Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, has stated that while Europe should develop independent defense capabilities, it cannot replace the U.S. in safeguarding Ukraine. His party secured victory in the February 23 elections.

Experts argue that France and the U.K. collectively hold more military power than Russia. However, Europe's lack of political unity has hindered its strategic effectiveness. Meanwhile, Kyiv has warned that without U.S. military assistance, continuing the war will become extremely difficult. Even with collective efforts, Europe alone cannot fully compensate for the loss of American support.

The Trump administration is considering halting all military aid to Ukraine following an unprecedented verbal clash between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office on Friday.

A senior White House official told The Washington Post that the confrontation overshadowed planned mineral trade agreements, which ultimately fell through. No joint press conference was held following the dispute. If the aid suspension proceeds, it could have significant implications for Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

The pro-BNP teachers' organization, "Sada Dal," has strongly condemned the assault on Dhaka University professor Adib Shahriar Zaman. The professor was allegedly beaten by the driver and assistant of a Mirpur Super Link (Route 36) bus.

In a statement, the group expressed deep concern over the incident and solidarity with the victim. They reported that the professor was attacked in front of a large crowd after he protested against prolonged stops for passenger collection, which caused delays for university admission test candidates.

Sada Dal demanded strict legal action against those responsible and urged the university authorities to ensure justice.

Masud, the alleged mastermind behind the recent attack on police officers and the escape of a detainee, has been arrested in Rajbari. The incident occurred on Friday around 5:30 PM when members of the District Detective Police were assaulted, leading to the escape of a suspect.

According to police sources, Masud is a notorious drug dealer and top-tier criminal. The Additional Superintendent of Police confirmed that Masud orchestrated the attack and has 13 cases filed against him, including charges of murder, arms possession, and drug trafficking. His wife also has five pending cases.

Earlier, police had apprehended Farid Sheikh with 310 yaba pills and four bottles of phensedyl. However, when officers attempted to transport him, his family members—both men and women—launched a coordinated attack, enabling his escape.

Malaysia’s Immigration Department has arrested 96 undocumented migrants, including Bangladeshis, during a raid in Selangor. According to an official statement, authorities screened 135 foreigners during the operation, detaining 96 individuals aged between 20 and 69. The arrested individuals include nationals from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Indonesia. The detainees have been placed at the KLIA Immigration Depot for further processing.

At around 11 PM on Friday, a group of armed robbers launched an attack in Rajarchar, Shariatpur, injuring four people in random gunfire. As locals resisted, two of the robbers were caught while attempting to flee. Enraged residents then beat them to death. Shariatpur Sadar Hospital’s on-duty doctor, Muntasir, confirmed the deaths. Superintendent of Police Nazrul Islam stated that seven suspects were assaulted by locals during the robbery attempt. Law enforcement responded swiftly, rescuing the injured and seizing firearms and a speedboat from the scene. Authorities are now preparing legal actions.

After a tense face-off with Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to social media to express his stance. In a post on X, he reiterated four times, “Thank you.” He also wrote, “Ukraine needs justice and lasting peace, and we are working precisely towards that goal.” Meanwhile, Trump had accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War III” and labeled him ungrateful for U.S. financial aid.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova expressed shock over Trump’s restraint during his confrontation with Zelensky at the White House. In a Telegram post, she stated, “Among Zelensky’s many lies, the biggest was his claim that Kyiv stood alone in 2022, without support.” She further remarked, “It is a miracle that Trump and Vice President Vance refrained from striking that scoundrel.” The heated exchange between Trump and Zelensky occurred during discussions at the White House, but no agreement was reached regarding potential mineral resource deals.

A White House official reported that former U.S. President Donald Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of being ungrateful for U.S. assistance. In response, Zelensky criticized Trump’s stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, “A murderer should not be given any concessions.” The discussion escalated as Trump’s vice president remarked, “You have not expressed gratitude even once.” Trump nodded in agreement, while Zelensky raised his voice, replying, “I have thanked the American people many times.” Following the tense encounter, Zelensky left the Oval Office without participating in a joint press conference.

The United States is planning to sell nearly $3 billion worth of weapons to Israel. Three separate sales proposals have been sent to Congress. The first deal, worth $2.04 billion, includes 35,529 MK 84 BLU-117 heavy bombs and 4,000 I-2000 penetrator warheads, scheduled for delivery next year. The second package, valued at $675.7 million, consists of 201 MK 83 1,000-pound bombs, 4,799 BLU-110A/B 1,000-pound bombs, and 5,000 JDAM guidance kits, expected to be delivered in 2028. The third deal, amounting to $295 million, includes D9 Caterpillar bulldozers and related equipment, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has warned his enemies to be prepared for a nuclear strike, according to a Reuters report on Friday. Following his statement, North Korea launched a series of cruise missiles in what state media described as a demonstration of the country’s nuclear strike capabilities. Kim declared that safeguarding North Korea’s sovereignty and security depends on its nuclear forces, emphasizing their constant state of readiness. Throughout his speech, he directed strong criticism at the United States and South Korea, intensifying tensions in the region.

Starting Friday morning, 287 temporary workers of Dinajpur’s Barapukuria coal mine have launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding permanent employment. Since February 23, they had been observing a work stoppage as part of a nationwide movement led by the Central Outsourcing Workers’ Welfare Council. Their five-point demands include eliminating wage discrimination, implementing annual increments, receiving Baishakhi allowances, overtime and festival bonuses, as well as paid casual and maternity leave. Seeing no visible progress on their demands, they have escalated their protest. The workers allege that despite serving for 15-20 years, they remain temporary employees, facing discrimination in salaries and benefits.

The decomposed, sack-wrapped body of madrasa student Dolamoni was recovered from a septic tank at Afzal Hossain’s house in Kursha Union on Thursday night. She had been missing for 41 days. The 4-year-old went missing on January 17 while playing outside. Investigations revealed an ongoing dispute over tailoring fees between her father’s wife and the suspect’s wife. It is believed that the suspects abducted and murdered Dolamoni in retaliation.

Dhaka University professor Adib Shahriar Zaman was assaulted on Friday afternoon after protesting against a bus that was unnecessarily stopped for an extended period to pick up passengers. The incident occurred on a road opposite Bangla School in Mirpur 11. According to the professor, the driver and conductor of Mirpur Super Link (Bus No. 36) attacked him in public. In response, university students took at least five buses of the same company to the campus, vowing not to release them until the accused driver and conductor were identified.

A case has been filed in Sunamganj District and Sessions Judge Court against 16 individuals, including a former Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and a Water Development Board official, for corruption in the construction of an embankment meant to protect crops in Haor. The plaintiff, Pataki Ranjan Das, alleged that irregularities in the project led to the submersion of farmers' only boro rice crop. Expressing concern for his own farmland, he stated that he filed the case in the interest of Haor’s farmers.