Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has instructed all Polish citizens currently in Iran to leave the country without delay. In a warning issued on Thursday, he said that due to the growing risk of armed conflict, it might become impossible to evacuate citizens within hours if the situation deteriorates. Tusk urged Poles not to travel to Iran under any circumstances.

The warning followed a report published Wednesday by U.S. media outlet Axios, which suggested that the likelihood of military conflict between the United States and Iran was much higher than most Americans believed. The report also indicated that a large-scale attack could begin within weeks.

Tusk’s directive reflects heightened international concern over potential instability in the region, with governments closely monitoring developments that could affect their nationals in Iran.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has congratulated Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on assuming office as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. In a letter shared by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on social media platform X on Thursday, Starmer expressed his desire to strengthen the Bangladesh–UK partnership and advance shared priorities.

In his message, Starmer highlighted the long-standing and close relationship between the two countries, expressing confidence that cooperation would deepen under Rahman’s leadership. He emphasized expanding trade and investment ties, noting the UK’s position as one of Bangladesh’s largest foreign investors. Starmer also welcomed opportunities for collaboration in tackling illegal migration, combating climate change, and enhancing defense and security relations.

The UK Prime Minister further commended Bangladesh for its generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees and reaffirmed the UK’s continued support. He said he looked forward to the next chapter of partnership between the two nations.

Nahid Islam, Chief Whip of the Opposition in Bangladesh’s National Parliament and convener of the National Congress Party (NCP), stated that if the referendum is annulled, the recent election will also become questionable. He made the remarks on Thursday at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka. Islam urged the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to make the parliament functional as soon as possible and to take oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council before convening the next session.

He alleged that although the voting process in the 13th national election was fair, manipulation occurred in the results. Despite this, he said the NCP accepted the outcome in the interest of democracy and national stability. Islam also accused the BNP of deceiving the people by not taking oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council, claiming that this act betrayed both the citizens and those supporting constitutional reform.

The remarks reflect ongoing political tension over the legitimacy of the election and the functioning of key parliamentary and constitutional bodies.

A Sylhet court has issued a show-cause notice to District Commissioner Md. Sarowar Alam for failing to provide information about the executive magistrate who allegedly ordered gunfire during an anti-discrimination student movement in Golapganj. The order was given by Senior Judicial Magistrate Sudipta Talukdar of Sylhet Amli Court No. 2 on February 8, and the matter became public on February 19, 2026.

The court noted that the district commissioner’s failure to supply the requested information and documents to the investigating officer has delayed the investigation of a case filed on August 29, 2024. The delay has prevented the start of judicial proceedings. The court described the non-compliance as a punishable offense amounting to contempt of court. The notice directed the district commissioner to explain in writing within 15 days why legal or departmental action should not be taken against him.

Md. Sarowar Alam acknowledged hearing about the show-cause order and said a response would be submitted to the court.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the party would stand for the country’s 180 million people if any action went against their interests. Speaking as the chief guest at an iftar event in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Thursday, February 19, he stated that Jamaat, as a responsible opposition, would fully support the government in advancing national progress and building a corruption-free country.

Rahman emphasized that neither the government nor the opposition should allow any situation that harms the public. He said the opposition was prepared to resist if national interests were undermined. He added that Jamaat would cooperate with the government in all positive initiatives but would build resistance where necessary, while hoping such circumstances would not arise.

According to Rahman, the opposition seeks to cooperate with the government but remains vigilant to ensure accountability whenever national interests are at risk.

The Dhaka Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board has announced that the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination form fill-up will start on March 1 and continue until March 9. The notice, published on February 19 on the board’s official website, states that students can complete the process online. Those who miss the initial deadline may submit their forms with a late fee between March 11 and March 18. Fees can be paid through Sonali Seba until March 18.

According to the announcement, only students with valid registrations are eligible to fill out the form. Any candidate attempting to sit for subjects outside their registration will have those exams canceled without further communication. The notice also mentions that physically disabled, cerebral palsy, or special-needs students registered with the Department of Social Services may be exempted from participating in selection tests. Educational institutions may arrange subject-based model tests to enhance student preparation, but participation is not mandatory, and no additional fees may be charged.

The board’s directive aims to ensure a transparent and accessible process for all eligible HSC candidates under the 2026 examination cycle.

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan announced three top priorities for Bangladesh’s education sector: creating an environment to bring students back to classrooms, reviewing the national curriculum, and modernizing technical education. He made the announcement on Thursday during a press briefing at the Ministry of Education in Dhaka, where he also addressed questions from journalists.

The minister said teacher transfers within the ministry will be managed through an automatic app-based system to prevent corruption, ensuring merit-based and transparent processes. He added that the transfer process for MPO-listed teachers would be launched as soon as possible. Regarding teacher movements for demands, he urged teachers to focus on teaching rather than protests, assuring that legitimate demands would be considered.

State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj outlined twelve plans of the new government, emphasizing education as the state’s primary investment and the foundation for nation-building. These include implementing a “One Teacher, One Tab” policy, introducing a third language, making sports compulsory at the secondary level, reforming curriculum and examinations, and strengthening accountability in higher education.

Road Transport and Communications Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that money collected from transport operators on roads through mutual understanding should not be considered extortion, but if anyone is forced to pay, that constitutes extortion. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon during a press briefing at his office in the Secretariat while responding to journalists’ questions.

The minister explained that transport owners’ and workers’ associations collect funds for their welfare, describing it as an unwritten practice rather than extortion. He acknowledged that there may be debate over how the money is used but emphasized that the process is based on mutual consent. He also noted that influence often depends on which group or party is in power, giving dominance to affiliated labor organizations.

Robiul Alam further said that no external group is allowed to exert pressure or collect money within areas under the ministry’s jurisdiction. If owners collect funds by agreement, the ministry will review whether anyone is being deprived or if the funds are being misused. He also discussed traffic congestion caused by roadside markets and said measures will be taken to bring order.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has formed a four-member committee to investigate corruption allegations against Mahbub Morshed, Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). The order, issued on Thursday, states that the ministry’s Additional Secretary (Grade-1) will serve as the committee’s chair.

Other members include the Principal Information Officer of the Press Information Department, the Director General of the Department of Mass Communication, and the Senior Assistant Secretary (Press-1) of the ministry, who will act as member secretary. The committee has been tasked with thoroughly reviewing the allegations, collecting statements from relevant parties, and conducting necessary inquiries.

According to the directive, the committee must submit a comprehensive report with recommendations by February 25, 2026. The ministry emphasized that the investigation should be impartial, transparent, and fair.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has expressed optimism that the proceedings of the International Crimes Tribunal will continue without interruption. Speaking to reporters on Thursday at the tribunal premises, he referred to the law minister’s recent statement that the tribunal’s activities would proceed at a normal pace. Tajul Islam said that although the government had not given any specific directive, it had indicated support for keeping the tribunal’s work ongoing.

He further stated that as long as the prosecution team remains in office, all activities will continue in their regular course, emphasizing that maintaining the tribunal’s operations is essential for ensuring justice. His remarks reaffirmed the prosecution’s commitment to sustaining the tribunal’s judicial process in line with the government’s position.

The statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the tribunal’s continuity, with officials signaling that its judicial functions will not be disrupted.

Bangladesh’s Water Resources Minister Md. Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee announced that the government will begin a nationwide canal excavation program within the next 180 days. He made the statement on Thursday, February 19, following an inter-ministerial meeting at the Secretariat chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The initiative aims to address long-standing waterlogging and irrigation challenges across the country.

The minister noted that canal excavation was a major success during the presidency of Ziaur Rahman, but years of neglect have led to increased waterlogging, loss of navigability in water bodies, and disruption in agricultural irrigation. He said the issue was prioritized in the election manifesto, and the Prime Minister has emphasized its importance since before the election.

Four ministries—the Water Resources, Local Government, Agriculture, and Disaster Management ministries—will jointly prepare an action plan. The next meeting, scheduled for next week, will finalize the program’s timeline and implementation framework. The government expects the initiative to reduce waterlogging, improve irrigation systems, and boost agricultural productivity.

Bangladesh’s Road, Rail and Water Transport Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that the unrestricted movement of battery-run autorickshaws on Dhaka’s main roads will be brought under control. Speaking at a press conference at the Road Transport and Highways Division on Thursday, he said a coordinated action plan involving the city corporation, traffic division, and home ministry will be prepared soon to decide whether to restrict or gradually phase out the vehicles.

The minister said a 180-day priority plan will focus on restoring discipline on roads, expanding rail networks, re-excavating canals, and developing an integrated transport system. He noted that unregulated parking, roadside markets, and battery-run rickshaws are worsening traffic congestion. Discussions with city corporations will be held to review and, if necessary, cancel street parking leases on key roads.

Sheikh Robiul Alam also addressed issues such as toll collection at the Padma Bridge, Eid travel management, the progress of metro rail construction, and the review of the BRT project. He emphasized transparency and accountability in ministry operations, stating that public interest will take precedence over political influence.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Moscow will not accept the sanctions imposed against Cuba. He made the remarks during a meeting in Moscow with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla. Putin emphasized that Russia’s foreign ministry has clearly and unequivocally expressed its position on the new sanctions, stressing that Russia will not tolerate such measures.

Putin described relations between Russia and Cuba as positive and special, noting that Moscow has always supported Havana in its struggle to preserve independence and sovereignty. He acknowledged the hardships faced by the Cuban people over decades in defending their right to live by their own rules and protect national interests.

The statement comes as the United States has strengthened energy sanctions on Cuba, leading to severe fuel shortages after supplies from Mexico and Venezuela were halted. In response, the Russian embassy in Havana announced that Russia will soon send oil and petroleum products to Cuba as humanitarian aid, a move expected to deepen bilateral ties and influence international politics.

The government of Bangladesh has formed a 15-member cabinet committee to finalize the Family Card initiative aimed at protecting marginal and low-income families. The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Thursday announcing the formation of the committee, with the Finance Minister appointed as its chair.

According to the notification, the committee includes the Minister for Women and Children Affairs, the Minister for Social Welfare, and several advisers including Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Mahdi Amin, and Rehan Asif Asad. Secretaries from the Cabinet Division, Women and Children Affairs, Election Commission Secretariat, Finance Division, ICT Division, Local Government Division, Planning, and Social Welfare Ministries are also members.

The committee’s formation marks a step toward implementing the Family Card program, which is designed to provide social protection to vulnerable families across the country.

Newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has decided to work on Saturdays in addition to regular working days. The decision, announced on February 19, 2026, aims to accelerate administrative activities and improve government efficiency.

Following his assumption of office, the Prime Minister also decided that Members of Parliament will not receive duty-free cars or plots, a move that has been widely appreciated. He further instructed ministers to avoid unnecessary expenditures, signaling a focus on austerity and responsible governance.

These early decisions reflect the Prime Minister’s intent to bring discipline and speed to the administration, with an emphasis on transparency and cost control within the government.