Prime Minister Tarique Rahman worked at his Tejgaon office on Saturday, a government holiday. He arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office around 10:15 a.m. after leaving his residence in Gulshan. According to Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, the Prime Minister’s schedule included a meeting with officials and employees of his office.

During the meeting, Tarique Rahman sought cooperation from officials and staff to implement his election manifesto. Several advisers, including Mirza Abbas, Ismail Zabihullah, Rashed Humayun Kabir, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, retired Brigadier General A.T.M. Shamsul Islam, Zaher Ur Rahman, and Chief Secretary A.B.M. Abdus Sattar, attended the discussion.

The Additional Press Secretary also said that the Prime Minister would attend an iftar hosted by Jamaat-e-Islami at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the afternoon. Tarique Rahman assumed office as Prime Minister on February 17 and has worked on every Saturday since then, including the previous week at the Secretariat.

Israel has declared a state of emergency following airstrikes it carried out on multiple locations in Iran, according to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. The announcement came on February 28, 2026, as warning sirens sounded across Israel amid fears of possible retaliatory attacks from Iran. Security forces have advised civilians to remain close to bomb shelters and avoid unnecessary travel.

The defense minister stated that the strikes were conducted to eliminate threats directed at Tel Aviv. In response to the heightened security situation, authorities issued messages urging citizens to locate the nearest protected shelters and stay alert. The Times of Israel reported that the emergency measures were implemented immediately after the attacks.

The situation remains tense as Israel braces for potential counterstrikes from Iran, with nationwide alerts continuing to sound and emergency protocols in effect.

Israel launched attacks across several locations in Iran while discussions with the United States were still underway. Explosions were reported early Saturday morning in various parts of Tehran, with smoke visible over the city. A U.S. official confirmed that the strikes were carried out jointly by Israel and the United States. According to the Fars news agency, several missiles hit Tehran’s University Street and Jomhouri areas.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the purpose of the operation was to eliminate threats against Tel Aviv. In anticipation of possible retaliation, Israel imposed nationwide restrictions, suspending educational activities, gatherings, and other public events except for essential needs.

The report also mentioned related regional developments, including a fatal incident in Abu Dhabi caused by rocket debris and a statement from the United Arab Emirates asserting its right to retaliate for Iranian attacks. The situation indicates heightened regional tension following the strikes.

Pakistan has claimed that 331 Afghan Taliban soldiers have been killed so far in the ongoing conflict between the two countries. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar shared the figures on social media platform X on Saturday, according to a report by Dawn. He added that more than 500 Taliban fighters were injured, while Pakistani forces destroyed 104 Taliban checkpoints, 163 tanks and armored vehicles, and captured 22 additional posts.

In response, the Taliban government has called on Pakistan to engage in dialogue to resolve the escalating situation. The appeal came after Pakistan publicly declared war against Afghanistan. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Afghanistan has always sought to resolve issues through discussion and remains committed to a peaceful solution.

The exchange of claims and calls for negotiation highlights the growing tension between the neighboring countries as both sides assert their positions in the conflict.

More than 15 countries have instructed their citizens to leave Iran as tensions escalate between Tehran and Washington. The move follows warnings of possible US military action against Iran, raising fears of a wider conflict. On Friday, US President Donald Trump said he was dissatisfied with the outcome of talks on Iran’s nuclear program, according to Gulf News.

The indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran ended without significant progress. Following this, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Italy, Australia, India, China, and several other European and Asian nations issued travel advisories. These advisories urged citizens to avoid traveling to Iran and for those currently there to depart as soon as possible.

Diplomats cited ongoing disagreements over uranium enrichment, inspection procedures, and the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. Meanwhile, the United States has increased its military presence in the Middle East, deploying additional aircraft carriers, warships, and strike aircraft to the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered all federal agencies to stop working with artificial intelligence company Anthropic, labeling it a 'supply chain risk,' according to the Pentagon. The directive requires the Defense Department and related agencies to cease using Anthropic’s technology within six months. Trump warned that full presidential authority would be used if the company failed to cooperate during the transition.

Analysts described the move as an unprecedented setback for the U.S. AI sector. Anthropic had previously contributed to national security–related AI capabilities and counts Google and Amazon among its investors. The company announced plans to challenge the Pentagon’s risk designation in court. CEO Dario Amodei recently met with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to express concerns about limits on AI use in weapons systems and mass surveillance. The Pentagon responded that national defense policy is determined by law, not by private firms.

The decision follows earlier U.S. actions excluding Chinese tech firm Huawei from defense supply chains. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that human accountability and surveillance limits are included in its Pentagon contract, though differences from Anthropic’s proposals remain unclear.

A shocking double murder occurred in Bhabanipur Uttarpara village under Dashuria Union of Ishwardi upazila, Pabna, where a grandmother was killed and her teenage granddaughter was abducted, raped, and murdered. Police recovered the bodies on Saturday morning after residents discovered the grandmother’s bloodied body in the yard and later found the granddaughter’s body in a nearby mustard field. The victims were identified as Sufia Begum, 65, and her granddaughter Jamila Akter, 15.

Ishwardi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Mominuzzaman confirmed that the bodies were sent for autopsy and that an investigation had begun to uncover the motive and perpetrators. Local political figures claimed the victims were relatives of a local student leader and suggested the killings might be linked to political rivalry following a recent election. However, police have not confirmed any motive.

Additional Superintendent of Police Pranab Kumar Sarkar stated that the case is being treated with utmost seriousness and that legal action will follow once the investigation identifies those responsible. The incident has sparked grief and anger in the area, with residents demanding swift arrests and exemplary punishment.

US President Donald Trump has voiced frustration over the slow progress of nuclear program talks between the United States and Iran. Speaking to reporters on the White House lawn on Friday, Trump said Iran was not agreeing to what the US wanted, expressing clear dissatisfaction with the pace and direction of the discussions. He added that while he preferred not to use military force, he was not opposed to doing so if necessary.

After arriving in Texas, Trump further stated that he would not be satisfied even if Iran reduced uranium enrichment for civilian energy projects. He insisted that there should be no enrichment at all, not even at 20 or 30 percent levels. His remarks have heightened fears of a possible US strike on Iran, which analysts warn could trigger a wider regional conflict.

Amid growing tensions, the US State Department has instructed its citizens to leave Israel immediately and advised against traveling there, citing security concerns linked to potential escalation.

The Taliban government of Afghanistan has called on Pakistan to engage in dialogue to resolve ongoing tensions between the two countries. The appeal came after Pakistan publicly declared war against Afghanistan. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Afghanistan has always sought to resolve issues through discussion and remains committed to a peaceful solution.

Despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October, cross-border attacks resumed on Thursday night, escalating into heavy exchanges between the neighboring nations. Pakistan accused Afghanistan of opening fire along the border. According to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s spokesperson, Musharraf Zaidi, Pakistan’s operations have killed 297 Afghan personnel and injured more than 450, destroying 89 military posts and 135 armored vehicles across 29 locations.

In response, an Afghan Taliban spokesperson claimed that their forces killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and damaged 19 Pakistani military posts. The situation marks a sharp deterioration in relations between the two countries, with both sides reporting significant losses.

From midnight tonight, all fishing activities will be suspended for two months in six rivers, including the Padma and Meghna in Chandpur, to protect hilsa fry and other fish species. The government will provide each of the 9,100 registered fishermen in Matlab North upazila with 160 kilograms of rice in four installments during the ban period. Violators may face one to two years in prison, a fine of up to 5,000 taka, or both.

The fishing ban, enforced every March and April since 2006, aims to increase hilsa production and ensure safe movement of juvenile fish. During this period, fishing, buying, selling, storing, and transporting fish are strictly prohibited across 30 kilometers from Shatnol to Amirabad Bazar and 70 kilometers up to Charbhairabi in Haimchar. Joint operations will be conducted by the local administration, fisheries department, naval police, coast guard, and navy.

Officials and researchers emphasized that administrative enforcement alone is insufficient for long-term sustainability unless fishermen’s financial security is ensured. Awareness campaigns and strict monitoring will continue throughout the ban period.

Afghanistan carried out attacks on several Pakistani army camps on Friday, according to the Afghan Ministry of Defense. The strikes took place around 11 a.m. local time and targeted multiple military sites inside Pakistan. The ministry reported that drone strikes were conducted on a military camp near Islamabad’s Faizabad, a headquarters in Nowshera, and additional locations in Jamrud and Abbottabad. The operation was described as successfully executed.

Afghan Army Chief Fasihuddin Fitrat stated that any attack from Pakistan would face a strong response. He pledged to safeguard Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and warned that if further attacks occur, major Pakistani cities, including Islamabad, would be targeted. Fitrat assured the Afghan people that all acts of aggression would be answered.

Reports citing sources indicated that tanks and both light and heavy weapons have been prepared for any potential conflict between the two neighboring countries.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that the United States will not intervene in the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He made the remarks when asked about the possibility of Washington mediating or taking part in efforts to end the hostilities. Trump emphasized that he maintains a very good relationship with Pakistan, describing its prime minister and military chief as individuals he respects.

According to a spokesperson for Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s military operations have resulted in the deaths of 297 Afghan soldiers. The spokesperson also reported that 89 Afghan military posts and 135 tanks and armored vehicles were destroyed in attacks carried out across 29 locations in Afghanistan.

Several countries have called on both Pakistan and Afghanistan to end the conflict, though no details were provided about specific diplomatic initiatives or responses from either side.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, declined to use a government protocol car during his first visit to Sylhet in this capacity. The incident occurred on Friday, January 27, at Sylhet MAG Osmani Airport, where a government vehicle and an assistant commissioner had been waiting to receive him. Upon arrival from Dhaka, Rahman returned the car, saying he would use it only after February 12, when the parliamentary session begins.

During the day, Rahman attended three events in Sylhet. He addressed the closing session of a Jamaat-organized training camp, offered Friday prayers at Kudratullah Mosque, and spoke to journalists. Commenting on the new cabinet, he criticized what he called irresponsible remarks by government ministers, saying such behavior could destabilize society. He declined to comment on the issue of the president’s impeachment, noting that discussions were still ongoing.

In the evening, Rahman joined iftar gatherings at the Sylhet Press Club and Aman Ullah Convention Center, where other political figures were also present.

The United States has expressed support for Pakistan’s right to self-defense against attacks by the Taliban. In a statement issued on Friday, the U.S. State Department said it recognizes Pakistan’s right to defend itself from Taliban aggression. A spokesperson confirmed the position in an emailed statement, while U.S. diplomat Allison Hooker stated on X that she had spoken with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Aamna Baloch regarding the situation. Washington also conveyed sympathy over the ongoing clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Amid the escalating conflict, Iran urged both neighboring countries to exercise restraint. In a statement released on Friday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to respect each other’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty. Tehran also advised both sides to avoid actions that could further increase regional tension and conflict.

The statements from Washington and Tehran highlight growing international concern over the deteriorating security situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and its potential impact on regional stability.

Farmers in Nakla upazila of Sherpur have become distressed due to an artificial shortage of DAP fertilizer and sales at prices higher than the government-fixed rate. Despite normal supply, several BADC and BCIC-approved dealers allegedly bypassed buffer warehouses and unloaded fertilizers directly into their own storage facilities. Reports suggest that some warehouse officials colluded with dealers to reduce transport costs and share profits from the irregularities.

Local sources said that Nakla has 10 BCIC-approved and 70 BADC-approved fertilizer dealers. On Sunday morning, locals and journalists intercepted two dealers storing fertilizers illegally, leading to the seizure of about 49 tons of urea by agricultural officials and police. Farmers complained that DAP fertilizer, officially priced at Tk 1,050, was being sold for Tk 1,400, while other fertilizers were also overpriced. Dealers were accused of creating an artificial shortage to raise prices.

Sherpur’s deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension stated there was no real shortage of DAP fertilizer and that delays in imported fertilizer transport might cause temporary issues. He added that allegations of overpricing were under investigation and action would be taken if proven.