After a tense face-off with Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to social media to express his stance. In a post on X, he reiterated four times, “Thank you.” He also wrote, “Ukraine needs justice and lasting peace, and we are working precisely towards that goal.” Meanwhile, Trump had accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War III” and labeled him ungrateful for U.S. financial aid.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova expressed shock over Trump’s restraint during his confrontation with Zelensky at the White House. In a Telegram post, she stated, “Among Zelensky’s many lies, the biggest was his claim that Kyiv stood alone in 2022, without support.” She further remarked, “It is a miracle that Trump and Vice President Vance refrained from striking that scoundrel.” The heated exchange between Trump and Zelensky occurred during discussions at the White House, but no agreement was reached regarding potential mineral resource deals.

A White House official reported that former U.S. President Donald Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of being ungrateful for U.S. assistance. In response, Zelensky criticized Trump’s stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, “A murderer should not be given any concessions.” The discussion escalated as Trump’s vice president remarked, “You have not expressed gratitude even once.” Trump nodded in agreement, while Zelensky raised his voice, replying, “I have thanked the American people many times.” Following the tense encounter, Zelensky left the Oval Office without participating in a joint press conference.

The United States is planning to sell nearly $3 billion worth of weapons to Israel. Three separate sales proposals have been sent to Congress. The first deal, worth $2.04 billion, includes 35,529 MK 84 BLU-117 heavy bombs and 4,000 I-2000 penetrator warheads, scheduled for delivery next year. The second package, valued at $675.7 million, consists of 201 MK 83 1,000-pound bombs, 4,799 BLU-110A/B 1,000-pound bombs, and 5,000 JDAM guidance kits, expected to be delivered in 2028. The third deal, amounting to $295 million, includes D9 Caterpillar bulldozers and related equipment, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has warned his enemies to be prepared for a nuclear strike, according to a Reuters report on Friday. Following his statement, North Korea launched a series of cruise missiles in what state media described as a demonstration of the country’s nuclear strike capabilities. Kim declared that safeguarding North Korea’s sovereignty and security depends on its nuclear forces, emphasizing their constant state of readiness. Throughout his speech, he directed strong criticism at the United States and South Korea, intensifying tensions in the region.

Starting Friday morning, 287 temporary workers of Dinajpur’s Barapukuria coal mine have launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding permanent employment. Since February 23, they had been observing a work stoppage as part of a nationwide movement led by the Central Outsourcing Workers’ Welfare Council. Their five-point demands include eliminating wage discrimination, implementing annual increments, receiving Baishakhi allowances, overtime and festival bonuses, as well as paid casual and maternity leave. Seeing no visible progress on their demands, they have escalated their protest. The workers allege that despite serving for 15-20 years, they remain temporary employees, facing discrimination in salaries and benefits.

The decomposed, sack-wrapped body of madrasa student Dolamoni was recovered from a septic tank at Afzal Hossain’s house in Kursha Union on Thursday night. She had been missing for 41 days. The 4-year-old went missing on January 17 while playing outside. Investigations revealed an ongoing dispute over tailoring fees between her father’s wife and the suspect’s wife. It is believed that the suspects abducted and murdered Dolamoni in retaliation.

Dhaka University professor Adib Shahriar Zaman was assaulted on Friday afternoon after protesting against a bus that was unnecessarily stopped for an extended period to pick up passengers. The incident occurred on a road opposite Bangla School in Mirpur 11. According to the professor, the driver and conductor of Mirpur Super Link (Bus No. 36) attacked him in public. In response, university students took at least five buses of the same company to the campus, vowing not to release them until the accused driver and conductor were identified.

A case has been filed in Sunamganj District and Sessions Judge Court against 16 individuals, including a former Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and a Water Development Board official, for corruption in the construction of an embankment meant to protect crops in Haor. The plaintiff, Pataki Ranjan Das, alleged that irregularities in the project led to the submersion of farmers' only boro rice crop. Expressing concern for his own farmland, he stated that he filed the case in the interest of Haor’s farmers.

Renowned theatre personality Syed Jamil Ahmed has announced his resignation as Director General of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. He made this announcement during an event at the academy on Friday evening. Jamil Ahmed cited various obstructions from the ministry and the academy as reasons for his decision, stating that he was unable to work under such circumstances. He had assumed the role on September 10 last year.

On Friday, the press secretary of the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, stated that the year 2013 was a year of forced disappearances and murders for the Awami League, aimed at ensuring a smooth election in 2014. He said that the exact number of deaths during Hefazat’s rally at Shapla Chattar is still unknown. He added that both the government and Hefazat should investigate the facts surrounding the injured and deceased. Shafiqul Alam further accused the Awami League of maintaining power through a culture of fear, created by politics of murder. He recalled his journalistic experience during the violent night, mentioning that many bullet-riddled bodies were found in Barakah, Islami Hospital, and Siddhirganj hospitals, but the government refused to acknowledge them.

On Friday morning, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, visited the Rohingya camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. During the visit, he engaged in discussions with community leaders, including Imams and Rohingya parents, on community-based protection and peace. Grandi also participated in activities at Extension 4 and West 1 Rohingya camps. After the visit, the delegation headed towards Cox’s Bazar, where the High Commissioner will meet with the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner and the District Commissioner. Grandi is expected to return to Dhaka by air later in the evening after the meetings.

In an incident that occurred on Thursday in Kashiani, Gopalganj, locals beat up Bulbul Mollah (50), a furniture businessman, after he was accused of attempting to rape a 9-year-old girl. A video of the incident went viral on Facebook. Locals reported that a month ago, Bulbul Mollah sexually harassed the girl on the roof of his house. The girl’s family had initially kept quiet out of shame, but on the day of the incident, Bulbul tried to lure the girl with the promise of showing a cat. When he attempted to rape her, the girl screamed, and locals arrived to rescue her, beating Bulbul in the process.

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has assured that the market issues, including the oil crisis, will be resolved within the next seven days. He further stated that there will be no food shortages during this Ramadan. Prices of essential items, including dates, will drop within seven days. He emphasized that sufficient stock of all essential items has been secured for the month of Ramadan, and no market-related issues are anticipated. The adviser also instructed tannery owners to take all necessary steps to combat environmental pollution.

The Police Headquarters reported that, as part of the nationwide “Operation Devil Hunt,” law enforcement agencies have arrested 618 individuals today. An additional 786 individuals wanted in connection with other cases were also apprehended. In total, 1,404 people were arrested across the country. The interim government launched the operation on February 8 to maintain law and order and to bring criminals under legal action.