Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD), Ministry of Finance and Jean Pesme, Division Director of the World Bank for Bangladesh and Bhutan signed the financing agreements on their respective sides. The additional financing comprises a US$150 million loan from IDA and a US$0.75 million grant from the Early Learning Partnership Multi-Donor Trust Fund (ELP MDTF). The World Bank is the largest multilateral development partner of Bangladesh. This financing reflects the deep cooperation between Bangladesh and the World Bank. Currently, the World Bank financing is covering a wide range of sectors, including economic and social development, institutional reforms, infrastructure development, and energy sector advancement.

In one of the cases, the court also sentenced Tulip's sister Azmina Siddiq and brother Radwan Mujib Siddiq to seven years' imprisonment each. In that case, the court sentenced Sheikh Hasina to five years' imprisonment, Tulip to two years and Azmina Siddiq to seven years. Meanwhile, the same court on January 18 fixed February 2 for delivering judgment in another case against 18 people, including Sheikh Hasina, her nephew Radwan Mujib Siddiq and niece Tulip Siddiq. In that case, the court today sentenced Sheikh Hasina to five years' imprisonment, Radwan to seven years and Tulip to two years. Former RAJUK member Mohammad Khurshid Alam was sentenced to one year's imprisonment and fined Taka one lakh in the case.

Photo: CollectedDHAKA, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Bank (BB) today purchased $218.50 million from 16 commercial banks through multiple auction methods as part of its ongoing strategy to curb the depreciation of the US dollar against the taka and revitalise the remittance and export sectors. According to central bank data, it bought dollars today at the rate of TK 122.30. Accordingly, total purchases stood at $218.50 million in January 2026 and $4,152 million in FY 2025–26 till to date.

Relations between India and Bangladesh can and should move beyond the issue of Sheikh Hasina, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has told Indian news magazine The Week, reports bdnews24.com. In response to a question on the ousted prime minister during an interview published online on Sunday, Fakhrul said:“She is a factor, but not an insurmountable one. Sheikh Hasina created this crisis by dismantling democratic institutions and centralising power. Fakhrul said that, despite previous alliances, the BNP does not have an agreement with Jamaat and does not see the party being part of a BNP-led national government. On constitutional reform, he proposed limiting the prime minister to a maximum of two terms and establishing a balance of power between the prime minister and the president.

Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain -File photoDHAKA, Feb 02, 2026 (BSS)- Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain has said the government will not take any action concerning the country’s principal sea port that is contrary to national interests. The adviser said the ministry supports whatever is beneficial in the greater interest of the port and the country. Calling upon everyone to keep the port operational in the national interest, he said that the situation that has arisen at the port is causing suffering to general public. The issue that led to create present situation is undesirable, he added. He said mobile courts are being conducted daily by the Department of Shipping and all relevant agencies were engaged to take action against such illegal activities.

HASAKEH, Syria, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Syrian government security forces entered the Kurdish stronghold of Hasakeh city on Monday, AFP correspondents said, under an integration deal agreed with the Kurds last week. An AFP correspondent saw a convoy of security force vehicles cross a Kurdish forces checkpoint into the northeastern city, as part of Friday's agreement to gradually integrate the Kurds' military and civilian institutions into the state.

SEOUL, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Critics and fans welcomed South Korea's first major Grammy win for the song "Golden", from the hit animated film "KPop Demon Hunters", describing it on Monday as a breakthrough for the genre. Music columnist Kim Do-hoon told AFP that the Grammys had long sidelined K-pop because of what he said was its "cookie-cutter format". "The Grammys have traditionally placed strong emphasis on musical quality -- an area in which K-pop is not widely recognised," he said. "They are also known for avoiding heavily produced music, which is often the case with K-pop artists," Kim said. South Korea has won Grammys in the past in the technical and classical categories, but the award for 'Golden' was the first for a K-pop production.

A tribunal is set to frame charges on Feb 17 in a crimes against humanity case over the murder of Imam Hasan Tayem in Dhaka’s Jatrabari during the July Uprising. The other two members of the bench are retired district and sessions judge Md Manjurul Bashid and District and Sessions Judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir. Advocate Abul Hasan represented the accused during the hearing. State-appointed lawyers M Hasan Imam and Lokman Hawlader represented the nine absconding suspects. After the hearing, the tribunal set Feb 17 for the decision.

If the election is fair and peaceful, the Sheaf of Paddy symbol will win by a huge margin,” he said. Later, starting from Bheripara intersection, he carried out door-to-door campaigning in favor of the Sheaf of Paddy symbol, accompanied by party leaders and activists. The area echoed with slogans supporting the Sheaf of Paddy symbol. He distributed leaflets to local voters and passersby, urging them to vote for the Sheaf of Paddy symbol. Speaking as the chief guest, Dr Jahangir said the ‘Yes’ vote represents a struggle to free Bangladesh from domination and authoritarianism.

Police have arrested Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director and CEO Shafiqur Rahman, his wife Bithi, and two others in connection with allegations of torturing a minor house helpThe arrests were made on Sunday night from Shafiqur’s residence in Sector 9 of Uttara in the capital. Uttara West Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kazi Rafiq Ahmed confirmed the arrests to Dhaka Tribune, saying the case was filed under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 2000. According to police sources, the minor who had been employed at the Biman MD’s residence and was allegedly subjected to physical abuse over an extended period. The case was filed following a complaint by the victim’s family. The two other arrestees are two other house help of the residence.

Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that Jamaat-e-Islami will ensure dignified employment opportunities for the country’s youth. “This election is not merely about a change of power; it is an election to change the direction of the nation. Whoever it may be in this country—an MP, a minister, or even the prime minister—if they commit a crime, we want to ensure they are brought to justice.”He said, “Cox’s Bazar is a region with immense potential. If its natural and economic resources are properly utilized, the area can be developed into one of the country’s major growth hubs. “We do not seek victory for Jamaat-e-Islami; rather, we seek the victory of the country’s 180 million people.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has announced a nationwide campaign in support of the “Yes” vote in the referendum scheduled for February 12. In such a situation, he said, ensuring a victory for the “Yes” vote in the referendum has become an urgent necessity. Rifat Rashid also said: “If the ‘Yes’ vote does not win, there will be no moral or political basis to compel a future government to pursue reforms. On February 4, a “Yes Rally” will take place at 11am in Rajshahi, followed by a program at 3pm. On the same day, similar meetings will be held at 5pm in Barisal, followed by a “Yes Rally” at 7:30pm.

Photo exhibition on Khaleda Zia's active life begins in Ctg. Barrister Helal Uddin praised Begum Khaleda Zia for her unwavering leadership in the fight for democracy and the rights of the people. The photo exhibition showcases various aspects of Begum Khaleda Zia's life and political career, tracing her journey from a regular housewife to a three-time Prime Minister. The exhibition features over a hundred rare photographs capturing different moments from her family and political life. The Bogura Media and Cultural Society organised a photo exhibition in 12 districts across the country in the first phase, showcasing the life of Begum Khaleda Zia.

Iran president orders talks with US as Trump hopeful of dealPARIS, France, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the start of nuclear talks with the United States, local media said Monday, after US leader Donald Trump said he was hopeful of a deal to avert military action against the Islamic republic. While piling pressure on Iran, Trump has maintained he is hopeful of making a deal and Tehran has also insisted it wants diplomacy while vowing an unbridled response to any aggression. "President Pezeshkian has ordered the opening of talks with the United States," the news agency Fars reported on Monday, citing an unnamed government source. "Iran and the United States will hold talks on the nuclear file," Fars said, without specifying a date. Trump had warned "time is running out" for Iran to reach a deal on its nuclear programme, which the West believes is aimed at making an atomic bomb.

Professor Dr. Ali Riaz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, spoke as the chief guest at a meeting titled "Public Awareness Campaign on the Referendum-2026" held at the Senate Building of RU. Photo: BSSRAJSHAHI, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS)- The "July National Charter" is not merely adocument, it is a roadmap for Bangladesh's future, as it has been written inexchange for the blood of young people, said Professor Dr. Ali Riaz, SpecialAssistant to the Chief Adviser. He stated that through the implementation of this charter, the foundation ofan accountable and democratic system of governance will be furtherstrengthened. Prof Ali Riaz said Bangladesh's youth continue their struggle with the goalof ensuring that future generations can live in an accountable democraticstate system. Teachers and students of the university, representatives from variousprofessions, and workers involved with the referendum were present at theexchange meeting.