Discussions are underway in Cairo regarding the second phase of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. On Thursday, Egypt, acting as a mediator, confirmed that delegations from Israel, Qatar, and the United States had arrived in Cairo to negotiate the next steps. The first phase of the ceasefire is set to end on March 1. Meanwhile, as part of the agreement, four bodies were exchanged for the release of over a hundred Palestinian detainees. So far, the war has claimed over 48,000 lives in Gaza, while more than 1,200 people have been killed in Israel.

In a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, former President Donald Trump avoided committing to providing security for Ukraine against Russian aggression. According to Reuters, Trump suggested that a potential mineral agreement could secure Ukraine’s safety against Russia. The meeting focused on the Ukraine crisis and trade relations, as Trump’s stance on reducing the U.S.’s involvement in Europe’s security concerns remains a critical issue. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the need for stronger security for Ukraine during their discussions.

An earthquake struck several regions, including Rajshahi, Joypurhat, and Thakurgaon, at 3:06 AM Thursday. The magnitude was recorded at 5.5, with the epicenter located 14 kilometers south of the Kodari area along the Nepal-China border. The quake lasted only a few seconds and was felt in neighboring areas, including Bihar and Siliguri. Prior to this, another earthquake had been reported on Wednesday at 2:55 AM, with its epicenter in Morigaon, Assam, measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale.

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair concludes today (February 28) without an extension. The fair will be open from 11 AM to 9 PM on its final day. Dr. Sarkar Amin, Member-Secretary of the organizing committee, stated that logistical and religious considerations led to the decision. He emphasized that despite challenges, the fair was a success, serving as a cultural hub beyond book sales. The Bangla Academy is considering independently managing future fairs. The 2025 fair was inaugurated by Professor Muhammad Yunus, with Mostofa Sarwar Farooki as a special guest.

The Chattogram Port Authority has mandated that lighter vessels transporting imported goods from larger ships at the outer anchorage must leave the port area within 72 hours after loading. This directive aims to ensure smooth port operations, maintain market stability, and prevent artificial shortages. Non-compliance will lead to legal action under port regulations. Authorities cited security concerns and supply chain disruptions caused by vessels overstaying without valid reasons. The rule is particularly crucial for ensuring uninterrupted essential goods supply during Ramadan.

As Ramadan approaches, the prices of key essentials like lemons, eggplants, and cucumbers have surged, along with chicken, fish, and meat. Broiler and Sonali chicken prices have risen by Tk 10-20 per kg, while beef and mutton have also become costlier. Lemon prices have nearly doubled in two weeks. However, staple Ramadan items like dates, chickpeas, and molasses remain stable due to increased imports and lower tariffs. Meanwhile, a shortage of bottled soybean oil persists, frustrating consumers searching for supplies.

The passports of 22 former district commissioners (DCs), who were closely associated with Hasina’s regime and served in controversial elections, have been revoked. Sources confirm that following Hasina’s downfall, a nationwide administrative cleanup is underway, resulting in forced retirements and reassignments of such loyalists. As part of this effort, their passports were officially canceled through a directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Passport Department on February 25. Reports suggest that these officials were involved in electoral fraud due to their political allegiance.

Police have arrested five armed robbers while they were preparing for a heist in Ashulia, Savar. At a press conference, Additional Superintendent of Police Shahinur Kabir confirmed the arrests. He reported that a group of armed criminals was planning a robbery early in the morning at Baishmail area on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway. In a joint operation, the Dhaka District North Detective Branch (DB) and Ashulia Police Station arrested five individuals, while three managed to escape. The arrested robbers have been identified as Khair Hossain, Kabir Hossain, Imran Ali, Sumon Mia, and Saiful Islam.

A mobile court in Mymensingh has sentenced a warehouse manager to 15 days in jail for illegally hoarding 53 metric tons of edible oil. He was also fined Tk 80,000, with an additional Tk 10,000 penalty in case of non-payment. Executive Magistrate KM Rafsan Rabbi stated that the raid was conducted based on secret information about large-scale hoarding ahead of Ramadan. The owner of the warehouse was not found, so the manager was held responsible. Authorities have ordered that the seized oil be sold at fair market prices.

During a meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on Thursday, Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury urged the international community to apply pressure on Myanmar to facilitate the repatriation of Rohingya refugees. He highlighted that Bangladesh has provided shelter to 1.3 million Rohingya refugees on humanitarian grounds, but this has led to social and economic challenges, as well as rising criminal activities among the refugee population, posing risks to both national and regional security. In response, Grandi acknowledged the hardships faced by Rohingya refugees but noted that repatriation remains difficult due to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. However, he assured that efforts will continue to find a resolution.

On Thursday afternoon, Tangail Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman announced the arrest of four suspects involved in an armed robbery on four buses carrying picnic-goers in the Fulmali Chala area of Ghatail. The arrests were made on Wednesday during a day-long operation. The suspects, identified as Md. Ainal Haque (37), Md. Fazlu (41), another individual named Ainal Haque (37), and Nasir (35), allegedly robbed the buses on Tuesday night. The buses were carrying around 240 school students, teachers, and staff heading to a picnic spot in Natore. The robbers looted cash amounting to 1.5 lakh taka, 1.5 tolas of gold, ten smartphones, and other valuables.

The Johor Immigration Department reported on Thursday that, as part of a year-long enforcement operation from January 1 to December 31, 2024, authorities conducted 3,040 raids, screening 25,923 individuals. A total of 13,095 undocumented immigrants were arrested, while 5,719 were deported via air, land, and sea routes. Additionally, legal action has been initiated against 3,206 undocumented immigrants at the Pontian Sessions Court, and those who have served prison sentences are being transferred to the Pekan Nanas Immigration Depot.

A day after assuming office, newly appointed Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuz Alam held a meeting with ministry officials at the Secretariat on Thursday. He urged officials to implement structured plans to improve work efficiency and ensure timely completion of ongoing projects. Alam emphasized that effective collaboration is essential for the smooth operation of the ministry. He replaced Nahid Islam, who recently resigned from the position.

During a discussion on Thursday, Adviser Asif Mahmud stated that no final decision has been made regarding holding local government elections before the national polls. He assured that a decision would be announced soon, as discussions on the matter are ongoing. Mahmud also noted that the government has taken various steps to improve law and order, with increased security patrols. He clarified that he is not affiliated with any political party and intends to work within the government to implement structural reforms.

Ahead of a scheduled BNP-affiliated event in Ashuganj, Brahmanbaria, where Rumin Farhana was set to be the chief guest, police discovered three unexploded crude bombs near the venue on Thursday morning.

Tensions have been rising as two rival BNP groups—the Ashuganj Upazila BNP led by Shahjahan Siraj and the local Swechchhasebak Dal—both scheduled meetings at the same location on February 27. Reports suggest that both factions had separately sought permission from the district administration for the venue ten days apart, leading to clashes during stage setup.