The Constitutional Reform Commission has recommended abolishing the ‘Father of the Nation’ clause, stating that the principle of secularism in the 1972 Constitution has created division and confusion. The commission’s full report, released on Saturday, argues that mandating Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s portrait promotes personality cults and paves the way for autocracy. It asserts that Bangladesh’s independence was a collective achievement of countless leaders and sacrifices, with no historical basis for a single ‘Father of the Nation.’ The report also claims that secularism was never part of Awami League’s pre-Liberation War manifesto and was inserted without discussion. Furthermore, it identifies elements of fascism within the 1972 Constitution and recommends maintaining Islam as the state religion, given the majority consensus.

Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, was killed by police gunfire on July 16 during an anti-discrimination student movement. To honor his memory, the university has decided to observe ‘Shaheed Abu Sayeed Day’ annually on that date, suspending classes and exams while keeping administrative functions operational. This decision was made in the university’s 110th syndicate meeting. The Vice-Chancellor also confirmed the implementation of a directive from the Ministry of Education and the UGC to waive tuition fees for injured students.

To maintain law and order, the nationwide ‘Operation Devil Hunt’ has commenced. On February 8, Islamic scholar Mizanur Rahman Azahari posted on social media expressing his support for the operation, writing, “May Operation Devil Hunt be successful.” His followers also showed their support in the comments. Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the operation would begin across the country, including in Gazipur. A decision regarding the operation was made in a meeting after Friday night’s attack on student protesters. Prior to this, Advisor Asif Mahmud provided details about a joint forces operation to recover illegal weapons.

Nurul Haque Nur, President of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, has welcomed the Ministry of Home Affairs' 'Operation Devil Hunt' aimed at capturing criminals. Speaking at a rally in Kishoreganj, he stated that if necessary, Awami League members might form new parties under different names, but there is no place for the Awami League in Bangladesh’s political landscape. He warned that allowing a fascist and murderous party like Awami League to continue would lead to more bloodshed in the country. Nur clarified that he does not support vandalism or arson and asserted that Bangladesh’s sovereignty should not be compromised by aligning with the U.S., India, or China. He also criticized excessive transport fares in Kishoreganj and condemned the awarding of tenders to genocide suspects by the local administration.

Billionaire and Trump advisor Elon Musk has criticized the U.S. military’s inefficiency, warning that without urgent reforms, America will face a devastating defeat in the next war. He described the military as “incompetent” despite its massive $850 billion budget. Musk emphasized that outdated strategies and bureaucratic inefficiencies are weakening national security. Speaking at West Point, he highlighted drones and AI as the future of warfare, citing Ukraine as an example. He also echoed Trump’s past concerns about wasted military spending in West Asia.

Residents of Old Dhaka are facing an unexpected water crisis, with areas like Hazaribagh, Lalbagh, and parts of New Paltan being the worst affected. Frustrated locals have gathered at nearby water pumps, demanding answers. Rohan Ahmed, one of the affected residents, stated, “We’ve been struggling with water shortages for the past 10 days. I have to go to my relatives’ house in Mohammadpur just to take a shower!” In response, Rokeya Begum, Deputy Assistant Engineer of Dhaka WASA’s MODS Zone-2, acknowledged the issue, saying that efforts are underway to increase water extraction in affected areas. However, she admitted that while supply has slowed down, it has not completely stopped. Despite residents lodging complaints for over a week, pump operators remain uncertain about when the issue will be resolved. The executive engineer of the zone claimed he had not received any formal complaints but assured that he would investigate the matter on-site. The ongoing crisis continues to frustrate residents, raising concerns about WASA’s efficiency in addressing urgent supply issues.

The Anti-Corruption Reform Commission’s full report was made public on Saturday (February 8) through the Cabinet Division’s website. The report, submitted on January 15 by commission head Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, spans 47 pages and outlines a series of recommendations to curb corruption and misuse of power. The commission strongly emphasized preventing individuals from exploiting their positions for personal gain or accumulating illicit wealth. Among its key proposals: • The appointment of an ombudsman to oversee a universal anti-corruption strategy for all state institutions. • A strict ban on legalizing illicit income under any circumstances. • Mandatory registration of all foundations, companies, and trusts with full disclosure of ownership details. • Elimination of bureaucratic delays under the guise of investigations. The commission also proposed a four-year term structure, with five members, including at least one woman. It recommended that the secretary be appointed through an open recruitment process. Additionally, the report suggests setting up ACC offices in every district and establishing special anti-corruption courts nationwide.

The interim government has published the full reports of six reform commissions on the Cabinet Division’s website on Saturday (February 8). These commissions were formed by the administration of Mohammad Yunus following the mass uprising, with a mandate to propose reforms in various sectors of governance. Initially given a 90-day deadline, the commissions have now submitted their recommendations. The published reports cover constitutional amendments, election commission reforms, police reforms, anti-corruption measures, public administration changes, and judicial sector reforms. Earlier, on Tuesday, legal expert Asif Nazrul stated that, based on the commission’s recommendations, a dialogue would soon be initiated to reach a national consensus among political parties. If necessary, discussions will continue through the month of Ramadan.

In a series of operations on Friday night, authorities arrested four senior police officials, including DIG (Deputy Inspector General) Molla Nazrul Islam, former Commissioner of Gazipur Metropolitan Police. The other arrested officials include Nilphamari Superintendent of Police Asaduzzaman, Rangpur Superintendent of Police Abdul Mannan, and Abul Hasnat. According to police sources, Nazrul Islam faces allegations of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and abuse of power. Abul Hasnat came under heavy criticism for his controversial statements regarding the 2024 elections and the July mass uprising. He was also accused of orchestrating staged counterterrorism operations and using excessive force during the protests. Similarly, Asaduzzaman was criticized for his role in suppressing the July uprising and his involvement in financial irregularities. The Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch has confirmed the arrests of one DIG and three SPs, marking a significant development in ongoing investigations into police misconduct.

The Gaza Government Media Office has reported that at least 12,000 bodies remain trapped under the rubble following Israel's devastating assault on the Gaza Strip. Due to Israeli restrictions on heavy machinery entering Gaza, recovery efforts have been severely hampered. Among those trapped are Israeli hostages who were captured by Hamas but later perished when Israeli airstrikes collapsed buildings on top of them. If Israel continues to impose these restrictions, their bodies cannot be returned to Tel Aviv. Over the past 15 months of Israeli aggression, at least 47,583 people have been confirmed killed in Gaza, including 17,000 children. After failing to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of its hostages, Israel has entered into a ceasefire agreement. However, despite the agreement, Israel continues to block the entry of heavy equipment needed to clear debris and relief trucks carrying essential supplies.

A devastating landslide struck Sichuan Province, China, at 11:50 AM local time on February 8, burying ten houses and leaving over 30 people missing. Approximately 200 residents have been evacuated, and authorities have warned of ongoing landslide risks in the area. Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed officials to prioritize search and rescue efforts, minimize casualties, and implement necessary post-disaster measures. Rescue teams have already recovered two survivors. Additionally, China has allocated 30 million yuan for disaster relief efforts this year.

Asif Nazrul, an advisor, stated in a press briefing on February 8 that they are committed to holding free and fair elections based on political consensus. He emphasized that they have no interest in delaying the process to stay in power. He also announced plans to initiate discussions with political parties by mid-February, even during Ramadan if necessary. Nazrul affirmed that political parties have the right to demand an expedited election process and that many necessary reforms have already been implemented. He stressed that constitutional and electoral reforms must be finalized through dialogue and mentioned that most of the urgent tasks could be completed within a month.

Sarjees Alam, a leader of the anti-discrimination student movement, criticized the interim government, saying that the newly appointed police force acts like a scene from a Bangla movie—arriving only after incidents occur. He questioned why, despite repeated calls, police took two hours to respond. Speaking in front of the Gazipur District Commissioner’s office, he emphasized Gazipur’s key role in the uprising and warned that pro-government figures like Jahangir would be confronted again if necessary. He issued an ultimatum for the arrest of the perpetrators by midnight and demanded authorities take immediate action without engaging in political maneuvering in the courts.

A shooting incident targeting anti-discrimination student protesters occurred in Gazipur’s Bhawal Rajbari area on Saturday evening. The attack left Mobasher Hossain injured, who was rushed to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital. Protesters accused ruling party activists of carrying out the attack. Mobasher stated that while bidding farewell to fellow protesters near the District Commissioner’s office, assailants on a motorcycle opened fire. The bullet struck his right hand, narrowly avoiding a fatal injury. Gazipur police confirmed the incident.

The US State Department has officially notified Congress of a planned $7.4 billion arms sale to Israel. The deal will be delivered in two phases. The first shipment, worth $6.75 billion, includes precision-guided munitions, 166 small-diameter bombs, 2,800 500-pound bombs, fuses, and other military equipment, all set to be delivered this year. The second phase, scheduled to begin in 2028, involves 3,000 Hellfire missiles valued at $660 million.