Bill Gates withdrew from India’s AI Impact Summit in New Delhi just hours before his scheduled keynote address on Thursday, February 19, citing a desire to keep the focus on the event’s priorities. His withdrawal, followed by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s cancellation, dealt another setback to a summit already facing criticism for poor organisation, a controversy over a robotic exhibit, and severe traffic disruptions. The event, billed as the Global South’s first major artificial intelligence forum, aimed to highlight India’s leadership in global AI governance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, calling for stronger safeguards for children on AI platforms. The summit’s management drew anger from participants after exhibition halls were abruptly closed to the public and attendees faced transport chaos due to repeated road closures for VIP movements.

Despite the controversies, more than US$100 billion in AI-related investments were pledged during the summit, with the Indian government projecting total commitments could exceed US$200 billion within two years.

Galgotias University in India faced criticism at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi after a professor claimed that a robotic dog displayed at its stall was developed by the university. The robot, named Orion, was later identified online as the Go2 model produced by Chinese company Unitree Robotics. The university denied claiming ownership of the robot, calling the backlash a propaganda campaign, and said its use of the robot was part of efforts to teach students AI programming using global tools.

Professor Neha Singh, who made the initial remarks, said her comments were misunderstood. Reports indicated that the university was asked to vacate its stall, and electricity to the booth was later cut off. A BBC reporter confirmed that the stall was dark and unattended. The controversy embarrassed summit organizers after the video was shared on IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s official account, which was later deleted.

India’s IT Secretary S Krishnan urged that the incident should not overshadow the contributions of other participants. The five-day summit, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to position India as a global AI hub and includes delegates from over 100 countries.

To commemorate Amar Ekushey February, the Dhaka Film Club will organize a two-day film screening on February 20 and 21 at the Dhaka University road island near TSC. The event, supported by the Bangladesh Film Archive and the Department of Mass Communication, will begin each evening at 7 p.m. The first day will feature Zahir Raihan’s 1970 film “Jibon Theke Neya,” while the second day will screen Shahidul Haque Khan’s 1981 film “Kolmilota.”

According to the organizers, both films highlight the historical context of the 1952 Language Movement and its connection to Bangladesh’s independence struggle. “Jibon Theke Neya” portrays political and social resistance through symbolic storytelling, while “Kolmilota” traces a family narrative from the Language Movement to the Liberation War. The films feature prominent actors including Razzak, Kabori, Bulbul Ahmed, and others.

Dhaka Film Club’s general secretary Barua Monojit Dhinon said that very few Bangladeshi films have depicted the Language Movement, and this exhibition aims to showcase those rare works that capture its spirit.

Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, celebrated for his performances in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has died at the age of 95, his wife Luciana Duvall announced in a Facebook post on Monday. She said Duvall gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented. Tributes from across Hollywood followed, with Adam Sandler calling him one of the greatest actors ever and Michael Imperioli describing him as an actor’s actor.

Duvall’s career spanned nearly 100 films, including acclaimed roles as Tom Hagen in The Godfather, Lieutenant Colonel Bull Meechum in The Great Santini, and the title character in Stalin. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Tender Mercies in 1983 and received six additional Oscar nominations, including for Apocalypse Now. He also wrote, directed, and starred in The Apostle, earning another Oscar nomination.

Born in Annapolis, Maryland, Duvall was the son of a US Navy admiral and an amateur actress. He studied at Principia College, served in the US Army, and later moved to New York City, where he shared an apartment with Dustin Hoffman and befriended Gene Hackman during their early acting years.

On February 16, 2026, China Media Group (CMG) hosted the annual Chinese Spring Festival Gala, broadcast in 85 languages across more than 200 countries and regions. The event, themed around the Year of the Horse, symbolized perseverance and progress, inspiring audiences worldwide. It featured a blend of traditional performances and cutting-edge technology, including AI-generated content that brought digital horses and ancient art to life on stage.

The gala showcased humanoid robots from four Chinese companies—Galaxy General, Songyan Dynamics, Yushu Technology, and Magic Atom—demonstrating China’s rapid progress in robotics. Additional venues included Harbin’s ice-built stage and a light show on Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, symbolizing cultural exchange between China and the Arab world. The event also received greetings from global leaders, including those of Russia, Brazil, and Pakistan, highlighting China’s growing international influence.

Experts described the 2026 gala as a convergence of technology, culture, and diplomacy, reflecting how Chinese traditions are evolving into a global celebration that bridges innovation and heritage.

Asian MotorspeX Limited, the sole distributor of Chery vehicles in Bangladesh, recently celebrated Valentine’s Day through a special event titled ‘Delivering Loves’ at the Chery showroom. The event aimed to reinforce customer relationships while highlighting Chery’s commitment to innovation and service excellence. Managing Director Dewan Sajedur Rahman attended as the chief guest, emphasizing the company’s dedication to enhancing the Chery brand experience in Bangladesh.

In his remarks, Rahman stated that Chery seeks to be part of customers’ special life moments, reflecting the brand’s focus on creating meaningful experiences beyond vehicle sales. Popular digital influencers Iftikhar Rafsan, Rakin Absar, and Shaumik joined the celebration, interacting with guests and showcasing Chery’s appeal to younger audiences.

The showroom was decorated with a Valentine’s Day theme, offering visitors a warm and comfortable environment to explore Chery’s advanced technology and premium features. A specially designed Chery Tiggo 8 Pro was also displayed across several Dhaka neighborhoods, underscoring the brand’s goal of building a close-knit customer community in Bangladesh.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that the US military used the artificial intelligence model Claude, developed by Anthropic, during an operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. According to unnamed sources cited in the report, the AI system was integrated into the mission through a partnership between Anthropic and Palantir Technologies, a contractor for the US Department of Defense and federal law enforcement agencies.

Following the operation, an Anthropic employee reportedly asked a Palantir official how Claude had been used in the mission. This marks the first known instance of Anthropic’s technology being deployed in a classified US defense operation. However, the exact role of Claude—capable of tasks ranging from PDF analysis to autonomous drone control—remains unclear.

An Anthropic spokesperson neither confirmed nor denied Claude’s involvement but stated that all uses of the model, whether in private or government sectors, must comply with the company’s usage policies. The report has sparked renewed debate over the ethics of using AI technologies in military operations.

The Vietnamese government has granted a license to Elon Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink to operate in the country, according to the national radio frequency regulator. The local unit, Starlink Services Vietnam Co., has been authorized to set up four gateway stations and deploy up to 600,000 terminal devices. Under the license terms, Starlink must ensure that its operations do not interfere with existing radio communication networks.

Officials said the move is expected to play a key role in expanding Vietnam’s satellite-based internet connectivity. About 80 percent of the country’s 100 million people currently use the internet, but rural and mountainous areas still face service gaps. Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, provides high-speed internet through thousands of low-orbit satellites and has indicated on its website that service in Vietnam will launch soon.

The development comes as Vietnam and the United States continue trade negotiations following a 20 percent U.S. tariff on Vietnamese goods last year. Vietnam’s top leader To Lam is scheduled to visit Washington this week for a meeting of the U.S. “Board of Peace” led by President Donald Trump.

Booker Prize–winning Indian author and activist Arundhati Roy has declined an invitation to the Berlin International Film Festival after expressing outrage at comments made by jury members regarding the situation in Gaza. In a statement on Friday, Roy said she was deeply hurt and disturbed by remarks from jury president Wim Wenders and others during a Thursday press conference, where they suggested filmmakers should stay away from politics.

The controversy arose when a journalist asked the jury about the German government's support for Israel and its stance on human rights. Wenders responded that filmmakers should not engage in politics, emphasizing that their work is for the public, not politicians. Roy condemned these comments as “conscience-less,” describing the Gaza situation as genocide by Israel against Palestinians. She argued that artists and filmmakers have a moral duty to speak out against such atrocities.

Roy’s 1989 film “In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones” was scheduled to be screened in the festival’s classics section from February 12 to 22, but she has now withdrawn her participation.

An opinion piece by Md. Mahin Uddin, published on February 14, 2026, argues that individuals are unknowingly surrendering vast amounts of personal data—such as names, locations, preferences, and behaviors—in exchange for so-called free digital services. The article highlights that major technology companies, including social media, search engines, and e-commerce platforms, are turning user data into a commodity for targeted advertising and profit. Algorithms now influence what information people see, shaping opinions and even political views.

The author warns that both corporations and governments are benefiting from this data economy, often at the expense of user privacy. State surveillance and administrative data use blur the line between security and intrusion, while users have little control over how their data is stored or shared. The lack of transparency and awareness leaves citizens vulnerable, especially those less informed or technologically literate.

The article concludes that digital data has become as valuable and risky as oil, urging the creation of transparent policies, accountability mechanisms, and public awareness to protect digital rights and prevent growing inequality in data control.

A 17-second AI-generated video showing Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shooting at images of Muslims has triggered widespread outrage in India. The video, shared last Saturday from the verified X account of the Assam unit of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), appeared to incite violence against Muslims. Following public anger and criticism from opposition politicians, the Assam BJP deleted the video. Local media reported that one of the targeted images resembled a local Congress MP, and the footage ended with the slogan 'Foreign-free Assam.'

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Annie Raja has petitioned the Supreme Court seeking action against Sarma, while the Assam Congress filed a police case in Guwahati’s Dispur station. Earlier, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi lodged a complaint with Telangana police. BJP leader Ranjib Kumar Sharma declined to comment, saying only that the video had been deleted.

The incident comes ahead of Assam’s provincial elections due in March–April, with observers linking the video to the BJP’s ongoing anti-Muslim campaign. Sarma has recently made inflammatory remarks targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims, accusing them of crimes and demographic changes.

A new documentary titled 'Sobar Age Hasimukh' highlighting the humanitarian and compassionate side of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman was released in Dhaka. The film portrays his quiet acts of kindness toward people and animals, showing how he has supported underprivileged families and neglected creatures without seeking publicity. The premiere show took place on Saturday evening at Star Cineplex in Mohakhali, where party leaders and guests attended.

BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan said the documentary reveals Rahman’s long-standing welfare work for humans and animals that he never publicized. Advisory Council member Md. Ismail Jabiullah noted that he initially thought it was a political film but later realized it beautifully depicted a man’s humanity. Director Jubayer Babu emphasized that the film is not political propaganda but a story of a person striving to bring smiles to others.

After the screening, guests praised the documentary’s production and content, calling it a timely and significant record. The film has also been released on social media platforms.

India and Malaysia have pledged to deepen cooperation in trade, security, and technology, with a particular focus on advancing their partnership in the semiconductor industry. During his first visit to Malaysia in more than ten years on February 8, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The two leaders signed several agreements covering renewable energy, healthcare, and artificial intelligence.

Following the meeting, Modi stated that the partnership between the two countries would expand further in artificial intelligence, digital technology, semiconductors, health, and food security. Anwar Ibrahim said the discussions would make bilateral relations more strategic and robust. Official data show Malaysia ranks sixth globally in semiconductor exports, contributing about 25 percent of its GDP. India’s foreign ministry noted Malaysia’s 30–40 years of experience in the sector and expressed Indian companies’ interest in collaboration on research, production, and testing facilities.

Trade between the two nations remains significant, with India exporting goods worth $7.32 billion to Malaysia last year and importing $12.54 billion. Modi also highlighted the role of Malaysia’s 3 million people of Indian origin as a vital bridge in bilateral relations.

Internationally acclaimed Bangladeshi actress Bobita is set to receive the 2026 Ekushey Padak, one of the country’s highest civilian honors. The announcement was made at a press conference following an advisory council meeting on Thursday. Bobita expressed deep gratitude to the state and those who selected her, calling it a blessing to receive such recognition during her lifetime. She has been receiving congratulatory messages from fans and well-wishers across Bangladesh and abroad since the news broke.

Bobita began her film career under the direction of the late filmmaker Zahir Raihan, to whom she has dedicated her upcoming award. Over her career, she has acted in nearly 300 films and produced several under her banner “Bobita Movies.” She has previously won multiple National Film Awards, including Best Actress for “Noyonmoni,” “Boshundhora,” and “Badi Theke Begum,” and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. Bobita gained international recognition for her role in Satyajit Ray’s “Ashani Sanket.”

She stated that she would only return to acting if offered a story centered on her character and one that genuinely appeals to her.

Rock legend Ayub Bachchu has been posthumously awarded the 2026 Ekushey Padak, Bangladesh’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Bangla band music. The announcement came seven years after his death, moving his wife Ferdous Akhtar Chandana, who expressed her emotions on social media on Thursday evening.

Chandana stated that the award is not only an honor for Ayub Bachchu as an artist but also a state recognition of Bangla band music. In her post, she reflected on Bachchu’s lifelong dedication to music and expressed gratitude to the jury board and all involved in granting the honor. She emphasized that Bachchu’s presence endures across Bangladesh and among Bangla-speaking communities worldwide.

The government announced the names of the 2026 Ekushey Padak recipients for contributions in various fields, including actress Farida Akhter Bobita, Ayub Bachchu, nine distinguished individuals, and one band.