U.S. President Donald Trump stated that India’s tariff decisions do not concern the U.S., emphasizing a reciprocal approach to trade. During a meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi, Trump highlighted the need for fairness and mutual cooperation, aiming to reduce the U.S. trade deficit. He reiterated that the U.S. seeks equal trade opportunities. Following past tensions, India recently lowered tariffs on select American exports, including luxury motorcycles. Modi echoed Trump’s slogan, “Make America Great Again,” with his own version, “Make India Great Again.”

Interim Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has wrapped up his UAE visit after attending the World Government Summit in Dubai. During the trip, he met with key UAE ministers, discussing trade expansion, UAE investments in Chattogram Port, and lifting visa restrictions on Bangladeshi citizens. He urged UAE businesses to relocate factories to Bangladesh and agreed to establish a special industrial park for Emirati companies. UAE’s trade minister plans to lead a delegation to Bangladesh soon. The Chief Adviser is set to return home this evening.

A UN human rights report reveals that the ousted Awami League government used both police and armed party supporters to suppress the July-August student protests. Chhatra League, backed by senior Awami League leaders, led attacks on protesters. When they failed, police escalated force, even using live bullets. Armed Awami League supporters, including an MP, also attacked demonstrators. The government coordinated repression through a “Core Committee,” with direct oversight from Sheikh Hasina and top security officials. The crackdown intensified protests instead of stopping them.

Today marks Pohela Falgun, the first day of spring. To welcome the season, the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University is hosting a lively festival at Bakultala. The grand celebration, titled “Boshonto Utsob 1431,” kicked off with the “Somogeet Utsob 1431”, featuring performances themed around “July Uprising: My Song of Rebellion and Love.” The event showcases a variety of cultural performances, including folk songs and traditional music from indigenous hill communities. Dance performances were staged by students of Pathshala, while Somogeet artists participated in musical pieces inspired by hill and tea garden melodies. Many visitors expressed their excitement about experiencing the spring festival before heading to the Ekushey Book Fair later in the day.

The Cyber Tribunal, which had been paralyzed for a week due to a lawyers’ boycott, will resume operations from Sunday, according to the Judicial Service Association. The deadlock was resolved after discussions between judicial and legal representatives. The dispute began on February 6 when tensions escalated over bail issues, leading to protests and disruption of proceedings. However, a resolution has now been reached, ensuring the tribunal’s normal functioning.

In a recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there was no discussion about interim government leader Muhammad Yunus or fugitive Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India. Meanwhile, BNP held a press conference urging India to extradite Hasina to Bangladesh. Citing reports from the mass uprising, BNP stated that Hasina’s regime orchestrated systematic attacks and killings to suppress opposition forces.

In a heartbreaking incident in Chunarughat, Habiganj, a man named Abdur Rauf took his own life and that of his two young daughters by ingesting poison. The deceased were identified as Abdur Rauf, his five-year-old daughter Khadija Akter, and his three-year-old daughter Ayesha Akter. According to the police, Rauf had frequent disputes with his wife, who left for her parents' home two days prior, leaving their children behind. In despair, Rauf locked himself in a room with his daughters and consumed poison late Thursday night. Their screams alerted neighbors, but by the time they were rushed to the hospital, doctors declared them dead.

The year 2024 has been recorded as the most dangerous year for journalists, with at least 124 killed across 18 countries, according to a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The report states that Israel is responsible for 70% of these deaths. In comparison, 102 journalists were killed in 2023, while 69 were killed in 2022. CPJ, which has been tracking journalist fatalities for three decades, noted that this year’s toll surpasses previous records, including the 2017 peak of 113 journalist deaths.

Thousands of worshippers have gathered at the ongoing World Ijtema for the largest Jummah congregation, scheduled at 1:30 PM today. The prayer, held on the sacred night of Shab-e-Barat, will be led by Maulana Yusuf Bin Saad, the elder son of Maulana Saad. According to the Tablighi Jamaat’s media coordinator, Maulana Saad’s two sons arrived at the Ijtema ground early this morning. The second phase of the Ijtema officially began after the Fajr prayer, with an opening sermon delivered by Maulana Abdus Sattar.

A powerful explosion in Harnai, Balochistan, killed 11 coal miners and injured four others, local authorities confirmed. Geo News reported that the explosion, which occurred on February 14, may have been caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted on the road. Some of the injured workers remain in critical condition. Similar attacks have occurred in the region before, but this incident marks one of the deadliest in recent history.

A devastating fire broke out at a resort under construction in the South Korean port city of Busan, resulting in six deaths. According to Reuters, the incident occurred on February 14, with firefighters evacuating around 100 people and rescuing seven injured individuals. South Korea’s acting president has directed authorities to deploy all necessary resources to extinguish the fire and manage the aftermath.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus urged the public to uphold justice and embrace Islamic principles in all aspects of life. In his Shab-e-Barat message, he called on people to eliminate injustice, violence, and superstitions, replacing them with the values of peace inherent in Islam. He also extended his greetings to Muslims in Bangladesh and around the world, emphasizing the importance of repentance and divine blessings on this holy night.

In Patuakhali, BNP and Jamaat-affiliated lawyers have engaged in legal disputes over the district bar association elections. On Wednesday, Jamaat-affiliated lawyer PP Md. Ruhul Amin Sikder filed a lawsuit against 11 BNP-backed lawyers from the Nationalist Lawyers’ Forum. In retaliation, BNP-affiliated lawyer and APP Md. Mizanur Rahman filed a counter-lawsuit on Thursday against 11 Jamaat-affiliated lawyers, including the district Jamaat Amir. BNP claims that Awami League nominated a Jamaat Secretary, while Jamaat alleges that BNP-backed lawyers attacked them.

Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite fugitive fascist leader Sheikh Hasina, who fled amid a mass uprising. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam confirmed that Bangladesh would send a formal diplomatic note to India regarding the matter. When asked whether foreign allies would be involved in Hasina’s extradition, the spokesperson stated that the interim government would decide. Bangladesh sent the extradition request on December 23 but has not yet received a response. Regarding a UN report’s potential impact, the spokesperson remarked that the findings are significant enough to shake global conscience.

Newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday his interest in negotiating nuclear arms reduction with the leaders of China and Russia. Responding to journalists, Trump stated that nuclear disarmament is a priority in his second term. Meanwhile, Russia expressed skepticism about extending its last remaining nuclear arms control treaty with Washington, raising concerns about a potential deadlock. Trump reaffirmed his commitment to disarmament, emphasizing that there is no justification for producing more nuclear weapons. He also noted that initial discussions on arms reduction with Russia and China were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic during his first term.