Voting in Germany’s parliamentary elections began at 8 a.m. local time on Sunday and will continue until 6 p.m. Nearly 60 million voters will choose their representatives for the next four years. According to BBC, this election could have a significant impact on the country’s future in European politics. Preliminary results are expected to be released after 6 p.m. Surveys indicate that immigration is the biggest issue for the German public, with 37% of people considering it a top concern—an increase of 14% from last month. The election is also crucial due to concerns about the economic downturn and rising violence. However, there are fears regarding the rise of right-wing politics. Due to a decline in popularity for current Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (Green Party), CDU-CSU leader Friedrich Merz is currently leading the race.

Hamas has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deliberately undermining the ongoing ceasefire negotiations. The group claims that Israel has failed to initiate discussions for the second phase of the agreement, which was set to conclude on March 1. As per the ceasefire’s first phase, Israel agreed to release prisoners, withdraw forces from parts of Gaza, and allow humanitarian aid. Hamas leader Bassem Naim told Al Jazeera that Netanyahu’s actions signal preparations for renewed conflict rather than peace. Meanwhile, Hamas recently released six Israeli hostages, but Israel has yet to free 620 Palestinian detainees.

The government has officially declared February 25 as ‘National Martyred Soldiers Day’ to honor the 74 victims, including 57 army officers, of the 2009 Pilkhana massacre in Dhaka. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid announced on Sunday that a gazette notification would be issued today, formalizing the annual observance. However, the day will not be a public holiday. This decision aims to recognize the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers while ensuring the tragic event remains a significant part of national memory.

A shooting incident at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico left one airman dead and another injured on Saturday morning. The U.S. Air Force confirmed that the injured officer was treated and released from the medical center, while the deceased airman was found at the scene. The identities of both individuals remain undisclosed as local authorities investigate the incident. The Kirtland Truman Gate Pass Office has been temporarily closed.

Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam has announced that the national election schedule will be set with December 2025 in mind. The commission aims to start full preparations by July-August. Typically, election schedules are announced 45-55 days in advance, and the EC is working independently without external influence. Discussions are ongoing about local elections coinciding with national polls, but no final decision has been made. The commission assures a timely schedule announcement and a swift election process while ensuring transparency and fairness.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has accused a certain group of deliberately attempting to disrupt unity and peaceful coexistence by inciting religious sentiments. In a statement on Sunday, Rafiqul Islam said that Bangladesh has long been a shining example of communal harmony. “Our culture, traditions, and values are built on mutual respect and coexistence among people of all religions,” he stated. The statement further alleged that a particular faction has recently been engaging in deliberate religious provocations to undermine this unity. “Especially, offensive remarks and campaigns against Islam, Allah, and the Prophet (PBUH) are attacking our social harmony,” it added. Terming the situation as unfortunate, the movement has urged the government to take action and ensure justice.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of imposing retaliatory tariffs on Indian and Chinese goods, stating that the U.S. will match India’s tariff rates. His administration is preparing to take action after a long delay. During Modi’s U.S. visit, trade reforms were discussed, with experts suggesting tariff reductions instead of a full trade deal. Opinions remain divided on the impact of U.S. tariffs on India, with S&P predicting minimal effects while Goldman Sachs warns of uncertainties. A White House report on the tariffs is expected in six months.

Investigations have revealed that outsiders linked to Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Jubo Dal were responsible for shooting students during clashes at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) over the demand to ban student politics. A gunman wearing a black helmet and pants was spotted firing at KUET students from an alley near Khan Jahan Ali Hall. Several JCD and Jubo Dal activists involved in the attack have been identified, and their photos have been posted publicly. Meanwhile, students continue protests with a six-point demand.

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for March 2 on the government and Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) appeal against the High Court’s acquittal of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case. Previously sentenced to seven years in prison, Zia was cleared by the High Court, prompting an appeal. Her legal team insists they will fight the case legally, reaffirming her innocence.

At least six people were killed, and 74 others injured when the roof of a food court collapsed at a shopping mall in Peru, according to AFP. Fire department commander Gelqui Gomez confirmed the fatalities, while local health official Anibal Morillo updated the number of injured, including 10 children and 12 critically wounded individuals.

A knife attack in Mulhouse, France, left one person dead and three police officers injured. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the incident as an “Islamist terrorist attack.” A 37-year-old Algerian suspect was arrested at the scene. Reports indicate that the attacker shouted “Allahu Akbar” before launching the assault. The deceased, a 69-year-old Portuguese national, was reportedly assisting the police when he was fatally stabbed.

The Supreme Court has scheduled the review hearing of ATM Azharul Islam, the former acting Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, for Tuesday. Azhar was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 war. The Attorney General confirmed that his review petition, originally listed for hearing on February 20, was postponed and will now be addressed. Jamaat leader Shafiqul Rahman has warned that if Azhar is not released, he will voluntarily surrender in court on February 25.

A dispute over playing loud music at a wedding in Baraigram, Natore, led to a violent attack, resulting in the death of Kamal Bepari (45) on Saturday night. The altercation erupted when neighbors Shamsul Bepari, Shahjahan Bepari, and Shahadat Bepari objected to the music being played at the wedding of Kamal’s nephew. A heated argument escalated into a physical attack, and Kamal was fatally assaulted on the spot. Police have recovered the body, and an investigation is underway.

Police arrested a man with a pistol and a magazine loaded with nine rounds in Mirpur. The arrest took place on Saturday at Road No. 5. The suspect, identified as Md. Faruk, was apprehended based on a tip-off near Commerce College. Upon spotting the police, he attempted to flee but was quickly detained. Authorities have filed a case against him under the Arms Act.

Two motorcyclists lost their lives in a tragic accident when a microbus collided with their vehicle in Sherpur on Saturday. Six others were injured in the crash. The deceased have been identified as Gaurab (18) and Roni (14). Another victim, Shuvo (20), was critically injured and has been transferred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, while the remaining five injured have been admitted to the district hospital. According to locals, the microbus, en route from Sherpur to Jamalpur around 12:30 AM, first hit a battery-run auto-rickshaw before losing control and ramming into a motorcycle and another auto-rickshaw. Roni died on the spot due to the impact.