North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party has begun its key congress in the capital, Pyongyang, held once every five years. The gathering has drawn attention for possible announcements on the country’s next steps in its nuclear program. In his opening speech, Kim Jong Un called for accelerating economic development, improving living standards, and driving rapid change across all sectors. He also criticized defeatism and poor leadership within the party, which observers interpret as a warning of potential disciplinary actions against some officials.

State media reported that despite hardships since the 2021 congress, the country is entering a new phase of hope and confidence. The congress will set directions on housing construction, economic planning, and military strategy, and it traditionally concludes with a military parade showcasing new weapons. Kim has previously stated that the congress will outline plans to strengthen the nation’s nuclear arsenal, while scientists are believed to be developing smaller warheads for long-range missiles.

Western sanctions continue to pressure North Korea’s economy, aimed at cutting funding for its nuclear program. Analysts suggest Kim may emphasize nuclear progress and closer ties with China and Russia during the event.

Political discussions have intensified over who will receive nominations for the reserved women’s seats in Bangladesh’s 13th Parliament. More than fifty women leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are being considered as potential candidates. Party sources said that the BNP, which secured an absolute majority in the recent parliamentary election, is giving high importance to the distribution of these seats. The party’s central offices in Naya Paltan and Gulshan have seen increased activity as aspirants seek to attract the attention of the leadership.

According to the Election Commission, the BNP-led alliance may receive 35 reserved women’s seats, while the Jamaat-led alliance could get 13. The Parliament Secretariat is expected to prepare the voter list after the first session in early March, followed by the announcement of the election schedule. The Election Commission plans to complete the process before Eid. BNP insiders said that priority may be given to women who have been active in movements, faced imprisonment, or contributed to strengthening grassroots organizations, along with professionals, academics, and former student leaders.

A preliminary list will be shortened before final approval by the party’s parliamentary board, with no list finalized without the endorsement of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman.

US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran has about 10 to 15 days to reach an agreement with Washington or risk further military strikes. Speaking at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington, DC, Trump linked last year’s joint Israeli-US strikes on Iran to the Gaza ceasefire and said those attacks paved the way for regional peace. He added that his aides Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had held productive meetings with Iranian representatives, emphasizing the need for a “meaningful deal.”

The warning follows a second round of indirect US-Iran talks in Geneva, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said both sides made good progress and reached broad agreement on guiding principles. Despite this, the US continues to build up military assets in the Gulf, while Iran insists its missile program is non-negotiable and denies seeking nuclear weapons. Washington opposes any uranium enrichment by Tehran.

Tensions have remained high since late 2025, when Trump vowed to strike Iran again if it rebuilt its nuclear or missile programs. Although negotiations resumed in Oman in February, both sides continue to exchange threats amid fragile diplomacy.

The newly formed BNP government has formally begun implementing its election manifesto promises following the 13th parliamentary election. On Thursday, inter-ministerial meetings were held on three key pledges: the Family Card program, a nationwide tree-planting initiative, and river, canal, and reservoir dredging projects. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired the meeting on the Family Card, forming a 15-member committee led by the finance minister to finalize its design and beneficiary selection process. The committee will submit a preliminary report by February 24, aiming to distribute the cards before Eid-ul-Fitr.

The Family Card, to be issued in the name of female heads of households, will initially cover 5 million poor rural families, with plans to expand to 40 million marginal families. It will provide monthly financial or food support worth 2,000–2,500 taka per family. The government also discussed planting 25 crore trees over five years, starting by May, and dredging waterways nationwide. Analysts praised the government’s swift action, saying it demonstrates genuine commitment to public welfare and the fulfillment of electoral promises.

Ministers and experts emphasized transparency and coordination among ministries to ensure effective implementation of the manifesto programs.

Following Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election on February 12, the banned Awami League has intensified efforts to re-enter national politics. While the BNP-led coalition proceeds with forming a new government, Indian diplomatic and media circles have repeatedly discussed the future of Awami League and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On February 14, India’s The Tribune published an ANI-based interview with former Indian High Commissioner Veena Sikri, who suggested that Bangladesh’s new prime minister might consider lifting the political ban on the Awami League.

The interview also noted that the BNP alliance narrowly outperformed the Jamaat-e-Islami coalition, reflecting a competitive political landscape. Meanwhile, Awami League offices in several districts, including Khulna, Dinajpur, and Panchagarh, have reopened after years of closure, signaling renewed grassroots activity. In contrast, Sheikh Hasina remains convicted in multiple cases, including a death sentence for crimes against humanity and a 10-year corruption sentence, and is currently in India as a fugitive.

Analysts warn that rehabilitating the Awami League before accountability for past abuses would be unjust, underscoring the political and judicial tensions shaping Bangladesh’s post-election environment.

An imam in Hesakhal area of Nangalkot upazila, Cumilla, was allegedly dismissed from his position for serving as a polling agent of the Jamaat-e-Islami-supported candidate symbol during the February 12 national election. Hafiz Md. Abdul Alim Bhuiyan, 58, who had served at the Hesakhal Khamar Para Majumdar Bari Jame Mosque for about five years, was reportedly removed last Friday by Jahangir Alam Majumdar, president of the Upazila Shaheed Zia Smriti Sangsad and a resident of the same village.

Local sources said Jahangir Alam acted without formal authority in the mosque committee, allegedly using political influence to remove the imam. The mosque committee’s general secretary, Mozaffar Hossain Selim, resigned in protest. Abdul Alim told reporters he was dismissed for acting as an agent of the “Dhalapalla” symbol and appealed for justice to the local MP and the prime minister. Jahangir Alam could not be reached for comment despite repeated calls.

Local Jamaat leaders confirmed the incident and urged reinstatement of the imam, while the party’s candidate for Cumilla-10 constituency criticized the action as undemocratic. The incident has stirred local tension, with residents hoping for a negotiated resolution.

Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain has announced a firm stance against illegal billboards and unauthorized advertisements to make the city more organized, visually appealing, and clean. He stated that regular eviction drives will be conducted to remove unapproved billboards, banners, and posters across the city, with the goal of gradually making Chattogram completely free of billboards. The announcement came on Thursday afternoon during his inspection of an eviction drive against illegal billboards in the Kazi Deuri area.

Before the inspection, the mayor instructed the executive magistrates and relevant departments of the City Corporation to take necessary actions. The operation was carried out jointly by the magistrate team, engineering department, cleaning department, and law enforcement agencies. During the drive, various unauthorized billboards, banners, and posters that had been installed for a long time were removed.

The initiative is part of the City Corporation’s broader plan to enhance urban aesthetics and maintain a cleaner environment in Chattogram through coordinated enforcement efforts.

The Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has expressed deep concern over the decision by Ekhon TV to place four of its journalists on compulsory leave and bar them from entering the newsroom. The statement, issued on Thursday by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, identified the affected journalists as Md Mujahidul Islam (Shuvo), Mahmud Rakib, Mohammad Azharuzzaman (Azhar Limon), and Belayet Hossain. The first three are permanent members of the DRU.

According to the DRU statement, the action was taken in connection with old Facebook posts by the journalists, which the organization described as an unwarranted measure. The leaders said that punishing journalists for expressing opinions contradicts the principles of media freedom and violates their right to free expression. They welcomed the information minister’s assurance to take action and emphasized that media institutions should uphold journalists’ dignity and professional rights.

The DRU leaders demanded that Ekhon TV immediately reinstate the journalists and withdraw the decision. They warned that if the decision is not reversed, the organization will take necessary steps to protect its members’ interests.

A local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Nilphamari has said that the party does not accept any referendum, a comment that quickly went viral and drew criticism. Shafiqul Islam Kajol, president of the Bhogdaburi Union BNP in Domar upazila, made the remark in a video circulated on social media on Thursday. In the clip, he claimed that BNP’s defeat in Nilphamari and the Rangpur division was preplanned despite strong voter support, while acknowledging some internal weaknesses.

Kajol also linked the party’s poor performance to dissatisfaction over candidate nominations, citing internal disputes in the Domar-Dimla constituency. He alleged that several BNP activists were recently assaulted and hospitalized, with related cases still under trial. Criticizing Jamaat-e-Islami, he questioned how a force defeated in 1971 could seek state power and said the nation would not accept it. He reiterated that BNP rejects any “yes-no” vote or referendum and mentioned that calls for protests were emerging nationwide.

When contacted, district BNP convening committee member Riazul Islam Kalu said he had not seen the video and ended the call when asked about the party’s stance on the referendum.

Prime Minister’s wife Zubaida Rahman and her daughter Zaima Rahman joined orphan students for iftar on Thursday at Jamia Qurbaniya Talimiya Dawra Hadis Women’s Madrasa and Orphanage in West Bhashantek, Dhaka. The event was confirmed by BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan.

According to the report, Dhaka-17 constituency’s Member of Parliament Tarique Rahman has arranged for local BNP units to provide iftar, dinner, and sehri throughout Ramadan to 14 orphanages and Hafezia madrasas in Karail slum and Bhashantek. Before the meal, Zubaida and Zaima Rahman spoke with the orphan students.

In previous years, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and central leaders held iftar gatherings with orphans and religious scholars on the first day of Ramadan, but no such central event took place this year.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has congratulated Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on assuming office as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. In a letter shared by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on social media platform X on Thursday, Starmer expressed his desire to strengthen the Bangladesh–UK partnership and advance shared priorities.

In his message, Starmer highlighted the long-standing and close relationship between the two countries, expressing confidence that cooperation would deepen under Rahman’s leadership. He emphasized expanding trade and investment ties, noting the UK’s position as one of Bangladesh’s largest foreign investors. Starmer also welcomed opportunities for collaboration in tackling illegal migration, combating climate change, and enhancing defense and security relations.

The UK Prime Minister further commended Bangladesh for its generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees and reaffirmed the UK’s continued support. He said he looked forward to the next chapter of partnership between the two nations.

Nahid Islam, Chief Whip of the Opposition in Bangladesh’s National Parliament and convener of the National Congress Party (NCP), stated that if the referendum is annulled, the recent election will also become questionable. He made the remarks on Thursday at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka. Islam urged the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to make the parliament functional as soon as possible and to take oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council before convening the next session.

He alleged that although the voting process in the 13th national election was fair, manipulation occurred in the results. Despite this, he said the NCP accepted the outcome in the interest of democracy and national stability. Islam also accused the BNP of deceiving the people by not taking oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council, claiming that this act betrayed both the citizens and those supporting constitutional reform.

The remarks reflect ongoing political tension over the legitimacy of the election and the functioning of key parliamentary and constitutional bodies.

A Sylhet court has issued a show-cause notice to District Commissioner Md. Sarowar Alam for failing to provide information about the executive magistrate who allegedly ordered gunfire during an anti-discrimination student movement in Golapganj. The order was given by Senior Judicial Magistrate Sudipta Talukdar of Sylhet Amli Court No. 2 on February 8, and the matter became public on February 19, 2026.

The court noted that the district commissioner’s failure to supply the requested information and documents to the investigating officer has delayed the investigation of a case filed on August 29, 2024. The delay has prevented the start of judicial proceedings. The court described the non-compliance as a punishable offense amounting to contempt of court. The notice directed the district commissioner to explain in writing within 15 days why legal or departmental action should not be taken against him.

Md. Sarowar Alam acknowledged hearing about the show-cause order and said a response would be submitted to the court.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the party would stand for the country’s 180 million people if any action went against their interests. Speaking as the chief guest at an iftar event in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Thursday, February 19, he stated that Jamaat, as a responsible opposition, would fully support the government in advancing national progress and building a corruption-free country.

Rahman emphasized that neither the government nor the opposition should allow any situation that harms the public. He said the opposition was prepared to resist if national interests were undermined. He added that Jamaat would cooperate with the government in all positive initiatives but would build resistance where necessary, while hoping such circumstances would not arise.

According to Rahman, the opposition seeks to cooperate with the government but remains vigilant to ensure accountability whenever national interests are at risk.

Road Transport and Communications Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that money collected from transport operators on roads through mutual understanding should not be considered extortion, but if anyone is forced to pay, that constitutes extortion. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon during a press briefing at his office in the Secretariat while responding to journalists’ questions.

The minister explained that transport owners’ and workers’ associations collect funds for their welfare, describing it as an unwritten practice rather than extortion. He acknowledged that there may be debate over how the money is used but emphasized that the process is based on mutual consent. He also noted that influence often depends on which group or party is in power, giving dominance to affiliated labor organizations.

Robiul Alam further said that no external group is allowed to exert pressure or collect money within areas under the ministry’s jurisdiction. If owners collect funds by agreement, the ministry will review whether anyone is being deprived or if the funds are being misused. He also discussed traffic congestion caused by roadside markets and said measures will be taken to bring order.