In an effort to end long-standing passport-related harassment, the government is considering removing police verification for passport issuance and renewal. Police verification, currently handled by the Special Branch (SB), is often a source of delays and corruption. With 16,000 passports pending due to verification issues, the Ministry of Home Affairs is working to simplify the process. Experts argue that verifying political affiliations or family backgrounds in this context is unnecessary and must be abolished to ensure citizens’ rights.

Four people were killed in a bus accident in the Kasba area of Rajshahi on the night of February 3rd. Two people died at the scene, and two others succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at Rajshahi University Medical College. The accident occurred when a passenger bus, departing at 6 p.m., hit a battery-powered auto-rickshaw coming from the opposite direction in the New Kasba area. The deceased have been identified as Mohammad Ibrahim, Mohammad Maruf, Ferdous, and Sabbir Rahman.

Two Indian nationals were arrested by the police for smuggling medicines into Bangladesh. After crossing the Brahmanbaria land border, they were arrested in Narayannapur yesterday, and a case has been filed against them in court. The arrested individuals are Pradip Dutta and Gautam Dutta. They were found with Indian vaccines, injections, and tablets. Earlier, two other Indian nationals were arrested for smuggling cosmetics. However, the officer-in-charge confirmed that the suspects entered Bangladesh legally.

A clash broke out between the students of the Department of Law and the Department of Al-Fiqh Legal Studies at Islamic University (IU) over a bus seat dispute. Thirteen students from both sides, along with the proctor, a teacher, and two security personnel, were injured in the incident. A five-member investigation committee has been formed, led by Professor Dr. Abdul Kader. In protest against the attack on the proctor and teachers, students from the Law Department held a press conference, demanding justice after a fair investigation. Three of the accused held a press conference claiming that the accusations from the Law Department students were fabricated. The IU Chhatra Dal has condemned and protested the incident.

Two people were killed in Brahmanbaria’s Sarail upazila due to a long-standing property dispute. On February 4, in Bishutara village, Azad Mia (55) was attacked and killed by rivals led by Insan Mia. In retaliation, supporters of Azad Mia killed Insan’s associate, Amanat Mia (60), with a spear. Both victims were rushed to the hospital, where they were declared dead. Police have launched an investigation, and the situation is under control.

Unlike the previous government, there is no intention to delete individual posts or harass citizens on the internet; the focus is only on cryptocurrency and financial fraud. The Cybersecurity Act has been amended to include provisions for punishing sexual harassment. Under the amended law, no individual can be arrested without a warrant, except for hackers. Khalilur Rahman, Director General of the BTRC, stressed the importance of a sustainable guideline to make the internet universally accessible, rather than just relying on laws. He made these remarks at a recent conference at Dhaka University, where he also emphasized the importance of providing internet access in remote hill regions.

Eleven-year-old Arabi Islam Suba went missing in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, after leaving home with her cousin. CCTV footage showed her entering a mall with another boy. Her father filed a police report, and investigations revealed that she traveled to Naogaon with the boy, identified as Momin Hossain. Police suspect a romantic involvement. Upon sensing police presence, Suba fled again. Authorities are working with Momin’s family to prevent further escape and rescue Suba safely.

The court has ruled to cancel the sedition charges against BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Abdus Salam, Chairman of Ekushey TV, along with two others: Ekushey TV’s former chief reporter Mahathir Faruqi Khan and senior reporter Konok Sarwar. Earlier, on October 31, they were acquitted. The charges stemmed from a January 5, 2015, speech by Tarique Rahman in London, which was broadcast live on Ekushey TV. The case claimed that Rahman’s speech, by being aired directly, spread false information and endangered the sovereignty of the country. The charges were formally filed in 2017.

In response to a hunger strike by students at Jahangirnagar University, the administration has made several changes to the pet quota. Previously, each department had a maximum of four students from the pet quota, totaling up to 148 students. This has now been reduced to 40. Previously, this quota included benefits for spouses, children, and siblings. Now, only children are eligible, and a working individual can only avail this benefit once. The hunger strike began on Sunday at 11 AM demanding the cancellation of the pet quota in the undergraduate honors first-year admission process. The administration intervened at 5 AM the following day, promising to meet their demands. Later, in the afternoon, a committee was formed to investigate, leading to another round of hunger strikes by the students. The students have set demands, including the trial of those responsible for attacking students during the July mass uprising by February 5, announcement of the schedule on February 6, and the admission test on February 9. In this context, the students have accepted the changes to the pet quota.

Students have suspended their protests and returned to classes following government assurances, restoring normal traffic flow on the Mahakhali-Gulshan road. However, they have warned of resuming protests if visible progress is not made on their demands. The students of Titumir College had been boycotting classes and exams since last Tuesday and began a hunger strike the following afternoon, demanding that their institution be declared an independent university. Although the Ministry of Education intervened on Monday and assured improved facilities, no concrete commitment was made regarding university status. After Dhaka University (DU) separated itself from the seven affiliated colleges, the government announced plans to form a new university for them. However, Titumir students have been protesting for their college to be recognized as a standalone university. On Monday, students blocked railway tracks, prompting discussions with education ministry officials, who promised to work on land allocation, new buildings, and other demands.

According to a report by German news outlet Deutsche Welle, Indonesia is in final discussions to purchase BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India in a deal worth $450 million. If finalized, Indonesia would become the second ASEAN country after the Philippines to acquire the missile. Last month, during his visit to India for Republic Day celebrations, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met with the CEO of BrahMos in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, the Chief of the Indonesian Navy, along with a high-level delegation, inspected the missile. The BrahMos missile is jointly developed by India and Russia. Analysts suggest that amid rising tensions with China, Indonesia is seeking to modernize its naval and military forces, making this purchase a strategic move.

Assistant Commissioner Tapasi Tabassum Urmi, who was temporarily suspended for making derogatory remarks about Shaheed Abu Sayeed and other martyrs of the anti-discrimination student movement, is now facing trial. The court rejected her plea for dismissal and ordered the formation of charges against her. Previously, on January 26, Urmi surrendered and sought bail, which was granted, with the court scheduling the charge formation hearing for February 4. The case against her includes allegations of opposing the constitutional government formed after the mass uprising despite being a government official, conspiring to overthrow the government and instilling fear among the public, and dishonoring the Chief Adviser and the martyrs.

A Facebook post from the verified account of Awami League leader and former minister Faruk Khan has gone viral on social media. In response, prison authorities issued a statement asserting that it is impossible for him to post from inside the jail. Faruk Khan is currently imprisoned in Keraniganj Central Jail in Dhaka, facing multiple cases, including charges related to past anti-discrimination student movement killings. He was arrested on October 14. Authorities have not confirmed whether his account is being operated by a family member or someone outside the prison.

Indian journalist Mayukh Ranjan Ghosh is widely known for his dramatic presentation style, often making exaggerated claims that amuse his audience. He has previously made controversial statements about Bangladesh, including claims that Chattogram and other parts of the country would be taken over. On the night of January 3, Mayukh participated in an online live session with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, discussing topics such as the alleged sale of St. Martin’s Island, the availability of beef in Dhaka hotels, and even an incident involving Sheikh Hasina’s picture in a dustbin. Referring to the session as an “India-Bangladesh match,” Mayukh claimed that five individuals were assigned to monitor him. In response, Shafiqul Alam invited Mayukh to interview Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Indian journalist Mayukh Ranjan Ghosh is widely known for his dramatic presentation style, often making exaggerated claims that amuse his audience. He has previously made controversial statements about Bangladesh, including claims that Chattogram and other parts of the country would be taken over. On the night of January 3, Mayukh participated in an online live session with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, discussing topics such as the alleged sale of St. Martin’s Island, the availability of beef in Dhaka hotels, and even an incident involving Sheikh Hasina’s picture in a dustbin. Referring to the session as an “India-Bangladesh match,” Mayukh claimed that five individuals were assigned to monitor him. In response, Shafiqul Alam invited Mayukh to interview Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.