In a Facebook post on Sunday afternoon, Engineer Ishraq Hossain declared that no local government elections would take place as long as he is alive. He wrote, “First, fight me in the heart of Dhaka—South Dhaka. Send me to my grave, and only then can you try.” He further warned, “Think a hundred times before allowing fascism to take root in the area. Before anything else, the dismissed commission members and Hasina’s killer gangs must face justice, be punished, and be eradicated.” Ishraq also cautioned that an election without party symbols would lead to the rise of Sheikh Hasina’s ruthless and inhumane forces. He reaffirmed his support for his party’s stance during this critical time.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of shares worth BDT 8,133 crore ($730 million) belonging to controversial businessman S. Alam and his family members. On Sunday, Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md. Zakir Hossain Galib issued the order following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The petition stated that S. Alam Group and its affiliated entities had obtained loans from various banks through illegal means and misappropriated funds to acquire vast assets both at home and abroad. The ACC argued that there were attempts to transfer and launder these assets, making their immediate freezing necessary to protect national resources.

On Sunday evening, Nahid Islam met with the Chief Adviser at his residence in Jamuna, sparking speculation about his resignation. However, sources from the Chief Adviser’s office confirmed that he has not stepped down. Nahid was not the only one in the meeting; several other advisers were present as well. Previously, Nahid had announced his plans to join a new student political group, stating that he would resign before doing so, likely by the end of February. Government insiders suggest that Nahid may formally submit his resignation during the upcoming weekly advisers’ meeting.

Armed assailants shot a gold trader, Anwar Hossain (43), in Dhaka’s Banasree area and robbed him of 200 bhori (approximately 2.3 kg) of gold and Tk 100,000 in cash. The incident took place around midnight when a group of criminals on motorbikes intercepted Anwar on his way home. According to fellow trader Mujibur Rahman, the attackers opened fire when Anwar resisted, hitting him with four bullets before fleeing with the valuables. Anwar was rushed to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Mokhles Ur Rahman, stated on Sunday that district commissioners (DCs) who were forced into retirement or made officers on special duty (OSD) will face legal action if they are found to be involved in financial corruption. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, he clarified that only those with allegations against them would face lawsuits, while others would not. During the 15-and-a-half-year rule of the ousted League government, over a hundred officials who served as returning officers in three controversial elections are now being removed from their roles or placed on special duty.

The Bangladesh government has forced four Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) of police into retirement. According to separate notifications issued on Sunday by the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, signed by Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani, the officials are: DIG Md. Nisharul Arif from the Anti-Terrorism Unit, DIG Md. Abdul Kuddus Amin from the River Police, DIG Md. Azad Mia from the Highway Police, and DIG Amena Begum, NDC. The decision was made in the public interest under the Government Service Act. However, they will receive retirement benefits as per the regulations.

Nepal will start exporting 40 megawatts of electricity to Bangladesh from June under a trilateral agreement involving India. The electricity will be transmitted via Indian territory and sourced from Nepal’s Trishuli (25 MW) and Chilime Hydropower Project (22 MW). The agreement, signed last year, allows annual electricity exports from June to November until 2029. Bangladesh will buy the electricity at 8.17 Nepalese rupees per unit. Nepal plans to increase exports in the future, leveraging its hydropower potential to strengthen regional energy cooperation.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs, Lutfozzaman Babar, is finally returning to his home in Madan, Netrokona, after 17 years. His long-awaited return has sparked major preparations by the district BNP, with celebrations resembling a festive occasion. Supporters and party members are filled with joy. Babar, who served three terms as an MP from Netrokona-4, was also the State Minister for Home Affairs under the Khaleda Zia-led government. He was released from prison on January 16 after serving 17 years and later fell ill in Dubai while performing Umrah. Following his treatment and the completion of his pilgrimage, Babar is finally returning home.

Donald Trump has urged Elon Musk to be “more aggressive” in his role. Musk currently heads the newly established U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Trump created after assuming office for his second term last month. According to Reuters, Trump’s remark likely refers to Musk’s role in reducing federal spending. On Truth Social, Trump stated, “Elon is doing a great job, but I want to see him be more aggressive.” He hinted that “America needs saving, and the ultimate goal is to make the country bigger and stronger than ever before.”

Pakistan was unable to host the Champions Trophy independently due to India’s stance. India had firmly declared that it would not play any Champions Trophy matches on Pakistani soil. Even Rohit Sharma refused to travel to Pakistan for the official photoshoot. Amid this backdrop, an unexpected incident occurred during the Australia vs. England match in Pakistan—the Indian national anthem was played instead of Australia’s. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed strong displeasure over the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) blunder and has demanded an explanation. During the pre-match ceremony, after England’s national anthem, India’s anthem was mistakenly played instead of Australia’s. It was stopped shortly after, and Australia’s anthem was played instead. PCB has questioned why India’s anthem was played when India was not even part of the match and has urged the ICC to provide a formal explanation.

A BNP delegation, led by Abdul Moin Khan, is set to visit China at the invitation of the Communist Party of China. The delegation will leave Dhaka on Monday for a 13-day visit, returning on March 6. Central General Secretary of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Nasir Uddin, confirmed that the delegation would include Abdul Moin Khan, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anni, Kaiser Kamal, Shahidul Islam Babul, Nurul Islam Nayon, Rajib Ahsan, Nasir Uddin Nasir, and Rukhsana Khondkar. Representatives from allied parties include Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Saiful Haque, Muhammad Rashed Khan, Fariduzzaman Farhad, Maulana Ataullah Amin, Babi Hajjaj, and Syed Ehsanul Huda.

Pakistan has reaffirmed its decision to send Afghan refugees who have not been approved for resettlement in the United States back to Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar revealed this in an interview with TRT World on Saturday. He noted that discussions may be held with the United States on this matter. Dar emphasized that if any refugee has a plan to be accepted by another country but the process has not been completed, they will be considered illegal immigrants in Pakistan. This decision has sparked concerns internationally. In 2021, Pakistan provided refuge to 600,000 Afghan refugees, a portion of whom have resettled in the U.S., while others are still awaiting their turn.

Bangladesh’s foreign reserves have surged to $20.85 billion, driven by a steady flow of remittances from expatriates. In February alone, remittances amounted to $1.93 billion, pushing reserves closer to the $21 billion mark. The country’s gross reserves now stand at $26.11 billion. Bangladesh’s usable reserves are also above $15 billion, well beyond the threshold required to cover three months of imports. These positive developments reflect the country’s financial stability, with a consistent remittance inflow supporting the growth of reserves.

Speaking at a rally in National Harbor, Maryland, on Saturday, Donald Trump announced that the U.S. is close to securing a deal with Ukraine to share revenues from the country’s mineral resources. The agreement is reportedly part of efforts to offset the billions of dollars in military aid Washington has provided to Kyiv in its fight against Russian forces. “We want to recover what we’ve invested,” Trump said, adding that the U.S. is interested in acquiring rare earth minerals, oil, and other valuable resources from Ukraine. He suggested that Washington’s interest in Ukraine’s mineral wealth is also driven by a strategic need to compete with China, which dominates the global supply of rare earth elements.

At an event on Sunday at the Sarda Police Academy, Home Minister’s Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated, “The state of Bangladesh belongs to all citizens, not to any political party, group, or community. The Bangladesh Police are independent employees of the republic, adhering strictly to the law.” Addressing the new recruits, he added, “Today marks the end of your year-long basic training. From now on, you will step into the field as well-trained, skilled, and intelligent police officers, dedicated to upholding the rule of law and serving the citizens. I welcome you to this new phase of your career.” He also congratulated the recruits for their impressive parade display.