Japan will provide a $5.45 million grant to help Bangladesh monitor air pollution. Representatives from both governments signed an agreement, with Bangladesh’s ERD Secretary, Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi, and JICA’s Chief Representative Ichiguchi Tomohide as signatories. The Environment Ministry will implement the project from March 2025 to June 2028. It aims to measure and analyze air pollution, particularly vehicle emissions. Continuous air monitoring stations will be set up in Dhaka and Chattogram to track pollution levels.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed an 11-member task force to address the issue of foreign nationals residing illegally in Bangladesh. The Additional Secretary (Security & Immigration) will lead the task force, with representatives from key government and security agencies. The committee will coordinate actions, provide recommendations, and issue directives regarding illegal foreign residents. It can also invite officials to meetings and co-opt members as needed. The initiative aims to streamline efforts to manage and regulate undocumented foreigners.

Elon Musk, leading Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce federal government size, stated they are working to shut down USAID, calling it “beyond repair.” Musk and Trump both agree the world’s largest donor organization should be eliminated. Their comments followed the Trump administration’s removal of USAID security officials after they hindered Musk’s team. USAID, which disbursed $72bn in 2023, faces risk from Trump’s “America First” policy. Musk claims fraud and inefficiency in government, suggesting $1 trillion savings. Critics question Musk’s access to sensitive Treasury systems.

Students of Titumir College have blocked the railway tracks at the Mohakhali Railgate area. As a result, trains heading towards Noakhali have been redirected back to Dhaka Railway Station. On-site observation reveals that 20-30 students are on the railway tracks, with over a hundred more students gathered around the area. Police, DB, BGB, and ABBN forces have surrounded the students, with water cannons stationed behind. Their demand is for Titumir College to be upgraded to a university. A special committee was formed to address this demand, but after receiving no positive response, students have been staging a hunger strike and other protests since January 29.

In a case regarding the death of Mohammad Mohiuddin in Mirpur Police Station during an anti-discrimination student movement, while an application was being filed to arrest former Minister Kamal Ahmed Majumdar, Kamal Ahmed raised his hands, crying, showing his handcuffs and said, ‘Is this a decoration of the Liberation War! Was this why I fought in the Liberation War!’ Later, the public prosecutor said, ‘Do not identify yourselves as freedom fighters, because of you the Liberation War has been disgraced!’ The former minister further told the court, ‘If there were the rule of law in the country, my family and I would not have been tortured.’ He claims to be innocent! In response, the public prosecutor stated that he entered politics from business for corruption. Additionally, the former minister said, ‘I have spoken in favor of the protesters!’”

In Thakurgaon, a group of over a hundred people, including family members of the accused Sumon (25), snatched him from the police after his arrest at Bongao Bazar in Haripur Upazila. The mob attacked the police and their vehicle, even detaining police officers. Upon receiving the news, a team of 11 police officers arrived and rescued their colleagues. The driver of the police microbus was also assaulted. The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Haripur Police Station stated that efforts are underway to arrest those involved in the attack.

On February 3rd, at 1 PM, a landmine explosion occurred near Pillar 48 along the border in the Fulutli area of Naikhyangchhari Union, Bandarban District. The explosion severed the leg of a teenager, identified as Tariq Uddin Ahmed Rashid’s son. It is believed that insurgents planted the mine. The Upazila Executive Officer confirmed that the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is investigating the incident. This explosion follows a similar incident on January 24th in the same area, where two Bangladeshis were critically injured.

Hasnat Abdullah, leader of the anti-discrimination student movement, has accused the media of being under the influence of Awami sycophants for over 15 years. In a strong statement, he predicted, “Soon, the murderers will be outside, while the revolutionaries will be behind bars.” His comments were made in response to the publication of a statement by Bulbul, president of the Liberation War Platform, a known ally of the fugitive fascist leader Hasina, in Kaler Kantho. Addressing press secretary Shafiqul Alam, Hasnat warned, “Let your so-called civility not become a noose around your neck.” In another recent post, Hasnat criticized the media for legitimizing the Awami League’s crimes and enabling the rise of fascism in the country. He also slammed those who opposed his stance, calling them out for supporting the establishment’s narrative.

Students of Titumir College blocked the Mahakhali rail crossing on Monday, demanding its upgrade to a university. The protest halted both road and rail traffic, including the Noakhali-bound Upakul Express. The train’s locomotive master managed to stop it safely after noticing the blockade. Earlier, at noon, students had also blocked the Mahakhali-Gulshan road, causing severe traffic congestion. Later in the afternoon, they moved towards the rail crossing and continued their demonstration, urging authorities to fulfill their demand.

On February 3, at 11 AM, Jamaat Amir visited the grave of martyr Ishtiaq Ahmad Srabon in Kalirhat, Fulgazi, Feni. Speaking at the site, he stated, “The martyrs did not sacrifice their lives to pave the way for extortion.” He called for an end to such activities and urged respect for the martyrs. The Jamaat Amir also criticized the Awami League for turning the country into “hell,” adding that it was only by divine intervention that the country was saved. During his visit to the area, he met with the family of martyr Ishtiaq and also met flood-affected victims, providing donations.

Tensions flared at BUTEX’s G.M.G. Osman Hall and Syed Nazrul Islam Hall following offensive remarks about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by student Muaz Mohammad Arefin Talukder. The comments, made on a post by Jannat Naim, quickly spread across social media, sparking outrage. University authorities and police intervened to control the situation. While being escorted to the police station, Talukder was assaulted by students. He attributed his actions to frustration over personal health issues, while students have demanded harsh punishment.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has demanded an election roadmap from the interim government, stating that reforms are an ongoing process and should not be a reason to delay the elections. He emphasized that the current political environment has been achieved through great sacrifices, and no one should be shot or obstructed from expressing independent thoughts. Rizvi also accused Sheikh Hasina of not allowing people to vote and now inciting actions from India. He urged the government to take more responsibility in curbing market syndicates and improving law and order.

Students have been on an indefinite hunger strike for the sixth consecutive day demanding the declaration of Government Titumir College as a university. From 11 AM to 10 PM today, they gathered to carry out the ‘Barasat Barricade to North City’ program. Upon visiting the site, it was observed that Saraswati Puja activities were ongoing inside, and students were gathered around the hunger strikers, but there were no slogans or processions. Apologizing to the affected individuals, Mahmudul Hasan Mukta, an advisor to Titumir Unity, commented that the state has shown hypocrisy. The students have made three demands: recognition of Titumir as a university, withdrawal of the statement made by the education advisor, and an apology from the legal advisor for obstructing the formation of the commission.

The court has granted a two-day remand for Salman F. Rahman, Anisul Haque, Dipu Moni, Judge Shamsuddin, Atiqul Islam, and Golam Sarwar Pintoo, who are accused of murder in the anti-discrimination movement in Badda police station in the capital. While the police had requested a five-day remand, Magistrate GM Farhan Ishtiaq granted a two-day remand. On July 20th at 3 PM, Hafizul Shikdar, the father of an auto-rickshaw driver killed in police firing in Badda, filed a murder case against 179 individuals. These six were arrested in connection with the case on September 25th last year.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in the United States on Sunday afternoon, just as the Middle East faces extreme uncertainty with Donald Trump’s second term in power! The Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. has confirmed that a meeting between Trump and Netanyahu is set to strengthen Israel-U.S. relations. Netanyahu will also meet with top officials of the U.S. administration. Before Trump’s inauguration on January 20th, the 15-month-long war in Gaza had come to an end.