Pakistan’s military media wing reported that two separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa resulted in the deaths of 15 militants and four soldiers. According to Geo News, a counter-terrorism intelligence-based operation in the Hathala area of Dera Ismail Khan district led to the killing of nine militants. Meanwhile, six more militants were neutralized in another operation in Miranshah, North Waziristan. Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, violence has escalated in Pakistan’s border provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. In January alone, 91 people were killed, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants.

In Nagarkanda, Faridpur, allegations have emerged that Yunus Munshi, son of Odut Munshi from Bongram, has illegally obtained a tin-roofed house under the government’s Ashrayan Project-1 despite already owning a brick-built house. Reports suggest he misused his political connections during the Awami League’s tenure to acquire the house, which he later sold. Local residents have expressed outrage, demanding a thorough investigation and legal action against him. The Upazila Executive Officer confirmed that selling or even renting out government-provided houses is strictly prohibited and assured that appropriate measures will be taken.

During a Tafsir session on Surah Al-Ahzab (Verse 35) at the Circuit House grounds in Mymensingh on Saturday afternoon, popular Islamic scholar Dr. Mizanur Rahman Azhari stated, “We are often labeled as radicals and traitors. But the era of using the term ‘traitor’ as an insult is over. It has now become an honorary title.” He further asserted that they advocate for the people and the country, which is why they are called extremists. “We speak for Islam, but we are not religious opportunists,” he added.

A press release from the police headquarters on Saturday evening announced that 477 more individuals have been arrested nationwide in the special crackdown, Operation Devil Hunt. Additionally, 870 individuals facing various charges and warrants have also been detained. In total, 1,347 arrests were made in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of arrests over the past eight days to 4,401. Authorities have also seized a foreign pistol, two magazines, 20 rounds of ammunition, three knives, two machetes, and three hammers during the operation.

Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman has called the 2009 BDR massacre an international conspiracy aimed at preserving the Awami League’s hold on power. He emphasized that the massacre, which led to the killing of 57 army personnel, was designed to destabilize the nation and suppress voters’ rights. Asaduzzaman also criticized India for its role in undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty and stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the massacre, including the involvement of political groups and the masterminds behind it.

An Argentine court has issued arrest warrants against Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity against the Rohingya. Myanmar has criticized the ruling. The case was filed by a Rohingya advocacy group in Argentina, and junta spokesperson Min Tun dismissed the decision, urging Argentina to first address its own judicial vacancies before interfering in Myanmar’s affairs.

The Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, announced that the interim government has concluded its first phase and is now entering the second. Speaking at the Foreign Service Academy, he said Saturday’s National Consensus Commission meeting included around 100 politicians from 26 parties and coalitions. Among the speakers were BNP’s Mirza Fakhrul Islam and Jamaat’s Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher. The Chief Adviser delivered a 24-minute speech, and Alam confirmed that all major international powers, including the UN, support the administration.

The funeral and farewell ceremony for former Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah will take place on February 23, according to the organizing committee. Committee head Ali Daher announced that the historic event will be held at Camille Chamoun Stadium in Beirut, with representatives from 79 countries expected to attend. Nasrallah was assassinated in a bomb attack on September 23, 2024, while Sayyed Hashem Safiuddin was killed on October 3, both allegedly by Israeli forces.

Chief Adviser and National Consensus Commission President Muhammad Yunus vowed to honor the sacrifices of those who fought in the mass uprising. “We will all work together to fulfill their dream,” he said. He urged the nation to remember the students who gave their lives, emphasizing that their sacrifices created the opportunity for today’s democratic discussions.

Ali Riaz, Vice President of the National Consensus Commission, emphasized that the nation has entrusted them with the responsibility of shaping a new Bangladesh. “If we fail, the nation will not forgive us,” he warned. He acknowledged the sacrifices made in the struggle and highlighted six commission reports outlining the roadmap. Regular discussions are necessary to build consensus, and he remains confident that political parties will cooperate to reform governance and hold elections swiftly.

On Saturday at 10 AM local time, Hamas released three Israeli hostages—Alexander Trufanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn—in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis. The release took place under strict security and in the presence of fighters from both sides. A senior Hamas official signed the handover documents with Red Cross representatives. Following their brief statements to the Palestinian people, the hostages left for Israel. In return, Israel is expected to release 369 Palestinian prisoners.

After a surge in meat prices during Shab-e-Barat, the costs of beef, chicken, and mutton have returned to normal. Beef is now Tk 750 per kg, down from Tk 800, while mutton dropped by Tk 50 to Tk 1,100 per kg. Broiler chicken prices have also stabilized after a temporary hike. Fish prices, which had risen by Tk 20–30 per kg, are also adjusting. Meanwhile, vegetable prices remain unchanged, with tomatoes at Tk 20, potatoes at Tk 20, and green chilies at Tk 40–60 per kg.

The US has tightened visa renewal rules for Indian applicants, making the process more complicated. The renewal period for B1 and B2 visas has been reduced from 48 months to 12 months, forcing applicants to renew more frequently. This change is expected to increase congestion at US embassies, making interview appointments harder to secure. Currently, the wait time for visa interviews in major Indian cities ranges from 415 to 440 days. These new restrictions will significantly extend the overall waiting period for US visas.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has admitted that Ukraine's survival would be difficult without continued US support. In an interview with 'Meet the Press,' he stated, "It would be very, very, very difficult." Former US President Donald Trump previously discussed ceasefire negotiations with both Vladimir Putin and Zelensky. Trump also commented that Ukraine’s NATO membership is unrealistic and expressed doubts about Kyiv regaining all its lost territories. Zelensky, however, accused Russia of seeking a ceasefire merely to regroup and prepare for further aggression, asserting that Ukraine must reclaim all its occupied land and receive NATO-like security assurances.

Thousands of Yemenis gathered in the Sa'ada province to show solidarity with Palestinians and protest against the United States' proposed resettlement of Gazans. On Friday, demonstrations took place across various districts, with protestors waving Palestinian and Yemeni flags while condemning the plan. They also expressed support for the Ansarullah movement. Mohammad Ali, a member of Yemen’s Supreme Political Council, warned the US against underestimating Yemen’s military capabilities, declaring that Washington’s plan would not succeed.