A total of 1,756 TEUs of containers bound for Dhaka ICD are currently stuck at Chattogram Port, causing significant financial losses for importers. These containers hold essential consumer goods, raw materials for domestic and export industries, and other crucial shipments. The government is expected to fall short of its revenue target by BDT 8.68 billion this year. The National Board of Revenue has stated that these essential containers can be transported via waterways to the Pangaon terminal for clearance, and relevant authorities have been directed accordingly. However, stakeholders have blamed the outdated railway locomotives and transport shortages for the delays in container clearance.

Pakistan has reaffirmed its decision to send Afghan refugees who have not been approved for resettlement in the United States back to Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar revealed this in an interview with TRT World on Saturday. He noted that discussions may be held with the United States on this matter. Dar emphasized that if any refugee has a plan to be accepted by another country but the process has not been completed, they will be considered illegal immigrants in Pakistan. This decision has sparked concerns internationally. In 2021, Pakistan provided refuge to 600,000 Afghan refugees, a portion of whom have resettled in the U.S., while others are still awaiting their turn.

Preparations are reportedly underway for a face-to-face meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. If held, this meeting would signal a dramatic shift away from the West’s policy of isolating Moscow over the Ukraine war. Speaking to Russian state media on Saturday, Ryabkov stated that the proposed meeting would cover a range of global issues beyond just the Ukraine conflict. He emphasized the need for normalizing U.S.-Russia relations, though discussions are still at an early stage. Previously, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio suggested that diplomatic normalization, an end to hostilities, and strengthening economic ties were key factors bringing the two nations closer to negotiations.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Bahrain commemorated International Mother Language Day and Shaheed Day with a series of events on its premises. The ceremony began at 9 AM with the hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador Md. Rois Hasan Sarwar, in the presence of embassy officials, staff, and leaders of the Bangladeshi community. The message from the Chief Adviser was read out during the event. The program also featured poetry recitations, cultural performances, and traditional dances. In his speech, Sarwar emphasized the sacrifices made for the Bengali language and urged respect for other languages and cultures, stating that only through such mutual respect can the dignity of the Bengali language be further enhanced.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of imposing retaliatory tariffs on Indian and Chinese goods, stating that the U.S. will match India’s tariff rates. His administration is preparing to take action after a long delay. During Modi’s U.S. visit, trade reforms were discussed, with experts suggesting tariff reductions instead of a full trade deal. Opinions remain divided on the impact of U.S. tariffs on India, with S&P predicting minimal effects while Goldman Sachs warns of uncertainties. A White House report on the tariffs is expected in six months.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to visit Iran this week, as confirmed by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A ministry spokesperson stated that Lavrov will travel to Tehran to discuss ongoing bilateral relations and regional as well as international developments. He will meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and several high-ranking Iranian officials. According to Iran’s ambassador to Russia, Lavrov’s visit will be a one-day trip, taking place on Tuesday.

The Italian Embassy in Dhaka has announced that visa-related issues will be resolved in the coming months. They have cooperated with law enforcement to tackle fraudulent activities, leading to the house arrest of two former embassy employees. Applicants are urged to only pay official fees and avoid third-party intermediaries. With additional staff from Italy, processing times have decreased, and existing problems are expected to be resolved promptly in the coming months.

A tragic bus accident in Kashiani, Gopalganj, claimed the lives of a driver and a supervisor, leaving 12 others injured. The incident occurred around 11 AM on Saturday in Hironnakandi when a Tungipara Express bus rear-ended a Sohaag Paribahan bus traveling from Dhaka to Khulna, causing it to crash into a tree. Emergency responders rushed the injured to hospitals, where two succumbed to their injuries. Eyewitnesses fear the death toll may rise as authorities continue rescue efforts.

Police have arrested four individuals in connection with the abduction of 25 rubber plantation workers in Lama, Bandarban. On February 16, armed criminals kidnapped the workers from Murung Jhiri, Fasiakhali Union, and later released them after extorting 10 lakh taka in ransom. Following the incident, Jasim Uddin filed a case at Lama Police Station. The arrested individuals are from Thanchi, Ruma, and Lama. OC Shahadat Hossain confirmed the arrests and stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Motijheel police have arrested three individuals involved in a theft case, recovering stolen items including 12.13 bhori of gold and a motorcycle. The suspects—Tawhid Talukder (18), Rajib Hossain Rana (42), and Ibrahim (35)—were apprehended following a missing persons report filed by the victim’s uncle. Investigation revealed that Tawhid had stolen gold ornaments from his uncle’s home, sold them to buy a new motorcycle. The police successfully tracked and arrested the suspects after gathering crucial information.

A tragic accident on the Bogura-Nogoa highway resulted in the death of four passengers when a truck collided with an auto van. The incident took place at Dupchanchia Mail Bus Stand around 8:30 PM on February 21. The victims, returning from a tile factory, were traveling in the auto van when its axle broke, causing the truck to crash into it. Three others were seriously injured. Authorities are investigating, and the truck driver remains at large.

For the first time in years, the traditional Ekushey February gathering at Benapole between people from both Bengals did not take place.

Every year, this emotional reunion would see people from both sides embracing each other, wearing black badges, and offering floral tributes. The song “Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano Ekushey February” would resonate across the no man’s land, adorned with banners and festoons. Thousands would gather at the Shaheed Minar to pay their respects.

However, this year, that scene was absent. Previously, government representatives and ministers from both countries would visit each other’s territories to place wreaths at the Shaheed Minar. Since the Hasina administration, the joint arrangement has not been held. However, reports suggest that a small event was organized on the Indian side at Petrapole.

A devastating fire broke out at a sawmill near Taltola Market in Khilgaon, Dhaka, spreading to a nearby vehicle garage. Several gas cylinders exploded, intensifying the blaze. Ten fire service units are working to control the fire. Locals reported hearing multiple explosions, and some fear people may be trapped inside. Business owners claim many vehicles were destroyed. Despite early fire alerts, response delays worsened the damage. The exact cause remains unknown, and no casualties have been confirmed yet.

In response to Israel’s brutal attacks on Gaza, Bangladesh—along with several other nations—walked out during a speech by the Israeli delegation at a ministerial conference in Morocco.

However, social media posts falsely claimed that Bangladeshi representatives remained seated and listened to Israel’s remarks. The Foreign Ministry refuted these claims in a statement issued on Friday, reaffirming that Bangladesh’s stance on Gaza remains firm and that the delegation did, in fact, walk out in protest.

The Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) seized foreign liquor and beer smuggled from India at the Tahirpur border in Sunamganj. On Thursday, a BGB patrol team in the Lalghat area confiscated 237 bottles of foreign liquor and 42 bottles of beer worth BDT 366,000. Lieutenant Colonel AKM Zakaria Kadir, commander of the Sunamganj-28 unit, confirmed the seizure.