Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam has issued an apology on Facebook for his previous remarks about BBC Bangla. He stated that he wishes to correct his statement, acknowledging that during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, the BBC had published interviews with Tarique Rahman despite restrictions. While he had accused BBC Bangla of being biased toward the ruling Awami League and Sheikh Hasina, he now retracts his remarks and apologizes. He admitted to perceiving a lack of objectivity in some reports but acknowledged that BBC Bangla strives to present factual accounts of events in Bangladesh. Earlier, he had controversially claimed that the BBC had become a staunch supporter of Sheikh Hasina.

The Bangladesh Judicial Service Association has criticized certain proposals in the Public Administration Reform Commission’s report, claiming they threaten judicial independence. One such proposal suggests appointing district commissioners as district magistrates with the authority to receive complaints under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CRPC) and delegate investigations to local officials. Supporters argue this would expedite minor case resolutions and reduce court congestion. However, the Judicial Service Association has deemed the proposal unconstitutional and contradictory to the landmark Masdar case verdict, citing concerns over judicial independence. Despite this criticism, the commission’s broader recommendations for judicial reform have been praised.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam of the International Crimes Tribunal has announced that multiple investigation reports on the mass killings and crimes against humanity committed in July and August to suppress the anti-discrimination student movement will be completed within this month. He expressed hope that trials would proceed swiftly once the reports are ready, ensuring justice and deterring future atrocities. He stated that the accused are attempting to discredit the judicial process using financial influence, but the trials will adhere to international standards and be conducted expeditiously. So far, over 300 complaints have been filed, 110 arrest warrants issued, and 35 suspects are currently in custody.

After extensive interrogation, Bangladeshi actress and singer Meher Afroz Shawon and actress Sohana Saba have been released from DB custody. The matter was confirmed by Deputy Police Commissioner Mohammad Talebur Rahman of DMP’s Media & Public Relations Division on Friday afternoon. DB officials stated that they were questioned regarding allegations of an anti-state conspiracy. Shawon and Saba’s names emerged as attendees—both physically and virtually—at a controversial meeting held at Hotel Park in Kolkata on January 15. Following this revelation, they were taken into custody for interrogation.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has been accused of beating a Bangladeshi national, Barikul Islam (39), to death at the Shibganj border in Chapainawabganj. Barikul and five others had gone to irrigate their fields early in the morning when BSF personnel from Bajitpur Camp, Murshidabad, chased them. While the others managed to escape, Barikul was caught and allegedly beaten to death before his body was left on the riverbank. His family claims he was deliberately killed and has demanded the swift return of his body. However, Lieutenant Colonel Moniruzzaman, commander of the 53rd Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion, stated that they have not received any official information regarding the incident and that the victim’s family has not yet contacted them.

Mahmudur Rahman Masum, the founding convener of the Comilla University branch of Chhatra League, was beaten by protesting students and handed over to the police around 10 AM on Friday. Masum is accused of orchestrating an attack on students during an anti-discrimination protest near the Ansar Camp on July 29. He faces multiple legal charges. Inspector Mohinul Islam of Kotwali Police Station confirmed that Masum was involved in the attack on student protesters and is now in police custody, awaiting legal proceedings. Notably, Masum currently serves as the organizational secretary of the Awami League’s volunteer wing.

Bangladeshi actresses Meher Afroz Shawon and Sohana Saba were taken to the Detective Branch (DB) office for questioning on the morning of February 7. According to DB sources, both actresses are suspected of involvement in an anti-state conspiracy. Investigators are interrogating them on various matters, and no decisions will be made regarding their status until the questioning concludes. The police detained them on Thursday night. Meanwhile, in a separate incident on Thursday evening, agitated students set fire to Shawon’s father’s house.

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, has declared that India's military strength and advanced technology cannot intimidate Pakistan. He stated that Pakistan is prepared to fight ten wars if necessary for Kashmir. Speaking at an event in Azad Kashmir, Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Kashmir despite temporary national challenges. He emphasized that Kashmir is Pakistan’s lifeline and expressed his firm belief that Kashmir would eventually gain independence and become part of Pakistan. He dismissed claims that Pakistan is heading towards bankruptcy, asserting that the country’s economic growth has even surprised institutions like the World Bank and the IMF.

Following student protests at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), the administration has expelled 18 Chhatra League leaders from their dormitories. The students were accused of: • Violence against anti-discrimination student activists • Engaging in terror activities on campus In addition to expelling the 18 leaders, the administration issued show-cause notices to three more students. Yesterday, students locked the administrative building for six hours, demanding the removal of a professor accused of consuming alcohol in a dormitory. CUET’s student coordination body welcomed the decision, calling it the first visible action after six months of protests.

On Thursday night, angry protestors vandalized the residence of former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. Murad Hasan, in Sarishabari, Jamalpur. Protestor also torched a private car before moving on to attack the home of Rafiqul Islam, former Upazila chairman and Awami League leader. Murad Hasan, who served as state minister from 2018, was a controversial figure due to his remarks on: • Removing “Bismillah” from the constitution • Calling for the posthumous trial of former President Ziaur Rahman • Making derogatory comments about Zaimah Rahman His leaked phone conversation with actress Mahiya Mahi led to his resignation from the ministry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested that Saudi Arabia has enough land to establish a Palestinian state, instead of doing so within Israel’s borders. Speaking to Channel 14 on Thursday, Netanyahu responded to Saudi Arabia’s demand for a Palestinian state as part of normalization talks, stating, “I will not agree to any deal that harms Israel. After October 7, a Palestinian state is no longer an option.” He further blamed Hamas, claiming that a Hamas-led Palestinian state resulted in the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. His remarks come after a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly discussed plans for Gaza’s governance.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has alleged that former party leader Ghulam Azam died due to persecution by the Awami League government. Speaking at a rally in Narayanganj, he referred to a 72-foot-long banner that had previously banned Azam’s entry, allegedly put up by Shamim Osman, a prominent Awami League leader. “A godfather once hung a 72-foot banner barring Ghulam Azam from entry. Where is that godfather now?” he questioned, adding, “Arrogance like this is never good.”

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.

A government official in Kolkata stabbed four colleagues in a fit of rage after his leave request was denied. He then casually walked away with the knife still in hand before being arrested. According to an NDTV report, the accused, Amit Kumar Sarkar, worked at the Technical Education Department in New Town, Kolkata. The shocking incident was caught on video, which quickly went viral. In the footage, Sarkar can be seen warning passersby not to come near him. The injured victims have been identified as Jaydeb Chakraborty, Shantanu Saha, Sarthak Lete, and Sheikh Satabul. They were rushed to the hospital, with two reported in critical condition. Authorities have confirmed Sarkar’s arrest.

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.”