Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves saw an increase in February, providing a positive economic outlook. The rise in reserves comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilize the country’s financial sector through strategic policy adjustments. Analysts suggest that effective monetary policies and remittance inflows contributed to the growth.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Mohammad Tazul Islam, warned on Sunday that anyone attempting to undermine the judicial process with false information will face strict legal action. He cited misinformation regarding the hearing of Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam, which led to a national newspaper publishing a correction. He expressed hope that the matter would be resolved but added that criminal activities across the country had been orchestrated under the direct orders of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Israel launched fresh airstrikes on Gaza today, Sunday, following the expiration of the first phase of the ceasefire, killing at least six people. Additionally, Israeli forces have blocked all goods from entering Gaza. Despite ongoing negotiations for a second ceasefire agreement on the 16th day since the January 19 ceasefire deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accused of crimes against humanity, violated the truce. He has threatened to resume intense attacks if Hamas does not agree to extend the ceasefire. Analysts argue that Israel lacks the capability to eliminate Hamas or fully occupy Gaza.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on European leaders to unite in ensuring peace in Ukraine and maintaining stability across Europe. Speaking at a conference alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron, Starmer emphasized the need for stronger defense cooperation through new alliances. He described the situation as a ‘once-in-a-generation challenge’ and a matter of security for every European nation. Both Macron and Starmer are considering forming a new security alliance, seeking support from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

On Sunday night, a 19-year-old armed mugger named Shanto was caught and beaten by locals in Mohammadpur before being handed over to the police. A sharp weapon was recovered from him, while his two accomplices managed to escape. Authorities confirmed that Shanto is a known criminal from the Dhaka Uddan area. He was given first aid at a hospital before being taken into custody by the Mohammadpur police.

A committee formed by the Ministry of Shipping has recommended shutting down four land ports with India due to operational inefficiencies. The ports include Chilahati in Nilphamari, Daulatganj in Chuadanga, Tegamukh in Rangamati, and Balla in Habiganj. Three of these ports lack infrastructure, while the Balla port has infrastructure on the Bangladeshi side but lacks development on the Indian side, preventing full operation. The committee has also suggested conditional operation for four other land ports.

A brazen daylight robbery took place on a passenger bus in Savar's Bank Town area on Sunday afternoon. Five robbers, disguised as passengers, brandished sharp weapons and looted cash, mobile phones, and jewelry from travelers. The robbers fled after stopping the bus at Bank Town, leaving seven passengers injured. A witness described the robbery as occurring in a cinematic fashion within 5–7 minutes. Despite passengers urging the driver to stop in Hemayetpur, he continued driving towards Gulistan. Authorities were alerted with the bus's registration number, and police teams are working to apprehend the culprits.

In Patuakhali, students have initiated a one-taka iftar market throughout Ramadan to support the poor and working-class people. The initiative, run by 'Amra Kalapara Basi,' offers iftar packs containing puffed rice, chickpeas, onion fritters, potato chops, eggplants, and jilapi, providing sufficient food for fasting individuals. The initiative has been well received by the low-income population, including rickshaw pullers, beggars, and orphans, who can purchase iftar for a symbolic one-taka price. Those without any money receive it for free, with volunteers delivering the iftar to those in need.

On Sunday in Mirpur, Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam urged traders not to increase the prices of essential goods during Ramadan. He pointed out that in other religious communities and Middle Eastern Muslim countries, prices are often lowered during festivals, while in Bangladesh, the opposite occurs. He noted that prices are already lower than last year and emphasized that maintaining stable prices without government intervention would be ideal. Regarding the arrest of two female smokers, he mentioned that they had thrown hot tea at bystanders when confronted, urging the public to remain calm in such situations.

Ignoring an immediate withdrawal order from the Home Affairs Advisor, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Chakaria Police Station, Manzur Kader Bhuiyan, was initially transferred to Ukhiya Police Station. However, following widespread criticism, he was withdrawn within 24 hours. The issue arose after journalists accused the OC of abduction and torture during a press briefing in Cox’s Bazar. The advisor, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, ordered his dismissal on the spot, but instead, he was transferred. Amid public outrage, the Chattogram Range DIG, Ahsan Habib Palash, ordered his withdrawal and reassignment to the Chattogram Range Police on Sunday night.

During an inspection of ongoing development work in Uttarkhan, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz assured that carpeting on the main road would be completed before Eid. He also mentioned that Dhaka WASA and DESCO have requested permission to dig up roads for water and electricity work. However, considering public inconvenience, DNCC has decided not to approve new road excavations during the monsoon season. Additionally, he highlighted the risks posed by unplanned building construction, calling it a major challenge to development.

A tragic accident in Bhanga, Faridpur, left a motorcyclist dead on Sunday evening, with his body scattered across the highway. The incident occurred when the victim’s motorcycle hit a pothole, causing him to fall onto the road, where an unidentified vehicle ran over him. Police confirmed that his body was mutilated beyond recognition. In a separate incident on Sunday morning, a pickup truck heading toward Bhanga also fell into a pothole, injuring the driver and another passenger.

The current government has started repaying debts left by the previous administration, which allegedly funneled much of the borrowed money out of the country. A report from the central bank revealed that from August to December of the current fiscal year, the government repaid approximately $5.87 billion in loans from the central bank. Additionally, to rescue liquidity-strapped banks affected by financial mismanagement, the government injected an additional $2.25 billion through printed money. As of December, the government’s total debt to banks and non-banking financial institutions stood at $41.5 billion.

An imam in Chandina, Cumilla, was allegedly assaulted after delivering a sermon against bribery and usury during Friday prayers. The attack reportedly took place at Baniyachang village mosque, involving two teachers. Following the incident, the imam’s supporters vandalized several houses in retaliation. Injured imam Md. Hasan Murad stated that he preaches Sunni beliefs and condemns corruption, which some individuals found unacceptable. He accused local UP member Nurul Islam Master, his brother Zakir, and others of orchestrating the attack.

One person was killed, and three others were injured in a collision between a bus and an auto-rickshaw in Jamalpur on Sunday morning. The accident occurred in Joyrampur on the Jamalpur-Mymensingh road. According to Sadar Police, a bus traveling from Dhaka to Jamalpur collided head-on with a battery-powered auto-rickshaw heading toward Nandina, injuring four people. They were rushed to Jamalpur General Hospital, where one of the injured succumbed to his injuries. Two others were transferred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Enraged by the accident, local residents set fire to the bus. In response to the incident, bus workers staged a one-hour blockade on the Jamalpur-Mymensingh road near the ferry terminal area at noon.