In response to calls for the implementation of the water-sharing agreement and comprehensive planning, the ‘Teesta River Protection Movement’ has announced a 48-hour program, with participation expected from a million people across five northern districts under the slogan “Save Teesta, Wake Up”. The situation worsened when India released floodwater from upstream, drying out the Teesta riverbed. This has caused immense concern among local farmers, as the release of water during the dry season is unprecedented. Farmers fear that their crops may be damaged. Despite the water release, the program organizers confirmed that the event will continue along the Teesta banks, with BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman joining virtually.

The High Court has ruled that the appointment of an administrator for the mobile financial service ‘Nagad’ is valid, dismissing the related writ petition. BM Elias Kochi, a lawyer for Bangladesh Bank, clarified that the court referred to Nagad as an agent of the Postal Department. Prior to appointing the administrator, Bangladesh Bank issued a notice to the Postal Department, which responded. After inspecting Nagad’s operations and discovering multiple irregularities, Bangladesh Bank appointed the administrator in the interest of customer protection. The writ petitioner argued that they were not given prior notice, but since Nagad is an agent of the Postal Department, the petitioner could have filed an application with the department, which they did not. Based on these considerations, the writ was dismissed.

In a statement, Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association Secretary-General Mojammel Haque Chowdhury alleged that the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) had succumbed to the demands of CNG rickshaw drivers, who staged rampage across the capital demanding meter-based fare implementation. The BRTA canceled orders to file cases against rickshaws overcharging passengers and allowed the drivers to control the situation. The statement also accused the BRTA, under the leadership of Obaidul Quader, of building a massive syndicate that led to a corruption scandal worth 1,200 crore taka, inflating CNG prices from 3 lakh to 30-35 lakh taka. These drivers are allegedly fueling protests, the association claimed.

During his speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern that Vladimir Putin has become the most influential member of NATO, suggesting that NATO’s decisions may shift according to his will. Prior to this, Putin set two conditions to end the war: Ukraine must abandon its NATO membership aspirations, and Ukrainian troops must withdraw from four Ukrainian regions under Russian control. Following a phone conversation with Putin, former U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at accepting these conditions. In response, Zelensky proposed the creation of a new European military alliance, stating that the U.S. will no longer support Europe as it did in the past.

Officials from the United States and Russia will soon meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, according to Reuters. However, Ukraine has not been invited to the talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Kyiv will not engage in talks with Russia without consulting its strategic partners first. The U.S. delegation will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Walz, and White House Middle East Representative Steve Witkoff. The objective of the discussions, as per McColl, is to arrange a meeting between Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Zelensky to establish peace and bring an end to the conflict.

Israel has violated the ceasefire agreement in Gaza by launching an airstrike on the eastern part of Rafah city. The attack, which targeted members of Hamas-controlled police, resulted in the deaths of three police officers, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Interior. Gaza officials stated that this airstrike, which occurred on Saturday, constitutes a clear violation of the ceasefire that has been in place since January 19. Israel claimed the attack targeted armed individuals approaching their forces. Hamas authorities confirmed the slain officers were stationed to secure the entry of aid trucks into Gaza. The international community has been urged to take a stand against the Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s police forces.

The Director General of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate, Mohammad Aleem Akhtar Khan, has issued a warning of severe penalties for businesses that impose conditions on customers buying edible oil, such as bundling it with other products. He highlighted ongoing market instability in soybean oil prices and assured that companies caught in such practices would be fined. The statement came during a meeting to ensure price stability and a smooth supply of oil ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

The press secretary of the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, announced that the media’s role during the July 1–August 5 period will be thoroughly documented. He emphasized the need for an in-depth review of media coverage in major incidents over the last 15 years. The interim government aims to create a space where all voices are heard, including media critical of the government. A robust environment for accountable journalism will be established, ensuring that all governments remain answerable for their actions.

The Dhaka City Drama Festival, which was scheduled for February 15, was canceled due to internal conflicts. Convener of the Drama Council, Thandu Raihan, confirmed that an order to cancel the event came from the police. In response, Cultural Advisor Mustafa Sarwar Farooki clarified on Facebook that the police had not canceled the event but were prepared to provide security. The main issue stemmed from allegations that some theatre workers, who had made statements during the July popular uprising, were using the festival for rehabilitation. This raised public outcry, and as a result, the Women’s Association canceled the event’s funding. The Advisor expressed regret over the situation, calling it a diversion from the original purpose.

Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus addressed the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) at a recent conference, stating that there is no need to work under pressure or threats from anyone. “You should do what is right for the country, based on the law, as per your own judgment,” he said. Yunus further emphasized that each DC should strive to be number one in their respective districts through creative initiatives, encouraging healthy competition, as no one would want to be ranked last. He also announced the cancellation of the verification process for passports, deeming them as basic civil rights like the National ID and birth registration.

On February 15, during the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the creation of a unified European military force. He emphasized that Europe must become self-reliant in the face of ongoing threats from Russia and the uncertainties posed by the United States. Zelensky insisted that Europe’s future should depend on Europeans themselves and that decisions affecting Europe should be made within Europe. He stated, “Ukraine will never accept any agreements made behind our backs without our involvement.” Zelensky also confirmed that Ukraine would not accept any ceasefire without real security guarantees and emphasized that NATO membership remains a possibility for Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump has expressed interest in meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia to discuss potential paths to end the war in Ukraine. This meeting could also include Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The choice of Saudi Arabia as the venue raises questions, as it is considered a neutral location, and the country is not a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued an arrest warrant for Putin. The US sees an opportunity to strengthen relations between Israel, the US, and Saudi Arabia, adding further significance to the decision. Saudi Arabia’s neutral stance on the conflict makes it an attractive venue for this high-stakes summit.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pledged to oppose US President Donald Trump’s plan to transform Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Speaking at a rally in the Basque Country on February 15, Sánchez stated, “No real estate venture can cover up the horrific human rights violations we have witnessed in Gaza in recent years.” He emphasized that Spain would not approve such plans and condemned the support that US Vice President Mike Pence has shown for right-wing groups in the region. Sánchez, leader of Spain’s Socialist Workers’ Party, advocates for a two-state solution that would allow Palestinians and Israelis to live in “peace, harmony, and security.”

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has announced that police verification will no longer be required for obtaining passports. Speaking at the District Commissioner Conference 2025, he urged officials to ensure that government decisions are effectively communicated to the public. The three-day conference, which began in Dhaka, includes discussions on law and order, public services, infrastructure, and governance. Unlike previous years, there will be no courtesy meeting between DCs and the President. Over 1,200 proposals have been submitted, with law enforcement reforms taking priority.

The government’s success or failure is directly tied to maintaining law and order, said Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus during the formal inauguration of the three-day Deputy Commissioner (DC) Conference.

Speaking at Shapla Hall in his office at 10:30 AM on Sunday, Dr. Yunus emphasized the need for effective administration in all 64 districts. He also announced that police verification will no longer be required for obtaining passports and introduced a ranking system to encourage quality improvements in government services.

A total of 1,245 proposals were submitted for the conference, of which 354 have been included in the official agenda.