Turkey has stepped up diplomatic efforts in response to rising tensions along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border. According to a Turkish diplomatic source cited by Reuters, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held separate phone conversations on Friday with his counterparts from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to discuss the latest developments. The talks were reportedly prompted by concerns over a possible deterioration in regional security.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry stated on social media that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Fidan about the current regional situation, focusing particularly on the growing strain between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The discussions come after renewed clashes along the border between the two neighboring countries.

Analysts view the increased diplomatic engagement by regional powers as an attempt to contain the situation. The involvement of Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia suggests that the issue is being closely monitored across the Muslim world, raising prospects for a multilateral initiative to ease tensions.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that Bangladesh must increase taxes and boost investment to manage the country’s difficult economic situation. Speaking on Friday afternoon while inspecting land for a government hospital near the Marine Drive area of Patenga in Chattogram, he emphasized that without investment, employment opportunities cannot be created. He said the BNP government’s major program focuses on generating employment and that both domestic and foreign investments are being encouraged.

The minister added that the government is also working to improve education quality and bring major reforms to the health sector, fulfilling promises made before the election. He mentioned that the upcoming budget will prioritize employment creation. Plans include establishing a general hospital with specialized units, a nursing institute, and a technologist institute in the Marine Drive area to address shortages in these sectors.

He further noted that several potential sites are under consideration for the hospital project, and the government will select the most suitable one after evaluating all factors.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast a gradual rise in temperature across the country starting from March 1. According to its regular bulletin issued on February 27, both daytime and nighttime temperatures are expected to increase slightly, with fluctuations in nighttime temperatures during the first week of March. The department also noted that the heat will intensify gradually as the month progresses.

Meteorologist Kazi Zebunnesa stated that temperatures are already increasing, with Sandwip recording the highest temperature of 33 degrees Celsius the previous day. She added that the feeling of heat will become more noticeable from early March and may rise further in the latter half of the month as the spring season continues. The department also indicated the possibility of rain or thundershowers in parts of the Sylhet division in early March.

The lowest temperature recorded in the country on February 27 was 13.1 degrees Celsius, while Dhaka’s minimum temperature stood at 19 degrees Celsius, according to the department’s report.

Pakistan has claimed that its airstrikes in Afghanistan, following a declaration of war against the country, have killed at least 228 Afghan soldiers and injured 314 others. The Pakistani military spokesperson said that 74 Afghan border posts were destroyed and 18 others captured during the operations.

The Taliban government in Afghanistan, however, reported a significantly lower toll, stating that eight of its soldiers were killed and 11 wounded in the attacks. According to Al Jazeera journalist Kamal Hyder reporting from Peshawar, heavy clashes continued along the border on Friday afternoon, with Pakistan conducting air raids while attacks were also coming from inside Afghanistan.

Both sides have reportedly suffered heavy losses, and the situation remains tense. Pakistan has announced that it will continue retaliatory strikes, signaling a possible escalation of the conflict.

Bangladesh experienced three earthquakes within a span of 39 hours, with tremors felt across the country including the capital Dhaka. The latest quake struck on Friday at 1:53 p.m., registering a magnitude of 5.3 on the Richter scale. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that the epicenter was in Satkhira, while the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a similar magnitude of 5.3.

Earlier, on Thursday at 12:04 p.m., another earthquake was felt in various parts of the country, originating in India’s Sikkim region, about 455 kilometers northwest of Dhaka. That event measured 4.6 on the Richter scale. A day before, on Wednesday night, another quake of magnitude 5.1 was recorded. Additionally, a mild 4.0 magnitude tremor had been felt in Sylhet on February 10.

Assistant meteorologist Farzana Sultana described the latest quake as moderate, noting that its epicenter was in Ashashuni, Satkhira, approximately 188 kilometers southwest of Dhaka. Authorities have not reported any major damage or casualties so far.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman exchanged greetings with children outside a mosque after performing Friday prayers at the Naval Headquarters on February 27, 2026. The interaction took place following the conclusion of the prayer service, where the Prime Minister took time to meet and greet children gathered outside the mosque premises. After the exchange, he proceeded to the Gulshan area.

The information was confirmed by Atiqur Rahman Rumman, the Prime Minister’s additional press secretary. The event was part of the Prime Minister’s regular public engagements following religious observances. No further details about the nature or duration of the interaction were provided in the report.

The brief encounter highlighted the Prime Minister’s outreach to the public, particularly to children, during his official and religious activities.

China has removed 19 officials from its list of lawmakers ahead of the country’s most important annual political meeting scheduled for next week. The announcement was made by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the nation’s top legislative body. Among those removed are nine military officers, including Li Qiaoming, commander of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Force, and former navy commander Shen Jinlong. Several provincial officials, including former Inner Mongolia party chief Sun Shaochong, were also excluded.

State media did not specify reasons for the removals. However, the move follows the recent dismissal of top general Zhang Youxia for “serious violations of discipline and law,” a phrase often associated with corruption cases. Since taking power in 2013, President Xi Jinping has intensified anti-corruption efforts, describing corruption as a major threat to the Communist Party.

The decision comes just before the “Two Sessions,” to be held in Beijing from March 4 to 11, where the government will outline policy priorities and economic targets for the year.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the pilot phase of the Family Card program in Bogura on March 10. The announcement was made by State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam during a brief address before Friday prayers at the Shah Sultan Balkhi (R.) shrine in Mahasthangarh, Bogura. The initiative marks the beginning of a new government social security program.

For the pilot phase, Ward No. 3 of Shakharia Union in Bogura Sadar Upazila has been selected. Field-level data collection has already begun to identify potential beneficiary families. To ensure smooth implementation, separate district and upazila committees have been formed, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer respectively, along with additional committees at union and ward levels for monitoring and coordination.

Under the program, one woman from each eligible family will be registered as the cardholder. The pilot will run for four months, with plans to gradually expand the initiative to all upazilas across the country.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly protested the granting of bail to Awami League leaders accused in the July killings and the reopening of the banned party’s offices. In a statement issued on Friday, the party’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, expressed deep concern and condemnation over these developments, calling them a threat to democracy.

According to the statement, Jamaat alleged that the Hasina government and Awami League activists were responsible for indiscriminate killings during the July–August uprising. The party criticized the interim bail granted to former Narayanganj mayor Selina Hayat Ivy and former MP Abdur Rahman Bodi, claiming that many others linked to the violence were also being released. Jamaat warned that such actions could allow those accused of extrajudicial killings to reengage in violence.

The statement demanded the cancellation of the bails and the reopening of Awami League offices, urging the government to ensure justice for the victims. It also cautioned that failure to act could lead to mass resistance led by students and the public.

Bangladesh Police has announced a large-scale recruitment drive for 10,000 constable positions. The official notice was issued on Thursday, 26 February 2026. According to the announcement, candidates who have passed the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or equivalent examination with a minimum GPA of 2.50 from any recognized education board are eligible to apply. The online application process will begin on 5 March and continue until 31 March 2026.

Applicants must be unmarried and between 18 and 20 years of age. The physical requirements specify a minimum height of 5 feet 6 inches for male candidates and 5 feet 4 inches for female candidates. Both male and female applicants must have weight proportionate to their height and age, and their eyesight must be 6/6.

The recruitment notice reflects Bangladesh Police’s continued effort to expand its workforce through transparent and standardized entry requirements for young candidates across the country.

Information Minister Zahid Uddin Swapan announced that the government will ensure maximum freedom for the media by defining accountability measures based on input from journalists and other stakeholders. He made the statement on Friday, February 27, 2026, while speaking to reporters after a meeting at the Barishal Circuit House.

The minister said the government aims to bring overall media management under a modern system, noting that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting was established before the rise of technology-based media. He acknowledged that the country has yet to fully adapt to the expansion of digital and technology-driven media and pledged to work with policymakers to ensure the free flow of information to the public.

Earlier in the day, the minister distributed Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) checks worth 21.7 million taka among 61 victims of road accidents.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman held separate meetings with ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and The Gambia on the sidelines of the OIC Executive Committee meeting on Palestine in Jeddah on Friday, February 27, 2026. Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Walid A. Alkhareiji, Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Musa Kulaklikaya, and Gambian Foreign Minister Serign Modou Njie attended the meetings. The leaders congratulated Prime Minister Tareq Rahman on forming a new government and expressed willingness to work together.

The ministers praised Bangladesh’s steadfast support for Palestine and endorsed its candidacy for the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly. Saudi Arabia invited Prime Minister Tareq Rahman and the foreign minister to visit Riyadh, highlighting new cooperation and investment opportunities under Vision 2030. Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia agreed to work jointly to realize these prospects.

Turkey and Bangladesh reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the Rohingya crisis and expanding bilateral ties. The Gambian minister thanked Bangladesh for supporting The Gambia’s genocide case against Myanmar and agreed to co-host an event on the Rohingya issue at the upcoming OIC foreign ministers’ meeting in Baghdad.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation across the country, citing recent incidents in Narsingdi and Rampura. In a joint statement issued on Friday, February 27, 2026, the organization’s central president Nurul Islam and secretary general Sibgatullah Sibga condemned the abduction and murder of a teenage girl in Narsingdi and the killing of a six-year-old child in Rampura after severe abuse.

According to the statement, the Narsingdi victim was abducted and killed after her family demanded justice for an earlier gang rape, while local political figures allegedly tried to protect the accused. In Rampura, police initially refused to register a case until public protests forced them to act, and the victim’s family later faced pressure to withdraw the case. The group claimed that such incidents reflect a broader pattern of violence, political impunity, and rising crime since the last election.

Chhatra Shibir urged authorities to ensure impartial investigations into all recent killings, rapes, and acts of violence, and to bring all perpetrators to justice regardless of political affiliation.

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anny visited several haor embankments in Sunamganj on February 27, 2026, following the Prime Minister’s directive. During inspections in Dharmapasha, Madhyanagar, Tahirpur, and Jamalganj upazilas, he emphasized the importance of protecting the boro crop, a major contributor to the country’s food supply, from damage caused by embankment breaches.

The minister stated that the Prime Minister remains vigilant about the haor region and regularly monitors its condition. He noted that his visit was made under her instruction to assess the embankments firsthand. Referring to past irregularities, he said the government maintains a zero-tolerance stance against corruption. Lawmakers from several Sunamganj constituencies and senior officials of the Water Development Board accompanied him during the inspection.

The visit highlighted the government’s focus on safeguarding agricultural production in the haor areas and ensuring accountability in embankment maintenance projects.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has called for a protest demanding swift and exemplary trials for recent incidents of rape and violence across Bangladesh. The announcement was made by DUCSU Vice President Sadiq Kayem through a Facebook post at around 2 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026. According to the post, the protest march will begin after Friday prayers in front of the Dhaka University Central Mosque.

The call for protest follows a tragic incident in Narsingdi, where a 15-year-old girl was reportedly abducted and killed after seeking justice for a rape case. Her body was recovered from a mustard field between Bilpara and Dorikandi areas of Mahishashura Union in Sadar upazila on Thursday afternoon. The case has sparked outrage and renewed demands for stronger action against gender-based violence.

DUCSU’s initiative aims to draw national attention to the growing concern over sexual violence and the need for prompt judicial response to such crimes.