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.

In a press conference at the Agargaon Election Building, Senior Election Commissioner announced that nearly 50 lakh new voters will be added to the voter list as part of the door-to-door voter list updating program. The commission’s target was over 61 lakh, but 49 lakh 70 thousand 388 new voters have been included. Additionally, 15 lakh 23 thousand deceased voters have been removed from the list, which represents 1.77%. The Election Commission Secretary informed that 16 lakh new female voters have been added this time. Those who were excluded can still join, as registration will continue until April 11. There is no record with the Election Commission of any voter who registered at 17 years old with false information.

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.