With Donald Trump back in the White House, the dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war are shifting. The tension has been evident in recent confrontations between the US and Ukrainian presidents. In a major policy shift, Trump is now considering halting US military assistance to Ukraine. He is set to discuss the matter with key advisers on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the UK and France have proposed a partial ceasefire agreement and are seeking US support for it.

Law enforcement authorities have arrested Titu Das (45), a key suspect in the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Lohagara, Chattogram. According to police, Titu Das was named in the case and also faces charges related to explosives and vandalism. Lawyer Alif was killed during a violent clash at the court premises over the trial of Chinmoy Das, a sedition case suspect.

Police obstructed a protest march by teachers demanding the nationalization of MPO-listed educational institutions and related benefits. The teachers began their march from the National Press Club on Monday, but were stopped as they approached the Secretariat. For the past month, they have been staging sit-ins and symbolic hunger strikes in front of the Press Club. The protesting teachers stated, “We do not believe in mere assurances. The government must announce on-site that our demands are met; otherwise, we will continue our protest with our families.”

The Bangladesh Bank has announced that bill auctions will be held on four days in March to regulate market liquidity. According to a notice issued on Monday, auctions for 30-day, 90-day, and 180-day bills will take place on March 5, 12, 19, and 27. Investors can place bids for a minimum of Tk 1 million or any multiple thereof. The notice also stated that bids must be submitted electronically, quoting the total face value and the proposed purchase price at a discount per Tk 100 face value. Bidding will be open from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM on auction days via the FM module.

Six individuals have been arrested for their involvement in a highway robbery in Naogaon’s Patnitala and Pabna’s Santhia. The gang had blocked a road with fallen trees to loot a passenger bus. Police recovered stolen valuables, local weapons, and a microbus used in the crime. The arrested suspects are Shamim Islam (27), Chandra Barman (30), Abdul Latif (27), Shaharul Islam (37), Shahidul Islam (40), and Shahadat Hossain (40). Law enforcement has sought their remand for further investigation to identify other members of the gang.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has declared that Turkey is no longer a passive observer in global politics but an active “key player.” Speaking at an Iftar event, he stated, “Today’s Turkey is strong, influential, and shaping global affairs. Our nation stands not only for its own people but also for the oppressed and marginalized worldwide.” He emphasized Turkey’s preference for peace and dialogue but warned that “if our extended hand for peace is rejected, our iron fist will always be ready.” Shortly after his speech, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) formally announced a ceasefire.

Filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has suggested that slain student Abrar Fahad should be honored in the “Liberation War” category for the Independence Award. Abrar, who was posthumously awarded the honor, is considered by many as a symbol of resistance against sovereignty violations. Farooki remarked that the significance of this year’s Independence Award will be as profound as the Ekushey Padak.

During the winter season, Bagha Upazila in Rajshahi produces around 60,000 kg of date palm molasses, generating transactions worth BDT 15 crore. The region has approximately 4,000 date palm orchards and 30,389 farming households. A single harvester collects sap from 50-55 trees daily. The major trading hubs for molasses are Bagha and Arani markets, where the price per kg ranges between BDT 180-200.

The government has transferred 124 officials holding the ranks of Additional and Assistant Superintendent of Police. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the order as part of an administrative reshuffle.

Following the resignation of Syed Jamil Ahmed, Advisor Mustafa Sarwar Faruqi and Jamil exchanged accusations. Prince Mahmud, on Facebook, expressed support for Faruqi, stating that he was acting sensibly and not showing childish behavior. He noted that Faruqi understands when and where to act. Mahmud added that centrism supports social balance and opposes any extreme political shift, whether right-wing or left-wing.

The High Court has issued a rule questioning why guidelines have not been created for the exercise of the President’s pardon power under Article 49 of the Constitution. The Court also inquired whether the lack of such guidelines violates constitutional provisions related to equal protection and individual rights. Cabinet Secretary, Secretaries from the Ministry of Law and Ministry of Home Affairs, along with the Secretary of the National Parliament Secretariat, have been asked to respond within four weeks.

During Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, former Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Sitanshu Kumar Sur Choudhury, was allegedly involved in irregularities and corruption with little hindrance. Although Dr. Atiur Rahman was the official Governor, it was SK Sur who effectively ran the central bank. Sur was found to have approved significant loans from Sonali Bank using forged documents. During the loan fraud incident, Sur interfered with the bank’s regular audits and inspections. In a separate case, the ACC arrested Sur on January 14 for failing to provide an asset declaration.

The Ministry of Health has transferred 29 Civil Surgeons to the position of Officer on Special Duty (OSD). An official order, signed by Deputy Secretary Sonjida Shormin, was issued on Sunday by the Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The directive states that the transferred officers are expected to join their new postings by March 6. If they fail to do so, they will be considered immediately released from their current positions starting from March 9.

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin assured that the supply of soybean oil will return to normal within the next two days. Speaking to the media on Monday afternoon after inspecting a local market, he acknowledged a temporary shortage but expressed optimism about improvement starting today.

“There is no shortage of essential goods. While the supply of soybean oil has decreased slightly, I expect the situation to improve from today,” he said.

He also noted the fluctuation in cooking oil prices, stating that while soybean oil is being sold at higher prices, palm oil is being sold 25 BDT below the government-set price. “Palm oil accounts for 60% of our total edible oil consumption. Market prices have both increased and decreased simultaneously,” he added.

Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik confirmed that Norway will continue to supply fuel to the United States Navy, despite earlier opposition from Norwegian company Haltbak Bunkers. The company had initially announced they would not supply fuel to the US Navy but changed their stance following a dispute between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. In a Facebook statement after the meeting, they expressed their solidarity with Ukraine, condemning the behavior of the US leaders and praising President Zelenskyy for enduring the “uncivilized treatment” for so long.