At the onset of Ramadan, prices of essential food items in Naogaon have risen sharply, according to a field report published on February 18, 2026. The prices of chicken, eggplant, green chili, lemon, ginger, garlic, and dates have all increased, while lentils, chickpeas, and edible oil remain stable. Broiler chicken now sells for 190–200 taka per kilogram, up by 30–40 taka in a week, while garlic and ginger prices have climbed to 130–140 taka per kilogram.

Consumers report struggling to balance household expenses as costs rise without corresponding income growth. Many blame unscrupulous traders for exploiting Ramadan demand and call on the new government to tighten market monitoring. Vendors, however, attribute the price hikes to higher consumer demand rather than supply shortages.

The Naogaon office of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection stated that markets are being monitored daily and warned that legal action will be taken against any trader found manipulating prices. Officials said further price changes will depend on import levels in the coming weeks.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan and 25 others for alleged loan fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering involving about Tk 1,325 crore. The case was announced at a press briefing at the ACC headquarters in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, on Wednesday afternoon by ACC Director General (Prevention) Md Akhter Hossain. According to the ACC, the accused colluded to violate banking rules and credit risk management guidelines to approve and disburse loans under the name of Bashundhara Multi Food Products Limited.

The complaint states that loans were approved without proper collateral, stock reports, or verification of repayment capacity. Of the Tk 575 crore funded loan, Tk 503.12 crore was allegedly transferred to various Bashundhara Group accounts and used for purposes including salary payments at East West Property Development (Pvt) Ltd. The transactions were allegedly intended to conceal the illegal origin and ownership of the funds.

The case was filed under sections of the Penal Code, the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Money Laundering Prevention Act. A joint investigation team led by ACC Deputy Director Md Jahangir Alam includes officials from the ACC, CID, Customs, VAT, and the National Board of Revenue.

RAB-12 in Bogura has arrested three suspected drug traffickers and seized a large quantity of narcotics from a passenger bus on the Rangpur-Dhaka highway. The operation, conducted Tuesday night near the Nabil Highway Restaurant in Sonka area of Sherpur upazila, led to the recovery of 60 bottles of Phairdeal, 2 bottles of Eskaf, and 29 kilograms of cannabis. The detainees were handed over to Sherpur police station.

According to RAB-12 company commander Firoz Ahmed ATC, the first suspect, Mamunur Rashid, was traveling from Dinajpur to Dhaka with the drugs when he was apprehended. In a separate operation Wednesday morning near a filling station in Hamchapur village, two others—Sumon Mia from Cumilla and Saiful Islam from Nilphamari—were caught transporting 29 kilograms of cannabis from Cumilla to Thakurgaon. Cases have been filed against all three under the Narcotics Control Act.

RAB stated that both operations were based on secret intelligence and aimed at curbing drug trafficking along the Rangpur-Dhaka highway corridor.

In Cumilla, lemon prices have risen sharply at the start of the holy month of Ramadan, with retail traders reportedly reducing prices when cameras appear. The incident occurred at Rajganj market on Wednesday afternoon, where a trader sold lemons at Tk 120 per four instead of Tk 140 after noticing a camera, selling out his stock within ten minutes. Across Rajganj, Ranir Bazar, Tomchom Bridge, Badsha Mia, and Chawk markets, lemons were selling at Tk 30–40 per piece, up from Tk 6–30 just three days earlier.

Trader Shahid Mia said lemon supply had dropped as it was not the harvest season, leading to higher prices and disputes with buyers. Consumers such as college teacher Rahim Mirza and resident Asaduzzaman Monir criticized the price hikes and urged government monitoring. Officials from the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection confirmed that lemon and eggplant prices were high due to low production but warned traders against excessive profit. The district administration said all traders had been cautioned not to raise prices during Ramadan and that regular market monitoring was underway.

Authorities also fined three businesses for lacking price lists and pledged continued inspections to stabilize the market.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 has accepted the testimony of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi as evidence in the case concerning killings during the July uprising. The prosecution submitted the request on Wednesday before a three-member judicial panel led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, which approved it. The case involves seven accused, including suspended Awami League general secretary and former minister Obaidul Quader, all of whom remain absconding.

In his statement given to the investigating officer on June 18 of the previous year, Hadi described his background as a university teacher and activist involved in cultural movements. He recounted events surrounding the 2024 mass uprising, alleging violent suppression of protesters by ruling party affiliates and law enforcement. Hadi’s testimony also mentioned earlier quota reform movements and his views on systemic inequality.

The tribunal’s acceptance of Hadi’s deposition follows a similar decision by Tribunal-1, which had earlier accepted a statement by Badruddin Omar against Sheikh Hasina. The case continues under the jurisdiction of Tribunal-2, with all accused still at large.

A mobile court in Mirsarai upazila of Chattogram conducted a market monitoring drive on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, and imposed fines totaling Tk 10,500 in eight separate cases. The operation took place at Mithanala Bazar, Sadar Union, and Mirsarai municipal market, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Alauddin Kader.

The cases were filed under relevant sections of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009, for failing to display price lists and for selling goods underweight. Eight traders were fined, but no one received a jail sentence. During the operation, traders were cautioned to sell goods at fair prices with reasonable profit margins and to display price lists visibly, especially ahead of the upcoming Ramadan.

Officials from the police department, union parishad administration, and union land office were present during the drive, which aimed to ensure transparency and protect consumer rights in local markets.

A group of 12 to 13 masked assailants looted 40 goats from Al Baraka Agro Farm, located east of Nizampur Railway Station in Wahedpur Union of Mirsarai, Chattogram. The incident occurred around midnight on Tuesday, according to the farm authorities. The attackers first removed the CCTV hard disk before forcing the farm’s guard onto a pickup truck with the goats. After crossing the railway line, they released the guard and fled with the animals.

Farm owner and former student leader Abu Hena Kayser said the intruders also blindfolded and detained an employee named Nurul Afsar, taking CCTV equipment and several sacks of animal feed. He alleged that the same night, blank shots were fired at his fish project in Domkhali to spread fear, suggesting the same group might be involved in both incidents. The stolen goats were being prepared for sale ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, with an estimated loss of around six lakh taka.

Nizampur Police Outpost officer SI Zakir Hossain confirmed that police visited the scene and that an investigation is underway. Legal action will follow upon receiving a written complaint.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur announced that the country’s foreign currency reserves are expected to reach 40 billion dollars within the current year. Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on February 18, he said reserves would surpass 35 billion dollars this month and strengthen further by year-end. He noted that although past irregularities in the sector had caused setbacks, ongoing reforms initiated by the interim government are expected to continue under the elected administration.

Dr. Mansur stated that while the economy remains fragile, signs of stabilization are emerging. He acknowledged that the target of reducing inflation to 7 percent has not yet been achieved but emphasized that efforts are ongoing. He also urged the new government to take effective measures to boost investment.

On the same day, new Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stressed the importance of revitalizing domestic institutions and rejected the idea of a patronage-based economy, pledging equal opportunities and broader economic benefits for all citizens.

To commemorate Amar Ekushey February, the Dhaka Film Club will organize a two-day film screening on February 20 and 21 at the Dhaka University road island near TSC. The event, supported by the Bangladesh Film Archive and the Department of Mass Communication, will begin each evening at 7 p.m. The first day will feature Zahir Raihan’s 1970 film “Jibon Theke Neya,” while the second day will screen Shahidul Haque Khan’s 1981 film “Kolmilota.”

According to the organizers, both films highlight the historical context of the 1952 Language Movement and its connection to Bangladesh’s independence struggle. “Jibon Theke Neya” portrays political and social resistance through symbolic storytelling, while “Kolmilota” traces a family narrative from the Language Movement to the Liberation War. The films feature prominent actors including Razzak, Kabori, Bulbul Ahmed, and others.

Dhaka Film Club’s general secretary Barua Monojit Dhinon said that very few Bangladeshi films have depicted the Language Movement, and this exhibition aims to showcase those rare works that capture its spirit.

State Minister for Civil Aviation M Rashiduzzaman Millat announced on February 18, 2026, that passengers will receive their luggage immediately after completing immigration formalities. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on the first day of the new government, he said necessary steps and a plan have already been prepared to ensure that travelers, especially expatriates, do not face long waits or corruption during baggage collection.

Millat stated that the ministry is working with the Civil Aviation Authority to bring visible changes to airport operations, aiming for passengers to find their luggage on the belt as soon as immigration is done. He emphasized that the reform plan covers not only ticketing but also baggage handling and other areas where passengers face difficulties.

The state minister also vowed to dismantle existing ticket syndicates that prevent passengers from obtaining tickets despite empty flights. He assured that noticeable improvements will begin within one to two weeks as part of a gradual transformation of airport services.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintu announced his commitment to adopting eco-friendly policies aimed at building a pollution-free Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Wednesday, his first day in office, he said the goal is to ensure that citizens can breathe clean air. He emphasized that the environment is an important sector with many opportunities for work, but it requires time and dedication.

Mintu was elected from Feni-3 (Sonagazi, Daganbhuiyan) constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, securing 157,425 votes. His appointment marks the first time in 36 years that Feni district has a full minister since Zafar Imam, excluding former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who was elected from Feni-1 multiple times. With the formation of the BNP government following the 13th election, residents of Feni have once again gained ministerial representation.

The minister’s remarks signal the new administration’s focus on environmental governance and sustainable policy implementation under his leadership.

Bangladesh Bank reported that the country received $1.807 billion in remittances during the first 16 days of February 2026, marking a 21 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The central bank stated on Tuesday that the rise in remittance inflows prompted it to purchase dollars from commercial banks, which contributed to an increase in the nation’s foreign exchange reserves.

According to official data, between February 1 and 16, 2025, remittances totaled $1.49 billion, while in the same period of 2026 the figure rose to $1.807 billion. On February 16 alone, $152 million was received. As a result, total foreign exchange reserves reached $34.53 billion, equivalent to $29.85 billion under the IMF’s BPM6 calculation method. On February 7, reserves stood at $34.06 billion, or $29.47 billion under the same method.

The increase in remittance inflows and reserves reflects stronger foreign currency earnings early in the month, according to Bangladesh Bank data.

A Jamalpur court has sentenced two men to life imprisonment and fined each Tk 100,000 in connection with the abduction of rickshaw driver Majnu Mia. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday afternoon by Judge Muhammad Abdur Rahim of the Jamalpur Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal-1. The convicts are Sohel from Chandonpur village in Islampur upazila and Selim Islam from Distapara village in Birganj, Dinajpur. Selim was present during the verdict, while Sohel remains absconding.

According to the prosecution, Majnu Mia went missing on June 12, 2012, after leaving his home in Islampur with his rickshaw. Sohel abducted him and confined him in Gazipur. Later, the family received a phone call demanding Tk 50,000 as ransom. On June 17, Majnu’s father, Khalek Mia, filed a case with Islampur Police Station against unidentified persons. Police investigation later confirmed the involvement of Sohel and Selim, leading to the submission of a charge sheet.

The court delivered the judgment based on witness testimony and evidence. The prosecution was represented by Public Prosecutor Fazlul Haque, while Advocate Ismail Hossain defended the accused.

Fisheries, Livestock, Agriculture and Food Minister Mohammad Amin-ur Rashid has said that agriculture, fisheries and livestock are the main pillars of Bangladesh’s economy. Speaking at a meeting with ministry officials on Tuesday, he emphasized that integrated planning and effective implementation could make the national economy stronger and more sustainable. He noted that Bangladesh’s fertile land and favorable climate offer year-round production opportunities, urging collective efforts to transform the country into a prosperous state.

The minister highlighted that rice and fish are integral to Bengali food culture and identity, calling for coordinated efforts among officials and experts to elevate Bangladesh’s agricultural production to a globally respected position. He added that the government is committed to public welfare and ready to extend support, but success depends on sincerity and professionalism within the administration.

State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku said a democratic government has been established through a fair election and pledged to serve with honesty. He expressed concern over the filling and encroachment of water bodies, urging their restoration and preservation to protect fisheries resources.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has emphasized that Bangladesh’s economy must be inclusive and participatory for all citizens. Speaking on February 18, 2026, at the Finance Ministry’s conference room during a reception for newly appointed ministers and state ministers, he said that a level playing field should be ensured so that every person can contribute to and benefit from the national economy.

The minister noted that after August 5, there has been a significant shift in public sentiment, requiring economic activities aligned with this change. He stressed the need to reform underperforming state institutions by restoring professionalism, transparency, and efficiency. He also called for transforming the patronage-based economy into a democratic one through deregulation and liberalization, expanding beyond manufacturing to include sports, culture, and other professions.

State Minister Zonayed Saki, in his remarks, said the country’s economic system should be built in line with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s 31-point program. Senior officials, including the Bangladesh Bank governor and secretaries from various departments, attended the event.