Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel intends to form a regional network of allied nations to counter what he described as “radical” adversaries. The initiative, which he called a “hexagon” of alliances, would include countries such as India, Greece, Cyprus, and other unnamed Arab, African, and Asian states. Netanyahu made the remarks while confirming the upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying India would be part of an “axis of nations that see eye to eye” with Israel.

Modi expressed agreement with Netanyahu, emphasizing the strong bond and shared commitment between India and Israel. The announcement comes as Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza has weakened the Iran-led “axis of resistance,” including Hezbollah in Lebanon. Netanyahu also referred to both a “radical Shia axis” and an “emerging radical Sunni axis,” though he did not elaborate on the latter.

The move follows strained relations between Israel and several Sunni-majority states, including Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, amid the Gaza conflict. It also builds on Israel’s efforts since 2020 to expand ties with Arab and Muslim nations under the US-backed Abraham Accords.

Nearly four years after President Vladimir Putin announced Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the conflict—officially termed a “special military operation”—has deeply altered Russian society. Verified data from the BBC and MediaZona show more than 186,000 Russian combat deaths, far exceeding Soviet losses in Afghanistan. While western border regions like Kursk and Belgorod endure shelling and drone attacks, major cities such as Moscow and St Petersburg remain largely insulated, with sanctions causing inconvenience rather than collapse.

Interviews conducted by Al Jazeera reveal a divided nation. Some Russians, like photographer Kirill from St Petersburg, lament Western sanctions and government censorship that blocks social media and punishes “fake news.” Others, such as Vladislav from Saratov, have come to support the war, citing patriotic motives. Meanwhile, soldiers like Alexander Medvedev, after witnessing combat in Ukraine, have deserted and fled abroad, disillusioned by the war’s toll. Millions have emigrated since 2022, though some have returned due to difficulties abroad.

Despite economic adaptation and official claims of public support, many citizens remain apathetic or fearful of expressing dissent. The war’s continuation has entrenched censorship, reshaped daily life, and deepened both loyalty and fatigue across Russian society.

Greenland has declined former US President Donald Trump’s proposal to send a hospital ship to the Arctic island, following his repeated statements about potentially seizing the Danish autonomous territory for national security reasons. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Facebook that the offer had been noted but emphasized that Greenland’s public healthcare system provides free treatment for citizens. He added that Greenland remains open to dialogue and cooperation but urged Trump to engage directly rather than through social media.

The move comes as relations between Denmark and the United States have been strained by Trump’s renewed interest in taking control of Greenland, a mineral-rich and strategically located Arctic territory. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said Greenland’s population already receives adequate healthcare either locally or in Denmark, dismissing the need for foreign medical intervention. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also highlighted the country’s universal healthcare system as a point of pride.

Tensions over Greenland’s sovereignty have eased somewhat since Trump reached a framework agreement with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in January to expand US influence in the region.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Saturday that his country will not bow to pressure from the United States, following US President Donald Trump’s remarks that he was considering limited military strikes to force a deal on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Pezeshkian made the comments at a ceremony in Tehran honouring Iranian Paralympians, as the US expanded its military presence in the Gulf with two aircraft carriers and dozens of fighter jets.

Indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the US resumed earlier this month in Oman and continued last week in Switzerland, but no breakthrough was achieved. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a draft deal could be finalised within days. Meanwhile, Trump warned that Iran had a short window to reach a “meaningful deal,” and hinted at possible limited strikes. Iran’s letter to the UN Security Council cautioned that any US aggression would be met “decisively and proportionately.”

The growing military buildup has raised fears of regional conflict, prompting several countries, including Sweden, Serbia, Poland and Australia, to advise their citizens to leave Iran.

The United States Supreme Court has ruled that President Donald Trump’s earlier tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unlawful, declaring that he exceeded his authority by using a law meant for national emergencies. In response, Trump invoked Section 122 of the US Trade Act of 1974 to impose a new 15 percent tariff on all trading partners, effective February 24, 2025. The new levy, which can last 150 days unless extended by Congress, is the first use of this legal authority by any US president.

The ruling has cast uncertainty over multiple trade agreements signed last year with countries including the United Kingdom, India, and the European Union. While some deals, such as those covering UK steel, aluminium, and pharmaceuticals, remain unaffected, others face ambiguity about whether the new 15 percent rate supersedes negotiated terms. Trade lawyer Shantanu Singh noted that the incentive for partners to uphold their deals has diminished following the court’s decision.

The White House said certain goods like beef, tomatoes, fertilisers, and aerospace products will be exempt. Analysts expect the US to use the 150-day window to reassess trade practices and potentially reinstate reciprocal tariffs under other legal provisions.

Iran has temporarily closed sections of the Strait of Hormuz and conducted live-fire military drills amid escalating tensions with the United States. The move coincides with the deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford to the Gulf, marking one of the largest US military build-ups in the region since 2003. The strait, through which about 20 percent of global oil supplies and a fifth of global LNG shipments pass, is the world’s most critical energy chokepoint. Tehran’s actions served as a warning of the potential economic fallout if Washington proceeds with threats to strike Iran.

According to the US Energy Information Administration, roughly 20 million barrels of oil worth nearly $500bn transit the strait daily, with 84 percent of crude and 83 percent of LNG bound for Asia. Analysts told Al Jazeera that any closure would cause a major spike in oil prices, as 70 percent of OPEC+ spare capacity lies in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other exporters have limited alternative routes, while Asian economies such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea depend heavily on uninterrupted flows.

Experts warned that a prolonged disruption could trigger global inflation, raise production costs, and unsettle Gulf investment and development projects.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday that recent nuclear talks with the United States had produced “encouraging signals,” while warning that Tehran remains prepared for any outcome ahead of a new round of negotiations scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. His remarks came as fears of military confrontation grew, with the US expanding its military presence in the Gulf and President Donald Trump warning of “really bad things” if no deal is reached. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi confirmed that the third round of indirect talks between the two sides will take place in Switzerland.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reaffirmed that Tehran’s nuclear programme is a matter of national pride and that the country will not abandon it while it remains under international safeguards. He said Iran is ready to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency and emphasized its right to peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment. Araqchi added that Iran is preparing a draft proposal aimed at accommodating both sides’ interests and achieving a “fast deal.”

Observers remain cautious, noting that despite positive rhetoric, major differences persist. Analysts warned that US expectations shaped by Israeli influence could hinder progress even if Iran offers significant concessions.

Several top-level changes have been made in the Bangladesh Army, with new appointments announced on Sunday afternoon through an official order from Army Headquarters. Lieutenant General Mainur Rahman has been appointed as the new Chief of General Staff (CGS), the second most important position after the Army Chief. He previously served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of ARTDOC. The former Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division, Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hasan, has been transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an ambassador. The CGS post had remained vacant since January 17, following the tenure of Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim.

Major General Mir Mushfiqur Rahman has been appointed as the new PSO, replacing Hasan. He previously served as the GOC of the 24th Infantry Division. Major General Ferdous Hasan, formerly Commandant of the East Bengal Regimental Centre, has been named the new GOC of that division. In another major change, Brigadier General Kaiser Rashid has been promoted to Major General and appointed as the new Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), replacing Major General Jahangir Alam, who has been reassigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Additional transfers include Major General J M Imdadul Islam moving from the 55th Infantry Division to the East Bengal Regimental Centre, while Brigadier General Md Hafizur Rahman, previously posted at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, has been promoted to Major General and made GOC of the 55th Infantry Division.

A 20-year-old man was shot and killed by the U.S. Secret Service while allegedly attempting to illegally enter former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in West Palm Beach, Florida. The agency said in a statement on Sunday that the incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. local time near the resort’s north gate. The suspect was reportedly carrying a shotgun and a fuel can when agents tried to stop him, leading to an escalation that resulted in gunfire. The man died at the scene, and his motive remains unclear. Trump was in Washington at the time, and the White House did not immediately comment.

The report noted that political violence has increased in the United States in recent years. In 2024, Trump survived two assassination attempts, one of which took place at his golf course in West Palm Beach. In June 2025, Minnesota Democratic lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot dead, followed months later by the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In response to these incidents, security at Mar-a-Lago has reportedly been strengthened.

A case has been filed against 150 people in connection with an incident at the central Shaheed Minar in Sarail, Brahmanbaria, where Member of Parliament Barrister Rumin Farhana was allegedly obstructed while paying tribute. The case was lodged on Sunday afternoon by one of her supporters, Ahad, at Sarail Police Station. Former Sarail Upazila BNP general secretary Anwar Hossain was named as the main accused, with five individuals identified and another 140–150 unnamed persons included. Officer-in-Charge Manjur Kader Bhuiyan confirmed that the case has been recorded and legal action will follow after investigation.

The incident occurred around midnight on Friday when Rumin Farhana faced resistance from local BNP activists at the Shaheed Minar. Allegations suggest that under Anwar Hossain’s leadership, some activists chanted slogans and tore her floral wreath, leading to scuffles between the two sides. She left the area without placing her tribute.

In protest, her supporters blocked the Dhaka–Sylhet highway at Shahbazpur in Sarail for about an hour, disrupting traffic. Rumin Farhana had earlier been expelled from the BNP after contesting and winning the Brahmanbaria-2 seat as an independent candidate.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam has emphasized the need to ensure that Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims do not face any form of harassment. She said this during a review meeting on Hajj management progress held on Sunday, February 22, at the conference room of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. The minister also stressed that it is the moral duty of state employees to make every effort to help pilgrims complete their Hajj smoothly.

State Minister for Civil Aviation M. Rasheduzzaman Millat stated that the ministry will ensure that suitable individuals are assigned to appropriate responsibilities. Both the minister and the state minister expressed their intention to visit the Hajj camp to observe the overall situation firsthand. The meeting also discussed increasing the frequency of Hajj flights.

Senior officials, including Civil Aviation Secretary Nasrin Jahan and Religious Affairs Secretary Md. Kamal Uddin, attended the meeting, which focused on improving coordination and service quality for the upcoming Hajj season.

Bangladesh Bank has introduced a new policy allowing defaulted loan borrowers to pay their required down payment in two installments instead of a single payment. The central bank announced the decision in a circular sent to banks on Sunday, February 22, 2026, stating that the measure applies to loan rescheduling or restructuring cases. Borrowers can now pay 50 percent of the required down payment at the time of application and the remaining 50 percent within six months after the rescheduling takes effect. Institutions that have already received approval from the policy support committee but could not implement it on time will get an additional three months to do so.

The circular also mentioned that bank boards may decide on interest waivers under existing policies based on their relationship with clients. A Bangladesh Bank official said many struggling businesses were facing difficulties paying the full down payment at once, prompting this relaxation. The new measure aims to support financially distressed enterprises in reorganizing their operations and restoring stability.

The policy is expected to ease liquidity pressure on affected borrowers and help banks expedite the restructuring of non-performing loans.

Bangladesh’s Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan said the country must move beyond outdated thinking to make its education system modern and effective. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 22, during an introductory meeting with ministry officials at the Secretariat. State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj was also present at the meeting.

Dr. Milan emphasized that fulfilling public expectations requires ensuring transparency and accountability not only within the Secretariat but also across all departments and agencies under the ministry. He said the goal is to bring visible change in the education sector through good governance. State Minister Bobby Hajjaj noted that the quality of education has not improved to the desired level for a long time and stressed that sustainable development of the overall education system is impossible without improving primary education.

During the meeting, Joint Secretary Nurunnahar presented a PowerPoint on the ministry’s overall activities, ongoing projects, and future plans. Secretary Abu Taher Rana and other senior officials were also in attendance.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced the formation of its new central executive council comprising 88 members. The council was constituted on Friday during a virtual session of the party’s central Majlis-e-Shura, presided over by Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Among the 88 members, 21 are women, marking their inclusion in the party’s top decision-making body.

The list of members includes senior leaders such as ATM Azharul Islam, Professor Mujibur Rahman, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, and Professor Mia Golam Parwar, among others. The women’s council includes Nurunnisa Siddika, Saeeda Rumman, Marzia Begum, Khondkar Ayesha Khatun, and several others. The announcement was published by Amar Desh Online on February 22, 2026.

The formation of the new council reflects the party’s internal organizational restructuring under the leadership of Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, with a notable representation of women in key positions.

MPO-listed teachers in Bangladesh have submitted 13 demands, including a call for full festival bonuses before Eid, to Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan. The delegation, led by Teachers and Employees Unity Council Chairman Principal Selim Bhuiyan, met the minister on Sunday at the Ministry of Education. State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj and senior ministry officials were also present at the meeting.

Selim Bhuiyan urged that non-government teachers receive their full festival allowance and salaries before Eid-ul-Fitr to ease financial pressure and allow them to focus on teaching. In response, the education minister said the proposal for full festival bonuses would be reviewed. He added that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has given top priority to the education sector, noting that 90 percent of a recent cabinet meeting was devoted to education issues.

The minister assured teachers that they would not need to take to the streets for their demands, as the ministry would work on addressing them.