Renowned South Asian actress Bobita received the Ekushey Padak 2026 from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs on Thursday morning. The event took place at 11:30 a.m., where Bobita was honored for her contributions to cinema. After receiving the award, she spent time with distinguished guests and posed for photographs, accompanied by her sister Champa and other family members.

Expressing her gratitude, Bobita said she felt deeply honored to receive one of the nation’s highest civilian awards. She dedicated the award to the late filmmaker and martyr intellectual Zahir Raihan, crediting him for introducing her to the film industry. Bobita has acted in nearly 300 films and previously received multiple National Film Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. She also gained international recognition for her role in Satyajit Ray’s film “Ashani Sanket.”

Bobita stated she would only return to acting if a story centers around her and genuinely appeals to her artistic sense.

The Shariatpur district administration has installed 120 modern AI-enabled CCTV cameras across the city to enhance public safety and improve law and order. Covering about 14 kilometers, the surveillance system aims to curb crime, monitor commodity prices, support anti-drug operations, and ensure overall civic security. Cameras have been placed along three major roads, key intersections, and commercial hubs including Palong, Angaria, and Monohor Bazar, as well as at educational institutions, hospitals, terminals, courts, and religious sites.

The initiative follows a series of recent crimes that raised public concern, including thefts, robberies, and a temple donation box looting incident on February 18. Cameras have also been installed along the Kirtonkhola River route to prevent riverine crimes. The district control room will monitor the feeds round-the-clock, with AI technology capable of detecting accidents, fires, traffic congestion, and suspicious movements. District Commissioner Tahsina Begum said the system was introduced after traditional operations failed to fully control incidents near schools and colleges.

Officials said similar smart surveillance systems will gradually be expanded to other municipalities in the district if effective results are achieved.

The Hollywood horror-thriller film 'Scream 7' is set for a global release on February 27, 2026, including screenings at Star Cineplex in Bangladesh. The film, directed by Kevin Williamson, continues the long-running 'Scream' franchise that began in 1996. It follows the story of Sidney Prescott, who has built a new life in Pine Grove, Indiana, only to face a new Ghostface killer targeting her daughter. The cast includes Neve Campbell, Jasmine Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, David Arquette, Matthew Lillard, and Courteney Cox.

'Scream 7' blends modern horror with classic slasher elements, focusing on relationships, past confrontations, and a new killer. The project underwent creative restructuring after directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, and stars Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, departed in 2023. Filming took place from January to March 2025. Deadline Hollywood reported on February 5, 2026, that the film is expected to perform strongly at the box office, potentially becoming the franchise’s second-highest domestic opening after 'Scream 6'.

Fans speculate that this could be the final chapter of the series, though future sequels remain possible if the film achieves major success.

The BBC has apologized for broadcasting a racist remark made during the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) ceremony without editing it out beforehand. The incident occurred when guest John Davidson, who has Tourette syndrome, shouted a racist comment while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage. The ceremony was aired two hours after recording, but the offensive remark remained in the broadcast, prompting criticism and an apology from the broadcaster.

BBC representatives said some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language linked to involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, clarifying that the outburst was unintentional. The network admitted the segment had not been edited before airing and confirmed it would be removed from the BBC iPlayer version. Several Black actors and a production designer expressed anger over the unedited broadcast, leading to the BBC’s public apology.

In a separate statement, BAFTA also acknowledged the harm caused by the incident and issued its own apology, emphasizing its intent to inform audiences about what had happened and to express regret.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, Tesla, and X, announced that SpaceX is redirecting its focus from building a city on Mars to constructing a self-sustaining city on the Moon. In a recent post on X, he said the lunar city could be established in less than ten years, using lunar resources to gradually build and expand a permanent human settlement. Musk explained that frequent launches to the Moon, possible every ten days, would make the project faster than Mars colonization, which requires favorable planetary alignment every 26 months.

Experts described the plan as ambitious but not science fiction. Dr. Sangwoo Lim of the University of Surrey said producing oxygen, water, and construction materials from lunar soil is theoretically feasible, though challenges include extreme temperatures, dust, low gravity, and limited energy. MIT professor and former NASA astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman added that successful lunar landers by SpaceX and Blue Origin could enable logistics for a lunar base soon, with lessons applicable to future Mars missions.

The announcement coincides with growing U.S.-China competition over lunar exploration and Musk’s restructuring of SpaceX, including its acquisition of AI firm xAI and plans for a potential IPO.

Ukraine’s war, now in its fifth year, has been transformed by the dominance of drones and advanced communication technologies. According to AFP reports from Kyiv, drones now account for about 80 percent of battlefield losses, replacing tanks and heavy artillery as the main instruments of combat. Soldiers describe the front lines as a 20-kilometer-deep “kill zone” under constant aerial surveillance. To maintain supply lines and evacuate the wounded, Ukraine increasingly relies on ground-based robotic vehicles.

Both sides face challenges maintaining uninterrupted drone communication amid electronic jamming. Russia has turned to fiber-optic-controlled drones, while Ukraine uses Starlink satellite terminals for stable connectivity. Elon Musk recently disabled illegal Russian terminals at Ukraine’s request, temporarily disrupting communications. Analysts say this helped Ukraine advance in the Zaporizhzhia region earlier in February.

Engineers are now integrating artificial intelligence into drones to sustain operations when signals fail. Ukrainian firm The Fourth Law claims its AI-guided drones can strike targets autonomously if disconnected. Experts caution that AI currently assists rather than replaces humans, though its role in warfare continues to expand.

In a reflective essay published on February 24, 2026, writer Shubho Karmakar from Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, described Bangladesh as standing at a technological crossroads where artificial intelligence (AI) has become deeply embedded in daily life. From students to professionals, people are using AI tools without fully understanding their implications. While AI has made knowledge more accessible, Karmakar cautioned that excessive reliance on it may erode human creativity, individuality, and critical thinking.

The article emphasized that machines can organize information but cannot replicate human experience, emotion, or social understanding. Overdependence on AI, the writer argued, risks turning people into passive users who lose their intellectual independence. Karmakar also warned of privacy threats, as AI systems may misuse personal data, leading to cybercrime and data breaches. He urged users to verify information, maintain self-awareness, and treat AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human intellect.

The writer concluded that protecting freedom of thought and nurturing human intelligence are essential in the AI era, especially for the younger generation who are most engaged with technology.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could impact around 40 percent of jobs worldwide. In an interview, she described the coming transformation as a “tsunami” for the labor market, with advanced economies potentially seeing up to 60 percent of jobs affected and India about 26 percent. Entry-level positions are expected to face the highest risk as many routine tasks become automated, raising concerns among new graduates. Georgieva noted that global policy frameworks remain behind in addressing these rapid changes.

She added that if used effectively, AI could contribute an additional 0.7 percent to India’s annual GDP, helping the country achieve long-term development goals. Georgieva emphasized the need for education reform to foster adaptability and lifelong learning alongside technical skills.

In Bangladesh, where many young workers depend on freelancing, IT, and the garment sector, AI’s impact is expected to be multifaceted. Experts warn that demand for basic coding, graphic design, and data entry work may decline unless workers quickly upskill. However, AI could also bring opportunities, such as improving agricultural productivity through precision farming.

Amazon is planning to launch a 'content marketplace' aimed at supplying materials for artificial intelligence (AI) training, according to The Information. The initiative would allow publishing houses to provide their news, articles, and other materials to AI companies under specific licensing terms. The company has reportedly held meetings with senior executives from several publishing firms to discuss the creation of such a marketplace or hub.

Market analysts cited in the report suggest that a dedicated marketplace for licensed content could enable technology companies to legally access reliable information in exchange for payment. This approach would formalize the process of obtaining training data for AI models, potentially reducing disputes over content usage.

However, Amazon has not yet provided any definitive details or timeline regarding the launch of the content licensing marketplace.

Scientists under Microsoft’s Project Silica have developed a revolutionary method to store massive amounts of data in a small piece of glass. According to a report published in the journal Nature titled “Laser Writing in Glass for Dense, Fast and Efficient Archival Data Storage,” the team has used a special laser to encode information inside glass by creating three-dimensional pixels called voxels. A 12-square-centimeter glass piece, only 2 millimeters thick, can hold up to 4.84 terabytes of data—equivalent to about two million books or five thousand 4K movies.

The Independent reported that this glass-based storage can endure temperatures up to 290°C and remain intact for around 10,000 years, potentially even longer at room temperature. However, it may be vulnerable to mechanical stress or chemical corrosion. Researchers Feng Chen and Bo Wu noted that large-scale implementation of this silica technology could mark a milestone in the history of knowledge preservation, comparable to ancient scripts, parchment, or modern hard drives.

If successfully scaled, this innovation could transform how humanity preserves cultural and scientific knowledge for millennia.

Elon Musk, currently the world’s richest person, is projected to become the highest individual taxpayer in history. According to his own statement, he expects to pay more than 500 billion dollars in taxes over his lifetime. Musk’s total wealth now stands at about 852 billion dollars, placing him far ahead of other billionaires.

The surge in Musk’s wealth follows the recent merger between his rocket company SpaceX and artificial intelligence firm xAI, which created a new entity valued at 1.25 trillion dollars. The merger alone added 84 billion dollars to Musk’s personal fortune in a single day. Responding humorously on social media platform X, Musk said he had already paid over 10 billion dollars in taxes and joked that he deserved a small trophy for it.

Musk currently leads the race to become the world’s first trillionaire, with his closest rivals holding between 100 and 250 billion dollars. The source notes that if Tesla’s new incentives and stock targets are achieved, his wealth could multiply further over the next decade.

Apple is developing three new artificial intelligence–based devices, including smart glasses, a pendant, and camera-equipped AirPods, according to a Bloomberg report cited by Amar Desh Online on February 21, 2026. The devices will feature built-in cameras and connect with iPhones to interpret the user’s surroundings and perform contextual tasks. Production is targeted to begin in December this year, with Apple’s first smart glasses expected to reach the market in 2027.

The report states that Apple will design its own frame for the glasses, emphasizing premium build quality and advanced camera technology. Unlike Meta’s Ray-Ban partnership model, Apple’s glasses will not include a built-in display but may feature speakers, microphones, and high-resolution cameras. Users will be able to make calls, interact with Siri, and listen to music.

The glasses will analyze the environment to provide information such as identifying food ingredients, recognizing landmarks for navigation, and offering reminders. Earlier prototypes required a cable connection to an iPhone, but newer versions integrate components within the frame. The AI-powered pendant and AirPods will also work with iPhones to enable Siri to respond to visual context in real time.

A group of world leaders and ministers are set to announce a joint position on the future direction of artificial intelligence governance on Friday, the final day of a five-day technology summit in New Delhi, according to AFP. The event, titled the 'India AI Impact Summit,' is described as the largest of its kind and the first major AI conference held in a developing country.

Ahead of the announcement, Sam Altman emphasized the urgent need for regulatory frameworks in the rapidly evolving AI sector, warning against concentration of control in a single company or nation while cautioning that excessive restrictions could hinder competition. Discussions at the summit have also focused on concerns over job losses, online harassment, and the high energy demands of data centers.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for AI to serve the welfare of humanity, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged wealthy tech leaders to contribute to a $3 billion global fund to expand AI skills and affordable computing. Analysts noted that despite broad discussions, immediate strict decisions are unlikely compared to previous summits in France, South Korea, and the UK.

Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said the government has adequate food reserves to keep market prices stable during the upcoming Ramadan. Speaking to reporters at Sylhet Osmani International Airport on Friday after exchanging greetings with officials and party members, he emphasized that maintaining price stability of essential goods is a key responsibility of the ministry, especially during the holy month.

Responding to questions about Sylhet’s development, the minister said his plans include improving living standards through job creation, expanding IT-related professions, and establishing an AI center in the region. He noted that neighboring countries have adopted major digital initiatives and are training government officials in artificial intelligence, stressing that Bangladesh must enhance its global competitiveness.

Muktadir added that the government will work sincerely over the next five years to strengthen Bangladesh’s global position. He also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, reduced bureaucratic delays, and political stability to attract both expatriate and domestic investment in Sylhet.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the future of artificial intelligence (AI) must not depend on the will of a few wealthy individuals or countries. Speaking at a global AI conference in New Delhi, he proposed the creation of a $3 billion “Global Fund on AI” to ensure fair participation in the rapidly advancing technology. Guterres called on leading tech billionaires to contribute to the fund, emphasizing that AI should serve everyone.

He cautioned that without timely action, AI could deepen global inequality, but if used responsibly, it could revolutionize healthcare, education, food security, climate response, and public services. Guterres also expressed concern that unregulated AI use could lead to bias, discrimination, and harm. He announced that the UN has formed a global scientific advisory committee to help countries develop AI policies and stressed protecting people from exploitation and preventing children from being used in uncontrolled technology testing.

Guterres urged the use of eco-friendly energy in data centers as AI expansion increases electricity and water demand, warning that without proper investment and safeguards, many nations risk being left behind in the AI revolution.