Sayem Uddin, known as the 'July Fighter' from Feni, was assaulted on Friday night by individuals described as BNP-linked attackers. The incident occurred at Korbanpur Road intersection in Sindurpur Union of Daganbhuiyan upazila. Sayem, a Fazil student at Al-Jameatul Malahia Kamil Madrasa, was beaten by four to five assailants who left him injured at the scene. He was later rescued by Abdullah Al Zobayer, ambassador of NCP’s Feni-3 constituency, and taken to Feni General Hospital for treatment.

Sayem gained national attention on August 4, 2024, for resisting armed attackers during a student-public movement in Feni’s Mohipal area. Following the latest attack, local leaders from Jamaat and Shibir visited him at the hospital and demanded the arrest of the perpetrators. Feni General Hospital authorities confirmed that Sayem is receiving adequate medical care.

District BNP’s member secretary Alal Uddin Alal said the party would investigate the matter and requested police action against anyone involved in violence. Police confirmed receiving the complaint and said legal steps would follow.

Two people were killed and three others injured in an explosion while allegedly making hand bombs at a house in Charbagdanga Union of Chapainawabganj on Saturday night. The incident occurred at the home of Kalam Ali in the Fatapara area, where a loud blast damaged part of the house and caused panic among nearby residents. The victims reportedly died on the spot, though their identities were not immediately known.

Law enforcement officials arrived shortly after the explosion, brought the situation under control, and began an investigation. Additional Superintendent of Police A N M Wasim Firoz said authorities are examining the cause of the blast and who might be involved. Officer-in-Charge Nure Alam of Sadar Police Station confirmed the casualties and said the injured were in critical condition.

The explosion has left the local community in shock and tension, with police continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked a key scientific ruling from former President Barack Obama that declared greenhouse gases dangerous to public health. The announcement was made Thursday at the Oval Office, according to a BBC report. The reversal nullifies federal measures introduced under the Obama administration to curb emissions of gases linked to global warming.

During his Oval Office address, Trump described the 2009 ruling as a disastrous Obama-era policy that harmed the American auto industry and made cars unaffordable for consumers. The White House called the move the largest deregulation in U.S. history, claiming it would reduce vehicle prices by about $2,400 for manufacturers.

Former President Obama criticized the decision, warning it would increase health risks for Americans and weaken the nation’s ability to combat climate change. Environmental groups also condemned the move, calling it one of the most damaging setbacks for climate action and vowing to challenge it in court.

China’s Yangtze River, once severely polluted and ecologically degraded, is showing signs of revival following a government-imposed fishing ban. The policy, implemented using evolutionary theory to enhance effectiveness, also provided alternative employment for fishers who depended on the river for their livelihood. A study published Thursday in the journal Science reported that fish biomass in the river has more than doubled, and several endangered species have returned.

French researcher Sébastien Bros from the University of Toulouse described the initiative as the most positive freshwater conservation step taken in two decades. His team analyzed changes across the vast waterway, which supports 400 million people and numerous major factories. The findings indicate that the ban not only restored aquatic life but also improved water quality.

The Chinese government spent about three billion dollars to compensate and retrain nearly two hundred thousand fishers, leading one hundred thousand to stop fishing. Between 2019 and 2021, total biomass doubled and biodiversity increased by 13 percent, signaling a remarkable ecological comeback for the world’s third-largest river.

On Saturday, February 14, 2026, flower growers in Gadkhali, known as the flower capital of Jashore’s Jhikargacha, reported a sharp fall in flower prices due to the national election. Despite high demand for Valentine’s Day, sales dropped drastically. Last year, flowers worth about Tk 15 crore were sold during the same period, but this year the figure is expected to fall to around Tk 5 crore. Farmers said wholesale buyers could not reach the market because of transport disruptions linked to the election.

Growers described steep price declines across all varieties: roses sold for Tk 7–8 per piece, gladiolus for Tk 6–12, tuberose for Tk 3–5, gerbera for Tk 6–8, marigold for Tk 200–300 per thousand, gypsy for Tk 40–50 per bunch, and chrysanthemum for Tk 150–250 per hundred. Many farmers expressed frustration over losses and limited access to mobile banking services that hindered local deliveries.

Officials from local flower associations confirmed that the election and the upcoming Ramadan season reduced market activity, leaving growers without fair prices for their produce.

National Youth Power central committee organizer and former convener of the Sunamganj Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Imonddoja Ahmed, known as 'July Warrior', was attacked late Friday night in the Kazi Point area of Sunamganj town. According to local and eyewitness sources, he was on his way to attend a meeting at Wasim Akbar’s house ahead of a cricket match scheduled for Saturday at Sunamganj Stadium when a group of assailants armed with sticks and rods launched a sudden attack.

The attackers beat him severely, breaking his left arm and leaving injuries on his back, head, and legs. Police arrived quickly after receiving reports, but the attackers fled the scene. Locals rescued the injured leader and admitted him to Sunamganj Sadar Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. District student leader Nihal confirmed that Imonddoja sustained multiple injuries and is under medical care.

NCP district coordinator Dewan Sazaur Raja Chowdhury Suman said the reason behind the attack remains unknown and called for those responsible to be brought to justice after investigation.

Two people were killed and another injured in a shooting at a residential building of South Carolina State University on Thursday night. Following the incident, the university administration placed the entire campus under lockdown. According to a statement posted on the university’s Facebook page, the shooting occurred around 9:15 p.m. local time inside an apartment at the Hugine Suites dormitory complex. Authorities have not yet confirmed the motive or whether any suspect remains at large.

Officials said the identities of the deceased and the condition of the injured person have not been officially released. The university, historically established for African American students, has more than 3,000 enrolled learners and is located in Orangeburg, about 40 miles southeast of Columbia, the state capital. Another historically Black higher education institution, Claflin University, is also located in Orangeburg.

The university administration stated that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has been assigned to assist in the investigation, and all Friday classes have been canceled.

A local Volunteer League leader in Feni, Ismail Hossain Kawser, reportedly divorced his wife, Bibi Johura, for casting her vote despite his prohibition. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, February 12, in the Dharmapur Bashtala area of Feni Sadar upazila. After learning that his wife had voted earlier that day, Kawser verbally pronounced triple talaq in public and forbade her from entering their home. Enraged locals detained and beat him, but he later escaped amid growing crowds.

According to residents, Johura had gone to vote for the first time, taking her three children with her, while her husband was asleep. Kawser, president of Ward No. 9 Volunteer League in Dharmapur Union, was known for his aggressive behavior and had previously faced community arbitration for domestic violence. Locals described him as a man who used to intimidate people during the Awami League’s tenure.

Following the incident, Johura, now separated with three children, faces an uncertain future and is reportedly working in others’ homes to support her family.

The United States House of Representatives has voted 219–211 to repeal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Canadian goods. The resolution, introduced by Democrats and supported by six Republican lawmakers, seeks to withdraw the trade duties enacted by the Trump administration last year. Although passed in the House, the measure remains symbolic for now, as it must also pass the Senate and receive the president’s signature to become law. Analysts cited in the report suggest that Trump is unlikely to approve it.

Since his re-election, President Trump has continued to impose tariffs on Canada and recently threatened a 100 percent import duty in response to Canada’s potential trade deal with China. During the House vote, Trump warned on his social media platform Truth Social that any Republican voting against tariffs would face serious political consequences. He defended the tariffs as essential for protecting US economic and national security.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a close Trump ally, attempted to block debate on the resolution but failed. Despite a narrow Republican majority, the defection of six members allowed the proposal to pass easily.

Masuma Hadi, sister of slain Sharif Osman Hadi, cast her vote on Thursday morning at the Government Nalchity Merchants Secondary School center in Jhalokathi while holding a placard demanding justice for her brother’s killing. Her presence and the placard momentarily changed the festive atmosphere of the polling center, drawing attention from voters and passersby who expressed sympathy for her demand.

After voting, Masuma Hadi said their movement would continue until justice was served, emphasizing that seeking justice for her brother was her moral duty as a citizen. She described both voting and demanding justice as her rights.

According to local sources cited in the report, although a case was filed over Osman Hadi’s murder, the perpetrators have not yet been brought to justice. The family and relatives, frustrated by the prolonged process, continue to call for a speedy trial.

Aminul Haque Amin, also known as Batta Amin, president of the Tati Dal in Ukhia upazila of Cox’s Bazar, was arrested by the army on Thursday morning, February 12, 2026. The arrest followed allegations that he pushed a supporter of the scale symbol after publicly distributing money at the Paglir Bil polling center in Haldia Palong Union.

Ukhia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nur Ahmed confirmed the incident, stating that the army detained Amin but had not handed him over to the police or provided further information. Earlier, a video circulated on social media showing Amin allegedly distributing money in support of the paddy sheaf symbol.

The report also mentioned that three supporters of the scale symbol were assaulted following an argument, though no additional details were provided about their condition or subsequent actions by authorities.

Police in Companiganj upazila of Sylhet detained three individuals on Thursday afternoon for allegedly attempting to cast fake votes. Two were arrested from Barni Government Primary School and one from Ranikhai Humayun Rashid Chowdhury High School. The arrests occurred during ongoing polling activities in the area.

According to local reports, the detainees were identified as Kawsar, son of Ismail Ali, and Fahim Ahmed, son of Sahid Ali, both residents of Barni Majhpara and reportedly supporters of the 'Sheaf of Paddy' electoral symbol. Companiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shafiqul Islam confirmed the arrests, stating that the two are currently in police custody. The third individual, a minor, was released after being detained.

The incident took place amid local-level voting in Sylhet, drawing attention to election security and the enforcement of voting regulations in the region.

Police in Kalapara, Patuakhali detained three individuals on Thursday over two separate election-related allegations. Two people were arrested for attempting to cast fake votes at Khepupara Nesaruddin Kamil Madrasa polling center around 9:30 a.m., while another was detained for taking photographs inside a secret voting booth at the Islambpur Dakhil Madrasa center in Kuakata.

Assistant Returning Officer and Kalapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Kawsar Hamid confirmed that the detainees would be handed over to a judicial magistrate for legal proceedings. They are currently in police custody. Election officials stated that strict security measures were implemented at all polling centers to ensure a fair and peaceful voting process.

Authorities emphasized that the actions were part of broader efforts to maintain order and transparency during the election in the region.

A crude bomb explosion occurred at the Reshma International School polling center in Gopalganj municipality on Thursday morning, injuring two Ansar members and a teenage girl. The blast took place around 9:15 a.m., causing minor injuries to the victims. The injured were identified as Ansar members Md. Jamal Molla and Sukanta Majumder, and 13-year-old Amena Khanam. Local officials, including the assistant commissioner (land) Babli Shabnam, arrived at the scene shortly after the incident.

Witnesses reported a loud explosion and smoke inside the center, suggesting that an explosive device was thrown from outside to create panic among voters. Presiding officer Zahirul Islam confirmed the incident, stating that voting had been proceeding peacefully before the explosion occurred at the main gate. Despite the blast, polling activities continued normally.

The report also noted that similar crude bomb explosions had taken place at around ten polling centers in Gopalganj and nearby Tungipara the previous evening, raising concerns about attempts to disrupt the election process.

The U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its 10-year fiscal outlook on Wednesday, projecting that federal deficits and debt will worsen over the next decade. The report attributes the deterioration mainly to increased spending on Social Security, Medicare, and debt service payments. The deficit for fiscal 2026, President Donald Trump’s first full fiscal year, is expected to be about 5.8 percent of GDP, similar to 2025’s $1.775 trillion shortfall. The deficit-to-GDP ratio is forecast to average 6.1 percent over the next decade, reaching 6.7 percent in 2036, far above Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s goal of 3 percent.

The CBO factored in recent policy changes, including the Republican “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” higher tariffs, and the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. These measures are projected to raise total deficits from 2026 to 2035 by $1.4 trillion and push public debt from 101 percent to 120 percent of GDP. Although higher tariffs are expected to generate $3 trillion in additional revenue, they also contribute to inflation through 2029. The CBO projects inflation will not reach the Federal Reserve’s 2 percent target until 2030.

The report contrasts with the Trump administration’s more optimistic growth forecasts, as the CBO expects real GDP growth to slow from 2.2 percent in 2026 to an average of 1.8 percent later in the decade.