Australia clinched a historic Test series victory in Sri Lanka after 14 years, winning the second Test by nine wickets. The visitors dominated the series, securing the first Test convincingly before wrapping up the second with ease. Sri Lanka struggled with the bat, getting bowled out for 257 in the first innings, while Australia responded strongly with 414, gaining a significant 157-run lead. In their second innings, Sri Lanka managed 231 runs, setting Australia a modest target of 75, which they chased down comfortably. The last time Australia won a Test series in Sri Lanka was in 2011.

At least 13 people were injured in a violent clash between two factions of the BNP over the leasing of Karitola Bazaar and the historic Poradah Mela in Bogura. The incident took place on February 8, with the injured receiving treatment at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital. Kamalpur BNP Union President Rezaul Karim claimed that his supporters were attacked by a group led by BNP Union Vice President Mokhlesur Rahman Hiltu, who was allegedly backed by Awami League activists. However, Mokhlesur Rahman countered the claim, stating that his group was attacked while having tea at a local market.

Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Economic Advisor to the government, has stated that no final decision has been made regarding inflation allowance for government employees. Speaking at a seminar on the role of remittances in the national economy, he mentioned that Bangladesh has not met all the conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which is why it is said that the country has “failed” to comply with IMF requirements. He also noted that balancing government revenue and expenditure is crucial, and various demands from teachers are being considered for the upcoming budget. Emphasizing the importance of sending skilled workers abroad, he warned that remittance through informal channels (hundi) does not contribute to official foreign reserves, which he identified as a negative factor.

Billionaire entrepreneur and close associate of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, has stated that he has no interest in acquiring TikTok’s operations in the United States. His remarks, made via video link from Germany in January, surfaced a week later. Musk clarified that he has no plans for TikTok, as he doesn’t use the platform. According to AFP, TikTok is facing legal pressure in the U.S. that could force its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to either divest its ownership or shut down operations in the country.

A Chattogram court has granted a two-day remand for former Member of Parliament (MP) Abu Reza Muhammad Nezamuddin Nadvi in connection with a murder case. The Chattogram Metropolitan Police had requested a five-day remand, but the court approved two days. Multiple cases have been filed against Nadvi following the recent mass uprising. After months in hiding, he was arrested in Dhaka on December 15. Previously, the court had granted an eight-day remand for him in other cases.

Bangladesh Bank will announce a new monetary policy tomorrow for the last six months of the fiscal year, prioritizing inflation control, foreign reserves, and exchange rate stability. Despite previous rate hikes failing to curb inflation, the central bank will keep policy interest rates unchanged. Experts argue that raising rates increases production costs and worsens inflation. Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, announcing his first policy, aims for a cautious approach. Analysts stress the need for market regulation and coordinated institutional efforts to tackle inflation effectively.

As part of the nationwide "Devil Hunt" operation, law enforcement agencies have arrested 65 Awami League leaders and activists in Gazipur district. On Sunday morning, Gazipur Police Superintendent Chowdhury Md. Jaber Sadeq confirmed the arrests, stating that police operations were conducted in several areas, including Sreepur, Kaliganj, Kapasia, Kaliakoir, and Joydebpur, resulting in 40 arrests. Additionally, two individuals were arrested from Tongi East and Pubail police stations, five from Gacha police station, eight from Basan police station, two from Konabari police station, and four each from Sadar and Kashimpur police stations. The Deputy Commissioner of Gazipur confirmed the arrest of 25 individuals on Sunday.

Former Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md. Ruhul Amin has been sent to prison over allegations of document forgery related to a land acquisition case. According to court sources, Kaysarul Islam Chowdhury filed a case in 2014, accusing Amin and 27 others of embezzling approximately Tk 200 crore in compensation for the Matarbari Power Plant land acquisition. The name of the then Deputy Commissioner was reportedly removed before sending documents to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). On July 1 last year, the ACC submitted an investigation report against five individuals. In light of the accusations, Ruhul Amin voluntarily surrendered to the court.

The ninth multinational naval exercise "Aman-25" has commenced in the North Arabian Sea under Pakistan’s initiative. According to Pakistani media outlet Dawn, Bangladesh, China, the United States, Indonesia, Iran, and Japan are among the participating nations. Pakistan’s Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf inspected foreign naval vessels and remarked that the "Aman exercise" symbolizes a commitment to peace. The exercise aims to strengthen regional maritime security and enhance both regional and global military cooperation.

A dispute has arisen within Bangladesh’s national women’s football team as 18 players, led by captain Sabina Khatun, have refused to train under British coach Peter Butler. Shortly after the investigation committee submitted its report, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) President Tabith Awal stepped in to mediate. He stated, "I have spoken with every player one-on-one. They want something, but this is not the way to get it." Regarding the players’ refusal to train under Butler, he commented, "I am here to guide, provide incentives, and ensure understanding. Playing or not playing is their personal choice. The federation is not forcing anyone to play or not to play." He defended Butler’s appointment for two years, asserting that all aspects were considered before finalizing the contract.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in front of the National Press Club to stage protests and human chains demanding various reforms. A total of 6,531 primary assistant teacher candidates who passed the third phase selection process but were denied final recruitment have been staging continuous protests. They claim that appointments were made from the first and second phases, but they were unfairly left out. Meanwhile, the Footwear Manufacturers Association is protesting for VAT exemption on plastic and rubber shoes. Additionally, app-based ride-sharing drivers are demanding the release of fellow driver Rocky, withdrawal of false cases against them, and recognition as formal workers under a nine-point demand list.

Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Chief Election Commissioner and Supreme Court Justice Abdur Rauf. He extended his condolences to the bereaved family. Yunus recalled Rauf’s crucial role in steering the country towards democracy after the fall of autocrat Ershad on December 6, 1990. He remarked that Rauf’s contributions to voting rights, reforms, and democracy will be remembered with great respect by the nation.

In a speech at the Purana Paltan party office on Saturday night, Mamunul Haque accused India of attempting to reintroduce fascism in Bangladesh. He claimed that fascism is born from imperialist ambitions and condemned India's alleged support for Hasina. He urged India to cease such activities. Additionally, he denounced the recent attack on anti-discrimination student activists in Gazipur and called for immediate action. Haque emphasized the need for public awareness and collective resistance to counter the ongoing violence. He also warned that anti-national forces are infiltrating the movement to create an environment of unrest.

Pakistan has abolished its discriminatory quota system for government jobs, which allowed family members of deceased employees to secure positions without competitive exams. This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling in October 2024, aimed at eliminating preferential treatment for lower-grade employees’ families. The new policy, effective immediately, applies to all ministries and departments. However, family members of law enforcement personnel killed in terrorist attacks are exempt from this change and remain eligible for assistance packages.

Ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections, Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh has announced candidates for three constituencies in Shariatpur. The party introduced its candidates at various gatherings and to its members. On Saturday, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, the central Nayeb-e-Amir, revealed the candidates during a workers’ conference. The candidates for Shariatpur’s three seats are: Dr. Mosharraf Hossain Masud Talukdar, former President of Dhaka University’s Chhatra Shibir, for Shariatpur-1; Professor Dr. Mahmud Hossain Bakul, Secretary-General of the National Doctors Forum (NDF), for Shariatpur-2; and Mohammad Azharul Islam, Treasurer of the Bangladesh Workers Welfare Federation, for Shariatpur-3. The party’s leaders and workers are hopeful that the people will vote for these candidates to secure victory.