The metro rail has generated revenue of 24.4 billion BDT from ticket sales during the 2023-2024 fiscal year, with an additional 1.8 billion BDT expected next year. Last Monday, a record 282,000 passengers traveled on the metro rail. The Agargaon section was launched on December 8, 2022, followed by the Motijheel section in October of the next year, and the Kamalapur section is set to open in June, completing the entire project. Initially, the metro operated 10 trips per day, but now it runs 200 trips daily. Once extended from Diabari to Tongi, the expected daily ridership will reach 500,000, eliminating the need for government subsidies.

On the afternoon of February 4, a violent clash broke out between two groups in the Baipail area of Ashulia over control of the jhut (textile waste) business. Local weapons were seen at the scene, and multiple gunshots were fired. Upon receiving the news, police arrived and arrested six individuals. Harun Mondal had been running the jhut business at Prudent Fashion Limited, but after the government changed, a man named Alamgir attempted to take control. This led to the conflict. Police recovered 35 local weapons from the site.

Importers from Lalmonirhat have stopped importing goods through India’s Changrabandha land port since February 1, following disputes over stone export prices. As a result, the government has suffered a revenue loss of 20 million BDT. Since August 5, Bangladesh’s construction sector has slowed, leading to a drop in demand. Importers had requested exporters to lower prices, but after receiving no response, they decided to suspend stone imports indefinitely. This has resulted in a complete halt of imports and exports through Changrabandha port since February 2. Fifty Bangladesh-bound cargo trucks are stuck at the port, while over 500 trucks from Bhutan are stranded at Indian ports. Allegations have surfaced that India halted exports without prior notice.

College teacher Mukib Mia was arrested from the residence of the Deputy Registrar of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University for distributing leaflets in Dhaka demanding the resignation of the interim government. As there was already a case against him at Shahbagh police station, he was detained and sent there. He faced further trouble after pictures of him distributing the leaflets—reportedly under the directive of Sheikh Hasina, who is accused of crimes against humanity—went viral on social media.

The Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) has permanently expelled 8 students and imposed various disciplinary actions on 33 others, while issuing warnings to 27 students. The decision came after an administrative investigation found them guilty of violating university regulations based on student complaints. Twelve students have been suspended for six semesters, while six others face two-semester suspensions. However, the expulsion orders remain conditional—if they commit further offenses, the punishments will be enforced. Additionally, seven students have been expelled from the dormitories.

The family of Shaikh Ashhabul Yamin, the first martyr of the anti-discrimination student movement who was shot by police in Savar, obstructed efforts to exhume his body for an autopsy. As a result, the magistrate suspended the exhumation process. After failing to convince the parents, they formally objected to the exhumation, citing Yamin’s status as a martyr. The magistrate acknowledged their stance and stated that any further decision would be taken by the court.

The reports of various sectoral reform commissions formed by the interim government will be published on February 8, according to advisor Asif Nazrul. He stated that the heads of the reform commissions are currently meeting with the Chief Advisor at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The commissions will present recommendations in three categories—immediate, mid-term, and post-election. These reports will then be shared with all political parties and stakeholders in the mass uprising. Following this, the first official meeting of the National Consensus Commission will take place based on mutual agreements. The advisor expects this process to begin in mid-February.

Shakib Al Hasan is set to be excluded from the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) 2025 central contract after nearly 17 years, as he remains in political exile. The new contract includes 5 players for all formats, with notable inclusions like Najmul Hossain Shanto and Liton Kumar Das. Some players like Mahmudullah will receive only ODI contracts, while others, like Rishad Hossain, will join the T20 squad. A special category for players with flexible roles in the team is also proposed, offering higher pay than the central contract.

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a directive urging government officials to update their employment-related information in the Government Employee Management System (GEMS). Failure to do so is causing delays and complications in promotions and postings. The officials are required to provide a recent photograph, posting details, education records, and contact information. Non-compliance will be treated as misconduct, with potential disciplinary actions under the Government Employees (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018.

Students at Jahangirnagar University have locked the administrative building, demanding the complete abolition of the ward quota in undergraduate admissions. In response, university employees announced an indefinite strike starting Wednesday to reinstate the quota. Tensions escalated when employees tore down anti-quota posters, and reports emerged of a student being pushed. Previously, students had staged a hunger strike, leading the administration to amend the quota system. However, employees rejected the changes, intensifying the standoff between the two groups.

Nagorik Oikya president Mahmudur Rahman Manna has urged Dr. Muhammad Yunus-led interim government to hold elections immediately and step down with dignity. Speaking at a protest in Dhaka, Manna criticized rising prices, lawlessness, and administrative disorder, warning of severe consequences if elections are delayed. He condemned the killing of Jubo Dal leader Touhid in custody, demanding an explanation from government advisors. Manna also accused the government of favoring certain parties while suppressing others, calling for an immediate resolution to growing political tensions.

The Albanese government has banned DeepSeek, a Chinese AI chatbot, from all federal government devices, citing national security concerns. The ban follows advice from intelligence agencies, warning of an unacceptable risk to Australia’s assets. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized that the decision is based on security, not the app’s country of origin. The move comes after similar actions from Taiwan, Italy, and some U.S. federal agencies. The government will ensure the app is removed from all devices and cannot be reinstalled.

In a meeting at the Jamuna State Guesthouse in Dhaka with Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh, Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus requested assistance in recovering funds that had been illicitly sent abroad. He accused Sheikh Hasina and her associates of stealing billions of dollars from the people, some of which were allegedly sent to Canada. The High Commissioner assured cooperation and praised Bangladesh’s reform initiatives, asking how they could assist further. He also mentioned that a Canadian minister would soon visit Bangladesh, and that Canada is interested in expanding business and investment ties with the country. The Chief Adviser suggested the opening of a Canadian visa office in Bangladesh, considering the interests of students.

On the night of February 3rd, Touhidul Islam, the deceased Jubodol leader in the custody of the joint forces, was met by Major General Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq, GOC of the 33rd Infantry Division of the Army, along with his family in Comilla. During this meeting, condolences were expressed for his death, and an assurance was given for the swift trial of those responsible. The army also stated that those who provided false information, leading to the incident, will be brought to justice. Touhidul Islam was declared dead by the on-duty doctor after being taken to Comilla Medical College on January 31st, the day after he was picked up by the joint forces.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has ordered the freezing of all lockers belonging to former and current officials of Bangladesh Bank, suspecting they may contain large sums of undeclared wealth. No assets are currently being allowed into or out of the lockers. This move follows recent recoveries from the locker of a former deputy governor, including foreign currency and gold. The ACC took action after discussions with the government’s economic advisor, who consented to freeze the assets.