Hundreds of far-right protesters marched through Manchester on Saturday in a demonstration organised by Britain First, a political party calling for the deportation of migrants and Muslims from the United Kingdom. Chanting anti-immigration slogans and insults directed at Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the group was met by a much larger counterprotest of antifascist demonstrators carrying antiracist banners and Palestinian flags. Police flanked both groups as tensions escalated when the two marches converged in the city centre. Several counterprotesters described the event as a reflection of growing racism in the UK. Ruby, a student from South London, said her grandparents from the Windrush generation now feel increasingly unwelcome, while others reported a rise in racial abuse. Members of Jewish Action for Palestine and other groups criticised police for allowing the far-right march to proceed, accusing authorities of protecting extremist groups. Police said the day required extensive planning due to multiple simultaneous events, including a Ukraine rally and football matches, which stretched local resources and complicated crowd control efforts.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has stated that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro should be tried in Venezuela rather than in the United States, where he is currently being held following his abduction by the US military. In an interview, Lula said that restoring democracy in Venezuela should be the priority and insisted that the country’s issues must be resolved by its own people without foreign interference. He criticised the idea of one nation invading another to capture its president. Lula’s remarks come as Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, works to release hundreds of political prisoners detained during Maduro’s presidency, which began in 2013. The Brazilian leader has openly condemned the abduction of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a US military operation ordered by then-President Donald Trump on January 3. Maduro was flown to New York after a violent raid in Caracas and now faces US charges related to drug trafficking. The Trump administration has justified its actions as part of anti-drug efforts, though US data does not list Venezuela among major drug producers. Trump has also expressed interest in Venezuelan oil reserves and invited US companies to exploit them.

The White House announced that U.S. President Donald Trump will visit China from March 31 to April 2, marking the first official trip to Beijing by a U.S. president since Trump’s own visit in 2017. The dates were confirmed by a White House official, and both Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have recently described communication between their countries as positive. Trump commented that the visit would be a major event, calling for a grand display during his stay. The announcement came shortly before the U.S. Supreme Court struck down tariffs previously imposed by Trump on multiple countries, a policy tool he had used to influence international support for his agenda. Trade issues, including tariffs and China’s reduced purchases of U.S. soybeans, are expected to feature prominently in discussions. Beijing has recently hosted other Western leaders, such as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who announced new trade deals and lifted restrictions on Chinese-made electric cars. China’s growing exports of electric vehicles and investments in renewable energy contrast with Trump’s continued emphasis on fossil fuels. The visit will also be Trump’s first to China since the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he had criticized Beijing’s handling of the outbreak.

The Iranian government has rejected international claims about the scale of killings during last month’s nationwide protests, insisting that “terrorists” were responsible for the deaths. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Tehran had released a list of 3,117 people described as victims of “recent terrorist operations,” including about 200 security personnel. He challenged critics to provide evidence disputing the figures, after US President Donald Trump claimed that 32,000 people were killed and said Iranians had “lived in hell” under the current establishment. UN special rapporteur Mai Sato and 30 other human rights experts said more than 20,000 civilians may have been killed, though they noted that information remains limited due to heavy internet restrictions. The US-based HRANA reported documenting over 7,000 deaths and investigating thousands more. The experts urged Iran to reveal the fate of those arrested or missing and to stop executions linked to the protests, warning that the true scale of the crackdown remains unclear. Meanwhile, tensions persist across Iran, with student clashes at Tehran’s Sharif University and teachers striking over the killing of children. Families continue to hold independent memorials for victims, defying official mourning events promoted as symbols of “unity and empathy.”

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he will raise global tariffs on imported goods to 15 percent after the United States Supreme Court struck down his previous trade measures. The ruling has triggered widespread concern and responses from governments and markets, as countries assess the legal and economic implications of the decision and Trump’s new tariff plan. In South Korea, the presidential office said it would review its trade deal with the US, while India faces uncertainty over a recently signed framework agreement that includes major purchases in defence, energy, and artificial intelligence. China’s response was muted, though analysts said the ruling could ease tariff pressure on its exports. Canada and Mexico both welcomed the court’s decision but noted that some tariffs remain in place. European leaders, including those from France and Germany, emphasized the importance of legal checks and signaled coordinated responses within the European Union. Legal experts described the Supreme Court’s ruling as a landmark moment, asserting that the court acted to reaffirm constitutional limits on presidential authority rather than to decide on economic policy.

A shop in Charfassion, Bhola, that had been seized by miscreants using the name of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was recovered following the intervention of Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan, the BNP Member of Parliament for Bhola-4 (Charfassion and Monpura). The operation took place late on Friday, February 20, at Tulatuli Bazar in Jahangpur Union, near the Meghna River. The shop, long under illegal occupation, was returned to its rightful owner, local businessman Mahe Alam. According to the report, Mahe Alam had been running his business at the site for several years. Before the 13th National Election, a group of local miscreants allegedly branded him as an Awami League supporter and took over his shop while demanding extortion money in the name of BNP. After Alam informed MP Nayan by phone, the lawmaker instructed local party leaders to act. Youth front members verified the complaint, broke the lock, and handed the shop back to Alam. The recovery has brought relief among local traders, who have demanded strict action against those involved in the illegal occupation.

A clash broke out between two factions of the National Citizens Party (NCP) in Fatullah, Narayanganj, on Saturday afternoon, leaving one activist named Arafat injured. The incident occurred on Gulshan Road in the area. Arafat alleged that the attack was carried out by Siam, Biplob, Noman, Russell, and Sabbir at the instigation of NCP leader Alif Dewan, claiming it was a planned assault. According to Arafat, the dispute stemmed from his donation of 50,000 taka directly to Shapla symbol MP candidate Abdullah Al Amin before the election. He claimed Alif Dewan was angered because he wanted the donation to go through him. However, Alif Dewan denied the allegations, asserting that Arafat was not an NCP member and had been extorting money using the party’s name after the election. Dewan also claimed that Arafat and his associates attempted to assault their worker Biplob at a rolling mill before locals intervened. Local NCP leader Tarikul Islam has taken responsibility for mediating the matter. Arafat stated he would pursue legal action if justice is not ensured.

In Tanore upazila of Rajshahi, potato prices have dropped sharply this season, with new potatoes selling for Tk 8 to 9 per kilogram, and in some places even lower. Farmers report being forced to add an extra 5 kilograms per sack as ‘dholon,’ increasing their losses. One farmer, Raihan Kabir, said he harvested 40 to 45 sacks per bigha, selling each for Tk 550 to 650, earning Tk 22,000 to 28,000 per bigha against production costs of Tk 60,000 to 65,000, resulting in losses exceeding Tk 30,000 per bigha. Another farmer, Mejbaul, said his expenses were Tk 45,000 per bigha, but he earned only about Tk 25,000. Farmers allege that although each sack weighs 70 kilograms, they are paid for only 65 kilograms, losing about 250 kilograms per bigha. Traders claim the extra weight compensates for natural loss during transport and storage. The local agriculture officer, Saifullah Ahmed, said 12,190 hectares were cultivated this year, with 150 hectares already harvested and yields satisfactory. He added that coordination is underway to help farmers with storage and marketing, expressing hope that prices will improve soon.

At Islamic University in Kushtia, student leaders of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) protested late Friday night after the name of former president Ziaur Rahman was not mentioned during a prayer and supplication held to mark Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day. The event took place around 12:30 a.m. at the university’s central Shaheed Minar, following floral tributes and a minute of silence for the martyrs. According to reports, the prayer included references to language martyrs and other national heroes but omitted Ziaur Rahman and his family. JCD activists objected immediately, arguing that Zia was not only a former president but also the university’s founder. They demanded an explanation from university officials. A second prayer was later conducted by the central mosque’s imam, who then included Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia, Arafat Rahman Koko, and Tarique Rahman by name. The incident led to heated exchanges between student groups and university administrators, including the pro-vice-chancellor and leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement. The confrontation continued near the Diana Chattar area before subsiding.

On February 21, 2026, Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, faced public criticism after comments he made during a Language Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day event in Sirajganj. Speaking as the chief guest at the District Shilpakala Academy auditorium, he said that to truly embrace Bengali as the mother tongue, the slogan 'Inquilab Zindabad' should not be used, as it is not part of the Bengali language. Following his remarks, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and Nasiruddin Patwari posted Facebook statuses protesting the minister’s statement. Asif Mahmud questioned whether the minister felt discomfort hearing 'Inquilab Zindabad' but not 'Bangladesh Zindabad', while Nasiruddin Patwari wrote a post supporting the disputed slogan and criticizing extortion. Earlier, Hasnat Abdullah had also posted a similar protest on Facebook. The incident drew attention on social media, highlighting differing opinions on linguistic expression and national identity during the observance of International Mother Language Day.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman secured a two-thirds majority in the 13th national election held on February 12, 2026, following the 2024 student-led uprising. With the Awami League barred from participation, Rahman was sworn in as prime minister on February 17. Analysts note that his political success will depend on reviving the struggling economy amid youth discontent over jobs and corruption. BNP has pledged to double the economy by 2034, raising GDP from USD 460 billion to USD 1 trillion, requiring 9% annual growth. The party also promised major increases in education and health spending but lacks a credible revenue plan. Economists warn that high interest rates, structural distribution issues, and weak private investment pose serious risks. Agriculture employs 44% of the workforce, and Rahman must ensure fair prices for farmers while controlling food costs. Remittance inflows have surged to USD 30 billion in 2025, but dependence on Gulf labor markets and corruption in overseas employment remain concerns. Economist Khan Ahmed Sayeed Murshid urged pragmatic reforms and reliable energy supply. Bangladesh’s upcoming graduation from LDC status in November 2026 adds further pressure on exports and economic stability.

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee called for collective efforts in nation-building despite political differences. Speaking as the chief guest at a civic gathering organized by the Lakshmipur Press Club at the Town Hall auditorium on Saturday, he emphasized that opposing every issue for the sake of opposition hinders progress. He warned that those who create mobs and chaos, obstructing Bangladesh’s development, would become enemies of the country. Anee, the newly elected Member of Parliament from Lakshmipur-3 (Sadar), took oath as a full minister on February 17. He serves as Joint Secretary General of the BNP central committee and convener of the Lakshmipur district BNP. Although previously elected to parliament twice, this is his first time joining the cabinet. His remarks highlighted a call for cooperation across political lines to ensure stability and progress, reflecting his new ministerial role following the 13th parliamentary election.

A police officer named Shah Alam, aged 33, was stabbed during a bag search at a checkpoint in the Kutubkhali area of Dhaka’s Jatrabari on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. when four young men approached the checkpoint. Police became suspicious of one of their bags, and as officers attempted to search it, one of the men attacked Shah Alam above his left eye with a knife before fleeing the scene. The injured officer was first taken to Rajarbagh Police Lines Hospital and later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. According to Jatrabari Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Raju, efforts are underway to identify the attackers. He added that the assailants also detonated a crude explosive device at the scene. Police have seized the bag involved in the incident, and a case is being prepared. Authorities are continuing their investigation to locate the suspects and determine the motive behind the attack.

French football legend Zinedine Zidane is reportedly close to fulfilling his long-held dream of coaching the France national team. According to French media reports, the French Football Federation (FFF) has reached a verbal agreement with Zidane for him to take charge after the 2026 World Cup. The change would mark a major shift in French football, with Zidane expected to succeed current coach Didier Deschamps once the tournament concludes. Zidane, who led France to its first World Cup title in 1998 and another final in 2006, has also enjoyed a highly successful coaching career. He last managed Real Madrid in two separate stints between 2016–2018 and 2019–2021, winning 11 major trophies, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles. Despite receiving an offer to coach the United States national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Zidane reportedly declined it. The reports suggest Zidane’s appointment could bring a new era for French football, combining his legacy as a player with his proven coaching success at the club level.

Dhaka University’s nationalist teachers’ group, Sada Dal, has strongly protested a tribute paid at the Central Shaheed Minar under the banner of the Dhaka University Teachers’ Association. In a statement issued on Saturday, Sada Dal leaders Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan, Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, and Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Sarkar denounced the act as unethical and audacious, arguing that the association currently has no functional committee. The statement alleged that a few teachers, rejected by most colleagues after the July 2024 mass uprising, used the association’s name to lay wreaths in honor of language martyrs. Sada Dal leaders claimed these individuals lack moral and legal legitimacy, accusing them of opposing student movements during the uprising and playing controversial roles in that political period. They further noted that after the August 5 political change, the group was labeled “publicly discredited,” and a high-level university investigation is ongoing. Sada Dal urged the university administration to take exemplary disciplinary action based on the inquiry report and to prevent politically controversial teachers or groups from using sensitive university spaces for political activities.