A pedestrian named Ikhlas Khan, aged 30, died early Monday while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital following a motorcycle collision in Gopalganj. The accident occurred on Sunday evening on the Gopalganj-Tekerhat road in the Gandhiyashur area of Gopalganj Sadar upazila. Two others were injured in the incident.

According to Gopalganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Anisur Rahman, Ikhlas Khan was crossing the road when a speeding motorcycle hit him. The motorcycle driver Abdullah Kazi, 18, and passenger Isanur Kazi, 16, both from Jaduput village in Kashiani upazila, were also injured. Locals rescued the injured and took them to Gopalganj Medical College Hospital. As Ikhlas’s condition worsened, he was transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he died at around 4 a.m. Monday.

The motorcycle driver Abdullah Kazi, who sustained serious injuries, is being treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while passenger Isanur Kazi remains admitted at Gopalganj Medical College Hospital.

A fire broke out at Bashar Spinning Limited in Bharadoba Nishinda area of Valuka upazila, Mymensingh, on the night of February 15, 2026. The blaze, reportedly triggered by an electrical short circuit, destroyed several machines, raw materials, and a cotton warehouse. Seven fire service units worked for about three and a half hours to bring the fire under control. The estimated loss from the incident is around Tk 7 crore.

According to Valuka Fire Service Station in-charge Atikur Rahman, the fire started around 10:30 p.m. Two units initially responded, and as the flames intensified, five more units from Trishal, Gafargaon, Sreepur, and Mymensingh joined the operation. Despite the extensive damage to property, no injuries or casualties were reported.

Authorities have not reported any disruption beyond the factory premises, and the cause has been attributed to an electrical short circuit. No further investigation details were mentioned in the report.

The first meeting of the committee formed to implement Bangladesh’s proposed ninth national pay scale has been held, according to interim government press secretary Shafiqul Alam. The meeting, held on Sunday, discussed the implementation process of the new pay structure. The committee, headed by the then cabinet secretary, includes senior secretaries from key ministries such as public administration, defense, finance, education, health, and law, along with the comptroller general of accounts. It will review salary-related recommendations from the National Pay Commission 2025, Judicial Service Pay Commission 2025, and Armed Forces Pay Committee 2025 before submitting its report to the government.

The interim government had formed the ninth National Pay Commission on July 27 of the previous year, led by former finance secretary Zakir Ahmed Khan. The commission submitted its report to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on January 21, proposing to raise the minimum salary from Tk 8,250 to Tk 20,000 and the maximum from Tk 78,000 to Tk 160,000, reducing the pay ratio from 1:9.4 to 1:8. The proposal also includes health insurance, pension reform, and restructuring of the government employees’ welfare board.

Government employees have begun organizing to press for the implementation of the new pay scale and plan to meet the incoming head of government to present their demands.

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will start selling essential commodities from open trucks across the country on Tuesday, ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The initiative will offer five key products—edible oil, sugar, chickpeas, lentils, and dates—at prices lower than the market rate. Sales will also continue through the family card distribution system. According to TCB, all preparations have been completed, and designated dealers have been instructed to deposit funds before collecting goods.

The TCB spokesperson, Shahadat Hossain, said the truck-based sales aim to help stabilize the market during Ramadan. Around 400 trucks will operate nationwide, each serving about 400 consumers. The sales will take place every day except Friday in all districts, city corporations, and divisional cities. Regular items will be available along with chickpeas and dates to meet seasonal demand.

The program is expected to support consumers by ensuring access to essential goods at affordable prices during the high-demand Ramadan period.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a new directive warning against the use of sample notes or paper resembling real currency in social media and marketing campaigns. The central bank’s Department of Communications and Publications announced on Sunday that such activities are legally punishable and increase the risk of counterfeit currency circulation. The notice highlighted that videos and images on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube have shown marketing content using large-sized sample notes similar to genuine ones.

The bank stated that producing, using, or distributing paper resembling legal tender is a criminal offense under Section 489(E) of the Penal Code, 1860. It also warned that spreading false or misleading information through digital media could be punishable under Section 25 of the Cyber Security Act, 2023. The directive urged the public to remain cautious, avoid unauthorized promotional activities, and verify the authenticity of banknotes.

Bangladesh Bank advised citizens to learn about the security features of real notes and ensure safe transactions by visiting its official website for detailed information on currency identification.

A Youth Dal activist was seriously injured in an attack by unidentified assailants in Palashbari upazila of Gaibandha on Sunday night. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. in the Jundaha Bazar area of Barishal Union. The victim, identified as Kakon, 35, son of Miru Mondol from Durbolagari village, was attacked with sharp weapons while standing in the market area. Witnesses said several unknown men suddenly assaulted him and fled the scene immediately after the attack.

Doctors reported that one of Kakon’s fingers was severed and both his legs were broken. Locals rescued him in a severely injured state and took him to Palashbari Upazila Health Complex. As his condition worsened, he was later transferred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Police said preparations were underway to file a case over the incident.

According to local sources, the motive behind the attack and the identities of the attackers remain unknown. The Palashbari police officer-in-charge stated that legal action would be taken once a complaint is received. The incident has caused panic among residents, who have demanded the swift arrest of those responsible.

A 21-year-old youth named Sabbir from Urkirchar Union in Raozan remains missing three days after falling into the Halda River in Hathazari, Chattogram. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday near Ramdas Munshir Hat in Madarsha Union’s Ward 7. According to police and local sources, a dispute between two groups of youths at a religious event escalated into an attack while one group was returning home by boat. During the assault, three people fell into the river; two swam to safety, but Sabbir went missing.

Family members, local residents, and police confirmed that rescue operations have been ongoing since the incident. A six-member diving team from the district fire service continues to search the river, but no trace of the missing youth has been found. Sabbir’s relatives have been waiting by the riverbank, hoping for his recovery.

Police officials stated that legal procedures are underway, and efforts to identify and punish those responsible for the attack are in progress.

The temperature in Dhaka rose slightly on Monday, February 16, 2026, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. The morning temperature increased to 17.8 degrees Celsius from 16 degrees recorded on Sunday. The department’s 7 a.m. forecast indicated that daytime temperatures in Dhaka and surrounding areas may rise slightly during the day.

The forecast, issued at 6 a.m., reported 73 percent humidity in the capital. It also stated that the weather in Dhaka and nearby regions is expected to remain dry until noon, with temporary cloudiness. Winds from the north or northwest may blow at speeds of 5 to 10 kilometers per hour. Sunset in Dhaka is expected at 5:54 p.m., and sunrise on Tuesday at 6:31 a.m.

The department’s overall outlook suggested that both day and night temperatures are likely to remain nearly unchanged across the country, with generally dry conditions prevailing.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has announced revised trading hours for the holy month of Ramadan. According to a press release issued on Monday, trading will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 1:40 p.m., followed by a post-closing session from 1:40 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. The DSE also stated that its official office operations will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during this period.

The exchange has requested investors, brokerage houses, and all related stakeholders to follow the new schedule throughout Ramadan. The adjustment aims to accommodate the special circumstances of the month while ensuring smooth market operations.

The announcement reflects the DSE’s periodic practice of modifying trading hours during Ramadan to align with the working patterns and needs of market participants.

Two local leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) were seriously injured in an attack by unidentified assailants in Pirojpur district on Sunday night, February 15. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. near Parerhat bus stand in Indurkani upazila. The victims were identified as Mohiuddin Mallik Nasir, former convener of Pirojpur Sadar Upazila BNP, and his nephew Riaz Uddin Mallik Nipu, general secretary of Shankarpasha Union BNP. Both were attacked with sharp weapons while returning home on a motorcycle.

According to Riaz Uddin, a group of 8 to 10 unidentified men on motorcycles intercepted them and launched the assault before fleeing. Locals rescued the injured and took them to Pirojpur District Hospital. Dr. Rajib Paik of the hospital said both sustained deep wounds and were later referred to Khulna for advanced treatment. Additional Superintendent of Police Nasrin Jahan stated that police visited the victims and would take legal action upon receiving a written complaint.

The attack has raised concern in the area, though the motive and identities of the attackers remain unknown.

Urea production at the Jamuna Fertilizer Factory in Jamalpur was halted on Sunday morning after gas pressure fell below the required level. Factory officials said the pressure dropped to 8.2 kilograms around 9:30 a.m., making it impossible to continue normal operations. The factory’s General Manager (Operations), Md. Fazlul Haque, explained that at least 10 kilograms of gas pressure is needed to maintain regular production, and the drop forced a suspension for safety and technical reasons. Production will resume once gas pressure returns to normal.

The Deputy General Manager (Administration) confirmed the temporary shutdown, citing inadequate gas supply pressure. Factory sources emphasized that recurring disruptions caused by low gas pressure could affect fertilizer supply and the agricultural season. They urged swift and effective measures to stabilize gas supply to prevent further interruptions.

Officials indicated that production could restart at any time once gas pressure stabilizes, but no specific timeline was provided for resumption.

Kuakata sea beach in Patuakhali has become nearly deserted during this year’s Valentine’s Day, a time when it usually draws large crowds of tourists. Business owners and local guides report that the ongoing 13th parliamentary election and the approaching Ramadan have sharply reduced tourist arrivals over the past two weeks, raising fears of a collapse in the local tourism economy.

Hotel operators, tour guides, and shop owners describe severe financial losses as hotels remain empty and beachside shops see no customers. Mamun Khan, director of Hotel Sea Crown, said they had prepared for the Valentine’s season but faced major losses due to the lack of visitors. The Kuakata Tour Guide Association reported that 70 trained guides are currently without work, while the Tour Operators Association warned of significant revenue losses for both businesses and the government.

Tourist Police officials said patrols continue across all major beach areas to ensure visitor safety. Many local entrepreneurs believe the situation may not improve before the upcoming Eid, deepening concerns over the region’s tourism-dependent economy.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard seized a large consignment of Indian textiles and foreign cigarettes worth nearly Tk 9 crore in Sitakunda, Chattogram. The operation took place on Saturday night, February 14, following intelligence that the goods were being smuggled through the Dhaka–Chattogram highway near Chhoto Kumira Bazar. Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haque confirmed the seizure on Sunday night.

During the special operation conducted by the Coast Guard Station Bhatiari, officers searched a suspicious covered van and recovered Indian sarees, three-piece suits, lehengas, and 1,298 cartons of foreign cigarettes valued at approximately Tk 8.92 crore. The driver and helper of the van were released after signing written undertakings. The seized goods were later handed over to the Chattogram Customs authorities for legal action.

According to the Coast Guard, similar anti-smuggling operations will continue in the future to prevent illegal trade and protect government revenue.

A 15-year-old madrasa student named Md. Mahim Mia was killed in a stabbing incident in Dhaka’s Jatrabari Kazla area on Sunday night. The attack occurred in the Kazla School Lane, where a group of 10 to 12 youths reportedly intercepted and stabbed him. His friends rescued him in critical condition and took him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead around 11:15 p.m. The hospital police outpost confirmed the incident and stated that the body was kept in the morgue, with the local police station informed.

According to Mahim’s friend Raihan, the victim was on his way to meet an elder brother when the attack took place. Mahim was a student in the Hifz section of a local madrasa and originally from Betal village in Kishoreganj Sadar upazila. He had been living in the Kazla area with his family. Police have yet to determine who was responsible for the killing or the motive behind it.

Authorities have begun initial procedures, but no suspects or reasons for the attack were immediately known.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has extended the deadline for submitting VAT returns for the month of January by one week. As a result, businesses will now be able to file their VAT returns until February 22, 2026, instead of the usual February 15 deadline.

According to NBR sources, the extension was granted because many organizations were unable to complete their VAT submissions on time due to disruptions caused by the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Normally, VAT returns for the previous month must be submitted by the 15th of each month.

The decision aims to provide businesses with additional time to comply with tax obligations affected by the election period.