Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has described the recent situation at Bangladesh Bank as the formal beginning of a government-backed 'mob culture'. In a verified Facebook post on Thursday morning, he expressed concern over the reported humiliation of the central bank’s governor and adviser, calling the incident unfortunate and unacceptable. He urged people from all political backgrounds to speak out against such disorder.

In his post, Dr. Rahman said that the country’s economy is already under severe strain due to corruption, extortion, and syndicates, and that continued misconduct at top state institutions like Bangladesh Bank could destroy what remains of the economy. He alleged that mobs are being created within state institutions to harass competent and patriotic officials.

He called on the government to immediately stop such activities and to ensure that appointments to key positions are made based on merit and patriotism rather than party loyalty.

Khan Akram Hossain of Bagerhat, who had been sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 Liberation War, has been acquitted. The verdict was delivered on Thursday morning by a five-member appellate bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury.

Previously, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 had sentenced Sheikh Sirajul Haque alias Siraj Master to death and Khan Akram Hossain to life imprisonment on August 11, 2015. The tribunal found Siraj guilty on five of six charges and Akram guilty on one of three charges. Following the tribunal’s decision, Akram appealed to the higher court seeking acquittal.

According to official records, Akram was born in 1955 in Morrelganj, Bagerhat, and later worked in the agriculture department until his retirement in 2011. The acquittal marks a significant development in the ongoing judicial review of war crimes cases from Bangladesh’s 1971 conflict.

The first session of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament is scheduled to begin on March 12, when President Md. Shahabuddin will deliver his address. According to cabinet sources cited by Amar Desh, the speech will emphasize alleged corruption, irregularities, and misrule during Sheikh Hasina’s 15-and-a-half-year tenure. It will also include descriptions of human rights violations and the July movement that led to the fall of Hasina’s government. The address will reflect the current BNP-led government’s election manifesto.

As per the constitution, the president delivers an address at the first session of a new parliament and at the first session each year. The Cabinet Division prepares the draft speech based on information from ministries, which is then approved by the cabinet. Officials confirmed that the draft for this session has been finalized and is under review. The speech is expected to be about 150 pages long, though the president will read only selected portions.

The address will also recount the context of the February 12 parliamentary election and the interim government’s assumption of power after Hasina’s ouster on August 5, 2024. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Law Minister Asaduzzaman declined to comment on the upcoming speech.

Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has been quietly developing military options for potential strikes on Iran while seeking to avoid direct conflict with President Donald Trump. According to multiple officials, Caine has expressed concerns about the scale and risks of a major operation against Iran, even as Trump has pressed for aggressive plans ranging from targeting missile sites to regime change. Caine has convened secret meetings with senior military leaders outside the Pentagon’s usual secure rooms to prevent leaks and maintain discretion.

Caine’s approach contrasts with that of his predecessor, Gen. Mark Milley, who often clashed with Trump. Determined to maintain influence, Caine has adopted a reserved posture, offering professional advice without overtly challenging the president. Despite his caution, he has overseen the largest US military buildup in the Middle East since the Iraq invasion. Pentagon and White House spokespeople have defended Caine’s conduct, describing him as a disciplined officer who provides unbiased military counsel.

Caine’s balancing act reflects his effort to preserve military nonpartisanship while navigating Trump’s politicized leadership style. His discretion has earned him Trump’s trust but also raised questions among officers about his assertiveness.

Iran and the United States are set to begin a third round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, with Oman acting as mediator. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived on Wednesday and met Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi ahead of Thursday’s session. Both sides have expressed a preference for diplomacy, though Washington has imposed sweeping new sanctions targeting more than 30 individuals, entities, and vessels linked to Iran’s oil sales and weapons programs. The talks come as the US expands its military presence in the Middle East, deploying additional aircraft carriers, destroyers, and fighter jets.

The negotiations follow earlier rounds in Oman and Geneva, where only a tentative understanding on broad principles was reached. US officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have accused Tehran of rebuilding its nuclear program and developing long-range missiles, while Iran insists on its right to peaceful nuclear technology and rejects US allegations. Iranian officials have warned that any US attack would trigger retaliation across the region.

Analysts note that major gaps remain over uranium enrichment and sanctions relief, leaving uncertainty about whether diplomacy can prevent further escalation between Washington and Tehran.

Bangladesh’s Qawmi religious network, encompassing thousands of madrasas and influential clerics, is facing intensified internal political divisions ahead of the country’s 13th parliamentary election in February 2026. Despite its vast social influence, the Qawmi leadership remains fragmented over ideological, generational, and strategic differences. The divisions have become more visible through disputes over leadership, political alliances, and the role of the state in religious education.

Historically rooted in the Deobandi tradition, the Qawmi movement has seen repeated splits since the 1980s, particularly after events such as the 2017 state recognition of Dawra-e-Hadith degrees, the death of Allama Ahmad Shafi in 2020, and subsequent leadership changes within Hefazat-e-Islam. Prominent Qawmi parties—including Hefazat-e-Islam, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis—remain divided over participation in electoral politics and relations with major political blocs. Scholars interviewed by *Amar Desh* cited organizational weakness, leadership rivalries, and power ambitions as key causes of disunity.

In the 2026 election, Qawmi-linked parties collectively secured a small share of votes and a few parliamentary seats, underscoring their inability to form a unified political front. Analysts suggest that these internal fractures will continue to shape Bangladesh’s religious and electoral landscape.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s strong support for Israel during a speech at the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, on the first day of his two-day state visit. Modi, the first Indian leader to address the Knesset, condemned the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack as barbaric and said no cause can justify the killing of innocent civilians. He was warmly received by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described India as a symbol of trust and Modi as more than a friend, a brother.

Despite international criticism over the Gaza war, Modi called India’s partnership with Israel essential for global peace and stability. He expressed support for the UN Security Council–approved Gaza peace initiative and pledged deeper cooperation in defense, security, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology. India remains Israel’s largest defense equipment buyer, with purchases worth about $20.5 billion between 2020 and 2024.

The visit has drawn mixed reactions in India. Opposition parties criticized Modi’s stance, citing India’s traditional support for Palestinian self-determination, while Israeli media highlighted the diplomatic significance of his presence amid global tensions.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking specialized medical treatment for its founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The petition, submitted on Wednesday, February 25, requests his transfer to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for retinal care. PTI lawyer Latif Khosa filed the petition under Rule 35(6) of the Supreme Court Rules 2025 in connection with the Toshakhana criminal case, following the submission of a health report prepared by Barrister Salman Safdar.

The petition asks that Imran Khan be treated by a retina specialist and that his personal physicians, Dr. Faisal Sultan and Dr. Aseem Yusuf, along with family members, be allowed to attend. It also seeks verified copies of all medical reports for his legal team. PTI stated that the 73-year-old leader’s deteriorating health is a concern for his family and the public, noting his repeated calls for independent medical evaluation.

Meanwhile, a two-member Supreme Court bench has suspended Toshakhana case proceedings until the Islamabad High Court delivers its final decision. Imran Khan remains in Adiala Jail, serving a sentence in a £190 million corruption case and facing other pending trials.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned the attack on Hannan Masud, Senior Joint Chief Coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and Member of Parliament for Noakhali-6. The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 25, when Masud was visiting areas affected by post-election violence in Hatiya upazila. According to Jamaat’s statement, armed groups allegedly linked to the BNP and Awami League carried out a planned assault on Masud’s motorcade, injuring 15 to 20 people including the MP.

In a press release, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair described the attack as a violation of democratic norms and political tolerance, saying it reflected a deterioration of law and order. He urged law enforcement agencies to act more responsibly to prevent political violence and demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved. Zubair also wished a speedy recovery for the injured and called on the administration to ensure public safety through impartial and effective measures.

A confidential directive from the Rajshahi Range DIG office has instructed police superintendents in eight districts to take strict measures against Awami League leaders and activists who are released on bail. The letter, signed on February 24, 2026, calls for re-arresting or showing 'shown arrest' in old or new cases if there is concern that influential or organizationally active individuals may resume political activities after release.

The directive emphasizes heightened vigilance toward active members of the Awami League and any banned or suspended organizations, while noting that those lacking organizational capacity or field-level influence need not be re-arrested for now. The letter, signed by DIG Mohammad Shahjahan, PPM (Bar), PhD, describes the matter as highly sensitive and urgent, instructing immediate implementation across Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Natore, Pabna, Sirajganj, Bogura, and Joypurhat.

According to the document, the measure aims to maintain law and order and prevent potential political unrest. It also reiterates strict adherence to existing laws and regulations in providing VIP protocol and security.

Md. Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has alleged that activists from both the BNP and Awami League jointly attacked the motorcade of Abdul Hannan Masud, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Noakhali-6. The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday afternoon in the Chandandi Union’s Prokolpo Bazar area of Hatiya upazila, where Masud had gone to visit residents affected by post-election violence. Nahid made the allegation in a verified Facebook post on Wednesday night.

According to Nahid, local BNP activists initiated the attack, later joined by a group of Awami League-backed assailants, leaving several NCP members injured. He condemned the assault on an elected MP and criticized law enforcement officers present at the scene for failing to intervene effectively. Nahid described the incident as a sign of deteriorating law and order and said it undermined the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

He further demanded investigations into all post-election attacks in Hatiya and the immediate arrest of those involved in the violence.

At least five people were injured on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, when two groups of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) clashed over the lease tender process for markets in Chengarchar municipality under Matlab North upazila of Chandpur district. The confrontation erupted around noon as both sides attempted to submit tender schedules for leasing local markets, including cattle and fish markets and several CNG stands. Police and joint forces intervened to bring the situation under control.

According to local BNP leaders, the dispute began when one faction allegedly obstructed the other from submitting tender schedules after the official deadline. One group accused the administration of bias in accepting tenders, while the other claimed they acted to prevent late submissions. Both sides reported injuries among their supporters, including Badruzzaman, Sayem, and Sofiullah. Police confirmed the altercation but said no formal complaint had been filed.

The upazila executive officer stated that all seven scheduled tenders were submitted and that any grievances could be pursued through legal channels.

Bangladesh Bank witnessed internal unrest on Wednesday after news of the governor’s appointment cancellation. Governor Ahsan H. Mansur left his office around 2 p.m., and soon after, chaos erupted inside the central bank. Under the leadership of Additional Director Touhidul Islam, around 30 officials forced the governor’s adviser, Ahsan Ullah, to leave the premises.

Eyewitnesses reported that as Ahsan Ullah was leaving in his car, Touhidul Islam approached him aggressively while others tried to restrain him. Touhidul Islam was seen pointing fingers, shouting, and using abusive language toward the adviser, while some officials chanted slogans and attempted physical confrontation.

The incident highlighted visible tension within the central bank following the leadership change, though no official statement on the situation was mentioned in the report.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced plans to modernize and strengthen Bangladesh’s border forces, emphasizing professionalism and patriotism among members. He made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon during a discussion marking National Martyred Army Day, attended by the Home Minister, Defense Adviser, chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, senior military officials, and the Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh.

Rahman paid tribute to the 74 people, including 57 army officers, who were killed in the 2009 Pilkhana tragedy, describing it as a deep wound in the nation’s history. He said the government would work to preserve the memory of the February 25–26 events with state honor and ensure long-term welfare for the families of the martyrs. He also recalled the historical roots of the border forces in the 1971 Liberation War and the reforms initiated by former President Ziaur Rahman.

The Prime Minister stressed the need to modernize the national security framework to align with global standards and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening national defense and supporting the families of fallen soldiers.

BNP lawmaker Mobashwer Alam Bhuiyan from Cumilla-10 constituency has instructed party activists to divorce their wives if they voted for the scale symbol, associated with Jamaat-e-Islami, during the 13th national election. He made the remarks last Tuesday at a gathering in Bagmara Bazar of Lalmai upazila. A one-minute-forty-four-second video of his speech has since circulated on social media.

In the video, Bhuiyan is heard saying that any wife who disobeys her husband or supports another party should be divorced. Addressing party members, he accused some BNP activists of hypocrisy, claiming they supported Jamaat financially and that some leaders’ wives also voted for Jamaat. He further criticized those who opposed him before the election but later sought to associate with him publicly.

Attempts to reach Mobashwer Alam Bhuiyan for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not answer phone calls, according to the report.