Bangladesh has climbed two spots to rank 35th in Global Firepower’s (GFP) 2025 military strength index. The United States remains at the top, followed by Russia and China with the same score, while India ranks 4th. The index evaluates 145 countries based on over 60 factors, including military units, financial stability, and logistics. Pakistan ranks 12th, while Bangladesh’s score is 0.6062. Following Bangladesh in the rankings are Netherlands (36th), Myanmar (37th), Norway (38th), Portugal (39th), and South Africa.

Rezaul Islam, a Muslim M.Tech student from West Bengal, faced religious harassment on a train while returning from Bishwa Ijtema in Bangladesh. A group of passengers at Ranaghat Station taunted him over his faith, falsely accused him of being Bangladeshi, and expressed hatred toward Bangladesh, claiming that people like him were taking over Kolkata. He was physically assaulted, had his cap knocked off, and was threatened to be thrown off the train. He later filed an FIR with Kolkata Police.

At Rajshahi University, protesting students removed nameplates of four residential halls named after Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s family and assigned new names. The protest began at Shaheed Shamsuzzoha Square and escalated as students destroyed plaques using rods and hammers. They renamed Bangabandhu Hall to “Bijoy-24”, Kamaruzzaman Hall to “Shaheed Ali Raihan Hall”, Sheikh Hasina Hall to “Fatima Al-Fihriya Hall”, and Fazilatunnesa Hall to “Nawab Faizun Nesa Chowdhurani Hall”. Protesters denounced the government, calling it a fight against fascism and injustice.

During the Awami League government’s tenure, state-backed looting in the banking sector took place, with loans being misused and funds embezzled. There were record levels of money laundering. After the student-led uprising in August, attention turned toward reforming the banking sector. The boards of 11 banks owned by S. Alam Group were restructured, yet some boards remain ineffective. Since S. Alam’s affiliates remain active, action has not been taken against non-cooperative groups.

In a Facebook post, Nurul Haque Nur, president of Gono Odhikar Parishad, warned that continued mob justice even after forming a new government will lead to anarchy instead of stability. He further wrote that this situation will send a negative message to diplomats and the international community and will not bring any positive outcomes. He urged people to show a constructive mindset in building a new Bangladesh, cautioning that new crises could weaken the revolutionary forces.

Ignoring military resistance, students stormed and vandalized the residence of former Chief Whip Abul Hasanat Abdullah in Barishal, breaking the gate and setting fire to the house at 11 PM. The military had anticipated an attack and had secured the house beforehand. A previous attack with vandalism and arson took place on August 5.

The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has offered all employees an early retirement package, providing eight months’ salary and benefits in exchange for resigning. This move is part of the federal government’s downsizing policy. However, mass layoffs are not expected. Given the CIA’s critical role in national security, this proposal has raised concerns. After taking office in January, Trump halted new CIA recruitments. Reports suggest that Trump wants to use the CIA in operations against drug cartels.

Nahid Islam, an advisor, has stated that since India has given political asylum to Sheikh Hasina, it must also take responsibility for assisting her political activities. He warned that they will hold India accountable for this. He expressed concern that the fallen autocrat Sheikh Hasina is engaging in anti-Bangladesh activities from Indian soil.

Students at Dhanmondi 32 have written ‘There will be no 32, there will be no 32!’, mocking the controversial host Mayukh Ranjan Ghosh from India’s Republic Bangla. From 8 PM, students entered the house and began vandalizing it. Although a bulldozer was planned to be used, the destruction is being done manually. The mural of Sheikh Mujib inside the house has already been destroyed.

Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA). He has also ordered the withdrawal of the U.S. from the UN Human Rights Council. Trump has hinted at reviewing U.S. funding for the UN and reconsidering relations with UNESCO. UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, expressed interest in strengthening ties with the U.S. to save lives amid global turmoil. The White House has stated that it will reconsider U.S. funding contributions, arguing that the U.S. has been treated unfairly compared to other countries.

Pinaki Bhattacharya has called for nationalization of Humayun Ahmed’s Nuhash Palli, calling it a national asset. Earlier, he urged people to gather at Dhanmondi 32 and expressed his support for erasing the birthplace of fascism with joy.

Sargis Alam was injured while trying to save a child from a moving private car near the British Council in Dhaka University area. He was taken to DMCH emergency department at 9:30 PM on February 5. He suffered injuries to his left eye and head. Doctors said he received stitches on a minor cut near his left eye.

At 10:45 PM, students set fire to Sudha Sadan, Sheikh Hasina’s residence in Dhanmondi 5. The enraged students declared they do not want any trace of fascism that is involved in student killings to remain in Bangladesh. They are demanding Hasina be brought back to the country and punished.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s representative Barrister Zaima Rahman met with David Beasley, a key figure in organizing the ‘National Prayer Breakfast’ and Governor of South Carolina. Beasley, former president of the Republican Governors Association and Nobel Peace Prize winner for his humanitarian work in Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan, is currently a candidate for World Bank President.

At 10:50 PM, a crane arrived at Dhanmondi 32. A student procession was in front and behind the crane. Chants of ‘Tear it down!’ echoed as the crane stood in front of the house. Students and online activists participating in the movement announced that destruction would take place at 32 during the exact time Hasina delivers her speech. People had already gathered by 8 PM and started vandalizing. By 9 PM, fire had broken out! Hasnat Abdullah wrote, ‘Tonight, Bangladesh will be freed from the pilgrimage site of fascism.’