Human Rights Watch (HRW) has published a report alleging that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, retired Major General Tariq Ahmed, Major Ziaul Ahsan, and senior police officials oversaw enforced disappearances. Earlier, a national investigation commission reported that 3,500 disappearances took place under Sheikh Hasina’s government. Victims were allegedly subjected to conditions worse than death, according to their lawyers. The report also recommends disbanding the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), in line with the commission’s suggestions. It has been reported that RAB chief AKM Shahidur Rahman has agreed to this decision. The report further emphasizes that security forces should adhere to international standards in exercising their authority.

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, has accused the Awami League’s trolling squad of targeting his family after he posted a picture of Sheikh Hasina’s image on a dustbin at the book fair. Alam condemned the incident, calling it disgraceful. He also criticized the group for spreading pornographic images by altering pictures of young girls. He expressed concerns over the character and actions of the team and questioned the taste and morality of those involved, including Sheikh Hasina.

Three motorcyclists tragically lost their lives in an accident on the Feni-Noakhali regional highway. The incident occurred at Beker Bazar, Daangonbhunja, when the motorcycle lost control due to excessive speed. Two riders died at the scene, and one succumbed to injuries at the hospital. The victims, initially identified as residents of Bashurhat in Noakhali, were traveling from Noakhali to Daangonbhunja when the accident took place. Local authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

Rebel fighters led by the National Liberation Army (KNLA) have captured a key military base in Myanmar’s Mon State, killing several junta soldiers in the process. The People’s Defense Force (PDF), Bamar People’s Liberation Army (BPLA), and Force for Federal Democracy (FFD) participated in the operation. The capture followed intense fighting over a month, despite challenges from junta airstrikes. 29 junta soldiers were arrested, and one KNLA fighter and one FFD soldier lost their lives during the battle.

Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary to the Chief Adviser, warned against the distribution of leaflets by Awami League supporters, stating that those involved would face arrest. He condemned the activities as threats to law and order. The government is monitoring online rumors and has taken action against individuals involved in spreading misinformation. Alam emphasized the government’s commitment to handling such incidents, including addressing the issue of human trafficking and ensuring accountability for wrongdoings.

Students of Titumir College have withdrawn their protest following an assurance from the government to take action on the Titumir University issue within the next 7 days. The decision came on the night of February 3, in the presence of Nuruzzaman, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education, and Professor Shipra Rani Mondal, Principal of Government Titumir College. During the meeting, the principal offered packaged mango juice to a fasting student as a gesture of goodwill.

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council accused the country of witnessing 23 deaths in communal violence in the past four and a half months. However, the interim government, quoting the Police Headquarters, dismissed these claims. The government clarified that the police had investigated 22 incidents, with only a few related to theft and robbery. Two deaths were due to suicide and drowning. The interim government urged responsible reporting, warning that misleading information could harm communal harmony.

Social media posts in India falsely labeled footage of student clashes in Bangladesh as a ‘Hindu killing’. AFP fact-checking revealed no evidence of Hindu students’ deaths in the violence. The clashes, involving students from Dhaka’s colleges, were unrelated to religious tensions. The incident stemmed from a protest after the death of a student due to hospital negligence. Authorities confirmed that the violence was not religiously motivated, and no Hindu students were targeted or injured in the conflict.

Rahul Gandhi, leader of India’s opposition, criticized Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative as a failure, stating that China is at least 10 years ahead of India in various sectors. Gandhi also raised concerns over Modi’s contradictory statements on Chinese aggression in Ladakh. Additionally, he criticized Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over pollution, challenging him to drink polluted Yamuna water and fulfill his promises of cleaning the river. Gandhi emphasized India’s failure in increasing production capacity, benefiting China instead.

Interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has instructed law enforcement agencies to maintain the highest vigilance, stating that 2025 is crucial for the country. In a security review meeting, he emphasized the need for modern communication technology and a central command center. He accused Sheikh Hasina’s associates of funding chaos and spreading misinformation. He also ordered strict action against extortionists, protection of minorities, and swift trials for recent killings. Bangladesh has requested Interpol to issue a Red Notice against Sheikh Hasina.

Fears of a global trade war emerged after Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, causing the rupee to drop by 67 paise to 87.29. As investors sought safe-haven assets, the US dollar strengthened, weakening Asian currencies. Last week, India’s foreign exchange reserves faced a slight crisis, declining by $1.888 billion to $623.983 billion. The Indian stock market also saw a downturn, with the Sensex losing 575 points and the Nifty falling by 206 points.

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.