Authorities successfully defused a set of crude bombs, locally known as cocktails, found near Farmgate in Dhaka. Around 12:00 PM, a caller to the national emergency number 999 reported a suspicious object resembling an explosive. Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police quickly responded and called in the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Bomb Disposal Unit. By 12:45 PM, the unit secured the area and confirmed that the objects were crude bombs. They were safely neutralized shortly afterward. Police suspect the devices were planted to create public panic. Investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible.

The Bangladeshi government has launched ‘Operation Devil Hunt’ nationwide from today to curb terrorism following a violent attack on students and civilians in Gazipur. The decision was made in a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs, involving law enforcement agencies. A joint task force will lead the operation to restore law and order and bring perpetrators to justice. The operation starts immediately, and more details will be shared in a press briefing on Sunday. The move follows Friday night’s terrorist attack, which left several critically injured.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has stated that the trial for the July massacre must be prioritized before elections or any other governmental actions. He warned that failing to bring justice would be a betrayal of the martyrs and would cause them pain. Rahman further claimed that after the political shift, there was no functioning government, and his party took responsibility for safeguarding the lives and property of the people. He emphasized that they are ready to take responsibility again, ensuring security and dignity for all citizens. He also criticized the long-standing oppression of the general public under the pretext of being a majority, accusing the ruling authorities of attacking people’s wealth and honor while blaming Jamaat-e-Islami. “In 54 years, no one can prove allegations of land grabbing or extortion against us,” he asserted.

Kushtia, Saturday—Thousands of residents from at least five unions surrounding Islamic University (IU) staged a protest and blocked the Kushtia-Khulna Highway to oppose the relocation of the IU police station. The demonstrators felled trees and burned tires on the highway starting from 11 AM, demanding that the police station remains within the university premises. University students also joined the protest. Local residents warned, “We shed blood for the establishment of Islamic University, and if necessary, we will shed blood again to protect our demands.” The president of Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that the police station ensures security for 20,000 students and locals. If another station is needed in Jhaudia, authorities should build a cantonment there instead, but IU’s station must not be relocated.

Dhaka, Saturday—BNP’s Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has warned that counter-revolutionary forces are always seeking opportunities and must be prevented through unity and democratic aspirations. Speaking at the Droher Graffiti publication event at the National Press Club, Rizvi claimed there is no longer fear of enforced disappearances for criticizing the government. He vowed to continue speaking out and ensuring Dr. Yunus is not made to fail. Rizvi further alleged that India is unable to accept the emergence of democracy in Bangladesh, stating that Indian media’s open support for Sheikh Hasina contradicts democratic values.

Dhaka, Saturday—A massive conspiracy is being orchestrated with large sums of money to discredit Dr. Muhammad Yunus and distort the narrative of the 2024 mass uprising, claims Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam. Speaking at the launch of the book Droher Graffiti at the National Press Club on January 8, Alam urged everyone to remain united against fascism. He warned that no further military dictatorship should return and criticized the expansion of the list of freedom fighters, alleging that even two-year-old children and political opponents were included after independence.

Teknaf, Saturday—Mujibur Rahman, the chairman of Saint Martin’s Union Parishad and president of the Awami League’s local chapter, has been arrested by the Coast Guard in a drug raid. During a search of his residence, authorities recovered 12,274 Yaba pills. The operation was conducted early Saturday morning following intelligence reports of illegal drug storage at his house. Mujibur Rahman was caught attempting to escape through the back door and is currently being processed for legal action.

Dhaka, Saturday—Visiting the injured students at Dhaka Medical College Hospital today at 11 AM, Home Affairs Advisor Lt. General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury assured that those responsible for the attack on students in Gazipur will face the highest legal consequences. The attack took place last night near the residence of former Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque in Gazipur. According to the injured students, Awami League activists assaulted them, labeling them as robbers.

Amid ongoing debate over Elon Musk’s influence in the Trump administration, TIME magazine has featured the billionaire on its cover, seated behind the Resolute Desk in the White House. The article highlights Musk’s unprecedented authority as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, a position that has led to mass layoffs as part of his policy implementation. While the White House has yet to comment, speculation is rife that Trump might be displeased. This follows a 2017 TIME cover featuring Steve Bannon as the “Great Manipulator,” after which Bannon was eventually ousted from Trump’s administration.

For the first time in 32 years, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appears set to reclaim power in the Delhi Assembly elections. As of 1 p.m. on Saturday, NDTV’s live vote count showed BJP leading in 48 of the 70 seats, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was ahead in 22 seats. The Congress Party had not secured a single seat. Initial counts had shown strong momentum for Arvind Kejriwal, but the tide quickly turned in favor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party. In 2013, Kejriwal’s AAP won 28 seats to first take power, securing a record 67 seats in 2015 and 62 in 2020. Despite trailing in his own constituency, AAP leader Atishi remains hopeful about a turnaround.

Law enforcement has heightened security around the Supreme Court following reports that a mural there might be vandalized. The area has been cordoned off since 10 a.m. on Saturday. This follows an announcement by activist Hasnat Abdullah on February 5, declaring his intention to “free Bangladesh from fascism.” In recent days, multiple Awami League-affiliated structures, including the historic house at 32 Dhanmondi, have faced attacks. Protesters have vowed to remove any symbols of autocratic rule and recently celebrated the partial demolition of 32 Dhanmondi with cheers.

The BNP is set to meet with Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus and Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin to discuss the current political situation. On Sunday at 3:30 p.m., a BNP delegation will visit the Election Commission to talk about the roadmap for the upcoming national elections. Additionally, on February 10, the party is scheduled to meet with the Chief Adviser to present its stance on national issues. These decisions were made during an emergency BNP meeting on Friday. The party’s media cell also confirmed that BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam will return from the U.S. on Sunday before the delegation meets with the adviser.

Despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the national elections, BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu stated at a civic meeting on February 8 that Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus still has faith in the interim government. He accused a certain group of deliberately pushing the country toward chaos. Dudu added that the people had hoped for a return to democracy after a political transition but were disappointed by the lack of concrete initiatives. He urged the interim government to announce an election roadmap promptly.

A teenage girl with disabilities was allegedly raped in Patuakhali late Friday night. When her mother and aunt protested, they were physically assaulted. Police have arrested two suspects, Selim Howlader and Hasan Howlader, but the prime suspect, Hossain Howlader, remains at large. The victim was rescued and taken to Patuakhali Medical College Hospital. According to the mother, she had briefly left her daughter at home, during which Hossain lured the girl into an abandoned house and raped her. The mother rushed back upon hearing her daughter’s screams, but the perpetrator fled.

A banner reading “Bangladesh Medical University” (BMU) was hung at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), omitting Sheikh Mujib’s name. The banner was placed by students, doctors, and staff advocating against discrimination at the university. However, university officials claim they were unaware of the change. The Vice Chancellor’s secretary, Md. Ruhul Kuddus Biplob, stated that multiple names are under consideration for the institution, and an official decision is expected within 2-3 days. Earlier, on February 5, the original university signboard was removed at midnight, sparking further controversy.