The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is set to open over 300 secret lockers registered under the names of Bangladesh Bank officials in the presence of magistrates, the central bank confirmed on Wednesday. This revelation has sent former and current corrupt officials of the central bank into a state of anxiety about their future. These officials had kept valuables, including gold and foreign currencies, in these lockers, believing them to be secure under legal protection.

The ACC recently obtained court approval to open these lockers, as they suspect significant assets are being stored within, according to sources. The ACC has also sent official letters to the relevant departments within Bangladesh Bank, requesting cooperation in opening the lockers. ACC Director Kazi Sayemuzzaman, head of the investigation department, told our sister newsagency UNB that the court granted approval after reviewing the documents submitted, ensuring a fair investigation process.

A case was filed against six individuals in connection with the murder of Jubo Dal leader Touhidul Islam in joint forces' custody in Cumilla. The joint forces detained Touhidul, and allegedly tortured him to death. Touhidul's wife Yasmin Nahar filed the case on Wednesday (Feb. 5) at the Cumilla Kotwali Model police station, almost a week after his death. Six individuals are named in the case, with whom there has been a long-standing land dispute with the victim's family. Additionally, 20 to 25 unidentified individuals have been made accused in the case. These suspects were reportedly dressed in plain clothes and army uniforms.

In an official statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) mentioned that Touhidul was arrested based on specific changes. Additional Superintendent of Police in Cumilla (Sadar Circle), Mohammad Saiful Malik, informed Prothom Alo that around 11am last Friday (Jan. 31), the army handed over Touhidul Islam to the local police. He was taken to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Bangladesh experienced a significant decline in overseas migration last year, primarily due to changes in the political and economic landscape. The total number of migrant workers dropped to 10,09,146 in 2024, marking a 27.4 percent decrease from 13,90,811 in 2023, according to the Annual Report 2024 launched this week by Ami Probashi, a digital platform supporting migrant workers. The decline was attributed to political and subsequent economic instabilities in July 2024, which likely contributed to the slowdown in migration.

Uncertainty over job security and future opportunities also discouraged many potential workers from seeking employment abroad. A notable decline in migration numbers was observed between May and September 2024, with 54,725 migrants going abroad in June, 71,080 in July, 52,818 in August, and 64,157 in September. However, the numbers surged to 104,811 in October, maintaining a steady rate from October to December. Saudi Arabia remained the top destination for Bangladeshi migrants, accounting for 62.17 percent of the total.

Point-to-point inflation slid down to single digits again, thanks to the winter season food supply. It slightly eased in January to 9.94 percent, down from 10.89 percent in December 2024. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the decline was mainly driven by a fall in food inflation. In January 2025, the point-to-point food inflation declined to 10.72 percent, down from 12.92 percent in December, 2024 the BBS data showed.

Meanwhile, the non-food inflation rate showed a slight increase reaching 9.32 percent in January, up from 9.26 percent in December, 2024. The food inflation in the rural areas was 10.61 percent in January, down from 12.63 percent in December, 2024 while the non-food inflation rate increased to 9.77 percent in January, up from 9.65 percent in December, 2024. In the urban areas in January, 2025, it was 9.89 percent, down from 10.84 percent in December.