Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that the nation must move forward by embracing the spirit of 1952, 1971, 1990 and 2024. He made the statement on Friday, February 27, 2026, while attending an iftar event organized by the NGO ESDO in Thakurgaon, where he was present as the chief guest. The minister announced that preliminary work for a medical college has begun and that the establishment of Thakurgaon University will start soon. He also mentioned that initiatives to set up an airport and an export processing zone (EPZ) are underway. According to him, the government has already waived agricultural loans of 10,000 taka with interest for farmers, fulfilling promises made earlier. Mirza Fakhrul added that following the recent mass uprising, efforts are ongoing to build a new Bangladesh through national unity. He emphasized collective participation in nation-building and reaffirmed that they have never given up and will not do so in the future.

Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) has suspended the trial launch of its Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) service. The company confirmed the decision in an official Facebook post on Friday, February 27, 2026, citing unavoidable reasons. BTCL stated that customers will be informed later about the marketing of MVNO SIM cards. Earlier, BTCL had announced that its MVNO SIM and triple-play packages combining voice, data, and content would be available from February 15 at sales centers in Ramna, Gulistan, and Gulshan. The company had also inaugurated the trial of an unlimited quad-play service under the MVNO model on February 3 at its Ramna office. The government had granted BTCL approval for the experimental MVNO network on November 25 of the previous year. BTCL had planned to provide mobile services using Teletalk Bangladesh Limited’s network infrastructure under the MVNO model, which allows service without owning a mobile network. The suspension delays the company’s planned entry into the mobile service market.

At a special iftar gathering in Gulshan, Dhaka, organized by the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF), Dr. Zubaida Rahman announced that the government will prioritize the development of women and disadvantaged children. The event, held on Friday, brought together underprivileged women, children, and laborers from areas such as Bhashantek and Korail slums. ZRF leaders reaffirmed their commitment to humanitarian service and social inclusion. In her remarks, Dr. Rahman emphasized empowering women to become self-reliant and ensuring a safe future for children. She highlighted the importance of teaching a third language alongside Bangla and English and incorporating technical education from the secondary level to improve employment prospects. She stated that women would be placed at the center of family and social development, aligning with the BNP’s belief that women’s dignity and economic independence are key to national progress. Dr. Rahman also noted that the BNP’s election pledges for public welfare would be implemented gradually. The event concluded with a special prayer for the nation’s well-being.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam extended support to farmer Mojibur Matubbar, who lost all his belongings in a fire that broke out on February 20 in Saltha upazila of Faridpur. On February 27, she visited Khoar village in Atghar Union and handed over financial assistance and essential relief materials to the affected family. Upon her arrival at the Saltha upazila premises, the minister was welcomed by the local administration and received a guard of honor from the police. After distributing aid, she attended an iftar gathering at Phulbaria High School field organized by BNP and its affiliated organizations from Ballavdi, Jadunandi, and Sonapur unions. During the visit, Shama Obaid described the family’s loss as tragic and assured that the government would ensure their rehabilitation and official assistance. The affected farmer expressed gratitude for the minister’s help, saying the support rekindled hope for rebuilding his home after suffering an estimated loss of about five lakh taka in the fire.

Newly appointed administrator Abdus Salam announced his plan to transform Dhaka South City into a clean and green city. He made the declaration on Friday at Lalbagh Hriday Party Center during a brief speech before an iftar event organized by Ward 24 BNP under Lalbagh Police Station. Salam urged residents to keep household and shop waste in designated spots for collection by city workers and warned that contractors charging more than 100 taka for waste collection would lose their approval. He said the initiative follows the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to make both Dhaka South and Dhaka North clean and green cities. Salam emphasized preserving Old Dhaka’s heritage, including its food culture and historical sites, to attract local and foreign visitors. He also pledged strict action against extortion, mugging, and drug-related crimes, regardless of the offenders’ political affiliations or influence. Addressing public health concerns, Salam noted the growing mosquito problem in Dhaka and said the city corporation would intensify mosquito control and dengue eradication efforts.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Anisul Huq stated that the current government seeks to advance justice through transparency, emphasizing that only by following this path can the desired goals be achieved. He made the remarks on Friday in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi while addressing an iftar event organized by the Bangladesh Judicial Service Association. The minister said that while performing his duties, he must consider both the interests of lawyers and the fair access to justice for the public. He added that observing the strengths and weaknesses of the judiciary is a moral responsibility. Referring to his first meeting with the Prime Minister after assuming office, he noted that she had stressed ensuring an environment where the judiciary can function independently. He reaffirmed his commitment to that directive and expressed hope that judges would continue to perform their duties impartially. He further remarked that institutions must be treated with respect and affection, warning that neglect could lead to their decline.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the country’s army to respond to any form of aggression against the nation. He issued the order during a visit to the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters on Friday afternoon, where military officials briefed him on the ongoing situation with Afghanistan. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif instructed the army to adopt a ‘zero tolerance’ policy toward any hostile acts targeting Pakistan. Sharif stated that actions by the Afghan Taliban administration or by the group known as Fitna al-Kharij (the official name of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP) are unacceptable. He affirmed that under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s armed forces are ready to defend the country and know how to protect themselves against aggression. The statement also noted that Sharif praised the military for repelling Taliban attacks in border areas and conducting strong counteroffensives. He added that the entire nation stands in solidarity with the armed forces.

Tensions have intensified along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border as both sides reported heavy losses following recent clashes. On Thursday, Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that Taliban forces attacked and captured several Pakistani border posts, killing security personnel. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar denied the Taliban’s claims, asserting that Pakistani forces had effectively responded and killed 36 Taliban fighters, while confirming the deaths of two Pakistani soldiers. The renewed violence follows Pakistan’s February 21 airstrikes in Afghanistan targeting militant hideouts, which Islamabad said killed more than 80 fighters. The Taliban’s interim defense ministry condemned those strikes and warned of a future response. Analysts cited in the report said a full-scale conventional war remains unlikely due to the Taliban’s limited air and logistical capabilities. Experts also noted that the Taliban’s arsenal includes weapons left by former Afghan and foreign forces, but their air power remains weak. Security analysts observed that the Taliban continue to rely on guerrilla tactics, using light weapons and improvised explosives, while Pakistan maintains a conventional army with superior air capabilities.

The United States has instructed its citizens to leave Israel immediately amid growing fears of a possible Iranian attack. The directive, issued by the US State Department on Friday, also advised against traveling to Israel at this time. Citizens were told to plan their departure while commercial flights remain available, according to The Guardian. The order follows inconclusive talks between Iran and the United States held in Geneva, Switzerland, where no clear resolution was reached. Washington and Tehran are expected to resume discussions next week. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has deployed two aircraft carriers, a dozen warships, and several dozen fighter jets to the Middle East, raising concerns that a military strike could follow if negotiations fail. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has informed embassy staff that those wishing to leave should do so immediately. The United States has also demanded that Iran completely halt its nuclear activities and dismantle its three main nuclear facilities.

Pakistan’s defense minister has declared a ‘direct war’ against Afghanistan following airstrikes carried out by the Pakistani military in Kabul and two other provinces. The announcement marks a sharp escalation in hostilities between the two neighboring countries. Afghanistan affairs expert Amin Saikal told BBC’s Newsday program that this represents a very serious development, indicating Islamabad’s intent to punish the Afghan Taliban for allegedly supporting armed groups behind recent attacks in Pakistan. Saikal, founder of the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Australian National University, noted that both sides have long been at odds, but Pakistan’s latest move shows it is striking harder in response to Taliban support for Pakistani militants. Saikal, author of “Modern Afghanistan,” warned that the rising tension could be disastrous for the Afghan people, who are already struggling with severe economic hardship.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested Md. Anwar, the prime accused in the rape of a six-year-old girl in Jorarganj, Chattogram. The arrest took place on February 27, 2026, at Khan City Center in the Baraiyarhat area, following a directive from Chattogram-1 (Mirsharai) Member of Parliament Nurul Amin. The victim’s parents had sought justice from the MP on February 23, prompting him to instruct authorities to ensure the suspect’s swift arrest. According to RAB, the incident occurred on February 11 when the child went to play at Anwar’s house and was later found crying, alleging that he had assaulted her. The victim’s mother discovered signs of physical harm, and the child was taken first to Mirsharai Upazila Health Complex and later referred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital. A case was filed under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act on February 13. RAB-7 officials confirmed that Anwar was handed over to Jorarganj police for legal proceedings, and the police later produced him before the court.

Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan Amir Maulana Habibullah Miyaji stated that true justice cannot be achieved without establishing Islamic governance based on the Quran and Sunnah. He argued that only divine laws can eradicate interest, bribery, and corruption from the country. Miyaji made these remarks on Friday at the Fars Hotel in Dhaka’s Paltan area during a discussion, prayer, and iftar event organized by the Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan to mark the 'Oath Day for Establishing Islamic Governance.' He emphasized that since both the land and humanity belong to Allah, implementing divine laws in all spheres of life is the only guarantee of peace and salvation. Miyaji urged that during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims should renew their commitment to strengthen efforts for establishing Islamic governance in the country. The event was attended by leaders from various Islamic and political organizations, including Khelafat Andolan, Islami Andolan, Khelafat Majlis, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Oikya Andolan, and others.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has accused Pakistan of attempting to impose its internal conflicts on Afghanistan. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Mujahid said Afghanistan seeks positive relations with all countries, assuring the international community that Afghan territory will not be used against any nation. He emphasized that Afghanistan’s foreign policy is based on mutual respect and that it does not wish to pursue hostility toward others. Mujahid described Pakistan’s internal conflict as a long-standing domestic issue, citing the ongoing fighting between Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Pakistani military since 2007. He noted that Afghanistan’s Taliban have been in power for nearly four years, arguing that Pakistan’s attempt to link its internal problems to Afghanistan is baseless. Mujahid further alleged that Pakistan has repeatedly violated Afghan airspace and targeted civilians, including women and children, in bombings. He claimed Pakistan has broken previous ceasefire agreements and reiterated that Afghanistan has only exercised its legitimate right to self-defense. Mujahid called for resolving disputes through dialogue and reaffirmed the Taliban government’s commitment to peaceful solutions.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that the company has reached an agreement with the United States Department of Defense to provide its artificial intelligence technology for use within a classified network. The deal follows the withdrawal of Anthropic, the Pentagon’s previous contractor, which had raised ethical objections to the military’s use of AI. Altman said the Defense Department demonstrated a “deep respect for safety” and agreed that OpenAI’s technology would not be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapon systems, emphasizing that humans would retain responsibility for the use of force. The announcement came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies to stop using Anthropic’s technology, citing disagreements with the company’s leadership. Anthropic had refused to remove safeguards that prevented its AI from being used for surveillance or autonomous weapons. Reports also alleged that Anthropic’s Claude AI had been used by the U.S. military in the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this year. Human rights advocates have expressed concern about the unregulated use of AI in military operations, referencing similar systems reportedly deployed by the Israeli army in Gaza.

United States President Donald Trump announced on Friday that all federal agencies must immediately stop using technology from artificial intelligence company Anthropic. The directive includes a six‑month phaseout period for the Department of Defense and other agencies where Anthropic’s systems are already embedded. Trump issued the order on Truth Social, saying the government would no longer do business with the San Francisco‑based startup. The move came during an escalating conflict between the Pentagon and Anthropic over the military’s use of AI in warfare. The dispute centers on a $200 million Pentagon contract and disagreements about safeguards on Anthropic’s AI model, Claude. Anthropic had sought assurances that its technology would not be used for mass surveillance or fully autonomous weapons, but said new contract language undermined those protections. The Pentagon had threatened to classify the company as a supply‑chain risk, while Trump warned of civil and criminal consequences if Anthropic failed to cooperate with the phaseout. The decision drew criticism from Senator Mark Warner, who questioned whether national security policy was being guided by analysis or politics. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman publicly supported Anthropic’s stance, reflecting broader unease in Silicon Valley over government pressure on AI firms.