Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to visit Iran this week, as confirmed by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A ministry spokesperson stated that Lavrov will travel to Tehran to discuss ongoing bilateral relations and regional as well as international developments. He will meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and several high-ranking Iranian officials. According to Iran’s ambassador to Russia, Lavrov’s visit will be a one-day trip, taking place on Tuesday.

Germany is set to hold new elections after the collapse of the coalition government, marking a pivotal moment in its political landscape. The world is closely watching the 21st German parliamentary elections, hoping for an end to the prolonged political instability and economic challenges. However, there are growing concerns about the rise of the far-right AfD (Alternative for Germany) party. With projections suggesting the party could garner around 20% of the vote, the AfD may secure up to 150 seats in the 630-member parliament. Their support from the United States may further bolster their influence, potentially altering German policies. Sunday’s elections show a low probability of a single-party majority, and coalitions with the AfD have been ruled out. This could lead to a prolonged government formation process. The entire European Union and the ongoing Ukraine war are watching these elections closely, anticipating potential shifts in political dynamics.

Law enforcement agencies have arrested an additional 769 individuals across the country in the ongoing Operation Devil Hunt. Among those arrested, 572 were wanted in connection with various cases. A total of 1,341 arrests have been made nationwide. The police headquarters reported that the operation has resulted in the seizure of a locally made single-barrel shotgun, two cartridges, four machetes, two cleavers, a knife, an LG, and a pair of scissors. To date, a total of 8,079 people have been arrested under the Devil Hunt operation.

President Trump alleged that $29 million from USAID, intended to bolster Bangladesh’s political landscape, was given to an obscure entity with just two staff members. Speaking at a governors’ event on February 21, 2025, he criticized the lack of transparency. The program has been canceled under the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. Trump also mentioned a $21 million India project, sparking controversy. Both initiatives are among 17 aid programs axed to cut U.S. federal spending.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, President of Nagorik Oikya, has alleged that he was prevented from entering the Ekushey Padak award ceremony. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka on Saturday, he claimed that although he had received an invitation, security personnel denied him entry. The award ceremony took place last Thursday, where notable figures were invited. Manna expressed deep humiliation, stating that he was turned away for arriving slightly late. “Nowhere on the invitation card did it say that doors would close 15 minutes early!” he remarked, directing his frustration at the current administration.

The Italian Embassy in Dhaka has announced that visa-related issues will be resolved in the coming months. They have cooperated with law enforcement to tackle fraudulent activities, leading to the house arrest of two former embassy employees. Applicants are urged to only pay official fees and avoid third-party intermediaries. With additional staff from Italy, processing times have decreased, and existing problems are expected to be resolved promptly in the coming months.

The interim government aims to announce the “July Charter” based on political consensus regarding reforms. To achieve this, the National Consensus Commission will hold separate discussions with political parties in early March. A written reform report has already been sent to all parties for review. Political leaders have stated they will participate in discussions after their internal evaluations. Commission Vice President Ali Riaz expressed hope that consensus could be reached before the set deadline. However, differences remain—Jamaat-e-Islami favors elections only after full reforms, while BNP demands an expedited election with minimal reforms.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, stated that the people of Bangladesh have been waiting for 16 years to cast their votes in a national election. He warned that if the interim government prioritizes local elections over national elections, it will further destabilize the country. Calling this a reckless decision, he urged the government to first bring market prices under control. “People will not accept you if you fail to control inflation,” he asserted. He also called on election commissions to quickly outline a reform roadmap, stressing the urgency of holding national elections. He criticized the interim government, saying it is proving to be as ineffective as the Awami League administration.

Farida Akhter, an adviser for livestock and fisheries, remarked that the younger generation of Bangladesh is more inclined toward poultry rather than traditional fish-based meals. “We have always been a nation that thrives on fish and rice, but is the younger generation truly following this tradition?” she questioned. She pointed out that many youths now refuse to eat meals without eggs or meat, making them a “poultry and rice generation.” Stressing the importance of fish consumption, she emphasized teaching children to eat fish, including those with bones, to make fish more popular again.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Central Naib-e-Ameer, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, has stated that the interim government is moving in the right direction. “We believe that once the necessary reforms are complete, they will organize elections and hand over power to a democratic government,” he said. Dr. Taher accused the previous Awami League administration of politicizing every sector of the country, pushing it to the brink of collapse. “There is no discipline anywhere, which is why this government is struggling to implement reforms,” he added. Expressing optimism, he hoped that the interim administration would successfully carry out the required restructuring. He also emphasized the urgency of these reforms and stated that if his party comes to power, they will govern the country in accordance with Sharia law.

Lamya Chowdhury, daughter of late Bangladeshi film stars Parveen Sultana Diti and Sohel Chowdhury, has fallen victim to a brutal attack at her home. Her car was vandalized, and she suffered a broken leg during the assault. The incident took place in Sonargaon, Narayanganj. Following the attack, Lamya went live on Facebook, pleading for help. She claimed that around 30 to 40 individuals attacked her over a land dispute, forcing her to flee to Dhaka for safety. In distress, she questioned, “Do I have no one to stand by me just because my parents are no longer alive?”

Nasir Uddin Nasir, the General Secretary of the BNP-affiliated Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, is set to visit China at the invitation of the Communist Party of China. He will be part of a delegation led by BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moin Khan. According to a press release issued on Saturday, the 13-day visit will begin on February 24 and conclude on March 6. Political leaders from various Bangladeshi parties, including Mahmudur Rahman of Nagorik Oikya, will also attend. Chhatra Dal believes this visit will play a crucial role in Bangladesh’s political and economic development.

The first phase of the ongoing ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas has been completed. On Saturday, five hostages were handed over to Israeli forces via the Red Cross, with a sixth hostage set to be released later. According to AFP, Israel is releasing more than 600 Palestinian prisoners in exchange, including 50 serving life sentences. Hamas has stated that no further hostages will be released unless Israel fully withdraws its troops. Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister declared that temporarily defeating Hamas remains their objective.

A robbery occurred on a Dhaka-Rajshahi bus, but no rape took place, according to Tangail Police Superintendent Mizanur Rahman. He stated that jewelry was snatched from female passengers, and incidental physical contact during the act could be considered harassment. Three suspects were arrested in Savar, and a police officer was suspended for negligence. The robbery lasted three hours, and passengers had previously detained the bus staff, who were later released on bail. A case was filed against 8 to 9 unidentified individuals.

The Associated Press (AP) has sued three Trump administration officials, alleging that its journalists were barred from covering events at the White House, the Oval Office, and Air Force One. The ban was reportedly due to AP’s refusal to use the term “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico.” AP argues that this violates the First and Fifth Amendments and has sought a court ruling against it. Trump defended the decision, accusing AP of spreading misinformation. The case is now in court.