Bangladesh’s Qawmi religious network, encompassing thousands of madrasas and influential clerics, is facing intensified internal political divisions ahead of the country’s 13th parliamentary election in February 2026. Despite its vast social influence, the Qawmi leadership remains fragmented over ideological, generational, and strategic differences. The divisions have become more visible through disputes over leadership, political alliances, and the role of the state in religious education.

Historically rooted in the Deobandi tradition, the Qawmi movement has seen repeated splits since the 1980s, particularly after events such as the 2017 state recognition of Dawra-e-Hadith degrees, the death of Allama Ahmad Shafi in 2020, and subsequent leadership changes within Hefazat-e-Islam. Prominent Qawmi parties—including Hefazat-e-Islam, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis—remain divided over participation in electoral politics and relations with major political blocs. Scholars interviewed by *Amar Desh* cited organizational weakness, leadership rivalries, and power ambitions as key causes of disunity.

In the 2026 election, Qawmi-linked parties collectively secured a small share of votes and a few parliamentary seats, underscoring their inability to form a unified political front. Analysts suggest that these internal fractures will continue to shape Bangladesh’s religious and electoral landscape.

Argentine football star Lionel Messi has revealed that his biggest regret is not paying enough attention to his studies as a child, particularly not learning English. Speaking on the Mexican podcast 'Miro de Atras' with former Argentina goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman, Messi said he had time to study but failed to use it properly. The 2022 World Cup winner admitted that he often feels uncomfortable when language barriers arise, especially in conversations with prominent people, making him realize how much time he wasted.

Messi, who has won a record eight Ballon d'Or awards, said he now uses this life lesson to guide his three children. He encourages them to seize every opportunity and value education, emphasizing that they have even more chances than he did. Despite his unmatched football success, Messi’s reflection highlights a personal side rarely seen in public.

During the same podcast, Messi also mentioned that his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is still uncertain but expressed a wish to avoid facing Mexico in the tournament.

At least seven people were killed and ten others injured when Ukrainian drones attacked a fertilizer plant in Russia’s western Smolensk region on February 26, 2026. According to Russia’s Investigative Committee, around 30 drones targeted the facility located about 290 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The plant produces ammonium nitrate and nitric acid, chemicals used in fertilizers but also capable of being used in explosives.

Regional governor Vasily Anokhin described the incident on social media as a barbaric terrorist attack by Ukraine’s armed forces, saying the strike hit a civilian site. Rescue teams quickly reached the scene and brought the fire under control, though Anokhin did not clarify whether there was any risk of chemical contamination. As a precaution, schools in Dorogobuzh city switched to online classes, kindergartens were closed, and authorities considered evacuating nearby residents.

Ukraine has not yet commented on the attack. Earlier in the week, a Ukrainian drone strike damaged an oil pumping station in Russia’s Tatarstan Republic. The war, now in its fifth year, remains deadlocked over the Donbas region, with a new U.S.-mediated trilateral meeting expected in early March.

Japan has announced plans to deploy a powerful surface-to-air missile system on Yonaguni Island, located just 110 kilometers from Taiwan, intensifying regional geopolitical tensions. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated on February 24 that the installation would be completed by March 2031, with preparations underway as part of Japan’s 2030 fiscal year defense infrastructure plan.

Analysts say the move could further strain Japan-China relations. Einar Tangen of the Centre for International Governance Innovation noted that Tokyo’s decision appears aimed at strengthening its strategic position ahead of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s upcoming Washington visit. China has condemned Japan’s growing military involvement in the Taiwan issue as interference in its internal affairs, responding with travel advisories, export restrictions on rare minerals, and trade controls on about 20 Japanese firms.

Experts warn that escalating tensions could prompt China to impose broader economic sanctions, potentially affecting Japan’s automobile sector and overall economic stability, given China’s role as Japan’s largest trading partner.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s strong support for Israel during a speech at the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, on the first day of his two-day state visit. Modi, the first Indian leader to address the Knesset, condemned the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack as barbaric and said no cause can justify the killing of innocent civilians. He was warmly received by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described India as a symbol of trust and Modi as more than a friend, a brother.

Despite international criticism over the Gaza war, Modi called India’s partnership with Israel essential for global peace and stability. He expressed support for the UN Security Council–approved Gaza peace initiative and pledged deeper cooperation in defense, security, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology. India remains Israel’s largest defense equipment buyer, with purchases worth about $20.5 billion between 2020 and 2024.

The visit has drawn mixed reactions in India. Opposition parties criticized Modi’s stance, citing India’s traditional support for Palestinian self-determination, while Israeli media highlighted the diplomatic significance of his presence amid global tensions.

Iran and China are close to finalizing a major defense agreement under which Tehran will purchase China’s CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles. According to international intelligence sources and six officials cited in the report, the missile can strike targets up to 290 kilometers away while flying at low altitude to evade defense systems. Military analyst Danny Citrinowicz said the weapon could redefine warfare in the Middle East and pose a serious challenge to U.S. naval forces.

The talks accelerated after a brief clash between Israel and Iran last June. Iran’s Deputy Defense Minister Masoud Orai visited Beijing for final negotiations. If completed, this would mark the most advanced Chinese military technology transferred to Iran. Tehran is also in talks with China to acquire advanced air defense and anti-satellite systems, viewing these moves as essential to protecting its sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the United States and Israel have heightened military readiness. Twelve F-22 Raptor stealth jets landed at Israel’s Ovda Air Base, a move linked to concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities and regional threats. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said indirect talks with the U.S. in Geneva could help avoid conflict, reaffirming Iran’s stance against developing nuclear weapons.

A newly built gas station in the Kalatali area of Cox’s Bazar municipality exploded and caught fire on Wednesday night, injuring at least 15 people. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. at the ‘N Alam’ filling station after a gas leak had started around 7 p.m. According to police, gas spread through the air for nearly three hours, covering about a one-kilometer radius and causing panic among residents.

Local residents reported difficulty breathing due to the strong gas odor before the explosion. The blast ignited multiple parts of the station and nearby structures, affecting densely populated neighborhoods such as Adarsha Gram, Chandrima Housing, and the jail area, where about 20,000 people live. Authorities evacuated residents and closed Kalatali Road to prevent further danger, disrupting travel toward Dhaka and Chattogram.

Fire service officials said seven units were working to control the blaze and stop the gas leak, though the fire remained partially uncontrolled after 90 minutes. Fifteen burn victims were taken to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital, with one transferred to Dhaka and eight to Chattogram for advanced treatment.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking specialized medical treatment for its founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The petition, submitted on Wednesday, February 25, requests his transfer to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for retinal care. PTI lawyer Latif Khosa filed the petition under Rule 35(6) of the Supreme Court Rules 2025 in connection with the Toshakhana criminal case, following the submission of a health report prepared by Barrister Salman Safdar.

The petition asks that Imran Khan be treated by a retina specialist and that his personal physicians, Dr. Faisal Sultan and Dr. Aseem Yusuf, along with family members, be allowed to attend. It also seeks verified copies of all medical reports for his legal team. PTI stated that the 73-year-old leader’s deteriorating health is a concern for his family and the public, noting his repeated calls for independent medical evaluation.

Meanwhile, a two-member Supreme Court bench has suspended Toshakhana case proceedings until the Islamabad High Court delivers its final decision. Imran Khan remains in Adiala Jail, serving a sentence in a £190 million corruption case and facing other pending trials.

The United States Treasury Department announced new sanctions related to Iran just hours after President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, in which he supported possible military action. The sanctions, issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), target more than 30 individuals, various entities, and ships accused of involvement in illegal Iranian petroleum sales and assistance in developing Iran’s ballistic missile and advanced conventional weapons programs.

According to the announcement, OFAC also targeted several networks that allegedly help Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics procure raw materials and equipment necessary for producing ballistic missiles and other weapons. The move reflects continued U.S. efforts to restrict Iran’s defense and energy sectors.

The sanctions are expected to further tighten financial and logistical constraints on Iran’s military and industrial networks, though the immediate impact on regional dynamics remains unclear.

The United Kingdom has begun enforcing new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) rules for travelers from 85 countries, effective from February 25, 2026. The system applies to visitors who previously could travel visa-free, including those from the United States, Australia, and several other nations. The UK government stated that the ETA will enhance the efficiency and security of its immigration process. Travelers must apply online or through a mobile app, providing passport details, contact information, and a photo. The ETA costs £16 and remains valid for two years or until the passport expires.

The new system allows multiple entries for short-term visits such as tourism, business, or short courses, but it does not guarantee entry, as travelers must still pass immigration checks. British and Irish citizens, as well as those with permanent residency or certain exemptions, do not require an ETA. Dual citizens, however, face complications if they lack a British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement, which could prevent re-entry into the UK.

The UK Home Office emphasized that airlines and transport operators will verify ETA status before boarding, and applications should be submitted at least three working days in advance.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned the attack on Hannan Masud, Senior Joint Chief Coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and Member of Parliament for Noakhali-6. The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 25, when Masud was visiting areas affected by post-election violence in Hatiya upazila. According to Jamaat’s statement, armed groups allegedly linked to the BNP and Awami League carried out a planned assault on Masud’s motorcade, injuring 15 to 20 people including the MP.

In a press release, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair described the attack as a violation of democratic norms and political tolerance, saying it reflected a deterioration of law and order. He urged law enforcement agencies to act more responsibly to prevent political violence and demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved. Zubair also wished a speedy recovery for the injured and called on the administration to ensure public safety through impartial and effective measures.

Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign ended in the Super Eight stage after a 61-run defeat to New Zealand at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium. Despite starting the tournament with three consecutive wins at home, the hosts suffered their third straight loss, becoming the first team to exit the Super Eight. New Zealand, batting first, scored 168 for seven, led by a 47-ball 84-run partnership between captain Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 107 in reply.

Mahish Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera each took three wickets for Sri Lanka, while Rachin Ravindra claimed four for 27 for New Zealand and was named player of the match. Kamindu Mendis (31) and Dunith Wellalage (29) offered brief resistance for the hosts but could not prevent a heavy defeat.

With three points from two matches, New Zealand strengthened their position in the semifinal race, while Sri Lanka’s elimination also made Pakistan’s qualification path more difficult.

Ukraine announced that its chief negotiator Rustem Umerov will meet US envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva on Thursday. The meeting is being held ahead of a possible trilateral discussion involving Russia in early March. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, he will also meet Witkoff and Jared Kushner to prepare for the upcoming talks, which are expected to focus on key issues related to the ongoing conflict.

An adviser to Umerov confirmed that the Geneva meeting follows earlier discussions this month among Russian, Ukrainian, and American officials. The initiative is part of the latest diplomatic efforts led by US President Donald Trump, though no significant progress has yet been achieved in ending Russia’s four-year aggression against Ukraine.

Zelensky stated that the agenda will include prisoner exchanges and a prosperity package aimed at Ukraine’s reconstruction. Witkoff confirmed earlier in the week that the dialogue seeks pathways toward a potential peace agreement.

Bill Gates acknowledged having relationships with two Russian women and accepted responsibility for his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The admission came during an internal meeting with Gates Foundation employees, according to a spokesperson’s written statement to Reuters. The spokesperson’s comments followed a Wall Street Journal report detailing Gates’s remarks to staff.

The Gates Foundation previously stated it never funded or employed Epstein. Gates canceled his planned keynote at India’s ‘AI Impact Summit’ shortly before the event. During the internal meeting, Gates described his interactions with Epstein and bringing foundation officials to meet him as a “huge mistake.” He apologized to employees affected by his actions, emphasizing that he had done nothing illegal and had not witnessed any illegal acts.

Documents from the U.S. Department of Justice showed Gates met Epstein multiple times after Epstein’s conviction to discuss philanthropic work. Gates clarified that photos showing him with women were taken at Epstein’s request after meetings and that he never spent time with victims or women associated with Epstein.

A confidential directive from the Rajshahi Range DIG office has instructed police superintendents in eight districts to take strict measures against Awami League leaders and activists who are released on bail. The letter, signed on February 24, 2026, calls for re-arresting or showing 'shown arrest' in old or new cases if there is concern that influential or organizationally active individuals may resume political activities after release.

The directive emphasizes heightened vigilance toward active members of the Awami League and any banned or suspended organizations, while noting that those lacking organizational capacity or field-level influence need not be re-arrested for now. The letter, signed by DIG Mohammad Shahjahan, PPM (Bar), PhD, describes the matter as highly sensitive and urgent, instructing immediate implementation across Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Natore, Pabna, Sirajganj, Bogura, and Joypurhat.

According to the document, the measure aims to maintain law and order and prevent potential political unrest. It also reiterates strict adherence to existing laws and regulations in providing VIP protocol and security.