U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled that the Ukraine war may soon end after a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is the first direct communication between the leaders in years. Trump also proposed that Ukraine share its mineral resources in exchange for U.S. support. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is open to negotiations, seeking U.S. security guarantees, and could meet with Trump soon. He stresses the importance of direct talks with Trump before any discussions with Putin.

US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to suspend American aid to South Africa. According to Reuters, this move criticizes the South African government’s law that allows for the expropriation of land from white farmers, a policy the Trump administration deems discriminatory. Trump accused the South African government of seizing land from minority white farmers through legislation passed in January. Johannesburg has denied these allegations. Trump also expressed frustration over South Africa’s stance on the genocide accusations against Israel and its alliance with Iran.

Bangladesh’s economy has made a strong recovery, with key indicators showing significant improvement, according to Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam. Speaking at a press briefing, he stated that macroeconomic stability has returned, with foreign reserves at $20 billion, covering 3.5 months of imports. Export growth has reached 10%, new jobs are being created, and inflation has dropped from 12% to 9%. The government expects inflation to fall further to 7.5% by July, ensuring price stability during Ramadan.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha acknowledged India’s dependence on Bangladesh, stating that both nations need each other. Speaking at a press conference in Agartala, he highlighted completed but stalled projects like the Maitri Bridge and the Agartala-Akhaura rail link. Recent tensions, including attacks on Bangladesh’s consular office in Tripura, led to a diplomatic strain. However, Saha expressed hope that once conditions stabilize, these projects will resume, stressing that Bangladesh, too, cannot function without India’s support.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed India’s statement regarding the vandalism and arson attack at Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence on Dhanmondi 32 as “unwanted” and an interference in the country’s internal affairs. The ministry’s spokesperson, Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, stated that Bangladesh does not expect such remarks from India. He also pointed out that the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s political statements from India are not being well received by the people of Bangladesh. The government has already clarified its position regarding the unrest that followed her speech on February 5.

This year, Mehedi Hasan Khan, the creator of the Avro Keyboard, was nominated for the Ekushey Padak in the Science and Technology category. However, three more contributors to the Avro project will also receive the prestigious award. Filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki revealed that Mehedi Hasan initially declined the award. Nevertheless, the authorities proceeded with the decision to honor him. Later, Mehedi Hasan stated that he did not want to take full credit for Avro’s success alone. He acknowledged the contributions of his three collaborators—Rifat Nabi, Tanbin Islam, and Shabab Mustafa. In recognition of their role in the project, the decision was made to award the Ekushey Padak to all four of them.

In a nationwide crackdown under Operation Devil Hunt, law enforcement agencies arrested 1,308 individuals to maintain law and order. The police headquarters confirmed the arrests on Sunday, stating that 274 were apprehended in metropolitan areas and 1,034 in regional zones. The interim government launched the operation to bring criminals under legal action. The decision was made on Saturday during a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs, where law enforcement agencies coordinated their efforts for the large-scale operation.

Australia clinched a historic Test series victory in Sri Lanka after 14 years, winning the second Test by nine wickets. The visitors dominated the series, securing the first Test convincingly before wrapping up the second with ease. Sri Lanka struggled with the bat, getting bowled out for 257 in the first innings, while Australia responded strongly with 414, gaining a significant 157-run lead. In their second innings, Sri Lanka managed 231 runs, setting Australia a modest target of 75, which they chased down comfortably. The last time Australia won a Test series in Sri Lanka was in 2011.

At least 13 people were injured in a violent clash between two factions of the BNP over the leasing of Karitola Bazaar and the historic Poradah Mela in Bogura. The incident took place on February 8, with the injured receiving treatment at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital. Kamalpur BNP Union President Rezaul Karim claimed that his supporters were attacked by a group led by BNP Union Vice President Mokhlesur Rahman Hiltu, who was allegedly backed by Awami League activists. However, Mokhlesur Rahman countered the claim, stating that his group was attacked while having tea at a local market.

Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Economic Advisor to the government, has stated that no final decision has been made regarding inflation allowance for government employees. Speaking at a seminar on the role of remittances in the national economy, he mentioned that Bangladesh has not met all the conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which is why it is said that the country has “failed” to comply with IMF requirements. He also noted that balancing government revenue and expenditure is crucial, and various demands from teachers are being considered for the upcoming budget. Emphasizing the importance of sending skilled workers abroad, he warned that remittance through informal channels (hundi) does not contribute to official foreign reserves, which he identified as a negative factor.

Billionaire entrepreneur and close associate of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, has stated that he has no interest in acquiring TikTok’s operations in the United States. His remarks, made via video link from Germany in January, surfaced a week later. Musk clarified that he has no plans for TikTok, as he doesn’t use the platform. According to AFP, TikTok is facing legal pressure in the U.S. that could force its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to either divest its ownership or shut down operations in the country.

A Chattogram court has granted a two-day remand for former Member of Parliament (MP) Abu Reza Muhammad Nezamuddin Nadvi in connection with a murder case. The Chattogram Metropolitan Police had requested a five-day remand, but the court approved two days. Multiple cases have been filed against Nadvi following the recent mass uprising. After months in hiding, he was arrested in Dhaka on December 15. Previously, the court had granted an eight-day remand for him in other cases.

Bangladesh Bank will announce a new monetary policy tomorrow for the last six months of the fiscal year, prioritizing inflation control, foreign reserves, and exchange rate stability. Despite previous rate hikes failing to curb inflation, the central bank will keep policy interest rates unchanged. Experts argue that raising rates increases production costs and worsens inflation. Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, announcing his first policy, aims for a cautious approach. Analysts stress the need for market regulation and coordinated institutional efforts to tackle inflation effectively.

As part of the nationwide "Devil Hunt" operation, law enforcement agencies have arrested 65 Awami League leaders and activists in Gazipur district. On Sunday morning, Gazipur Police Superintendent Chowdhury Md. Jaber Sadeq confirmed the arrests, stating that police operations were conducted in several areas, including Sreepur, Kaliganj, Kapasia, Kaliakoir, and Joydebpur, resulting in 40 arrests. Additionally, two individuals were arrested from Tongi East and Pubail police stations, five from Gacha police station, eight from Basan police station, two from Konabari police station, and four each from Sadar and Kashimpur police stations. The Deputy Commissioner of Gazipur confirmed the arrest of 25 individuals on Sunday.

Former Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md. Ruhul Amin has been sent to prison over allegations of document forgery related to a land acquisition case. According to court sources, Kaysarul Islam Chowdhury filed a case in 2014, accusing Amin and 27 others of embezzling approximately Tk 200 crore in compensation for the Matarbari Power Plant land acquisition. The name of the then Deputy Commissioner was reportedly removed before sending documents to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). On July 1 last year, the ACC submitted an investigation report against five individuals. In light of the accusations, Ruhul Amin voluntarily surrendered to the court.