Pakistan has claimed that its military operations resulted in the deaths of 297 Afghan soldiers. According to a spokesperson for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the operations also destroyed 89 Afghan military posts and 135 tanks and armored vehicles. The attacks reportedly took place across 29 locations in Afghanistan.

The claim was reported by Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera, citing Afghanistan’s Tolo News. Earlier, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had stated that 274 Afghan soldiers were killed, indicating a revised figure in the latest statement. The report did not include any response from Afghan authorities or independent verification of the claims.

The development underscores continuing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, though the source did not specify the timing or broader context of the operations.

Comilla University has advanced 14 positions to secure the 9th spot among Bangladeshi universities in the 2026 Scimago Institutions Rankings, published on February 26. The Spain-based research organization evaluated 10,827 universities worldwide, including 47 from Bangladesh. Last year, Comilla University ranked 23rd, marking a significant improvement this year.

According to the data, the university ranked 8th in 2024, while it was not listed in 2023, 2022, or 2021. The ranking assesses institutions based on research quality, innovation, and social impact, weighted at 50%, 30%, and 20% respectively. In 2026, Comilla University placed 36th in research, 9th in social impact, and 68th in innovation, resulting in an overall 9th position nationally.

The top ten Bangladeshi universities in the 2026 Scimago ranking include Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Southeast University, University of Dhaka, Islamic University, Sylhet Agricultural University, University of Rajshahi, Begum Rokeya University, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Comilla University, and Patuakhali Science and Technology University.

Nahid Islam, the convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), expressed condolences to the family of a child who was brutally murdered in Rampura. On Friday night, February 27, he met the grieving family and assured them of his full support, pledging that justice would be ensured regardless of the perpetrator’s influence.

During his visit, Nahid Islam described the killing as a planned act and emphasized that those involved would face severe punishment. He urged the police administration to conduct an impartial investigation and ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of the offender. He also confirmed that one suspect had already been detained for questioning.

The visit highlighted the NCP leader’s call for accountability and justice in the case, as the investigation continues under police supervision.

Dr. A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that those who fear Allah cannot engage in election engineering or vote rigging. He made these remarks on Friday afternoon while addressing a discussion titled 'Significance of Zakat and the Month of Ramadan,' organized by the party’s Dhaka-6 parliamentary constituency committee.

Azad emphasized that fasting is a means to attain piety and that it should be observed solely for Allah, not for public display. He said true fasting leads to moral purification, and its success is reflected when individuals refrain from corruption, extortion, and violence after Ramadan. He also stressed that a society and state guided by the Quran would achieve dignity and success, as there is no alternative to establishing a Quran-based social order.

Highlighting the economic role of zakat, Azad explained that it was made obligatory in the second Hijri year to purify wealth and stimulate the economy, which in turn helps eradicate poverty. The event concluded with an iftar gathering attended by party leaders and local representatives.

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal has issued a show-cause notice to Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim, convener of the Jasimuddin Hall unit at Dhaka University, over allegations of organizational indiscipline. The notice requires him to appear at the central office within 24 hours and submit a written explanation in the presence of the central president and general secretary. The directive was announced in a statement signed by office secretary Md Jahangir Alam on Friday.

According to the statement, Hamim, who holds a responsible position within the hall unit, is accused of violating the organization’s discipline. The central leadership, including Chhatra Dal president Rakibul Islam Rakib and general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir, instructed that he provide justification for his actions or face possible permanent organizational measures.

The notice underscores the organization’s emphasis on maintaining internal discipline and accountability among its university-level leaders.

International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors have accused former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte of killing thousands of people during his anti-drug campaign. The allegations were presented at the ICC in The Hague on Friday, during the final day of hearings on crimes against humanity. Prosecutor Julian Nichols stated that Duterte was proud of the killings and wanted to be remembered for them. The prosecution claimed Duterte led a 'death squad' while serving as Davao City mayor and continued similar actions as president.

A three-judge panel heard arguments from the prosecution, defense, and victims’ representatives throughout the week. Duterte did not attend the hearing, with his lawyers citing illness, while victims’ representatives said he avoided facing the families of those killed. The prosecution presented evidence of 76 killings as symbolic of thousands more, while the defense argued there was no direct proof linking Duterte to the murders.

Judges now have up to 60 days to issue a written decision, which could lead to a full trial, partial dismissal of charges, or complete acquittal.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman is scheduled to attend an iftar event organized by Jamaat-e-Islami at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka on Saturday. The information was confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Abu Abdullah M Saleh. According to the official schedule, the Prime Minister will first attend a meeting with officials and department heads at his Tejgaon office in the morning before joining the iftar in the evening.

Earlier, on February 25, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar and Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim met the Prime Minister at the Secretariat and formally delivered the invitation letter. During that meeting, the Prime Minister agreed to attend the event. Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, also requested over the phone that the Prime Minister attend the iftar with his family.

The event marks a notable engagement between the head of government and the opposition party’s leadership, reflecting a gesture of political and social outreach during the Ramadan season.

Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry announced that 12 soldiers have been killed and 27 others injured in recent military operations. He shared the information during a press conference held in Islamabad on Friday, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

Chaudhry stated that the army continues its operations amid the current security situation and that the injured personnel are receiving medical treatment. The ISPR did not disclose further details about the nature or location of the operations.

The announcement highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Pakistan’s armed forces, though no additional information on the broader context or timeline of the operations was provided in the briefing.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney began his visit to India on Friday, aiming to revive bilateral relations and double trade between the two countries. The trip comes amid trade and diplomatic tensions with the United States. Carney is scheduled to address business leaders in Mumbai and meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss new partnerships in trade, energy, technology, artificial intelligence, human resources, culture, and defense.

Relations between Ottawa and New Delhi deteriorated sharply in 2023 after Canada alleged India’s involvement in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an accusation India denied. Both countries expelled senior diplomats in 2024, but ties began improving after Carney took office in March 2025, with ambassadors reinstated. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said transnational repression issues would be discussed during the visit.

Carney has set a goal to raise bilateral trade to 51 billion dollars by 2030. Following his India trip, he will visit Australia and Japan as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on the United States and strengthen trade with Europe and Asia.

Several former advisers of the previous interim government gathered at the residence of Dr. Faozul Kabir Khan, a former adviser for power, energy, and mineral resources. The event, held at his Minto Road home, was shared on social media by former press secretary Shafiqul Alam, who posted photos of the gathering on Friday. He described it as a pleasant iftar and dinner hosted by Dr. Khan and his family before they move to a rented flat the following day.

The photos posted by Shafiqul Alam showed several former advisers, including former chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who was seen cutting a cake during the event. Although the post did not provide further details, it indicated that the gathering was organized to mark Dr. Faozul Kabir Khan’s departure from his official residence.

The event highlighted a reunion of members of the former interim administration, reflecting personal camaraderie among those who once served together in government.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Chittagong University branch organized an Iftar gathering attended by about 3,500 students on Friday at the university’s central mosque premises. The event also featured a cultural evening following the Iftar. The program was conducted by branch finance secretary Hafez Mujahidul Islam and presided over by Chittagong University Central Students’ Union vice president and branch president Ibrahim Hossain Rony. Shibir Secretary General Sibgatullah Sibga attended as the chief guest, while International Islamic University teacher Sharif Uddin Patwari delivered a Quranic lecture.

In his speech, Sibgatullah Sibga emphasized that Ramadan teaches piety and that the Quran is the guiding light for society. He cited an example from the life of Hazrat Omar (RA) to illustrate the importance of cautious and God-conscious living. President Ibrahim Hossain Rony called for restoring moral values to curb social degradation, expressing concern over ongoing crimes such as rape, theft, and violence.

The event concluded with a prayer for the welfare of the nation and its people.

Inter Miami secured a 2–1 victory over Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle in a friendly match held in Puerto Rico on February 27, 2026. The match, originally scheduled for February 13, had been postponed due to Lionel Messi’s injury. In front of 20,000 spectators, Messi came on as a substitute and scored the winning goal from a penalty in the 70th minute, giving his team a morale-boosting win.

The game was marked by an incident in the 88th minute when several fans entered the field. One supporter attempted to hug Messi and accidentally knocked him to the ground before security intervened. Despite the interruption, the match concluded without further issues.

Inter Miami, coached by Javier Mascherano, had already completed their pre-season preparations and started the new MLS season with a 3–0 loss to Los Angeles FC. Their next fixture is scheduled for March 2 against Orlando City.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that the nation must move forward by embracing the spirit of 1952, 1971, 1990 and 2024. He made the statement on Friday, February 27, 2026, while attending an iftar event organized by the NGO ESDO in Thakurgaon, where he was present as the chief guest.

The minister announced that preliminary work for a medical college has begun and that the establishment of Thakurgaon University will start soon. He also mentioned that initiatives to set up an airport and an export processing zone (EPZ) are underway. According to him, the government has already waived agricultural loans of 10,000 taka with interest for farmers, fulfilling promises made earlier.

Mirza Fakhrul added that following the recent mass uprising, efforts are ongoing to build a new Bangladesh through national unity. He emphasized collective participation in nation-building and reaffirmed that they have never given up and will not do so in the future.

Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) has suspended the trial launch of its Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) service. The company confirmed the decision in an official Facebook post on Friday, February 27, 2026, citing unavoidable reasons. BTCL stated that customers will be informed later about the marketing of MVNO SIM cards.

Earlier, BTCL had announced that its MVNO SIM and triple-play packages combining voice, data, and content would be available from February 15 at sales centers in Ramna, Gulistan, and Gulshan. The company had also inaugurated the trial of an unlimited quad-play service under the MVNO model on February 3 at its Ramna office. The government had granted BTCL approval for the experimental MVNO network on November 25 of the previous year.

BTCL had planned to provide mobile services using Teletalk Bangladesh Limited’s network infrastructure under the MVNO model, which allows service without owning a mobile network. The suspension delays the company’s planned entry into the mobile service market.

At a special iftar gathering in Gulshan, Dhaka, organized by the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF), Dr. Zubaida Rahman announced that the government will prioritize the development of women and disadvantaged children. The event, held on Friday, brought together underprivileged women, children, and laborers from areas such as Bhashantek and Korail slums. ZRF leaders reaffirmed their commitment to humanitarian service and social inclusion.

In her remarks, Dr. Rahman emphasized empowering women to become self-reliant and ensuring a safe future for children. She highlighted the importance of teaching a third language alongside Bangla and English and incorporating technical education from the secondary level to improve employment prospects. She stated that women would be placed at the center of family and social development, aligning with the BNP’s belief that women’s dignity and economic independence are key to national progress.

Dr. Rahman also noted that the BNP’s election pledges for public welfare would be implemented gradually. The event concluded with a special prayer for the nation’s well-being.