Hamas has accused the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) of applying double standards in the treatment of Israeli and Palestinian bodies. While the Red Cross conducts formal ceremonies for Israeli bodies, Palestinian martyrs’ remains are reportedly handed over in blue bags with little regard for dignity. Hamas claims this reflects discrimination and the failure of the international community to uphold justice. The accusation follows the transfer of four Israeli bodies by Hamas as part of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.

A new political party, initiated by the National Citizens’ Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, is set to launch this month. Nahid Islam, leader of a mass uprising, is expected to be the Convenor, while Akhtar Hossain is likely to be the Member Secretary. Other key positions include Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah as Chief Organizer and Spokesperson. A launch event is planned for February 26 in Dhaka. Nahid Islam may resign from his advisory role soon to take up party leadership.

A tragic bus accident in Kashiani, Gopalganj, claimed the lives of a driver and a supervisor, leaving 12 others injured. The incident occurred around 11 AM on Saturday in Hironnakandi when a Tungipara Express bus rear-ended a Sohaag Paribahan bus traveling from Dhaka to Khulna, causing it to crash into a tree. Emergency responders rushed the injured to hospitals, where two succumbed to their injuries. Eyewitnesses fear the death toll may rise as authorities continue rescue efforts.

Online gambling is rapidly spreading in Bangladesh, luring young people into losing millions. Foreign-operated betting sites, facilitated by local agents, are siphoning vast sums of money abroad, posing a major economic risk. Mobile financial services like bKash and Nagad are being used for transactions, making regulation difficult. Despite government crackdowns, gambling ads flood social media, targeting users in Bengali. Experts warn of rising addiction, family turmoil, and security threats. Urgent government action and public awareness are crucial to curb this growing menace.

A violent clash broke out between two BNP-affiliated groups—Swechchhasebak Dal and Jubo Dal—over smuggling activities in Feni’s Parshuram. The confrontation left Arif Hossain (40), a member of Swechchhasebak Dal, and Tanveer, a Jubo Dal leader, critically injured with severe head wounds. The incident occurred in the West Saheb Nagar area around 10 p.m. on Friday. Both victims were rushed to Parshuram Hospital. Authorities confirmed the incident stemmed from illegal border activities, including soil excavation and sale.

For the first time, a freight train has been launched from Mongla Seaport, marking a new milestone in cargo transportation. On Friday, a train carrying 1,050 metric tons of molasses imported from Pakistan departed for Baghabari, Sirajganj. The cargo was loaded from United Refinery & Bulk Storage Limited via pipeline into 30 wagons. This new railway link will reduce transport costs and boost trade at Mongla Port. Officials see it as a major step in enhancing the port’s efficiency in handling exports and imports.

A fire erupted at a shop in the Karail slum of Mohakhali, Dhaka, around 12:45 AM on Friday. Ten Fire Service units battled the blaze for an hour before it was brought under control by 1:45 AM. The cause of the fire and damage details remain unknown. Earlier, a fire at a sawmill in Khilgaon was extinguished after two hours. No casualties were reported in either incident, according to Fire Service officials.

In a crackdown on mineral theft along the Jadukata River in Tahirpur, Sunamganj, six individuals have been arrested and sentenced to three months in prison. They were caught stealing sand and stones from the riverbanks. A mobile court, led by Tahirpur’s Upazila Executive Officer, also fined trawler owners 150,000 taka for transporting the stolen materials. The operation was carried out with support from district authorities, police, and Border Guard Bangladesh personnel.

Police arrested two individuals, including a banned Chhatra League leader, during a raid in Ashulia’s Gazirchat Ariyara Mor on Friday evening. The arrestees are Md. Sabuj Uddin Khan (26), a leader of the banned student organization, and Selim Reza (25), an active member of Jubo League. Sabuj Uddin Khan is facing charges related to a student-public murder case. The arrests were part of the ongoing Operation Devil Hunt. Both suspects will be presented in court on Saturday.

Police have arrested four individuals in connection with the abduction of 25 rubber plantation workers in Lama, Bandarban. On February 16, armed criminals kidnapped the workers from Murung Jhiri, Fasiakhali Union, and later released them after extorting 10 lakh taka in ransom. Following the incident, Jasim Uddin filed a case at Lama Police Station. The arrested individuals are from Thanchi, Ruma, and Lama. OC Shahadat Hossain confirmed the arrests and stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.

At the 55th BGB-BSF conference in New Delhi (Feb 17-20), Bangladesh and India’s border forces agreed on six key issues, including reducing border killings to zero through joint patrols, regulating border infrastructure, curbing cross-border crimes, strengthening surveillance, combating human trafficking, and enhancing bilateral cooperation. BGB urged BSF to prevent unnecessary border violence, while BSF reaffirmed its commitment to a non-lethal approach. Discussions also covered flood prevention, waste management in border canals, and security concerns regarding separatist groups. A joint declaration formalized these agreements.

With the national election ahead, BNP plans to stay active throughout Ramadan, emphasizing grassroots engagement through Iftar gatherings and organizational activities. While large rallies won’t be held, leaders and activists will conduct local meetings, religious events, and diplomatic outreach. The party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, will join major events virtually. BNP aims to strengthen its presence, resolve internal conflicts, and prepare for the elections by boosting public support and trust. Leaders believe this strategy will shape the election atmosphere nationwide.

Following the vandalism of a Shaheed Minar on the night of February 21 in Cumilla, two separate investigation committees have been formed by the Upazila administration and the college authorities. The incident, which occurred on International Mother Language Day, sparked widespread outrage on social media. Authorities have launched probes, with reports expected within three to seven days. Initial investigations suggest local involvement, though no CCTV footage is available. Police are working to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Police have recovered the hanging body of a student from a dormitory at Rajshahi University. The incident took place on Friday evening at Tuhin Hall, where the body was discovered.

Proctor Professor Mahbubur Rahman confirmed the matter. The deceased has been identified as Md. Sifat Sifatullah, a student of the Fisheries Department from the 2022-23 academic session.

His body has been sent to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for autopsy.

Describing him as a devout and well-mannered individual, his classmate Hasib Chowdhury said, “He had been suffering from depression for some time, but he never shared it with us.”

Minara Begum, wife of former Jamaat-e-Islami Bahubal secretary Abdul Ahad Ibn Malek, was brutally hacked to death at her home in Paschim Jaipur, Habiganj. She was an assistant teacher and an active member of the party’s women’s wing. Her husband returned home after official events to find her bloodied body and their seven-month-old child under the bed. Police, including the Habiganj SP, visited the scene and launched an investigation. Authorities are working to determine the motive and identify the attackers.