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.

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.

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 Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam, has declared transparency and accountability as the guiding principles for the country’s ICT sector. Speaking on 15 February at the ICT Division’s conference room in Agargaon, Dhaka, during a reception organized by the division, he emphasized that professionalism and sincerity of officials are essential for implementing government policies effectively.

Anam described ICT as a vital and promising sector, highlighting the government’s priority to expand ICT services to every upazila and make technology accessible to all citizens. He urged officials to work responsibly and collaboratively, noting that the new government seeks to earn public trust through visible progress and effective initiatives. He added that his main goal is to advance the ICT sector under a new vision and policy framework in a transparent and dynamic environment.

ICT Division Secretary Shish Haydar Chowdhury welcomed the new minister, affirming that the division serves as the hub of the country’s digital transformation and is implementing projects on ICT laws, data centers, hi-tech parks, digital services, startups, cybersecurity, and skilled workforce development.

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.

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.

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.

YouTube, the world’s largest video-sharing platform, experienced a major technical disruption late Tuesday night, affecting millions of users worldwide. According to AFP, users across multiple regions reported being unable to access services. YouTube confirmed on social media platform X that it was aware of the issue and that its technical team was working to resolve it.

The outage caused videos to stop displaying across several YouTube services, including the homepage, YouTube app, YouTube Music, and YouTube Kids, which were temporarily nonfunctional. The company later stated that the homepage had been restored, though full service recovery was still in progress. Monitoring site Downdetector reported receiving more than 300,000 user complaints, and improvements began around 1 a.m. GMT.

Owned by Google, YouTube serves over 2.5 billion active users each month, making the disruption one of the most significant recent service interruptions for the platform.

India’s trade deficit rose to a three-month high of 34.68 billion dollars in January, according to data released by the country’s commerce ministry. The increase was driven by a 12 percent rise in imports to 71.24 billion dollars, largely due to higher gold and silver imports, while exports fell 5 percent to 36.56 billion dollars. Economists had expected the deficit to be around 26 billion dollars based on the previous month’s figure of 25.04 billion dollars.

The widening deficit comes as India prepares to send a delegation to Washington next week to finalize a trade deal aimed at reducing U.S. tariffs on Indian goods. The Trump administration had imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian exports, which officials say will drop to 18 percent this week. President Donald Trump earlier confirmed the reduction, bringing relief to exporters and policymakers.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal told Reuters that the delegation’s visit is intended to conclude the trade agreement. Trump also stated that India has pledged to cut oil imports from Russia and increase purchases of U.S. goods more than twofold.