Syria’s Kurdish armed group, the People’s Protection Units (YPG), has agreed to disband and integrate into the Syrian army under a new deal with President Ahmed al-Shara’s government. The agreement follows the withdrawal of U.S. support and the earlier dissolution of Turkey’s Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The accord marks the end of the Kurds’ long-running armed struggle in northeastern Syria and signals a consolidation of central authority in Damascus.

The development has raised security concerns in neighboring Iraq, which shares a 600-kilometer border with Syria. As Syria reasserts control over its Kurdish regions, Iraq faces growing security, political, and legal challenges along its western frontier. The transfer of thousands of Islamic State (IS) detainees from Syria to Iraq has further complicated Baghdad’s internal security landscape. Iraqi officials have strengthened border defenses and called for international cooperation to manage the influx of foreign detainees.

Analysts view the YPG-Damascus deal as a turning point in regional geopolitics, compelling Iraq to reassess its counterterrorism and border strategies while deepening coordination with Syria to maintain stability.

An air ambulance carrying seven people crashed near Simaria in Jharkhand’s Chatra district on Monday, February 23, killing everyone on board. The aircraft, operated by Redbird Airways Private Limited, had departed from Ranchi at 7:11 p.m. for Delhi but lost contact with radar about half an hour later. It was later found wrecked in a forested area under Bariatu Panchayat. Officials confirmed that all seven passengers, including the patient being transferred, died in the crash.

According to Ranchi airport director Vinod Kumar, the plane had communicated with Kolkata Air Traffic Control shortly after takeoff before disappearing from radar. Local residents reported heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds at the time of the incident, and authorities suspect adverse weather conditions as the likely cause. The patient’s relatives said the air transfer was chosen on medical advice due to risks associated with road travel.

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has launched a full investigation into the crash to determine the exact cause and contributing factors.

In a reflective essay published on February 24, 2026, writer Shubho Karmakar from Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, described Bangladesh as standing at a technological crossroads where artificial intelligence (AI) has become deeply embedded in daily life. From students to professionals, people are using AI tools without fully understanding their implications. While AI has made knowledge more accessible, Karmakar cautioned that excessive reliance on it may erode human creativity, individuality, and critical thinking.

The article emphasized that machines can organize information but cannot replicate human experience, emotion, or social understanding. Overdependence on AI, the writer argued, risks turning people into passive users who lose their intellectual independence. Karmakar also warned of privacy threats, as AI systems may misuse personal data, leading to cybercrime and data breaches. He urged users to verify information, maintain self-awareness, and treat AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human intellect.

The writer concluded that protecting freedom of thought and nurturing human intelligence are essential in the AI era, especially for the younger generation who are most engaged with technology.

A Peruvian military helicopter crashed during a flood rescue operation in the Arequipa region, killing at least 15 people, the country's air force confirmed on Monday, February 24, 2026. According to the air force statement, the victims included four crew members and eleven passengers. Rescue teams recovered the bodies at the crash site near the city of Chala, about 300 kilometers from Arequipa.

The Russian-made MI-17 helicopter lost radio contact while participating in the rescue mission. It had taken off from Pisco city in the Ica region before the crash. The Arequipa region has recently suffered severe flooding, prompting the military to conduct relief and rescue operations to assist affected residents.

Authorities have not yet provided details on the cause of the crash, but the incident underscores the risks faced by rescue teams operating in disaster-hit areas.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to further strengthen the country’s military and technological capabilities, emphasizing that the development of the nuclear triad will remain a top priority. He made the remarks on February 23 in a video message marking Defender of the Fatherland Day, praising the professionalism and courage of Russian service members defending national sovereignty.

Putin said the Russian army and navy would be reinforced based on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, with science and high technology supporting improved combat readiness across all branches of the armed forces. He described the nuclear triad—comprising land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and strategic bombers—as essential to Russia’s security and global strategic balance.

His comments came as the last nuclear arms control treaty between Russia and the United States nears expiration. Moscow stated it would not take the first step to escalate tensions or increase warhead numbers, provided Washington maintains the same stance. Earlier, the renewal process stalled after the Trump administration sought to include China, which Beijing rejected as unfair given its smaller nuclear arsenal.

President Md. Shahabuddin has convened the first session of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament for March 12 at 11 a.m., fulfilling the constitutional requirement to begin within 30 days of election results. The February 12 election, held under an interim government, gave the BNP-led alliance a two-thirds majority with 212 of 297 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami–led alliance secured 77. The session will open with the election and oath of the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker, followed by the President’s address and presentation of ordinances issued by the outgoing interim government.

Analysts and parliamentary sources expect the session to be vibrant and contentious, with disputes over the Constitutional Reform Council’s oath-taking and post-election violence likely to dominate early debates. Both ruling and opposition parties are preparing for active participation, with the opposition training its members on legislative procedures and planning to raise issues such as price hikes, traffic congestion, and governance reforms.

Opposition leaders, including Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, have pledged constructive engagement, while government members anticipate an end to boycott politics and a more functional parliament representing public interests.

Eighteen months after the July 2024 uprising, investigations into related cases in Chattogram have seen little progress, according to victims’ families. Relatives allege that inquiries have slowed further since the new government took office, with no official follow-up or communication. Police confirmed that among 151 cases filed, only one has reached the reporting stage, while the rest remain under investigation.

Families of those killed, including students Wasim Akram, Faisal Ahmed Shanto, Omar Nurul Absar, and Mahbubul Alam Masum, expressed frustration over the lack of justice and government contact. They said that during the interim government, officials and students had visited them, but since the new administration assumed power, even phone calls have stopped. Police and court sources reported that the cases involve more than 21,000 named and 30,000 unidentified accused individuals.

The victims’ families say they have received neither financial assistance nor rehabilitation. Many now doubt whether justice will ever be served, as investigations remain stalled and no visible progress has been made.

Advocate Tajul Islam has been removed from his position as Chief Prosecutor of the reconstituted International Crimes Tribunal, and Advocate Aminul Islam has been appointed as his replacement, according to a government notification issued on Monday. The change comes amid ongoing trials related to the July genocide and crimes against humanity, prompting discussions about the continuity and pace of the tribunal’s proceedings.

During his one and a half years in office, Tajul Islam led significant progress in the prosecution of July genocide cases, resulting in multiple convictions, including death sentences for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Under his leadership, 24 formal charges were filed, 21 trials are ongoing, and three verdicts have been delivered. Tajul expressed confidence that the new prosecutor would continue the pursuit of justice and emphasized the need to prevent future atrocities.

New Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam, previously a lawyer for Khaleda Zia, pledged to uphold the aspirations of the July movement and ensure fair trials. He stated that under the elected government, the tribunal’s work would proceed with greater momentum.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh is set to amend postal ballot regulations following experiences from the recently held 13th parliamentary election. According to EC sources, the changes will remove the voter declaration form and the provision for multiple envelopes. These elements were found to compromise ballot secrecy, as the declaration form contained both the postal ballot number and the voter’s national ID, potentially revealing voting choices.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud confirmed that the EC is considering dropping the declaration form, noting that voter identity is already verified through registration with a photograph. He also said the number of envelopes used in postal ballots will be reduced. EC officials explained that, unlike regular ballots cast in secret booths, postal ballots could expose voter preferences due to the attached declaration form.

Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of Citizens for Good Governance (SUJAN), welcomed the move, calling the declaration form unnecessary and a risk to voter privacy. He described the reform as a positive step toward protecting electoral confidentiality.

A Dhaka University student and student leader was allegedly beaten by police during an anti-drug operation at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on Monday night. Witnesses said the incident occurred when anthropology student Naeem Uddin questioned police actions, prompting an officer to remark, “You’re arguing too much,” before assaulting him and seizing his phone. Several journalists, including Banglanews24 multimedia journalist Tofayel Ahmed, were also reportedly injured while covering the raid.

Student organizations and eyewitnesses condemned the incident, calling it a violation of human rights and demanding disciplinary and legal action against the involved officers. Leaders from various student groups said police cannot act as judges on the street and must be held accountable for unlawful behavior. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police and Shahbagh Police Station officials did not provide immediate comments, and the university administration has yet to respond.

Journalists and students have urged an impartial investigation into the assaults, emphasizing the need for accountability to prevent further abuse of power by law enforcement.

Newly elected Member of Parliament Akhtar Hossain from Rangpur-4 (Kaunia-Pirgacha) constituency and member secretary of the National Citizens Party (NCP) pledged to fulfill all his election promises despite his alliance not forming the government. Speaking as the chief guest at a large public reception and iftar gathering at Pirgacha Government College field on February 23, he said he would visit government offices to secure development projects for his constituents.

Hossain sharply criticized the BNP, accusing its defeated candidate Emdadul Haque Bhorsa of instigating violence and looting in Haragach. He said his party rejected politics of hatred and sought to work inclusively for all. He also praised Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and urged attention to small infrastructure projects in northern Bangladesh to improve accessibility for rural residents.

The event, organized under the leadership of local Jamaat-e-Islami representatives, featured speeches from leaders of Jamaat, NCP, Islami Chhatra Shibir, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis. Before the reception, Hossain attended a meeting with the Pirgacha Upazila administration, visited a late Jamaat leader’s grave, and inaugurated a local road.

The Bangladesh Police Service Association has called on the government to reconsider its decision to change the long-standing uniform of the Bangladesh Police. In a statement signed by its General Secretary and Cumilla Superintendent of Police Md. Anisuzzaman on February 23, the association said that more research and public opinion assessment are needed before altering the traditional attire.

The statement recalled that the khaki uniform was chosen in 2003–2004 after extensive evaluation by a government committee, considering factors such as officers’ skin tone, climate, visibility during day and night duties, and distinction from other forces. The association argued that the new uniform selected by the current interim government does not adequately address these practical issues and resembles those of other agencies, making field identification difficult.

It further noted that the khaki uniform symbolizes the force’s tradition, discipline, and professionalism, and that changing it would be costly. The association suggested that funds would be better spent on modernization, logistics, and training to strengthen morale and efficiency.

Bangladesh Bank has issued show-cause notices to three of its officials for holding a press conference where they described Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur as an authoritarian figure. The notices were sent by the bank’s Human Resources Department under the governor’s directive, requiring written responses within ten days before further action is taken. The officials involved are Naushad Mostafa, Director of SME and Special Programs; A.K.M. Masum Billah, President of the Officers’ Welfare Council; and Golam Mostafa Shrabon, the council’s General Secretary.

The press conference, held on 16 February, criticized the governor’s decisions on merging weaker banks with EXIM and Social Islami Bank and on issuing digital bank licenses. According to internal sources, the event violated staff regulations requiring prior approval from the governor before public statements. The officials also questioned the agenda of a board meeting held the same day, alleging favoritism in digital banking approvals.

Sources added that a cross-party alliance within the central bank has been formed to push for full institutional autonomy, legal reforms, and promotion-related demands. The show-cause process marks a new phase in internal tensions within Bangladesh Bank.

The European Union (EU) has congratulated the Election Commission of Bangladesh, led by Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, for successfully conducting the 13th parliamentary election in a free, fair, and acceptable manner. The EU’s ambassador to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, conveyed the message during a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner at the Election Commission building on Monday, February 23, where Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed was also present.

During the meeting, Ambassador Miller appreciated the Chief Election Commissioner’s expression of gratitude for the EU’s support in the electoral process. He noted that the Election Commission’s work continues with upcoming by-elections and local government polls covering 12 city corporations, 495 upazilas, and 4,582 union councils. The EU pledged to maintain its assistance for these future elections as well.

The 13th national parliamentary election was held on February 12, marking another milestone in Bangladesh’s electoral process under the current commission’s leadership.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that human rights are under full-scale attack worldwide, often led by the most powerful figures. Speaking on Monday at the opening session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, he said the rule of law is being replaced by the rule of force and that these assaults are happening openly, not from the shadows.

Guterres criticized Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, noting that more than 15,000 civilians have been killed in four years of violence, and called for an immediate end to the bloodshed. He also highlighted blatant violations of human rights, human dignity, and international law in the occupied Palestinian territories, warning that the situation is undermining prospects for a two-state solution. He urged the international community not to allow such trends to continue.

He emphasized that human rights are being deliberately and strategically sidelined worldwide and called for urgent collective action to protect the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and international human rights law without compromise.