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.

Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, Education Adviser, announced that specific educational qualifications will now be mandatory for positions in the managing committees of educational institutions across the country. To be eligible for a school managing committee, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree, while a Master’s degree is required for a college managing committee position. The move aims to ensure qualified leadership in educational institutions. Additionally, textbooks for non-exam subjects will be distributed by February, with remote areas prioritized, and efforts are being made to arrange teachers’ retirement benefits via bonds.

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 Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against Nazrul Islam Majumder, the founder of NASA Group and former chairman of Exim Bank, for accumulating illegal assets worth 781 crore 31 lakh 22 thousand 454 Taka. The ACC alleges that Majumder used his power to acquire wealth through corruption, bribery, and money laundering, which is disproportionate to his known income. The case includes charges of embezzlement, financial irregularities, and illegal wealth acquisition.

Senior officials linked to the so-called ‘Police League’ forced Bangladesh’s Narcotics Department to change its newly introduced uniform, citing similarities with police attire. Despite a government committee’s ruling that the colors were distinct, high-ranking police officials pressured the department to comply. The uniform switch cost the government over Tk 4 crore, with the contract awarded to a company linked to an ex-Awami League MP. Further controversy arose as lab tests revealed the new uniforms were of substandard quality, sparking widespread dissatisfaction among officers.

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.

Two people lost their lives in separate road accidents in Gobindaganj, Gaibandha. The accidents occurred on Saturday night in the Chapriganj and Fasitola 18-Mile areas. One of the deceased has been identified as 38-year-old Tara Mia.

According to local sources, a collision between a motorcycle and an auto-rickshaw at Fasitola 18-Mile led to the first fatality. In a separate incident in Chapriganj, a vegetable-laden pickup truck overturned and was subsequently hit by a bus coming from behind, resulting in another fatality. The identity of the second victim has yet to be confirmed.