The Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Police Cadre has promoted 102 officers to the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police. The Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification on Wednesday confirming the promotions. The promoted officers have been instructed to report to the Senior Secretary of the Public Security Division through the appropriate channels. The order takes immediate effect in the public interest.

On Thursday morning, Election Commissioner Masud Abdur Rahman emphasized that the primary focus is on the national parliamentary elections, which the Chief Adviser and other responsible officials have stated will be held by December. He clarified that local elections are not currently under consideration and that no government directives have been issued regarding local election reforms. He also explained that conducting local elections in phases could take up to a year, making it impossible to hold the parliamentary elections within December or January. He further noted that for a December election, the election schedule must be announced by October or November.

During his first cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Trump claimed that illegal border crossings from Mexico and Canada had declined. However, he announced a 25% tariff on goods from both neighboring countries. The tariff is set to take effect on April 2. Earlier, Trump had issued a stern warning to Canada and Mexico to curb illegal border crossings and the flow of fentanyl, delaying tariff imposition for 30 days—a period set to expire on March 4. Now, he has officially set the date for the new tariffs.

The Chief Adviser’s Home Affairs Advisor, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, has dismissed a sub-inspector and a constable for negligence at Gulshan Police Station. During a pre-dawn inspection of four Dhaka police stations, he observed officers displaying laxity in their duties. He emphasized that such lapses create opportunities for crime and vowed to maintain strict oversight.

Desperate for a better life, Pakistani youth like Amir Ali are risking perilous journeys to Europe. After being denied a visa seven times, Ali resorted to illegal migration. Moroccan authorities recently rescued him along with 21 other Pakistanis from a stranded boat near the Atlantic coast. Tragically, out of 50 men who perished from starvation and dehydration, 43 were Pakistani. Ali’s father cited financial hardship as the reason for the journey. Experts argue that migrants seek not only financial security but also a higher standard of living, as similar work in Pakistan pays only $3 compared to $20–$25 in Europe.

At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Pakistan has condemned India’s “illegal occupation” of Jammu and Kashmir and its continued suppression of Kashmiri self-determination. Pakistani Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar highlighted his country’s commitment to human rights, citing over 70 new laws passed in the past decade. He also called for an update on the UN’s Kashmir report and condemned ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza.

UN Middle East envoy Sigrid Kaag has warned that the window for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine is closing. Speaking at a conference, she emphasized that peace, security, and dignity in the region depend on this solution. Kaag expressed concern over Israel’s recent military expansion in the West Bank. Meanwhile, US envoy Dorothy Shea reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to fully implementing existing agreements, while also highlighting that Hamas continues to hold 63 hostages, including five Americans. Both US and Israeli representatives insisted that Hamas must be eradicated for lasting peace.

Gaza spokesperson Major Mahmoud Basel has reported that over 700 bodies have been recovered from different parts of the Gaza Strip. Many of the bodies bear severe trauma, making identification difficult. Due to a lack of forensic facilities, authorities are struggling to verify the victims’ identities. Basel also noted that more than 10,000 bodies remain trapped under rubble, with rescue operations hampered by inadequate equipment.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police have arrested 21 individuals in a joint security operation named “Devil Hunt.” The arrests were made between Wednesday morning and Thursday 7 AM across different areas, including Basan, Kashimpur, and Tongi. Authorities revealed that a total of 348 individuals have been detained in the ongoing operation.

Protesters injured in the July uprising have been staging a sit-in for 26 consecutive hours in front of the Chief Adviser’s Office, demanding equal rights in government quotas. Around 30 demonstrators remained at the site, chanting slogans whenever government vehicles appeared. Their primary demand is the removal of discrimination in quota policies, advocating for a two-category system.

Supreme Court lawyer Shishir Monir has come under criticism for representing convicts in the Abrar Fahad murder case. In a Facebook post, Howard University Assistant Professor Dr. Mirza Galib explained that Shishir Monir’s chamber reviewed the evidence and rejected cases for five of the 12 death row convicts, believing them to be innocent. He took up cases for two convicts, arguing they deserved life imprisonment instead of the death penalty. Monir has stated that if credible legal experts provide contrary evidence, he will withdraw from the case.

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.