The U.S. deported a group of illegal Indian immigrants on Thursday, restraining them with handcuffs and leg shackles aboard a military aircraft. The incident sparked outrage in India's parliament, with opposition members condemning it as an inhumane and humiliating act against Indian nationals. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar explained that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) follows strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for deportations. He clarified that deportations are not new, with 15,756 Indians sent back over the past 15 years. However, he assured that women and children were not subjected to shackling. Opposition leaders questioned the Indian government's response and demanded measures to protect the dignity of its citizens abroad.

Student activists claim to have discovered a mysterious underground structure beneath the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi 32. Eyewitnesses report that the underground area consists of multiple chambers, though access has been restricted due to water accumulation. Since February 5, the site has witnessed acts of vandalism, and by February 6, large crowds had gathered to witness the findings. Some claim that a five-story underground structure, including a mirrored room, exists beneath the house. Student activists allege that the premises were used for secret operations by intelligence agencies like DB and DGFI. Social media is abuzz with discussions demanding a government investigation. However, there has been no official response from the authorities yet.

According to four sources confirmed by Reuters, the Trump administration is planning to lay off 9,700 employees from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The agency currently employs around 10,000 people, but only 294 staff members are expected to be retained. Reports indicate that the Africa Bureau will have just 12 employees, while the Asia Bureau will be left with only 8. A former USAID chief described this decision as "horrendous" and warned that it would put many people in jeopardy. The U.S. State Department has not yet commented on the matter. Previously, a close associate of Trump had labeled USAID as a "terrorist organization," accusing it of spending taxpayer money on biological research and propaganda. Shortly after, news of the layoffs emerged.

One of Bangladesh's most successful batsmen, Tamim Iqbal, retired from international cricket about a month ago but intends to continue playing domestic cricket. To honor his contributions, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will present him with a special farewell tribute before the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) final on Friday. As there are no ongoing international home series, BCB has decided that Tamim’s farewell ceremony will take place during the BPL final at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. Before the prize distribution ceremony, Tamim will receive a commemorative farewell token. His team, Fortune Barishal, will face Chattogram Kings in the final, and fans are eager to see if Tamim can conclude his career with a championship win.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has issued a statement urging the government to take stricter measures in light of the ongoing situation in the country. The statement expresses deep concern over provocative actions by the ousted dictator and his associates, who were removed through the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs. This has led to a surge in public resentment, resulting in the destruction of statues, plaques, and other symbols of the former regime across the country. The statement criticizes the interim government for failing to bring the dictator and his associates to justice in the past six months, leading people to take matters into their own hands. BNP asserts that the public had expected the rule of law but has been disappointed. The party warns that if the government fails to demonstrate its ability to control the situation, the stability of both the state and the administration will be at risk. BNP has called on the authorities to take immediate action to restore order.

A total of 134,000 farmers affected by the July-August floods are receiving financial aid from the Ministry of Agriculture via bKash. Farmers can cash out at agent points for a reduced fee of 7 taka. A press release states that farmers from 56 upazilas across seven districts will receive assistance at home. Last year’s sudden floods impacted thousands of farmers in Chattogram, Sylhet, Noakhali, Cumilla, and other areas. The Ministry of Agriculture is providing 1,000 taka per farmer via mobile financial services to help cover the cost of seeds and fertilizers, aiding in recovery from agricultural losses.

US President Donald Trump has imposed new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil network. The sanctions affect Iranian firms, ships, companies, and individuals linked to the sector, despite similar measures during Biden’s tenure. US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant stated that Iran continues using oil revenues to fund its nuclear program, ballistic missile development, and proxy terrorist groups. The US remains committed to countering these threats. Trump, who imposed numerous sanctions in his first term, has initiated further restrictions within a week of beginning his second term.

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.