Pakistan bombed major cities in Afghanistan including the capital Kabul, on Friday, with Islamabad's defence minister declaring the neighbours at "open war" following months of tit-for-tat clashes. Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of failing to act against militant groups that carry out attacks in Pakistan, which the Taliban government denies. Both militaries said they killed dozens of soldiers in the latest round of border violence, which followed multiple Pakistani strikes on Afghanistan and clashes along the frontier in recent months. The Afghan defence ministry reported eight of its soldiers had been killed in the land offensive. After repeated breaches of the initial ceasefire, Saudi Arabia intervened this month, mediating the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured by Afghanistan in October.

SATKHIRA, Feb 26, 2026 (BSS) - Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has seized one kilogram of Indian crystal meth ice smuggled from India during a special drive in the Akhrakhola area of Sadar upazila of the district. Acting on a tip-off, a BGB patrol team of Satkhira 33 battalion conducted drive in the area on Wednesday night and seized the crystal meth ice wrapping with polythene from the spot, said a BGB source. However, the smugglers managed to flee sensing the presence of the team. Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Kazi Ashiqur Rahman said a general diary (GD) was filed with the Department of Narcotics Control. The seized drug was deposited at the battalion seizure store for public destruction.

TOKYO, Feb 27, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Sumo has been hit with another bullying scandal after media reported Friday that a retired grand champion who is now a stablemaster had reported himself to the sport's authorities for violent behaviour. He told reporters that he had apologised to his own wrestlers for the incident and that "the responsibility lies with me". Sumo has been dogged by multiple scandals, including allegations of bullying, illegal betting and links to organised crime. In 2007, a 17-year-old sumo apprentice died after a hazing incident involving his stablemaster and senior wrestlers. Terunofuji won 10 tournaments in his wrestling career and became the 73rd grand champion in the centuries-old history of sumo.

Japan's Takaichi says opposes changes to imperial family male succession rulesTOKYO, Feb 27, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told parliament on Friday that she opposes changing the imperial family's male succession rules. Takaichi said she respected the conclusion of a panel of experts who had discussed the issue and found it "appropriate to limit eligibility to those who are male-line male descendants belonging to the imperial lineage". "The government, and I, myself as well, respect this report." The premier previously said that revising the imperial family's rules was "an urgent matter". Even though tradition dictates only a man can carry on the imperial line -- which goes back 2,600 years according to legend -- opinion polls have shown high public support for a woman taking the throne.

Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid. "If young officers adopt a field-oriented approach, the country's agricultural potential can be converted into economic strength, while ensuring food security and supporting socio-economic development," he said. Amin Ur Rashid said that many countries remain snow-covered for four to eight months a year. Addressing the young officers, he said, "You are entrusted with the responsibility of serving the people. Later, the Minister distributed certificates to the meritorious young officers.

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], February 26 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday received the Finance Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Gillis Roth, along with his delegation, in Gandhinagar. Not only this, he discussed and deliberated on the benefit of Luxembourg's expertise in the field of green bonds and green financing in this context. Shri Gilles Roth expressed Luxembourg's eagerness for more investments in the international financing sector in GIFT City. Luxembourg Finance Minister Shri Gillis Roth extended a cordial invitation to the Chief Minister and the delegation of the Gujarat Government to visit the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Industries Commissioner P Swaroop and Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Vikrant Pandey also participated in this courtesy visit.

They made the remarks at a programme organised by the Bangladesh High Commission in London to mark International Mother Language Day 2026, held in a committee room of the House of Commons, according to a message received here today. In her address, Bangladesh High Commissioner Abida Islam reflected on Bangladesh's pioneering role in securing global recognition for International Mother Language Day. She said the country's Language Movement was instrumental in shaping the international agenda for cultural and linguistic preservation. "Mother language learning is a space for intercultural and multilingual imagination for our shared future. "Unity in diversity - diversity is an asset.

The new governor of Bangladesh Bank Mostakur Rahman announced an 11-point plan on his first day in office on Thursday aimed at restoring economic momentum and accelerating growth. After joining the central bank at 10:40 am, he held a meeting with deputy governors and executive directors. To revive factories and commercial enterprises that have shut down over the past 18 months, the central bank will provide policy support and incentives. Tackling interest ratesThe governor identified high interest rates as a major obstacle to investment. The central bank will adopt either tight or accommodative measures as needed to protect purchasing power.

The installation of pre-paid electricity metres has officially begun in Thakurgaon, marking the start of a phased rollout across the district. As part of the inauguration, the first modern pre-paid metre under the programme was installed at the residence. Officials of the Electricity Department said the installation of pre-paid metres would continue in phases in different areas of the district town at a rapid pace. Rangpur Division Chief Engineer Mizanur Rahman, Rajshahi Divisional DGM Sajjadur Rahman, Executive Engineer (retired) and special officer in charge of the pre-paid metre programme Mamunur Rashid, newly transferred Executive Engineer Md. Sirajul Islam and newly appointed Executive Engineer Sumon Adhom were present at the inauguration.

Joint forces have launched a ‘combing operation’ across the Sundarbans aimed at rescuing abducted fishermen and combating piracy in the region. Although extensive searches were carried out on the first day, no abducted fishermen were rescued and no pirates were arrested. Kamal Ahmed, president of the Dublar Fishermen Group, said fishermen have stopped going to sea during the peak fishing season due to fear of pirate attacks, raising concerns of financial losses. He called for the immediate rescue of abducted fishermen and enhanced security in coastal waters. Fishermen reported that 20 fishermen abducted from the Bay of Bengal remain in captivity after a week.

However, the government has appointed administrators to six city corporations, including Dhaka North and Dhaka South. Another strong contender is Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel, BNP joint secretary general and former president of Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP. Earlier, in the 2020 city corporation elections, he contested as the BNP candidate for mayor from Dhaka South City Corporation. Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC)In Dhaka North, several BNP leaders are similarly being discussed as potential mayoral candidates. He previously served as member secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan North Jubo Dal and has recently been appointed administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation.

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I am in total agreement with supporting our Olympians and our great country. I do, however, take issue with the wording used by Jimmy’s Famous Seafood and the apparent agreement in using such a derogatory term (“Kudos to Jimmy’s Famous Seafood for standing up for our country,” Feb. 25). I was attempting to pick up our recycling cans that had blown into the roadway. I cannot in good conscience believe this type of language is something to be approved of and hailed as a good idea. — Robin M. Watson, ElkridgeAdd your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by submitting your own letter.

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