Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka on Monday at 12:30 p.m. During the meeting, the ambassador conveyed warm greetings and congratulations from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang and extended an invitation for the Prime Minister to visit China. The information was shared by the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Humayun Kabir, who briefed reporters after the meeting.

Kabir stated that no discussion was held regarding the schedule of the visit, as the Prime Minister is currently focused on several domestic priorities. He added that the invitation would be considered when the Prime Minister begins his foreign visits. The adviser noted that China recognized the new government’s two-thirds majority mandate and that the ambassador’s visit was primarily to congratulate the newly elected Prime Minister.

Kabir described Bangladesh-China relations as historic, originating during the tenure of late President Ziaur Rahman. He emphasized that China remains a key development partner and that the current government aims to further strengthen bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit.

Bangladesh’s President Md. Shahabuddin has revealed that full support from the opposition BNP helped him remain in office during the turbulent period following Sheikh Hasina’s government collapse in August 2024. Despite widespread administrative and judicial changes, Shahabuddin—elected during the Awami League era—retained his position through the interim government and administered the oath to the new prime minister on February 17, 2026. In an interview with the daily Kaler Kantho, he said BNP leaders and the armed forces assured him of their backing, emphasizing constitutional continuity.

During the interim government, protests and demands for Shahabuddin’s resignation intensified, but BNP publicly opposed his removal, citing risks of political instability and constitutional crisis. Senior BNP leaders argued that ousting the president could delay elections and worsen the national situation. Political analyst Mohiuddin Ahmed noted that BNP’s stance was driven by its desire for quick elections under constitutional order.

Shahabuddin also accused the interim administration of undermining his office, including shutting down his press wing and excluding him from diplomatic communications, but former officials declined to comment on his claims.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahid Uddin Swapon announced that the government has a plan to enhance the dignity and respect of journalists in Bangladesh. He made the statement on Monday at an event held at the Department of Films and Publications auditorium, where checks from the Journalist Welfare Trust were distributed to the children of 402 journalists. Swapon said the government is prioritizing the recognition of journalists and their contributions to society.

The minister noted that some media outlets are engaged in spreading misinformation and disinformation instead of providing accurate information. He emphasized the need for monitoring to ensure the public receives free and reliable information. Swapon also said the ministry’s focus will remain on journalists and their families, including initiatives for healthcare support through agreements with hospitals or medical universities.

Managing Director of the Journalist Welfare Trust M Abdullah stated that financial assistance was provided to 402 journalist families and discussions were held with the minister regarding medical support for senior journalists, which is expected to be implemented soon.

Dr. Atik Mujahid, the newly elected MP from Kurigram-2 under the 11-party alliance and leader of the NCP, declared that no government official or employee involved in corruption would be spared. He made the statement on Monday at 11 a.m. during a meeting with local government officials and employees at the Fulbari Upazila Parishad conference room. Mujahid emphasized that officials must serve as public servants and that there would be zero tolerance for drugs.

He stated that he considers himself a representative of the people rather than any political party and aims to present the issues and potential of Fulbari, Rajarhat, and the broader Kurigram district in the national parliament. Mujahid expressed his vision to advance the underdeveloped Kurigram district through cooperation with all political and administrative sectors.

The meeting was attended by Fulbari UNO Dilara Akter, Officer-in-Charge Mahmud Hasan Naim, Assistant Land Commissioner Anwar Hossain, and officials from education, health, engineering, fisheries, electricity, information, and youth development departments, who discussed local challenges and opportunities.

Bangladesh and the United States have expressed optimism about taking their bilateral relationship to new heights through enhanced cooperation in all areas. The expectation was voiced during a courtesy meeting between Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and U.S. Ambassador to Dhaka Brent Christensen on Monday. Both sides highlighted the long-standing partnership between the two nations, built on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and a commitment to peace and development.

The discussions reviewed key areas of collaboration including trade, investment, defense and security, development partnership, migration, and people-to-people contact. The upcoming visit of U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur to Bangladesh in early March was also discussed. The Rohingya issue featured prominently, with the foreign minister appreciating U.S. humanitarian support for displaced Rohingyas and urging continued political backing for their safe and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.

Both sides expressed confidence that strengthened cooperation across multiple sectors would further advance Bangladesh-U.S. relations in the coming years.

A canal excavation project covering approximately 11.5 kilometers was inaugurated in Chaurashi area of Bajitpur Union, Rajoir upazila, Madaripur, as part of the late President Ziaur Rahman’s 19-point program. The inauguration took place on Monday, February 23, 2026, with newly elected Member of Parliament for Madaripur-2 (Sadar–Rajoir) Jahandar Ali Mia attending as chief guest. He also serves as the member secretary of the Madaripur district BNP. The event was attended by the Rajoir Upazila Nirbahi Officer and officials from various government departments.

In his remarks, MP Jahandar Ali Mia said the canal excavation would help resolve waterlogging, boost agricultural productivity, and maintain environmental balance. He instructed relevant authorities to complete the work properly within the scheduled time. Local residents stated that the canal had long been silted up, causing drainage problems. They expressed hope that the project would improve irrigation for farmland and reduce monsoon waterlogging.

The initiative is expected to enhance local agricultural capacity and contribute to sustainable water management in the region.

President of Bangladesh has accepted the resignations of Supreme Court High Court Division judges Mamnoon Rahman and Naima Haider. The announcement came on Monday, February 23, 2026, through separate notifications issued by the Ministry of Law. According to the notifications, both judges submitted signed resignation letters to the President under clause (8) of Article 96 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

Justice Mamnoon Rahman, who had been on leave for a year, resigned on February 2 citing personal reasons. He sent his resignation letter to the President via email through the Supreme Court Registrar General and the Ministry of Law, reportedly from Canada. Justice Naima Haider resigned on February 9, submitting her signed resignation letter through the Chief Justice to the President.

The Ministry of Law confirmed that the President formally accepted both resignations, completing the constitutional process for their departure from the High Court Division.

The Bangladesh government has decided to review all firearm licenses issued during the tenure of the Awami League government. Home Minister Salauddin Ahmed announced the decision on Monday after a meeting with heads of agencies under the Home Ministry. He said the verification process would determine whether licenses were issued properly and to eligible individuals. Licenses found to have been granted unlawfully or for criminal purposes will be canceled, and associated weapons will be confiscated. A circular on the review process was expected to be issued the same day.

The minister also directed the ministry to compile statistics on the total number of licenses and licensed firearms. He emphasized that improving law and order is the current government’s top priority, aiming to make law enforcement more people-friendly. Ahmed further revealed that over 10,000 firearms not surrendered before the last election have become illegal and will be recovered through legal measures.

He added that cases filed after August 5, 2024, following the fall of the Awami League government, will be reviewed for fairness, and a new commission will be formed to reinvestigate the BDR mutiny.

The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has directed all its officials and employees to be present in their respective offices by 9 a.m. on working days. The order, signed by Senior Secretary (Administration) Kamrul Hasan, was issued on Monday. It reminded staff that unauthorized absence, leaving the office without permission, or late attendance are considered disciplinary offenses under the Government Employees (Regular Attendance) Rules, 2019.

The circular further stated that no one should leave the office before the end of official hours—3:30 p.m. during the holy month of Ramadan and 5 p.m. after Ramadan. For official or emergency reasons, employees must obtain permission from their division head and record their departure in the office leave register, along with digital attendance.

The ministry warned that any violation of these attendance and discipline rules would lead to action under the Government Employees (Regular Attendance) Rules, 2019, and the Government Employees (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018.

Two senior officers of the Bangladesh Army have been promoted and assigned to key positions, according to an order issued from Army Headquarters on Monday. Major General Mohammad Asadullah Minhajul Alam, previously General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 10 Infantry Division and Cox’s Bazar Area Commander, has been promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed as GOC of ARTDOC. Brigadier General Golam Mohiuddin Ahmed Mahi, who served as a director at Army Headquarters, has been promoted to Major General and will now serve as GOC of the 10 Infantry Division and Cox’s Bazar Area Commander.

The promotions follow a series of senior-level reshuffles announced on Sunday, including the appointment of Lieutenant General Mainur Rahman as Chief of General Staff, replacing Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hasan, who was transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as ambassador. Major General Mir Mushfiqur Rahman was appointed Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, while Major General Ferdous Hasan became GOC of the 24 Infantry Division.

The Defense Intelligence Directorate (DGFI) also saw changes, with Brigadier General Kaiser Rashid promoted to Major General and appointed as its new Director General, continuing the broader restructuring within the army’s top command.

The Parliament Secretariat has submitted the voter list for the reserved women’s seats of the 13th National Parliament to the Election Commission (EC). The submission was confirmed on Monday by the EC’s election management division. According to EC sources, the list of 296 voters was sent in compliance with the legal requirement to deliver it within three working days of the publication of the general election gazette. The EC will now proceed with necessary legal steps.

Under the law governing reserved women’s seats, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is expected to secure 34.66 or 35 seats, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will receive 11.33 or 11 seats. Independent candidates may obtain one seat if they form an alliance, and the National Citizen Party will get one seat. Smaller parties will not receive any seats unless they form coalitions. If alliances are formed, BNP’s share could rise to 36 seats, and Jamaat’s to 13.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Machud stated that the EC plans to hold the reserved women’s seat election during Ramadan and complete all procedures before Eid. Elections for Sherpur-3 and Bogura-6 constituencies are scheduled after Eid.

The government has issued official notifications withdrawing three secretaries from their current positions. On Monday, the Ministry of Public Administration released three separate circulars announcing the withdrawal of Md. Kamal Uddin, Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs; Md. Saifullah Panna, Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office; and Ms. Rehana Parvin, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division. Following their withdrawal, all three officials have been attached to the Ministry of Public Administration.

The notifications were published on February 23, 2026, confirming the administrative changes. The Ministry of Public Administration handled the process through individual orders for each secretary. No further details were provided regarding the reasons for the withdrawals or their future assignments.

The reassignment places the three senior officials under the Ministry of Public Administration, indicating an internal reshuffle within the government’s top administrative structure.

Dhaka-5 Member of Parliament Mohammad Kamal Hossain declared that there will be no compromise in eliminating terrorism, extortion, and drug-related crimes. Speaking as the chief guest at a meeting with police officials on February 23, he emphasized the need for full enforcement of the law to protect citizens’ lives and property. The meeting was held at the Wari Zone DC office to discuss improving law and order.

Expressing anger over the recent killing of Laguna driver Nure Alam Khairul in Jatrabari for refusing to pay extortion money, Hossain instructed police to bring those involved to justice swiftly. He said his duty as an elected representative is to ensure safety and legal support for all residents of Dhaka-5, regardless of political affiliation or voter status.

Hossain further stated that anyone committing crimes, regardless of party identity, would face legal action. He directed police to act impartially, asserting that the law must apply equally to everyone.

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a directive for candidates recommended under the freedom fighter quota in the 45th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination. According to the ministry’s notice released on Monday, those listed in the provisional results of the 45th BCS Exam 2022 must submit their freedom fighter certificates for verification. Candidates are instructed to fill out the designated form and send the required documents either by post or directly to the relevant branch by March 2.

The final results of the 45th BCS examination were published on November 27 of the previous year, with 1,807 candidates provisionally passing and being recommended for appointment to various cadres. The ministry’s directive specifically applies to those who received recommendations through the freedom fighter quota.

The submission process aims to verify the authenticity of the quota-based recommendations before final appointments are confirmed.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that all cases filed after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, will be re-examined. Speaking at the Secretariat after a meeting with heads of agencies under his ministry, he said the directive was issued to ensure that innocent people are not victimized by opportunistic groups. The police have been instructed to scrutinize these cases and submit reports accordingly.

The minister also said that a new commission will be formed to review the BDR mutiny killings and that its recommendations will guide future judicial actions. He added that firearm licenses issued during the previous government will be verified to determine whether they were granted through proper procedures, with politically motivated licenses to be canceled. Ahmed further addressed public complaints about passport services, proposing a registration system for online application assistants to improve accountability and service quality.

He mentioned that the initiative will be piloted in Dhaka and other divisional cities before possible nationwide implementation, with a policy framework to be developed soon.