At a grand final event of a cricket tournament in Faridganj, Chandpur, former Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director Khaled Mahmud Sujon emphasized the need to eliminate political influence and nepotism from the sport. “If cricket is freed from external influence and favoritism, Bangladesh’s ‘Tigers’ will become true champions,” he stated. He also stressed the importance of identifying talented players at the grassroots level and providing them opportunities on the national stage. Mahmud expressed confidence that with proper nurturing, Bangladesh’s cricketers have the potential to bring home a World Cup in the near future. He urged for more frequent tournaments to keep young players engaged on the field, stating that national-level players will emerge from these grassroots initiatives.

Two young men lost their lives in a mob beating while allegedly attempting to steal cattle in Tajumuddin, Bhola. The deceased have been identified as Nayon (30) from Baliakandi village in the same union and Amir Hossain (27) from Khasmahal area of Borhanuddin Upazila. The incident took place early Thursday morning in Sonapur Union’s Ward No. 7 at the Bhuiyan residence. According to Tajumuddin Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Abdullah Al Mamun, the two men were preparing to steal cattle from Abdul Khaleq’s barn when the owner’s cries alerted the locals. As residents rushed to the scene, the suspects were chased and eventually caught near the local mosque, where they were subjected to a brutal mob beating. Police later rescued them in critical condition and took them to the Upazila Health Complex, where they were pronounced dead.

To combat air pollution, the Department of Environment, under the directive of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, has been conducting mobile court operations. From January 2 to February 13, a total of 442 mobile court drives were carried out nationwide, resulting in 1,041 cases and the collection of over 137.8 million Taka in fines. As part of the crackdown, chimneys from 199 illegal brick kilns were demolished and sealed, 109 kilns were ordered to shut down, and raw bricks from 31 kilns were destroyed. Additionally, six trucks carrying battery-melting equipment from five factories were seized, leading to the closure of these factories. Furthermore, since November 3, 2024, authorities have intensified operations against the production, sale, distribution, and marketing of banned polythene. A total of 328 mobile courts have been conducted, penalizing 634 businesses and collecting over 4.8 million Taka in fines.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, visited the Ekushey Book Fair organized by the Bangla Academy on Thursday afternoon. During his visit, he purchased several books of personal interest. At a press briefing, he reflected on the significance of February in Bangladesh’s history, describing it as a month deeply ingrained in the hearts of Bangladeshis. He paid tribute to the martyrs of 1952, 1971, and 2024, emphasizing the importance of remembering their sacrifices. He also noted the presence of many children at the fair alongside their parents, stating that such an atmosphere helps preserve the nation’s historical memory and cultural heritage.

UAE Health Minister Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, on the sidelines of the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai. The minister appreciated Yunus’ participation and emphasized learning from global leaders like him. They discussed enhancing Bangladesh-UAE relations, particularly in trade, business, and healthcare. Yunus praised the UAE’s healthcare advancements and thanked them for hosting over one million Bangladeshis. Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain and other senior officials were also present.

The SAFF-winning Bangladesh women’s football team is set to receive the prestigious Ekushey Padak. However, the Ministry of Culture has requested a list of only 11 names to accept the award, creating a dilemma for the Bangladesh Football Federation (BAFF). The victorious squad consists of 23 players along with team officials, bringing the total to 32. BAFF is struggling to decide which 11 individuals will represent the team at the award ceremony. In an effort to resolve the issue, BAFF General Secretary has reached out to Cultural Advisor Mustafa Sarwar Farooki. Meanwhile, BAFF Executive Committee member Tipu Sultan, who led the championship-winning team, remains hopeful that the ministry will find a fair solution to the situation.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has reduced ticket prices for workers traveling to Saudi Arabia and Malaysia under a special “Worker Fare” scheme, valid for about four months. The new fare for flights to Jeddah, Riyadh, Medina, and Dammam is $360 (excluding tax), down from $400–$480. Kuala Lumpur fares have been cut to $150 from $175–$180. This offer applies only to new worker visas and one-way tickets for BMET cardholders. A 4,000 BDT tax applies to all non-SAARC flights, including these routes.

Chittagong University (CU) has permanently expelled Law student Afsana Enayet Emi for assaulting Assistant Proctor Dr. Kurban Ali. Her academic certificate will also be revoked. Additionally, nine students have been suspended for two years for attacking teachers, students, and journalists. Two others have been expelled for religious defamation—one for two years and the other for one year. The decision was made in a disciplinary board meeting chaired by the Vice-Chancellor. CU authorities confirmed that the expulsion list will be published soon.

Asif Mahmood, Adviser for Local Government, Youth, and Sports, has criticized fascist forces for denying the existence of the “Ayanaghor” secret detention center. Despite global awareness of “Ayanaghor,” he remarked that these forces are shamelessly attempting to deny it. Speaking at the Youth Festival at Dhaka University, he recalled his experience of being imprisoned and stated that the genocide during the July coup has already been internationally documented. He further added that both nationally and internationally, a fascist genocidal force, which maintained power through enforced disappearances and killings, will be forever recognized as the enemy of the people.

A court has granted a three-day remand for five individuals, including Lalmonirhat college teacher Mukib Miah, for questioning over leaflet distribution in Dhaka, demanding the resignation of the interim government. Although investigators had requested a 10-day remand, the court approved only three days. The others placed on remand are Central Jubo League member Kapil Haldar Sajal, Motijheel Thana Jubo League member KM Saiful Khan, Fatullah Thana Jubo League member Sheikh Mohammad Hafiz, and Monalisa Jui.

Police in Chattogram have arrested 30 leaders and activists of the Awami League and Chhatra League on charges of attempting to create unrest and engaging in premeditated activities to destabilize the city. According to CMP’s Deputy Commissioner (Public Relations) Mahmuda Begum, the arrests were made in connection with allegations of instigating disorder in the city. The detainees face multiple cases under the Special Powers Act, Anti-Terrorism Act, and the Penal Code, including charges related to attacks on student protesters participating in the anti-discrimination movement. They have been sent to jail following a court order.

The government will provide 50 lakh families with 30 kg of rice at Tk 15 per kg during Ramadan to ensure price stability. Additionally, 1 crore families will receive 100,000 metric tons of rice as an Eid-ul-Fitr gift. Advisor Ali Imam Majumdar stated that Bangladesh has a stockpile of 1.3 million metric tons of food, and there is no risk of a food crisis. To prevent food smuggling into Myanmar amid its crisis, law enforcement has been instructed to tighten border surveillance.

On Thursday (February 13), at a press briefing in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Security Advisor Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam stated that the interim government welcomes the United Nations fact-finding mission’s recommendation to disband the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). However, he clarified that any decision on this matter would be taken after thorough discussion and review. During the briefing, he also announced the introduction of a ten-minute on-arrival visa service, aimed at making visa issuance more convenient and hassle-free for travelers.

For the eighth consecutive day, recommended candidates for assistant teacher positions in government primary schools continued their protest at Shahbagh, demanding the immediate recruitment of 6,531 teachers in Dhaka and Chattogram divisions as part of the third phase of hiring. In a symbolic demonstration of their frustration, the protesters wore funeral shrouds. According to the protesting teachers, candidates from the first two phases, recommended under the 2023 recruitment rules, were appointed nearly a year ago. However, the recruitment of 6,531 recommended candidates from the third phase in Dhaka and Chattogram divisions was put on hold for six months due to a court-issued stay order. The delay reportedly stems from a legal challenge over the quota system.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam stated on Thursday afternoon that the report by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the genocide and crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising in Bangladesh could serve as undeniable evidence in the International Crimes Tribunal. Speaking to journalists at the tribunal, he emphasized that the use of weapons and casualty statistics indicate that an entire state apparatus systematically targeted a specific population with the intent to eradicate them. He described this as clear and compelling evidence of crimes against humanity. Given that the UN is the world’s largest and most universally accepted organization, he asserted that their report is completely impartial and holds significant credibility in legal proceedings.