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.

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing it of targeting the United States and its close ally, Israel, with "illegal and baseless actions." According to the BBC, Trump’s executive order stipulates that any individuals cooperating with ICC investigations against the U.S. or its allies will face economic and visa-related sanctions, along with potential penalties for their family members. The executive order argues that the ICC’s actions pose a direct threat to American personnel, increasing the risk of harassment and unlawful detentions. Prior to issuing the order, Trump reportedly held discussions with the Israeli Prime Minister regarding the matter.

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.

Following Sheikh Hasina’s recent remarks via Facebook Live, waves of protests, including the vandalism and arson of Awami League offices, have erupted across the country. Demonstrations, blockades, and other protest actions are in full swing. In response, advisor Mahfuz Alam urged protesters to refrain from actions that might jeopardize the achievements of the uprising. In a social media post, he called for calm and assured that justice and reforms were forthcoming. "This is a long-term battle. Prepare yourselves, but avoid reckless actions. Do not take the path that the enemies want you to follow. The country’s best interest lies in strategic patience," he stated. He further warned that Hasina’s traumatic legacy should not overshadow the movement’s objectives. "We will build a new society and state—there is no alternative!"

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have once again surpassed the $20 billion mark. At the beginning of the year, the gross reserve stood at $26.20 billion, while the BPM6-adjusted reserve was $21.36 billion. According to the latest data released on Thursday, the gross reserve now stands at $25.54 billion, while the BPM6-adjusted reserve is $20.20 billion. Earlier, on January 9, after clearing a $1.67 billion payment to the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) for November and December imports, the reserve had dropped to $20 billion. Under the previous Awami League government, reserves had once fallen below $14 billion, which was then artificially inflated through foreign loans and dollar purchases from commercial banks. However, under the new administration, the central bank has halted reserve sales and is now working to source dollars from various channels.

Fugitive Sheikh Hasina continues to make one remark after another from India against the ongoing student-led mass uprising. Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s ex-press secretary, Maruf Kamal Khan, commented on Facebook, stating, "Hasina has aged, lost her influence, and is exhausted. She is merely repeating the same old lies!" The post further claimed that Hasina once had a creative ability to fabricate a continuous stream of lies, but now she struggles to invent new narratives. According to the statement, she can no longer execute credible deception or even come up with innovative slander. The people no longer believe her tales of sacrifice after looting billions, nor are they convinced by her conspiracy theories regarding the killings. The post concluded by stating, "Only those living in a fool’s paradise would believe in her revival."

Actress Sohana Saba has been taken to the Detective Branch (DB) office for questioning late Thursday night, confirmed DMP’s Deputy Commissioner of Media & Public Relations, Muhammad Talebur Rahman. Prior to this, actress Meher Afroz Shaon was also brought in for questioning from her residence. According to officials, Shaon is being interrogated over alleged anti-state remarks. Her recent political stance and comments sparked discussions and controversy on social media, leading to her being summoned to the DB office for further investigation.

In a statement issued late Thursday night on the verified Facebook page of the Chief Advisor, the interim government assured that attempts to vandalize and set fire to various institutions and properties across the country would be strongly resisted. The statement further emphasized that the interim government is fully prepared to ensure the safety and security of citizens’ lives and property. It warned that any efforts to destabilize the country through provocative actions would be met with swift and stringent action by law enforcement agencies, and the responsible individuals and groups would be brought to justice.

The Law and Arbitration Center has strongly condemned the attacks and vandalism at Sheikh Mujib’s residence in Dhanmondi 32 and other locations across the country. The organization called for respect for law, human rights, and democracy, describing these acts as threats to the rule of law and stability in the country. The statement further reminded that international human rights laws guarantee equal protection under the law and the right to due process. It also pointed out that without these assurances, the government risks facing accusations of failure. The organization reiterated its respect and support for the ideals of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, emphasizing that the ongoing events are contrary to these principles.

In Noakhali’s Begumganj, the ancestral home of former Army Chief Moeen U Ahmed was attacked, vandalized, and set on fire. Simultaneously, the house of former mayor of Chaumuhani and ex-president of the municipal Awami League, Akhtar Hossain, was also vandalized. Upon receiving news, police and army officials visited both locations. However, the district convenor clarified that this attack was unrelated to the anti-discrimination student movement. According to police and locals, more than a hundred youths launched the attack on the former army chief’s house late in the evening. At the time, the house was unoccupied, as Moeen U Ahmed’s younger brother, Javed U Ahmed, a former vice-president of the district Awami League, was away.

Led by Abdul Hannan Masud, a prominent leader of the anti-discrimination student movement, students set off from Banglamotor at midnight, aiming to stage a protest in front of the Home Affairs Advisor’s residence. Prior to this, the leader had posted two updates on social media. He accused former MP and notorious criminal Mohammad Ali of opening fire on students from his residence in Hatia. He condemned the administration’s role in allowing armed terrorists to operate freely. His posts called for solidarity, stating, “Either my homeland or death, I am going.” He further stated, “I am heading to the Home Affairs Advisor’s house and will stage a protest from 12:30 am. While they sleep, the Awami thugs will shoot!”

During the attack on the ancestral home of Manjurul Alam, General Secretary of the Upazila Awami League, and Fakhrul Alam, Joint Secretary, local residents in Savar resisted the assault. Rajib and Shomar lived in the house but have been missing since August 5. Angry protesters gathered at Pakija Morr and later went to Raj Manzil, declaring their intent to destroy the autocratic stronghold. As they broke into the house and began vandalizing it, local residents intervened, preventing the fire from spreading. This led to a confrontation, and over a hundred locals chased the protesters, even administering a public beating. Local residents feared that setting the house on fire would spread to nearby homes. Additionally, protests erupted across various regions, including Brahmanbaria, Kishoreganj, Panchagarh, Narayanganj, Manikganj, and Pabna, with attacks and vandalism at homes of individuals associated with the Awami League.