Newly appointed administrator Abdus Salam announced his plan to transform Dhaka South City into a clean and green city. He made the declaration on Friday at Lalbagh Hriday Party Center during a brief speech before an iftar event organized by Ward 24 BNP under Lalbagh Police Station. Salam urged residents to keep household and shop waste in designated spots for collection by city workers and warned that contractors charging more than 100 taka for waste collection would lose their approval.

He said the initiative follows the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to make both Dhaka South and Dhaka North clean and green cities. Salam emphasized preserving Old Dhaka’s heritage, including its food culture and historical sites, to attract local and foreign visitors. He also pledged strict action against extortion, mugging, and drug-related crimes, regardless of the offenders’ political affiliations or influence.

Addressing public health concerns, Salam noted the growing mosquito problem in Dhaka and said the city corporation would intensify mosquito control and dengue eradication efforts.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Anisul Huq stated that the current government seeks to advance justice through transparency, emphasizing that only by following this path can the desired goals be achieved. He made the remarks on Friday in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi while addressing an iftar event organized by the Bangladesh Judicial Service Association.

The minister said that while performing his duties, he must consider both the interests of lawyers and the fair access to justice for the public. He added that observing the strengths and weaknesses of the judiciary is a moral responsibility. Referring to his first meeting with the Prime Minister after assuming office, he noted that she had stressed ensuring an environment where the judiciary can function independently. He reaffirmed his commitment to that directive and expressed hope that judges would continue to perform their duties impartially.

He further remarked that institutions must be treated with respect and affection, warning that neglect could lead to their decline.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the country’s army to respond to any form of aggression against the nation. He issued the order during a visit to the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters on Friday afternoon, where military officials briefed him on the ongoing situation with Afghanistan. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif instructed the army to adopt a ‘zero tolerance’ policy toward any hostile acts targeting Pakistan.

Sharif stated that actions by the Afghan Taliban administration or by the group known as Fitna al-Kharij (the official name of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP) are unacceptable. He affirmed that under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s armed forces are ready to defend the country and know how to protect themselves against aggression.

The statement also noted that Sharif praised the military for repelling Taliban attacks in border areas and conducting strong counteroffensives. He added that the entire nation stands in solidarity with the armed forces.

Tensions have intensified along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border as both sides reported heavy losses following recent clashes. On Thursday, Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that Taliban forces attacked and captured several Pakistani border posts, killing security personnel. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar denied the Taliban’s claims, asserting that Pakistani forces had effectively responded and killed 36 Taliban fighters, while confirming the deaths of two Pakistani soldiers.

The renewed violence follows Pakistan’s February 21 airstrikes in Afghanistan targeting militant hideouts, which Islamabad said killed more than 80 fighters. The Taliban’s interim defense ministry condemned those strikes and warned of a future response. Analysts cited in the report said a full-scale conventional war remains unlikely due to the Taliban’s limited air and logistical capabilities. Experts also noted that the Taliban’s arsenal includes weapons left by former Afghan and foreign forces, but their air power remains weak.

Security analysts observed that the Taliban continue to rely on guerrilla tactics, using light weapons and improvised explosives, while Pakistan maintains a conventional army with superior air capabilities.

The United States has instructed its citizens to leave Israel immediately amid growing fears of a possible Iranian attack. The directive, issued by the US State Department on Friday, also advised against traveling to Israel at this time. Citizens were told to plan their departure while commercial flights remain available, according to The Guardian.

The order follows inconclusive talks between Iran and the United States held in Geneva, Switzerland, where no clear resolution was reached. Washington and Tehran are expected to resume discussions next week. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has deployed two aircraft carriers, a dozen warships, and several dozen fighter jets to the Middle East, raising concerns that a military strike could follow if negotiations fail.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has informed embassy staff that those wishing to leave should do so immediately. The United States has also demanded that Iran completely halt its nuclear activities and dismantle its three main nuclear facilities.

Pakistan’s defense minister has declared a ‘direct war’ against Afghanistan following airstrikes carried out by the Pakistani military in Kabul and two other provinces. The announcement marks a sharp escalation in hostilities between the two neighboring countries.

Afghanistan affairs expert Amin Saikal told BBC’s Newsday program that this represents a very serious development, indicating Islamabad’s intent to punish the Afghan Taliban for allegedly supporting armed groups behind recent attacks in Pakistan. Saikal, founder of the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Australian National University, noted that both sides have long been at odds, but Pakistan’s latest move shows it is striking harder in response to Taliban support for Pakistani militants.

Saikal, author of “Modern Afghanistan,” warned that the rising tension could be disastrous for the Afghan people, who are already struggling with severe economic hardship.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested Md. Anwar, the prime accused in the rape of a six-year-old girl in Jorarganj, Chattogram. The arrest took place on February 27, 2026, at Khan City Center in the Baraiyarhat area, following a directive from Chattogram-1 (Mirsharai) Member of Parliament Nurul Amin. The victim’s parents had sought justice from the MP on February 23, prompting him to instruct authorities to ensure the suspect’s swift arrest.

According to RAB, the incident occurred on February 11 when the child went to play at Anwar’s house and was later found crying, alleging that he had assaulted her. The victim’s mother discovered signs of physical harm, and the child was taken first to Mirsharai Upazila Health Complex and later referred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital. A case was filed under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act on February 13.

RAB-7 officials confirmed that Anwar was handed over to Jorarganj police for legal proceedings, and the police later produced him before the court.

Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan Amir Maulana Habibullah Miyaji stated that true justice cannot be achieved without establishing Islamic governance based on the Quran and Sunnah. He argued that only divine laws can eradicate interest, bribery, and corruption from the country. Miyaji made these remarks on Friday at the Fars Hotel in Dhaka’s Paltan area during a discussion, prayer, and iftar event organized by the Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan to mark the 'Oath Day for Establishing Islamic Governance.'

He emphasized that since both the land and humanity belong to Allah, implementing divine laws in all spheres of life is the only guarantee of peace and salvation. Miyaji urged that during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims should renew their commitment to strengthen efforts for establishing Islamic governance in the country.

The event was attended by leaders from various Islamic and political organizations, including Khelafat Andolan, Islami Andolan, Khelafat Majlis, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Oikya Andolan, and others.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has accused Pakistan of attempting to impose its internal conflicts on Afghanistan. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Mujahid said Afghanistan seeks positive relations with all countries, assuring the international community that Afghan territory will not be used against any nation. He emphasized that Afghanistan’s foreign policy is based on mutual respect and that it does not wish to pursue hostility toward others.

Mujahid described Pakistan’s internal conflict as a long-standing domestic issue, citing the ongoing fighting between Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Pakistani military since 2007. He noted that Afghanistan’s Taliban have been in power for nearly four years, arguing that Pakistan’s attempt to link its internal problems to Afghanistan is baseless. Mujahid further alleged that Pakistan has repeatedly violated Afghan airspace and targeted civilians, including women and children, in bombings.

He claimed Pakistan has broken previous ceasefire agreements and reiterated that Afghanistan has only exercised its legitimate right to self-defense. Mujahid called for resolving disputes through dialogue and reaffirmed the Taliban government’s commitment to peaceful solutions.

Reports from multiple Afghan provinces indicate that no major clashes occurred overnight along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, though sporadic shelling and gunfire were heard in some areas. BBC correspondent Hefzullah Maruf said that in Kunar province’s border districts of Shultan, Dangam, and Nari, both sides occasionally fired artillery shells at each other. Civilian and Taliban casualties were reported, though exact numbers remain unconfirmed.

In Nangarhar province, no direct fighting was observed, but intermittent gunfire occurred near the Torkham crossing. Refugees were evacuated from a large temporary camp near the border due to fear of renewed conflict. Many families attempting to return to Afghanistan through Torkham reportedly turned back amid the tension. In Khost, Paktia, and Paktika provinces, sources described sporadic exchanges of fire despite the absence of full-scale battles.

Another source claimed that Pakistan carried out an airstrike in Paktika’s Sarobi district, though the Taliban government has not issued any official statement regarding the incident.

Dhaka-20 (Dhamrai) Member of Parliament Tamiz Uddin announced that no extortion will be allowed from any factory in the area. He stated that after August 5, several factories had faced extortion through motorcycle showdowns carried out under the name of the BNP. He emphasized that such activities will no longer be tolerated in Dhamrai.

The MP made these remarks on Friday at a reception and iftar event organized by Sharifbagh Islamia Kamil Madrasa in Dhamrai. The event was attended by former secretary and madrasa governing body president Md. Abdus Sabur, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education Mirza Mohammad Ali Reza, Dhamrai Police Officer-in-Charge Monirul Islam, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Rafi, Dr. Md. Nasim Sarkar, the madrasa principal, and other local dignitaries, scholars, and political leaders.

The statement reflects a local political stance against extortion and aims to ensure law and order in the industrial areas of Dhamrai.

China has advised its citizens to leave Iran as security risks in the Middle East escalate. In a social media statement on Friday, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Chinese nationals in Iran to strengthen safety measures and prepare to depart the country as soon as possible. The ministry also advised against traveling to Iran under current conditions. Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran and neighboring countries will assist citizens in relocating via commercial flights or land routes.

Additionally, Chinese citizens in Israel have been instructed to remain on high alert. State broadcaster CCTV reported that they were advised to avoid unnecessary outings and to familiarize themselves with nearby bomb shelters and evacuation routes. On the same day, the United States authorized the withdrawal of non-essential embassy staff from Israel as Washington reinforced its military presence in the region, including the expected arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford near Israel’s coast.

Despite mediation efforts between Iran and the United States through Oman, hopes for easing tensions remain uncertain.

The UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw for the 2025–26 season was held in Nyon, producing several high-profile matchups. Real Madrid and Manchester City will face each other for the fifth consecutive season, continuing their intense rivalry in Europe’s top club competition. Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea will also meet again, recreating last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final in a battle for a quarterfinal spot.

Other fixtures include Barcelona against Newcastle, Liverpool facing Galatasaray, and Atlético Madrid taking on Tottenham Hotspur. Bayern Munich will meet Atalanta, Arsenal will play Bayer Leverkusen, and Sporting CP will face Bodø/Glimt. Arsenal appears to have a relatively favorable path, with a potential quarterfinal against the winner of Sporting CP and Bodø/Glimt if they overcome Leverkusen.

The first-leg matches of the quarterfinals are scheduled for March 10 and 11, with the return legs on March 17 and 18, according to the draw details.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said his party did not lose the recent election but was deliberately made to lose. Speaking on Friday afternoon at the closing session of the Sylhet District Jamaat’s Shura and Executive Council members’ training camp, he stated that people across the country were telling them they had been deprived of victory. He alleged that results in some constituencies were intentionally manipulated, with announcements halted in certain areas.

Dr. Rahman instructed party members to prepare for upcoming local government elections, describing them as the next phase of their political struggle. He said the party aimed to ensure no area remained vacant in the local polls and emphasized the need for dedicated and prudent leadership at the grassroots level.

Highlighting what he called Jamaat’s greatest success in parliamentary politics, Rahman noted that for the first time, the party had led a meaningful alliance and been recognized as the main opposition. He alleged that six opposing forces could not have defeated them without external support, citing similar observations from organizations such as TIB and Sujan.

The government has imposed a two-month ban on all fishing activities in six rivers of Chandpur, including the Padma and Meghna, to conserve juvenile hilsa (jatka) and boost overall hilsa production. The restriction begins after midnight on February 28 and will remain in effect throughout March and April. During this period, 9,100 fishermen in Matlab North upazila will receive 160 kilograms of rice each in four installments, while they focus on repairing boats and nets.

The ban, in place annually since 2006, covers a 30-kilometer stretch from Shatnol to Amirabad Bazar and a 70-kilometer area up to Char Bhairabi in Haimchar. Fishing, trading, storing, or transporting fish is strictly prohibited. Violators face one to two years in jail, fines up to 5,000 taka, or both. Joint enforcement drives will be conducted by the local administration, fisheries department, naval police, coast guard, and navy.

Experts noted that while the ban helps protect jatka, ensuring long-term benefits requires financial security for fishermen. Authorities have pledged strict monitoring throughout the sanctuary period.