A powerful explosion in Harnai, Balochistan, killed 11 coal miners and injured four others, local authorities confirmed. Geo News reported that the explosion, which occurred on February 14, may have been caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted on the road. Some of the injured workers remain in critical condition. Similar attacks have occurred in the region before, but this incident marks one of the deadliest in recent history.

A devastating fire broke out at a resort under construction in the South Korean port city of Busan, resulting in six deaths. According to Reuters, the incident occurred on February 14, with firefighters evacuating around 100 people and rescuing seven injured individuals. South Korea’s acting president has directed authorities to deploy all necessary resources to extinguish the fire and manage the aftermath.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus urged the public to uphold justice and embrace Islamic principles in all aspects of life. In his Shab-e-Barat message, he called on people to eliminate injustice, violence, and superstitions, replacing them with the values of peace inherent in Islam. He also extended his greetings to Muslims in Bangladesh and around the world, emphasizing the importance of repentance and divine blessings on this holy night.

In Patuakhali, BNP and Jamaat-affiliated lawyers have engaged in legal disputes over the district bar association elections. On Wednesday, Jamaat-affiliated lawyer PP Md. Ruhul Amin Sikder filed a lawsuit against 11 BNP-backed lawyers from the Nationalist Lawyers’ Forum. In retaliation, BNP-affiliated lawyer and APP Md. Mizanur Rahman filed a counter-lawsuit on Thursday against 11 Jamaat-affiliated lawyers, including the district Jamaat Amir. BNP claims that Awami League nominated a Jamaat Secretary, while Jamaat alleges that BNP-backed lawyers attacked them.

Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite fugitive fascist leader Sheikh Hasina, who fled amid a mass uprising. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam confirmed that Bangladesh would send a formal diplomatic note to India regarding the matter. When asked whether foreign allies would be involved in Hasina’s extradition, the spokesperson stated that the interim government would decide. Bangladesh sent the extradition request on December 23 but has not yet received a response. Regarding a UN report’s potential impact, the spokesperson remarked that the findings are significant enough to shake global conscience.

Newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday his interest in negotiating nuclear arms reduction with the leaders of China and Russia. Responding to journalists, Trump stated that nuclear disarmament is a priority in his second term. Meanwhile, Russia expressed skepticism about extending its last remaining nuclear arms control treaty with Washington, raising concerns about a potential deadlock. Trump reaffirmed his commitment to disarmament, emphasizing that there is no justification for producing more nuclear weapons. He also noted that initial discussions on arms reduction with Russia and China were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic during his first term.

Despite the ongoing ceasefire agreement, Israel conducted airstrikes on the besieged Gaza Strip on Thursday (February 13). No immediate casualties were reported. According to Anadolu News Agency, the Israeli military claimed the targeted location was used for launching rockets. Palestinian authorities have yet to respond. The war, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, with more than 12,000 missing. Although a ceasefire was declared on January 19, Israel continues to violate it.

A violent clash broke out between the bride and groom's sides at a wedding in Brahmanbaria, leading to the tragic death of a 12-year-old girl, Moya Akter. The incident occurred on Thursday at 6 PM in Monipur village, Bijoynagar Upazila. The child was fatally injured by sharp weapons and was declared dead at the hospital. According to Bijoynagar Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Rowshan Ali, the clash erupted over a dispute related to music at the event, during which the child was caught in the conflict.

During a bilateral meeting in Washington, former U.S. President Donald Trump was asked about alleged U.S. involvement in Bangladesh’s recent regime change. Trump denied any deep state role and passed the question to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, Modi avoided commenting on Bangladesh and instead spoke about Ukraine. The discussion follows the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government amid a student-led uprising, with Awami League accusing the Biden administration of interference—an allegation U.S. officials have repeatedly denied.

A flag meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) was held at Manikkhari in Haripur, Thakurgaon. During the meeting, the BSF returned two Bangladeshi nationals, Bikash Shil (22) and Purna Nath (26), who had been detained for illegal border crossing on Tuesday. According to reports, three others managed to escape. The BGB handed over the detained individuals to the local police, and cases have been filed against them. They are set to be presented before the court tomorrow, confirmed the officer-in-charge.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reiterated his criticism of U.S. President Joe Biden’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza. Erdoğan declared, “Gaza belongs to our Palestinian brothers and sisters. By Allah’s will, they will remain in their homeland forever.” He also referenced the temporary ceasefire agreement announced on January 19, expressing disappointment that Israel failed to uphold its commitments. Erdoğan urged the Arab and Muslim world to stand by the people of Gaza.

Despite price stability in some goods, rice and cooking oil prices have remained volatile for months. Rice prices have increased by 4-6 BDT per kilogram, while soybean oil supply shortages have worsened. Ahead of Ramadan, lemon and broiler chicken prices have also surged. A market survey in Dhaka’s Khilkhet, Naya Bazar, and Karwan Bazar on Friday revealed that traders are struggling to meet demand, with some calling the supply crisis a “syndicate issue.” One vendor claimed, “We need ten cartons of bottled soybean oil, but we are only receiving one!” Current prices: • Miniket rice: 80-84 BDT/kg • Atash rice: 58-60 BDT/kg • Nazirshail rice: 76-88 BDT/kg • Broiler chicken: Increased from 200 BDT/kg to 210 BDT/kg Both consumers and vendors are urging authorities to closely monitor the market.

A devastating fire broke out at a market and a textile waste warehouse in Tongi’s Mill Gate area of Gazipur early Friday morning at around 4:30 AM. Upon receiving reports from locals, three units of the fire service rushed to the scene. As the fire spread, four more units joined, finally bringing it under control by 7:00 AM. So far, no casualties have been reported. However, 14 shops have been completely destroyed, and significant losses have been incurred in textile waste, raw materials, and grocery products.

A member of India’s Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) opened fire on his colleagues in Manipur, killing two officers and injuring eight others before turning the gun on himself. The incident took place on Thursday, with the officer using a government-issued firearm. The wounded have been admitted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal. Authorities have not yet disclosed the motive behind the attack.

While attending the World Government Summit in Dubai, Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus told UAE-based media outlet The National that failing to prosecute ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would be unforgivable in the eyes of the people. He affirmed that key figures of Hasina’s government would not be allowed to evade punishment, vowing that they would be tracked down, brought back to the country, and held accountable under the law. Yunus also informed the media that national elections are scheduled for December.