Adviser Nahid Islam has handed over a check worth over 10 million 6 lakh taka to the Bangladesh Workers’ Welfare Foundation, under the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The check was received by Adviser Sakhawat Hossain. The funds are sourced from the profits of Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC for the fiscal year 2023-24. These funds will be used to ensure fair wages for workers and improve other public services, as stated by Adviser Nahid. During the handover, he emphasized the importance of adhering to financial regulations.

Five individuals, including Mehedi Hasan Saif, a Jubo League member and leader of a teenage gang, have been arrested in connection with the brutal machete attack on Mehabul and Ifti in Uttara. The police recovered the weapons from the Turag River, and Saif, along with accomplices, was involved in the attack over a dispute involving loud motorcycles and rickshaw harassment. The suspects were apprehended in Gazipur, and the investigation is progressing rapidly. The others arrested are Mobarak, Robi Roy, Alfaz, and Sajib.

On Tuesday, seven bus passengers were killed in an armed attack in Balochistan, Pakistan. Local officials reported that around 40 unidentified armed individuals intercepted several buses, began verifying passengers’ identities, and then forced seven people off the buses before shooting them dead. All the victims were residents of Punjab. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of now. While law enforcement has cordoned off the area, the perpetrators have yet to be apprehended. Armed separatist groups have long been engaged in battles for regional autonomy in areas bordering Afghanistan and Iran.

On Wednesday afternoon, Mohammad Akhtarul Islam, the spokesperson for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), confirmed that two bags of documents, including an FDR of 12 crore taka and land deeds, have been seized from former Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Haque. The ACC stated that, in connection with an investigation into allegations of illicit wealth accumulation, intelligence reports revealed that Shahidul Haque had sent documents detailing his unlawful assets to a close relative in two bags. These documents contain information about the vast wealth, amounting to millions of taka, acquired by Shahidul Haque through illegal means.

During the July-August mass uprising, the crackdown on student protesters in the capital’s Jatrabari hotspot was led by the controversial Additional DIG, Mohammad Farid Uddin. Farid, who has been widely mocked on social media, infamously declared that it would take just “10 minutes” to clear the movement. In connection with a murder case, Farid Uddin has been referred to as the “Guardian of Genocide.” He is currently on the run, and authorities are actively searching for him. Farid was closely associated with a former Home Minister, who, when contacted, stated that he is on leave and denied any involvement in the killings.

In Begumganj, Noakhali, the residence of a local BNP leader was attacked twice following a Facebook live broadcast. The attacks are believed to have been orchestrated by political rivals. According to family sources, on Sunday, Farhan, a leader of the Chhatra Dal, went live on Facebook. During the broadcast, he spoke out against extortionists, tender manipulators, and allies of the Awami League from the 1/11 period. In response to his Facebook Live, the President of the local BNP, Kamaksha Chandra Das, allegedly threatened Farhan’s father over the phone, demanding that his son delete the live stream or face dire consequences. The following day, two attacks were carried out on the family. The accused has denied the charges.

A violent clash occurred at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) on Tuesday, with over 60 students injured. Chhatra Dal leaders have blamed activists from the anti-discrimination student movement, Chhatra Shibir, and Chhatra League for the violence. The altercation began when Chhatra Dal supporters were attacked during a rally, leading to retaliatory violence. The situation escalated into a campus-wide confrontation, involving both local party members and outsiders. At least 10 injured students were hospitalized in critical condition.

In a recent interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that India would not be exempt from Washington’s reciprocal tariff policies. Trump revealed that he had told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “We are going to implement reciprocal tariffs. Whatever you impose on us, we will impose the same on you.” When Modi expressed his disapproval, Trump reaffirmed his stance. India has historically imposed high tariffs on imported American goods, particularly in the automobile sector, where duties can reach up to 100%. During the interview, Trump boldly asserted, “No one can argue with me. If they impose tariffs, I will impose the same amount!”

Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister, has vowed never to compromise with the government under any pressure. His statement was shared by his sister, Alima Khan, during a visit to him in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. Amid rumors of secret negotiations with the government, PTI plans a strong anti-government movement after Eid ul-Fitr. PTI leader Shoaib Yusufzai highlighted increasing political tensions between ruling parties PPP and PML-N, predicting the government’s imminent downfall.

KUET has enforced a strict ban on all political activities, extending it to faculty and staff. The university will take legal action against outsiders involved in Tuesday’s violence and temporarily expel students directly linked to the clashes. A four-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident. The violence erupted after Chhatra Dal activists distributed membership forms, triggering student protests. Clashes left over 60 injured. Meanwhile, Jubo Dal expelled leader Mahbubur Rahman after his armed presence during the violence went viral.

Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) has suspended all academic activities until February 28 following violent clashes on campus. In an emergency syndicate meeting, authorities banned political involvement of students, faculty, and staff, expelled students involved in attacks, and formed a four-member investigation committee. Protesting students locked administrative and academic buildings, demanding the Vice-Chancellor’s resignation. The campus remains tense after a clash between two student groups over banning student politics left around 50 injured. Officials remain confined due to ongoing protests.

Family members of those injured and killed in the July-August movement have staged a sit-in protest outside Gate 5 of the Secretariat, demanding the fulfillment of three key demands. The protesters, under the banner of “Injured and Martyred Families of the People’s Uprising”, gathered at 1:00 PM on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, they had assembled at Shahbagh before marching towards the Secretariat. Their demands include: 1. Categorization of the injured protesters into two groups for proper support. 2. A special protection law for the families of the injured and deceased. 3. Access to proper medical treatment, psychological counseling, and an emergency hotline to address their concerns.

Rubel Ahmed (32), a leader of the Chhatra League’s Adabor unit and the son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s personal driver, Razzak Matbar, has been arrested. Law enforcement detained him late Tuesday night during a raid in the Metro Housing area of Mohammadpur. ADC Jewel Rana confirmed the arrest, stating that Rubel was allegedly involved in attempts to carry out destructive activities in Mohammadpur under the instructions of fugitive leaders abroad. After videos of his actions surfaced on social media, he went into hiding.

A devastating whale stranding has occurred on a beach in Tasmania, Australia, where 157 whales have become trapped. Among them, 67 have already died, while rescue efforts are underway to save the remaining 90. The stranded whales belong to the false killer whale species, known for their medium-sized black bodies. Australia’s Department of Environment has deployed marine specialists to the site to coordinate rescue operations. Experts estimate that the whales have been stranded for 24 to 48 hours. Authorities are assessing whether the surviving whales can be safely returned to the ocean. Due to the risks involved, the public has been advised to avoid the area.

A ninth-grade madrasa student was raped while on a trip to Gazni Obokash in Sherpur. Overwhelmed with shame, the victim’s mother consumed poison and is now in critical condition at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. The victim’s father has filed a case at Jhenaigati police station. According to the police, on February 14, the girl had gone to Gazni Spot with her friends when a 35-year-old man named Elias detained and raped her. The influential perpetrator attempted to suppress the incident and pressured the victim’s family to remain silent. However, as the incident became known, the victim’s mother attempted suicide. The officer-in-charge (OC) of Jhenaigati police station stated that efforts are underway to arrest the accused.