Following the resignation of Nahid Islam, Mahfuz Alam has been appointed as the new Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The Cabinet Division announced the appointment on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications remains under the advisory leadership of Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Nahid Islam resigned from both ministries on February 25 and is expected to lead a new political party launching on February 28.

The World Bank has pledged support for the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) to restore canals, prevent water pollution, and promote sustainable urban development. In a meeting with DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz, World Bank representatives discussed collaborative efforts to combat waterlogging and pollution. Key figures in the delegation included senior water specialists Harsh Goel, David Malcolm Lord, and Arif Ahmed.

In a dramatic incident at the Gazipur District Court, attackers attempted to abduct two recently bailed individuals. The victims, Milon Mia (35) and Babul Mia (40), were brutally beaten and stabbed by the plaintiff’s side, causing panic in the courtroom. Lawyers and bystanders intervened to rescue the victims, while the attackers fled. CCTV footage reportedly shows police present but failing to take action.

BNP leader Zainul Abedin Faruk has urged the Chief Adviser not to delay the national elections under the pretext of reforms. He warned that any delay could erode public trust. Speaking at a meeting, he emphasized that while reforms are necessary, they should not postpone elections. He also referenced past betrayals in the 2018 elections and criticized the ruling party’s actions.

China has issued a strong warning after Taiwan announced plans to purchase $7-10 billion worth of weapons from the United States. Chinese State Council spokesperson Zhu Fenglian stated that such deals will not protect Taiwan’s pro-independence forces. She warned that Taiwan remains a mere pawn in a geopolitical game and that China’s 1.4 billion people will never accept its separation. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s leader, Lai Ching-te, dismissed the claims, asserting that Taiwan is not a chess piece but a player in its own right.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has demanded that past stock market manipulators be identified and brought to justice. He accused them of exploiting ordinary investors and called for an independent commission to oversee the stock market, reducing government intervention. He stated that if an elected government takes power in the future, they will ensure transparency in the capital market, attracting new investors.

In a shocking incident in Rajbari, a mob attacked the Detective Branch (DB) police and freed a detainee. Sub-Inspector Wahidul Hasan was injured in the assault, which took place Wednesday morning in Kazibadha village, Ramkantapur Union. According to the police, the suspect, Farid Sheikh, was caught red-handed with 310 yaba pills and four bottles of Phensedyl. However, as officers attempted to transport him, his family members, both men and women, launched a violent attack. Later, the police returned with female officers and successfully detained the attackers.

A massive fire on February 24 has left Sajek Valley in ruins. The administration has provided aid to affected residents, including BDT 7,000 in cash and 30 kg of rice per household. Initially, travel restrictions were imposed on Monday night for tourist safety, but they were lifted on Tuesday after a situation review. The fire destroyed 98 structures, including 35 resorts and cottages, 36 homes, 7 restaurants, and 20 shops. Many displaced families have taken shelter in local temples and churches.

Students and protesters staging a sit-in at Dhaka University’s Raju Memorial Sculpture have submitted a memorandum to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, demanding the banning of the Awami League and its allied political parties for their alleged fascist practices. The memorandum urged the Chief Adviser to make an official declaration banning the party and initiating a new constitution. Led by Dhaka University Professor Dr. Ruhul Amin, the National Revolutionary Council and the Revolutionary Student Council submitted the memorandum at the Chief Adviser’s office in Tejgaon. An official from the Chief Adviser’s office received the memorandum, which included a five-point demand for banning the Awami League and holding a parliamentary election in June.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, recently resigned Information Adviser Nahid Islam publicly disclosed his financial records. He stated that before assuming the advisory role, he did not have a bank account. On August 21, he opened an account with Sonali Bank to receive his official honorarium. According to his statement, the account received a total deposit of ৳10,06,886 and withdrawals amounted to ৳9,96,188. Nahid clarified that he has no other accounts and that no new properties have been purchased by his family. Additionally, he mentioned that detailed financial records of his personal staff and associates are available and will be made public if necessary.

While authoritarian regimes gain strength globally, Bangladesh has emerged as one of the few nations that have successfully resisted fascist rule. In 2024, Bangladesh was listed among the four most improved countries in the Freedom Index, along with Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Syria. According to a report by a Washington-based research institute, Bangladesh’s freedom score rose from 40 in 2023 to 45 in 2025 on a scale of 100. However, despite this progress, the country remains classified as “partially free” in terms of political rights and civil liberties.

Dr. Abdul Momen, Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), has stated that the ACC is yet to be recognized as a constitutional body. Expressing hope that it will gain this status soon, he emphasized that this would significantly enhance its scope of work. Speaking at a public hearing in Pabna, he acknowledged that the commission is striving to act fairly and independently within its current limitations. Referring to politically motivated cases, he warned that blindly following past examples could lead to similar consequences.

A UN report has revealed that security forces fired at unarmed protesters from close range during the July uprising. Citing Article 7 of the Rome Statute, the UN Human Rights Office stated that the killings by state security forces and ruling party activists could be classified as crimes against humanity. The report also documented cases where military rifles and automatic pistols were used to shoot at protesters’ heads and eyes, indicating intent to kill. These acts were labeled as further evidence of crimes against humanity.

On Wednesday, over 50 injured protesters and family members of the July movement staged a sit-in outside Gate 1 of the Chief Adviser’s office, carrying banners, placards, and the national flag. Lieutenant General (Retd.) Abdul Hafiz, the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, met with the protesters and assured them that their demands would be formally conveyed to the relevant ministries. “I am personally accepting these demands and will ensure they reach the appropriate authorities,” he said, acknowledging the contributions of the injured protesters in the movement. However, the demonstrators remain firm, stating they will not leave until their demands are fulfilled.

After 29 years, Pakistan is hosting an ICC tournament and is leaving no room for security risks. Over 12,000 police officers have been deployed in Rawalpindi alone. However, frustrations over excessive duty hours and non-compliance with orders have led to the dismissal of over 100 security personnel. A senior Punjab police official confirmed that many officers assigned to protect foreign teams were either absent or refused to take responsibility. Consequently, strict disciplinary actions were taken, leading to their dismissal.