Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir has warned that any violation of the country’s sovereignty or territorial integrity will be met with full military retaliation. While stressing Pakistan’s desire for regional and global peace, Munir stated that national dignity and public welfare would be defended at any cost. He highlighted foreign-backed terrorism in Balochistan as the gravest threat, vowing to foil all conspiracies aimed at destabilizing the province. He also noted that several government-led socio-economic projects in the region have begun yielding results.

Reports suggest that many recent protests have been orchestrated by leaders of the Awami League, allegedly incited directly by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She is said to be in contact with party members to destabilize the current government and hinder the electoral process. Intelligence reports claim over 5,500 firearms issued during the past 15 years remain unreturned, with many in the hands of banned student and youth wing members. Police have yet to recover thousands of looted weapons and rounds of ammunition. The IGP has stated that actions are underway against those involved.

To tackle worsening traffic congestion in Dhaka, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued new directives regarding vehicle parking in key areas of the capital. The move comes amid growing frustration among commuters over unregulated parking and traffic chaos during peak hours. Authorities are urging residents and vehicle owners to strictly follow the updated guidelines.

India is ramping up its border surveillance by adding 16 new battalions to the Border Security Force (BSF), bringing in nearly 17,000 additional personnel. The country is also establishing two new forward headquarters—one in Jammu to enhance operations along the Pakistan border, and another in Mizoram to focus on the eastern frontier with Bangladesh. The move signals heightened vigilance and intelligence operations on both borders.

The KUET Teachers’ Association has issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding action against students responsible for cyberbullying and defaming faculty members after February 18. The teachers have been boycotting classes for two days and warned they will also abstain from administrative duties if their five-point demand is not met. They are also calling for the identification and legal action against those spreading anti-KUET propaganda online. An interim meeting with the acting Vice-Chancellor failed to resolve the impasse, despite discussions around a possible student apology.

Twelve families of martyrs from the July uprising in Sylhet received financial assistance totaling BDT 2.8 million. Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Reza-Ul-Nabi described the martyrs as “the finest sons of recent Bangladesh,” stating that their sacrifice during a time of despair helped liberate the nation from prolonged tyranny and misrule. He emphasized that the state’s responsibility is to protect the people’s rights and welfare.

A headmaster in Adamdighi, Bogura, was physically assaulted by a tenth-grade student named Hridoy Hossain after he was instructed not to use his mobile phone in class. The injured teacher, Atiar Rahman, later filed a police case against Hridoy and three others. In protest, a large number of students formed a human chain on the school grounds and in front of the Upazila Parishad on Monday afternoon, demanding justice. A memorandum was also submitted to the UNO seeking disciplinary action.

Supporters of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Sena staged road blockades in Chattogram and nearby upazilas demanding justice for slain religious leader Imam Rais Uddin. The protests, held from 9 AM to 12 PM on Monday, turned violent in Muradpur as police used batons and tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Eyewitnesses reported that helmeted youths wielding homemade weapons joined the crackdown and attacked the protesters. At least 50 activists were reportedly injured, and police detained 10 individuals from the Soloshahar area.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has once again raised gold prices in the local market, marking the 28th price adjustment this year. Under the new rates, 22-carat gold will now cost BDT 171,286 per bhori (11.664 grams). The price for 21-carat gold is set at BDT 163,494, 18-carat at BDT 140,143, and traditional method gold at BDT 115,905 per bhori. BAJUS clarified that a 5% government VAT and a minimum 6% craftsmanship charge set by the association must be added to the base price. However, the final cost may vary depending on design and quality.

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, during his visit to Dhaka, expressed interest in hiring more Bangladeshi workers and ensuring safe migration. In his meeting with Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Matteo stated that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni may visit Bangladesh before September to boost bilateral ties. He praised the Bangladeshi community in Italy and called for more such responsible migrants. Prof. Yunus assured Italy of Bangladesh’s commitment to combat illegal migration and human trafficking through joint efforts.

In Rajshahi, a borrower named Zahurul Islam (55) allegedly faced severe mental abuse by employees of Rural Reconstruction Foundation (RRF) after failing to pay loan installments. Unable to cope with the pressure, Zahurul consumed poison inside the NGO’s Baneshwar office on April 29. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and instead of taking him to the hospital, some RRF staff allegedly abandoned him on the roadside. Relatives rushed to the scene and later admitted him to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital in critical condition. He is currently fighting for his life.

Adviser Farida Akhtar emphasized the need to ensure both food security and fair treatment of farmers. She criticized import policies that hurt local agriculture and called for market analysis before importing food products. Akhtar also raised concerns about the over-mechanization of agriculture, which reduces livestock use and impacts rural livelihoods. “Consumers deserve safe food, but farmers must also be able to earn a profit,” she said.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone conversation with Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain. According to the Pakistan High Commission, Dar briefed the adviser on India’s “baseless allegations” and “unilateral actions” contributing to growing regional tensions. He particularly criticized India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as a reckless move. Adviser Hossain expressed concern over the current situation and emphasized the need for restraint by all parties to de-escalate tensions. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and stressed the importance of maintaining regular high-level contacts. They also explored opportunities for greater cooperation in regional and multilateral forums.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam announced that the licensing of media outlets during the former government’s tenure will undergo investigation. He accused the previous administration of manipulating media to justify abductions, extrajudicial killings, and other abuses. Alam also urged media outlets not to produce content that supports fascism. He criticized some outlets for labeling the July uprising as a movement and for referring to the current government as a transitional regime. “More people were killed in Bangladesh between July 19 and August 5 last year than in Gaza during the same period,” he said.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam announced that the licensing of media outlets during the former government’s tenure will undergo investigation. He accused the previous administration of manipulating media to justify abductions, extrajudicial killings, and other abuses. Alam also urged media outlets not to produce content that supports fascism. He criticized some outlets for labeling the July uprising as a movement and for referring to the current government as a transitional regime. “More people were killed in Bangladesh between July 19 and August 5 last year than in Gaza during the same period,” he said.