The High Court has issued a rule and ordered an investigation into alleged recruitment irregularities at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project following a report published in the newspaper Amar Desh. The order came after a public interest writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Sakina Begum was heard by the bench of Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar. The court directed the formation of a high-level committee led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology to submit a full investigation report within eight weeks.

The Amar Desh report, published on August 27 of the previous year, alleged that several key positions at the Rooppur project were filled through non-transparent processes, fake certificates, and favoritism. It raised questions about the professional qualifications and experience of some appointees. The petition argued that despite serious allegations, authorities had failed to initiate an effective inquiry, prompting judicial intervention.

The court instructed that the investigation review the transparency of the recruitment process, verification of candidates’ qualifications, administrative approvals, and compliance with relevant policies to ensure accountability and integrity in the project’s staffing practices.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen stated that Bangladesh and the United States will work together to make both countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous. He made the remarks on Monday morning during a courtesy meeting with newly appointed Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister Shama Obaid Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka. The hour-long meeting concluded without any comments to the media, but details were later shared on social media platform X.

According to the post, Ambassador Christensen congratulated Khalilur Rahman on assuming his new role and expressed optimism about continuing joint efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Following this meeting, a delegation of eight European Union ambassadors, led by EU Mission Chief Michael Miller, also paid courtesy calls on the minister, state minister, and foreign secretary. Their discussions focused on issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and the respective countries.

The meetings underscored ongoing diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and its international partners, highlighting shared priorities in strengthening cooperation and mutual development.

Malaysia on Monday enacted a new law limiting the prime minister’s tenure to a maximum of two terms, aiming to enhance accountability and prevent excessive use of executive power. According to AFP, the Southeast Asian nation previously had no fixed limit on how long a prime minister could serve. Former leader Mahathir Mohamad held office for a total of 24 years across two separate periods, from 1981 to 2003 and again from 2018 to 2020.

Current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the two-term limit in January as part of his broader anti-corruption and good governance agenda. His Pakatan Harapan coalition had also pledged this reform in its 2022 election manifesto. However, local media reports noted criticism over the slow pace of reforms, with some suggesting the move was intended to appeal to urban voters ahead of next year’s general election.

Anwar stated last week that the law would first apply to him, emphasizing that ten years is sufficient to serve effectively. The proposed constitutional amendment requires support from at least two-thirds of the 222-member lower house, or 148 lawmakers, to pass.

The Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party has announced its intention to participate in the upcoming Dhaka North and South City Corporation elections and has identified potential candidates for both mayoral positions. According to party chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju, the party plans to nominate its secretary, Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, for the Dhaka South City Corporation mayoral race. For Dhaka North, the party is considering Advocate Tajul Islam, provided he is removed from his current post as Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal.

The report confirms that Advocate Tajul Islam has already been relieved of his duties as Chief Prosecutor. Before joining the tribunal, he served as a joint convener of the AB Party but had resigned from the party to take up the prosecutorial role. With his removal from the tribunal, the party is now considering his return to active politics through the mayoral nomination process.

The AB Party’s move signals its preparation to expand its political presence in Dhaka’s local governance through participation in both city corporation elections.

Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that local government elections in Bangladesh will be held at the scheduled time despite the recent appointment of administrators in six city corporations. Speaking to journalists at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, on Monday, he said the government is giving top priority to holding the elections in accordance with laws and regulations. This was his first visit to the party office after assuming ministerial duties, where he exchanged greetings with party leaders, supporters, and staff.

Responding to questions about possible delays due to administrator appointments, Mirza Fakhrul clarified that the government will coordinate all matters to ensure timely elections. He also discussed criteria for party nominations in reserved women’s seats, emphasizing commitment to ideals, close ties with the people, and dedication to the party. On the issue of Awami League offices reopening, he said such activities would be reviewed as they are legally restricted.

He paid tribute to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and highlighted her role in democratic movements, expressing confidence in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership to strengthen the party and achieve national goals.

Pakistan’s Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry, stated that the country will not compromise on national security. He made the remarks following Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan, emphasizing that the operations targeted militants responsible for attacks inside Pakistan.

Chaudhry said Pakistan has always preferred dialogue and peaceful coexistence but must act when Afghan soil is used for attacks. He urged the Taliban government to take concrete steps to prevent cross-border militancy, stressing that lasting peace in the region depends on the complete elimination of militant sanctuaries.

He further claimed that 21 terrorist groups are operating from Afghan territory, posing a serious threat to regional stability. The statement followed reports that Pakistan’s recent military action successfully neutralized militants involved in assaults on its soil.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat on Monday, February 23, 2026. During the meeting, China expressed its support for Rahman’s ‘Bangladesh First’ foreign policy and reaffirmed its commitment to continue all forms of cooperation to safeguard Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

The ambassador’s remarks followed his earlier meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman on Sunday, February 22, where he conveyed similar sentiments to the media. The discussions underscored China’s willingness to maintain strong bilateral relations and assist Bangladesh in upholding its national interests.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing diplomatic engagement between Dhaka and Beijing, signaling continuity in cooperation and mutual understanding on key foreign policy priorities.

Democratic members of the US Congress have warned President Donald Trump to adhere to legal authority before taking any military action against Iran. They urged Trump to consult with Congress and obtain its approval before making any such decision, emphasizing the importance of legislative oversight in matters of war.

The warning comes amid ongoing nuclear discussions between Iran and the United States, which have raised fears of potential conflict. Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz said Trump must clearly explain to Congress why Iran poses a threat and why military action would be necessary. She noted that former President George W. Bush sought congressional approval before the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Senate leader Chuck Schumer added that the Trump administration has yet to clarify its objectives or seek authorization for any attack on Iran, stressing that only Congress has the constitutional power to declare war.

Senate Armed Services Committee member Jack Reed cautioned that attacking Iran now would be a strategic mistake, warning of uncontrollable consequences and noting that starting a war is easier than ending one.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Ragib Rouf Chowdhury has been appointed as the new Attorney General of Bangladesh. The information was confirmed by the Ministry of Law on Monday, February 23, 2026. Chowdhury is recognized for his long-standing legal career and commitment to justice.

He is the son of the late Abdur Rouf Chowdhury, a language movement veteran and one of the organizers of the Liberation War, described as a selfless and visionary politician. Ragib Rouf completed his SSC from Kushtia Zilla School and HSC from Notre Dame College, Dhaka. He earned his honors in political science from Aligarh Muslim University and a master’s degree from the University of Dhaka. Later, he obtained law degrees from two universities in the United Kingdom and completed his Bar-at-Law from Lincoln’s Inn, London.

According to the report, ensuring proper application of law and establishing good governance will be among Barrister Ragib Rouf Chowdhury’s main commitments as Attorney General.

After a gap of 18 months, local leaders and activists raised the national flag at the Shahjahanpur Upazila Awami League office in Bogura. The flag was seen flying on Monday morning at the party office located beside the main highway in the upazila headquarters. According to local residents, the flag was hoisted early in the morning using a GI pipe on the rooftop.

Attempts were made to contact Shahjahanpur Upazila Awami League president and former upazila chairman Sohrab Hossain through WhatsApp, but he did not respond. Sub-Inspector Abu Zarra of Shahjahanpur Police Station stated that the police were unaware of the flag-raising event but would investigate the matter.

The incident marks the first time in a year and a half that the national flag has been displayed at the local Awami League office, drawing attention from residents and prompting official inquiry.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita announced her intention to break the existing airline ticketing syndicate, describing it as a major issue under government attention. She made the remarks on Monday, February 23, 2026, during a discussion with journalists at the Manikganj Circuit House auditorium.

Responding to questions about her ministry’s priorities, the minister said that after only three days in office, her team was already focusing on operationalizing the third terminal at the airport. She added that ensuring smooth travel for upcoming Hajj pilgrims and improving facilities for expatriates were also key priorities. Rita emphasized that returning expatriates should feel a visible improvement at the airport.

During her first visit to Manikganj after winning the election, the minister noted that many pending tasks needed to be understood and addressed gradually, following the Prime Minister’s instructions. Several local officials and press representatives were present at the event, where she was later greeted with floral tributes.

The government has appointed Advocate Aminul Islam as the new Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), replacing Tajul Islam. The appointment was confirmed through a government notification signed by Solicitor Manjurul Hossain on Monday. According to the notification, the Chief Prosecutor will hold the same rank, salary, and privileges as the Attorney General.

Tajul Islam had been appointed in September 2024 by the interim government with the rank of Attorney General. Under his leadership, the prosecution submitted 24 formal charges related to crimes against humanity committed during July–August 2024. Trials for these cases are ongoing in Tribunal-1 and Tribunal-2, with verdicts already delivered in three cases. Among the 26 convicted are former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and senior police officials. Two more verdicts, including one on the killing of Abu Sayeed during the July uprising, are pending, while another verdict is scheduled for March 4.

Trials are also underway for enforced disappearances and torture cases from the Awami League government era, involving several former ministers, MPs, and retired military officers.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman worked for the first time at the Armed Forces Division office located in Dhaka Cantonment on Monday morning. He arrived at the office at 9 a.m., where he was received by the chiefs of the three armed services. The prime minister exchanged greetings with them and, as part of the day’s schedule, conferred rank badges on Lieutenant General Mir Mushfiqur Rahman and Major General Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury.

The event was attended by the prime minister’s defense adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. A.K.M. Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hasan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, Defense Secretary Md. Ashraf Uddin, Press Secretary Saleh Shibli, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, and Private Secretary-2 Md. Mehedul Islam.

This marks the first occasion a sitting prime minister has conducted official duties from the Armed Forces Division office within the Dhaka Cantonment.

A nationwide survey has found that most Americans are dissatisfied with President Donald Trump’s tariff policy. Despite the U.S. Supreme Court striking down his tariff plan, Trump has imposed a 15 percent tariff citing a different law. The ABC News and Washington Post Ipsos Knowledge Panel survey indicates that public discontent with Trump’s trade measures has grown amid rising international disagreements over U.S. tariffs.

According to the survey, a large portion of Americans are unhappy with Trump’s policies on trade, foreign relations, immigration, and the overall economy. About 65 percent oppose his inflation-control measures, 64 percent reject high import tariffs, and 62 percent consider his foreign policy misguided. Additionally, 58 percent disapprove of his immigration policy, while 57 percent believe his actions are harming the national economy.

Although frustration with Trump is widespread, the survey also shows limited trust in Democrats. Only 33 percent of respondents expressed confidence in Trump, 31 percent in Democrats, and another 31 percent said they trust neither side.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP), questioned whether those responsible for casualties during the July 2024 uprising would face justice and why banned Awami League offices were reopening across Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Monday morning in a verified Facebook post, tagging newly elected Comilla-4 MP and NCP organizer Hasnat Abdullah.

In his post, Patwari wrote that the Awami League had started reopening offices despite its activities being banned, adding that elections were over and now reforms and justice should follow. The comments come amid political shifts following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government on August 5, 2024, after a student–public uprising. An interim government took charge on August 8, and the BNP-led alliance later won a majority in the February 12, 2026, national election.

Hasnat Abdullah won from Comilla-4, while Patwari contested but lost in Dhaka-8. The issue of reopening Awami League offices has raised questions about accountability and the direction of political reforms under the new government.