At 3 AM on Friday, the army conducted an operation in Mohammadpur and arrested Parvez, a notorious drug dealer, also known as Dealer Parvez. During the arrest, 1,500 Yaba pills, four passports, nine mobile phones, 18 SIM cards, and 1.8 million BDT in cash from drug sales were recovered. Parvez is known as an associate of top drug dealers Sohel (Bunia Sohel) and Chua Selim from the Geneva Camp and is a major drug dealer in the Mohammadpur area. He has been handed over to the Mohammadpur police station.

On Friday afternoon, a Bangladesh Airlines flight heading to Bangkok had to return to Dhaka due to a cabin pressure issue in Myanmar’s airspace. The number of passengers on board is yet to be confirmed. Oxygen masks automatically deployed as the cabin pressure dropped, with overhead masks descending for all passengers. The flight, BG-388, was operated using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. After landing, all passengers were safely escorted to the terminal, where another flight was arranged for them. Airport authorities confirmed that the passengers were safe.

On the night of February 5, 10 students were expelled by the authorities of Chittagong University for attempting to break the symbol of the boat (Nauka) at Sheikh Hasina Hall and obstructing female students. Recently, screenshots of a conversation between two assistant proctors and the students have been leaked. The individuals involved are Professor Dr. Md. Korban Ali and Md. Nurul Hamid. Dr. Korban Ali sent the names, photos, subjects, and academic years of three students present that night via WhatsApp. Nurul Hamid, in a strict directive, insisted that at least a preliminary punishment, including expulsion from the hall, be ensured for the students. This information has been confirmed. Proctor Nurul Hamid also supported the incident, describing the students’ actions and justifying their actions.

At 9:30 AM on Friday, garment workers from the Denim Processing Plant in Chandina, Comilla, blocked the Dhaka-Chittagong highway demanding unpaid wages. The blockade caused a traffic jam for about an hour. The workers were later assured by local administration and BNP leaders that their demands would be addressed, and they cleared the road by 10:45 AM. The workers reported that they have not received two months’ salary, with some owed up to 40,000 BDT. Only 6,000 BDT was paid this month. Mohammad Atikul Alam Shaon, the convenor of the local BNP, stated that blocking the highway over trivial issues had become a habit, and the workers left after receiving assurances.

In a joint operation by the Coast Guard and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on Wednesday night at 8 PM, 16 traffickers disguised as fishermen were arrested with 400,000 yaba tablets in the Lemboarchar sea area. According to a press release from the Mahipur Police Station’s Nizampur Coast Guard on Friday, the traffickers were caught while hiding the yaba inside fishing nets aboard an unnamed trawler. The operation also led to the recovery of three bags containing 300,000 yaba tablets from an abandoned location in the area. The trafficking syndicate has been active in smuggling drugs through sea routes for a long period. However, the authorities were unable to apprehend the masterminds behind the operation. The arrested individuals have been handed over to the police.

Under a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza, the world’s longest-serving political prisoner was released from an Israeli jail on Thursday after 44 years. A key figure in the prisoner movement, he was arrested in 1978 and sentenced to life imprisonment for attacking an Israeli target. Although he was freed in a 2011 prisoner swap, Israel rearrested him on June 18, 2014, sentencing him to 30 months in prison. After completing that sentence, Israel reinstated an additional 18 years to his original life term. Even when his brother passed away, he was not allowed to attend the funeral.

With snatching incidents surging across Dhaka, authorities have identified 432 hotspots across 50 police station areas, where around 1,200 criminals operate day and night. Experts classify these criminals into three groups:
1. Professional Gangs – Operate in designated areas, sometimes selling off zones to other groups.
2. Addiction-Driven Criminals – Engage in snatching to fund drug habits.
3. Thrill Seekers – Individuals stealing expensive phones, laptops, and motorcycles for personal satisfaction.
Law enforcement experts stress that proactive policing is crucial to curbing these crimes.

Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would be selling U.S. residency via a Gold Card for $5 million, approximately 60 crore Bangladeshi taka. This move could benefit the corrupt oligarchs of the Awami League, who have looted billions and sent the money abroad, seeking refuge in countries like India. Trump also announced plans to offer a Green Card, granting citizenship. There are concerns that this could turn the U.S. into a haven for oligarchs worldwide, potentially making the most powerful and wealthiest country a sanctuary for the corrupt. However, the policy details have not yet been disclosed.

In an operation to rescue a kidnapped fisherman, Rezaul Haque (36), from Matuail, police constable Jewel was attacked by the abductors in Sarulia’s Wasa Road area. The police recovered local weapons and two motorcycles from the scene. Rezaul, who had been abducted by the Rudi group while inspecting a fish mill, claimed the kidnappers demanded 10 million BDT, and 60,000 BDT was forcibly taken. After the victim’s employee alerted the police, two suspects were arrested.

China recently conducted a series of extensive military drills across the Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the Taiwan Strait to the Tasman Sea. The exercises included advanced weaponry systems and aimed to gauge how regional countries and the United States would respond to such military threats. Professor Stephen Nagy suggested that China seeks to capitalize on any gaps in U.S. response to global issues. Taiwan has deployed military aircraft and vessels in response, and concerns have been raised by New Zealand and Australia over the escalating situation.

Israel announced on Thursday that it would impose restrictions on Palestinian access to Al-Aqsa Mosque during the upcoming month of Ramadan. Every year, millions of Palestinians travel to Al-Aqsa, located in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem, to observe prayers. Last year, due to heightened tensions over the Gaza conflict, Israeli authorities imposed strict entry controls, particularly on Palestinians from the West Bank. Despite the absence of war this year, Israel has maintained a similar stance, though specific restrictions have yet to be disclosed.

Discussions are underway in Cairo regarding the second phase of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. On Thursday, Egypt, acting as a mediator, confirmed that delegations from Israel, Qatar, and the United States had arrived in Cairo to negotiate the next steps. The first phase of the ceasefire is set to end on March 1. Meanwhile, as part of the agreement, four bodies were exchanged for the release of over a hundred Palestinian detainees. So far, the war has claimed over 48,000 lives in Gaza, while more than 1,200 people have been killed in Israel.

In a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, former President Donald Trump avoided committing to providing security for Ukraine against Russian aggression. According to Reuters, Trump suggested that a potential mineral agreement could secure Ukraine’s safety against Russia. The meeting focused on the Ukraine crisis and trade relations, as Trump’s stance on reducing the U.S.’s involvement in Europe’s security concerns remains a critical issue. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the need for stronger security for Ukraine during their discussions.

An earthquake struck several regions, including Rajshahi, Joypurhat, and Thakurgaon, at 3:06 AM Thursday. The magnitude was recorded at 5.5, with the epicenter located 14 kilometers south of the Kodari area along the Nepal-China border. The quake lasted only a few seconds and was felt in neighboring areas, including Bihar and Siliguri. Prior to this, another earthquake had been reported on Wednesday at 2:55 AM, with its epicenter in Morigaon, Assam, measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale.

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair concludes today (February 28) without an extension. The fair will be open from 11 AM to 9 PM on its final day. Dr. Sarkar Amin, Member-Secretary of the organizing committee, stated that logistical and religious considerations led to the decision. He emphasized that despite challenges, the fair was a success, serving as a cultural hub beyond book sales. The Bangla Academy is considering independently managing future fairs. The 2025 fair was inaugurated by Professor Muhammad Yunus, with Mostofa Sarwar Farooki as a special guest.