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.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer has claimed that after Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, no political group openly rejected it. Speaking at a public gathering in Narayanganj, he asked, “Can anyone name a political party that said they do not accept Bangladesh’s independence after 1971? There isn’t any. Everyone has accepted our beloved country’s independence voluntarily.”

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) arrested a 26-year-old Bangladeshi man, Noyon Mia, while he was illegally crossing the Fulbari border in Kurigram from India. He was sent to jail on Friday morning. According to BGB and local sources, Noyon Mia, son of Badsha Mia from Hatirjheel, Dhaka, had illegally entered India three years ago. When he attempted to return, BGB apprehended him and handed him over to Fulbari police station. Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mamunur Rashid confirmed the incident, stating that the BGB had filed a case under the Illegal Immigration Act, and the suspect was later sent to jail.

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.

India is yet to decide on Bangladesh’s request to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to a written response by India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, in the Lok Sabha. Bangladesh has accused Hasina of various crimes committed before leaving the country. The Bangladeshi government is reportedly seeking her trial under the International Crimes Tribunal, which is investigating human rights violations during her tenure. There have been widespread allegations of crimes against humanity against Hasina, her family, and her party. Arrest warrants have been issued for 45 individuals, including Hasina. In response, Bangladesh formally requested her extradition from India.

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.

One of Bangladesh's most successful batsmen, Tamim Iqbal, retired from international cricket about a month ago but intends to continue playing domestic cricket. To honor his contributions, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will present him with a special farewell tribute before the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) final on Friday. As there are no ongoing international home series, BCB has decided that Tamim’s farewell ceremony will take place during the BPL final at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. Before the prize distribution ceremony, Tamim will receive a commemorative farewell token. His team, Fortune Barishal, will face Chattogram Kings in the final, and fans are eager to see if Tamim can conclude his career with a championship win.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has issued a statement urging the government to take stricter measures in light of the ongoing situation in the country. The statement expresses deep concern over provocative actions by the ousted dictator and his associates, who were removed through the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs. This has led to a surge in public resentment, resulting in the destruction of statues, plaques, and other symbols of the former regime across the country. The statement criticizes the interim government for failing to bring the dictator and his associates to justice in the past six months, leading people to take matters into their own hands. BNP asserts that the public had expected the rule of law but has been disappointed. The party warns that if the government fails to demonstrate its ability to control the situation, the stability of both the state and the administration will be at risk. BNP has called on the authorities to take immediate action to restore order.

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.

After years of losses, discussions have resumed on reopening state-run sugar mills under joint management. Despite a consortium being formed in 2019, political interference caused Japan, Thailand, and UAE investors to withdraw. A comprehensive feasibility study was completed in 2021, and a committee was formed under the then-additional secretary of the Ministry of Industry to review partnership terms. While investors proposed a fully state-owned model, the government opted for a joint ownership structure. Amid political shifts, investors have now expressed renewed interest through official communications.

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.

The government will take swift and effective measures to recover both looted police weapons and all illegal arms, with visible success expected soon, stated Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan. Speaking late Thursday night at Mintu Road with student activists from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, he assured prompt action. Students, led by Abdul Hannan Masud, were demanding the arrest of members of the now-banned Chhatra League and the recovery of illegal weapons. Asif Mahmud further mentioned that many politically licensed arms holders over the past 16 years have failed to surrender their weapons, although most have been seized by the police. However, looted arms remain largely unrecovered. He confirmed that joint forces would receive fresh government directives to expedite arms retrieval. Meanwhile, Hannan Masud demanded that all weapons be recovered by tonight.

For the first time in two decades, a shipment of molasses from Pakistan has arrived at Mongla Port, following India’s decision to impose a 50% export duty hike. On Thursday, the Panama-flagged vessel 'MT Dolphin' entered Mongla Port carrying 550 metric tons of molasses from Karachi. The ship had departed from Karachi Port on January 22 and anchored at Jetty No. 8 in Mongla. Business representatives explained that, due to India’s tariff increase, they have turned to Pakistan for imports, which has proven to be more cost-effective. Compared to previous costs, importers are now saving 4-5 Bangladeshi Taka per kilogram. Welcoming the development, Mongla Port Authority official Shariful Sarkar stated that this new import trend further enhances the port’s capacity and significance.