Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova expressed shock over Trump’s restraint during his confrontation with Zelensky at the White House. In a Telegram post, she stated, “Among Zelensky’s many lies, the biggest was his claim that Kyiv stood alone in 2022, without support.” She further remarked, “It is a miracle that Trump and Vice President Vance refrained from striking that scoundrel.” The heated exchange between Trump and Zelensky occurred during discussions at the White House, but no agreement was reached regarding potential mineral resource deals.

A White House official reported that former U.S. President Donald Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of being ungrateful for U.S. assistance. In response, Zelensky criticized Trump’s stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, “A murderer should not be given any concessions.” The discussion escalated as Trump’s vice president remarked, “You have not expressed gratitude even once.” Trump nodded in agreement, while Zelensky raised his voice, replying, “I have thanked the American people many times.” Following the tense encounter, Zelensky left the Oval Office without participating in a joint press conference.

The United States is planning to sell nearly $3 billion worth of weapons to Israel. Three separate sales proposals have been sent to Congress. The first deal, worth $2.04 billion, includes 35,529 MK 84 BLU-117 heavy bombs and 4,000 I-2000 penetrator warheads, scheduled for delivery next year. The second package, valued at $675.7 million, consists of 201 MK 83 1,000-pound bombs, 4,799 BLU-110A/B 1,000-pound bombs, and 5,000 JDAM guidance kits, expected to be delivered in 2028. The third deal, amounting to $295 million, includes D9 Caterpillar bulldozers and related equipment, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has warned his enemies to be prepared for a nuclear strike, according to a Reuters report on Friday. Following his statement, North Korea launched a series of cruise missiles in what state media described as a demonstration of the country’s nuclear strike capabilities. Kim declared that safeguarding North Korea’s sovereignty and security depends on its nuclear forces, emphasizing their constant state of readiness. Throughout his speech, he directed strong criticism at the United States and South Korea, intensifying tensions in the region.

Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has indicated that dedicated, people-friendly, and clean-image leaders will be prioritized for party nominations in the upcoming national elections. He also urged party members to maintain discipline and prepare for the election strategically. BNP’s leadership has emphasized unity and the urgent need to resolve internal conflicts for the greater interest of the party and the nation. The high command has reassured members that controversial and opportunistic figures will have no place in the electoral process. Speakers at an extended meeting also warned against the influence of ‘hybrid leaders’ infiltrating the party.

Barkat Ullah Bulu, Vice Chairman of the BNP, made a fiery statement in Chandina, Cumilla, on Friday, claiming that even if Sheikh Hasina were executed 31 times, it would not be enough to deliver justice for the innocent lives lost under her rule. He accused Sheikh Hasina and her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, of betraying the people of Bangladesh and being responsible for mass killings and enforced disappearances. Bulu further alleged that Hasina has siphoned off Tk 270 billion and fled to India. He declared that her trial would take place on Bangladeshi soil. Additionally, he reiterated BNP’s long-standing claim that Ziaur Rahman was the true proclaimer of independence, while Mujib surrendered to Pakistan.

Starting Friday morning, 287 temporary workers of Dinajpur’s Barapukuria coal mine have launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding permanent employment. Since February 23, they had been observing a work stoppage as part of a nationwide movement led by the Central Outsourcing Workers’ Welfare Council. Their five-point demands include eliminating wage discrimination, implementing annual increments, receiving Baishakhi allowances, overtime and festival bonuses, as well as paid casual and maternity leave. Seeing no visible progress on their demands, they have escalated their protest. The workers allege that despite serving for 15-20 years, they remain temporary employees, facing discrimination in salaries and benefits.

At an extended meeting of the Public Rights Council in Kakrail on Friday, Nurul Haque Nur declared, "Enough is enough! We won’t stay silent anymore." He criticized the government for failing to hold accountable those involved in mass killings over the past six months and demanded proper healthcare for the injured. Nur emphasized the need for national unity to move forward, warning against power-hungry individuals.

At a protest on Friday, the Taqi Mancha movement expressed frustration that justice for teenager Tanvir Muhammad Taqi’s murder had not been served even 12 years after the incident. Speakers accused Sheikh Hasina of blocking investigations for personal gain and criticized the interim government for failing to deliver justice despite being in power for seven months. Activist Anu Muhammad remarked that the government’s inaction is deepening public disappointment.

During an event in Ashuganj, Rumin Farhana stressed that a properly elected government is essential for law and order. She cited a deteriorating security situation, including rising theft, muggings, and robberies in broad daylight. She argued that when an elected government is in place, law enforcement agencies function more efficiently, but an unelected government weakens the system.

At a gathering in Shahid Mir Mughdha Square, Bogura, on Friday, Citizen Unity President Mahmudur Rahman Manna accused Sheikh Hasina of killing 1,500 people in a 20-day movement before fleeing the country. He stated that people laid down their lives for a better future and urged politicians to learn from history. Manna also criticized the police for corruption, claiming they refuse to register cases without bribes.

BNP Vice Chairman, former minister, and freedom fighter Abdullah Al Noman bid farewell after a 68-year-long political career. His final rites were held at a school ground in Raozan, Chattogram, on Friday after Asr prayers, and he was laid to rest in the family graveyard. BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury described him as a true people's leader who had served as a student and farmers’ leader, renowned for his humility and eloquence.

The decomposed, sack-wrapped body of madrasa student Dolamoni was recovered from a septic tank at Afzal Hossain’s house in Kursha Union on Thursday night. She had been missing for 41 days. The 4-year-old went missing on January 17 while playing outside. Investigations revealed an ongoing dispute over tailoring fees between her father’s wife and the suspect’s wife. It is believed that the suspects abducted and murdered Dolamoni in retaliation.

A factional clash disrupted the BNP’s Charpakerdah Union conference in Madarganj, Jamalpur, leaving at least seven people injured. Four of them were hospitalized at Madarganj Health Complex. During the confrontation, the conference tent was set on fire, destroying several chairs, and at least six motorcycles were vandalized. The clash occurred on Thursday night between supporters of incumbent committee convener Shah Md. Majnu Fakir and Youth BNP Senior Vice President Biplob Tarafdar.

During the inauguration of the National Citizens Party, Naosher Ali, father of July martyr Jaber Ibrahim, expressed his hopes that the new party would prevent further bloodshed. Recalling past tragedies, he said, "We don’t want a repeat of the bloodshed in 1971, 1990, or 2024." He extended full support to the new party on behalf of martyr families and labeled Sheikh Hasina as a "serial killer."