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.

The home of Shaheed Russel, who was killed in the anti-discrimination student movement, was attacked twice—once late at night on February 3 and again at 8 AM the next morning—in Kashab Union of Manda Upazila, Naogaon. The martyr’s father accused the attacks of being carried out by a group of assailants led by their neighbor, Rafatullah Mondal. Attempts to contact Rafatullah were unsuccessful. The Officer-in-Charge (OC) stated that the attack site has been inspected, and preparations for a case are underway.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft carrying Indian immigrants has departed for India, marking the beginning of the U.S. initiative to deport illegal Indian immigrants. Previously, the U.S. had deported undocumented migrants to Guatemala, Peru, Honduras, and Brazil. In January, India’s Foreign Minister stated that India has no objections to taking back its illegal immigrants, a message also conveyed to the U.S. Secretary of State. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on February 13 in Washington, which is being described as a meeting between two close allies.

The death toll in Hamas-controlled Gaza has risen to 61,709, with over 14,000 people presumed dead. Among the casualties are 17,881 children. Over 6,000 Palestinians have been detained by Israeli forces, while more than 2 million people have been forcibly displaced. The number of injured has reached 111,588. According to Gaza’s government information, 76% of the missing bodies have been recovered and taken to medical facilities. However, an estimated 14,222 bodies are still trapped under the rubble. The ongoing war has also claimed the lives of 1,155 healthcare workers, 205 journalists, and 194 civil defense personnel.

Three young men lost their lives in a motorcycle accident on their way home after attending Saraswati Puja in Feni. The victims have been identified as Daibu Vaishnav (22), Antar Ghosh (20), and Sourav Goswami (22). The accident occurred around 8:30 PM on the Feni-Noakhali regional highway. Their motorcycle, moving at high speed, lost control while overtaking a truck and crashed into the trunk of a tree. Two of them died on the spot, while the third succumbed to his injuries after being taken to the district hospital. According to a sub-inspector of the Feni Highway Police Station, reckless speed was the main cause of the accident.

Ten Bangladeshis from Rajair upazila in Madaripur have been confirmed dead in a tragic boat capsizing in the Mediterranean while attempting to reach Italy illegally. Four more remain missing. On January 30, the Bangladeshi embassy in Libya reported the recovery of several bodies from the shores of Brega. Families of the victims are demanding punishment for human traffickers responsible for the tragedy. According to one survivor, he paid Tk 2.8 million to traffickers, who failed to ensure their safe journey. The mastermind behind the trafficking ring has been identified as Monir Howlader and Rafique from Bhanga upazila. The local administration has promised to arrange the repatriation of the bodies.

U.S. President Donald Trump has temporarily backed off from imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods after both countries pledged to enhance border security and combat drug trafficking. Trump stated that Canada has assured the U.S. of securing its northern border, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has allocated $1.3 billion for border security. Previously, the Mexican president also confirmed reaching an agreement with the U.S.

Following the mass uprising on August 5, many Awami League leaders and government officials fled the country. Some are now appearing in public again. Former State Minister for Shipping and Awami League Organizing Secretary Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury was recently seen in London, attending an Awami League gathering. During the event, party members demanded the withdrawal of cases against them and the resignation of Yunus Sarkar’s government. The UK Awami League also launched a month-long leaflet distribution campaign. Other attendees included UK Awami Jubo League Joint Secretary Jamal Khan, former minister and Awami League Presidium member Abdur Rahman, former state minister Shafiqul Rahman, and former MP Habibur Rahman.

A court has granted a three-day remand for former Public Administration Minister Farhad Hossain and his brother Sarfaraz Hossain in cases related to the anti-discrimination student movement and the murder of Jamaat leader Abdur Jabbar. Another two-day remand has been approved for his brother-in-law in a separate case. Police had sought five days of remand. As the former minister was being taken to the courtroom, protesters from the anti-discrimination student movement and BNP activists threw eggs at him while chanting slogans.

According to Hindustan Times, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on February 13. Modi will arrive in Washington on February 12 and meet American corporate leaders and representatives of various Indian communities. Last week, Trump mentioned that Modi was coming for a meeting with him. Trump is focused on selling U.S. defense equipment to India and ensuring a fair trade relationship. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, trade between the two countries exceeded $118 billion.

Out of 50,000 foreign nationals living illegally in Bangladesh, 15,618 have left the country as of January after being ordered to leave. However, 33,648 remain illegally. A 11-member task force, led by an additional secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been formed to decide on further actions. Earlier, on December 8, the ministry instructed authorities to take legal actions against illegal foreigners. According to the Special Branch of Police, 27,000 Indians and 10,000 Chinese nationals have overstayed their visas and need to pay fines to renew them.