Mobile Ban in Polling Stations Labeled "Neo-Fascism" by DUCSU VP Sadiq Kaiyum
In New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed an executive order on February 6 to strengthen sanctuary city policies, prohibiting ICE from entering city property without a judicial warrant. Drawing on the Islamic history of the Hijrat, Mamdani framed the protection of immigrants as a moral and humanitarian duty. The order aims to ensure that all residents can access essential services like healthcare and childcare without fear of federal immigration enforcement.
The Bangladesh government has formally requested technical and institutional assistance from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to investigate the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi. The move seeks to ensure a probe that meets international standards of transparency. Hadi, a prominent figure in the July 2024 uprising, was shot during an election campaign event and died in December.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that he will host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House late in 2026. This follows a productive phone call on February 4 where the leaders discussed trade, Taiwan, and global conflicts. Trump is expected to visit China in April before the reciprocal visit by Xi, as both nations seek to manage their economic ties despite ongoing strategic competition.
New Zealand secured a historic win in their T20 World Cup opener by chasing down 183 against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8. Tim Seifert’s 65 off 42 balls anchored the chase, marking the Black Caps' highest successful run-chase in tournament history. Earlier, Gulbadin Naib’s 63 had propelled Afghanistan to a competitive total, but New Zealand reached the target with 13 balls to spare.
India is moving to finalize a ₹3.25 lakh crore deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit on February 18. The proposal, which includes manufacturing 96 of the jets in India, aims to address the Air Force's critical squadron shortage. The deal is expected to be discussed by the Defence Acquisition Council next week before Macron arrives for the Global AI Impact Summit.
National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah issued a stern warning against polling center occupation during a rally in Sirajganj on February 8. He asserted that the youth would resist any attempts to snatch voting rights with their "last drop of blood." The rally, part of the 11-party alliance's campaign for the February 12 elections, also saw dozens of local BNP activists formally join Jamaat-e-Islami.
