After a four-day shutdown, partial power generation has resumed at Dinajpur’s Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant. Among the three units of the 525 MW coal-based plant, Unit 1, with a capacity of 125 MW, was restarted at 5:29 PM on Saturday after resolving mechanical issues. Chief Engineer Md. Abu Bakkar Siddique expressed optimism that Unit 3, which has a capacity of 275 MW, could also be operational within the next couple of days.

Breaking a 90-year-old tradition, the Assam government under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has removed the two-hour break for Friday prayers during state assembly sessions. Muslim legislators in Assam were denied the usual Friday prayer break for the first time. The chief minister justified the move, stating that work should take precedence over tradition. This practice was introduced in 1937 by Syed Saadulla of the Muslim League. Earlier, the state government formed a seven-member team to assess the need for the break. AIUDF legislator Rafiqul Islam condemned the decision, calling it an injustice imposed by the majority on the minority. Meanwhile, the Congress party has demanded designated prayer spaces nearby.

Police in Birampur, Dinajpur, arrested eight gamblers during a raid at Shantimor Bazar. Acting on a tip-off, officers from Birampur Police Station conducted the operation early in the morning and seized gambling equipment. The arrested individuals are identified as Ashraful, Mizanur, Zakir, Zahidul, Liton, Faruq, Tobarak, and Raju Ahmed. Officer-in-Charge Momtazul Haque stated that cases have been filed against them under the Gambling Act, and they were presented before the Dinajpur court on Saturday.

A human trafficking gang lured Arif Hossain (45) from Kaliganj with the promise of a job in Italy, only to trap him in Myanmar and subject him to brutal torture. The gang extorted Tk 1 million in ransom in multiple phases but still refused to release him. The case was uncovered by Officer-in-Charge Alauddin’s team, leading to the arrest of four members of the gang, including a Rohingya national, from Cox’s Bazar. The victim had sought assistance from local agents to travel abroad, but they turned out to be traffickers. Law enforcement tracked the phone numbers used for ransom demands and apprehended the criminals. The victim remains in Myanmar, and efforts are ongoing to rescue him, police confirmed.

Student activists and the public gathered at Raju Sculpture in protest against fascism have published a list of ministers, advisors, and MPs from the authoritarian Sheikh Hasina government and its political allies, declaring them as fascists. They have called for the arrest of these individuals and their sentencing to 7-14 years in prison. The protesters also demanded that they be stripped of their right to participate in elections. Abdul Wahed, convener of the Revolutionary Student Council, presented five key demands at the conference, including the banning of the Awami League and its allies, confiscation of the parties’ assets, and the designation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her cabinet members, MPs, and all district chairmen and members as fascists, with arrest warrants issued.

Mahbub Uddin Khokon, advisor to the BNP Chairperson, stated that the Yunus government is unwilling to relinquish power. He claimed the government’s delay under the guise of reform is evidence that the ‘ghost of the League’ is haunting them. He emphasized that staying in power without elections raises concerns of accountability. Khokon called for the immediate announcement of a national election date and urged the completion of the election by this year. He further mentioned that reform would no longer be necessary as Tarique Rahman would implement reforms with his 31-point agenda. These comments were made during a rally demanding reforms in the face of rising commodity prices, improvements in law and order, and the announcement of a democratic electoral roadmap to counter various fascist conspiracies.

Former Pakistani federal minister Faisal Vawda has accused leaders from Imran Khan’s own party, PTI, of conspiring to keep him in jail. In a press conference, he claimed that Khan’s imprisonment is part of a deal with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). “I have always said that no ‘trump card’ will work,” he remarked. Looking back 15 years, he sees no one standing behind Imran Khan, he added. Vawda served as Pakistan’s Minister for Water Resources from 2018 to 2021. Although he remained a PTI member until 2022, he lost both his party membership and seat due to his dual citizenship.

Two robbers arrested for a robbery and assault on passengers aboard a bus traveling from Dhaka to Tangail on the Dhaka-Rajshahi Highway have given confessional statements in court. Another suspect, who refused to confess, has been remanded for five days. The confessions were made by Sabuj (30) and Shariful Islam Sharif (28). Shahidul Islam Muhit (30) has not confessed. According to lawyers, four more individuals are involved in the incident. The suspects were arrested from Savar, Dhaka, on Friday.

Akhtar Hossain, Secretary General of the National Citizens’ Committee, shared a post on Facebook with a picture of himself and two young advisers, Nahid Islam and Mahfuz Alam. This post has raised speculation about the leadership structure of a new political party being formed by youth leaders. Nahid is set to become the convener, while Akhtar is expected to take the role of Secretary General. The party, with strong ties to the National Citizens’ Committee, is expected to launch soon.

Islamic scholar Mizanur Rahman Azhari emphasized the power of unity in a recent gathering in Chapainawabganj. He said, “When we are alone, we are individuals; when we unite, we are a force.” Azhari urged the need to harness this collective strength for the betterment of Islam. He highlighted the successes of unity, citing how Bangladesh has shown resilience in the face of oppression. “What could not be achieved in 16-17 years was accomplished in just a few days through unity,” he remarked. He also expressed a desire for a Bangladesh where no one dares to oppress others, emphasizing the importance of peaceful politics and leadership that resonates with the entire nation. “We want leaders whose illness will bring the entire country to their knees in prayer,” he concluded.

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.