Israeli Finance Minister and far-right politician Bezalel Smotrich has warned that Israel will take full control of Gaza if Hamas does not surrender its weapons. The warning came Monday after Hamas rejected an Israeli ultimatum demanding disarmament. Last week, Israel had given Hamas 60 days to hand over all weapons, including AK-47 rifles, a timeline reportedly requested by the U.S. administration. Failure to comply would trigger a renewed military operation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Hamas dismissed the ultimatum as political propaganda, claiming it had no real basis in ongoing negotiations. Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardabi said the group would not accept the threat. Smotrich stated that a final deadline for Gaza’s complete disarmament could soon be announced, and if ignored, Israeli forces would act with international and U.S. support. He added that the IDF has two or three operational plans under consideration for a possible Gaza incursion.

The report also mentioned a U.S. peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump, which includes forming a 20,000-member international peacekeeping force. However, Smotrich asserted that Israel could remove foreign troops if necessary, though immediate deployment of such forces appears unlikely.

A third person has died following a gas explosion at a residential building in Chattogram’s Halishahar area. The deceased, 40-year-old Samir Ahmed, succumbed to burn injuries at the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute in Dhaka around noon on Tuesday. According to the institute’s assistant professor Shawon Bin Rahman, Samir had suffered burns on 45 percent of his body and had been admitted the previous day. His death raised the toll from the incident to three.

Earlier, on Monday morning, 16-year-old Shawon, who was Samir’s nephew, died while undergoing treatment at the same institute. Shawon’s mother, Noor Jahan Akhter Rani, aged 40, had died earlier that day. The explosion occurred around 4:30 a.m. on Monday during sehri time at a third-floor flat of a six-story building named Halima Manzil in Halishahar’s H Block. Neighbors reported hearing a loud blast followed by a fire.

Nine members of the same family, including three children, were burned in the explosion. Six of them remain under treatment in Dhaka after being transferred from Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the withdrawal of 1,202 politically motivated cases filed against opposition leaders and activists during a 17-year period under what it described as a fascist government. The decision was announced on Tuesday through an official press release from the ministry, confirming that the approval was granted by the Home Minister.

According to the statement, this move follows a similar decision made on February 22, when the Home Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed, announced the withdrawal of 1,006 such cases from the same period. The ministry’s latest approval adds to the ongoing process of dismissing cases that were deemed to have been filed for political harassment.

The announcement marks another step in the government’s effort to address politically motivated legal actions from previous administrations, as stated in the ministry’s communication.

Ukraine’s war, now in its fifth year, has been transformed by the dominance of drones and advanced communication technologies. According to AFP reports from Kyiv, drones now account for about 80 percent of battlefield losses, replacing tanks and heavy artillery as the main instruments of combat. Soldiers describe the front lines as a 20-kilometer-deep “kill zone” under constant aerial surveillance. To maintain supply lines and evacuate the wounded, Ukraine increasingly relies on ground-based robotic vehicles.

Both sides face challenges maintaining uninterrupted drone communication amid electronic jamming. Russia has turned to fiber-optic-controlled drones, while Ukraine uses Starlink satellite terminals for stable connectivity. Elon Musk recently disabled illegal Russian terminals at Ukraine’s request, temporarily disrupting communications. Analysts say this helped Ukraine advance in the Zaporizhzhia region earlier in February.

Engineers are now integrating artificial intelligence into drones to sustain operations when signals fail. Ukrainian firm The Fourth Law claims its AI-guided drones can strike targets autonomously if disconnected. Experts caution that AI currently assists rather than replaces humans, though its role in warfare continues to expand.

Huawei has introduced its new smartwatch, the Watch GT 6 Pro, at an event in Dubai. The company claims the device can detect early signs of diabetes risk by analyzing key physiological indicators, going beyond standard functions like tracking heart rate or walking speed. The smartwatch uses Huawei’s advanced photoplethysmography (PPG) technology, a light-based sensor typically used for heart rate and oxygen monitoring, combined with powerful software algorithms.

Unlike traditional glucose monitoring methods, the Watch GT 6 Pro does not pierce the skin or use needles. It observes PPG signal variations over a period of three to fourteen days and analyzes the data to predict potential metabolic irregularities. The results are displayed in three levels of risk: low, medium, and high. Tests were conducted on about 150 volunteers under Dubai Health Facilities, supervised by endocrinology and diabetes specialist Dr. Mariam Al Said of Mohammed Bin Rashid University.

Experts cited in the report noted that around 43 percent of people with diabetes remain undiagnosed, suggesting Huawei’s warning system could be life-saving for such users.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan underwent the second phase of his eye treatment on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. Doctors confirmed that he remained physically stable before and after the procedure and that his vision showed further improvement.

According to PIMS Executive Director Dr. Imran Sikandar, the 74-year-old was brought from Adiala Central Jail for follow-up treatment and received his second dose of anti-VEGF intravitreal injection, one month after the first dose administered on January 24 and 25. The injection was applied under a microscope by consultant ophthalmologist Dr. Muhammad Arif and vitreoretinal surgeon Dr. Nadeem Qureshi from Al-Shifa Eye Trust Hospital. The procedure was conducted as a day-care operation under strict medical protocols.

A medical board examined Khan before the treatment, including cardiology and general health assessments, which found him clinically stable and fit for the procedure. Officials stated that the injection was administered only after obtaining his formal consent and following all safety and procedural standards.

Easter Island, a triangular volcanic island located about 2,300 miles west of Chile, remains one of the world’s most mysterious archaeological sites. The island, covering roughly 64 square miles, is home to hundreds of giant stone statues known as moai, many of which face the sea. Dutch explorers first documented the island after unexpectedly arriving there during a Pacific voyage. Local inhabitants reportedly worshipped the statues as deities but could not explain who built them or how the massive stones were carved and transported.

Following global attention, extensive research began on the island’s origins. Researcher Thor Heyerdahl suggested that settlers from Peru arrived around 380 AD, building roads, temples, and observatories. Another group from Peru allegedly took control in 1280 AD and created the statues, which feature elongated ears similar to Peruvian traditions. Around 1680, Polynesians from Asia arrived, and statue construction gradually ceased. The statues range from 3 to 36 feet tall and weigh about 20 tons on average.

Now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Easter Island continues to attract researchers seeking to uncover the secrets behind its monumental sculptures and ancient civilizations.

A Dhaka court has issued a travel ban on two former vice-chancellors of the National University, Professor Dr. Harun-or-Rashid and Professor Dr. Md. Mashiur Rahman. The order was given on Tuesday by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md. Sabbir Foyez, confirmed by the court’s bench assistant Md. Riaz Hossain. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Deputy Director Muhammad Zainal Abedin had earlier filed a petition requesting the restriction.

According to the petition, a three-member inquiry team has been formed to investigate allegations of irregularities and corruption within the National University. The ACC stated that credible sources indicated the accused might attempt to flee abroad, prompting the request for a travel ban to ensure a fair investigation. After a hearing, the court approved the restriction.

Professor Harun-or-Rashid served two terms as vice-chancellor from March 2013 and was reappointed in May 2017. Professor Mashiur Rahman was appointed in May 2021 and resigned on August 11, 2024, following the fall of the Awami League government.

In Chattogram’s Lohagara upazila, BNP’s defeated candidate for the Chattogram-15 constituency, Nazmul Mostafa Amin, greeted Awami League leader Dula Mia with flowers upon his release from jail. Dula Mia, a leader of the Kolauzan Union Awami League, had been arrested before the election from his home in Chattogram in connection with a murder case filed at Lohagara Police Station.

Photos of the floral reception at the prison gate quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread negative reactions. Images also circulated showing Dula Mia with senior Awami League leaders and speaking at various party events. Local BNP leader Robiul Hasan Robi criticized the gesture, recalling that Dula Mia had allegedly persecuted BNP activists during the Awami League’s rule.

According to police, Dula Mia was arrested on January 4 from the Sugandha residential area under Panchlaish Police Station based on multiple allegations. His release and the subsequent reception have sparked debate within local political circles.

The High Court has ordered an investigation into allegations of irregularities, corruption, and nepotism in staff recruitment at the under-construction Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Ishwardi, Pabna. The order was issued on Tuesday at 11 a.m. by a bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar.

The court directed the formation of a high-level committee led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology to conduct the investigation and submit a report within two months. The directive followed a writ petition filed seeking a judicial inquiry into reports of unprecedented irregularities, corruption, fraud, and favoritism in the recruitment process. The petition included newspaper reports related to the alleged recruitment fraud.

According to the petitioner’s lawyer, Masud Ahmed Saeed, the High Court’s order aims to ensure accountability in the recruitment process at the national nuclear power project.

Freedom fighter Md. Abdus Salam has formally assumed responsibility as the administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). The handover took place on Tuesday when he received the charge from Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. His appointment was made by presidential order on Monday, with the official notification signed by Joint Secretary Mahbuba Irene.

According to relevant sources, the appointment aims to strengthen DSCC’s administrative operations and enhance citizen service delivery. Abdus Salam is expected to lead ongoing development initiatives and urban management efforts under the corporation’s jurisdiction.

The new administrator’s leadership is anticipated to bring greater dynamism to DSCC’s service and development programs, focusing on improved governance and efficiency in city management.

A Dhaka University student and a journalist were allegedly assaulted by police during an anti-drug operation at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on the night of February 23. Witnesses said anthropology student and leftist student leader Nayeem Uddin was beaten after questioning police actions, and his mobile phone was reportedly seized. Several journalists covering the operation were also injured. The operation was led by a Dhaka Metropolitan Police officer, and the incident occurred in front of DC Masud, according to students.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) strongly condemned the attacks in a statement issued by Vice President Sadiq Kayem. DUCSU said Banglanews24 multimedia journalist Tofayel Ahmed was seriously injured while performing his duty, and Nayeem Ahmed was beaten without provocation. The statement described the attacks as violations of law and human rights, stressing that unprovoked use of force is unacceptable in a lawful state.

DUCSU demanded that the responsible police officers be identified and punished. It also urged authorities to ensure that no student, journalist, or citizen faces harassment during future anti-drug or similar operations.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 is set to hear testimony for the fourth day in the trial of two top leaders of the banned Chhatra League, accused of crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution. The accused are the organization’s president, Saddam Hossain, and general secretary, Sheikh Wali Asif Enan. The hearing will take place before a three-member judicial panel led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, with judges Md Manjurul Basid and Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir.

In addition to these two, five other accused are facing trial in the same case: banned Awami League general secretary and former minister Obaidul Quader, joint general secretary A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, former state minister for information and broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League president Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, and general secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil. The tribunal had formally framed charges on January 22, and the prosecution began presenting its case on February 17. So far, three witnesses have testified against the accused.

The ongoing proceedings mark a continuation of the tribunal’s effort to address alleged crimes committed during the July Revolution period.

Bangladesh Land Minister Md. Mizanur Rahman Minu stated that the government aims to eliminate bribery and corruption in public service delivery, assuring that action will be taken upon receiving complaints. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning while speaking to journalists after visiting the Land Service Call Center and Citizen Care Center at the Land Bhaban in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

During the visit, the minister emphasized that land services will be made more citizen-friendly and acknowledged that working in the ministry is challenging but requires collective effort. State Minister for Land Barrister Kaiser Kamal, who was also present, said that those responsible for the ministry over the past 17 years had made it controversial both nationally and internationally. He declared a zero-tolerance policy against bribery and corruption within the ministry.

The statements reflect the ministry’s renewed commitment to transparency and accountability in land administration, signaling stricter oversight and reform efforts in service delivery.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit India this week, aiming to double bilateral trade and normalize long-strained relations between the two countries. According to AFP, Carney will arrive in New Delhi on February 26, where he will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The talks are expected to focus on strengthening trade, investment, and strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.

This marks Carney’s first visit to the Asia-Pacific region as prime minister. Following his India trip, he will also visit Australia and Japan. His broader diplomatic agenda seeks to reduce Canada’s dependence on the United States by expanding alternative trade and diplomatic partnerships. Carney recently visited Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping as part of this outreach.

Carney stated that the U.S.-led global order is weakening and that returning to the pre-Trump structure is unrealistic. He emphasized that Canada must focus on controllable priorities and build new international partnerships to secure stability, security, and prosperity, particularly in light of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.