unlawful detentions. Prior to issuing the order, Trump reportedly held discussions with the Israeli Prime Minister regarding the matter.

Following Sheikh Hasina’s recent remarks via Facebook Live, waves of protests, including the vandalism and arson of Awami League offices, have erupted across the country. Demonstrations, blockades, and other protest actions are in full swing. In response, advisor Mahfuz Alam urged protesters to refrain from actions that might jeopardize the achievements of the uprising. In a social media post, he called for calm and assured that justice and reforms were forthcoming. "This is a long-term battle. Prepare yourselves, but avoid reckless actions. Do not take the path that the enemies want you to follow. The country’s best interest lies in strategic patience," he stated. He further warned that Hasina’s traumatic legacy should not overshadow the movement’s objectives. "We will build a new society and state—there is no alternative!"

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have once again surpassed the $20 billion mark. At the beginning of the year, the gross reserve stood at $26.20 billion, while the BPM6-adjusted reserve was $21.36 billion. According to the latest data released on Thursday, the gross reserve now stands at $25.54 billion, while the BPM6-adjusted reserve is $20.20 billion. Earlier, on January 9, after clearing a $1.67 billion payment to the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) for November and December imports, the reserve had dropped to $20 billion. Under the previous Awami League government, reserves had once fallen below $14 billion, which was then artificially inflated through foreign loans and dollar purchases from commercial banks. However, under the new administration, the central bank has halted reserve sales and is now working to source dollars from various channels.

Actress Sohana Saba has been taken to the Detective Branch (DB) office for questioning late Thursday night, confirmed DMP’s Deputy Commissioner of Media & Public Relations, Muhammad Talebur Rahman. Prior to this, actress Meher Afroz Shaon was also brought in for questioning from her residence. According to officials, Shaon is being interrogated over alleged anti-state remarks. Her recent political stance and comments sparked discussions and controversy on social media, leading to her being summoned to the DB office for further investigation.

In a statement issued late Thursday night on the verified Facebook page of the Chief Advisor, the interim government assured that attempts to vandalize and set fire to various institutions and properties across the country would be strongly resisted. The statement further emphasized that the interim government is fully prepared to ensure the safety and security of citizens’ lives and property. It warned that any efforts to destabilize the country through provocative actions would be met with swift and stringent action by law enforcement agencies, and the responsible individuals and groups would be brought to justice.

The Law and Arbitration Center has strongly condemned the attacks and vandalism at Sheikh Mujib’s residence in Dhanmondi 32 and other locations across the country. The organization called for respect for law, human rights, and democracy, describing these acts as threats to the rule of law and stability in the country. The statement further reminded that international human rights laws guarantee equal protection under the law and the right to due process. It also pointed out that without these assurances, the government risks facing accusations of failure. The organization reiterated its respect and support for the ideals of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, emphasizing that the ongoing events are contrary to these principles.

The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing announced on Thursday that Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will visit Aina Ghar as soon as possible, accompanied by both local and international media. The decision was made during the Advisory Council meeting held on February 6 (Thursday). The meeting also addressed key issues such as ensuring smooth transportation of essential goods through TCB (Trading Corporation of Bangladesh) and maintaining stable commodity prices during Ramadan. Additionally, discussions focused on preventing load shedding and ensuring an uninterrupted power supply throughout the holy month.

Several international media outlets have reported on the arson and vandalism at Dhanmondi 32, the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, following the online address of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on February 5. In addition to Dhanmondi 32, her residence, Sudha Sadan, was also attacked and set on fire by protesters. Prominent global news agencies covered the incident with striking headlines:

• Associated Press (AP) (USA): “Bangladeshi Protesters Destroy Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina’s Family Home”

• Agence France-Presse (AFP) (France): “Bangladesh Protesters Attempt to Ransack Hasina’s Father’s House”

• BBC (UK): “Protesters Set Fire to Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister’s Family Home”

• Reuters (UK): “Demonstrators Torch Ousted Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina’s Father’s Residence”

• Anadolu Agency (Turkey): “Furious Protests in Bangladesh Over Former PM Hasina’s Address from India”

The incident has drawn global attention, with international media highlighting the political unrest and growing tensions in Bangladesh.

A gas cylinder explosion inside a private car at a filling station in Ashulia, Savar, has left three people injured, including a child. The victims are the car’s driver, Imran Hasan Sani (35), his wife, Mukta Akter (32), and their son, Kazi Minhaj (11). All three have been admitted to Sohel Square Hospital with injuries. According to the CNG pump authorities, a blue-colored private car arrived at the filling station to refuel. As soon as the gas refill started, the cylinder exploded with a loud bang. The victims were standing next to the vehicle at the time of the explosion. Police have visited the site and confirmed that the incident occurred due to a cylinder blast during gas refueling.

Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) has decided not to participate in the mandatory cluster admission system, despite directives from the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC). In today’s Academic Council meeting, a majority of faculty members supported conducting an independent admission test. As a result, the university will hold its own entrance examination on campus as per the admission circular issued on January 28, confirmed Proctor Professor Dr. Shamsuzzoha. The application process will begin on February 9 and continue until March 6, with the university admitting 1,795 students this year.

In Taraganj, Rangpur, an inter-district women’s football match between Joypurhat and Rajshahi teams was abruptly halted following protests led by Ashraf Ali, a leader of the Islami Andolon Bangladesh (IAB). Using a loudspeaker, Ali declared the match unacceptable and called for demonstrations, escalating tensions between event organizers and IAB activists. As neither side was willing to compromise, the Upazila Executive Officer intervened and imposed Section 144 to prevent further unrest. Organizers expressed disappointment, stating that the tournament is held annually without issue, but this year, opposition from IAB forced its suspension. The official explanation from the Upazila Executive Office is that the decision was made in consultation with the District Commissioner due to the standoff between the parties.