At least 30 people were killed in two separate armed attacks in Nigeria’s central Benue state within a few days, according to AFP. Local official Ibi Andrew said that on Friday afternoon, armed bandits attacked a market in Anwase village in the Kwande area, killing at least 13 traders. Witnesses reported that the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, causing panic as people fled. Several shops and homes were damaged, and families searched for missing relatives.

A few days earlier, on Tuesday, a similar attack took place at a market in the nearby town of Mbaikyor, where at least 17 people, including a police officer, were killed, according to local residents and media reports. Violence in Benue state has intensified in recent months, largely driven by disputes between Muslim Fulani herders and predominantly Christian farmers over land and natural resources.

Analysts cited in the report said that climate change-induced land scarcity, the easy availability of illegal weapons, and the Nigerian government’s lack of effective long-term measures have further complicated the situation.

As Bangladesh’s new government prepares to assume power following the election, public concern is rising over rapidly increasing prices of essential goods ahead of Ramadan. The article warns that controlling the soaring market will be the administration’s first major challenge, as past political transitions have often been exploited by unscrupulous traders to destabilize prices. Commodities such as rice, lentils, oil, sugar, and vegetables have already begun to rise sharply, threatening affordability for middle- and low-income families.

The report highlights that around 2.1 million tons of food products are currently stuck at Chattogram Port, creating fears of an artificial shortage if clearance delays persist. A lack of lighter vessels and storage facilities is worsening the situation. The piece attributes market instability not to supply shortages but to syndicates that hoard goods and manipulate prices, taking advantage of weak monitoring by local authorities.

It urges immediate government intervention to dismantle these syndicates and ensure stable supply before Ramadan, emphasizing that maintaining reasonable prices will be the new administration’s first and most critical test of credibility.

The political alliance July Unity has called for an 'India Out' campaign, accusing India of interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs and dominance in international cricket. The announcement came on Saturday afternoon during a 'Rally for Bangladesh' gathering at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, attended by student leaders, political figures, and members of affiliated organizations. The protest also included a march from Shaheed Minar to Shahbagh’s Shaheed Osman Hadi Square.

Speakers at the rally alleged that India provided shelter to those involved in the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, influenced Bangladesh’s electoral process, and used its power within the International Cricket Council to sideline Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup. They also criticized India’s trade and water policies, claiming these actions undermined Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Participants demanded international investigation under the United Nations into Hadi’s murder, citing distrust in domestic agencies.

The rally concluded with calls for boycotting Indian influence, supporting the upcoming referendum, and ensuring justice for Osman Hadi. Protesters vowed to resist any foreign interference in Bangladesh’s political and sporting spheres.

At least 12 people were killed and three others seriously injured when a minibus plunged into a ravine in northeastern Afghanistan, local officials said on Saturday. The accident occurred as the vehicle was traveling toward the provincial capital, Faizabad, along a road in Badakhshan province. According to a provincial police spokesperson, the bus lost control before falling into the ravine. The victims included men, women, and children, and the injured were reported to be in critical condition.

Fatal road accidents are common in Afghanistan, where decades of conflict have left road infrastructure weak and safety regulations poorly enforced. Reckless driving and the lack of traffic discipline further contribute to frequent tragedies on the country’s highways.

Previous major accidents include an August crash in Herat province that killed 78 people, many of them children, and another near Kabul later that month that left 25 dead after a bus overturned due to driver negligence.

Despite a government ban effective since August 1, 2023, open-drum soybean and palm oil continue to be sold widely across Bangladesh, including in Dhaka’s wholesale and retail markets. Consumers and small businesses prefer open oil because it is cheaper and can be purchased in flexible quantities. However, experts warn that such oil poses serious health risks due to contamination, lack of vitamin A fortification, and use of non-food-grade plastic drums.

Studies cited in the report show that 65 percent of edible oil in the market is sold in drums, with 59 percent lacking vitamin A enrichment and 34 percent containing insufficient levels. The absence of labeling and source information makes it impossible to trace the oil’s origin. Health experts link vitamin A deficiency to blindness in children and increased maternal mortality, urging coordinated government action to ensure safe, fortified oil.

Advocacy group PROGGA and nutrition specialists have called for strict enforcement of the ban and public awareness campaigns, warning that continued sale of open-drum oil threatens both public health and national nutrition security.

Dr. Faridul Alam, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Chattogram-12 (Patiya) constituency, stated that people of all religions would live safely if Jamaat came to power. He emphasized that there would be no discrimination among Hindus, Muslims, or followers of other faiths, and that all citizens would coexist as Bangladeshis within the country’s territory. He made these remarks on February 7 during campaign visits across several wards in Kashiyaiash and Ashia unions of Patiya upazila.

Alam said that during the previous authoritarian period, false propaganda had been spread about Jamaat-e-Islami among people of different religions. He claimed that after August 5, the people of Bangladesh had gained a full understanding of Jamaat-e-Islami. He added that the future Bangladesh would be a safe and just welfare state. Several local Jamaat and Shibir leaders accompanied him during the campaign.

The statement comes ahead of the February 12 election, where Jamaat is fielding candidates in multiple constituencies, including Chattogram-12.

Syria and Saudi Arabia have signed a multibillion-dollar investment package covering aviation, energy, real estate, and telecommunications as Damascus’s new leadership moves to rebuild after a 14-year civil war. Syrian Investment Authority chief Talal al-Hilali announced the agreements, which include developing a new international airport in Aleppo, launching a low-cost Syrian-Saudi airline, and creating a telecommunications project called SilkLink to position Syria as a regional hub. Saudi Arabia’s Elaf fund will invest $2 billion to develop two airports in Aleppo, while nearly $1 billion will go into telecommunications infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia has been a key supporter of Syria’s new government, which took power after toppling Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The deals mark the largest investment since the United States lifted sanctions on Syria in December. The Ministry of Energy also signed a water agreement with Saudi firm ACWA Power, and Flynas partnered with the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority to establish “Flynas Syria,” expected to begin operations in late 2026.

US envoy Tom Barrack praised the agreements as a boost for reconstruction, while analyst Benjamin Feve cautioned that the deals may carry more political than immediate economic weight.

Bangladesh will hold its first national election since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on February 12, with about 127 million registered voters set to elect 350 members of the Jatiya Sangsad. The caretaker government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus since August 2024, is overseeing the vote following Hasina’s removal after a deadly student-led uprising. Hasina, sentenced to death for ordering a violent crackdown, remains in exile in India, and her Awami League has been banned from political activity. A referendum on the July National Charter 2025, outlining governance reforms, will also take place on the same day.

The main competition is between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, and Jamaat-e-Islami (JIB), headed by Shafiqur Rahman. The BNP, once allied with Jamaat, now leads a 10-party coalition, while Jamaat heads an 11-party alliance that includes the student-founded National Citizen Party. Other parties such as Islami Andolan Bangladesh and the Jatiya Party are contesting independently. Interim leader Yunus and Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman are seen as key figures ensuring a stable and credible election process.

Hasina’s continued influence from exile and the exclusion of her party have raised concerns about political unity and future stability in Bangladesh.

The 17th Al Jazeera Forum in Doha was dominated by warnings that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza is destabilising the global order and reshaping regional power dynamics. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the Palestinian issue as the defining strategic question for the Middle East, calling Israel’s actions genocide and urging comprehensive sanctions, an arms embargo, and legal accountability. He said the violence in Gaza represents a deliberate destruction of civilian life and a collapse of international law, while also confirming that Iran and the United States plan a second round of indirect talks.

Al Jazeera Media Network chairman Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani said the assault on Gaza marks a turning point for the Palestinian cause, accusing Israel of seeking to reoccupy and resettle parts of Gaza and the West Bank. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warned that the conflict and Red Sea tensions reflect a wider breakdown of global governance, while Turkiye’s communications chief Burhanettin Duran said the Gaza war exposes the failure of international institutions to prevent atrocities.

Speakers collectively urged renewed commitment to justice, sovereignty, and multilateral cooperation to restore stability and prevent further erosion of international norms.

Voters across Japan are casting ballots in a snap parliamentary election expected to deliver a decisive victory for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s conservative coalition. The vote, held on Sunday, is seen as a test of Takaichi’s mandate to advance her agenda of higher defence spending, stricter immigration controls, and economic relief measures. Opinion polls suggest the coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party could secure more than 300 of the 465 lower house seats, a major gain from the 233 currently held.

Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, took office in October after becoming LDP leader. Her campaign has focused on addressing the rising cost of living, pledging to suspend the 8 percent food sales tax for two years and continuing stimulus measures to ease household burdens. She has also vowed to revise defence policies by December, lifting restrictions on weapons exports and expanding Japan’s military capabilities.

The election takes place amid record snowfall that could affect turnout, though analysts expect little impact on the outcome. Takaichi’s popularity, particularly among younger voters, and her growth-oriented strategy emphasizing AI, semiconductors, and defence spending are seen as key drivers of her coalition’s expected success.

Saudi Arabia has started issuing visas for the 2026 Hajj season (1447 Hijri) from Sunday, according to the country’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The ministry said the decision aims to enhance service readiness and simplify procedures ahead of pilgrims’ arrival. All necessary service agreements for foreign pilgrims have been finalized, and accommodation contracts in Makkah have been completed through the 'Nusuk' platform. So far, about 750,000 pilgrims have registered, including 30,000 who booked Hajj packages directly from their home countries.

For international pilgrims, around 485 camps have been allocated across the holy sites, and 73 Hajj offices have completed initial preparations. In Bangladesh, both government and private pilgrims must undergo health checks at government hospitals and receive vaccinations before obtaining a fitness certificate. As per Saudi guidelines, visa applications must be submitted between February 8 and March 20 with the certificate. The Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that no one will be allowed to perform Hajj without it.

Based on moon sighting, the Hajj is expected to take place on May 26, with flights beginning on April 18.

Akhtar Hossain, member secretary of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and the Shapla symbol candidate representing an 11-party alliance including Jamaat and NCP in Rangpur-4 (Kaunia–Pirgacha), has reported receiving a death threat. The threat came through a phone call from an unknown number on the evening of February 7, 2026, while he was campaigning in Kishamat village under Chaola Union. Following the incident, he filed a general diary (GD) at Pirgacha Police Station for his safety.

In a video message released on social media Saturday night, Hossain stated that intimidation cannot halt their political progress and that they are moving forward with public support. He emphasized that the election should be contested on ideals and programs, not through threats or fear. He also mentioned that Shapla symbol activists across the country have faced similar threats.

Hossain expressed hope that law enforcement agencies would remain highly vigilant to ensure a fair election. He added that their political journey, built through years of struggle, would not be stopped by fear or intimidation.

The Chittagong University administration has launched a 24-hour emergency helpline to ensure student safety and provide essential services. The service was inaugurated on Saturday by Professor Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin, the university’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration). The initiative was introduced by the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CHAKSU) with the cooperation of the university authorities.

During the inauguration, Professor Kamal Uddin stated that the helpline would help guarantee student safety and deliver necessary services promptly. He added that the initiative would play an important role in improving service quality across the campus. Through this helpline, students can access emergency information and services at any time of the week, including medical assistance, the proctor’s office, security department, engineering office, ICT cell, and admission-related information.

He also expressed hope that students would use the service responsibly and that it would become a practical support system in their daily lives. Several university officials and CHAKSU representatives attended the inauguration ceremony.

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has informed Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur that amending the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972, is not feasible during the tenure of the interim government. In a letter sent on February 5, he stated that such a fundamental law should not undergo major revisions until a new government assumes office. Consequently, the proposed amendment to the central bank order has been put on hold.

The adviser’s letter noted that the proposed changes involved key issues such as appointment and removal of top officials, elevation of the governor’s status, restructuring of the board, financial liability of the republic, and conflict of interest prevention. He emphasized that as the 1972 order forms the foundation of the country’s central banking system, any amendment must be carefully reviewed with input from stakeholders and experts.

Earlier, Bangladesh Bank had submitted a reform proposal aimed at enhancing its autonomy and insulating it from political influence. The governor’s draft suggested merit-based appointments through a search committee and legal safeguards for removal procedures.

BNP Standing Committee member and former Commerce Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that no foreign power has the opportunity to control Bangladesh. He made the remark on Saturday at a public rally held at Fatikchhari Government College field in Chattogram, organized in support of BNP candidate Sarwar Alamgir for the Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari) constituency. Khasru emphasized that the upcoming election is crucial for restoring democracy and ensuring a government accountable to the people.

He said that a truly elected parliament is necessary to return ownership of the country to its citizens. Khasru urged voters to secure a decisive victory on the 12th to send a message of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect in politics. He added that Bangladeshis aspire to improve living standards, create employment, and build an educated and talented nation. He reiterated that Bangladesh’s people have always trusted the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) during difficult times and continue to place their confidence in Tarique Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia, and the late President Ziaur Rahman.

Khasru called on supporters to fulfill this public expectation collectively through a strong electoral mandate.