Adviser Mahfuz Alam has issued an apology via a Facebook post for using the term “Tawhidi Janata” in one of his statements. He acknowledged that his words may have caused distress to some and expressed regret for any offense taken. He also assured that he would reconsider any past statements that might have hurt people. Mahfuz emphasized the need for unity and cautioned against divisive labeling. Additionally, he highlighted that the ongoing mass uprising belongs to all, noting that people from schools, madrasas, and universities—both private and public—are recognizing a collective leadership.

The interim government has extended the tenure of five key reform commissions—covering labor, media, health, women’s rights, and local governance—until March 31. The Cabinet Division issued a notice on Tuesday, citing the need for additional time to complete ongoing work. The commissions were initially formed on November 18, with a three-month mandate that expired yesterday.

Two petrol bombs exploded in a residential garden in Uzirpur, Barishal, on Tuesday afternoon, causing widespread panic among locals. Law enforcement also recovered three unexploded cocktail bombs from the scene. Inspector Touhidul Karim of Uzirpur Police Station confirmed the discovery. In response, BNP-affiliated activists blocked the Dhaka-Barishal highway, alleging that ruling party supporters were behind the attack.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry has announced that the special Arab League summit on the Gaza crisis, initially scheduled for next week, has been postponed to March 4. The decision was made following consultations with member states. The summit was called in response to Donald Trump’s proposal advocating for the occupation of Gaza and the displacement of its residents. Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, are expected to reinforce their cooperation and seek peaceful solutions. Analysts view the summit as a strong countermeasure against U.S. plans.

The Sylheti Panchayet, a political organization advocating for the rights of Sylhet Division, has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Adviser demanding the recognition of Sylheti as Bangladesh’s second official language. The memorandum states that Sylheti is the only language in Bangladesh, apart from Bengali, that has its own distinct script. With over 12 million Sylheti speakers in Bangladesh and another 15 million worldwide, the group argues that the language deserves formal recognition. The memorandum also references its recognition as the world’s 97th language and calls for its inclusion in primary school curricula.

Following the DC Conference, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, General (Retd.) Abdul Hafiz, revealed that 1,400 weapons looted during the August 5 unrest have yet to be recovered, along with approximately 250,000 rounds of ammunition. Nearly 6,000 weapons were stolen during that period, and efforts are ongoing to locate them. The nationwide joint force operation will continue until the weapons are retrieved. Despite significant progress, authorities remain vigilant. Hafiz also instructed district commissioners to remain proactive in ensuring stable agricultural supply, price regulation, smooth irrigation, and national security.

Religious Affairs Adviser Khalid Hossain has announced that the government is considering implementing a salary structure for Imams and Muezzins of government, autonomous, semi-autonomous, and Waqf-controlled mosques. Speaking after the DC Conference, he revealed that work has begun on the "Mosque Management Policy 2025." He also noted that many temple properties have been illegally occupied, and efforts are underway to recover them. District administrators have been instructed to take action. Additionally, the government has completed the construction of 300 model mosques, with plans to build 214 more.

Major General (Retd.) Salahuddin Miyazi, former military secretary to Sheikh Hasina and MP of Jhenaidah-3, was detained by students and locals in Chanchra Union’s Shyamolchhaya Park on Tuesday (February 18). Allegations of misconduct and public grievances led to the citizen-led apprehension. Later that night, he was handed over to the police. The incident reflects growing tensions and public dissatisfaction. Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the arrest.

The Chamber Court has not suspended the High Court’s decision to cancel the government’s appointment of 6,531 candidates for assistant teacher positions in government primary schools in Dhaka and Chittagong divisions. The court has set the next hearing date for March 2. On February 6, the High Court had ruled to cancel the government’s decision to issue appointment letters to the 6,531 candidates. Following this, the candidates who had been recommended are protesting the decision.

Despite a ceasefire agreement allowing the entry of reconstruction materials, Israel had initially blocked the supplies at the Rafah border. This sparked a wave of condemnation. In response, Hamas announced that it would backtrack on its commitment to release hostages. This raised concerns about the sustainability of the ceasefire. Eventually, under mounting pressure, Israel allowed the entry of reconstruction materials into Gaza. According to a report by the Times of Israel on Tuesday, it is believed that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu took this step to expedite the transfer of six living hostages and others who are deceased.

At the District Commissioners’ conference on Tuesday, the District Commissioners (DCs) proposed universal military training for the youth to actively contribute to national defense. This was shared by the Special Assistant to the Adviser, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Abdul Hafiz, with the media. He further mentioned that the Chief of General Staff had stated that, through the Ansar and VDP, one company is already being trained in every union and upazila. One DC had requested whether this could be expanded. This initiative involves political and financial considerations. The Special Assistant assured that if the government decides, the plan will proceed.

Costa Rica has announced it will offer a temporary place for Indian immigrants being deported from the United States. Around 200 immigrants from the Middle East and India will be relocated there. Panama and Guatemala had previously taken similar steps. Costa Rica stated that they are willing to accommodate the illegal immigrants being deported by the U.S., with the country’s president’s office making the official announcement. Temporary camps will be set up for them, but it has not yet been confirmed when they will return to their home countries.

At the end of the district commissioners’ conference, Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced that the preliminary report for the Tista Master Plan is expected to be submitted between October and December. The responsible organization, Power China, will present the final master plan to the government by December 2026. She mentioned that currently, there is no master plan in place and questioned how the implementation will proceed. The Advisor explained, “A Chinese group had submitted a plan that was neither feasible nor sustainable. After discussions with them, it was decided to rework the plan.” This comes after the collapse of hopes for a Tista agreement between Bangladesh and former leaders Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi.

The Bangladesh government has introduced a new passport system, abolishing the police verification process. Under the updated rules, passports will be issued based on online-verified National ID (NID) data for adults and online-verified birth registration details for minors and expatriates. For passport reissuance, if there are changes to essential information, the data from the National ID will be used. This change, announced by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, aims to simplify the process and ensure quicker passport delivery without delays caused by police verification.

A study found that 98.7% of Bangladeshi garment workers are not enrolled in the Universal Pension Scheme (UPS) due to financial constraints and lack of awareness. Many workers struggle with the high contribution requirements and digital application process. Fear of job loss, layoffs, and workplace hazards also deter participation. The study recommends lowering contributions, allowing job mobility, and offering financial support. It also suggests increasing awareness and ensuring employer participation to improve social security for workers.