Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, has declared that India's military strength and advanced technology cannot intimidate Pakistan. He stated that Pakistan is prepared to fight ten wars if necessary for Kashmir. Speaking at an event in Azad Kashmir, Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Kashmir despite temporary national challenges. He emphasized that Kashmir is Pakistan’s lifeline and expressed his firm belief that Kashmir would eventually gain independence and become part of Pakistan. He dismissed claims that Pakistan is heading towards bankruptcy, asserting that the country’s economic growth has even surprised institutions like the World Bank and the IMF.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested that Saudi Arabia has enough land to establish a Palestinian state, instead of doing so within Israel’s borders. Speaking to Channel 14 on Thursday, Netanyahu responded to Saudi Arabia’s demand for a Palestinian state as part of normalization talks, stating, “I will not agree to any deal that harms Israel. After October 7, a Palestinian state is no longer an option.” He further blamed Hamas, claiming that a Hamas-led Palestinian state resulted in the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. His remarks come after a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly discussed plans for Gaza’s governance.

Rabiul Awal Antor (30), the Assistant Secretary for Freedom Fighters and Independence Affairs of Gono Odhikar Parishad, has been missing since Thursday midnight. He disappeared while returning home on his motorcycle from his business in Kalapara municipal town. Authorities have since recovered his motorcycle near the Payra Fort four-lane highway. Antor’s father expressed concerns, stating that his son had been actively involved in an eight-point movement demanding compensation and employment for people displaced by the Payra Thermal Power Plant project. Kalapara police confirmed the motorcycle recovery and assured that the case is being taken seriously.

A government official in Kolkata stabbed four colleagues in a fit of rage after his leave request was denied. He then casually walked away with the knife still in hand before being arrested. According to an NDTV report, the accused, Amit Kumar Sarkar, worked at the Technical Education Department in New Town, Kolkata. The shocking incident was caught on video, which quickly went viral. In the footage, Sarkar can be seen warning passersby not to come near him. The injured victims have been identified as Jaydeb Chakraborty, Shantanu Saha, Sarthak Lete, and Sheikh Satabul. They were rushed to the hospital, with two reported in critical condition. Authorities have confirmed Sarkar’s arrest.

The administration of Jahangirnagar University has announced a tentative date for the long-awaited Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) elections, aiming to hold them by May 21, 2025. In a statement, Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan confirmed the plan. According to the election commission, which was formed to oversee the process, the official election schedule will be announced at least 21 days in advance, likely in the last week of April 2025, in accordance with the JAKSU constitution. The last JAKSU election took place in 1992. Following student protests on August 5, 2024, demanding elections, the university administration released a roadmap on December 30, 2024, and formed an election commission. The commission has already prepared the voter list, marking significant progress in organizing the long-overdue elections.

Bangladesh’s next general election is likely to be held towards the end of this year, according to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. In an interview with Japan’s Broadcasting Corporation, he stated that ensuring Bangladesh's self-sufficiency and a fair electoral process is his top priority. Following the August 5 mass uprising that led to Sheikh Hasina’s removal, Yunus took charge of the interim government. He emphasized that his administration has made significant progress in stabilizing the country’s social, economic, and political landscape. Yunus further highlighted that young people in Bangladesh are eager to showcase their creativity on a global scale, a vision that aligns with the government’s aspirations for the future.

The U.S. deported a group of illegal Indian immigrants on Thursday, restraining them with handcuffs and leg shackles aboard a military aircraft. The incident sparked outrage in India's parliament, with opposition members condemning it as an inhumane and humiliating act against Indian nationals. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar explained that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) follows strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for deportations. He clarified that deportations are not new, with 15,756 Indians sent back over the past 15 years. However, he assured that women and children were not subjected to shackling. Opposition leaders questioned the Indian government's response and demanded measures to protect the dignity of its citizens abroad.

Student activists claim to have discovered a mysterious underground structure beneath the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi 32. Eyewitnesses report that the underground area consists of multiple chambers, though access has been restricted due to water accumulation. Since February 5, the site has witnessed acts of vandalism, and by February 6, large crowds had gathered to witness the findings. Some claim that a five-story underground structure, including a mirrored room, exists beneath the house. Student activists allege that the premises were used for secret operations by intelligence agencies like DB and DGFI. Social media is abuzz with discussions demanding a government investigation. However, there has been no official response from the authorities yet.

According to four sources confirmed by Reuters, the Trump administration is planning to lay off 9,700 employees from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The agency currently employs around 10,000 people, but only 294 staff members are expected to be retained. Reports indicate that the Africa Bureau will have just 12 employees, while the Asia Bureau will be left with only 8. A former USAID chief described this decision as "horrendous" and warned that it would put many people in jeopardy. The U.S. State Department has not yet commented on the matter. Previously, a close associate of Trump had labeled USAID as a "terrorist organization," accusing it of spending taxpayer money on biological research and propaganda. Shortly after, news of the layoffs emerged.

A total of 134,000 farmers affected by the July-August floods are receiving financial aid from the Ministry of Agriculture via bKash. Farmers can cash out at agent points for a reduced fee of 7 taka. A press release states that farmers from 56 upazilas across seven districts will receive assistance at home. Last year’s sudden floods impacted thousands of farmers in Chattogram, Sylhet, Noakhali, Cumilla, and other areas. The Ministry of Agriculture is providing 1,000 taka per farmer via mobile financial services to help cover the cost of seeds and fertilizers, aiding in recovery from agricultural losses.

US President Donald Trump has imposed new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil network. The sanctions affect Iranian firms, ships, companies, and individuals linked to the sector, despite similar measures during Biden’s tenure. US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant stated that Iran continues using oil revenues to fund its nuclear program, ballistic missile development, and proxy terrorist groups. The US remains committed to countering these threats. Trump, who imposed numerous sanctions in his first term, has initiated further restrictions within a week of beginning his second term.

To ensure an impartial, independent, and efficient judiciary, the Judicial Reform Commission has recommended prohibiting political activities within court premises and eliminating political influence from bar associations. The commission’s report stresses that lawyers must refrain from political activism within the judiciary. It also calls for legislation and strict measures if necessary. Judges must remain free from political influence, and political parties should pledge not to interfere in bar council elections or recognize any lawyer association as an affiliated political wing. The commission made 30 recommendations, including curbing the president’s absolute authority over pardons.

Bangladesh Railway has renamed two stations at either end of the Jamuna Bridge, affecting ticket bookings on websites and mobile apps. Following the renaming of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Railway Bridge, Bangabandhu Bridge East station is now called Ibrahimabad, and Bangabandhu Bridge West station is now called Saidabad. A short notice on the railway's website announced the changes, instructing passengers to purchase tickets under the new station names on online platforms and at ticket counters.

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing it of targeting the United States and its close ally, Israel, with "illegal and baseless actions." According to the BBC, Trump’s executive order stipulates that any individuals cooperating with ICC investigations against the U.S. or its allies will face economic and visa-related sanctions, along with potential penalties for their family members. The executive order argues that the ICC’s actions pose a direct threat to American personnel, increasing the risk of harassment and unlawful detentions. Prior to issuing the order, Trump reportedly held discussions with the Israeli Prime Minister regarding the matter.

Following Sheikh Hasina’s recent remarks via Facebook Live, waves of protests, including the vandalism and arson of Awami League offices, have erupted across the country. Demonstrations, blockades, and other protest actions are in full swing. In response, advisor Mahfuz Alam urged protesters to refrain from actions that might jeopardize the achievements of the uprising. In a social media post, he called for calm and assured that justice and reforms were forthcoming. "This is a long-term battle. Prepare yourselves, but avoid reckless actions. Do not take the path that the enemies want you to follow. The country’s best interest lies in strategic patience," he stated. He further warned that Hasina’s traumatic legacy should not overshadow the movement’s objectives. "We will build a new society and state—there is no alternative!"