A businessman named Russell Ahmed (46) was robbed of 47.5 lakh taka by a group posing as Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officers in South Keraniganj. The incident occurred on Thursday at an underpass on the Dhaka-Mawa highway. According to the victim’s complaint, he had sold his wife’s gold jewelry to arrange the money for an urgent need. While returning home, six to seven individuals stopped his vehicle, claiming to be RAB officers, and forced him into a microbus. The robbers blindfolded him, held him at gunpoint, looted the cash, and later abandoned him in a deserted location before fleeing.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for Russia’s return to the G-7, calling its exclusion a “big mistake.” He emphasized that Russia should be part of the group, citing it was originally known as G-8. Trump also believes Russia is eager to rejoin. His comments come amid Canada’s presidency of the G-7 this year, although no immediate reaction has been received from Canada regarding his statement.

Today marks Pohela Falgun, the first day of spring. To welcome the season, the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University is hosting a lively festival at Bakultala. The grand celebration, titled “Boshonto Utsob 1431,” kicked off with the “Somogeet Utsob 1431”, featuring performances themed around “July Uprising: My Song of Rebellion and Love.”

The event showcases a variety of cultural performances, including folk songs and traditional music from indigenous hill communities. Dance performances were staged by students of Pathshala, while Somogeet artists participated in musical pieces inspired by hill and tea garden melodies.

Many visitors expressed their excitement about experiencing the spring festival before heading to the Ekushey Book Fair later in the day.

The Cyber Tribunal, which had been paralyzed for a week due to a lawyers’ boycott, will resume operations from Sunday, according to the Judicial Service Association. The deadlock was resolved after discussions between judicial and legal representatives. The dispute began on February 6 when tensions escalated over bail issues, leading to protests and disruption of proceedings. However, a resolution has now been reached, ensuring the tribunal’s normal functioning.

In a recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there was no discussion about interim government leader Muhammad Yunus or fugitive Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India. Meanwhile, BNP held a press conference urging India to extradite Hasina to Bangladesh. Citing reports from the mass uprising, BNP stated that Hasina’s regime orchestrated systematic attacks and killings to suppress opposition forces.

In a heartbreaking incident in Chunarughat, Habiganj, a man named Abdur Rauf took his own life and that of his two young daughters by ingesting poison. The deceased were identified as Abdur Rauf, his five-year-old daughter Khadija Akter, and his three-year-old daughter Ayesha Akter. According to the police, Rauf had frequent disputes with his wife, who left for her parents' home two days prior, leaving their children behind. In despair, Rauf locked himself in a room with his daughters and consumed poison late Thursday night. Their screams alerted neighbors, but by the time they were rushed to the hospital, doctors declared them dead.

The year 2024 has been recorded as the most dangerous year for journalists, with at least 124 killed across 18 countries, according to a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The report states that Israel is responsible for 70% of these deaths. In comparison, 102 journalists were killed in 2023, while 69 were killed in 2022. CPJ, which has been tracking journalist fatalities for three decades, noted that this year’s toll surpasses previous records, including the 2017 peak of 113 journalist deaths.

A powerful explosion in Harnai, Balochistan, killed 11 coal miners and injured four others, local authorities confirmed. Geo News reported that the explosion, which occurred on February 14, may have been caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted on the road. Some of the injured workers remain in critical condition. Similar attacks have occurred in the region before, but this incident marks one of the deadliest in recent history.

A devastating fire broke out at a resort under construction in the South Korean port city of Busan, resulting in six deaths. According to Reuters, the incident occurred on February 14, with firefighters evacuating around 100 people and rescuing seven injured individuals. South Korea’s acting president has directed authorities to deploy all necessary resources to extinguish the fire and manage the aftermath.

Newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday his interest in negotiating nuclear arms reduction with the leaders of China and Russia. Responding to journalists, Trump stated that nuclear disarmament is a priority in his second term. Meanwhile, Russia expressed skepticism about extending its last remaining nuclear arms control treaty with Washington, raising concerns about a potential deadlock. Trump reaffirmed his commitment to disarmament, emphasizing that there is no justification for producing more nuclear weapons. He also noted that initial discussions on arms reduction with Russia and China were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic during his first term.

Despite the ongoing ceasefire agreement, Israel conducted airstrikes on the besieged Gaza Strip on Thursday (February 13). No immediate casualties were reported. According to Anadolu News Agency, the Israeli military claimed the targeted location was used for launching rockets. Palestinian authorities have yet to respond. The war, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, with more than 12,000 missing. Although a ceasefire was declared on January 19, Israel continues to violate it.

A violent clash broke out between the bride and groom's sides at a wedding in Brahmanbaria, leading to the tragic death of a 12-year-old girl, Moya Akter. The incident occurred on Thursday at 6 PM in Monipur village, Bijoynagar Upazila. The child was fatally injured by sharp weapons and was declared dead at the hospital. According to Bijoynagar Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Rowshan Ali, the clash erupted over a dispute related to music at the event, during which the child was caught in the conflict.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reiterated his criticism of U.S. President Joe Biden’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza. Erdoğan declared, “Gaza belongs to our Palestinian brothers and sisters. By Allah’s will, they will remain in their homeland forever.”

He also referenced the temporary ceasefire agreement announced on January 19, expressing disappointment that Israel failed to uphold its commitments. Erdoğan urged the Arab and Muslim world to stand by the people of Gaza.

Despite price stability in some goods, rice and cooking oil prices have remained volatile for months. Rice prices have increased by 4-6 BDT per kilogram, while soybean oil supply shortages have worsened. Ahead of Ramadan, lemon and broiler chicken prices have also surged.

A market survey in Dhaka’s Khilkhet, Naya Bazar, and Karwan Bazar on Friday revealed that traders are struggling to meet demand, with some calling the supply crisis a “syndicate issue.” One vendor claimed, “We need ten cartons of bottled soybean oil, but we are only receiving one!”

Current prices:
• Miniket rice: 80-84 BDT/kg
• Atash rice: 58-60 BDT/kg
• Nazirshail rice: 76-88 BDT/kg
• Broiler chicken: Increased from 200 BDT/kg to 210 BDT/kg

Both consumers and vendors are urging authorities to closely monitor the market.

A devastating fire broke out at a market and a textile waste warehouse in Tongi’s Mill Gate area of Gazipur early Friday morning at around 4:30 AM. Upon receiving reports from locals, three units of the fire service rushed to the scene. As the fire spread, four more units joined, finally bringing it under control by 7:00 AM. So far, no casualties have been reported. However, 14 shops have been completely destroyed, and significant losses have been incurred in textile waste, raw materials, and grocery products.