The SAFF-winning Bangladesh women’s football team is set to receive the prestigious Ekushey Padak. However, the Ministry of Culture has requested a list of only 11 names to accept the award, creating a dilemma for the Bangladesh Football Federation (BAFF). The victorious squad consists of 23 players along with team officials, bringing the total to 32. BAFF is struggling to decide which 11 individuals will represent the team at the award ceremony. In an effort to resolve the issue, BAFF General Secretary has reached out to Cultural Advisor Mustafa Sarwar Farooki. Meanwhile, BAFF Executive Committee member Tipu Sultan, who led the championship-winning team, remains hopeful that the ministry will find a fair solution to the situation.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has reduced ticket prices for workers traveling to Saudi Arabia and Malaysia under a special “Worker Fare” scheme, valid for about four months. The new fare for flights to Jeddah, Riyadh, Medina, and Dammam is $360 (excluding tax), down from $400–$480. Kuala Lumpur fares have been cut to $150 from $175–$180. This offer applies only to new worker visas and one-way tickets for BMET cardholders. A 4,000 BDT tax applies to all non-SAARC flights, including these routes.

Chittagong University (CU) has permanently expelled Law student Afsana Enayet Emi for assaulting Assistant Proctor Dr. Kurban Ali. Her academic certificate will also be revoked. Additionally, nine students have been suspended for two years for attacking teachers, students, and journalists. Two others have been expelled for religious defamation—one for two years and the other for one year. The decision was made in a disciplinary board meeting chaired by the Vice-Chancellor. CU authorities confirmed that the expulsion list will be published soon.

Asif Mahmood, Adviser for Local Government, Youth, and Sports, has criticized fascist forces for denying the existence of the “Ayanaghor” secret detention center. Despite global awareness of “Ayanaghor,” he remarked that these forces are shamelessly attempting to deny it. Speaking at the Youth Festival at Dhaka University, he recalled his experience of being imprisoned and stated that the genocide during the July coup has already been internationally documented. He further added that both nationally and internationally, a fascist genocidal force, which maintained power through enforced disappearances and killings, will be forever recognized as the enemy of the people.

A court has granted a three-day remand for five individuals, including Lalmonirhat college teacher Mukib Miah, for questioning over leaflet distribution in Dhaka, demanding the resignation of the interim government. Although investigators had requested a 10-day remand, the court approved only three days. The others placed on remand are Central Jubo League member Kapil Haldar Sajal, Motijheel Thana Jubo League member KM Saiful Khan, Fatullah Thana Jubo League member Sheikh Mohammad Hafiz, and Monalisa Jui.

Police in Chattogram have arrested 30 leaders and activists of the Awami League and Chhatra League on charges of attempting to create unrest and engaging in premeditated activities to destabilize the city. According to CMP’s Deputy Commissioner (Public Relations) Mahmuda Begum, the arrests were made in connection with allegations of instigating disorder in the city. The detainees face multiple cases under the Special Powers Act, Anti-Terrorism Act, and the Penal Code, including charges related to attacks on student protesters participating in the anti-discrimination movement. They have been sent to jail following a court order.

The government will provide 50 lakh families with 30 kg of rice at Tk 15 per kg during Ramadan to ensure price stability. Additionally, 1 crore families will receive 100,000 metric tons of rice as an Eid-ul-Fitr gift. Advisor Ali Imam Majumdar stated that Bangladesh has a stockpile of 1.3 million metric tons of food, and there is no risk of a food crisis. To prevent food smuggling into Myanmar amid its crisis, law enforcement has been instructed to tighten border surveillance.

On Thursday (February 13), at a press briefing in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Security Advisor Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam stated that the interim government welcomes the United Nations fact-finding mission’s recommendation to disband the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). However, he clarified that any decision on this matter would be taken after thorough discussion and review. During the briefing, he also announced the introduction of a ten-minute on-arrival visa service, aimed at making visa issuance more convenient and hassle-free for travelers.

For the eighth consecutive day, recommended candidates for assistant teacher positions in government primary schools continued their protest at Shahbagh, demanding the immediate recruitment of 6,531 teachers in Dhaka and Chattogram divisions as part of the third phase of hiring. In a symbolic demonstration of their frustration, the protesters wore funeral shrouds. According to the protesting teachers, candidates from the first two phases, recommended under the 2023 recruitment rules, were appointed nearly a year ago. However, the recruitment of 6,531 recommended candidates from the third phase in Dhaka and Chattogram divisions was put on hold for six months due to a court-issued stay order. The delay reportedly stems from a legal challenge over the quota system.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam stated on Thursday afternoon that the report by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the genocide and crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising in Bangladesh could serve as undeniable evidence in the International Crimes Tribunal. Speaking to journalists at the tribunal, he emphasized that the use of weapons and casualty statistics indicate that an entire state apparatus systematically targeted a specific population with the intent to eradicate them. He described this as clear and compelling evidence of crimes against humanity. Given that the UN is the world’s largest and most universally accepted organization, he asserted that their report is completely impartial and holds significant credibility in legal proceedings.

During a meeting with acting British High Commissioner to Dhaka, James Goldman, on Thursday at 11 AM, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that BNP has requested India to return Awami League President Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh. He stated, "Those who collaborated with Sheikh Hasina will also be brought to justice. That is our expectation." The BNP leader further alleged that the government had been involved in forced disappearances and fabricating militancy cases against opposition activists.

Aspiring assistant teachers for government primary schools staged a road blockade at Shahbagh in Dhaka, demanding the reinstatement of their canceled appointments. On Thursday afternoon, police used water cannons to disperse the protesters, taking several individuals into custody for questioning. Eyewitnesses reported that the demonstration caused severe traffic congestion. Police initially tried to negotiate, but after the protesters refused to leave, authorities used water cannons to break up the gathering. The job seekers, who had previously been recommended based on merit, questioned why they needed to protest for their rightful appointments. They also expressed disappointment in government advisors for not supporting them.

A United Nations investigation report published on Wednesday revealed that Bangladesh Police submitted a list of 95 individuals, including members of the ruling Awami League and its affiliates, in connection with killings during the July uprising. According to the police, these individuals supplied weapons to civilians for violent attacks during the protests. The list includes 10 former Members of Parliament, 14 local Awami League leaders, 16 Jubo League members, 16 Chhatra League leaders, and seven police officers. The report also states that children were targeted by security forces, detained in inhumane conditions, subjected to torture, and faced various forms of abuse. Additionally, documents analyzed by investigators indicate incidents of sexual violence perpetrated by Awami League supporters.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence. The U.S. Senate confirmed her nomination on Wednesday with a 52-48 vote. Gabbard’s appointment is seen as a significant victory for Trump, as she has been one of the most controversial figures in his cabinet. At 43 years old, she becomes the 14th Trump nominee confirmed since January 20. Gabbard will oversee 18 intelligence agencies and serve as the President’s top intelligence advisor. Trump remarked that she would focus on strengthening the intelligence community to ensure the safety, security, and freedom of the American people.

The body of missing schoolboy Roman Sheikh was recovered 23 days after his disappearance. His abduction had led to violent protests, including the vandalism of a local police station. On Thursday afternoon, police found his body stuffed in a sack in a pond in the Sixgaon area of Srinagar Upazila. Earlier that morning, a foul odor near the home of the suspect, Siam, drew a crowd. Upon discovering the corpse, enraged locals vandalized Siam’s house and set it on fire. According to police reports, the body was tied to a concrete pillar and bricks and concealed beneath water hyacinths in an attempt to hide it.