The current government has started repaying debts left by the previous administration, which allegedly funneled much of the borrowed money out of the country. A report from the central bank revealed that from August to December of the current fiscal year, the government repaid approximately $5.87 billion in loans from the central bank. Additionally, to rescue liquidity-strapped banks affected by financial mismanagement, the government injected an additional $2.25 billion through printed money. As of December, the government’s total debt to banks and non-banking financial institutions stood at $41.5 billion.

An imam in Chandina, Cumilla, was allegedly assaulted after delivering a sermon against bribery and usury during Friday prayers. The attack reportedly took place at Baniyachang village mosque, involving two teachers. Following the incident, the imam’s supporters vandalized several houses in retaliation. Injured imam Md. Hasan Murad stated that he preaches Sunni beliefs and condemns corruption, which some individuals found unacceptable. He accused local UP member Nurul Islam Master, his brother Zakir, and others of orchestrating the attack.

At an Iftar gathering, BNP leader Mirza Abbas accused certain domestic and foreign groups of attempting to create a rift between BNP and sections of the religious community. He warned that such divisions could allow foreign forces to intervene and destabilize the country. Cautioning against new slogans like Inqilab Zindabad, he questioned their meaning, asking, “What does ‘Second Independence’ mean? What is the ‘Second Republic’?” Abbas reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to moving Bangladesh forward under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, expressing confidence in their unity and vision.

One person was killed, and three others were injured in a collision between a bus and an auto-rickshaw in Jamalpur on Sunday morning. The accident occurred in Joyrampur on the Jamalpur-Mymensingh road. According to Sadar Police, a bus traveling from Dhaka to Jamalpur collided head-on with a battery-powered auto-rickshaw heading toward Nandina, injuring four people. They were rushed to Jamalpur General Hospital, where one of the injured succumbed to his injuries. Two others were transferred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Enraged by the accident, local residents set fire to the bus. In response to the incident, bus workers staged a one-hour blockade on the Jamalpur-Mymensingh road near the ferry terminal area at noon.

A video of Md. Shiblu (28), an accused in a case related to firing during the Chattogram mass uprising, has gone viral on social media. The 22-second video, recorded by Shiblu himself, surfaced on Friday morning, showing him holding a mobile phone in one hand while displaying bullets and a firearm in different poses with the other. According to police sources, on July 16, a rally of students and citizens in the Sholoshahar No. 2 Gate area was attacked with explosives and firearms, leaving several innocent people and students injured. Law enforcement agencies have confirmed that efforts are ongoing to arrest him.

Just 38 days after resuming operations, the Ashuganj fertilizer factory has once again shut down indefinitely due to a gas crisis. Production of urea fertilizer was halted on Saturday night by factory authorities. Previously, from February 21 to November 14 last year, production was suspended for the same reason. Following protests by workers, gas supply was restored by Bakhrabad Gas Distribution Company Limited on November 15, allowing production to resume on January 23. According to factory sources, the plant has a daily production capacity of at least 1,150 tons of urea fertilizer, but requires a minimum of 48 million cubic feet of gas per day to maintain normal operations.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections, the United Nations Human Rights Office has urged authorities to ensure equal opportunities for all political parties and candidates. In a report titled “Human Rights Violations and Repression Related to the July-August 2024 Movements in Bangladesh,” published on February 12 from its Geneva office, the UN stressed the importance of safeguarding fundamental freedoms and creating a secure and fair environment for free and impartial elections.

The report also expressed concerns over any potential bans on political parties. Meanwhile, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that the elections could be held in December if a consensus is reached on minimal electoral reforms.

Speaking at a discussion titled “The Role of Politicians in Ensuring Human Rights” on Sunday, BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the government must clarify its stance on the election process to the public. He warned that the longer the election process is delayed, the more the country’s existing crises will escalate.

Salahuddin asserted that elections are essential to restoring stability in the nation. He also claimed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been recognized globally as a perpetrator of genocide, yet the ruling party shows no remorse or accountability. He emphasized the need for a complete transformation of the country’s political culture, advocating for a system where all citizens feel included.

Doctors at the 100-bed Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital have gone on strike from Sunday morning, demanding an end to inter-cadre discrimination. They stated that their protest aims to address financial and social disparities as well as promotion-related issues. However, emergency and inpatient services remain operational for the benefit of patients.

The protesting doctors highlighted that there is significant discrimination within the health cadre. They claimed that administrative cadre officials are appointed from outside the health cadre and that the administration controls medical professionals. Additionally, they cited financial and social inequalities as major concerns. They vowed to continue their movement until these issues are resolved.

Meanwhile, patients have been facing difficulties due to the ongoing strike.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Naval Commander Alireza Tangsiri criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling it humiliating. He stated, “This proves that reliance on foreign powers ultimately leads to betrayal.” Tangsiri warned that those who place their trust in forces other than God will face dire consequences, citing Ukraine as an example. He also pointed out that U.S. presence in Iraq failed to bring real development and only fueled instability. “If this is how Trump treats Ukraine, imagine how he views Muslim nations,” he remarked.

Chief Adviser has stressed the importance of accurately documenting all atrocities committed under the rule of autocrat Sheikh Hasina. This includes the Shapla Chattar massacre, the brutal crackdown on protests following the verdict against Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, and numerous extrajudicial killings.

During a meeting with UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, and Human Rights Advisor Huma Khan, Muhammad Yunus highlighted that without proper documentation of these incidents, uncovering the truth and ensuring justice would be extremely difficult.

Resident Coordinator Lewis assured that the UN is ready to provide all necessary assistance. He also mentioned that Hasina’s July brutality report will be briefed at the Human Rights Conference on March 5.

The Chief Adviser also expressed deep concern regarding the Rohingya crisis.

A court has ordered the freezing of 44 bank accounts belonging to former Awami League minister Amir Hossain Amu, his wife Saeeda Haq, and daughter Sumaiya Hossain. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) sought the order as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of illegal wealth accumulation. Sources indicate that Amu and his family, currently in hiding, were attempting to withdraw and transfer funds, prompting the freeze order.

A high-profile delegation of development and renewable energy experts, led by former Norwegian minister Erik Solheim, met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to discuss investment opportunities in Bangladesh. The delegation expressed strong interest in investing in small-scale solar power plants, the carbon market, and agroforestry projects in the country. They also showed enthusiasm for jointly exploring hydropower investment possibilities in Nepal, as Bangladesh is actively working to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels in the coming years.

During the meeting, Chief Adviser Yunus emphasized the importance of these initiatives and stressed the need to enhance solar energy systems and explore electricity imports from Nepal and Bhutan. He also highlighted Bangladesh’s keen interest in leveraging opportunities in the global carbon market.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin emphasized the need for political consensus in upholding electoral code of conduct. Speaking at National Voter’s Day celebrations, he stated, “We aim to ensure a free and fair election. We are not working under anyone’s agenda; our priority is the agenda of 180 million people and Bangladesh.” He also warned that rigging elections may bring short-term victory but ultimately harms the political party itself.

In observance of the holy month of Ramadan, the Islamic Foundation has organized a month-long Islamic book fair at the southern courtyard of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The fair was inaugurated on Saturday by Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain.

The book fair will remain open to the public daily from 12 PM to 8 PM. This year, a total of 64 stalls have been set up, offering a wide range of Islamic literature, including translations and interpretations of the Holy Quran, collections of Hadith, and various fundamental and research-based books on Islam.