In an operation to rescue a kidnapped fisherman, Rezaul Haque (36), from Matuail, police constable Jewel was attacked by the abductors in Sarulia’s Wasa Road area. The police recovered local weapons and two motorcycles from the scene. Rezaul, who had been abducted by the Rudi group while inspecting a fish mill, claimed the kidnappers demanded 10 million BDT, and 60,000 BDT was forcibly taken. After the victim’s employee alerted the police, two suspects were arrested.

China recently conducted a series of extensive military drills across the Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the Taiwan Strait to the Tasman Sea. The exercises included advanced weaponry systems and aimed to gauge how regional countries and the United States would respond to such military threats. Professor Stephen Nagy suggested that China seeks to capitalize on any gaps in U.S. response to global issues. Taiwan has deployed military aircraft and vessels in response, and concerns have been raised by New Zealand and Australia over the escalating situation.

Israel announced on Thursday that it would impose restrictions on Palestinian access to Al-Aqsa Mosque during the upcoming month of Ramadan. Every year, millions of Palestinians travel to Al-Aqsa, located in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem, to observe prayers. Last year, due to heightened tensions over the Gaza conflict, Israeli authorities imposed strict entry controls, particularly on Palestinians from the West Bank. Despite the absence of war this year, Israel has maintained a similar stance, though specific restrictions have yet to be disclosed.

Discussions are underway in Cairo regarding the second phase of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. On Thursday, Egypt, acting as a mediator, confirmed that delegations from Israel, Qatar, and the United States had arrived in Cairo to negotiate the next steps. The first phase of the ceasefire is set to end on March 1. Meanwhile, as part of the agreement, four bodies were exchanged for the release of over a hundred Palestinian detainees. So far, the war has claimed over 48,000 lives in Gaza, while more than 1,200 people have been killed in Israel.

Mohammad Ismail, the country’s fastest man, will not represent Bangladesh at the World Indoor Athletics Championship in Nanjing from March 21-23. Instead, the country’s representative will be Zahid Raihan. The Bangladesh Athletics Federation sent Raihan’s name to the World Amateur Athletics Federation on Wednesday night. Raihan, a ten-time national champion in the 400 meters, recently regained his title in the 100 meters at the National Championships. Ismail, however, expressed his disappointment, as he was left out. The Federation stated that Zahid was chosen due to his international success, and only one athlete can be sent due to financial constraints.

In a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, former President Donald Trump avoided committing to providing security for Ukraine against Russian aggression. According to Reuters, Trump suggested that a potential mineral agreement could secure Ukraine’s safety against Russia. The meeting focused on the Ukraine crisis and trade relations, as Trump’s stance on reducing the U.S.’s involvement in Europe’s security concerns remains a critical issue. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the need for stronger security for Ukraine during their discussions.

A two-member delegation from BNP, including Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, will attend the launch event of the new political party ‘National Citizens Party’ in Dhaka. The party is being formed by the National Citizens Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Invitations for the event were sent to key BNP leaders, including Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. The launch will take place on Friday afternoon at Manik Mia Avenue.

The National Citizens’ Party, launched by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizens’ Committee, began its formation ceremony today. As students gathered for the event, the Friday Jummah prayers were conducted at the venue, with one of the committee leaders performing the Imam duties. The inauguration took place on Manik Mia Avenue, in front of the National Parliament building, with the party’s formal announcement set for 3 PM.

In the Patuakhali Bar Association elections held on Thursday, BNP-backed candidates won all nine positions. No candidates from the Jamaat-e-Islami-backed Lawyers Council Panel were successful, and the Awami League-backed candidates did not participate. Out of 567 voters, 396 cast their votes. Humayun Kabir won the president’s seat with 221 votes, defeating Jamaat’s Advocate Nazmul Ahsan, who received 137 votes. Mohammad Salauddin was elected unopposed as the General Secretary.

An earthquake struck several regions, including Rajshahi, Joypurhat, and Thakurgaon, at 3:06 AM Thursday. The magnitude was recorded at 5.5, with the epicenter located 14 kilometers south of the Kodari area along the Nepal-China border. The quake lasted only a few seconds and was felt in neighboring areas, including Bihar and Siliguri. Prior to this, another earthquake had been reported on Wednesday at 2:55 AM, with its epicenter in Morigaon, Assam, measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale.

Shahjibazar Power Plant in Habiganj, which has three plants with a combined capacity of 490 MW, is only producing 30 MW of electricity. Among the remaining two plants, the 100 MW unit has operated for just 67 days in the past four years since its inauguration. The largest 330 MW plant suffered fire damage in 2022 and, due to delays in repairs, has not yet resumed production. Stakeholders are viewing this as a deep conspiracy, with daily losses amounting to 40 million BDT. Several officials from the Power Development Board have pointed out that former State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid is responsible for these losses.

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair concludes today (February 28) without an extension. The fair will be open from 11 AM to 9 PM on its final day. Dr. Sarkar Amin, Member-Secretary of the organizing committee, stated that logistical and religious considerations led to the decision. He emphasized that despite challenges, the fair was a success, serving as a cultural hub beyond book sales. The Bangla Academy is considering independently managing future fairs. The 2025 fair was inaugurated by Professor Muhammad Yunus, with Mostofa Sarwar Farooki as a special guest.

The Chattogram Port Authority has mandated that lighter vessels transporting imported goods from larger ships at the outer anchorage must leave the port area within 72 hours after loading. This directive aims to ensure smooth port operations, maintain market stability, and prevent artificial shortages. Non-compliance will lead to legal action under port regulations. Authorities cited security concerns and supply chain disruptions caused by vessels overstaying without valid reasons. The rule is particularly crucial for ensuring uninterrupted essential goods supply during Ramadan.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) is set to launch today (Feb 28) at Manik Mia Avenue, Dhaka, under the initiative of the National Citizens’ Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Over 500,000 attendees are expected, with three-tier security in place. Families of July movement victims, political leaders, and diplomats will join. Nahid Islam, who resigned from the interim government, will serve as convener. Key leadership roles have been assigned. Separate booths for women, medical teams, and VIP arrangements are part of the event’s setup.

As Ramadan approaches, the prices of key essentials like lemons, eggplants, and cucumbers have surged, along with chicken, fish, and meat. Broiler and Sonali chicken prices have risen by Tk 10-20 per kg, while beef and mutton have also become costlier. Lemon prices have nearly doubled in two weeks. However, staple Ramadan items like dates, chickpeas, and molasses remain stable due to increased imports and lower tariffs. Meanwhile, a shortage of bottled soybean oil persists, frustrating consumers searching for supplies.