Actress Sohana Saba has been taken to the Detective Branch (DB) office for questioning late Thursday night, confirmed DMP’s Deputy Commissioner of Media & Public Relations, Muhammad Talebur Rahman. Prior to this, actress Meher Afroz Shaon was also brought in for questioning from her residence. According to officials, Shaon is being interrogated over alleged anti-state remarks. Her recent political stance and comments sparked discussions and controversy on social media, leading to her being summoned to the DB office for further investigation.

In a statement issued late Thursday night on the verified Facebook page of the Chief Advisor, the interim government assured that attempts to vandalize and set fire to various institutions and properties across the country would be strongly resisted. The statement further emphasized that the interim government is fully prepared to ensure the safety and security of citizens’ lives and property. It warned that any efforts to destabilize the country through provocative actions would be met with swift and stringent action by law enforcement agencies, and the responsible individuals and groups would be brought to justice.

The Law and Arbitration Center has strongly condemned the attacks and vandalism at Sheikh Mujib’s residence in Dhanmondi 32 and other locations across the country. The organization called for respect for law, human rights, and democracy, describing these acts as threats to the rule of law and stability in the country. The statement further reminded that international human rights laws guarantee equal protection under the law and the right to due process. It also pointed out that without these assurances, the government risks facing accusations of failure. The organization reiterated its respect and support for the ideals of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, emphasizing that the ongoing events are contrary to these principles.

In Noakhali’s Begumganj, the ancestral home of former Army Chief Moeen U Ahmed was attacked, vandalized, and set on fire. Simultaneously, the house of former mayor of Chaumuhani and ex-president of the municipal Awami League, Akhtar Hossain, was also vandalized. Upon receiving news, police and army officials visited both locations. However, the district convenor clarified that this attack was unrelated to the anti-discrimination student movement. According to police and locals, more than a hundred youths launched the attack on the former army chief’s house late in the evening. At the time, the house was unoccupied, as Moeen U Ahmed’s younger brother, Javed U Ahmed, a former vice-president of the district Awami League, was away.

Led by Abdul Hannan Masud, a prominent leader of the anti-discrimination student movement, students set off from Banglamotor at midnight, aiming to stage a protest in front of the Home Affairs Advisor’s residence. Prior to this, the leader had posted two updates on social media. He accused former MP and notorious criminal Mohammad Ali of opening fire on students from his residence in Hatia. He condemned the administration’s role in allowing armed terrorists to operate freely. His posts called for solidarity, stating, “Either my homeland or death, I am going.” He further stated, “I am heading to the Home Affairs Advisor’s house and will stage a protest from 12:30 am. While they sleep, the Awami thugs will shoot!”

During the attack on the ancestral home of Manjurul Alam, General Secretary of the Upazila Awami League, and Fakhrul Alam, Joint Secretary, local residents in Savar resisted the assault. Rajib and Shomar lived in the house but have been missing since August 5. Angry protesters gathered at Pakija Morr and later went to Raj Manzil, declaring their intent to destroy the autocratic stronghold. As they broke into the house and began vandalizing it, local residents intervened, preventing the fire from spreading. This led to a confrontation, and over a hundred locals chased the protesters, even administering a public beating. Local residents feared that setting the house on fire would spread to nearby homes. Additionally, protests erupted across various regions, including Brahmanbaria, Kishoreganj, Panchagarh, Narayanganj, Manikganj, and Pabna, with attacks and vandalism at homes of individuals associated with the Awami League.

On August 5, in the face of a student uprising, Sheikh Hasina, who had fled the country, gave a speech to the student wing of the Awami League. In response, enraged student protesters attacked and vandalized the house of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a place full of historical significance, on the night of February 5. This week, after Advisor Sheikh Hasina remarked that India should take responsibility if she engages in politics from its soil, Sheikh Hasina went live on the Awami League page! In this context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka. India clarified that it is not using Indian platforms. Subsequently, Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jayaswal expressed regret over the destruction of the historic residence of Sheikh Mujib, a symbol of bravery against occupation and oppression. The statement further emphasized that all those proud of their Bengali identity are aware of the importance of this residence.

Those who are outside the government are the ones actively involved in forming new political parties, said Advisor Nahid Islam. He emphasized that if they decide to form or join a new party, it will be done independently of the current government. Nahid further stated that various frameworks exist for ensuring free and fair elections, which will be discussed with political parties before a final decision is made. When asked whether a neutral government should be formed with independent individuals or political representatives, he acknowledged the presence of multiple proposals and assured that steps are being taken with sufficient impartiality. He added that the government does not see any immediate need for structural changes and that decisions will be made through discussions with political parties. Nahid also revealed that the government is working in alignment with Dr. Yunus’s proposed election timeline.

At around 9 PM, agitated student protesters attacked and vandalized the residence of former President Abdul Hamid in the Kharampatti area of Kishoreganj town before setting it on fire. Earlier, the district Awami League office was also torched, with protesters declaring it a “public toilet.” In a series of coordinated actions, the student protesters demolished a mural of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the District Freedom Fighters Complex. At the Binnati intersection in the Sadar upazila, an excavator was used to destroy murals of Syed Nazrul Islam and four other national leaders. Similar acts of vandalism took place in Bajitpur upazila, where murals of four former presidents were demolished, and another Sheikh Mujib mural at the Pakundia Upazila Complex was also targeted. Leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement stated that Sheikh Hasina is allegedly orchestrating conspiracies from India, and they vowed to erase the presence of the Awami League from Kishoreganj.

The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing announced on Thursday that Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will visit Aina Ghar as soon as possible, accompanied by both local and international media. The decision was made during the Advisory Council meeting held on February 6 (Thursday). The meeting also addressed key issues such as ensuring smooth transportation of essential goods through TCB (Trading Corporation of Bangladesh) and maintaining stable commodity prices during Ramadan. Additionally, discussions focused on preventing load shedding and ensuring an uninterrupted power supply throughout the holy month.

Several international media outlets have reported on the arson and vandalism at Dhanmondi 32, the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, following the online address of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on February 5. In addition to Dhanmondi 32, her residence, Sudha Sadan, was also attacked and set on fire by protesters. Prominent global news agencies covered the incident with striking headlines:

• Associated Press (AP) (USA): “Bangladeshi Protesters Destroy Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina’s Family Home”
• Agence France-Presse (AFP) (France): “Bangladesh Protesters Attempt to Ransack Hasina’s Father’s House”
• BBC (UK): “Protesters Set Fire to Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister’s Family Home”
• Reuters (UK): “Demonstrators Torch Ousted Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina’s Father’s Residence”
• Anadolu Agency (Turkey): “Furious Protests in Bangladesh Over Former PM Hasina’s Address from India”

The incident has drawn global attention, with international media highlighting the political unrest and growing tensions in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has reached its final stage, with only the championship-deciding match remaining. On the eve of the final, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a change in the match schedule. Initially set for 7:00 PM on Friday, the final will now begin an hour earlier at 6:00 PM, as stated in an official press release from the BCB. Fortune Barishal will face off against Chattogram Kings in the grand finale. Barishal aims to defend their title, while Chattogram is eyeing their first-ever BPL trophy. Barishal captain Tamim Iqbal emphasized the importance of composure, stating, “The team that remains the calmest will emerge as champions.” Interestingly, Chattogram’s captain also echoed the same sentiment, underscoring that staying composed will be the key to victory.

A clash between two BNP factions in Bauphal, Patuakhali, over territorial dominance left 20 injured, including the municipal Chhatra Dal convener. Four motorcycles were damaged, and ten people were hospitalized. The violence erupted ahead of a rally by former BNP MP Shahidul Alam Talukdar, as Chhatra Dal activists distributed leaflets. They were allegedly attacked by a group led by Nazirpur BNP leader Enayet Hossain, who denied involvement. Police stated legal action will follow if a formal complaint is filed.

A gas cylinder explosion inside a private car at a filling station in Ashulia, Savar, has left three people injured, including a child. The victims are the car’s driver, Imran Hasan Sani (35), his wife, Mukta Akter (32), and their son, Kazi Minhaj (11). All three have been admitted to Sohel Square Hospital with injuries. According to the CNG pump authorities, a blue-colored private car arrived at the filling station to refuel. As soon as the gas refill started, the cylinder exploded with a loud bang. The victims were standing next to the vehicle at the time of the explosion. Police have visited the site and confirmed that the incident occurred due to a cylinder blast during gas refueling.

Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) has decided not to participate in the mandatory cluster admission system, despite directives from the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC). In today’s Academic Council meeting, a majority of faculty members supported conducting an independent admission test. As a result, the university will hold its own entrance examination on campus as per the admission circular issued on January 28, confirmed Proctor Professor Dr. Shamsuzzoha. The application process will begin on February 9 and continue until March 6, with the university admitting 1,795 students this year.