Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen has vowed to bring back high-profile corruption suspects who have fled to neighboring countries and put them on trial. Speaking at the inauguration of a training program for ACC officials, he identified government procurement as a major source of corruption. He emphasized the need for awareness about procurement processes, market prices, and utility assessments. He also mentioned that ACC could benefit from "Operation Devil Hunt." A total of 30 officials are participating in the training program.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar has strongly discouraged the import of meat and eggs, stating that under no circumstances will the government allow such imports. She warned that bringing in these products could introduce zoonotic diseases to the country and devastate local farms. Despite appeals from traders and diplomats, she reaffirmed her stance against imports. At a discussion, she also announced the establishment of a department under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to support families of those injured or martyred in the July uprising. She directed the Department of Livestock to collaborate with this initiative.

Election Commissioner Md. Aminul Islam Sarkar has stated that preparations are underway to hold the national elections by December. He emphasized that there is no alternative to conducting a fair election. Speaking at a discussion on updating the voter list for 2025, he sought cooperation from various political groups. He mentioned that the preparatory exercises have been completed, and reforms will be implemented based on political consensus. For the first time, 1.6 million deceased voters have been removed from the voter list.

Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus cautioned against rushed justice, stating it often leads to injustice. Speaking at an event in Tejgaon, Dhaka, where financial aid was provided to families of July uprising martyrs and the injured, he emphasized the need for fair investigations. Yunus asserted that criminals must face the law, but innocent individuals should be guided towards a better path. Urging vigilance against violence, he honored the sacrifices of the uprising, recognizing the martyrs’ families as part of the nation’s history.

A Dhaka court has ordered Interpol to issue a Red Alert for the arrest of former IGP Benazir Ahmed, following an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) petition. Benazir is accused of amassing ৳9.44 crore in illegal assets and concealing ৳2.62 crore. His family members are also implicated in corruption cases totaling over ৳62 crore. The Bangladesh Retired Police Officers Welfare Association has demanded his extradition, condemning his alleged involvement in crimes and his recent social media statements against the state.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized Indian liquor, pharmaceuticals, and contraband worth Tk 1.46 crore at the Sylhet-Sunamganj border. BGB’s 48th Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Nazmul Haque, reported that the operation was carried out during a routine patrol early Sunday morning. Seized items included sugar, medicines, olive oil, clothing, livestock, oranges, street snacks, and body sprays. A used truck carrying the illegal goods was also confiscated.

On the second day of ‘Devil Hunt’ operations, police in Tongi East and West arrested 19 more Awami League leaders and activists in connection with an attack on students at the residence of former minister A.K.M. Mozammel Haque. Tongi West police confirmed that eight suspects were apprehended overnight, while Tongi East police arrested 11 individuals from various locations. Authorities allege that all detainees were involved in the assault on students at the former minister’s home.

Malaysia has deported 278 detainees, including 23 Bangladeshi nationals, after they completed their sentences for violating immigration and other laws. Following citizenship verification by their respective embassies, the deportees were sent back via air and land routes at their own expense. Malaysia’s immigration authorities confirmed that these individuals have been blacklisted to prevent their return to the country.

Teachers recommended in the third phase of recruitment for government primary schools in Dhaka and Chattogram divisions have blocked roads in Shahbagh, bringing traffic to a standstill. They gathered in front of the National Museum on Monday afternoon, protesting the cancellation of their recruitment and demanding immediate appointments. The recommended teachers have labeled the cancellation order as discriminatory and deceptive. They are calling for an immediate reversal of the decision and the finalization of their recruitment.

The High Court has begun hearing the appeal and death reference for those convicted in the murder of BUET student Abrar Fahad. The hearing commenced on February 10 under a bench led by Justices A.K.M. Asaduzzaman and Syed Enayet Hossain. In 2021, a trial court sentenced 20 individuals to death and five others to life imprisonment for the 2019 killing of Abrar Fahad by Bangladesh Chhatra League members. Abrar was brutally beaten to death in his dormitory, and his body was discovered on a stairway corridor at 3 AM.

Journalist Mahmudur Rahman, editor of ‘Amar Desh,’ has been acquitted in the controversial case related to an alleged abduction plot against Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court overturned his seven-year prison sentence on Monday. Rahman’s lawyer, Tanvir Ahmed Al-Amin, confirmed the acquittal, and Rahman expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating that he would not have received justice had the Awami League government remained in power.

Former State Minister for ICT, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, currently in remand for his alleged involvement in the murder of martyr Parvez Mia during the July uprising in Jatrabari, was seen smiling when asked about his condition in prison. As he was being taken back to the detention center in handcuffs, a bulletproof vest, and a helmet, Palak cryptically remarked, ‘Victory is achieved through love, not fear.’ His legal team confirmed that he has been granted a total of 60 days of remand across various cases, with 24 more days pending.

Under the interim government, Bangladesh has prioritized economic interests by strengthening trade ties with Pakistan, a stark contrast to the strained trade policies during the Hasina administration. Meanwhile, imports from India have significantly decreased, while exports to Pakistan have risen. However, Bangladesh still imports far more from both nations than it exports. From July to December, Bangladesh imported 12.47 million metric tons of goods from India, costing BDT 661.6 billion, while exports to India amounted to BDT 115.77 billion. In the same period, exports to Pakistan totaled BDT 4.75 billion, while imports stood at 1.08 million metric tons, costing BDT 53.56 billion.

The Public Administration Reform Commission has proposed reducing the number of ministers and secretaries while merging certain ministries. The recommendations include limiting the number of ministers to 23, with only two technocrats, and capping the number of state and deputy ministers at 12. Additionally, the commission suggests reducing the number of secretaries and equivalent officials from 80 to 60. The proposal also calls for appointing a chief secretary in ministries with multiple divisions. While experts acknowledge the potential benefits for governance efficiency, concerns remain about its practical implementation.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain and India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar will meet on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference 2025, scheduled for February 16-17 in Oman. Dhaka is expected to convey a strong message urging India to refrain from any actions that could destabilize bilateral relations. The Bangladeshi delegation will also warn against using Sheikh Hasina’s political influence to create internal unrest. The meeting invitation was extended by India’s foreign ministry last month, following their last bilateral discussion in the United States.