A mild earthquake struck Sylhet at 2:55 AM on Wednesday night. No immediate reports of damage or casualties have been received. Meteorologist Mostafa Kamal Pasha confirmed the occurrence. Due to the late hour, many residents did not feel the tremor, but those who did shared their experiences on Facebook. The earthquake’s epicenter was in Kharupatia, Assam, India. Experts predict possible aftershocks within the next 24 hours.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has stated that his party does not believe in dividing humanity based on majority-minority distinctions. He expressed opposition to what he called a country dominated by "godfathers, godmothers, and fascist mafias." Urging people not to consider themselves minorities, he called for unity, stating that everyone born in Bangladesh is an equal and proud citizen. He also warned against neighbors engaging in dishonorable actions and stressed the need to protect national interests. During his speech, he paid tribute to those who lost their lives between October 26, 2006, and August 5, 2024.

During an early morning visit to Mirpur, Darus Salam, Adabor, and Mohammadpur police stations on Thursday, the Home Affairs Advisor instructed law enforcement agencies to remain alert to maintain order. He emphasized that the police must ensure people can sleep peacefully and move about without fear. As part of these efforts, monitoring and patrolling have been intensified, and ministry officials have been assigned specific responsibilities. The Advisor warned that those attempting to destabilize the situation would be arrested. While joint operations will cease once conditions improve, other security operations will continue as planned.

BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused the Home Affairs Advisor of failing to take effective measures to ensure public security. He claimed that cultural programs are being deliberately obstructed and that the government has yet to meet public expectations. While the state is responsible for law enforcement, people did not anticipate the growing influence of local criminal groups. Expressing concern over incidents such as disruptions during the Boshonto Boron (Spring Festival) and attacks on religious shrines, Rizvi urged the Home Affairs Advisor to take swift action against neighborhood crime lords.

A case has been filed against 362 individuals, including 62 specifically named, following the death of school student Junaid Islam Ratul (14) in a shooting during mass protests in Bogura. Ratul’s father lodged the case at the Sadar police station on February 17.

On Tuesday night, police arrested one of the accused, Manju Sarkar. According to the case details, on August 5, Ratul and his brother-in-law Amir Hamza joined student protests in the city. The accused allegedly used both local and foreign weapons to instill fear. One of the accused, Subhashish Poddar Liton, reportedly fired a shotgun at Ratul with intent to kill. After months of treatment, Ratul succumbed to his injuries on September 23.

Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET) has expelled four students permanently and taken disciplinary action against a total of 48 students. Among them are Fahmid Latif Leon, President of the banned organization Chhatra League’s RUET unit, and its General Secretary, Soumik Saha. The university’s disciplinary committee, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, found them guilty of attacking protestors during the July uprising and engaging in exam malpractice. Additionally, legal action has been initiated against three university officials.

BNP leader Hummam Quader Chowdhury stated that while he never dreamed of becoming a professional athlete, he now sees an opportunity to play in the political arena. Speaking at the final match of a football tournament, he urged supporters not to leave him alone in this new journey. Reflecting on the past 16 years, he noted how the ruling party has often criticized his father, but today, standing on stage beside a portrait of his father labeled as a martyr, he feels a sense of recognition. He appealed to the public to support him as they once did for his father and pledged to build a proposed stadium in the future.

During a meeting with Germany’s Commissioner for Economic Cooperation, Sarah Brun, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed Bangladesh’s desire to strengthen trade and investment relations with Europe’s largest economy. Praising Germany’s leadership in heavy industries and global markets, he emphasized the need for a deeper strategic partnership. As Bangladesh approaches its December elections, Dr. Yunus sought German support for implementing reform initiatives. Sarah Brun, currently visiting Bangladesh to learn about social business and microfinance, commended Professor Yunus’s leadership and expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s path to prosperity under his guidance.

Bangladesh Police have arrested 678 individuals in the past 24 hours under Operation ‘Devil Hunt.’ An additional 1,012 people were apprehended under various other charges, bringing the total to 1,690. Law enforcement also seized firearms, including a 4.5mm pistol, a shotgun, and a locally made single-barrel gun, along with ammunition. Authorities confiscated multiple sharp weapons, including machetes, knives, and iron rods.

Dhaka University (DU) authorities have stated that they cannot announce the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) election schedule until all necessary preparations are complete. A press release emphasized that multiple reform committees are actively working on election logistics, gathering input from student organizations, journalists, and other stakeholders. The election timeline will be finalized only after these processes are completed.

A young man named Momenul Islam Mokmin (28) was brutally hacked to death in Ashulia due to an ongoing dispute. Police have arrested six suspects linked to the murder. According to locals, the prime suspect, Rubel, had been pressuring Mokmin to join his drug business. Mokmin refused, leading to a deadly confrontation. He was attacked on Tuesday night and succumbed to his injuries hours later.

A group of veiled women in Jessore, led by Musammat Anjuara Begum and Rajiyatunnesa, held a human chain protest demanding fingerprint-based national ID verification instead of facial recognition. They submitted a memorandum to the district election office, citing discrimination against fully covered women. Protesters claimed that thousands of veiled women have been denied citizenship rights for 16 years and face educational discrimination. They urged authorities to make fingerprint authentication mandatory and ensure female officials handle the process.

BNP-backed former representatives have demanded that national elections be held before local government elections. At a rally, they warned of street protests if their demand is ignored. A five-member delegation was sent to submit a memorandum to the Chief Adviser. Speakers at the rally accused the ruling party of severe oppression and called for fair elections.

Following the resignation of Nahid Islam, Mahfuz Alam has been appointed as the new Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The Cabinet Division announced the appointment on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications remains under the advisory leadership of Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Nahid Islam resigned from both ministries on February 25 and is expected to lead a new political party launching on February 28.

The World Bank has pledged support for the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) to restore canals, prevent water pollution, and promote sustainable urban development. In a meeting with DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz, World Bank representatives discussed collaborative efforts to combat waterlogging and pollution. Key figures in the delegation included senior water specialists Harsh Goel, David Malcolm Lord, and Arif Ahmed.