Elon Musk, billionaire entrepreneur and advocate for fiscal reform, has warned that the United States will face bankruptcy if significant budget cuts are not implemented. According to AFP, Trump's administration has issued multiple executive orders to reduce government spending, but legal battles over their legitimacy have emerged. Musk further stated that as part of cost-cutting measures, only one government employee will be hired for every four who retire.

A police headquarters press release on Wednesday (February 12) reported that security forces arrested 591 individuals in the latest phase of the nationwide crackdown, ‘Operation Devil Hunt.’ Additionally, 1,095 people wanted in various cases were detained. In the past 24 hours alone, 1,668 individuals were arrested. Authorities recovered a foreign pistol, a looted police rifle, two LG firearms, four one-shooter guns, and various other weapons.

Families of army officers killed in the 2009 BDR mutiny have claimed they are receiving threats from Awami League members for filing cases against Sheikh Hasina at the International Crimes Tribunal. At a press conference, the newly formed ‘Shaheed Sena Association’ demanded that convicted BDR rebels not be granted bail or released.

According to a U.S. intelligence report published by The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday (February 12), Israel is considering striking Iran’s nuclear facilities this year. The report states that Israel is seeking U.S. support for such an operation, believing Trump might endorse it. Israeli officials have emphasized the need for American assistance, particularly in arms supply. However, the Israeli Prime Minister recently stated that he prefers a nuclear-free agreement with Iran over military conflict.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has arrived in Islamabad on a two-day official visit at the invitation of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Erdogan was welcomed by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, First Lady Asifa Bhutto, and other senior officials. During his visit, Erdogan and Sharif will engage in high-level discussions to strengthen bilateral relations and economic cooperation. A joint declaration and several key agreements are expected to be signed.

During an interview with Al Jazeera on Wednesday (February 12), Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri stated that Hamas remains committed to the agreed hostage release schedule but will not release all Israeli hostages on Saturday. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that failure to release hostages by Saturday would result in severe consequences. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in, stating, "If all hostages are not returned by Saturday noon, I believe it's time to call off the ceasefire deal."

Following a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II reaffirmed their countries' unified stance on Gaza. They stressed that Palestinians must not be displaced from their homeland. Trump had earlier warned that if Egypt and Jordan refused to accept Palestinian refugees, U.S. aid to these nations could be cut. Arab News reports that Egypt and Jordan are leading a strong regional resistance against Trump's plan to relocate Gazan Palestinians to their territories.

Filmmaker and advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki compared the country’s 16-year ordeal to the infamous Ayna Ghor detention center. In a Facebook post, he recalled his friend Sajedul Islam Suman, who was allegedly executed and disposed of in the Shitalakkhya River under orders from intelligence officials.

On his birthday, anti-discrimination student activists honored Abrar Fahad, a Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) student who was brutally killed by expelled Chhatra League members. Their tribute described him as a guiding light in the fight against fascism and Indian hegemony.

In a Fox News interview, Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine may or may not reach a peace deal and could potentially become part of Russia in the future. He demanded that Ukraine repay the vast financial aid it received from the U.S., proposing that the country use its rich agricultural land and natural resources to settle the debt.

During a visit to the notorious Ayna Ghor detention center, Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Arman recounted his harrowing eight-year captivity. He described being blindfolded and handcuffed behind his back at all times, even during prayers. He told interim government officials that he was subjected to extreme conditions, often left bound and motionless for 24 hours. Arman was released on August 6.

The interim government has welcomed the UN Human Rights Office’s report on the violent crackdown on students and workers by the Sheikh Hasina-led administration. The government reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, stating that the UN’s independent investigation has exposed grave human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and excessive force.

During a protest, anti-discrimination student movement leader Hasnat Abdullah declared that the interim government must take responsibility for investigating the BDR massacre. He assured protesters that a meeting with advisor Asif Nazrul would take place within the week to discuss six demands, including reinstating dismissed BDR members. Abdullah alleged foreign interference in the Pilkhana killings. Protesters, defying police water cannons, marched into the Secretariat, staging a dramatic sit-in wearing funeral shrouds.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has stated that the former Awami League government employed systematic brutality to maintain power amid public opposition. A UN investigation into human rights violations during the July-August uprising in Bangladesh found credible evidence against security forces and the former ruling party. The report suggests that these acts could amount to international crimes and calls for further criminal investigations.

A case has been filed in Sunamganj against five expatriates for allegedly defaming interim government leader Dr. Muhammad Yunus and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The case was lodged by Ramzan Ali, a former member of Jubo Dal's Sunamganj municipal unit. The accused, including Ahmed Chowdhury and Salma Akter, are charged with publishing derogatory images and making offensive remarks.