Pope Francis is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia affecting both lungs, the Vatican has confirmed. According to Al Jazeera, on Monday, a significant buildup of mucus in his lungs led to two episodes of severe respiratory distress. He also suffered from bronchospasms.

Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis issued a new statement on Monday, expressing concern over the repeated failures of international organizations in preventing wars. Since February 14, no photos or videos of the Pope have been released, marking one of the longest absences in his papacy.

Donald Trump has claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky does not want peace in the ongoing war with Russia. He also questioned Zelensky's growing ties with European leaders.

In an interview with AP on Sunday, Zelensky stated that there is no immediate prospect of ending the Russia-Ukraine war. He emphasized that any agreement must be fair and sustainable.

Reacting to this, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Monday that this was the "worst statement" Zelensky had made so far and that the United States would no longer tolerate such positions.

On Sunday, it was reported that U.S. President Donald Trump has temporarily suspended military aid to Ukraine. The decision came after a heated exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. According to Fox News, Trump stated that assistance would remain halted until Ukraine demonstrates a genuine commitment to peace. He further remarked that Zelensky should show more gratitude for Washington’s support.

Police have arrested two men for allegedly raping a woman from an indigenous community in Sylhet’s Companiganj area. The accused, identified as Pradeep Das (45) and Md. Alauddin (32), were taken into custody on Sunday evening and sent to jail on Monday following a court order. Reports indicate that Pradeep lured the woman under the pretense of taking her to a doctor but instead took her to Alauddin’s residence. From there, she was forcefully abducted and raped in a secluded pit near the banks of the Dhalai River. The victim managed to escape when Alauddin attempted to assault her.

Two robbers were beaten to death by villagers in Chattogram’s Satkania after an attempted burglary on Monday night. According to the Satkania police, a group of armed robbers arrived at a house in a CNG-powered auto-rickshaw during evening prayers. When villagers noticed them and chased after them, the robbers opened fire in an attempt to escape. However, two of them were caught by the locals and beaten to death. Five people sustained injuries from the gunfire. The identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed.

With Donald Trump back in the White House, the dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war are shifting. The tension has been evident in recent confrontations between the US and Ukrainian presidents. In a major policy shift, Trump is now considering halting US military assistance to Ukraine. He is set to discuss the matter with key advisers on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the UK and France have proposed a partial ceasefire agreement and are seeking US support for it.

Law enforcement authorities have arrested Titu Das (45), a key suspect in the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Lohagara, Chattogram. According to police, Titu Das was named in the case and also faces charges related to explosives and vandalism. Lawyer Alif was killed during a violent clash at the court premises over the trial of Chinmoy Das, a sedition case suspect.

Police obstructed a protest march by teachers demanding the nationalization of MPO-listed educational institutions and related benefits. The teachers began their march from the National Press Club on Monday, but were stopped as they approached the Secretariat. For the past month, they have been staging sit-ins and symbolic hunger strikes in front of the Press Club. The protesting teachers stated, “We do not believe in mere assurances. The government must announce on-site that our demands are met; otherwise, we will continue our protest with our families.”

The Bangladesh Bank has announced that bill auctions will be held on four days in March to regulate market liquidity. According to a notice issued on Monday, auctions for 30-day, 90-day, and 180-day bills will take place on March 5, 12, 19, and 27. Investors can place bids for a minimum of Tk 1 million or any multiple thereof. The notice also stated that bids must be submitted electronically, quoting the total face value and the proposed purchase price at a discount per Tk 100 face value. Bidding will be open from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM on auction days via the FM module.

Six individuals have been arrested for their involvement in a highway robbery in Naogaon’s Patnitala and Pabna’s Santhia. The gang had blocked a road with fallen trees to loot a passenger bus. Police recovered stolen valuables, local weapons, and a microbus used in the crime. The arrested suspects are Shamim Islam (27), Chandra Barman (30), Abdul Latif (27), Shaharul Islam (37), Shahidul Islam (40), and Shahadat Hossain (40). Law enforcement has sought their remand for further investigation to identify other members of the gang.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has declared that Turkey is no longer a passive observer in global politics but an active “key player.” Speaking at an Iftar event, he stated, “Today’s Turkey is strong, influential, and shaping global affairs. Our nation stands not only for its own people but also for the oppressed and marginalized worldwide.” He emphasized Turkey’s preference for peace and dialogue but warned that “if our extended hand for peace is rejected, our iron fist will always be ready.” Shortly after his speech, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) formally announced a ceasefire.

Filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has suggested that slain student Abrar Fahad should be honored in the “Liberation War” category for the Independence Award. Abrar, who was posthumously awarded the honor, is considered by many as a symbol of resistance against sovereignty violations. Farooki remarked that the significance of this year’s Independence Award will be as profound as the Ekushey Padak.

During the winter season, Bagha Upazila in Rajshahi produces around 60,000 kg of date palm molasses, generating transactions worth BDT 15 crore. The region has approximately 4,000 date palm orchards and 30,389 farming households. A single harvester collects sap from 50-55 trees daily. The major trading hubs for molasses are Bagha and Arani markets, where the price per kg ranges between BDT 180-200.

The government has transferred 124 officials holding the ranks of Additional and Assistant Superintendent of Police. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the order as part of an administrative reshuffle.

Following the resignation of Syed Jamil Ahmed, Advisor Mustafa Sarwar Faruqi and Jamil exchanged accusations. Prince Mahmud, on Facebook, expressed support for Faruqi, stating that he was acting sensibly and not showing childish behavior. He noted that Faruqi understands when and where to act. Mahmud added that centrism supports social balance and opposes any extreme political shift, whether right-wing or left-wing.