Speaking at an event at Delhi University on Saturday, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar expressed concern over allegations made by the Trump administration regarding USAID. He stated that while USAID was originally allowed to operate in good faith, recent disclosures by Trump officials raise serious concerns. “It appears that certain individuals have been actively shaping a particular narrative,” Jaishankar remarked. The Indian government is currently investigating the matter. Previously, the U.S. had canceled a $21 million grant meant to influence Indian voters ahead of upcoming elections.

Mohammad Tajul Islam, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal, stated that Sheikh Hasina visited Pangu Hospital and ordered the cessation of medical treatment for those severely injured in the protests, saying “No Treatment, No Release.” Doctors and hospital staff have provided evidence on this matter, which has been presented to the court by the prosecution. Not only patients but also doctors have testified. He mentioned that under the administration’s instructions, the bodies of martyrs were not allowed to be examined, and in some cases, death certificates were not issued. Even when death certificates were provided, the cause of death from gunshot wounds was not mentioned.

The Taliban government has severely restricted Afghan women’s freedom of speech and education. However, ‘Radio Begum,’ a women-run radio station that was previously shut down, is set to resume broadcasting. According to the Ministry of Information and Culture, the station has been allowed to reopen after committing to follow certain conditions. Arab News reports that the station must operate under the guidelines of journalism and the Islamic Emirate’s regulations and must not violate them in the future. The channel is entirely run by women.

The funeral of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is set to take place today in Beirut. More than just a mourning ceremony, this event is expected to serve as a powerful demonstration of Hezbollah’s political strength, particularly at a time when the group is facing challenges. Nasrallah was killed on September 27, 2023, in an Israeli airstrike while meeting in a bunker on the southern outskirts of Beirut. A highly influential leader in the Arab world, he played a key role in expanding Hezbollah’s influence and was widely respected across the region. Thousands of people, including Iranian officials and representatives from various countries, are expected to attend the funeral.

Hamas has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deliberately undermining the ongoing ceasefire negotiations. The group claims that Israel has failed to initiate discussions for the second phase of the agreement, which was set to conclude on March 1. As per the ceasefire’s first phase, Israel agreed to release prisoners, withdraw forces from parts of Gaza, and allow humanitarian aid. Hamas leader Bassem Naim told Al Jazeera that Netanyahu’s actions signal preparations for renewed conflict rather than peace. Meanwhile, Hamas recently released six Israeli hostages, but Israel has yet to free 620 Palestinian detainees.

The government has officially declared February 25 as ‘National Martyred Soldiers Day’ to honor the 74 victims, including 57 army officers, of the 2009 Pilkhana massacre in Dhaka. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid announced on Sunday that a gazette notification would be issued today, formalizing the annual observance. However, the day will not be a public holiday. This decision aims to recognize the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers while ensuring the tragic event remains a significant part of national memory.

A shooting incident at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico left one airman dead and another injured on Saturday morning. The U.S. Air Force confirmed that the injured officer was treated and released from the medical center, while the deceased airman was found at the scene. The identities of both individuals remain undisclosed as local authorities investigate the incident. The Kirtland Truman Gate Pass Office has been temporarily closed.

Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam has announced that the national election schedule will be set with December 2025 in mind. The commission aims to start full preparations by July-August. Typically, election schedules are announced 45-55 days in advance, and the EC is working independently without external influence. Discussions are ongoing about local elections coinciding with national polls, but no final decision has been made. The commission assures a timely schedule announcement and a swift election process while ensuring transparency and fairness.

At least six people were killed, and 74 others injured when the roof of a food court collapsed at a shopping mall in Peru, according to AFP. Fire department commander Gelqui Gomez confirmed the fatalities, while local health official Anibal Morillo updated the number of injured, including 10 children and 12 critically wounded individuals.

A knife attack in Mulhouse, France, left one person dead and three police officers injured. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the incident as an “Islamist terrorist attack.” A 37-year-old Algerian suspect was arrested at the scene. Reports indicate that the attacker shouted “Allahu Akbar” before launching the assault. The deceased, a 69-year-old Portuguese national, was reportedly assisting the police when he was fatally stabbed.

A dispute over playing loud music at a wedding in Baraigram, Natore, led to a violent attack, resulting in the death of Kamal Bepari (45) on Saturday night. The altercation erupted when neighbors Shamsul Bepari, Shahjahan Bepari, and Shahadat Bepari objected to the music being played at the wedding of Kamal’s nephew. A heated argument escalated into a physical attack, and Kamal was fatally assaulted on the spot. Police have recovered the body, and an investigation is underway.

Police arrested a man with a pistol and a magazine loaded with nine rounds in Mirpur. The arrest took place on Saturday at Road No. 5. The suspect, identified as Md. Faruk, was apprehended based on a tip-off near Commerce College. Upon spotting the police, he attempted to flee but was quickly detained. Authorities have filed a case against him under the Arms Act.

Two motorcyclists lost their lives in a tragic accident when a microbus collided with their vehicle in Sherpur on Saturday. Six others were injured in the crash. The deceased have been identified as Gaurab (18) and Roni (14). Another victim, Shuvo (20), was critically injured and has been transferred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, while the remaining five injured have been admitted to the district hospital. According to locals, the microbus, en route from Sherpur to Jamalpur around 12:30 AM, first hit a battery-run auto-rickshaw before losing control and ramming into a motorcycle and another auto-rickshaw. Roni died on the spot due to the impact.

Security personnel at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) detained five individuals on Saturday evening for carrying sharp weapons and drug paraphernalia. The arrested suspects are Rifat Islam (28), Rajib (16), Md. Kawsar Mia (17), Md. Naim (14), and Shamin (13). Assistant Proctor Anisur Rahman Mazumder confirmed the arrests, stating that the police camp’s sub-inspector has been instructed to hand them over to the Kotwali police station for further action.

Despite the scheduled release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for six Israeli hostages, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has halted the process. Netanyahu stated that the recent hostage release ceremony was “disrespectful” and, as a result, Israel will not proceed with releasing Palestinian detainees at this time. He added that future exchanges will only occur if hostages are released without “offensive” ceremonies. The conflict, which has raged for nearly 16 months, saw a ceasefire beginning on January 19. Under this agreement, Hamas has so far released 25 hostages.