Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that the nation must move forward by embracing the spirit of 1952, 1971, 1990 and 2024. He made the statement on Friday, February 27, 2026, while attending an iftar event organized by the NGO ESDO in Thakurgaon, where he was present as the chief guest.

The minister announced that preliminary work for a medical college has begun and that the establishment of Thakurgaon University will start soon. He also mentioned that initiatives to set up an airport and an export processing zone (EPZ) are underway. According to him, the government has already waived agricultural loans of 10,000 taka with interest for farmers, fulfilling promises made earlier.

Mirza Fakhrul added that following the recent mass uprising, efforts are ongoing to build a new Bangladesh through national unity. He emphasized collective participation in nation-building and reaffirmed that they have never given up and will not do so in the future.

At a special iftar gathering in Gulshan, Dhaka, organized by the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF), Dr. Zubaida Rahman announced that the government will prioritize the development of women and disadvantaged children. The event, held on Friday, brought together underprivileged women, children, and laborers from areas such as Bhashantek and Korail slums. ZRF leaders reaffirmed their commitment to humanitarian service and social inclusion.

In her remarks, Dr. Rahman emphasized empowering women to become self-reliant and ensuring a safe future for children. She highlighted the importance of teaching a third language alongside Bangla and English and incorporating technical education from the secondary level to improve employment prospects. She stated that women would be placed at the center of family and social development, aligning with the BNP’s belief that women’s dignity and economic independence are key to national progress.

Dr. Rahman also noted that the BNP’s election pledges for public welfare would be implemented gradually. The event concluded with a special prayer for the nation’s well-being.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam extended support to farmer Mojibur Matubbar, who lost all his belongings in a fire that broke out on February 20 in Saltha upazila of Faridpur. On February 27, she visited Khoar village in Atghar Union and handed over financial assistance and essential relief materials to the affected family.

Upon her arrival at the Saltha upazila premises, the minister was welcomed by the local administration and received a guard of honor from the police. After distributing aid, she attended an iftar gathering at Phulbaria High School field organized by BNP and its affiliated organizations from Ballavdi, Jadunandi, and Sonapur unions. During the visit, Shama Obaid described the family’s loss as tragic and assured that the government would ensure their rehabilitation and official assistance.

The affected farmer expressed gratitude for the minister’s help, saying the support rekindled hope for rebuilding his home after suffering an estimated loss of about five lakh taka in the fire.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Anisul Huq stated that the current government seeks to advance justice through transparency, emphasizing that only by following this path can the desired goals be achieved. He made the remarks on Friday in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi while addressing an iftar event organized by the Bangladesh Judicial Service Association.

The minister said that while performing his duties, he must consider both the interests of lawyers and the fair access to justice for the public. He added that observing the strengths and weaknesses of the judiciary is a moral responsibility. Referring to his first meeting with the Prime Minister after assuming office, he noted that she had stressed ensuring an environment where the judiciary can function independently. He reaffirmed his commitment to that directive and expressed hope that judges would continue to perform their duties impartially.

He further remarked that institutions must be treated with respect and affection, warning that neglect could lead to their decline.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the country’s army to respond to any form of aggression against the nation. He issued the order during a visit to the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters on Friday afternoon, where military officials briefed him on the ongoing situation with Afghanistan. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif instructed the army to adopt a ‘zero tolerance’ policy toward any hostile acts targeting Pakistan.

Sharif stated that actions by the Afghan Taliban administration or by the group known as Fitna al-Kharij (the official name of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP) are unacceptable. He affirmed that under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s armed forces are ready to defend the country and know how to protect themselves against aggression.

The statement also noted that Sharif praised the military for repelling Taliban attacks in border areas and conducting strong counteroffensives. He added that the entire nation stands in solidarity with the armed forces.

Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan Amir Maulana Habibullah Miyaji stated that true justice cannot be achieved without establishing Islamic governance based on the Quran and Sunnah. He argued that only divine laws can eradicate interest, bribery, and corruption from the country. Miyaji made these remarks on Friday at the Fars Hotel in Dhaka’s Paltan area during a discussion, prayer, and iftar event organized by the Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan to mark the 'Oath Day for Establishing Islamic Governance.'

He emphasized that since both the land and humanity belong to Allah, implementing divine laws in all spheres of life is the only guarantee of peace and salvation. Miyaji urged that during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims should renew their commitment to strengthen efforts for establishing Islamic governance in the country.

The event was attended by leaders from various Islamic and political organizations, including Khelafat Andolan, Islami Andolan, Khelafat Majlis, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Oikya Andolan, and others.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has accused Pakistan of attempting to impose its internal conflicts on Afghanistan. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Mujahid said Afghanistan seeks positive relations with all countries, assuring the international community that Afghan territory will not be used against any nation. He emphasized that Afghanistan’s foreign policy is based on mutual respect and that it does not wish to pursue hostility toward others.

Mujahid described Pakistan’s internal conflict as a long-standing domestic issue, citing the ongoing fighting between Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Pakistani military since 2007. He noted that Afghanistan’s Taliban have been in power for nearly four years, arguing that Pakistan’s attempt to link its internal problems to Afghanistan is baseless. Mujahid further alleged that Pakistan has repeatedly violated Afghan airspace and targeted civilians, including women and children, in bombings.

He claimed Pakistan has broken previous ceasefire agreements and reiterated that Afghanistan has only exercised its legitimate right to self-defense. Mujahid called for resolving disputes through dialogue and reaffirmed the Taliban government’s commitment to peaceful solutions.

Dhaka-20 (Dhamrai) Member of Parliament Tamiz Uddin announced that no extortion will be allowed from any factory in the area. He stated that after August 5, several factories had faced extortion through motorcycle showdowns carried out under the name of the BNP. He emphasized that such activities will no longer be tolerated in Dhamrai.

The MP made these remarks on Friday at a reception and iftar event organized by Sharifbagh Islamia Kamil Madrasa in Dhamrai. The event was attended by former secretary and madrasa governing body president Md. Abdus Sabur, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education Mirza Mohammad Ali Reza, Dhamrai Police Officer-in-Charge Monirul Islam, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Rafi, Dr. Md. Nasim Sarkar, the madrasa principal, and other local dignitaries, scholars, and political leaders.

The statement reflects a local political stance against extortion and aims to ensure law and order in the industrial areas of Dhamrai.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said his party did not lose the recent election but was deliberately made to lose. Speaking on Friday afternoon at the closing session of the Sylhet District Jamaat’s Shura and Executive Council members’ training camp, he stated that people across the country were telling them they had been deprived of victory. He alleged that results in some constituencies were intentionally manipulated, with announcements halted in certain areas.

Dr. Rahman instructed party members to prepare for upcoming local government elections, describing them as the next phase of their political struggle. He said the party aimed to ensure no area remained vacant in the local polls and emphasized the need for dedicated and prudent leadership at the grassroots level.

Highlighting what he called Jamaat’s greatest success in parliamentary politics, Rahman noted that for the first time, the party had led a meaningful alliance and been recognized as the main opposition. He alleged that six opposing forces could not have defeated them without external support, citing similar observations from organizations such as TIB and Sujan.

Jamaat-e-Islami central Majlis-e-Shura member and Nilphamari-1 lawmaker Maulana Abdus Sattar stated that his party does not oppose the government merely for the sake of opposition. Speaking as the chief guest at an iftar gathering in Syedpur, Nilphamari, on Friday, he said they would speak against the government only when its actions go against national or public interests. The event was organized jointly by Syedpur upazila and town Jamaat at the Syedpur municipal community center, with Nilphamari-4 MP Hafiz Abdul Muntakim presiding.

Sattar compared the opposition’s role to a brake that controls a vehicle, saying that if the government acts against the country’s interests, the opposition will act immediately to stop it. He emphasized that after being elected, they represent all citizens, not just their party, and are committed to establishing good governance and maintaining zero tolerance against corruption.

He added that any instance of corruption would be firmly resisted to ensure accountability and protect the interests of the people.

An iftar and discussion meeting with young leaders was held in Uttara, Dhaka, on Friday at the Istikutum Community Center. The event, organized by the social organization Blood Connection, brought together representatives of the young generation in a lively atmosphere. Muhammad Selim Uddin, a central executive council member of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Ameer of Dhaka North Metropolitan, attended as the chief guest.

The meeting was presided over by Blood Connection Chairman Kamrul Hasan, with special guests including Dr. Mostafa Faisal Parvez, Secretary of the International Islamic Students Organization (IFSU), and Habibullah Muhammad Iqbal, Chairman of the Tanzimul Ummah Foundation. Other attendees included Ibrahim Khalil, Ameer of Uttara Model Police Station, and Mazharul Islam, Ameer of Uttara West Police Station.

Speakers discussed the role and responsibility of youth leadership in national development, moral society building, and social service. They urged young people to take a more active role in the welfare of the nation, emphasizing that youth power is essential for building a prosperous country.

Member of Parliament for Madaripur-2, Jahandar Ali Mia, announced a firm stance against corruption, drug abuse, extortion, and land grabbing. He made the declaration on Friday while addressing an iftar gathering in Amgram, Rajoir. During his speech, he emphasized that Ramadan is a month of self-purification and urged everyone to pledge to avoid corruption and unlawful earnings.

Jahandar Ali directly instructed the Officer-in-Charge of Rajoir Police Station to prepare separate lists of drug dealers and users. He warned that anyone involved in extortion should be arrested, even if they belong to his own political party, and that anyone attempting to intervene should also face legal action. He further stated that there would be no compromise with land grabbers and called for necessary measures to curb the activities of juvenile gangs, including conducting operations if required.

The event highlighted his call for moral reform and stronger law enforcement to build what he described as a new Bangladesh free from corruption and criminal influence.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman exchanged greetings with children and teenagers after performing Friday prayers at the central mosque of the Naval Headquarters in Banani on February 27, 2026. According to Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, the Prime Minister’s wife, Zubaida Rahman, offered prayers in the women’s section of the same mosque.

After the prayers, the Prime Minister approached the children, spoke with them, and asked about their well-being. During the interaction, a child asked him if he observed fasting, to which he replied affirmatively. He shook hands with the children, patted some on the head, and asked if they were fasting too. The children responded together that they were also fasting. One child mentioned missing only one fast, while another said they had kept all, prompting the Prime Minister to praise them.

Before leaving the mosque, the Prime Minister bid farewell to the children with “Allah Hafez,” and the children requested prayers for them.

The Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RACSU) organized a protest march and rally on Friday, February 27, 2026, condemning recent incidents of rape and murder, including the killing of a teenage girl in Narsingdi. The demonstration began after Friday prayers in front of the university’s central mosque and moved through various campus roads. Protesters demanded swift investigation, arrest of those involved, and maximum punishment for the perpetrators.

During the rally, RACSU Vice President Mostakur Rahman Zahid criticized the silence of the administration and judiciary over crimes allegedly committed by members of a particular political group. He urged authorities to ensure justice even if offenders belong to their own party, warning that failure to do so would reflect authoritarian tendencies. Hossain Shaheed Suhrawardy Hall VP Kawsar Habib described the recent violence, including the abduction and killing of a girl, as crimes against humanity.

Speakers called on the newly formed government to ensure women’s safety, uphold justice, and take strict action against criminals to restore law and order. They warned that students and conscious citizens would unite in protest if justice is not served.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a phone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to discuss the regional situation amid ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the discussion focused on recent regional developments, particularly the state of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.

During the call, Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan’s response to what he described as unprovoked aggression was measured but firm. He highlighted that under “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq,” Pakistan’s armed forces had carried out a successful operation to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ministry’s statement added that both leaders emphasized the importance of regional peace and stability and agreed to maintain communication as the situation evolves.

The continued diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Cairo is being viewed as part of efforts to manage and contain the current tensions in the region.