Following the vandalism of a Shaheed Minar on the night of February 21 in Cumilla, two separate investigation committees have been formed by the Upazila administration and the college authorities. The incident, which occurred on International Mother Language Day, sparked widespread outrage on social media. Authorities have launched probes, with reports expected within three to seven days. Initial investigations suggest local involvement, though no CCTV footage is available. Police are working to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Minara Begum, wife of former Jamaat-e-Islami Bahubal secretary Abdul Ahad Ibn Malek, was brutally hacked to death at her home in Paschim Jaipur, Habiganj. She was an assistant teacher and an active member of the party’s women’s wing. Her husband returned home after official events to find her bloodied body and their seven-month-old child under the bed. Police, including the Habiganj SP, visited the scene and launched an investigation. Authorities are working to determine the motive and identify the attackers.

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.

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.

Students have declared that they will continue their protest until the attackers of general students are brought to justice and their six-point demands are met.

It is noteworthy that on February 18, students of KUET (Khulna University of Engineering & Technology) began a movement demanding a ban on student politics on campus. They marched through the university halls and surrounded the Vice-Chancellor’s residence. In response, Chhatra Dal activists attacked the protesters, leading to clashes in which at least 60 students were injured. Some protesters were seen carrying machetes during the confrontation. The army was deployed to bring the situation under control.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has clarified that claims circulating on social media about Khaleda Zia becoming President and Tarique Rahman becoming Prime Minister if the party wins the upcoming election are not BNP’s official position. Rizvi emphasized that these are personal opinions of some individuals. He also reiterated the importance of a free, fair election to restore public trust, stressing the government’s duty to ensure a transparent electoral process.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Mexico with mass deportations, increased trade tariffs, and military action against drug cartels, according to reports on Thursday. However, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has dismissed these threats, asserting that her government is fully capable of handling such challenges.

Sheinbaum reassured that ongoing diplomatic discussions between the U.S. and Mexico are addressing these concerns. Trump recently labeled Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations and criticized Mexico’s handling of illegal immigration. In response, Sheinbaum accused the U.S. of engaging in espionage under the guise of intelligence operations.

The ruling Taliban government in Afghanistan has revealed that Pakistan plans to expel at least three million Afghan refugees in the near future. Although Islamabad has not officially notified the Taliban administration, reports indicate that Afghan refugees are being removed from cities like Islamabad and Rawalpindi without clear justification. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry has confirmed its decision to expel all undocumented refugees, allowing only those with legal status to remain. This move has raised concerns among international organizations.

The French government has officially recognized Imamate as a profession and included it in the country’s employment list. The announcement was made by France’s Interior Minister during the closing session of the French Islam Forum, a government initiative aimed at improving relations between the state and representatives of the Muslim community. This recognition establishes Imamate as a structured and legitimate profession within France.

Five individuals, including Mehedi Hasan Saif, a Jubo League member and leader of a teenage gang, have been arrested in connection with the brutal machete attack on Mehabul and Ifti in Uttara. The police recovered the weapons from the Turag River, and Saif, along with accomplices, was involved in the attack over a dispute involving loud motorcycles and rickshaw harassment. The suspects were apprehended in Gazipur, and the investigation is progressing rapidly. The others arrested are Mobarak, Robi Roy, Alfaz, and Sajib.

In a recent interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that India would not be exempt from Washington’s reciprocal tariff policies.

Trump revealed that he had told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “We are going to implement reciprocal tariffs. Whatever you impose on us, we will impose the same on you.” When Modi expressed his disapproval, Trump reaffirmed his stance.

India has historically imposed high tariffs on imported American goods, particularly in the automobile sector, where duties can reach up to 100%. During the interview, Trump boldly asserted, “No one can argue with me. If they impose tariffs, I will impose the same amount!”

KUET has enforced a strict ban on all political activities, extending it to faculty and staff. The university will take legal action against outsiders involved in Tuesday’s violence and temporarily expel students directly linked to the clashes. A four-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident. The violence erupted after Chhatra Dal activists distributed membership forms, triggering student protests. Clashes left over 60 injured. Meanwhile, Jubo Dal expelled leader Mahbubur Rahman after his armed presence during the violence went viral.

Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) has suspended all academic activities until February 28 following violent clashes on campus. In an emergency syndicate meeting, authorities banned political involvement of students, faculty, and staff, expelled students involved in attacks, and formed a four-member investigation committee. Protesting students locked administrative and academic buildings, demanding the Vice-Chancellor’s resignation. The campus remains tense after a clash between two student groups over banning student politics left around 50 injured. Officials remain confined due to ongoing protests.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has praised Sudan for its strong support for Palestine and its stance against Israeli attacks on Gaza. He called for Sudan’s participation in an emergency meeting of Islamic countries regarding the brutal plan to forcibly relocate Gaza’s population. Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ali Yusuf Ahmed Al-Sharif met with Iran’s Foreign Minister in Tehran on Monday. Araghchi expressed regret over Sudan’s internal conflicts and stressed the importance of national unity among Sudanese people to safeguard their country from foreign intervention.

In a courtesy meeting with Foreign Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain on Wednesday, Italy’s Deputy Foreign Minister Maria Tripodi assured swift action on the long-pending visa applications of Bangladeshi workers. Deputy Minister Tripodi also reiterated Italy’s strong support for the interim government and praised Bangladesh’s reform efforts towards building a peaceful nation. She expressed satisfaction with the growing trade relations between the two countries, particularly in the textile and defense sectors, and emphasized her interest in further expanding collaboration. The Foreign Adviser welcomed and encouraged investment opportunities.