The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported a sharp increase in Iran’s uranium stockpile, bringing it closer to weapons-grade enrichment. According to the agency’s latest findings, Iran’s uranium is now enriched to nearly 90%, with some reserves reaching 60% purity, causing alarm among Western nations. While the United States is considering additional sanctions, the IAEA warns that time for diplomatic intervention is running out. Experts believe Iran’s current stockpile is sufficient to produce at least six nuclear bombs.

As part of the final phase of a ceasefire agreement, Hamas has handed over the bodies of four Israeli detainees to the Red Cross. In return, the first bus carrying 620 Palestinian prisoners arrived in Ramallah, West Bank. Reports indicate that six Palestinian children died from cold exposure due to a lack of proper shelter in Gaza. Meanwhile, former mediators have likened Israel’s actions in Palestine to South Africa’s apartheid regime. The United Nations has urged Israel to allow the establishment of tents and shelters for displaced Palestinians.

On February 26, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz paid a courtesy visit to Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman at the Army Headquarters. Their discussions focused on collaborative efforts between DNCC and the Bangladesh Army to improve city infrastructure. The administrator noted that the military is already working in 18 wards, providing logistical and technical support. Additionally, the two parties agreed to cooperate in enhancing traffic management and urban security. The Army Chief praised the administrator’s strategic approach to urban planning and emphasized the importance of youth training and human resource development.

Police in Sarishabari, Jamalpur, have arrested an Indian national, Shukkur Ali (25), for illegal entry into Bangladesh. Authorities reported that locals became suspicious when they saw him wandering around Bhatara Bazaar on Tuesday night and alerted the police. Upon being detained, Ali spoke in Hindi but also understood some Bengali and English. Due to his disoriented state, he was initially admitted to the Upazila Health Complex. Later, on Wednesday afternoon, he was presented before the court. The suspect, hailing from Tripura, reportedly crossed the Sylhet border into Bangladesh around 14–15 days ago.

A mild earthquake struck Sylhet at 2:55 AM on Wednesday night. No immediate reports of damage or casualties have been received. Meteorologist Mostafa Kamal Pasha confirmed the occurrence. Due to the late hour, many residents did not feel the tremor, but those who did shared their experiences on Facebook. The earthquake’s epicenter was in Kharupatia, Assam, India. Experts predict possible aftershocks within the next 24 hours.

During an early morning visit to Mirpur, Darus Salam, Adabor, and Mohammadpur police stations on Thursday, the Home Affairs Advisor instructed law enforcement agencies to remain alert to maintain order. He emphasized that the police must ensure people can sleep peacefully and move about without fear. As part of these efforts, monitoring and patrolling have been intensified, and ministry officials have been assigned specific responsibilities. The Advisor warned that those attempting to destabilize the situation would be arrested. While joint operations will cease once conditions improve, other security operations will continue as planned.

Bangladesh Police have arrested 678 individuals in the past 24 hours under Operation ‘Devil Hunt.’ An additional 1,012 people were apprehended under various other charges, bringing the total to 1,690. Law enforcement also seized firearms, including a 4.5mm pistol, a shotgun, and a locally made single-barrel gun, along with ammunition. Authorities confiscated multiple sharp weapons, including machetes, knives, and iron rods.

A young man named Momenul Islam Mokmin (28) was brutally hacked to death in Ashulia due to an ongoing dispute. Police have arrested six suspects linked to the murder. According to locals, the prime suspect, Rubel, had been pressuring Mokmin to join his drug business. Mokmin refused, leading to a deadly confrontation. He was attacked on Tuesday night and succumbed to his injuries hours later.

A group of veiled women in Jessore, led by Musammat Anjuara Begum and Rajiyatunnesa, held a human chain protest demanding fingerprint-based national ID verification instead of facial recognition. They submitted a memorandum to the district election office, citing discrimination against fully covered women. Protesters claimed that thousands of veiled women have been denied citizenship rights for 16 years and face educational discrimination. They urged authorities to make fingerprint authentication mandatory and ensure female officials handle the process.

Following the resignation of Nahid Islam, Mahfuz Alam has been appointed as the new Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The Cabinet Division announced the appointment on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications remains under the advisory leadership of Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Nahid Islam resigned from both ministries on February 25 and is expected to lead a new political party launching on February 28.

The World Bank has pledged support for the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) to restore canals, prevent water pollution, and promote sustainable urban development. In a meeting with DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz, World Bank representatives discussed collaborative efforts to combat waterlogging and pollution. Key figures in the delegation included senior water specialists Harsh Goel, David Malcolm Lord, and Arif Ahmed.

In a dramatic incident at the Gazipur District Court, attackers attempted to abduct two recently bailed individuals. The victims, Milon Mia (35) and Babul Mia (40), were brutally beaten and stabbed by the plaintiff’s side, causing panic in the courtroom. Lawyers and bystanders intervened to rescue the victims, while the attackers fled. CCTV footage reportedly shows police present but failing to take action.

China has issued a strong warning after Taiwan announced plans to purchase $7-10 billion worth of weapons from the United States. Chinese State Council spokesperson Zhu Fenglian stated that such deals will not protect Taiwan’s pro-independence forces. She warned that Taiwan remains a mere pawn in a geopolitical game and that China’s 1.4 billion people will never accept its separation. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s leader, Lai Ching-te, dismissed the claims, asserting that Taiwan is not a chess piece but a player in its own right.

In a shocking incident in Rajbari, a mob attacked the Detective Branch (DB) police and freed a detainee. Sub-Inspector Wahidul Hasan was injured in the assault, which took place Wednesday morning in Kazibadha village, Ramkantapur Union. According to the police, the suspect, Farid Sheikh, was caught red-handed with 310 yaba pills and four bottles of Phensedyl. However, as officers attempted to transport him, his family members, both men and women, launched a violent attack. Later, the police returned with female officers and successfully detained the attackers.

A massive fire on February 24 has left Sajek Valley in ruins. The administration has provided aid to affected residents, including BDT 7,000 in cash and 30 kg of rice per household. Initially, travel restrictions were imposed on Monday night for tourist safety, but they were lifted on Tuesday after a situation review. The fire destroyed 98 structures, including 35 resorts and cottages, 36 homes, 7 restaurants, and 20 shops. Many displaced families have taken shelter in local temples and churches.