The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), which sells subsidized goods across the country, has sent out 5.7 million Smart Family Cards to district administrations and city corporations. An additional 600,000 cards are being printed, with data collection ongoing for 1.5 million more cards. The cards are provided free of charge to eligible consumers. Local administrations and city corporations are responsible for selecting beneficiaries, collecting data, and monitoring the distribution of goods. The interim government has started this card distribution initiative, following the cancellation of 10 million cards due to irregularities during the previous administration.

Ahead of the upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers against India, Bangladesh has announced a 38-member preliminary squad. The match is set to take place in Shillong, India. The squad includes Hamza Chowdhury, who recently transferred to Sheffield United from an English Premier League club, and Fahmidul Islam, who plays for Italian club Olbia Calcio. Among the 38 players, the highest number—14—are from Bashundhara Kings, while 8 players are from Abahani.

Bangladesh’s economy has made a strong recovery, with key indicators showing significant improvement, according to Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam. Speaking at a press briefing, he stated that macroeconomic stability has returned, with foreign reserves at $20 billion, covering 3.5 months of imports. Export growth has reached 10%, new jobs are being created, and inflation has dropped from 12% to 9%. The government expects inflation to fall further to 7.5% by July, ensuring price stability during Ramadan.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed India’s statement regarding the vandalism and arson attack at Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence on Dhanmondi 32 as “unwanted” and an interference in the country’s internal affairs. The ministry’s spokesperson, Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, stated that Bangladesh does not expect such remarks from India. He also pointed out that the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s political statements from India are not being well received by the people of Bangladesh. The government has already clarified its position regarding the unrest that followed her speech on February 5.

This year, Mehedi Hasan Khan, the creator of the Avro Keyboard, was nominated for the Ekushey Padak in the Science and Technology category. However, three more contributors to the Avro project will also receive the prestigious award. Filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki revealed that Mehedi Hasan initially declined the award. Nevertheless, the authorities proceeded with the decision to honor him. Later, Mehedi Hasan stated that he did not want to take full credit for Avro’s success alone. He acknowledged the contributions of his three collaborators—Rifat Nabi, Tanbin Islam, and Shabab Mustafa. In recognition of their role in the project, the decision was made to award the Ekushey Padak to all four of them.

In a nationwide crackdown under Operation Devil Hunt, law enforcement agencies arrested 1,308 individuals to maintain law and order. The police headquarters confirmed the arrests on Sunday, stating that 274 were apprehended in metropolitan areas and 1,034 in regional zones. The interim government launched the operation to bring criminals under legal action. The decision was made on Saturday during a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs, where law enforcement agencies coordinated their efforts for the large-scale operation.

At least 13 people were injured in a violent clash between two factions of the BNP over the leasing of Karitola Bazaar and the historic Poradah Mela in Bogura. The incident took place on February 8, with the injured receiving treatment at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital. Kamalpur BNP Union President Rezaul Karim claimed that his supporters were attacked by a group led by BNP Union Vice President Mokhlesur Rahman Hiltu, who was allegedly backed by Awami League activists. However, Mokhlesur Rahman countered the claim, stating that his group was attacked while having tea at a local market.

Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Economic Advisor to the government, has stated that no final decision has been made regarding inflation allowance for government employees. Speaking at a seminar on the role of remittances in the national economy, he mentioned that Bangladesh has not met all the conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which is why it is said that the country has “failed” to comply with IMF requirements. He also noted that balancing government revenue and expenditure is crucial, and various demands from teachers are being considered for the upcoming budget. Emphasizing the importance of sending skilled workers abroad, he warned that remittance through informal channels (hundi) does not contribute to official foreign reserves, which he identified as a negative factor.

A Chattogram court has granted a two-day remand for former Member of Parliament (MP) Abu Reza Muhammad Nezamuddin Nadvi in connection with a murder case. The Chattogram Metropolitan Police had requested a five-day remand, but the court approved two days. Multiple cases have been filed against Nadvi following the recent mass uprising. After months in hiding, he was arrested in Dhaka on December 15. Previously, the court had granted an eight-day remand for him in other cases.

Bangladesh Bank will announce a new monetary policy tomorrow for the last six months of the fiscal year, prioritizing inflation control, foreign reserves, and exchange rate stability. Despite previous rate hikes failing to curb inflation, the central bank will keep policy interest rates unchanged. Experts argue that raising rates increases production costs and worsens inflation. Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, announcing his first policy, aims for a cautious approach. Analysts stress the need for market regulation and coordinated institutional efforts to tackle inflation effectively.

As part of the nationwide "Devil Hunt" operation, law enforcement agencies have arrested 65 Awami League leaders and activists in Gazipur district. On Sunday morning, Gazipur Police Superintendent Chowdhury Md. Jaber Sadeq confirmed the arrests, stating that police operations were conducted in several areas, including Sreepur, Kaliganj, Kapasia, Kaliakoir, and Joydebpur, resulting in 40 arrests. Additionally, two individuals were arrested from Tongi East and Pubail police stations, five from Gacha police station, eight from Basan police station, two from Konabari police station, and four each from Sadar and Kashimpur police stations. The Deputy Commissioner of Gazipur confirmed the arrest of 25 individuals on Sunday.

Former Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md. Ruhul Amin has been sent to prison over allegations of document forgery related to a land acquisition case. According to court sources, Kaysarul Islam Chowdhury filed a case in 2014, accusing Amin and 27 others of embezzling approximately Tk 200 crore in compensation for the Matarbari Power Plant land acquisition. The name of the then Deputy Commissioner was reportedly removed before sending documents to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). On July 1 last year, the ACC submitted an investigation report against five individuals. In light of the accusations, Ruhul Amin voluntarily surrendered to the court.

A dispute has arisen within Bangladesh’s national women’s football team as 18 players, led by captain Sabina Khatun, have refused to train under British coach Peter Butler. Shortly after the investigation committee submitted its report, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) President Tabith Awal stepped in to mediate. He stated, "I have spoken with every player one-on-one. They want something, but this is not the way to get it." Regarding the players’ refusal to train under Butler, he commented, "I am here to guide, provide incentives, and ensure understanding. Playing or not playing is their personal choice. The federation is not forcing anyone to play or not to play." He defended Butler’s appointment for two years, asserting that all aspects were considered before finalizing the contract.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in front of the National Press Club to stage protests and human chains demanding various reforms. A total of 6,531 primary assistant teacher candidates who passed the third phase selection process but were denied final recruitment have been staging continuous protests. They claim that appointments were made from the first and second phases, but they were unfairly left out. Meanwhile, the Footwear Manufacturers Association is protesting for VAT exemption on plastic and rubber shoes. Additionally, app-based ride-sharing drivers are demanding the release of fellow driver Rocky, withdrawal of false cases against them, and recognition as formal workers under a nine-point demand list.

Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Chief Election Commissioner and Supreme Court Justice Abdur Rauf. He extended his condolences to the bereaved family. Yunus recalled Rauf’s crucial role in steering the country towards democracy after the fall of autocrat Ershad on December 6, 1990. He remarked that Rauf’s contributions to voting rights, reforms, and democracy will be remembered with great respect by the nation.