U.S. President Donald Trump’s sudden foreign policy changes, especially on the Ukraine war, have left Germany struggling to adjust. At the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Vice President JD Vance urged cooperation with far-right AfD members, while Trump’s controversial remarks about Ukraine and its president, Zelensky, have further strained relations. With the CDU leading in upcoming elections, Germany’s political landscape is likely to shift, reshaping its future relations with the U.S. and altering its stance on global issues.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, criticized the politics of corruption and misrule, stressing that such practices cannot sustain power. He called for all political parties to unite in halting extortion and land grabbing, urging the nation to progress. Speaking at a rally in Lakshmipur, he highlighted the ongoing injustice faced by imprisoned leader ATM Azharul Islam. The rally, led by district president Amir Ruhul Amin Bhuiyan, featured speeches from several key Jamaat leaders.

Colonel (Retd.) Mohammad Abdul Hai, Chairman of Rawa Club, hailed Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman for averting a massacre during the July movement. Speaking to Jugantor Multimedia, he compared Waker to Prophet Moses, praising his integrity and patriotism. Hai claimed that without Waker, Bangladesh faced potential occupation, with Baitul Mokarram Mosque possibly replaced by a Ram Mandir. He accused India and Sheikh Hasina of orchestrating chaos, including the BDR massacre, and credited Waker with saving the nation from a dire fate.

A 22-year-old man, MK Siam, was arrested for creating fake Facebook profiles and using them to advertise PUBG game sales, tricking victims into making payments through mobile payment services like bKash and Nagad. Siam, arrested in Gaibandha’s Gobindganj on February 18, had been running the scam for two years. Authorities seized several mobile phones and SIM cards linked to the fraudulent activities. Investigations revealed that Siam embezzled large sums of money through this scheme.

The Local Government Reform Commission, appointed by the interim government, has proposed holding elections for all local government bodies across the country by June. Following the aftermath of the July uprising, the commission noted that there are no functioning local institutions. It recommends conducting elections for unions, upazilas, municipalities, city corporations, and district councils in both plain and hill areas. Additionally, it has suggested amending laws to integrate hill councils within the parliamentary structure, with elections for these councils slated for June 2025.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged all to be more sincere in rebuilding the country. Speaking at a discussion session in memory of late journalist Mahfuz Ullah, Fakhrul emphasized that political parties have long fought against fascism, and the people’s collective struggle led to its downfall. He praised Mahfuz Ullah for his contributions to democracy and for uniting political parties after the 2014 elections. The session highlighted his intellectual integrity and unwavering stand against injustice.

Sinn Féin, Ireland’s largest opposition party, announced its decision to boycott this year’s White House St. Patrick’s Day event due to President Trump’s controversial statements regarding Gaza. Party leader Mary Lou McDonald expressed strong disapproval of Trump’s call for the mass expulsion of Palestinians and permanent land occupation. Sinn Féin advocates for a lasting ceasefire and a fair two-state solution to resolve the Gaza conflict and calls for international support in addressing human rights violations.

Hamas has accused the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) of applying double standards in the treatment of Israeli and Palestinian bodies. While the Red Cross conducts formal ceremonies for Israeli bodies, Palestinian martyrs’ remains are reportedly handed over in blue bags with little regard for dignity. Hamas claims this reflects discrimination and the failure of the international community to uphold justice. The accusation follows the transfer of four Israeli bodies by Hamas as part of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.

A new political party, initiated by the National Citizens’ Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, is set to launch this month. Nahid Islam, leader of a mass uprising, is expected to be the Convenor, while Akhtar Hossain is likely to be the Member Secretary. Other key positions include Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah as Chief Organizer and Spokesperson. A launch event is planned for February 26 in Dhaka. Nahid Islam may resign from his advisory role soon to take up party leadership.

U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed General Charles Q. Brown, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a major military shake-up. Defense Secretary also announced the removal of Navy Chief Admiral Lisa Franchetti and Air Force Vice Chief General James Slife. Trump appointed retired Lt. Gen. John Dunn Kane as Brown’s replacement, an unprecedented move as Kane is not a four-star general. Trump hinted at further dismissals, continuing his planned overhaul of the U.S. military leadership.

A tragic bus accident in Kashiani, Gopalganj, claimed the lives of a driver and a supervisor, leaving 12 others injured. The incident occurred around 11 AM on Saturday in Hironnakandi when a Tungipara Express bus rear-ended a Sohaag Paribahan bus traveling from Dhaka to Khulna, causing it to crash into a tree. Emergency responders rushed the injured to hospitals, where two succumbed to their injuries. Eyewitnesses fear the death toll may rise as authorities continue rescue efforts.

Online gambling is rapidly spreading in Bangladesh, luring young people into losing millions. Foreign-operated betting sites, facilitated by local agents, are siphoning vast sums of money abroad, posing a major economic risk. Mobile financial services like bKash and Nagad are being used for transactions, making regulation difficult. Despite government crackdowns, gambling ads flood social media, targeting users in Bengali. Experts warn of rising addiction, family turmoil, and security threats. Urgent government action and public awareness are crucial to curb this growing menace.

A violent clash broke out between two BNP-affiliated groups—Swechchhasebak Dal and Jubo Dal—over smuggling activities in Feni’s Parshuram. The confrontation left Arif Hossain (40), a member of Swechchhasebak Dal, and Tanveer, a Jubo Dal leader, critically injured with severe head wounds. The incident occurred in the West Saheb Nagar area around 10 p.m. on Friday. Both victims were rushed to Parshuram Hospital. Authorities confirmed the incident stemmed from illegal border activities, including soil excavation and sale.

For the first time, a freight train has been launched from Mongla Seaport, marking a new milestone in cargo transportation. On Friday, a train carrying 1,050 metric tons of molasses imported from Pakistan departed for Baghabari, Sirajganj. The cargo was loaded from United Refinery & Bulk Storage Limited via pipeline into 30 wagons. This new railway link will reduce transport costs and boost trade at Mongla Port. Officials see it as a major step in enhancing the port’s efficiency in handling exports and imports.

A fire erupted at a shop in the Karail slum of Mohakhali, Dhaka, around 12:45 AM on Friday. Ten Fire Service units battled the blaze for an hour before it was brought under control by 1:45 AM. The cause of the fire and damage details remain unknown. Earlier, a fire at a sawmill in Khilgaon was extinguished after two hours. No casualties were reported in either incident, according to Fire Service officials.