On February 15, during the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the creation of a unified European military force. He emphasized that Europe must become self-reliant in the face of ongoing threats from Russia and the uncertainties posed by the United States. Zelensky insisted that Europe’s future should depend on Europeans themselves and that decisions affecting Europe should be made within Europe. He stated, “Ukraine will never accept any agreements made behind our backs without our involvement.” Zelensky also confirmed that Ukraine would not accept any ceasefire without real security guarantees and emphasized that NATO membership remains a possibility for Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump has expressed interest in meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia to discuss potential paths to end the war in Ukraine. This meeting could also include Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The choice of Saudi Arabia as the venue raises questions, as it is considered a neutral location, and the country is not a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued an arrest warrant for Putin. The US sees an opportunity to strengthen relations between Israel, the US, and Saudi Arabia, adding further significance to the decision. Saudi Arabia’s neutral stance on the conflict makes it an attractive venue for this high-stakes summit.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pledged to oppose US President Donald Trump’s plan to transform Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Speaking at a rally in the Basque Country on February 15, Sánchez stated, “No real estate venture can cover up the horrific human rights violations we have witnessed in Gaza in recent years.” He emphasized that Spain would not approve such plans and condemned the support that US Vice President Mike Pence has shown for right-wing groups in the region. Sánchez, leader of Spain’s Socialist Workers’ Party, advocates for a two-state solution that would allow Palestinians and Israelis to live in “peace, harmony, and security.”

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has announced that police verification will no longer be required for obtaining passports. Speaking at the District Commissioner Conference 2025, he urged officials to ensure that government decisions are effectively communicated to the public. The three-day conference, which began in Dhaka, includes discussions on law and order, public services, infrastructure, and governance. Unlike previous years, there will be no courtesy meeting between DCs and the President. Over 1,200 proposals have been submitted, with law enforcement reforms taking priority.

The government’s success or failure is directly tied to maintaining law and order, said Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus during the formal inauguration of the three-day Deputy Commissioner (DC) Conference.

Speaking at Shapla Hall in his office at 10:30 AM on Sunday, Dr. Yunus emphasized the need for effective administration in all 64 districts. He also announced that police verification will no longer be required for obtaining passports and introduced a ranking system to encourage quality improvements in government services.

A total of 1,245 proposals were submitted for the conference, of which 354 have been included in the official agenda.

Two people lost their lives in separate road accidents in Gobindaganj, Gaibandha. The accidents occurred on Saturday night in the Chapriganj and Fasitola 18-Mile areas. One of the deceased has been identified as 38-year-old Tara Mia.

According to local sources, a collision between a motorcycle and an auto-rickshaw at Fasitola 18-Mile led to the first fatality. In a separate incident in Chapriganj, a vegetable-laden pickup truck overturned and was subsequently hit by a bus coming from behind, resulting in another fatality. The identity of the second victim has yet to be confirmed.

Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets of London to protest against former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to take control of Gaza. According to Al Jazeera, the rally marched toward the U.S. Embassy in Nine Elms, London. Protesters held placards reading, “Hands off Gaza!” and banners stating, “Stand Against Trump—Canada is Not Your 51st State!” Among the demonstrators was 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos, who condemned Trump’s announcement as “illegal, unrealistic, and irrational.”

Rail communication between Sylhet and the rest of Bangladesh resumed after a nine-hour disruption. On the night of February 15, a fuel-laden train derailed in South Surma, halting railway operations. Services resumed on February 16 at 8:30 AM. The overnight suspension caused severe hardship for passengers, many of whom had to stay at the station. Railway authorities confirmed that the derailment prevented the Upaban Express from departing for Dhaka. Passengers have been refunded their ticket fares.

Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar confirmed that over 25 individuals have been arrested in connection with an attack on a UN peacekeeping convoy heading to Beirut Airport. Arab News reported that on Friday night, violent protests erupted at Rafik Hariri Airport. Masked demonstrators carrying Hezbollah and Iranian flags barricaded roads and attacked UN vehicles, setting three of them on fire. The government has labeled the act a punishable offense, linking it to unrest following the suspension of Iranian flights.

Amid ongoing strikes by CNG auto-rickshaw drivers protesting fare enforcement and demanding the removal of pro-Hasina officials from BRTA, the government has withdrawn the order allowing police to fine drivers for overcharging. On Sunday (February 16), the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) officially informed the Dhaka Metropolitan Police about the decision.

In response to the government’s strict enforcement of metered fares, CNG auto-rickshaw drivers went on strike in the capital, gathering in front of Residential Model College. The strike has worsened the transportation crisis, causing significant inconvenience to commuters. The drivers are demanding the withdrawal of penalties for overcharging passengers, the removal of pro-Hasina elements from the BRTA, and the fulfillment of their previous 13-point demand.

At least 18 people, including 11 women and 4 children, were killed in a stampede at Delhi Railway Station due to overwhelming crowds. Many others sustained injuries. According to an NDTV report on February 16, the situation spiraled out of control on two platforms as Kumbh Mela pilgrims overcrowded the station. Indian Railways has launched an investigation into the incident. Compensation of 1 million rupees for the deceased, 250,000 rupees for the injured, and 100,000 rupees for minor injuries has been announced.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Saturday night, marking his first visit to the Middle East, AFP reported. After landing at Ben Gurion Airport, Rubio is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The meeting will address the controversial Gaza occupation policy under the Trump administration. Prior to this, Rubio attended the Munich Security Conference. Meanwhile, Netanyahu had earlier met with Trump, expressing gratitude for U.S. support and endorsing the plan for Gaza's occupation.

Deputy Commissioners (DCs) have proposed the mandatory use of body cameras for police officers during protest control and have suggested banning the use of lethal weapons. Over 300 proposals are set to be discussed at the three-day DC conference. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus inaugurated the conference today at the Shapla Hall of his office.

The Cabinet Secretary noted that the implementation rate of last year’s decisions was lower than in previous years. He explained that the current government does not prioritize extravagant projects under individual names, unlike the previous administration. Reports indicate that out of 381 decisions made last year, only 177 have been implemented.

As the U.S. tightens its immigration policies, another batch of 119 Indian nationals is being deported, following the return of 104 individuals earlier this month. The latest deportation flight is set to land in Amritsar, Punjab, tonight—just like the previous one. This has sparked outrage from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who accused the central government of treating illegal immigration as solely Punjab’s problem. He called it a national issue and criticized the decision to land deportation flights only in Punjab. Mann demanded that future flights land in Delhi or Ahmedabad to ensure Punjab’s dignity is upheld.