The Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 begins today, Thursday, February 26, in Dhaka after multiple schedule changes and months of debate among publishers and organizers. The fair, organized by Bangla Academy, will run until March 15 and is being inaugurated by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. This year’s event coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, prompting special arrangements including fair pricing for iftar, prayer facilities, and extended evening hours. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has implemented a three-tier security plan for the fairgrounds.

Earlier, the fair’s start date was shifted several times due to the national election and Ramadan. Publishers’ groups had protested the delays and even held a symbolic fair on February 1. Following negotiations led by the new cultural affairs minister and state minister, the fair was rescheduled with waived stall fees and no pavilions. A total of 549 publishing houses are participating across 1,018 units, including 87 little magazines and 63 children’s publishers.

Security measures include 24-hour police monitoring, special patrols, and traffic restrictions around the fair area. Organizers have also pledged to maintain a clean, smoke-free, and polythene-free environment throughout the event.

Bangladesh has imported fruits worth around Tk 5,000 crore during the ongoing Ramadan season, as local fruits are not in season. Despite a 30 percent increase in import volume compared to last year, retail fruit prices have risen by at least 30 percent per kilogram. Prices continue to climb daily by Tk 5 to Tk 8. Chattogram port data show large imports of apples, grapes, oranges, and dates, with total customs revenue exceeding Tk 2,500 crore.

Importers and traders attribute the high prices to heavy import duties of up to 136 percent, high transport and refrigeration costs, and additional port handling expenses. The Chattogram Fruit Traders Association argues that fruits are treated as luxury goods, urging the government to reduce duties during Ramadan when domestic supply is low. Port officials note that over a thousand refrigerated containers of fruits remain undelivered, which could ease prices once released.

Consumer rights advocates allege that market syndicates are manipulating supply to inflate prices, warning that without stricter monitoring, imported fruits will remain unaffordable for ordinary consumers.

The first session of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament is scheduled to begin on March 12, when President Md. Shahabuddin will deliver his address. According to cabinet sources cited by Amar Desh, the speech will emphasize alleged corruption, irregularities, and misrule during Sheikh Hasina’s 15-and-a-half-year tenure. It will also include descriptions of human rights violations and the July movement that led to the fall of Hasina’s government. The address will reflect the current BNP-led government’s election manifesto.

As per the constitution, the president delivers an address at the first session of a new parliament and at the first session each year. The Cabinet Division prepares the draft speech based on information from ministries, which is then approved by the cabinet. Officials confirmed that the draft for this session has been finalized and is under review. The speech is expected to be about 150 pages long, though the president will read only selected portions.

The address will also recount the context of the February 12 parliamentary election and the interim government’s assumption of power after Hasina’s ouster on August 5, 2024. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Law Minister Asaduzzaman declined to comment on the upcoming speech.

Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and one of the world’s most-wanted drug traffickers, was killed in a Mexican military operation on Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco. The raid, supported by information from U.S. authorities, resulted in Oseguera and two others dying from injuries sustained during the mission. Four cartel members were killed at the scene, and three Mexican soldiers were injured. The U.S. State Department urged American tourists in affected areas to shelter in place as violence erupted across multiple states.

Following the operation, suspected cartel members torched buses, blocked roads, and attacked businesses in Jalisco, Michoacán, and Guanajuato. Flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara were canceled, leaving travelers stranded, though airports later resumed operations. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the military’s coordination and said most of the country remained calm. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called Oseguera’s death a major development for both nations.

The operation marks a significant security milestone for Mexico amid pressure from the Trump administration to curb drug trafficking, though Sheinbaum has previously warned that targeting cartel leaders can trigger further violence.

Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has been quietly developing military options for potential strikes on Iran while seeking to avoid direct conflict with President Donald Trump. According to multiple officials, Caine has expressed concerns about the scale and risks of a major operation against Iran, even as Trump has pressed for aggressive plans ranging from targeting missile sites to regime change. Caine has convened secret meetings with senior military leaders outside the Pentagon’s usual secure rooms to prevent leaks and maintain discretion.

Caine’s approach contrasts with that of his predecessor, Gen. Mark Milley, who often clashed with Trump. Determined to maintain influence, Caine has adopted a reserved posture, offering professional advice without overtly challenging the president. Despite his caution, he has overseen the largest US military buildup in the Middle East since the Iraq invasion. Pentagon and White House spokespeople have defended Caine’s conduct, describing him as a disciplined officer who provides unbiased military counsel.

Caine’s balancing act reflects his effort to preserve military nonpartisanship while navigating Trump’s politicized leadership style. His discretion has earned him Trump’s trust but also raised questions among officers about his assertiveness.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that Israel killed at least 84 journalists and media workers in 2025, making it the deadliest year on record for the global news media. The watchdog’s annual report, released Wednesday, found that a total of 129 media workers were killed worldwide, with Israel responsible for more than two-thirds of the deaths. Most of those killed by Israel were Palestinian, though Israeli air strikes also killed 31 staff members at Yemeni newspaper offices.

The CPJ said Israel carried out 38 of 47 targeted killings globally, which the group classifies as murders, and noted a “persistent culture of impunity” within Israel’s military regarding attacks on the press. The organization warned that the actual number of journalists killed could be higher due to press restrictions and destroyed evidence during Israel’s war on Gaza. Five Al Jazeera journalists, including Anas al-Sharif and Hossam Shabat, were listed among those killed.

According to monitoring site Shireen.ps, Israel has killed nearly 300 journalists since the start of the war. The CPJ also recorded journalist deaths in Sudan, Mexico, and Ukraine in 2025.

Polish prosecutors have filed criminal charges against two former intelligence chiefs for using Israeli-made Pegasus spyware in their official duties, alleging the act endangered sensitive state information. The National Prosecutors’ Office announced on Wednesday that Piotr P, former head of the ABW internal security agency, and Maciej Materka, former head of the SKW military counterintelligence service, lacked the required IT security accreditation to operate the software. Both face up to three years in prison for alleged dereliction of duty. Prosecutors said the men denied the accusations and refused to provide explanations during questioning.

Materka publicly identified himself and condemned the charges, asserting that all operations under his leadership were legally authorized and that he had served Poland with an impeccable record. The case forms part of a broader investigation into the use of Pegasus spyware by Polish officials.

Former Justice Minister and Attorney General Zbigniew Ziobro also faces separate charges, including abuse of power and misuse of funds intended for crime victims to purchase Pegasus, allegedly to monitor political opponents.

Iran and the United States are set to begin a third round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, with Oman acting as mediator. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived on Wednesday and met Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi ahead of Thursday’s session. Both sides have expressed a preference for diplomacy, though Washington has imposed sweeping new sanctions targeting more than 30 individuals, entities, and vessels linked to Iran’s oil sales and weapons programs. The talks come as the US expands its military presence in the Middle East, deploying additional aircraft carriers, destroyers, and fighter jets.

The negotiations follow earlier rounds in Oman and Geneva, where only a tentative understanding on broad principles was reached. US officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have accused Tehran of rebuilding its nuclear program and developing long-range missiles, while Iran insists on its right to peaceful nuclear technology and rejects US allegations. Iranian officials have warned that any US attack would trigger retaliation across the region.

Analysts note that major gaps remain over uranium enrichment and sanctions relief, leaving uncertainty about whether diplomacy can prevent further escalation between Washington and Tehran.

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.