During the high-level “AI Action Summit” held in Paris, world leaders discussed the future of artificial intelligence (AI), policy frameworks, and ethical use. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized Europe’s commitment to AI development while ensuring environmental sustainability. While 60 countries, including India, signed the AI governance declaration, both the United States and the United Kingdom refused to sign, raising questions about their stance on AI regulations.

Content creator Nuruzzaman Kafi has filed a case over an arson attack on his home. The case was lodged at Kalapara Police Station on Wednesday at 11:30 PM against unidentified individuals. According to Kafi, the attack was retaliation for his active role in exposing alleged government abuses. The police have launched an investigation. Prior to the incident, attackers locked the outer door of Kafi’s father’s house and set it on fire, but residents managed to escape before the flames spread.

Despite the tradition of warm-up matches before major tournaments, there will be none before this year’s ICC Champions Trophy. As a result, teams are engaging in bilateral and tri-series matches for preparation. Bangladesh, which has not played a single ODI this year, will face Pakistan in a warm-up match between February 14-17 to compensate for the lack of practice. Meanwhile, Pakistan has scheduled two additional warm-up games against Afghanistan and South Africa.

Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan’s cricket team has found itself embroiled in controversy after two heated altercations with South African players during a tri-series. The high-stakes match saw Pakistan adopting an aggressive approach. After Shaheen Afridi bowled a defensive delivery to South Africa’s Britz, tensions escalated into a verbal spat. Later, when Pakistan’s team ran out Temba Bavuma, they aggressively celebrated near his face, drawing criticism for unsportsmanlike conduct.

BNP has filed a case in a tribunal, accusing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the prime accused in connection with the July-August mass killings, which allegedly resulted in the deaths of 848 BNP leaders and activists across the country. The case was filed on Thursday by case coordinator Salauddin Khan. The case also includes Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Law Minister Anisul Haque, and several senior police officials as accused. BNP has submitted audio-visual evidence, charge sheets of 84 related cases, and a list of the deceased. According to BNP, the victims were martyrs of a mass uprising against the government.

Despite assurances of elections by December, BNP continues its nationwide programs to maintain pressure on the government. However, Jamaat does not intend to press for national elections before the upcoming local elections. While various government representatives have given mixed signals regarding elections, a recent meeting with the Chief Adviser provided a clear timeline. Analysts see this as a result of mounting pressure. With the ongoing political turmoil, concerns are growing over the government’s ability to manage the situation. Despite reassurances, BNP remains skeptical about the elections and insists on sustaining the pressure.

Students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) staged a protest demanding a ban on the Awami League, accusing the party of committing mass killings. The protest march began at Murad Square on Wednesday night and ended with a brief rally at the university gate. Addressing the gathering, Chhatra Dal leader Zakir Hossain claimed that many lives were lost due to the Awami League government, yet the party showed no remorse. Another student remarked, “Awami League was fascist in 1975, and it remains so in 2024.”

A six-member delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, led by Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar, is holding a meeting with the Election Commission (EC) today (Thursday, February 13). The meeting, presided over by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin, started at 10 AM at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka. Earlier, on February 9, the EC had a meeting with BNP, led by its Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan.

Following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that the two leaders agreed to initiate discussions on a ceasefire in Ukraine. "It's time to end this ridiculous war," Trump posted. BBC reports that both sides have committed to negotiations, though specific terms remain undisclosed.

A press release from the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya confirmed the repatriation of 145 Bangladeshis detained at Benghazi’s Ganfuda Detention Center on Wednesday (February 12). The repatriation was coordinated with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The returnees are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday (February 13) via Burak Air, with all costs covered by IOM.

Elon Musk, billionaire entrepreneur and advocate for fiscal reform, has warned that the United States will face bankruptcy if significant budget cuts are not implemented. According to AFP, Trump's administration has issued multiple executive orders to reduce government spending, but legal battles over their legitimacy have emerged. Musk further stated that as part of cost-cutting measures, only one government employee will be hired for every four who retire.

A police headquarters press release on Wednesday (February 12) reported that security forces arrested 591 individuals in the latest phase of the nationwide crackdown, ‘Operation Devil Hunt.’ Additionally, 1,095 people wanted in various cases were detained. In the past 24 hours alone, 1,668 individuals were arrested. Authorities recovered a foreign pistol, a looted police rifle, two LG firearms, four one-shooter guns, and various other weapons.

Every evening, a ‘core committee’ met at former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal’s residence to strategize the suppression of student protests. Participants included top police, military, and intelligence officials, as well as banned student organization Chhatra League’s president Saddam Hossain. Senior army generals joined from July 20 onward. Reports indicate that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her office closely coordinated with security chiefs. On July 14, acting on orders from Obaidul Quader and Saddam Hossain, security forces violently attacked student demonstrators.

Families of army officers killed in the 2009 BDR mutiny have claimed they are receiving threats from Awami League members for filing cases against Sheikh Hasina at the International Crimes Tribunal. At a press conference, the newly formed ‘Shaheed Sena Association’ demanded that convicted BDR rebels not be granted bail or released.

The UN has recommended prosecuting those responsible for the indiscriminate killings during the July uprising and removing individuals accused of human rights violations and corruption. It advised limiting the power of the military intelligence agency DGFI, disbanding RAB, and barring officers involved in human rights violations from participating in UN peacekeeping missions. The report also emphasized ensuring freedom of speech and preventing unnecessary harassment of Awami League supporters and minority leaders.