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.

Former army chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan told the International Crimes Tribunal-1 that former Major General Ziaul Ahsan, accused in cases of enforced disappearances and killings, was a serial killer and that he had opposed Ahsan’s promotion. Bhuiyan made the statement on Wednesday during cross-examination by Ahsan’s lawyer, Aminul Gani Tito. The tribunal, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar with two other members, is hearing the case.

Bhuiyan said Ahsan received one promotion from lieutenant colonel to colonel between 2012 and 2015, when he was army chief. He stated that most board members recommended Ahsan’s promotion out of self-interest, despite his own opposition. Bhuiyan added that Ahsan lacked the qualifications for promotion, having neither completed staff college nor commanded a battalion. He also claimed that Major General Momen, who presented his objections at the promotion meeting, was later reassigned to Bahrain as ambassador in what Bhuiyan described as a punitive posting.

The tribunal adjourned the incomplete cross-examination and scheduled the next session for February 23.

The Rangpur district administration and the Department of Livestock have launched a month-long program to sell eggs, milk, and broiler chickens at fixed prices throughout the city during Ramadan. The initiative was inaugurated on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the DC Mor area by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Enamul Ahsan. The sale is taking place at seven locations, including Shapla Chattar and Payera Chattar, with eggs priced at 33.25 taka per four pieces, milk at 70 taka per liter, and dressed broiler chicken at 225 taka per kilogram. Trading began immediately after the inauguration, alongside the launch of Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) product sales in the city.

According to the Deputy Commissioner, the initiative aims to ensure safe food and stabilize market prices during Ramadan. He stated that strict monitoring is being conducted in coordination with business owners and relevant government departments to maintain supply, quality, and fair pricing. The administration also urged traders to act responsibly in selling goods during the holy month.

A meeting of the market monitoring committee was held in Raiganj upazila of Sirajganj on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, to ensure control over the prices and quality of essential commodities during the holy month of Ramadan. The meeting, organized by the upazila administration at the Upazila Parishad conference room, was chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Abdul Khalek Patwari.

In his remarks, the UNO announced that regular market monitoring would continue throughout Ramadan to keep commodity prices reasonable and protect consumer interests. He urged all concerned parties to work together and reaffirmed a strict stance against artificial crises, hoarding, and overpricing. The meeting was attended by local officials, political representatives, journalists, and businesspeople.

Speakers emphasized maintaining normal supply of essentials during Ramadan, ensuring visible price lists in shops, and taking effective action against adulteration, manipulation, and hoarding.

Bangladesh’s new Commerce Minister Khondaker Abdul Muktadir announced that the government will take steps to defer the country’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on February 18, he said all necessary actions will be taken to pursue the deferral and coordination has already begun between the Ministry of Commerce and the Economic Relations Division (ERD). He emphasized that the government has started working on the issue immediately, even though there is no formal deadline for submitting a request.

Muktadir noted that business organizations have long demanded a delay in LDC graduation, and the government is giving the matter top priority. He also discussed the country’s narrow export base, with about 85 percent of exports dependent on a single product, and stressed the need for diversification and new market expansion. On domestic issues, he assured that essential goods are adequately stocked for Ramadan and that temporary price hikes are due to short-term demand surges.

The minister further highlighted that stable conditions are essential for investment and warned that prolonged stagnation could pose risks to employment and the economy.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power and Energy, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, stated that ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply during the upcoming Ramadan and summer season is one of the government’s biggest challenges. He made the remarks on Wednesday during a briefing held at his office in the Secretariat on his first day in the position.

The minister emphasized that preventing corruption and maintaining discipline in the power sector are also key priorities for the government. His comments highlight the administration’s focus on improving reliability in electricity distribution during periods of high demand, particularly for religious and seasonal needs.

The government has also issued directives to ensure continuous electricity during sahri, iftar, and tarawih prayers, reflecting its commitment to stable power supply during Ramadan.

A prisoner named Md. Mamun Sheikh, aged 34, died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Wednesday morning. He was brought to the hospital’s emergency department from Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj after falling ill. According to hospital authorities, duty doctors examined him and declared him dead at 10:35 a.m. The incident was confirmed by Inspector Md. Faruk, in charge of the hospital police outpost, who said the body has been kept at the hospital morgue for autopsy.

Prison guards, including one named Robin, escorted Mamun Sheikh to the hospital under the direction of prison authorities. They could not immediately provide details about the case in which he had been imprisoned but said further information would be available later. The deceased’s father was identified as Md. Salam.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death, and further details about the prisoner’s case are expected to be disclosed later.

Newly appointed Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has declared that Bangladesh’s economy must become democratic and inclusive, rejecting the continuation of a patronage-based system. Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Finance on his first day in office on Wednesday, he emphasized that the country’s economy should serve all citizens, ensuring transparency, accountability, and reactivation of state institutions.

He noted that many state institutions are currently in poor condition and must first be recovered. Chowdhury stressed the need to bring professionalism, transparency, and efficiency into these institutions, warning that without such reforms, even large-scale programs would fail to deliver results. He also called for serious deregulation and liberalization, arguing that Bangladesh has become over-regulated due to long-standing patronage politics.

The minister said his goal is to create a level playing field where every citizen has equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the economy, marking a shift toward a more open and accountable economic system.

A Dhaka court has again postponed the submission of the investigation report in the Bangladesh Bank reserve theft case, marking the 93rd delay. On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam set a new date of April 9 for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to file the report. The CID failed to submit the report on the previously scheduled date, prompting the court to extend the deadline once more.

The case stems from the February 5, 2016 theft of 81 million US dollars from Bangladesh Bank’s account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The funds were fraudulently transferred using the SWIFT system and later moved to the Philippines. Investigators believe a hacker group, possibly aided by local collaborators, was involved in laundering the stolen money.

Following the incident, on March 15, 2016, Zobayer Bin Huda, Deputy Director of the Accounts and Budgeting Department of Bangladesh Bank, filed a case under the Money Laundering Prevention Act and the Information and Communication Technology Act. The CID continues to investigate the matter.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has begun the trial of Sajib Wazed Joy, son of Sheikh Hasina and ICT adviser, and former state minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, in connection with alleged crimes against humanity linked to the July killings. The prosecution opened its introductory statement on Wednesday, marking the formal start of proceedings. The tribunal set February 25 for witness testimony, while Palak, who is under arrest, was brought from prison to the court. Formal charges had been framed against both accused on January 21.

According to the prosecution, three charges were brought against the two. The first alleges that Palak incited violence through social media posts between midnight and 1 a.m. on July 14, 2024, following Joy’s instructions, leading to attacks on protesters the next day. The second charge claims both ordered internet shutdowns and encouraged the use of lethal force, resulting in 28 deaths. The third accuses them of aiding killings in Uttara, where several victims, including a six-year-old, were reportedly killed.

Defense lawyers for both accused sought discharge, arguing insufficient evidence, while prosecutors maintained that the charges were based on credible proof to be demonstrated during trial.

State Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, and Food Sultan Salahuddin Tuku announced that work on the promised farmer card program will begin soon. He made the statement on Wednesday afternoon at the Secretariat during the first working day of the new government, speaking to journalists about his ministry’s upcoming plans.

Tuku said he would hold meetings with officials from the three ministries under his responsibility to plan and initiate future activities. He also sought cooperation from members of the press in carrying out the ministry’s work. The announcement marks one of the first policy steps under the new administration.

The farmer card initiative was mentioned as a commitment, and the minister’s remarks indicate the government’s intention to move forward with its implementation in coordination with relevant departments.

Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) became tense again on the anniversary of the 2025 campus violence. Late on the night of February 17, 2026, unidentified youths vandalized the 'Bloodied KUET Corner' exhibition, which had been set up by injured students with university approval to commemorate the previous year’s attack. CCTV footage reportedly showed a group led by a student leader from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal entering the exhibition room at 12:32 a.m. and leaving five minutes later. The incident followed earlier unrest, including the blockade of the vice-chancellor’s residence and banners declaring him unwelcome on campus.

KUET’s Student Welfare Director, Professor B.M. Ikramul Haque, said the same group involved in the February 13 disturbance appeared in the footage and accused them of trying to destabilize the campus again. He announced a meeting to decide next steps. Vice-Chancellor Professor Maksud Helali said he had only been verbally informed about the commemorative program. Chhatra Dal leader Safwan Ahmed Ifaz denied involvement, claiming the exhibition space had been misused and that students had merely “freed” it.

The renewed unrest has raised concern among students and staff just weeks after the national election, with fears of further instability on campus.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized a large consignment of Indian Tapentadol tablets worth approximately Tk 3.12 crore from the border area of Haldegram in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur. The operation was conducted early Tuesday night based on secret intelligence by patrol members of the Mymensingh Battalion (39 BGB) under the Haldegram Border Outpost. The seizure was confirmed in a press release issued by the battalion on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the report, smugglers attempted to bring the Indian Tapentadol (100 mg) tablets into Bangladesh through an innovative method. Acting on the tip-off, BGB personnel launched a raid around 4:30 a.m. When the smugglers realized the presence of the patrol team, they fled the scene, leaving the drugs behind. No arrests were made during the operation.

Lieutenant Colonel Md. Nurul Azim Bayezid, commanding officer of the 39 BGB Battalion, stated that BGB remains vigilant around the clock to protect the international border and prevent illegal activities. He added that strict measures against drug trafficking and illegal infiltration will continue.