Bangladesh Health Minister Sardar Sakat Hossain Bokul announced that the government will work to free the healthcare sector from syndicates and corruption. He made the statement on Friday afternoon while speaking to journalists at his home in Monohardi, Narsingdi, after a meeting with local administration officials and party leaders. The minister emphasized that medical services must reach people’s doorsteps so that citizens no longer have to chase doctors; instead, doctors should reach out to patients.

Bokul said the government bears equal responsibility toward all citizens, regardless of whether they voted for the ruling party. He called for unity beyond political divisions to build a prosperous Bangladesh aligned with the spirit of the Liberation War. The minister also announced plans to establish medical colleges in Narsingdi and other areas where needed, and expressed his intention to set up two ICU units in Narsingdi.

This was his first visit to his constituency, Narsingdi-4, after assuming office as health minister. Local residents, party members, freedom fighters, and administrative officials welcomed him with flowers.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman has warned that any attempt to cause public suffering or hold citizens hostage in the name of protests or demands will be strictly prevented. He made the statement on Friday, February 20, during a briefing at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, ahead of International Mother Language Day and Shaheed Day. The RAB chief emphasized that ensuring citizens’ freedom of movement and normal life remains the top priority of law enforcement agencies.

Rahman noted that law and order had been somewhat fragile in the past year and a half, particularly after July and August, but said the situation was brought under control and a fair election was successfully held. He assured that law and order will continue to improve and that crime control efforts will be strengthened.

Regarding security preparations for February 21, he said intensified patrols, intelligence surveillance, and technology-based monitoring began on the night of February 20 across the country. Multi-layered security perimeters, observation posts, CCTV monitoring, and bomb disposal units have been deployed to ensure safety at Shaheed Minars nationwide.

Several suspended leaders of the Jubo Mohila League placed a national flag and a portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the gate of the Awami League president’s political office in Dhanmondi on Friday morning. Around 8:30 a.m., about 10 to 12 activists were seen in front of the building located at 51 Road 3/A, Dhanmondi.

The three-storey building has served as the Awami League president’s political office since 2002. It previously housed rooms for the party president, general secretary, office secretary, and presidium members. The second floor contained the office of the party’s publication “Uttaran,” while the third floor was used by the party’s election management committee.

The report also recalls that the Awami League’s 15-year rule ended on August 5, 2024, following a student and public uprising.

Fisheries, Livestock, Agriculture and Food Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid stated that ensuring the welfare of marginal farmers is one of the main election commitments of the current government. Speaking on Friday at a meeting with officials from the fisheries, livestock, agriculture and food departments at Cumilla Circuit House, he said improving the livelihoods of the majority population is possible through this commitment.

The minister emphasized that the government gives top priority to agricultural development since about 70 percent of the population is directly or indirectly involved in agriculture. He urged field-level officers to raise awareness among farmers about soil health, pH levels, fertilizer efficiency and modern technology. He noted that maintaining proper soil pH can reduce fertilizer use and production costs. Rashid also highlighted efforts to integrate agriculture, food management, fisheries and livestock sectors under a coordinated structure to address previous gaps.

He added that establishing the Cumilla division and stopping illegal soil extraction from the Gomti River are among his priorities, announcing a zero-tolerance policy on illegal soil cutting and calling for strict administrative enforcement.

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has apologized for the suffering caused by his imposition of martial law in 2024. His apology came a day after the Seoul Central District Court sentenced him to life imprisonment for treason. The court ruled that Yoon led a rebellion in December 2024 aimed at paralyzing parliament, an act deemed treasonous under South Korean law.

In a statement issued through his lawyer, Yoon acknowledged the public anger and frustration resulting from his attempt to impose military rule but insisted that his actions were taken entirely in the national interest. He expressed regret for his lack of foresight and the hardship caused to citizens. The 65-year-old former leader said the verdict was difficult to accept but did not clarify whether he would appeal.

According to the court, Yoon deployed troops to the parliament building to silence political opponents and disrupt legislative functions. His declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, was revoked within six hours by lawmakers through an emergency vote. The timing of any potential parole remains uncertain.

Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu MP directed administrative officials to perform their duties with honesty, efficiency, and constitutional responsibility during a meeting with divisional and district officials in Rajshahi on Friday. Speaking at the Rajshahi Circuit House, he emphasized that the law is equal for all and stated that even his own child should face legal action if found guilty of wrongdoing.

The minister urged officials not to tolerate negligence in duty and to ensure respectful, service-oriented behavior toward citizens. He instructed them to take special preparations to prevent public suffering during Ramadan and to coordinate efforts in market monitoring, law enforcement, and public services. He also called for strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against drugs.

Minu highlighted that under the leadership of the Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, the government is working to implement a 31-point development agenda. He stressed that all government offices will operate within constitutional frameworks and that development initiatives such as canal excavation and tree planting will be prioritized.

India’s Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking a nationwide ban on constructing or naming any mosque or religious site after Mughal emperor Babur or the Babri Masjid. The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, declined to entertain the plea on Friday, after which the petitioner’s lawyer withdrew it, leading to the case’s dismissal.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that Babur was an ‘invader’ and that no religious structure should bear his name. The petition followed a recent announcement by former Trinamool Congress member and legislator Humayun Kabir to build a mosque in West Bengal’s Murshidabad modeled after the Babri Masjid. In response, the petitioner sought a directive preventing authorities across India from allowing such naming or construction.

As the Supreme Court showed no interest in admitting the case, the petitioner ultimately withdrew the plea, resulting in its rejection.

Former British prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released after being arrested on suspicion of abusing his official position. Authorities confirmed that investigations will continue. Following the arrest, King Charles III stated that the law must take its own course and assured full cooperation with the police. Andrew is the younger brother of King Charles.

Police said they are examining allegations concerning Andrew’s relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and possible exchanges of confidential information. Recently released U.S. government files on Epstein revealed communications involving Andrew. Earlier in February, claims surfaced that Epstein had arranged a meeting between Andrew and a woman in 2010, though Andrew was not directly accused of any sexual crime.

Andrew served as the UK’s trade envoy from 2001 to 2011, during which he gained access to high-level government and business contacts. Documents indicate he shared reports on investment opportunities and official trips with Epstein. Despite repeated allegations, Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing and has not commented on the newly released files.

Citizen organization Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) has expressed deep concern over reports that private television channel Ekhon TV issued show-cause notices to four of its journalists. According to SUJAN’s Thursday statement, the journalists were reportedly served notices and forced to take a seven-day leave after expressing opinions on social media in favor of reform and referendum. The organization also noted that security guards were shown the journalists’ photos to restrict their entry into the TV office.

SUJAN stated that the show-cause letters referenced Facebook posts and warned the journalists to delete them or face consequences. The group questioned whether Ekhon TV management could impose censorship on employees’ freedom of expression. It emphasized that institutional discipline should be maintained transparently and fairly, without infringing on individual rights.

SUJAN urged Ekhon TV’s owners and editors to clarify the basis and policy behind these actions and called on the Information Ministry and relevant authorities to ensure a fair resolution and restore the journalists’ newsroom access.

Venezuela’s National Assembly on Thursday unanimously approved a long-awaited amnesty law, raising hopes for the release of hundreds of political leaders imprisoned for anti-government activities. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed office after Nicolás Maduro’s detention in a U.S. military operation on January 3, signed the bill at the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas. The law covers incidents dating back to 1999, including the coup attempt against Hugo Chávez, the 2002 oil strike, and unrest following Maduro’s disputed 2024 re-election. However, those accused or convicted of inciting or participating in military actions against the state are excluded.

Public concern remains that the government might use the law to pardon its own supporters while denying freedom to genuine political prisoners. The law’s Article 9 specifically excludes anyone involved in armed actions against Venezuela’s sovereignty with foreign assistance. UN human rights experts from Geneva urged that the law’s scope be limited to victims of rights violations and exclude perpetrators of serious crimes. According to rights group Foro Penal, around 450 detainees have been freed since Maduro’s fall, but over 600 remain imprisoned, with families continuing protests outside prisons.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has implemented extensive security measures across Bangladesh, including at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, ahead of Shaheed Dibas and International Mother Language Day. RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman announced the arrangements on Friday morning during an inspection of the security setup at the Central Shaheed Minar. He said that all necessary preparations have been made to ensure the event proceeds smoothly, with coordination among law enforcement agencies and the establishment of inner and outer perimeters.

According to Rahman, over 300 RAB members will be deployed in the area, supported by bomb disposal units, dog squads, and plainclothes intelligence officers. The entire area has been brought under CCTV surveillance, divided into several sectors with foot patrols, vehicle patrols, and striking reserves. He added that there is no specific security threat at present, but all precautions have been taken to handle any situation.

Rahman emphasized that law enforcement agencies have successfully stabilized the country’s security situation and will continue to maintain vigilance to prevent public disruption or unrest during the observances.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali has said there is no security concern surrounding the observance of February 21, marking Shaheed Dibas and International Mother Language Day. Speaking after inspecting security arrangements at the Central Shaheed Minar on Friday morning, he confirmed that SWAT, dog squads, bomb disposal teams, and the crime scene unit will remain on standby, with enhanced intelligence surveillance and cyber monitoring.

The commissioner stated that around 15,000 police personnel will be deployed in a multi-layered security plan centered on the Central Shaheed Minar, where large crowds are expected to pay tribute to the language martyrs. Alongside the police, other law enforcement agencies and volunteers will assist in maintaining order and the sanctity of the monument. He urged the public to show respect in a disciplined manner.

Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali added that the security measures extend beyond the Shaheed Minar area, covering the entire city of Dhaka to ensure overall safety during the commemorations.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman will place a floral wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, February 20, to honor the language martyrs on the occasion of Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day. The event marks the beginning of national observances commemorating the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Bengali language.

Law enforcement agencies have implemented multi-layered security measures surrounding the observance. A.K.M. Shahidur Rahman stated that there are no direct threats to the International Mother Language Day events on February 21, but preparations have been made to handle any situation. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General said during a briefing at 11:20 a.m. Friday that all arrangements around the Shaheed Minar have been completed, with forces deployed in coordination with other agencies.

RAB’s bomb disposal unit and dog squad have completed necessary sweeps, and special forces remain on standby to respond to any incidents. Security arrangements have also been made to ensure the safe participation of VVIPs, VIPs, and political leaders during the tribute ceremonies.

A discussion meeting titled “Citizen Thoughts on Implementing the July National Charter” was held on 11 February at Shining Jewels Institute in North Chattogram, organized by the local unit of Pathokmela. The event was chaired by Principal Khair Uddin Ahmed Sohel and conducted by Muhammad Mohsin Abul Kashem. Distinguished educationist Professor Md. Abul Hasan attended as chief guest, with journalist Sohag Kumar Biswas as main discussant and Ochman Jahangir as special guest. Speakers emphasized the need to legally institutionalize the July National Charter, which they said emerged from the revolutionary changes of 2024.

Participants highlighted that the charter addresses key constitutional and governance issues, including balance of power between the president and prime minister, judicial independence, and parliamentary reforms. They argued that previous frameworks fostered autocracy and called for comprehensive reform to enhance accountability and professionalism in state institutions. Several speakers warned against attempts to obstruct the charter’s implementation and urged citizens to unite for systemic change.

The meeting concluded with calls to resist any return to authoritarian politics and to uphold the sacrifices made during past movements by ensuring the charter’s full realization.

Pakistan’s government has denied reports of any deal with imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. Rana Sanaullah Khan, the prime minister’s political adviser, said on Geo News that no agreement had been made and none would be offered in the future. His remarks came after local media suggested a possible understanding between the government and Khan, which Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also dismissed.

Sanaullah stated that the government’s position toward the former ruling party remains clear: to work together for Pakistan’s stability. He invited PTI to engage in dialogue for strengthening the country. He confirmed that on November 24, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other officials met PTI leaders, but the talks failed because Khan rejected the government’s conditions. Sanaullah criticized Khan’s stance as obstinate and said the terms proposed by PTI were unacceptable to the government.

He assured that Imran Khan is receiving the best possible medical care while in custody, emphasizing that the government remains committed to lawful and humane treatment of the former prime minister.